The Fallen Argonaut
Rated; M (Blood/Gore)
Disclaimer; I do not own Danmachi or anything created by the author Fujino Ōmori, all rights go to him
Authors: Eli-er01 & ViceroyChalister
Summary: The will of a hero is strong, yet unwavering but all good things must come to an end, even at the cost of one's Heroic Will. Imprisoned and blamed for a crime he hadn't committed, Bell seeks a way out of his predicament so that he can live without fear of being hunted by the people he once looked up to.
40: Faithful Meetings
=5AM, Eastern wall of Orario=
Bell sat on top of the closest tower where he and Ais once upon a time trained, memories flowing through his mind as his legs hovered across the edge as he stared at the light that indicated the soon to be rising sun.
Back then, he had been completely outmatched by Ais, basically being pummeled into the ground with what was basically no effort on her part.
He knew from experience that she was stronger than she had shown yesterday when he had taken the chance to spar with her and Fiona.
He hadn't really shown it at the time but it had been a real eye opener for him at the time. No matter how much stronger he had gotten, deep in his subconscious, he had always viewed Ais as the superior fighter in everything. Power, Speed, Technique, Skills among other factors, but yesterday when he had fought her, granted without her using Ariel, he had a surprisingly easy time keeping up with the two of them at the same time, even if Ais wasn't going all out. It had made him rethink his entire stance upon where she stood in comparison to him.
Power. The part he's somewhat unsure about but from experience, he'd say he's physically stronger than her.
Speed. He had outpaced her to the point of her movements being slow in his vision through his raw status alone and no use of skills or magic.
Technique. His blade hadn't even been needed during the entire spar, his hand to hand techniques being enough to subdue her and Fiona at the same time.
Skills. The most unsure part between the two of them as he had no idea what Ais' repertoire of skills and abilities are. All he knew is that she had her wind magic and whatever made it turn black and boost its power massively.
In a way, she was the same in that regard. He had Argonaut which boosts his basic abilities massively, similarly to what her wind magic does and Argonaut as an additional boost.
She may have more tricks up her sleeve when it comes to skills and abilities.
All in all, at this point, no matter how he looked at it. He was the superior adventurer between them by raw status alone.
Bell couldn't help but smile at that thought as his eyes locked onto the horizon as the sun finally peeked it's top, showing itself to the world. His hair, painted black because of his mask, blew wildly in the chilly wind as his ears perked at the approaching footsteps.
He turned slightly to the side, his red eyes glancing towards the golden locks beside the cheerful girl skipping up the stairs.
"You made it" Bell said with a smile behind the mask, catching the two's attention. They caught his eyes as Ais nodded and Fiona smiled at him.
"Of course we made it! I could barely sleep because I was so excited" The amazoness practically bounced with excitement as Bell shook his head.
He pushed himself across the edge, falling and landing on the path across the wall with a thud before walking up to the two.
"Well, I don't know if you'll be excited for the next time. My kids sometimes call's me a devil when I train them" He teased as Fiona shrugged.
"Eh, how bad can it be, right?" She asked, causing Bell to chuckle before turning to Ais.
"Alright, how long do you have today?" He asked the two.
"I have nothing planned later" Ais answered simply as Fiona mirrored her words. Bell nodded at that before stripping himself of his equipment, leaning it against the wall.
"Put your weapons away. We'll begin with hand to hand combat" He grinned under the mask, already knowing how they will feel after he's done.
"Why?" Ais asked as she tilted her head but still followed his request.
"Simple, to strengthen your foundation. Whether you have no weapons or use one, your control over your body is key. Remember yesterday when I jumped over your thrust?" Bell asked as Ais nodded and Fiona listened intently.
"That wasn't just my status at work. It was also the result of me strengthening my foundation, or in other words, control over my body and its motor functions" He explained as Fiona nodded while Ais still seemed somewhat confused.
"Look at it this way. In what way can a person overcome a level difference?" He asked as Ais instantly answered.
"Through technique and skills" Bell nodded at her.
"And if you combine technique and skills with your status instead of only relying on it?" He asked.
"You get better results" He nodded again before chuckling.
"That's exactly what this is. Techniques and skills come in all forms. It's not only with a sword they count, but also in every aspect of a person. Mental acuity to quickly come up with counters to enemy movements and attacks. Weapon skills to be able to perform advanced movements and techniques to push your opponent back and buy time… as well as body control to improve the speed and effectiveness of your body's movements, thus making your swordplay faster and more efficient" Ais' eyes lit up as she seemed to grasp what he meant.
"Now… the best way to improve your foundations?" He asked before raising his hands and getting into a stance.
"To push your limits with only your body" He smiled as the two girls grasped his meaning, quickly getting into a stance, just as he charged them.
Ais managed to block most of his attack with her right arm. Fiona… wasn't as fortunate, getting his fist straight into her gut, sending her spiraling backwards across the ground before coughing from the force of the blow.
Ais' arm cracked slightly, bending from the force with a grunt before expertly moving her feet to avoid a swipe.
"Good eye" Bell praised slightly before disappearing from her vision, making her senses go haywire to find where he went.
"Dodge" He whispered as a leg came flying towards her midsection, forcing her to lean her body backwards in an awkward angle, narrowly avoiding the blow.
"Pay attention as you recover" Fiona's head snapped back as the wind from the blow blew her hair back roughly as her heart beat a million miles a minute from her mind trying to catch up to the events transpiring.
Bell continued for a while, pushing their limits as much as he could while the two were desperately trying to keep up.
This went on for 30 minutes as both of the adventurers' bodies were being strained to their absolute limit in every shape and form. Fiona ended up laying on her back while Ais was leaning agains the wall, her head looking up as she panted.
"God… that… was… crazy" Fiona said between her deep breaths as Ais simply nodded slightly, not trusting her body to fully cooperate.
Bell was casually standing between the two with a raised eyebrow.
"Well, at least you lasted longer than my kids usually do" He said, deciding to ignore that Fiona collapsed way before Ais, only going for 15 minutes, though it's understandable. She doesn't do this kind of high intensity training that often judging from her current predicament.
Ais seemed to have some built up strength and stamina in her foundation. Probably from Loki Familia's expeditions. Fiona most likely stops at the 50th floor and doesn't go deeper while Ais does and continues to challenge herself. She's also a higher level and has been adventuring a lot longer, hence the reason he went for her a lot more since she could handle more without tiring. The goal was to push their limits after all.
"Alright" Bell clapped his hands, catching their attention "Get up. Let's go for another round" He added as he could see the pleading look in the two girls' eyes.
"Please… one more minute" Fiona pleaded as Bell shook his head.
"You have 5 seconds to get ready" Was all he said as the two groaned before forcing themselves on their feet.
Did he feel bad at all when he launched himself back at the two?
…
No, not really.
=7 Hours later=
Fiona and Ais were alone on the wall, collapsed on the ground and unable to move as they were still gasping for air, even though Apollyon had left to get some food for lunch.
Ais' golden irises looked up into the sky, bruises all over her body as she relished in the feeling of finally resting. She somewhat regretted agreeing to allow the man to train her.
She had half the thought to call him a masochist… she was a bit unsure if that was the right term. Maybe it was Sadist? Riveria had taught her the two definitions but she always seemed to mix them up.
"Ais…" Fiona wheezed out as the sword princess turned towards her, their eyes meeting as Ais tried her best to tilt her head at the awkward angle without upsetting any of her bruises.
"When he said that his training was… more brutal than most yesterday… I didn't think it was this bad" She winced at the end, having moved her arm a little too quickly.
"Yes… he's a demon" Ais responded with a chuckle, thinking of how the man told her that his children called him that.
Fiona shook her head with a smile at her joke, enjoying the atmosphere a little as she turned back up to look at the bright blue sky alongside Ais
"I wonder… is this how Bell felt?" Ais mused after a short silence between the two as she looked up in thought.
"Your… student?" Fiona asked as Ais carefully nodded. She didn't speak of him often, opting to be silent whenever he came up in conversation. Fiona had gotten more information from the Guild about the 'Infamous' Little Rookie than from Ais herself.
It was clearly a sore topic and one she still had grief towards.
"Were you… this brutal too?" She asked carefully, not wanting to upset her. Ais chuckled at that before coughing slightly and grabbing her stomach instinctively.
"Yeah… I was not good at holding back" Her answer was simple as Fiona's lips turned up.
"Still aren't" She teased as Ais sent the girl a half glare laced with amusement.
"Bell took it better than us though… he always got back up, even when a level 6 kept knocking him out each time" Ais continued before her smile faltered a little.
"I just… wish things would have been different. If I'd known what my hatred for monsters would cost me…" She trailed off as Fiona looked at her confused. From what she knew, Bell Cranel had been banished for supposedly endangering the public and murder.
'What does your hatred for monsters have to do with anything?' Fiona thought as they fell into silence.
"What are you two talking about?" The sudden voice of Apollyon caused Fiona to violently jerk back before groaning as her body complained rather furiously at her sudden movements.
"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you" He smiled under the mask, two bags in his hands before he set them down between the two girls as both basically drooled at the smell coming off of them.
"I heard you like Jagamarukun, so I bought up half their stock. You'll need it" Ais was practically drooling rivers as she looked into one of the considerably large bags.
"I take back what I said. You're an angel" Ais muttered before quickly digging in, taking her trademark small bites as she savored the taste.
Bell swore that one commercial poster of her eating a Jagamarukun would increase sales tenfold.
Fiona was a little more relaxed with it, slowly taking one of the offered pieces of food before taking a large bite.
"Thanks" She uttered a little ineloquently, the food still in her mouth. Bell picked up one of the Jagamarukun too before lifting it towards his mouth as the two girls looked at him expectantly between their bites… only for the lower part of his mask to seemingly disappear, allowing him to eat without taking it off.
"Eh? What was that?" Fiona asked as she carefully pointed at him. Bell looked at her confused for a second before it clicked.
"Oh, it's an enchantment" He explained simply as the girl blinked.
"Did Perseus make that for you?" Ais asked as Bell looked at her before shaking his head.
"No. I made it" It took a second before his words clicked and her eyes widened at the implication.
'Mystery' Ais thought as she nodded at him, remembering that information in case she needed it in the future. Finn had taught her that information was a weapon in and of itself after all.
The three ate together for a while, engaging in small talk and joking slightly. Bell was the first to finish, getting up and leaning himself on the wall and looking back out to the lands outside Orario.
"Do you miss it?" Fiona asked as she looked at him, causing him to look back in confusion.
"Miss what?"
"The world out there? I wouldn't know what it's like. I've never really been outside these walls" She explained as Ais listened to them intently as she finished her Jagamarukun before grabbing another.
"Well… I do kind of miss it. There are a lot of people I care about out there. Takara and Asuka Yume-"
"The Far Eastern Royalty?" Bell nodded at her question.
"Rethusa, Artemis, Saena…" He trailed off as his eyes softened "I miss them all. They are all like extensions of my family" Fiona nodded, trying to understand what he felt, comparing it to her being in the dungeon, the furthest she ever was from her family on a regular basis.
"Sounds like good people if you miss them" She uttered with a smile as she got up and walked up beside him and looked over the edge of the wall.
"They are" Was his simple answer as Fiona nodded.
"Do you mind me asking something?" Bell merely nodded as the girl next to him stopped for a second.
"What is the strongest person or monster you've seen out there?" She asked as Bell froze. Two separate images flowing through his mind at the question.
A dragon with scales as black as the night sky with enough power to send him into paralysis with only its very presence. It's weakest flames, powerful enough to obliterate part of an entire ancient city. It's haunting voice, echoing in his mind as it prepared another attack.
A small, yet eloquent Vouivre, eyes radiating power and respect and her aura, similar to the Dragons, making him, even after leveling up, feel the danger of her mere presence.
"The most dangerous… huh…" He uttered as his eyes looked haunted.
"Yes…" She responded slowly as she realised the turmoil her question had asked.
"The most dangerous monster would be… in the Valley of Dragons. That's all I'll say" He said as his eyes peaked towards Ais before going back faster than any of the two girls could even react or notice.
Said Sword Princess instantly froze at the mention of the Valley, her golden eyes widening and her breath shortening.
'It can't be… can it' She thought for a second, trying to scan the man for an answer but coming up short.
Her heart lit up in a dark flame at the thought before she quickly squashed it when she looked at Fiona and thought of the boy that had been able to calm that very flame in her.
'I don't know for sure… and if it scares this man… then I'm not ready yet' She reasoned with herself, her desire for more power flashing back in her eyes once again.
"Okay…" Fiona muttered in consideration, picking up on his way of telling her he didn't want to talk about it.
After a moment, Fiona stood up before looking at Bell with a smile.
"Apollyon… Thank you for the training today. Will there be a next time?" She asked as Bell blinked before chuckling at her.
"Yes, just meet me here every morning by sunrise. That goes for you too, Sword Princess" Bell gave her an expectant look as Ais looked back and nodded slowly.
Fiona's smile turned to a grin before she turned to Ais.
"You coming Auntie?" she asked as Ais shook her head.
"I'll rest a few more minutes… also, Jagamarukun" She nodded towards the remaining half empty bag, causing Fiona to laugh out loud before turning around and walking away.
"See you at home then!" It took a minute, but eventually she disappeared down the stairs and out of both Bell's and Ais' range of sense.
"So…" Bell began, catching Ais' attention "Now that we are alone, do you mind me asking a question for a change?" He asked, jabbing at him being the one who was always interrogated by everyone around him. Ais smiled at him, showing a hint of teeth before nodding.
"Why do you hide it?" The question made her blink in confusion, tilting her head to the side in silent question "About your heritage"
The question was in a way, a dual one. He still wasn't sure if this was what that woman had meant with calling Ais by the name of the great wind spirit, but it was the only conclusion he could come up with. He was both testing if he was right, and if he was, finding out why she hid it.
"Ehm…" She seemed to fiddle with her fingers in a way that was adorable while looking anywhere but at him.
"You are Aria's daughter, right?" he asked as Ais hesitated… before finally nodding.
Bell took a deep breath as his mind was reeling at the implications. If what she said was true, then how the hell was that even possible? Sure, Spirits had genders and genitals, but like gods, were completely and utterly infertile. No mortal or immortal could impregnate them, just like the gods couldn't be impregnated in any way, shape or form.
"So why?" He asked, deciding to stick to his original question. She mumbled something incomprehensible to him as she seemed to stumble over her words and quite unsure if she should say it or not.
"What was that?" He asked as she went red in embarrassment before steeling herself.
"I'm… I'm scared of what they will think…" she mumbled quietly but more comprehensible. Bell straightened from his position, leaning on the edge of the wall, his expression turning to shock and a bit of pity.
"Wallenstein-san…" He mumbled out as Ais' looked up at him "Or should that be Waldstein?" he asked as she shook her head.
"Joking aside, I don't think they will look at you differently. The way I see it, hiding behind a mask… ignoring something that is a part of you to please others… isn't something that's good or healthy. I should know, I practically live behind a mask" He pointed towards his face as Ais smiled despite herself.
"My point is. If they look at you differently, don't accept you for who you are… then they aren't worth it, but from what I know…" He walked up to her before getting down on one knee to face her at an even level.
"They don't seem like the types to care for one's heritage. I mean, you have a High elven princess with a knack of rebellion… in a way. Two Amazoness berserkers and one condescending werewolf. The list just keeps going and do you see anyone looking at them differently for it?" He asked as Ais shook her head.
"See? You just have to trust them. If you can't trust them, then how can you call them family?" He asked the last part with a smile before standing up and leaning back on the edge again, waiting for her answer.
Ais looked down in complentation. His arguments were sound and they made sense yet… she felt… off about telling them that she was technically over a thousand years old.
She turned to Apollyon after another minute, looking at him expectantly. When he turned to her at the feeling of her gaze, he tilted his head in question.
"Okay…" was her response as Bell nodded and smiled slightly under his mask "But… I don't know when… or how to bring it up" Bell chuckled, the sword princess pouting at the lighthearted gesture.
"It's up to you, but if you want my advice? Do it sooner rather than later. Maybe simply ask Finn for a meeting and tell them there?" He suggested as she nodded at the advice.
The two fell into a companionable silence as Bell turned towards the city and just enjoyed the view. Ais, simply contented herself with leaning back against the wall in her seated position.
As Bell was looking out towards Orario, he couldn't help but contemplate the training as well as Ais. Fiona had done remarkably well for her age (not using his children as a framework since they were… special) but compared to the average, she'd be highly skilled. Ais had taken his advice yesterday to heart and hadn't just kicked, thrust and slashed. She had tried to bait him.
She still has things to improve upon, but overall, her stance was damn near perfect with no opening for an attack, her movements smooth, highly refined with no wasted movements. It had honestly been difficult to find even the hint of a flaw. It was clear she had poured her heart into her techniques.
In the end, he had only found two flaws overall. Unfortunately, one he can't fix, that being that some of her stats were too low before level up. The other, was one basically everyone fell victim too. She's too focused on one singular style of fighting, and doesn't broaden her spectrum.
Sure, her style is a mix of multiple different styles into one to form her own style, but in the end, that ends up only being a single one.
If she ever fought someone that completely counters her aggressive pincer style, something along the lines of a highly defensive counter attacker would be able to effectively counter her.
Bell had already in a way proven that the day before with him dodging Ais' blows and counter attacking her.
What she needed was to be able to switch between different styles to throw her opponents off guard. It's a highly effective way to end fights as quickly as possible.
There was one style he knew would fit her quite well.
"Who made that spear?" Ais' voice snapped Bell out of his thoughts as he turned to her, seeing her gazing at the Spear of Orion.
"Artemis, the goddess of the hunt" Ais tilted her head to the side before looking at Bell.
"A goddess did? Why do you have it?" She asked again as Bell chuckled.
"Well, you see, the spear is a weapon, but it's alive and chooses its own wielder" Bell explained as Ais' remembered a similar weapon description for a knife, once belonging to Bell Cranel and now Fiona Deimne.
"Alive? Does it grow with the user?" She asks as Bell shook his head.
"No, it doesn't, though as it's a divine weapon, there is no weapon on Gekai that is stronger unless it's also a divine weapon" Ais thought on that before nodding. After a moment, she reached out before stopping herself, turning to Bell as if asking for permission.
"Go ahead" He gave her his approval, making her smile before grabbing it and tugging at it, surprised at its immense weight and her inability to even budge it.
"Ugh… how… Do you lift this? Or fight with…gah!" She fell backwards as her grip failed her.
"As I said, it chooses its own wielder" He commented alongside a chuckle, reddening her cheeks in embarrassment.
"Okay…" she muttered before Bell walked over and with ease picked it up, twirling it in the air as the runes lit up along its shaft.
"Anyway, for the first training session, it went quite well if I do say so myself but I do have a family to get back to Ais" Bell said as he began strapping his weapons back into their sheaths.
Ais nodded at that, getting up and picking up her rapier, still in its scabbard before leaving, waving lightly in his direction as she began walking down the stairs.
"Wait" Ais turned around, looking at him "I forgot to say this, but we might need to do the training later tomorrow, perhaps in the afternoon. I have an appointment in the morning" Aiz nodded at the information.
"I'll inform Fiona" She said before waving at him which he returned as she turned to leave.
After a minute Bell shook his head before taking his own leave, heading back home to the others.
=The dungeon, floor 12=
"What do you think?" Adrienne asked as she turned to the twins, who had a contemplated look on their faces as they looked to the entrance to the 13th floor.
"Well… I don't see a reason we shouldn't head down. Mom gave the go ahead as according to her, we are more than strong enough to breeze through the upper and middle floors" Aralaya responded as Jannor nodded in agreement.
"That's right, the recommended level even for the toughest of the middle floors is mid level 2, around C rank stats. With you being level 4" he pointed to Adrienne "and us being level 3, all nearing the peak of our status. Theoretically, we should be down on the lower floors already, if not the deep floors" Adrienne and Aralaya stared at him before looking back at each other, shrugging.
"What?" He asked as the two chuckled at him.
"Nothing, just that we didn't expect that level of thinking from you" Aralaya teased as Jannor huffed.
"Come on, I'm not stupid and mom does drill information into our heads as if it's her own personal mission in life" Adrienne and Aralaya shivered at those words and the truth behind them.
"Don't remind me. Well, let's go down? Maybe we will even see if what Auntie told us about dad having twins here was true" Adrienne gleefully smiled as she took a step towards the entrance, causing the two to follow and deeper they went.
=Archian Manor=
"I'm home" Bell called out as he walked through the main door, knowing with the senses of his family, they would easily hear his voice.
True enough, a few seconds later, Bache walked around the corner, sandwich in her mouth as she waved.
"Hey, how did the training go" She said after swallowing the food.
"It was good. It's quite easy to tell that neither of them are good at fighting people. It's like they only worry about monsters, as if monsters can't hide in the skin of a mortal" He answered truthfully as Bache hummed.
"Makes sense. From what I've heard, their focus is basically the dungeon, and only the dungeon" She hummed as Bell nodded.
"It's almost a parallel between them and Freya familia. While Loki specializes in monster combat, Freya is the opposite and specializes in person against person" Bache nodded in understanding.
"Sounds almost like a balance. The two need each other in a way, despite them wanting the top spot in Orario" Bache's words rang true as it was exactly as she said. If Freya took out Loki familia, then they would have to take up all the pressure they had been taking in dungeon exploration and Freya doesn't want that, same goes for the other way around.
Freya in general is very secludent, she only goes for those she wants, but also in a way, acts as a guardian against people as the mere thought of fighting someone like Ottar, who had so much combat experience against people and his general appearance was a horrifying image.
"It's not really a good way to keep a balance though. It's unstable and can tip at any moment. One wrong move from any side could turn Orario into a warzone"
"You're right. Orario was a lot more stable when Zeus and Hera were still around, or so I have heard" Bell and Bache turned around to the door where Elora now stood, a bag of groceries in her hand.
"Hey, didn't Bache buy groceries… yesterday?" Bell asked as Elora gave the amazoness a teasing smile.
"Yes, she only forgot the eggs, flour, bread and meat" Bache instantly colored as Bell choked before turning to her.
"Wha-? Bache, how could you forget that? You love meat!" He asked as Bache groaned.
"I'm not used to buying stuff, okay! So I may have forgotten a thing or two…" Bell just stared for a second before shaking his head.
"Anyhow, I do think you're right Elora, back then from what Erebus told us, both Hera and Zeus familias shared the responsibility, that way, if one fell, the other could pick up the slack as they were used to dealing with both. Unfortunately… we know what happened" He muttered the last part, remembering the story of his Aunt and how they were pushed to that point by not only the black dragon, but Orario itself.
"Yes. Anyway, we were about to make lunch. Care to join?" Bell instantly nodded at the thought of cooking something.
"Definitely, will the kids join us?" Both Elora and Bache shook their heads together.
"No, they're in the dungeon" Bell let out an 'ah' at that before smiling lightly under the mask.
"Right, well… what to make?" he hummed, before walking away towards the kitchen, Elora and Bache chuckling as they already knew the answer.
=Twilight Manor=
Ais had returned to the manor later than Fiona but was already being greeted by the executives, "So" Finn started "Fiona came home battered and bruised and now our Sword Princess does the same? Not a good look I'd say" earning a chuckle from everyone there.
Gareth spoke up next "So whatcha think about his training style? It seems like he wasn't jokin'about it bein' brutal" he asked
"It's true, it's very rough and there were plenty of points where I wanted to throw up, I couldn't imagine how Fiona felt, even his own kids go through it, and he said he's harder on them" Ais said, this sent a shiver down everyone's spine.
"Well it seems though that you're in good enough condition to at least make it to the end of the day" Tione said.
"True, but I want to watch Tiona try it" a small mischievous smile showed up on Ais' face.
"No thanks" is all Tiona's response was.
"Let's get Ais treated and get something to eat, I'm sure this day has her famished" Riveria said. Earning nods from everyone.
=Folkvangr, next morning, 9AM=
"Ottar, isn't Apollyon supposed to come by today?" Freya asked.
"Yes M'Lady" The Boaz responded.
"Hmm, I'm getting ever so excited. I hope I'll be able to get him to our side" Freya said with a smile.
"I'm sure he would join us, M'Lady" Ottar said.
"We'll have to get something in order, food and the extras that go with it. Also I want Allen to be with us at the meeting, but be sure to inform him that he's behaved. Don't want another brawl" Freya said with a chuckle.
"That would be undesirable" Ottar's response was followed up by a knock. The hulking beast of a man walked to the door only to tower over the smaller Familia member.
"Ah, King, I've come to inform you and Lady Freya that Apollyon has arrived" venom spilled from his lips at the mention of the Royal Executioner.
Freya had walked up by the end of the message, "This is exciting, I'll greet him myself" as she began walking, the executive member spoke up.
"He's not alone" He added with a click of his tongue, Freya turning to him with a quirked eyebrow.
"Oh? And whom has our dear Apollyon brought along the ride?" She asked quizzically in a sultry tone.
"The elf bi- I mean, Thúl" He corrected himself at the glare Ottar sent his way.
"Ah, his wife… I can understand her… mistrust" Freya said lightly. Despite her frivolous nature, she did know that even if any gender whether mortal or immortal was uncontrollably attracted to her, the emotion of love was not to be underestimated.
It had proven itself able to allow one to resist her to some degree, though she always came out on top.
"No matter, let's go out to greet our esteemed guests" Freya almost shivered in excitement as she left her room and headed down to where the guests were waiting.
Despite living in this place, Freya rarely spent time here apart from sleeping. She was either doing that, or sitting at the top floor of Babel tower, overlooking the city.
"They are behind these doors, Lady Freya" Allen bowed slightly as Freya took a second before Ottar opened the door allowing Freya to walk in unabided, meeting the frames of Apollyon and Thúl.
Her eyes instantly tried to latch onto the former's eyes but instantly noticed that they weren't really looking at her, but around her.
'Oh! He's one of the smart ones' She thought in excitement at a possible challenge before walking up to the adjacent extravagant sofa before sitting down.
"Ah, my dear Apollyon and Thúl. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, though I do believe you've met my children" She looked to her side where Ottar and Allen were standing, the boaz standing tall and calm while Allen was clearly restraining himself from lunging at the masked man.
Freya waited for an answer, only getting a nod in response before the man sighed.
"I can't say the feeling's mutual. You have been… watching me for what is essentially since I arrived without pause. Your children haven't given me a good view of you or your familia either" Freya heard Allen growl to the side as everyone's eyes drifted to him. He instantly shut up with the click of his tongue as the goddess' purple eyes shifted back to her current guests.
"That is understandable, and I'd like to change that… though that can wait for a later time. I am quite curious as to what I owe the pleasure of this… meeting" She asked with a sultry smile as Thúl seemed to shift both irritable and uncomfortable at it.
Freya couldn't help but notice that the man himself was not affected at all, or at least that's what it seemed. He was completely unfaced as he leaned forward with his hands clasped together and the bottom of his chin behind his mask leaning on them.
"There is some information we think you have that might shed some light so an investigation we are working on as a favor" Freya's mind was piqued at that, who could manage to get this man to investigate something with enough passion to even risk getting charmed?
"Oh? And whom may this person be" There was a pause as she waited patiently.
"Bell Cranel" The moment the name was dropped, Freya's eyes widened and she resisted the urge to stand up in both shock and excitement.
"My Bell-kun?" The way she worded it made Thúl shift as she… glared at Freya with clear hostility.
"I'm sorry, I was under the impression he had been a part of Hestia Familia" Apollyon voiced as Freya shrugged.
"Ah, my bad. You're right, I just have an interest in the boy"
"Does this interest have something to do with his leveling speed?" The question made Freya laugh heartedly at the ludicrous suggestion.
"Oh Apollyon, you really do not know me at all if you think that's the case" The goddess of beauty took pleasure in the confusion that took form in the man's eyes behind his mask.
"Is that so… through with all due respect, I only met you minute or so ago"
"That's a valid point. But to correct you, I am interested in him not because of his growth, but because of his soul" Apollyon's eyes seemed to only increase in confusion as Thúl's ears twitched, paying attention to what she was saying.
"Soul? What's so special about it?"
"What's so special you ask? Well, as you seem to know, I can see the color of one's soul. It's history and experiences. It's triumphs and defeats. Everything about them and every soul had a color to them. Most tend to be normal colors like brown, blue, red. Then there are the rare ones such as Ottar here, who's soul is black with outlines of red" She explained as Apollyon nodded.
"Then… what color was Bell's" He asked as Freya's smile widened at the memory.
"It was wholefully unique, one I had never seen before in all my existence. It was completely transparent, glowing with an almost blinding light of purity that was utterly endearing. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen" She told them.
"Is that so… then how about ours?" The question made Freya blink before she turned to the elf.
"Thúl's is… a magnificent green, twirling as if in a constant storm, yet calm like the wind. It's indeed another of the rare ones and an incredibly beautiful one at that" Freya said with a smirk as Thúl's cheeks reddened slightly before Apollyon nodded after a minute.
"Thank you for the compliment to my wife, though I'd appreciate it if you didn't flirt with her" Freya giggled slightly at him at that.
"Oh, my bad, didn't mean anything by it" She said before she tried to inspect his soul as she had done so many times before, only to receive the same result. An indecipherable soul that was a jumbled mess that showed every color at once, yet was completely colorless at the same time.
"Though… your color is… bizarre" She mumbled as Apollyon's eyes turned to her side, as she smiled slightly at his still careful behaviour.
"How so?" He asked as she continued to prod at his soul, trying to find the words.
"It's… an indecipherable mess to be blunt. It's every color at once yet none at all. It's as if you have a soul that has no soul. An impossibility within a possibility. There isn't really another way to describe it" Apollyon seemed particularly interested in her description before he sighed, seemingly calming himself.
"That's interesting, though there is no need to elaborate. We do need to move this meeting along as I have an appointment in the afternoon and I'd like to spend some time with my family before that" Freya nodded at that.
"So, I gather you want to get back on topic?" Apollyon nodded.
"Yes, so I'd like to ask you what you know of Bell Cranel's banishment" Freya hummed at the question before smiling slightly.
"Oh, I do know some interesting information. Though it won't come for free. You'll have to answer a few of my own questions if you want to know" Apollyon huffed in irritation but seemed to accept her terms.
"Fine… what do you want to know?" He asked.
"Firstly… how long ago did you see m- Bell-kun" She stopped herself from calling him her Bell, knowing it would only delay the answer she was waiting for.
"Years ago. It was in a northern village called Arellion. He said he was heading further north even if it seemed strange since only the Empire existed further in that direction.
"Hmm, do you think he might still be there?" She asked curiously as the man shook his head.
"No, a boy like that would not want to stay in the empire. That, and if he was still there, would be quite the trouble for you because of Kaius, would it not?" He asked as Freya nodded in confirmation, Kaius was indeed someone she was wary of, him being the last living remnant of Zeus familia. The only part she had failed to eradicate so far, but she did plan to eventually finish the job.
"Yes, he is a worry for us, but that's besides the point. The last question… how is Bell-kun?" Apollyon was quiet as Freya waited. He scanned her facial features, carefully avoiding direct eye contact before sighing.
"Heartbroken, depressed yet somehow hopeful. He wasn't exactly cheerful, but he still had energy and livelihood to him. All in all, on his way to healing last time I saw him, that being over a decade ago" Freya was pleased with that answer, not sensing a lie at all. That means the events wouldn't have changed his soul. That's the last thing she would have wanted.
"That's quite relieving. Thank you for answering truthfully" Apollyon lowered his head slightly before his eyes took on a seriousness to it.
"Now… your turn"
"Of course. Now where to begin? When everything began, I had planned to sit by and watch, but when things spiraled out of control and something was clearly amiss, I had prepared to take action. Unfortunately, certain… factors got in my way, namely that the people were charmed… but a divine charm" her voice was laced with the tiniest hint of venom that seeped through her near impenetrable composure.
"Yes, we gathered that from Hermes. Do you know who the Goddess of beauty is?" He asked as Freya shook her head.
"No, unfortunately not, though we gathered more information than that. Apparently, the goddess of beauty has a vendetta with our dear Bell, one strong enough to incur the complete wrath of the deity. I do not know why, but I do know it had to have been recent. When a goddess of beauty is infuriated, they will not wait to act. I know that very well" Apollyon nodded as Freya smiled slightly.
"We have also managed to track her steps somewhat, and know she does not currently reside in Orario, but in fact has gone up north"
"The Empire?" Apollyon asked in surprise as the goddess nodded and her purple eyes turned to the side out the window.
"Yes, though we do not know why. My best guess? Protection from Kaius once she realized her plan failed"
"Failed? From what I can tell, she got what she wanted. She took away his life and family. He had nothing left" Freya, despite herself sighed slightly at his words.
"You misunderstand. When a goddess of beauty is infuriated with somebody, they don't go for half measures" Apollyon's eyes slowly widened in realization.
"She wanted him dead…" He muttered as Freya nodded.
"Yes, and since he wasn't executed or died in the prison, but instead was labeled missing as nobody knows where he is, she headed up north and got protection, waiting for a time to strike" Apollyon nodded as he seemed to absorb the information.
"That is all I know unfortunately. She has been incredibly meticulous and silent in her actions" Freya finished, clapping her hands together.
"If that is so, I must thank you. This information will help a great deal. If you'll excuse me, I think we'll take our leave" He said as he got up, Thúl following him as they began heading for the door.
"One second" Apollyon turned to her, as she walked up to him, lightly placing a finger on the side of his mask.
"If you see my dear Bell-kun again… tell him…" she paused as she looked into his eyes as his careful behaviour lapsed and his eyes locked with hers. The moment they did, she activated her charm completely as her eyes lit up before he repeated the action, signaling the charm taking form inside his soul "Love him" she finished as she smirked, beginning to relish in her victory.
Thúl, having seen her eyes flash, instantly widened her eyes and snapped her head towards Apollyon.
"Did you just try to charm me?" To say that Freya was confused was a complete understatement. Her eyes were wide as saucers as she looked at Apollyon who's eyes showed clear hostility.
"Huh?" Was all she got out.
"You just tried to charm me, didn't you? Your eyes lit up" Her mouth opened but before she could respond Apollyon instantly closed the distance and stared straight into her eyes with anger filled eyes.
"Today, I had given you the benefit of the doubt. I believed that you had wanted me ever since you began watching me, and now… now I know it was true. Next time you try that again, or even think about doing that to anyone I care about… I'll make it my personal mission to make you watch as everything you built burns to the ground before personally drag you by your hair, kicking and screaming back to Tenkai. Am. I. Understood!?" Freya took one moment to look into his eyes, trying to find any hint of the charm taking effect, but finding none.
Knowing it was better to relent than let one level 8, two level 7's and a level 6 duke it out in her home, she nodded.
"I understand. I hope you have a nice day, my dear Apollyon" He huffed in anger before leaving, giving a glare towards Allen and Ottar, the former being held back by the stoic Boaz.
The door slammed hard, leaving the three in the room as Ottar let go and walked up to Freya.
"Ottar?" She asked as the man looked at her.
"M'lady?"
"My charm didn't work… Why do you think that is?" Her question made the boaz humm as she waited, still staring at the door where they left, confusion and awe controlling her features.
"I do not know. The only one that has been able to resist divine charms was Bell Cranel, and according to Apollyon, he's either in the north, or in the wind" At the mention of the boy, her confusion began morphing into something else.
'Could it be…'
After a minute, she smiled, a new mission on her mind as she turned to the window and looked out to the gates, watching as the obsidian clad man left.
"Could it be you… my Odr?"
=Archian Manor=
To say that Aralaya was startled when she watched her father walk into the manor and slam the door hard behind himself, her mother too being in a foul mood, would be an understatement. She had been downright terrified as it was rare to see her father mad with his nature making it incredibly difficult to make him so. Thus when he was, it was truly a sight to behold.
That did not mean she enjoyed it. She was actually quite fearful of it as she had been on the receiving end of his anger only once in her life and that had been enough for her for all of eternity.
"Mom…" She muttered, causing Elora to stop while Bell just continued deeper into the manor, completely ignoring her voice "I take it the meeting didn't go so well" She asked as Elora sighed.
"Well… it actually went really well. It's just the ending that was… undesirable" That made the half elf look on in slight fear.
"She didn't…?" She trailed off as Elora sighed with a nodd.
"Yes, she tried to charm him. It seems he's still immune to it somehow. He mentioned he had a theory, but he never divulged what that theory was"
"Right… should we wait for him to cool off?" Aralaya asked as Elora looked towards where Bell had gone.
"No… if we leave him to his thoughts, he'll only keep thinking about it and get angrier. Thankfully, he was only angry and not furious. If he had been, then I'd fear for the repercussions we'd get from the guild" Aralaya looked at her in confusion at that, but decided not to delve deeper.
"Okay. Let's go talk to him then" Elora nodded as the two left in his direction, leading them through the manors hallways and eventually ending up outside, finding Bell with the spear of Orion in his hand, fighting a phantom enemy.
"So… he began training" Elora muttered in exasperation. Really? Wasn't he going to train with The Sword and Midnight Princess?
"Is everything alright?" Elora turned around, coming face to face with Bache, Adrienne, Jannor and Erebus, looking at Bell's violent bout of training "Because he's quite intense in his training" She added as Elora nodded.
"Yes, Freya tried to charm him and he's mad at her for it" everyone's mood seemed to darken at the mention of the goddess' actions.
"Of course she did. I swear, that woman in a complete nympho" Erebus huffed as Elora agreed with him.
"He's alright, right? It didn't work?" Bache asked as both Elora and Aralaya nodded.
"Yes, though I don't know why. Erebus, his skill is still inactive, right?" She asked as the god nodded.
"Yes, at least it was last night when I updated his status" She nodded before turning back to Bell, contemplating her next actions for a second.
She began walking forward before gently putting a hand on Bell's shoulder.
He instantly froze and turned around, his eyes latching onto her amber ones before softening.
"Are you alright?" She asked as Bell huffed, the anger returning.
"No. The damn goddess… does she think that she has a right to 'take' whoever she wants? I swear, if she tried anything I will tear her entire familia apart and make her watch as I do so" He growled as Elora blinked at the violent threat unbecoming of him.
"Hey, no need to be that angry. It didn't work… guess whatever your theory was ended up being true" She smiled, trying to lighten the mood. Bell stopped and looked at her for a moment before taking deep breaths.
"Sorry… I just… It's so infuriating!" He hissed as Elora nodded.
"I know, I want to hit her too, but we both know why that's not a good idea" Bell grumbled slightly at that.
"Though I wouldn't mind fighting them. Would be hell of a lot of fun" Bache chimed in as the others approached as Bell smiled under his mask, feeling his mood improving from everyone's presence "Though I am wondering, why didn't the charm work?" Bache asked the question on everyone's minds.
"Psych" Everyone turned to Erebus who smiled as Bell nodded to him.
"Your development ability?" Elora asked.
"Yes, it protects me from any form of mental attacks, whether if it originates from myself or another. It's quite a high rank so I believed it was enough to resist even a diving charm. Seems like I was right" He grinned under the mask as everyone nodded.
"That's good. It means she can't get you dad" Jannor added with a smile.
"Also makes you her worst matchup" Adrienne piped in as Bell chuckled.
"Oh definitely. If she tries anything again, I'll be sure to give her a real good kicking alongside her familia" everyone laughed at that as Bell turned to the sun, noticing it's position right above them.
'Has time gone by so fast?' He thought before sighing.
"Sorry guys, but I have two people to train" He pointed towards the sun as everyone looked up, realizing the time.
"Right" Elora nodded "have fun" she added as Bell grinned.
"Oh, I hope I'll be having more than fun later" He told her, walking past her before a smack resounded through the area as Elora shrieked. Turning around rapidly only to see Bell leaving with a laugh as her face was beet red in shock, embarrassment and confusion.
"Did he…." Bache whispered, completely flabbergasted as the twins were beet red and Adrienne simply stared in shock.
"He smacked my ass!" Elora gasped out, still in utter shock
"Hmm" Erebus hummed as he got a bad feeling.
Everyone stared after him, all wondering the same thing in their minds.
'Something isn't right…'
There we go, chapter 40, Done! I apologize for the wait but it's her now! There hasn't really been anything new and interesting since last time that's of note, so I won't bore you or take your time and instead move onto the reviews.
Watei993986:a lot of peace, something is going to happen
Author: Well… you're not wrong. Isn't things happening the whole point of a story xD
Zasun:I'm half expecting Freya to be able to smell Bell's scent on.. Bell. "Greetings, Freya-sama, I am Apoll-" "You smell like Bell." As she's on him like a bloodhound.
This Bell reveal is going to blow Orario's mind. Everyone's gonna be like "whaaaat no way.".. maybe a little more dramatic than that, but you get the idea. Out of everyone, I'm most anticipating Freya and Ryuu's reactions. I also can't wait to see the family's reaction to the Xenos in person. I feel like Adrianne will have the most fun with that.
Solid chapter!
Author: Haha, Freya may be obsessed with Bell, but she isn't a beastman, though I understand where you're coming from. As for the reveal… we are getting closer, that I can say :)
The family will also meet the Xenos eventually as Bell already promised Elora to take her to meet them!
Pownbattle:Only because Zasun mentioned it before, I find it quite humorous that both "Fallen Argonaut" and "Heroes" updated on the same day again.
Nice chapter, a nice breather from suspense and action for the most part.
Author: I actually noticed that he updated his story a little earlier than TFA and laughed out loud at the coincidence. If it happens again, I'm honestly going to question if we aren't on the same wavelength xD
Almight: Loved the chapter and it was amazing.
I'm surprised that during Aiz' spar against Bell. She did not recognize him even a little bit despite having trained with him for the time she was with him. He was even using a dagger which was the weapon he used during their training. Is it because he was using a different style?
Also will Aiz figure out that her familia leaders kept Bell's letters away from her. If so, I cannot wait to see her reaction considering it seems she loves him.
Can't wait for the next chapter
Author: Thanks for the compliments, and as for the reason she didn't recognize him was the fact that he didn't even use the knives. He only held them. Might edit it to show that she was confused at the familiar stance, but that's it. He only dodged and swiped their feet and never parried or even took a single blow with them.
Anyway, we'll just have to see about the letters ;)
Wally991:I honestly hope (Though I know it has no reason for it to happen) that Fiona recovers her memories as Hestia, just so we can see her having a breakdown about being a member of Loki Familia of all things.
On a more serious note, just wondering, and I actually don't expect an answer since it would be kind of a spoiler, will there be more tragedy in this fic? 'Cuz I don't think my heart would be able to handle it
Author: Can't comment about the first part as that'd be too much spoilers. As for the second part, this story is meant to have dark themes so it's a given when I say this. There will definitely be more dark themes in the future. Take that as you will.
That's all I can fit in without bloating it! I hope you all enjoy and to see you next time!