Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“This wasn’t how things were supposed to be…”

“BELL!” screamed a frantic prum.

Bright ruby-red eyes stayed dazed as he stared off into space.

“WE GOTTA’ GO BELL!” screamed the honey-haired prum again as she tugged on his torn sleeve.

The young man slowly turned his head, taking in the overall look of the prum. She looked like shit.

“Lili?”

“Bell, listen to Lili, we have to go!”

Bell’s eyes widened, as the events came rushing back to him.

The One-Eyed Black Dragon had won.

It wasn’t even close.

As Bell stood up and surveyed the battlefield, he could feel his heart start to chip into pieces, like fragile glass. The smell of sulfur and burnt flesh invaded his nostrils as his brain finished its soft reset.

The power of friendship, wasn’t enough.

Bell, Ottar, and Leon, were not enough.

Deities, offering their Arcanum with the commitment to return to Tenkai, was not enough.

Liaris Freese was not enough.

As the fire danced in Bell’s eyes, the smoke stacks turning a relatively clear night sky, pitch black blocking out the stars; he scoffed, “Afterglow? The motherfucker can fly.”

A groundwave type attack was awesome, for a stationary opponent. Hell, a grounded opponent that was fast would’ve been better than a flying opponent.

The roar of the One-Eyed Black Dragon shook the battlefield, rumbled the destroyed buildings, causing a couple of dilapidated houses to collapse.

Death, was everywhere. A burnt arm laid less than two meters from Bell’s boot. His eyes softened. The arm was un-recognizable, however, the dual bladed brilliance that was deemed ‘Urga’ the arm’s rigor mortus clinged to was not.

“Tiona…”

His vision ran across a bright shining rapier type weapon, ‘Desperate’ stood tall as it was embedded into the ground. His throat tightened; a death grip squeezed whatever was left of his fading heart. “We were to marry after all this…”

She had said yes. His own personal Goddess. His muse. His savior. Ais Wallenstein committed to being Ais Cranel, and that was his happiest day.

His savior.

The concerned look from her golden-eyes turning to absolute horror as a long nail pierced her heart, haunted him. His brain had shut down. The trauma was too much.

Welf, his best friend, bitten in half and spat aside like fodder.

Mikoto, crushed and flicked aside like a piece of trash. The way it sounded when her bones crunched sent chills down Bell’s spine.

Ryuu, with her Astraea Record active, put up the most fight, out of all of them. She was beauty, she was grace.

She was to be his second wife.

The magic of Alise Lovell was not effective, the skills of Kaguya Gojuno, were not effective. Astraea’s brilliant children couldn’t even be classified as a ‘minor inconvenience’ to the dragon. She put up the most fight. She died, not even leaving a scratch.

“Move Ryuu!”

“T-TIONA!”

His Amazon, tried to save Ryuu. Bell could only smile softly, his third wife to be, Tiona Hiryute was always trying to be a hero. She was more the Argonaut than he could ever be. The dragon swallowed her whole, leaving only an arm behind.

He was a failure.

“Some, husband, huh?”

Bell shook his head; he couldn’t dwell on that right now. He continued to scour the land, hoping for a sign, praying for guidance. The ground was littered with magic swords, which all were deemed useless against the dragon’s scales. Bell, could only scoff, “If the Juggernaut was magic resistant, this motherfucker was immune.”

They weren’t ready.

They rushed this.

And now it was over.

Humanity, had lost.

“Bell?”

He felt the tug of the small prum and could only shake his head, “Let’s go, Lili.”

—

A loud clunk, followed by the sound of spinning gears followed, as they shut the vault door. This was the planned safe space. Lili had mapped out everything perfectly. It was a joke at first, but she begged us to have a ‘regroup’ area figured out just in case things went south.

Even Finn laughed at the notion.

Lili’s battle prowess even surpassed The Braver.

The guild building, one of the only buildings that remained at the once sprawling city of Orario, had a vault. With the approval of Ouranos, they repurposed the vault as a bastion of sorts, a way to meet up if their first initial attack was ineffective.

Clearly. It wasn’t.

“What the fuck do we do!?”

“Mah Mah. Calm down Asfi.” A blonde-haired deity laughed awkwardly.

Hermes. He was the only deity left in Orario.

“Is this it?” asked Bell.

Asfi’s eyes softened as she looked at the four inhabitants of the vault. “What do we do…?”

“Lili… thinks we should all try to get some rest…”

Bell patted the prum on her head, offering her a small smile. “I agree with Lili… let’s all try to get some sleep.”

—

*One Month Later*

Surviving. That would be the word for it, because they damn sure weren’t living.

Bell inhaled deeply as he looked out over the walls of Orario.

The sun kissed the mountain range, bathing the morning grounds in an orange light. He closed his eyes. The wind caressed his skin, he relished the soft embrace.

He missed them.

Weeks, maybe even months before the impending final battle, this was their ritual.

Ais, Ryuu, and Tiona would join him to watch the sunrise.

How he missed them so.

“Bell?”

“Yes, little Lili?”

“C-Can I join you?”

He smiled softly, turning to the prum. “Of course, Lili, I’d like that.”

The prum sat by Bell, and scooted closer to him, allowing him to wrap an arm around her.

She wasn’t a rebound.

She was always there.

She was helping him band-aid the mess that was his life. He would never heal, no, but if she could turn the overwhelming pain to just a nagging sting, he’d take it.

“Thank you, Lili.”

She sighed happily as she inhaled his scent. Her eyes slowly opened to the rays of the Sun. “I miss her.”

Bell smiled sadly. Her. He tried not to think about his Goddess.

Hestia gave everything. Everything. For Bell’s safety, for Bell’s success. He failed her, spectacularly. He could only internally kick himself. He was so young, and so dumb.

“I love you, Bell Cranel. I’ll be waiting for you.”

Those were Hestia’s last words, before she returned in a beautiful array of light.

Her Arcanum wasn’t enough.

Syr… no, Freya’s charms were ineffective.

“B-Bell… my knight, save me—”

She left how she arrived. Beautifully.

“I miss all of them, Lili.”

“We’ll see them again, someday…”

“I pray you’re right, Lili.”

—

*Three Months Later*

Hope. Was it wrong to have hope?

Asfi laid out the mechanics of it. She drew the blueprint. She had gathered the materials. She built the damn thing.

Now it stood tall, a looming structure in the corner of their vault.

“It’s in a basic sense, a time machine.” Asfi had said, while she adjusted her glasses.

Bell looked at her with a dead panned expression, “In a basic sense…?”

Hermes chuckled, as he removed his hat, “Asfi, this is your Magnum Opus, you’ve made me so proud.”

Asfi sighed, the inventor was tired. “This is all hypothetical, there’s no way to know if this will truly work.”

Lili’s eyes sparkled at the prospect, “Well let’s go! What are we waiting for!?”

“Arcanum.” Said Asfi flatly.

“And a good conduit for a power source.” Added Hermes.

Bell frowned, the Arcanum source was obvious, the only problem was Hermes was the last deity remaining. “So if this fails…”

Asfi nodded, “Then we’re done.”

Bell hung his head, his mind deep in thought.

“We have to have faith, Master Bell…” a deep voice to his right sounded.

Bell looked at the red-lizardman and smiled, “I will Lyd… Well, I’ll try.”

“That’s all we can do, my boy.”

Lyd, and Wiene made it out safe. They usually spent their time in the dungeon gathering resources and other supplies for the other four, but their time spent on the surface was a breath of fresh air for all of them. More people to talk to was always nice.

“We’ll need good Magic Stones to help cycle the power for the machine.” Continued Asfi.

Bell looked down at the Hestia Knife strapped to his thigh. “Dungeon diving like old times—”

“No need.” Said Asfi, solemnly.

“What do you mean—” Bell’s eyes widened, his head twirling to the two Xenos. “You can’t!”

It was Wiene who spoke up, “We’re okay with it, Bell.”

“NO!” shouted Bell in defiance. “I’ll go get plenty of Magic Stones—”

“I was able to study Ranye’s magic stone, Bell. It’s stronger and denser than a normal one we could scrounge up on the 50^th floor. Two of those stones, would be more than enough.” Spoke Asfi quietly.

“No… please, no.” pleaded Bell.

“We’ve already made up our mind, my boy. You’ve helped us Xenos in more ways than we could ever have hoped you could, just this once, let us help you.” Replied Lyd, a ‘smile’ on his face.

Bell didn’t respond as his shoulder’s shook, his silent sobs thundered in the quiet space.

“Bell…” Lili reached for his hand, “We have to have faith…”

Hermes placed a hand on his shoulder, “Bell, we need you. Not this man you’ve become, we need you. You always kept moving forward, you always kept forging ahead no matter the difficulty… I know its hard, life has beat all of our asses lately.” Hermes chuckled, “But I’m begging you, please, we all need Bell Cranel back.”

“I-I can’t.” his words echoed around the room, painting the overall picture in an even bleaker light.

—

Hermes sighed, his arms crossed, as he looked up at the moon. This was his night now, more often than not.

Even deities had to grow up after a while.

His three companions, had found companionship in each other.

It was natural. He wasn’t against it. They all needed to try and heal, even if they never truly could. He gave them their privacy.

He shook his head laughing, the Hermes five months ago would have loved to peep on Bell and the others, but now, he needed to be the adult.

While his three companions explored each other, Hermes explored a way out. So, he came up with a theory, a gambit.

“Could we go back in time?”

It was a simple question to his Captain. The way Asfi’s eyes shined, gave him hope. And so, his runaway Princess went to work. A motivated Asfi Andromeda was beautiful. He had truly missed that.

Orario was abandoned, and with Dragons patrolling outside the walls, and the threat of the Black Dragon returning, no one knew the fate of the rest of the world.

Hermes frowned; it was a grim situation overall. Eventually, they’d run out of supplies. Eventually, they’d have to move out. Eventually, they’d perish.

“We’re just borrowing time.” Said Hermes aloud.

It was surprisingly easy to gather the materials needed for Asfi’s schematics. The ‘Age Simulation Sequence’ or ASS for short, was what she named it. Hermes laughed again, his child truly made him proud at times. The ‘Time Machine’, for Bell, and Lili’s more simple brains, was their last hope. Hermes knew it was unlikely to be a success. Maybe he was being a coward, and maybe he knew deep down, he was abandoning these children, but if he could leave, giving them even a sliver of hope in the process, then he’d chalk his time up in the mortal realm as a success.

“Did I do okay?” he asked, looking up at the moon. “Hestia, Freya, Artemis… forgive me. I tried my best… for him. I hope you saw that.”

Bell truly was an enigma.

“If could do it all over again, what would you do Bell?”

How would that work?

Would he still be tied to Tenkai because he used his Arcanum?

Would he just wake up in some hotel in some country with some Amazon, depending on the day of, with no recollection with what happened?

That’d be fun.

He took a coin out of his pocket, a Valis, useless currency now, and held it in his palm.

“Tails, you fail, Bell. Heads, and we might not all be dead.”

He flipped the coin.

—

*3 Days Later*

The roar reverberated in the room as dragons banged against the vault door.

They had been discovered.

The hinges were failing, the reinforced wall was cracking. With one loud bang, the vault door popped open.

Lili and Asfi slammed into the door to keep it closed.

“GO BELL!” yelled Asfi.

“Why me!? One of you go! Please!”

“Don’t be dumb Bell! It has to be you!” protested Lili through gritted teeth. The two women were failing, the door was forcefully being pried open.

The Time Machine glowed, as a dial on top of the machine slowly started to speed up. Hermes Arcanum caused the machine to glow a brilliant myriad of purple and pink, giving it a divine look. Two magic stones pulsed with electricity on each side of the machine.

“Wiene…Lyd…”

The platform, big enough for one person glowed.

It was now or never.

“BELL—” Lili’s words dyed in her throat as jaws clamped onto her shoulder. She didn’t have time to scream as she was viciously ripped apart from a snarling red-scaled dragon.

Asfi gave up on the door, pushing Bell onto the platform.

Bell’s vision began to turn white as the machine sped up.

“Bell, I love you—”

Asfi’s declaration was cut short as her head was removed from her shoulders.

Bell’s eyes widened, as time slowed. Dragons crawled through the vault door hole, overrunning the room. Asfi’s headless body slowly fell to the floor, the blood cascaded towards Bell. He was going to get showered by his borrowed lover’s blood. He clinched his eyes closed, he couldn’t see more, he didn’t want to see more. He wanted it all to be over.

Lightning crackled.

The machine whirled.

The light faded.

—

Bell flinched as he was covered in blood.

He was waiting for it to end. It never came. He could feel the blood drip from his nose, down to his chin. He wanted to vomit. He wanted to scream. His body failed him at both.

“Uh… hey? Are you okay?”

Bell’s eyes snapped open.

There she was.

His Goddess. His first love. Ais Wallenstein.

His savior.

The blonde-haired girl blinked at the young man she just helped. She felt bad that he could have gotten hurt over Loki Familia’s carelessness with the Minotaurs. Her eyes softened as she looked down at the terrified adventurer. “Are you okay—” she started to repeat herself but, her eyes widened as the boy dashed away from her with speed that genuinely surprised her.

“Hey…” she said quietly, knowing her words would never reach him.

“BAHAHAHA!” laughed a werewolf as he walked up next to her. “Look at that tomato boy run!”

“Bete… shut up.”

“Oh give me a break. Weaklings like him don’t deserve your sympathy.”

Ais just sighed heavily, looking at the pathway the young man took. “This is our fault, Bete.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Sighed Bete as he scratched his head, and slowly walked away.

Ais went to follow, but a glint caught her eye, she bent over and picked up a coin, inspecting it. “Hmm… a Valis?” She flipped it over, her brows furrowing, “Both sides… are heads…”

—

Bell ran, his heart thumping in his chest.

“Did it… work?”

Tears streamed from his face, glistening behind him like diamonds.

“I’ll stand beside you. I’ll be stronger FOR you, I’ll protect you. All of you. I promise.”

And To Those I Love, I make a promise of a lifetime… well… a second lifetime.

Author’s Notes: Short premise of an idea I had for a trope that I genuinely can’t tell if it’s overdone or not utilized enough. Let me know what you guys think. O,U is still ongoing, I just wanted a little bit of a break from it. Plus, I feel like some readers would appreciate a ‘Bell only’ story.

Still not super sure who will be in the Harem, or if I’ll even do a Harem. BellxAis is obviously in. And I could see a path where I just keep it that way. I’ll let reviewers add some input in that regard. Anyways, thanks!

Follow and Review if you’d be so inclined.

Chapter Text

His footsteps thundered as he raced out of the dungeon. Many a passerby eyed the adventurer with a mix of curiosity, disgust, and confusion.

“Is he okay?” asked a worried female mage.

“There’s no way that’s his blood.” Stated a portly dwarf.

“Maybe we should see the other guy.” Cackled a tamer.

Bell ignored it all as he continued to run, the light of the exit in his grasp.

Bell froze, his eye’s widened.

Welcome to the bustling city of Orario.

Vendors shouting about the daily deals on their goods. Horse’s clopping along the cobblestone as they carried their patrons to different parts of the city. Orario was alive. Orario was okay.

Bell blinked, as tears fell from his eyes. The mix of the salty bodily fluid and blood dripped down his shirt.

“B-Bell!?” shrieked an elf as she was running towards him.

Bell turned his head, and smiled. “Eina…”

— Flashback —

“Promise me, Bell. Promise me, you won’t let Nina get hurt.”

“Eina, you have my word, no harm will come to Nina.”

—

“BELL!? Where’s Eina!?”

“The dragons overran the guild offices, they’re behaving way smarter than just simple beasts, they’ve successfully—”

“That’s not what I fucking asked!” screamed a blonde elf, easily his age if not younger, “Where is my sister!?”

“Nina… I’m sorry.”

—

“NINA!!!”

“Bell, please save me—”

As the dragons’ maws clamped down on Nina Tulle and swallowed, Bell would have to chalk it up as another failed promise.

— Flashback End —

Bell frowned, and did the only thing his mind told him was rational. He ran away.

Eina frowned as she slowly came to a halt, her hand perpetually suspended in the air. “Bell?” She watched as the new adventurer that came under her care darted through the crowd. Eina hummed in thought, “Well… I suppose he’s okay for now.” She shrugged, “Better start the paperwork.”

—

Bell pulled on the gates. “Come on, open up!”

A female blinked in confusion on the other side of the gates, before walking towards him. “Umm… can I help you?”

Bell beamed, “Daphne! Can you let me in?”

The girl immediately frowned, “How do you know my name? Who are you? And why are you trying to get into Apollo’s mansion? I know nothing of any new recruits… and no offense, Apollo wouldn’t want someone like you…” She flinched, “And I truly mean no offense.”

Bell stared at the girl wide-eyed. His first mistake. He truly was back in the past. Daphne wouldn’t know him, and Hestia’s Familia hadn’t won that particular War Game yet. He chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head. “Uh… sorry?”

“Was that a question—” Daphne raised an eyebrow as the boy ran away. “...addicts.” she sighed. “Orario has really gone to shit these last couple of months.”

—

“Where was that church…?” Bell pondered aloud. The smell was really starting to get to him. Being soaked in minotaur blood was getting less and less appealing by the second. He needed fresh clothes, he needed a place to lay down, he needed his Goddess.

Bell took a seat in the middle of an alley, trying to gain his bearings. He wanted to laugh. He wanted to cry. He wanted to shout for joy. He wanted to scream in rage and fear. His mind was truly a conflicting paradox of emotions.

“Breathe Bell, breathe.”

He took a deep breath, before exhaling. He repeated this exercise a couple of times, feeling his shoulders rise and fall.

“What’s next?” he asked himself. He sat there, contemplating his next move. “I need to find my Goddess.” He said firmly. “Then I need to get back into the dungeon.”

So Bell got back onto his feet. His mind a bit clearer than earlier. He had goals. He had a vision. He had everything, but time. He needed to get going.

—

‘I’m out be back in a few days.’

Bell blinked at the note. He finally found the church. He didn’t miss the place. The outside walls were crumbling inwards, the musty smell of old water and weeds were the essence of the place. The smell seeped into everything including their clothes. As Bell closed his eyes he started to remember more and more of Hestia Familia’s humble beginnings. He sighed, prying the dried and stiff shirt off his frame, the cow’s blood had turned the shirt into a sheet of cardboard. Bell tossed it into the trash. That shirt would forever be red, and red wasn’t his color.

Muscle memory served him well as he found the small shower, and turned the dial to the exact point needed to get ‘warm-ish’ water. He smiled at the memories, it was either hellish hot or bitter cold unless it was just right.

As the minotaur blood circled the drain, so did some of Bell’s stresses. Asfi had did it. Hermes had did it. Wiene and Lyd had did it. Lili had did it. Bell was here. Bell had made it. He wasn’t going to congratulate himself like the others. He was simply the benefactor of their hard work.

He wasn’t going to let their hard work be in vain.

He rested his head against the crumbling stone wall, as the shower rained on his back.

Bell Cranel cried.

All the pain, all the anguish, all the suffering bounced off the walls as he wailed into the air.

—

Bell looked at the dingy couch and smiled. “I’ll let you have the bed, my Goddess.”

The second his head hit the ‘probably moldy’ cushion; Bell Cranel fell into a deep sleep.

It was the first time, in a long time.

— Orario, Twilight Manor —

“We are returning from the expedition. Please open the gates.”

A busty Amazon rolled her eyes, “The Captain shouldn’t have to ask to get into his home, move your asses!”

Finn sweat-dropped while scratching his cheek, “It’s just protocol…”

“Ais, you feelin’ okay? You seem out of it?”

“I’m fine Tiona…”

Lefiya eyed the Sword Princess, “Did something happen?”

Ais stopped walking, making the other two stop in their tracks as well. “I think… I’m going to go to the guild.”

“About the weird monsters?” asked Tiona, her head tilted to the side in confusion.

“No… Hey, Finn.”

“Hmm? Yes, Ais?”

“We are… released from duties, right?”

The blonde prum nodded while offering her a smile, “You’re free to do as you please.” The prum then turned towards the door to the Manor. “That’s odd, usually Loki would be waiting to greet us…”

A short dwarf saluted the Captain. “Loki said she had an urgent meeting to attend to.”

“I see…” Finn stared at his thumb, and then shrugged. “It passes the thumb check. ONWARD!”

“You heard it!” screamed Tione. “GET YOUR ASSES INSIDE AND RELAX ON THE DOUBLE!”

Tiona sweat dropped, “Geez, you even yell at us to take it easy.”

Lefiya sighed, before turning to look at Ais who was heading the direction they had just came from. “Is she okay?”

Tiona grinned, wrapping an arm around the elf’s shoulder. “You’re just looking at her butt!”

Lefiya blushed, “A-Am not!”

Tiona laughed, “I am too, ‘Fiya! No harm no foul!”

— Orario, The Guild —

“Sophie.” Golden-eyes blinked as she stared at the blushing white-haired elf.

“Miss. Wallenstein! I figured you’d be back home! How may I help you?”

“I want some information on someone.”

“Oh. Sure! You name them and I’ll get it.”

“I don’t know his name…” admitted Ais, an aloof look on her face.

Sophie’s face slowly turned into a grin. “Does the Sword Princess have a crush?”

“Ano… maybe?”

Sophie squealed; this gossip would be juicy. “What’s prince charming look like?”

“Uh. About my height, maybe a hair shorter… white hair, I think…”

“You think?” asked a perplexed Sophie.

“He got covered in blood so—”

“Red eyes…?” sighed Sophie.

“Yes.” Nodded Ais, a ghost of a smile on her face.

“You sure it’s him you want to know about?” drawled Sophie.

“I… think so?”

“Ais, you could have anyone in Orario.”

“What do you mean ‘I could have anyone’?”

“Ais, my dear girl, let me go introduce you to Eina.”

—

Eina Tulle was a frantic wreck. Bell running through Orario looking like a walking blood clot had landed her in a heap of trouble. She was not amused. It also didn’t help that word of Bell and his predicament spread throughout the guild like a wildfire. Another ‘failure’ to add to the list of Eina’s advised adventurers.

“Eina.”

“What Sophie?” growled the half-elf, not even looking up from her desk.

“Ais Wallenstein is here to see you.”

“O-Oh!?” Eina quickly stood up, bumping her thighs on the desk causing her neat stack of paperwork to fall over.

“Oh… do you need help with that?” asked Ais as she moved to help the guild advisor.

“N-No, no Miss Wallenstein, thank you though.” Said Eina, as she quickly kneeled down to pick up the papers.

“Well, I’ll leave you two to it.” Said an annoyed Sophie. “And Eina, please try and be more presentable for a first-class adventurer next time.”

—

“How may I be of assistance, Miss Wallenstein?” asked Eina with a forced smiled on her face.

“I am looking for some information on an adventurer you’re advising.”

Eina immediately frowned, “What else did he do…?”

“I saved him from a minotaur this morning.” Continued Ais, “And I haven’t had the chance to apologize…”

Eina blinked, “You want to apologize… for saving him?”

“Yes.” Stated Ais flatly.

“That’s not usually how that works…”

“It was our Familia’s fault that he was in that situation.”

“I see…” pondered Eina. She shrugged looking at the beautiful girl in front of her, “His name is Bell Cranel, the only member of the Hestia Familia.”

Ais immediately frowned, the voice of her Goddess playing in her head.

“Loli Big Boobs wants to start a Familia? Over my dead body! We will wage war on her until she compliments my fine physique!”

“Are you okay, Ais?”

“Y-Yeah.” Nodded the Sword Princess. “Thank you, Eina.”

Eina could only smile, “It was my pleasure, Miss Wallenstein.”

“Do you have an address on file?”

“I don’t… but even if I did, I can’t just hand out that information, Miss Wallenstein.”

Ais nodded to the half-elf. “I understand… thank you again.”

—

Ais Wallenstein, the Sword Princess, was a bit of a celebrity in Orario. People; men, women, human or demi-human fawned over her. She thought it was sweet, a little weird, but sweet all the same.

“Can I have your bath water!?”

Ais blinked, “If you need it, I suppose…”

“Ais, can I smell your hair!?”

“I’d rather wait until after I shower at least…”

“Ais, can I join you in the shower!?”

“It’s rather small…”

Yes, a little weird, but sweet all the same.

Tiona was teaching her about the appeal of the opposite sex, and what all the ‘sexual tension’ meant. Riveria wasn’t a fan of Tiona teaching her these things, but she appreciated her best friend. She understood now, that she was beautiful, and that people wanted to spend time with her because of that. So, why did he run from her?

“Bell Cranel…” the words just sounded right coming from her. A ghost of a smile graced her lips as she looked up towards the sun.

—

Ais sighed happily as she massaged shampoo into her scalp.

Tiona frowned, “This fucking sucks.”

“What’s wrong, Tiona?” asked Ais, opening one eye.

“Even Lefiya’s boobies are bigger than mine!” whined the Amazon.

Ais just sighed heavily, going back to washing her hair. “I thought it was something important.”

Lefiya whined in protest, “Stop looking at me like that Tiona!”

“Noooooo.”

Tione sighed, “You’re almost as bad as Loki, sister.”

“Someone’s gotta pick up the slack while she’s gone!” giggled the Amazon in response.

— Orario, Abandoned Church —

Bell stretched, “I’m supposed to meet Syr for dinner tonight, huh?” He smiled as he stared at the floor. “Lady Freya… Syr…” The Goddess served them well.

“I don’t want to be Freya! I don’t want to be a Goddess of Beauty! I want to be Syr!”

“Can I save you sooner than last time?” Bell wondered out loud as he leaned back on the couch, his head tilted up to the ceiling. “Can I get out of here, sooner?” he coughed, every time he moved on the couch a dust cloud attacked his face. “So gross.”

—

He missed this. He missed this so much. Orario night life was truly a beautiful thing. Even the more vulgar stuff like drunken couples copulating in alleys because they couldn’t wait to get home, made Bell smile.

He used to frown on so many things, but life had a way of changing you. “Live it up… who knows when it’ll be your time to go.”

Bell stopped outside a lively establishment, drinking in the laughter and chatter that permeated inside the building. The open windows and wooden door made everything crystal clear, he could easily dissect at least four different conversations. The lighthearted drunken mood was truly infectious to him. “I might even get a drink…”

“Ah. You the cute butt Syr told me about?”

Bell blinked, as he looked up to see Chloe Rollo looking down at him from the top of the steps.

“Syr isn’t here. She seemed kind of spooked and left earlier today. We would still like for you to come in.”

Bell internally frowned, he was really looking forward to seeing the Goddess. He sighed, his shoulders hanging slightly.

Chloe giggled at his display of emotions, “She mean that much to ya? Man, you got it that bad? No chance for me, is there?”

Bell blushed at her question, before chuckling and shaking his head, “My name is Bell Cranel, you are?”

She smiled, “I might have a chance after all. The name’s Chloe. But you can call me Mami.”

“Mami?”

“Good boy.”

“No that wasn’t—”

“NOW SEATING ONE!” yelled Chloe, as she took a couple of steps down to the street, grabbing his hand and pulling him into the establishment.

—

Bell ate, like he never ate before.

Mama Mia, raised an eyebrow. “Anya… didn’t Syr make it seem like the boy was broke?”

“Y-Yes.”

“That’s his third bowl of pasta.”

“With meatballs.” Added Chloe.

Mama shrugged, “As long as the boy can pay, I don’t care.”

A green haired elf, made her way into the dining area with a couple of glasses of ale. Her green eyes locked onto Bell’s causing the boy to drop his fork. He was awestruck.

The elf looked at him for a second before raising an eyebrow, she just shook her head and continued to make her way to the table that ordered the drinks.

“Ya know, if you keep staring like that, I’d think you’re two timing me, and Syr, Cute Butt.”

“Oh. Uh. Erm… sorry I’m still really new to Orario, so seeing elves is still a little odd for me.”

Chloe narrowed her eyes, “You’re not racist, are ya?”

“No. No. No!” paled Bell.

Chloe giggled, “You’re fine. You’re fine.” She looked down at the table and smiled, “You need anything? A glass of water? A glass of wine?... a shovel?”

Bell blushed, “Sorry… it’s just been a while since I’ve had good food.”

Chloe smiled softly, she looked into his eyes, he couldn’t hide from her. “You’ve… been through some things. Yeah?”

Bell could only nod.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Bell frowned, what could he say? ‘Hey I’m from the future, you die by the way.’ He shook his head, “Maybe someday… but not today. Thank you though, Chloe.”

Chloe frowned, “We’ll work on the name, Cute Butt. Until then… here’s your bill.”

Bell took the check and immediately frowned, Mama watched the interaction, as the green-haired elf and the brown-haired cat stood next to her.

“He’s gonna bolt, nyaa.” Stated Anya.

“I’ll kill him, if he does, Mama.” Stated the green-haired elf.

“That boy doesn’t have the stones.” Said Mama Mia, chuckling and shaking her head.

Bell gulped; his hunger had gotten the best of him. He reached for his pouch. He only had enough to cover one bowl without the meatballs, let alone three with them. “Please show up. Please show up. Please show up—”

“EVERYBODY! LET’S GIVE A BIG HOSTESS CHEER TO THE LOKI FAMILIA WHO JUST RETURNED FROM AN EXPEDITION TODAY!”

The lively crowd in the hostess responded in kind, lifting their drinks in the air.  “””YEEEEEEEEE!!!”””

Bell stayed quiet, and tried to make himself feel even smaller than he already was. Out of sight. Out of mind.

—

It all played out how he remembered it. They all got drunk. Bete talked shit. Riveria told him to shut the fuck up, in a very elegant way of course. And most importantly, Ais chased him out of the bar. Followed by an angry elf, and an even more angry Mama Mia.

“That boy!” the dwarf spat.

Ais turned to the two and frowned, “Do you know who he is?”

“A dead man!” glared Mama Mia.

“…What’d he do?” asked Ais, concerned.

“He just dined and dashed!”

“Oh, is that all?”

Mama Mia turned her glare onto the Sword Princess, golden-eyes blinked innocently.

“We’ll cover his meal. Add it to Loki’s tab.”

Mama Mia and the elf blinked.

“Loki is not joining us tonight, so I’m sure we’re saving money already from not having to buy her alcohol.”

Mama Mia held her glare for a while before sighing, “Valis is Valis, regardless of where it comes from. I’ll add it to your check.”

Ais nodded, squeezing past them both to head back inside.

“I’ll still kill that boy.” Said the elf icily.

Mama Mia shook her head, “That’s the boy Syr’s got her eyes on. Let’s just let it go, Ryuu.”

Ryuu sighed, “As you wish, Mama.”

—

“Too.” Bell huffed, “Much.” He was slowing down. “Pasta.” He leaned over, resting his hand on a wall, he inhaled as much air as humanly possible in between breaths. “Wheeew. Geez. Bell, get your fat ass in the dungeon…” He chuckled, wiping a little bit of drool from the corner of his mouth.

Once he caught his breath, he looked up at the clear night sky. “That’s what I did next, right?”

He thought back, Bete embarrassed him, and he spent all night in the dungeon. Hestia had been worried sick, but Hestia wasn’t here. Syr wasn’t there either. Bell began to feel a pit of dread building in his stomach. Neither Goddesses were accounted for. “Did… No.” he shook his head, “Chloe said Syr was there earlier today… not everything can play out perfectly… right?”

Bell reached down and grabbed his beginner’s knife. Its blade glistened in the moon light, upon further inspection Bell could tell the edge was rolling, it had lost some of its sharpness but for floor one to three ants and kobolds, it’d do just fine.

So, Bell, with a new mindset, and a ton of experience, repeated his long night in the dungeon.

— Orario, Tower of Babel —

A magic stone, fire contraption called a ‘lighter’ flicked. A certain deity lit her kiseru and took a deep inhale from the smoking device. “I did rather enjoy my time back in Tenkai.”

“Go back skank, not one of us would care.”

“You gonna slap me off a building again?”

“Ladies, Ladies, Ladies.” Chuckled a blonde-haired deity, “This is not why we are here.”

“You’re both just perverts. You too Loli Big Boobs! Ya’ll just wanted to watch Bell go ‘Boing-Boing’.”

Hestia blushed, “S-Shut up No Boobs!”

“Boing-Boing-Boing.” Loki started to clap. “Boing” clap “Boing” clap “Boing”.

“We get it.” Sighed Freya. She looked around the room. Hestia, Loki, Hermes, Hephaistos, and Ishtar all sat there. A few more deities were present, but they seemed fine sitting in the back, out of the spotlight. “First, I guess the credit goes to Hermes, it wouldn’t have worked without you. So, good job.”

Hermes sighed, “I just provided the Arcanum—”

Freya nodded, “So, we can all go back to agreeing you’re useless then. Got it.”

“Heeeey—”

“Our children made the impossible happen.” Continued Freya. “Let’s not let them down again.”

“Boing, Boing, Boing, Boing—”

“Loki!” snapped Freya. “Focus. What is our next move?”

“We can’t tell anyone yet.” Said Hephaistos standing up. “I’m not even sure we should tell Bell that we know.”

“I’m not keeping that from Bell!” stomped Hestia.

Ishtar blew smoke out of her kiseru, “I don’t see a point in keeping it from him either.”

“And if it doesn’t come from us,” added Freya, “Who’s to say Apollo or Dian doesn’t talk to him first.”

Hermes nodded, “Bell’s in a fragile state. We all saw what happened.”

“It’s amazing that my Odr, hasn’t faltered.” Said Freya, dreamily.

“Put a sock in it.” Growled Hestia.

“Too bad he couldn’t of gone back a bit farther.” Laughed Loki, “Ais would have that boy in my familia in no time.”

“Like hell!” yelled Hestia.

“So, we tell him.” Said Hephaistos, trying to get things back on track.

“Let me do it.” Said another deity standing up, “We got a lot to talk about anyways.”

Hestia frowned, “I hope he knocks your ass out.”

Zeus laughed, “I’d deserve it.”

Hermes turned to the final deity in the room, soon the others followed suit, this was a second chance for her as well. She blushed when she felt all eyes on her.

“So, what’s your move?” asked Hermes.

She sighed, “One of you guys can take the Antares quest, I’m not fucking touching it.”

Author’s Notes:

I’m trying to not make long ass chapters anymore. At least not with this fic. I’m enjoying writing this one so far. I’m just kind of torn on where I want Bell to be, mentally. Leaning more towards the ‘guarded’ don’t let anyone get to close kinda vibe, have Ais chip away at that angst, but I also realistically see him just being so damn excited to be around everyone again, and is all ‘open arms’ about everything. We’ll see.

Side note, Bell is 18 in this fic. Everyone is at minimum 18 in this fic that may or may not have an ‘adult’ orientated role. If that bothers you, then seek some major help.

So, the deities know. I like that twist a bit. Plus, lets be real, Bell just hitting the dungeon every single day over and over and over doesn’t really change much. But the deities knowing, and maybe just not the ones in Orario -wink wink nudge nudge- can help him be better along the way.

Anyways, Follow and Review if you’d be so inclined. Thanks.

Chapter Text

Ais laid in bed, a dual-headed Valis in her hand. She held it up above her as she stared at it, the moon’s light glinting off the gold finish. “Bell Cranel.” The more she said the name, the more she felt like she was forgetting something. Something important. The more she said that name, the more it just felt right. She furrowed her eyebrows; this was genuinely frustrating.

Sleep evaded her.

The light snoring of Tiona was the only sound that blessed the room they shared. Ais brought her arm down to her side, the coin grasped firmly in her hand, and sighed, before closing her eyes. Maybe the third attempt at sleep would be the charm.

—

“Will you marry me?”

“Yes, Bell, yes!” she screamed happily, wrapping her arms around his neck.

—

“S-Shit, Bell!” she screamed, her hands roamed his back as he had her pinned to the wall.

—

“It was always you. I’ve been in love with you ever since you saved me. I’d follow you to the pits of hell if it meant I could hold your hand.”

She giggled, “You already got me, Bell. You don’t have to hit me with your smooth one liners anymore.”

“You were… are… everything to me, Ais Wallenstein.”

“Cranel.”

“Huh?”

“Ais Cranel, dummy.”

—

“Isn’t this nice, Bell?”

“It’s the best part of the day.”

Ais turned her head, to see Tiona leaning on Bell, his other side preoccupied by a head of blonde hair, hair that wasn’t hers. “I don’t ever want this to end.”

“It won’t.” said Tiona firmly. “We got this.”

The other head of blonde hair slowly raised off Bell’s left shoulder. “We are as prepared as we can be. That dragon won’t know what’s coming.”

Bell laughed, “I wish I had your guys’ confidence.”

Ais smiled, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, her chin rested on top of his head, “Let’s shower him in our confidence then.”

—

“Bell!” Ais frantically looked around the battlefield. Ryuu, and Tiona had fallen. Surely the news of the falling vanguard, would make it to the unit that had to try and counter the dragon’s pincer attack. The unit led by Bell.

The roar of the One-Eyed Black Dragon drew the Sword Princess’s attention. She furrowed her eyebrows in anger, her face morphed into a glare. “You will take no more from me.” Her voice was cold, her voice was sharp. Her voice was unwavering steel.

She charged. “ARIEL!” she screamed, the wind whipped, and howled around her. Her steps rained on the charred ground as her eyes burned with fury. She would finish this. The legacy her father left behind; she would complete. “I’ll take more than a fucking eye!” she spat.

“AIS!”

She couldn’t see it, but she could feel it. The heat coming from her left could have been more than ‘Ariel’ could handle. A force knocked her off her path. Only one person. Only one man could have caught up to her while she was enchanted. The stream of fire passed harmlessly over her, melting rocks and buildings along it’s path. She scrunched her eyes, and shielded her face from the heat. A loud ‘schlink’ invaded her ears as she turned and saw her rapier, ‘Desperate’ embedded into the ground.

“That was close.” Chuckled Bell.

He was trying to keep it together, but Ais saw through that. He was broken.

“Bell…” she stood up and started to jog to him, leaning down in front of him, her hand caressing his cheek. “We’re going to be okay—” Her eyes widened as she looked down, a long nail, sharper than any blade that Lord Goibnu could produce, stuck through her chest.

“N-No. No! NO!”

She heard his words, but she couldn’t register them. The One-Eyed Black Dragon was pushing forward, the nail moving closer and closer to her lover. They were going to die together. Ais smiled at the thought, the four of them, would be together again. Ais looked around, and internally frowned, Lili was still there. Asfi was still there. They needed a leader, they didn’t deserve to be left alone.

She coughed, the taste of blood filled her mouth, her tired golden-eyes stared at Bell before she could offer the best smile she could for him. “Live, Bell. Make me proud.”

“I don’t want to live without you!”

Again, she heard the sound of his voice, but she couldn’t really make out the words. She dug her heels into the ground, a slight green glow of ‘Ariel’ showed its face, she still had a little bit of mind left.

She closed her eyes. She was at peace. Thinking of Bell Cranel’s words to her.

“It was always you. I’ve been in love with you ever since you’ve saved my life…”

“I love you, Bell. Until next time, okay?”

“Ais… please don’t leave me. I can’t do this without you.”

“Lil… Rafaga.” Ais jumped back, with the last of her will, the death nail still stuck in her chest, she decided to go out on her terms. Her goal, to duplicate her father’s legacy, to give her Lover and his friends a chance. Ryuu laid the ground work. The dragon had a barrier that reflected all damage. Physical or magic. She was able to break the barrier. Ais smiled softly at the thought of her fated ‘sister-wife’, she truly was a marvel. She couldn’t see it, but she knew she was getting closer, feeling the heat permeating from it’s snout. With one last gasp, she flipped, the One-Eyed Black Dragon, became the no eyed black dragon, as its own nail got forcefully stuck in its one good eye. The dragon howled in pain, and with a careless flail of its arm, Ais Wallenstein was flung into, and crushed by falling debris.

— Orario, The Dungeon —

“What’s my level…?” asked Bell aloud. He understood that he was only on the second floor, but this was just too easy. “Down I go.” He said with a chuckle.

So, Bell traveled further down. Orcs, no problem. Wall Shadows, Bell didn’t even blink. Before long, Bell found himself staring at a small Infant Dragon, on floor 12. Bell saw red. That poor dragon wasn’t ready.

Bell saw everything clearly; he dodged the claws with ease. As the dragon followed up with a swipe of it’s tail in the air, Bell twisted elegantly avoiding the attack, his dagger still in his hand, as he twisted the small blade found the rough hide of the dragon repeatedly.

When Bell landed, he frowned. “I’m not level one.” It was a statement of fact. Even with the knowledge of what to do, and how to react in certain situations, that didn’t mean his body could behave accordingly. His body was passing the tests with flying colors.

“I wonder…” Bell aimed his palm, and steadied his feet. The dragon was locked in his sights as it licked its wounds on its tail.

“Fire.” Bell’s eyes widened, as a brilliant red flame formed at the end of his palm, he could see the color blue shine from the core of the flame, he used to have to use Argonaut to power up his magic to this point. How strong was he? “BOLT!” he yelled, a mixture of excitement and venom in his voice.

A charred stump of the left hind leg remained.

Bell blinked, the sizzle of the dragon’s burnt hindquarter, providing the only noise. “Well… this is nice.” He chuckled.

Soon the leg of the dragon fell, turning to dust. A small magic stone was the only thing left on the charred ground, Bell bent down picking it up, his eyes softened as he inspected the stone.

“I couldn’t be there…” he said to no one in particular. Maybe he felt solace in talking to the dungeon. Surely, the dungeon wouldn’t fault him for confessing his sins.

“I was too fucking weak!” he yelled, full of spite. Tears started to build up. “They were put down like sick fucking animals, and I couldn’t be there for them!” he screamed.

“Did it go okay…?”

“As okay as it could have, Bell…” said Asfi sadly.

“Did… did it hurt them?”

Asfi started to tear up, “Physically no…”

“What… do you mean?”

“Nothing Bell, nothing.” Asfi had started to cry.

“Please, tell me.”

“Wiene… she looked for you. She needed you there.”

Bell fell to his knees, trying to control his breathing. He needed someone to talk to about this. He knew that. Keeping all the trauma bottled up wasn’t going to help him. But who could he talk to? Chloe’s offer was really sweet, and he appreciated it, but he had never been close to Chloe. He wasn’t super comfortable with the idea, “…She probably just wanted a bigger tip.” He said bitterly.

He exhaled deeply, looking at the roof of the dungeon. “What time is it?” he asked aloud.

There would be no way of telling. He slowly stood up, before immediately falling to his knees again, his hands bracing his hunched over form. Bell Cranel threw up.

Mama Mia’s pasta didn’t taste as good on the way up, as it did on the way down.

Bell wiped his chin, as he tried to calm his breathing.

He was falling apart.

“I’m trying to not think about it… but how can I not?”

Bell frowned as he rolled and sat on his backside, his legs hunched up in front of him, he rested his head in his hands. “I’m losing it.”

A, not so distant roar, sounded on the floor. He grabbed his knife, and slowly stood up. “I’ll take it out on these douchebags until I ‘find it’.”

— Orario, Tower of Babel —

Freya sipped on her wine, it had been a while since she had been able to sit down and just be ‘more’. She frowned; she didn’t really miss it.

“So, what will you do, Freya?”

“Go back to being myself of course.”

Hestia smiled, “I was worried you’d forego ‘Syr’.”

“Yee have little faith, Hestia.”

Hestia crossed her arms, a slight frown marring her features, “What do we do? How can we help?”

Freya sighed, setting down her wine glass, “We got too lax, Hestia. I don’t ‘plan’ to charm Orario, so my Familia will stay active this time around. Long live… the Baptisims.”

Hestia scowled, “I don’t approve of your barbaric ways.”

“I don’t approve of Bell dying.” Stated Freya flatly.

Hestia, slowly but surely, nodded in agreeance.

“What do you plan to do with your home, Hestia? I may not be ‘Freya’ anymore, but I’m not offering my services in that nasty church.”

“It has a charm. Hehehe.”

“It does not.”

“Y-You’re right.” Huffed Hestia.

A soft knock rang out of Freya’s flat causing the two deities to look at each other with confusion. Freya shrugged, before looking back at the door. “Come in.”

The door opened revealing a Goddess, Freya and Hestia gasped in shock. Behind the Goddess walked her Captain, causing Freya to drop her glass of wine.

— Orario, Stardust Garden —

“How was work, Ryuu?”

The elf sighed as she hung her apron on the door. “Do you really care, Kaguya?”

Pink eyes shined, as she giggled. “Nope.”

— Orario, Unknown Location —

The legendary deity playing as an old man, was casually preparing to get his ass beat by his ‘grandson’. He was internally having a panic attack, but for a completely different reason.

“What are you getting ready for? You finally abandoning me?” she chuckled softly.

“Well… some things have come up. Some… major things.”

“Spooky… and ominous.”

He laughed boisterously.

She frowned, “You make entirely too much noise, Zeus.”

“I’m about to make a bunch more. By the way, you ready to go meet your nephew?”

Heterochromia eyes blinked, “N-Now?”

“Right now.”

“Like… now, now?”

“Alfia.” Sighed Zeus. “Get it together.”

— Orario, Tower of Babel —

“You…”

“Mah, Freya it looks like you’ve seen a ghost.”

Freya peeked past the Goddess and frowned, “I have.”

Alise Lovell, scratched her cheek laughing awkwardly, “I know I could use a tan but—”

“How are you alive?” asked Freya interrupting the girl.

“Uh… well… you know… you’re a Goddess of Beauty.” Stammered Alise.

Freya raised a delicate eyebrow.

“W-When a boy and a girl like each other… they… well… you know…” Alise’s face turned bright red as she got flustered.

Astraea sighed, “Freya quit teasing the poor girl, please.”

Freya looked at Hestia for assistance who could only shrug. “Astraea…” continued Freya, “Why are you here?”

Astraea tilted her head in confusion, “To… give you the report of course… are you okay?”

“I’m fine… I’m fine… share your report, please.”

Astraea smiled, turning towards Alise.

Alise nodded, understanding the notion, she turned and saluted at Freya. “All good on these fronts! As expected, Orario’s Golden Age is continuing strong!”

Freya frowned, “And of Evilus?”

Alise blinked, “Evilus…?” she turned to Astraea who shook her head, “Sorry.” Continued Alise, “S-Should we know who this Evilus is?”

“What the fuck is going on?” Freya was gob-smacked. She tried to think hard. It was like her memories were completely replaced with what she’d chalk up as her ‘previous life.’ There were no new memories for her to pull from. Astraea should be gone. Alise Lovell should be dead. Loki should be dealing with Evilus. Freya’s eyes widened in fear. “Astraea.”

“Yes, Freya?”

“Bring me Dionysus.”

Astraea frowned, walking up to the platinum-haired Goddess, she placed a hand on her forehead. “Are you sick?”

Freya scowled, “I’m a deity.”

Astraea chuckled awkwardly, “Right. Right. Well, as you should know, Dionysus is in Tenkai. He’s been in Tenkai for almost 20 years now.”

“Ah. Yes… of course.” Nodded Freya. “Well, if that is all, Hestia and I have business to discuss.”

“Ah. Hestia, how are you? I heard you finally got a child. Congratulations! I have high hopes for you.”

Hestia smiled, “T-Thank you.”

—

“WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!?” screamed Freya.

“HOW THE FUCK AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW!?” screamed Hestia.

Freya started to pace back and forth. “Think. Think. Think.” Her eyes widened, “Was Astraea in Tenkai?”

Hestia frowned, “I-I don’t think so…”

Freya hummed in thought, “But Dionysus was in Tenkai… so… why is he not here now? WHAT IS FUCKING GOING ON!?”

“I DON’T KNOW! STOP YELLING AT ME, I’LL CRY!”

Freya pulled at her hair in frustration, “UGGGGGGGH! That damn boy!”

“H-Hey, don’t curse at Bell like that!”

Freya growled, looking at her spilt wine, “He better fuck me good over this.”

“E-EXCUSE YOU?!”

Freya blinked, turning to Hestia, “You’re excused.”

— Orario, Twilight Manor —

“Home, Home, Home!” sang Loki as she walked up to her front door.

The door opened for her, causing her vermilion eyes to open slightly. A dark-haired elf, and a white-haired elf greeted her at the door. “”Welcome Home, Lady Loki.””

Loki froze, “Filvis?”

“Yes, my Goddess?”

“Aura?”

The other elf bowed.

“WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING AT MY HOUSE!?”

Filvis blushed, “W-We live here my Goddess…”

Aura started to cry, “Are you kicking us out, Lady Loki!?”

“Man, what the fuck!?” yelled Loki in frustration.

— Orario, Valka’s Crimson Chamber —

Hephaestus blinked in confusion. “Why are you here?”

The goddess turned her head, “I’m not so sure myself.” Shrugging, she sighed, “I talked to Welf, without seeming too suspicious, I’ve gathered that we both were able to escape Rakia together.”

“I see…” Hephaestus’ mind was working in overdrive as she tried to come up with a reasonable solution. Her sharp mind failed her. “Phobos.”

“Yes, ‘Phae?”

“Let’s… try to make the best of this.”

Phobos smiled, “Well that’s fairly obvious isn’t it. We can’t have our boy getting bitten in half again, can we?”

Hephaestus raised an eyebrow. “Our boy?”

Phobos giggled, leaning back, “Like I didn’t see what was going on in Tenkai…”

— Orario, Twilight Manor —

Golden eyes slowly opened.

Eyes that no longer shined with innocence. Eyes that were dulled by war. Eyes that had experienced many things; love, death, heartbreak, betrayal, loss.

Those eyes blinked.

Her hand squeezed tighter, around the dual-headed Valis in her hand.

“Bell Cranel.”

Yes, that did sound right, coming off her lips.

Author’s Notes: Not much to say here. Just doing some world building. Hope you guys are enjoying it so far. Until next time.

Follow and Review if you’d be so inclined.

Chapter Text

Ais’ soft footsteps echoed the currently empty halls of the Twilight Manor. Her hand gently drug across the maroon painted walls. It all felt so familiar, yet so different.

“Me and Tiona share a room…” she whispered softly.

That didn’t seem right.

“The walls… were green.” She continued. Her voice waivered, like she was trying to convince herself that her memories weren’t failing her. This wasn’t right. Why was she even in this house?

“Bell…”

The heartbreak in his eyes. The fear etched on his face. Her lover became the embodiment of doom and dread. “I failed you, Bell.” She exhaled deeply, before she started to descend the spiral staircase to the living space of the Twilight Manor. Light from magic stone lamps danced off the walls, casting her shadow across the cool colored paint. She could hear her animated Goddess, she could only smile, she missed Loki.

“Lady Loki, we’ve been your children for years now!” cried a voice that sounded familiar to Ais, but she couldn’t quite place her finger on it.

“Bullshit!” yelled the deity, “If… If you’re my child then show me your boobs then!”

Ais could only scoff and shake her head, “Some things just don’t change.” She said to herself. Her steps started to echo in the relatively quiet home, breaking the conversation.

Loki’s eyes widened as a golden-blonde head of hair slowly circled the staircase. A slender hand, soft skin, almost snow white, snaked around the hand rail of the staircase. The two elves bowed respectively. ““Sword Princess.””

Golden eyes blinked at the bowing elves, it slowly started to click, her memories started to serve her well, the monsters, the weird magic stones, Enyo and Ein, Dionysus and Filvis. She schooled her emotions, something was going on, Filvis was dead. She squinted her eyes, a headache started to build. She continued her aloof poker face as memories of Aura helping Riveria raise her, Filvis assisting in her studies started to form. Along with the small changes to her home, she was starting to spiral, mentally. She turned to look at her Goddess. “Lady Loki, are you in trouble?”

Loki chuckled, shaking her head, “No Ais, I don’t think so. Why are you up? It’s rather late.”

“I wanted to get some fresh air…”

Loki eyed her before shrugging. “Go get it then.”

—

“What is going on?” Ais asked to no one in particular as her hand wrapped around an iron bar, one of many, that made up the sturdy gates of Twilight Manor. She pressed her forehead against the cold bar, she closed her eyes as she started to concentrate.

“Ais?”

She sighed heavily as she opened her eyes, to a red-head standing on the other side of the gate. “I should know her…” thought Ais, as she stared at emerald-green eyes. A brown-haired woman walked up next to her, she carried herself like a Goddess, her beauty was flawless. Even with Ais’ deduction skills she came to the conclusion. “You’re a Goddess.”

A soft giggle escaped the woman’s lips. “I appreciate the compliment, Ais. Are you going to let us in?”

“Why would I do that?”

“Grrr. What is the deal with everyone acting weird tonight!? Especially tonight of all nights!” said the red-head while stomping her foot.

“Alise. That’s enough.” Responded Astraea, with a slight chuckle. She turned to Ais, a soft smile formed on her lips, “We have a late-night meeting with Loki, if you remember.”

Ais tilted her head. Her eyes widened. She remembered something. She had to fight with every urge of her being to not frown. “Play it cool, Ais…”

“Of course… Lady Astraea. Alise… my apologies, right this way.”

———

Alfia tilted her head to the side, confusion written on her face, “The One-Eyed Black Dragon?”

Zeus sighed, he had decided to wait until sunrise to approach Bell, for now, he’d gather information. Zeus, was lost.

“You know… the final great quest.”

“Yeah… so…” Alfia blinked, “I know the One-Armed White Dragon…”

Zeus could only sigh again. “Of course it is…”

“You okay old man?”

“No. No, I’m not, Alfia.”

“Maybe you should lay down and get some rest.” Stated the mage softly.

“Maybe I need some of Mama’s coffee liqueur.” Chuckled Zeus, he paused, and then frowned. “The… Hostess of Fertility, right?”

“The Host of Sterility?”

“…The Guild?”

“The Union?”

“The Dungeon?”

“The Cavern?”

Zeus could only snort, and shake his head clearly frustrated.

“This is fun, give me another one.” Laughed Alfia.

Zeus sat down, holding his head in his hands. “What is going on?”

“I was just yankin’ your chain old man. Maybe you need to put the bottle down.” Said Alfia, continuing her laughing fit.

Zeus sighed in relief. “You really had me with the One-Armed White thing.” He then laughed, until he saw the serious look on Alfia’s face. “What?”

“No… No… that one I was serious.”

“…of course you were.”

————

“YAAAAH!” yelled Bell.

Another Infant Dragon bit the dust. Literally. He smiled as he picked up the magic stone and added it to his already stuffed pouch. He couldn’t imagine that he was getting that much excelia, but he wasn’t going to pass up the chance to make some decent money for Hestia on this night. The more he fought, the better he felt. He slowly felt the weight of the knowledge of the future lift from his shoulders. His time was limited, but he had it. That thought alone was comforting.

“One step at a time. One day at a time.” Bell sighed as he took a seat, his back resting against a tree, as he looked along the ash-colored field. “I’ll make it right. I have to.” He closed his eyes, his body started to feel heavy, his arms started to droop, Bell Cranel fell back asleep.

———

“Ryuu, are you ready?”

“Of course, Neze, are you?”

The werewolf grinned, “It’s a full moon tonight, just try to stay out of my way.”

The Gale Wind could only laugh as she pulled her face mask up to her nose, her identity hidden as she pulled up her hood.

“Ladies, as your Vice Captain, I must remind all of you, myself included, that failure is not an option.” Spoke Kaguya as she entered the room.

Nods, made their ways around the room causing the Vice-Captain to smile. “Perfect. Let’s get to it then.”

———

“Hey, Asfi.”

“Yes, Lord Hermes?”

“Have you ever thought about time travel?”

“Hmmm. It’s an interesting concept, I don’t think it’d be feasible though.”

“Right. Right. What about… alternative timelines?”

Asfi chuckled shaking a head of blue hair, “There are studies and theories that indicate the possibility of it, but I think it’s all crazy talk.”

“I see…” said Hermes his mind in thought. “Asfi.”

“Yes, Lord Hermes?”

“Where are your glasses?”

A blue-haired elf raised a delicate eyebrow. “Lord Hermes, I’ve never worn a pair of glasses in my life.”

“…right, right.”

———

A fist slammed across the cheek, dropping the poor girl to the ground. The backpack she had on her back filled with items flew open, spilling its contents across the ground.

“You’ve been holding out on me…”

Eyes widened in fear, “N-No! I swear—”

“Shut up!” a boot hit her in the mouth causing her to fall backwards.

“Gather her goods, let’s see how much Valis this can fetch us. Another round of Lord Soma’s wine is in our grasp.”

A round of cheers rang out as the hard-working supporter’s stuff was taken from her.

“It’s not fair…” she whimpered, tears stinging her eyes.

She felt a small frame lean down in front of her, her shadow barely a cast over. The supporter looked up to cold honey-colored eyes. “Life’s not fair. Understand?”

“Y-Yes, Captain.”

“Good. Keep up the good work though.” A wad of spit hit the lowly supporter.

“Lady Liliruca, we’ve secured her wares, including a unicorn horn, and a jack bird egg.”

Liliruca chuckled as she stood up, “You really have been holding out on us…”

“I was on my way to—”

“Shut up!” screamed the prum. She ran a hand through her hair and sighed heavily. “Chandra, Zanis.”

“”Yes, Captain?””

“Teach this bitch a lesson.”

———

“So tonight’s the night, huh?” asked Loki, trying to not act like she was lost.

“It’s finally upon us, yes.” Nodded Astraea.

“Run it all by me again.”

“Loki, why would I run it by you, when you were the one that came up with everything?” asked Astraea with a raised eyebrow.

“To see if you’re all in or not.” Loki kept her poker face strong, but on the inside, she was having a panic attack.

———

Footsteps rained down on the cobblestone streets as the Stardust Garden emptied.

———

Astraea giggled, “I assure you, Loki, I’m ‘all in’ as you put it, but I’ll play along with the trickster.”

———

“Arm the bombs.” Stated Kaguya calmly.

———

“Freya overstepped her boundaries. When Ganesha died, she usurped all of his power. Her rule over this city has been suffocating. It is not… Justice.”

———

“Are we good, Ryuu?”

“Yes, Lyra. We can head to the next location.”

A pink haired prum grinned, “That’s my girl.”

———

“She took your rightful spot as the leader of Orario.” Continued Astraea. “This Golden Age farce has been going on for too long. For 20 years now, that bitch has been up at the top of the tower keeping us held down.”

———

“You got it Celty?”

“Y-Yeah!” saluted a timid elf girl.

Neze grinned, showing her canines. “Let’s make it ‘boom.’

———

“They’ll never suspect a thing. Your familia coming back from the expedition. My familia as her personal police force, it took a long time. Way too long in my opinion, but a Dark Age is settling on Orario. Courtesy of the Great Goddess Loki. Your boy Finn said the long game would be more sweet, I must admit that I agree with him.” Astraea smiled. “I can not wait for the beautiful union of my daughter and your son.”

———

“Lyra, where’s your boy toy?”

“He just came back from the expedition, let my darling sleep.”

“Probably hugged up with that Amazon.”

“We have ground rules, he’s allowed to relieve his stress when he’s on expeditions.”

“You guys are so weird.”

“It’s called love Ryuu. Geez. You’re the only elf I know that’s a stuck up prude.”

Ryuu frowned under her mask. “I’m not that bad…”

———

“Finn planned this perfectly. We must congratulate him.” Added Alise.

Astraea nodded, “Finn and Lyra both.”

Loki’s eyes opened up, “So…”

Ais was internally having a panic attack; her strong will was breaking.

“Ais.”

“Y-Yes, Alise?”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” Said the Sword Princess.

Alise walked up to Ais and gingerly took her hand, “We’ll get through this, together. Okay? It’ll be alright. I promise. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Ais blushed, feeling Alise’s lips against her cheek.

“Oh yeah, I have a girlfriend...”

Loki shook her head; this was getting to be to much. She eyed her Sword Princess, it truly broke her heart, that she couldn’t trust any of her children.

Ais’ met Loki’s gaze, it made her sad. “I can’t trust my Goddess…” she felt the squeeze of Alise’s hand in hers, she pried her gaze from Loki and turned to Alise who smiled. “We’ll be at the top… when we take Ottar down, together.”

Ais only nodded in response.

———

Kaguya grinned as the girls regrouped in front of her, she exhaled deeply as they all looked over the peaceful and sleeping Orario. “It makes me sick.” Hissed Kaguya.

“This place is not ‘just’.” Said a dwarven woman.

“But it will be.” Grinned an Amazon.

“We ready?” asked Ryuu, pulling down her face mask.

“Today marks a new day.” Said Kaguya with finality.

———

“A new Era.” Said Astraea.

———

“Out with the old, in with the new.” Said Kaguya

———

“The rise of the first Great Goddess.” Praised Astraea a smile on her face.

———

“All hail…” Kaguya crossed her left arm across her chest, followed by the other daughters of Astraea, a salute, an ode of loyalty. Loyalty to Astraea and…

———

“Lady Loki.” Grinned Astraea. “Lead us well.”

———

“Click, Click, Boom!” grinned Lyra.

Orario shook, as the once dark night, flashed red.

———

“If Freya ever did do anything useful… she gave us an idea for a name.” chuckled Astraea.

“And that is?” asked Loki raising an eyebrow.

The ground started to rumble; Loki’s house shook. Screams from outside bather their ears.

“Evilus.” Grinned Astraea

———

Bell’s eyes shot open, as the dungeon started to rumble. “…what the fuck?”

———

Tiona ran down the steps, her eyes bright, and giggling. “You should of woke me up! This is better than Christmas!”

Ais, was in hell.

Loki… was curious.

Author’s Notes: Pairing status is still up in the air. I’m really enjoying this, I hope you guys stay patient with me  as I continue to fill out this universe. Thanks for the feedback so far. It’s really appreciated.

Follow and Review if you’d be so inclined. Thanks, byeeeee

****This is a reupload from FF.net. Probably should have pointed that out previously, sorry if some of these Author Note's make zero fuckin sense for you. I apologize.

Chapter Text

Panting filled the once dark hallways.

The entrance to the dungeon was on fire, Bell’s throat burned from the hot air and the smell of sulfur.

“What the hell is going on!?”

The closer he got to the flames, the more his face scrunched up. The light, and the heat were beginning to be unbearable.

Bell darted through the flaming maw of the dungeon entrance, to the chaotic streets of Orario.

Orario, was burning.

Bell’s eyes widened as flames, the same color as his eyes danced across multiple buildings. He looked up, the smoke stacks blocked out the moon. “W-What…?”

He could only walk to the main street, his mind in a state of shock. He casually twisted and turned, moving sideways, past frantic humans and demi-humans alike as he made his way through the mass of frantic people.

“People! Try to keep a single file! This way, this way!” yelled an unfamiliar Amazon. “You! Kid, you’re going the wrong way!”

Bell turned to the voice, to see the young woman looking at him. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. “I have to find my Goddess!”

The Amazon frowned at the boy, “The Astraea Familia will help find and rescue any people in trouble! Unless you are a level 3 or above, please continue to evacuate!”

“I-I’m above level 3. Let me find my Goddess, and I’ll be of help!”

The Amazon widened her eyes, as she left her post. She slowly but surely crossed the street, trying not to be trampled by the stampede of people. Eventually, she found herself in front of the young man, eying him suspiciously. “What is your name?”

“Bell. Bell Cranel.”

The Amazon frowned, that name, wasn’t on Celty’s list.

“Who is your Goddess?”

“Lady Hestia.” Answered Bell, as chaos danced around them.

The Amazon’s frown only deepened, her mind replaying a conversation with her Captain.

“Be wary of Hestia, she, out of the blue was spotted with Freya in her private quarters. Who knows how long they’ve been in bed together. Tch. Virgin Goddess, my ass.”

“Captain Alise, didn’t she just start her Familia?”

“Yeah, some level one loser.” Waived off Alise.

The Amazon shook her head, clearing her thoughts. “Come with me, Bell Cranel. We can find some use for you, if you’d be willing to help.”

“Of course, after I find my Goddess, may I know your name?”

“Iska, Iska Bra.”

Bell, as the world was burning, still found time to smile at a pretty girl.

The Amazon blushed.

“Iska! What are you doing!? Keep helping with the evacuation!” snapped a prum.

The Amazon turned to the Astraea executive, a frown on her face. “Lyra! Please come here!”

“Tch. If I get stomped to death by these rabid sheep…” she grumbled to herself.

—

Lyra blinked; this boy’s story just wasn’t adding up. “You’ve just entered Orario.”

Bell fought the urge to sigh, he needed to find his Goddess, not wasting time getting questioned over and over again in some house. “Not long ago, yes.”

“But you’re a level 3.” Stated the prum, questioningly.

“…Yes.”

“And you have no inkling of an idea of who we are?” asked Lyra raising an eyebrow.

“Well… that’s Iska.” Chuckled Bell, nervously.

“Don’t do that.” Huffed the Amazon. “I just told you my name.”

“I don’t believe he’s lying. He seems to innocent.” Stated a dwarf. He learned her name was Asta. It was all starting to add up for him.

Lyra shook her head, “I’m sure you’re a good kid. But this seems suspicious… I hope you understand.”

Bell frowned as the doors opened up to reveal a grey-haired werewolf. A werewolf Bell remembered all too well.

“Bete.” Continued the prum. “Detain this man, he is a suspect.”

“WHAT!?” shouted Bell standing up quickly.

The werewolf was on him instantly, trying to wrestle the boy back down to the table. Bete gritted his teeth, “This motherfucker is strong!”

Iska jumped in to help, her eyes widening in surprise. “Level 3 my ass!”

Bell was getting annoyed.

Bell was losing his patience.

Hestia’s angelic voice reverberated in his head as he replayed a dear memory.

“Congratulations Bell, you sit with elite company.”

“What do you mean, my Goddess?”

“You leveled up Bell…”

“Do you… think it’ll be enough?” asked Bell.

“Well… the Empress was level 9…”

Bell chuckled softly, “That doesn’t make me feel any better, my Goddess.”

Bell elbowed, Bete, causing the air to drive out of his lungs. The werewolf released his hold and fell to a knee. Bell then focused on the Amazon. “I’m sorry…” he whispered before twisting her arm behind her back, followed up by a kick, pushing her into the wall. Her head bouncing off the stone, knocking her out.

The prum gritted her teeth. “You are so fucking under arrest.”

“Sorry, but you’ll have to catch me first.” Clapped back Bell. With that, Bell dashed out of the small room, zooming down the hallway of a rather nice house.

The front doors opened with a loud BANG as Bell rammed through them, knocking the doors off their hinges.

Lyra frowned as she watched the back of the white-haired man disappear into the night.

“What was that?” asked a woman, trying to remain calm, even though her front door just got bashed in.

“Lady Astraea… I do believe we just found our scapegoat.” Grinned Lyra.

Asta whined behind both of them, “Now I have to fix the fucking door!? I’m tired.”

Astraea was more intrigued with a white head of hair, “What was his name, Lyra?”

“Bell, my Goddess. Bell Cranel.”

— Orario, The Tower of Babel —

Freya sighed heavily as she watched the smoke rise, passing even her window in Babel.

“Hestia…” Freya said softly.

“Yes?”

“Maybe… just for tonight, we should stay here.  Until we figure out what’s going on.”

“But Bell is out there!” protested the loli Goddess.

“He… did not return till the morning, correct?”

“Well… yeah.”

“Then we just have to beat him home. Let us get some rest.”

“Can we at least use your mirror to check on him?”

Freya shook her head, “Unless I have a conduit like another mirror, I can not see into the dungeon.”

“I see…” Hestia yawned, “I suppose I am tired.”

— Orario, Stardust Garden —

Celty turned the paper towards Lyra and Kaguya. “This our guy?”

“Can you color his eyes red for me?” asked Lyra.

“Of course. Of course.” Responded the elf as she took the paper back. Within a few seconds she pushed the paper back. “How about that?”

Kaguya chuckled, “Such a shame. The boy is adorable.”

Lyra snorted, “Whore. Anyways, great work Celty, this looks just like him.”

Celty nodded at the praise taking the ‘wanted poster’ back. “I’ll get this printed up and posted before the sun rises.”

“Great work as always Celty-chan.” Kaguya yawned, and stretched before smacking her lips a couple of times, “I do believe it is bed time.”

Lyra yawned as well, “The faster I get to sleep, the faster I can see Finn.”

Kaguya shook her head, “Ais found time to see Alise.”

Lyra grumbled, “Don’t remind me.”

As the two executives passed their Goddess, Astraea laid a delicate hand on Kaguya’s shoulder. “Come with me, please.”

Kaguya shot the Goddess and annoyed look.

Astraea’s facial features screamed that it wasn’t a request.

Kaguya sighed, accepting her fate.

— Orario, Empty West Main Street —

“I see…” said Ais as she mulled over her thoughts.

“It all went off without a hitch!” said Alise excitedly. “One step closer to fixing Orario for good.”

“Won’t innocent people get hurt?” asked Ais, adopting her aloof expression.

Alise’s smile slowly faded to a frown, “Weren’t you the one that said a couple of casualties benefit the greater good of the people?”

Ais frowned, at the woman she had become, “Am I not allowed to change my mind, when I see the faces of people suffering?”

Alise’s eyes softened as she reached for Ais’ hand. “I understand… let’s… let’s just get through this, and get Freya out of here, and we’ll make it right.”

Ais, letting a smile form on her face, nodded, “Thank you, Alise.”

Alise’s heart swelled; her love was truly a disciple of Justice. “I love you, Ais.”

Ais just looked down at her feet.

“There’s the two love birds!” cheered a voice, saving Ais from having to lie.

Ais looked up to see a bouncy Tiona approach the two. She wanted to smile, she wanted to embrace her Familia sister, but her body wouldn’t move.

Alise waived at Tiona, her smiling getting even bigger seeing the girl following her. “And you call us the love birds.”

“We are just friends.” Stated Ryuu softly.

“Yeah, we just practice kissing each other.” Giggled Tiona.

The elf blushed, “Something like that…”

“So, what do you guys think?” asked Alise, excitedly.

“It was easy.” Stated Ryuu with a shrug.

“I’m sorry you guys had to do all the work.” Whined Tiona.

“It really wasn’t a problem, Tiona.” Admitted Alise, she then turned to Ais, “One step closer.”

“Yeah… One step closer.” Said Ais quietly.

—

Ruby red eyes hid behind a chimney stack, watching the interaction.

“They’re in on it…?”

Bell had to focus his breathing. He was starting to have a panic attack. “I have to get the fuck out of here.”

He made to move, and slipped, his footing betrayed him. A rock slowly slid off the roof, before bouncing down to the ground below.

The noise grabbed the four girls’ attention.

Alise narrowed her eyes, drawing her sword. “Who’s up there!?” she asked, authority in her voice.

Bell covered his mouth, trying to stifle his breathing. He could take them. He was fairly positive of that. That didn’t mean he wanted too though.

Ryuu frowned, “Maybe it was just the wind.”

Bell let out a silent sigh of relief. Even in another life, he could always count on Ryuu.

Tiona chuckled, “Yeah, your nerves are probably just all over the place, Alise.”

Alise frowned, before sighing, and sheathing her sword. “Maybe…”

Ais swore she saw a white tuft of hair on the roof. She smiled sadly. Her mind had to be playing tricks on her, as the hair was now gone.

She could only hope that Bell was safe.

“My Savior…”

She smiled softly; she’d make sure that stayed the same. At least.

“Penny for your thoughts?” asked Alise.

“I uh… was just thinking about you.” Stated Ais nonchalantly.

Alise blushed, “I-Is tonight the night you finally stay the night?”

Tiona cat called while Ryuu just shook her head.

—

Bell sat there, panting. “What do I do?” his eyes widened, “What if…?”

He shook his head, “No. No. Lady Hestia would never.”

Ais flashed in his mind.

Tiona flashed in his mind.

Ryuu flashed in his mind.

“Maybe… Hestia would…”

Bell had to get out.

Bell, couldn’t be in Orario anymore.

So, Bell ran.

— Orario, Belit Babili —

Orario, for obvious reasons, was locked down. Every exit that Bell was aware of that lead to the outside of the massive Labyrinth City walls was blocked, and then some. Bell didn’t know where to go. “Was it a mistake to run…?” he blinked at the thought. “If I told them the truth, would they believe me…?” His eyes widened. “Their Goddess… If I can just get to their Goddess, I can tell her everything…”

“Oh, great. He’s crazy.” huffed a voice.

Bell’s eyes widened. He recognized that voice. Bell looked up, and took in his surroundings. Belit Babili. The neon lights were unmistakable.

“Aisha.” Said Bell, a smile on his face.

“Oh?” a beautiful tanned woman raised her eyebrow, eying the young man. “Do I know you? I usually don’t forget customers, unless…” she snorted, her eyes darting towards his crotch. “My condolences.”

Bell’s face turned bright red from her insinuation. “That’s not it at all!”

“Prove me wrong then.” She responded in a goading tone.

“N-No thanks!” protested Bell.

Aisha crossed her arms before walking past the young man, “I don’t have all night. I’d rather not waste my time.”

“H-Hey!” called Bell. He really just wanted any little bit of familiarity. “Can we talk?”

Aisha growled, before continuing her walk, in search of a client.

—

“Lady Ishtar, you’re acting weird.”

Ishtar sighed, trying to massage away her migraine, her thumbs rubbing circles into her temples.

Phryne Jamil, eyed her Goddess, a look of worry on her face.

Ishtar looked up at Phryne again, before letting out another heavy sigh. Her Captain, was beautiful. A bit on the petite side, but beautiful nonetheless. Not even a remnant of the toad monstrosity like appearance she was used to. “I’m fine Phryne. I’m fine. I just got a lot going on right now.”

Phryne’s yellow eyes softened, “If there’s anything I can do…”

Ah, yes. She was compassionate too. Truly an enigma. “I appreciate that Phryne, go enjoy your night.”

“Y-You’re letting me off?” hope shined in the Captain’s eyes.

“Yes.”

“S-So I can take some customers?” the hope shined brighter.

“If that is what you so desire, then yes.”

Phryne tried to contain her excitement.

“Please summon the Berberas before you leave.” Stated Ishtar.

Phryne tilted her head to the side, “I’m sorry, the what?”

Ishtar wanted to throw something.

— Orario, Abandoned Church —

“Silly, silly boy. Did you not think, I wouldn’t think to check your home?”

Bell wanted to slap his forehead. They knew his name, they knew his Goddess, obviously, the ‘police force’ would know where he lived. This could work in his favor though. “Astraea?”

The Goddess raised her eyebrow as she looked at the white-haired young man. “Are you asking me if that’s my name?”

“Sorry, we’ve just… never formally met.” Said Bell, a frown on his face. He looked around, the Amazon Iska, a woman he could only assume was Kaguya from the stories Ryuu told him, and a werewolf were present with the Goddess. Bell flinched as his eyes met with Iska’s, “I’m sorry about—”

“Fuck you, Rabbit!” she spat, a nice knot on her left temple.

“We’ve got you cornered Mr. Cranel. Please come peacefully.” Said Astraea calmly.

“I know it was you.” He said quietly. “I know you guys are behind this.”

Astraea sighed, rolling her eyes. “No point in refuting your claims. It simply does not matter though, in the long run, whether you know or not. To be frank, you, of all people, will not be getting in our way.”

“This isn’t right.” He said calmly.

The werewolf growled, taking a step forward to Bell, who instinctively took a step backwards.

“Neze, patience.” Admonished Astraea. She looked at Bell, “You are new here. Let me explain something very clear to you, we don’t act without reason. We are not senseless monsters; we are harbingers of Justice and it is our jobs—”

“IS THIS JUSTICE!?” screamed Bell. His outburst genuinely shocking the women present. “People that are now homeless, people that are scared for their lives, the children crying out on the streets, is that justice!?”

Iska’s eyes widened. Celty had this boy pegged all wrong. Quiet, shut-in, obedient Bell Cranel. She shook her head; she shouldn’t be surprised anymore. This boy had everyone fooled. “Level 1 my ass.” She internally scoffed, “Level fucking 3 my ass.”

Astraea’s eyes softened as she looked at Bell. “Every war has casualties—”

“Not every war is necessary!” exclaimed Bell.

“Do not speak of things you do not know, boy.” Astraea was losing her patience.

“What is the Freya Familia, to Hestia, Bell-kun?” asked Kaguya stepping forward.

Bell thought back, he shook his head. “The Freya Familia has done nothing for us.”

Astraea looked at the boy, sizing him up. “…you’re telling the truth.”

“I wouldn’t lie to a Goddess, I’m not that dumb.”

Kaguya giggled, “Says the man evading arrest.”

“I didn’t do anything… but you know that.” Glared Bell.

Kaguya only grinned in response. She looked like a deadly snake.

“Come with us, Bell.” Astraea said, with a tone of finality.

“No.” responded Bell, simply.

“We will take you with force, if we have to.” As Astraea finished her sentence, her three daughters stepped forward.

Bell sighed, he had to end this. He had to get back on track. He couldn’t live his life on the run. “Can you at least share your story with me? Why are you doing this?” asked Bell. “The Astraea I was told about, the Iska, Neze, Kaguya I was told about, were NOTHING like this.”

“You don’t know us.” Frowned Kaguya.

“Don’t name drop us like you can appeal to us somehow.” Growled Neze.

Astraea stayed quiet, studying the boys’ eyes. She was captivated by his determination.

“I heard about all of you.” Continued Bell. He looked at Iska. “When you told me your name, I didn’t want to believe it.” He turned back to Astraea. “Where I come from… you all don’t exist, anymore. So please, tell me your story.”

Astraea’s eyes widened.

Kaguya giggled softly, a delicate hand covering her mouth, “You may have had nothing to do with the attack on Orario, but we definitely should take you in for illegal substance use.”

Neze joined in on the laughter, Iska, however eyed her Goddess. “Lady Astraea…?”

Astraea shook her head, “I’ll indulge you, Bell Cranel. Take a seat.”

Neze’s laughing fit paused, as her face morphed into a look of disbelief, “Goddess, you can’t be serious!”

Astraea ignored Neze, her eyes never leaving Bell’s. “Who is my Captain?”

“Alise Lovell.” Stated Bell, firmly.

“And what does she look like?” continued Astraea.

“Red hair, that’s really all I know.”

“And my Vice-Captain?”

Bell pointed at the smiling snake, “Her. Kaguya G… Goi… Goj—”

“Close enough.” Chuckled Astraea. “How did you hear about us?”

“Ryuu.” He answered calmly.

“And why would she tell you about us?”

“She was venting. She had a lot to get off of her chest.” Said Bell sadly.

Astraea hummed in thought. Neze started to speak, but a quick look from Astraea silenced the werewolf. “Bell.”

“Yes?”

“Why was Ryuu venting to you, of all people?”

Bell exhaled deeply, looking around the room. “I want to show you something first… I know this is taboo but—”

“We don’t want to see your dick, boy.” Growled Neze.

Bell blushed, “O-Oh nonononono.” He said, quickly shaking his head, and putting his hands up.

Astraea rolled her eyes, “Neze. Please.”

“S-Sorry, my Goddess.”

Bell took off his shirt, causing the werewolf to bare her fangs. “I’m showing you my Falna.” Said Bell quickly. “Lady Hestia doesn’t know how to lock it.”

“I see…” said Astraea calmly.

Bell turned his back to the four women, letting them get a good look at his blessing.

Astraea stayed quiet. With every hieroglyph, her eyes widened.

“Looks cool I guess, but I can’t read this shit.” Complained Kaguya.

“Lady Astraea, what does it say?” asked Iska curiously.

Astraea closed her eyes, her mind working in overdrive. “You tell me your story first Bell, and I’ll tell you mine. If that works for you.”

“If that works for you!?” screeched Neze.

“Neze.” Said Astraea sternly. “This boy… is Level 9.”

— Orario, Twilight Manor —

“Lady Loki, you don’t seem to be yourself, I’d think you’d be excited.”

Loki’s vermillion eyes pried from the liquor bottle, as she looked up at a regal looking high elf. “Riveria…”

“Yes, my Goddess?”

“Show me your boobs.”

Riveria sighed, but without any push back or hesitation, her dainty robe fell off her shoulders exposing herself to her Goddess. Any other time Loki would have been ecstatic. However, this just irritated the small Goddess even more.

“I thought elves were reserved.” Said Loki softly as she swirled the liquid around in the bottle.

Riveria crossed her arms and scoffed. “Lady Loki, you know better than that.”

“Elves get around, do they?” snorted Loki.

“You know that better than anyone, my Goddess. There IS a reason elves make up 63% of your familia.” Chuckled Riveria.

“Oh… yeah.” Said Loki quietly.

Riveria walked towards her Goddess. The way her breasts bounced tantalized Loki, but it didn’t excite her. This all felt so wrong.

“What is going on with you, my Goddess?” asked Riveria, concern gracing her beautiful features.

“Riveria, smell my breath please.”

Riveria raised a jade-colored eyebrow before leaning over. Loki softly blew into her face.

“It smells like mint.” Observed Riveria aloud.

“So, you know I’m not drunk.” Chuckled Loki. “I have a story for you, my dear Princess Elf.”

Riveria crossed her arms and huffed, “I really thought you were going to kiss me, not blow your breath in my face.”

Loki laughed, she was still Loki after all, “Humor me, Riveria, and then we’ll do a whole lot more than kissing.”

— Orario, Tower of Babel —

“Anya?”

“Yes, Lady Freya?”

Freya looked at the bowing animal person, still adorned in her waitress attire. “Where is your brother?”

The woman scowled, “Do not bring up that waste of space around me.”

Freya flinched, another abnormality. “I need a favor of you, my dear girl.”

“Ask it, and it shall be done, my Goddess.”

“I suspect this was Astraea’s doing…” Freya said softly as she looked at the rising smoke pyres from her window. “Go confirm that theory for me.”

Hestia gasped, but Freya’s sharp look silenced any questioning from the Loli Goddess.

“Of course, my Goddess.” Answered Anya, still bowing.

“And be on the lookout for a boy.” Added Freya.

Anya grinned, “Someone catch your eye?”

“And my heart. His name is Bell Cranel. White hair, red eyes.”

Anya’s eyes widened. “So… you’re serious about him then?”

Freya raised an eyebrow eyeing Anya.

“Well… I thought when you were playing as Syr it’d just be a one-night stand kind of thing, you hardly ever approach men in your Goddess form—”

“Anya.” Sighed Freya, with the realization of yet another abnormality. “One thing at a time, my dear girl.”

“O-Of course, my Goddess.”

— Orario, Abandoned Church —

“Where I come from, Ryuu and I are…”

“Are what?” Kaguya’s eyes gleamed with mischief. This reeked of delicious gossip.

“We were engaged.” He said quietly.

“Jackpot.” Kaguya couldn’t stop the devilish smirk on her lips.

“Were?” asked Astraea.

“She died… well, you all died.” Said Bell somberly. “There was this group called Evilus, and you all fought them with every fiber of your being… there was an ambush in the dungeon… the floor number escapes me, so I apologize for that…” Bell let out a deep breath. “If the Dungeon takes too much damage, it will spawn a certain monster, called a Juggernaut. According to Ryuu… it killed all of you.”

Astraea studied the boy’s eyes. No lies detected. She frowned as she hummed, pondering his story over in her head. “Evilus… so, Freya… she did seem different.” Astraea’s eyes widened with realization, “Freya knows what’s going on…” She quickly schooled her features, looking back at Bell. “Go on…”

Neze snarled, “This boy is clearly on drugs—”

“Neze. Shut up.” Commanded Kaguya, entranced by his story.

“Ryuu said that there were three others than her that remained after the first initial attack. Alise, Kaguya, and Lyra, they… you.” He looked at Kaguya, “Fought to protect Ryuu and to let her escape…”

Kaguya rose an eyebrow, “You had me in the first half, not gonna’ lie. I’d never lay my life on the line for that elf.”

Astraea shook her head, “He’s being truthful, Kaguya.”

“I see…” said Kaguya quietly.

“Ryuu went on a rampage. She hunted them, Evilus I mean, and killed them all.” He turned his attention to Astraea, “You told her to—”

“Abandon her justice…” finished Astraea, her eyes widening. Thoughts, more like memories, started to invade her mind. They seemed so foreign but yet familiar. Astraea stared at her feet, frowning. “Bell Cranel.”

“Yes, Goddess?”

“I wish to hear more of your story. Please accompany us back to my home.”

Bell frowned, “I have to find Lady Hestia—”

“She is safe, with Freya in the Tower of Babel.” Answered Astraea quickly.

Bell let out a sigh of relief, “Thank you.” He said bowing respectfully.

“So, you’ll accompany us then.” It wasn’t a question.

“I suppose it couldn’t hurt…” he chuckled nervously rubbing the back of his head.

Astraea surprisingly offered him a warm smile, shocking her daughters. She hadn’t smiled like that in a long long time.

— Orario, Twilight Manor —

“Ooooo what’s this?” asked Tiona, seeing a golden glint in Ais’ bed sheet. She smiled as she grabbed the valis off of Ais’ bed. “Fucking yoink! Hehehe sucker!”

“You shouldn’t steal Miss Ais’ money, Tiona.” Said a whispering Ryuu.

Tiona flipped the coin in her hand and smiled, “Finders keepers. Now shut up, and strip.”

Ryuu blushed, “I-I’m going to do it, but you could say it a little more romantically.”

Tiona rolled her eyes, as she rolled a dual-headed valis in between her fingers. “You’re so not getting a tip.”

Chapter Text

“So, level 9 huh?” asked Neze; her hands clasped behind her head, as they walked through the streets of Orario.

“…yeah.” Answered Bell quietly.

Kaguya studied the boy walking next to her, before chuckling softly. “So, lover boy, you gonna’ sweep Ryuu off her feet again?”

Bell raised an eyebrow as he turned to look at Kaguya, “So… you believe me?”

“Absolutely the fuck not.” Scoffed Kaguya, “But Astraea does, and that’s all that really matters.”

Astraea let a light laugh escape her lips, “I am intrigued to hear more about you, Bell.”

“There’s a lot…” admitted Bell, he stopped walking, looking up at the bright moon; finally showing its majestic face as the smoke cleared. He let out a sigh, he felt so alone. It was nice that Astraea was at least entertaining him, but it just wasn’t quite enough. He needed someone. Someone that understood him. Someone that knew he wasn’t crazy. Someone that could help him explain things.

The moon, would grant his request.

“BELL!”

A blue blur rocketed into Bell knocking the boy over. He gasped in shock as the weight settled onto his waist. He finally opened his eyes to look up at the sight of Artemis. Astraea was taken aback, as were her daughters.

“Bell! It really is you!” squealed Artemis, bending down and rubbing her cheek against his. “You did it! You really did it!” she yelled happily, before breaking her embrace and sitting back up fully on his waist. “We were rooting for you in Tenkai! We’re back! We’re all back!”

Bell’s eyes widened at Artemis, he blinked a couple of times, before the tears started to build, the Goddess smiled softly down at him, she was so beautiful and serene. Astraea eyed the scene with fascination. She didn’t need any more evidence from Bell that something happened, and his farfetched story wasn’t farfetched, but this was the proverbial cherry on top.

“Artemis.” Whispered Astraea softly.

The blue haired deity turned to look at Astraea and smiled at her fellow Goddess. “It’s nice to see you again Astraea, it’s been a while.”

“We spoke just yesterday.” Chuckled Astraea.

“Intersting…” hummed Artemis, as she cupped her chin. “I don’t recall.”

“That seems to be a reoccurring issue.” Huffed Kaguya.

Artemis frowned, “What is poking me…?” she looked down at her waist, where her and the boy that saved her were connected. She rose an eyebrow as she looked up at the beet red face of Bell.

“C-Can you please get up?” whispered Bell.

Artemis face slowly started to turn a fierce red. “PERVERT!” she screamed, slapping Bell and hopping off his lap.

“My my my~~~” sang Kaguya. “That’s an impressive tent pole, Bell-kun.”

Bell rolled over, his back now rested towards the women. “I want to crawl in a hole and die.”

“So dramatic.” Huffed Neze.

—

“Come on Bell-kun, you should be proud.” Teased Kaguya as they continued their trek.

“Please leave me alone.” pleaded the boy.

“So, Artemis…” began Astraea, ignoring her daughter’s teasing.

“Yes, Astraea?”

“What is going on? What happened?”

Artemis sighed, “Honestly, I don’t know all the specifics, all the minute details, but I can give you my perspective, sure.”

“I’d appreciate that.” Responded Astraea.

“I was captured by an ancient beast named Antares, it swallowed me, and ultimately killed me.” Said Artemis sadly, she turned her eyes to the back of Bell. “But he saved me. He made me believe again…”

Astraea studied Artemis eyes before smiling, “You love him…”

“Of course I do.” She stated firmly. “I was willing to wait 10,000 years for him, and now I don’t have to.”

Astraea chuckled softly, “But he was engaged to Ryuu, no?”

Artemis snorted, “He was engaged to more than just Ryuu.”

Astraea’s interest was piqued, “Really?”

“Ryuu wasn’t even his first engagement.”

“GAAH!” yelled Bell.

“You owe me, Bunny Man!” said Iska jumping on his back. “Carry me the rest of the way!”

“He… has a way with women.” Said Artemis bashfully.

“I can tell…” said Astraea her voice conveying a little irritation.

“Ais, was his first engagement.”

Astraea frowned at that. “Alise…”

“I don’t think he’s worried about any of that right now though.” Said Artemis softly, “They tried to complete the great quest, and take on the dragon… they failed.”

“I see…” pondered Astraea.

“It came down to Bell, Liliruca Arde, and Asfi Al Andromeda… well Hermes; ass was there too but he didn’t do anything of value.”

Astraea laughed, “Sounds like Hermes.”

“Asfi… she truly shined. She built a time machine, and with magic stones from this group of special monsters called Xenos, and Hermes arcanum, Bell managed to come back.”

“To be honest, I thought the boy might have had a skill that lets him lie to us deities.” Chuckled Astraea.

“Even if he did, it’d be useless. That boy can’t lie to save his life.” Laughed Artemis.

“Who all knows of these events, Artemis?” asked Astraea. She had a feeling, but she needed it confirmed.

“Well there’s me, of course, Freya, Hestia, Loki, ‘Phae… ummm… we think every deity that was in Tenkai when it happened knows. Which is interesting… because you weren’t there.”

Astraea didn’t respond right away. She sighed, looking down at her clasped hands as they walked. “Artemis, did my daughters really perish, the way Bell explained it to me?”

“He told you about the Juggernaut, huh?” asked Artemis, her voice adopting a saddened tone.

Astraea could only smile sadly, the thought of them dying like that, destroyed her.

“You carried on, Astraea, with grace, and elegance. When you returned to Orario, to support Ryuu, the city cheered for you. The whole city. Ryuu learned this magic called Astraea Record. She could use Alise’s flames, Kaguya’s Sword Arts, and the town cheered your name. You were beloved in Orario.”

“And I was willing to throw all that away…?” Astraea could only look at her feet, as she tried to fight away her self-deprecating thoughts.

“So, how big are you really, Bell-kun?”

Astraea could only sigh, there was Kaguya, to always bring her back to Earth.

— Orario, Stardust Garden —

Ais blinked at the broken door frame, clearly, someone or something, didn’t want anything to do with Astraea’s familia.

“What the hell is this?” asked Alise, walking up the steps to her home.

Asta blinked looking at her Captain, and then looking behind her at Ais. “I figured you’d both be out longer.”

Alise waived off the dwarf, “Tiona and Ryuu ditched us, so ya know, we came back home.”

Asta smiled at the Sword Princess, “It’s nice to see you, Ais.”

“Uh… same.” Blinked Ais.

“A lady of so few words.” Asta squealed, “She’s so cool!”

Alise shook her head, walking past Asta and motioning for Ais to follow. The blonde woman obliged as she delicately danced around the wooden splinters on the deck. As she passed the doorway, she looked around. The house was truly magnificent. “So this is Ryuu’s home…” She genuinely missed her old life. She had grown attached, to not just Bell, but Ryuu and Tiona as well. Deep down, she truly wished things could go back to that.

“Ais?” asked Alise, a look of worry on her face.

“Oh. Yes, Alise?”

“You sure you’re okay? You seem more… distracted than usual.”

Ais sighed, she looked at the young woman in front of her, her green eyes were captivating. Ais could appreciate beauty. “Alise, there is something I wish to talk to you about… is there anywhere private we could discuss things?”

“A-Are you leaving me?” asked a panicked Alise.

“Cute.” Thought Ais. “No. No. Alise.” She said while shaking her head, “I just need your perspective on some things. So please…”

Alise smiled brightly at Ais, “How about we go to your place then.”

Ais smiled, nodding, “Let’s go then.”

—

“See the damage you did to this door Bell-kun? I wonder if your dick hit it first, hmmm?”

“Miss Kaguya, please stop. It’s embarrassing.”

“Ohohoho. It’s ‘Miss Kaguya’ now? My my Bell-kun, will you propose to me as well? I might have to say yes.”

“Kaguya.” Sighed Astraea, massaging her temples, “Give it a rest.”

“Beessides.” Started Neze, “The boy clearly needs a stronger woman with more backbone to keep him company, I am the most adept for that role.”

Kaguya rolled her eyes. “You sure switched fast.”

Neze grinned, “Level 9 and a huge cock. How could I not?”

“I did… see him first.” Pouted Iska.

“And you immediately interrogated him dear. Not quite wifey material.” Giggled Kaguya.

“I’m going to run away.” Stated Bell aloud.

“Oh Bell.” Laughed Artemis, jumping on his back, now that the hogging Amazon moved. “The more things change; the more things stay the same.”

“Neze, Iska, please round up the girls, tell them to meet in the foyer. We have a lot to discuss.” Spoke Astraea.

“But we can’t leave Bell around her!” said Iska pointing an accusing finger at Kaguya.

“Kukukukuku.”

Bell gulped, as the snake’s grin grew.

‘SLAP!’

“Owwwie.” Whined Kaguya rubbing the back of her head.

“I told you to knock it off, Kaguya.” Huffed Astraea.

—

“YOU!” seethed Lyra, as her eyes set on Bell.

“Heeeeey.” He chuckled nervously, waving.

“You here to help me with that door before you go to jail?” asked Asta as she stomped up to Bell, looking up at the man.

“Careful Asta-chan… he’ll poke your eye out.” Chuckled Kaguya.

“Huh?” asked the dwarf, an aloof look on her face.

Artemis blushed, Asta’s peak height was right around Bell’s waist. She got the joke.

“Daughters, please get comfortable. Bell… I know it’s late, but please start from the beginning.”

“Yes, Lady Astraea.” He gulped as he looked around the room. The mighty Astraea Familia, minus Ryuu and Alise were all eyes on him. He was intimidated. A hand laid comfortingly on his shoulder, he was surprised; expecting to see Artemis, it was Kaguya that was supporting him.

“They need to hear it from you, Bell-kun.”

“Y-Yeah… thanks.” He offered her a bright smile, Kaguya kept a straight face, but she felt her heart swoon.

“Um… my name is Bell Cranel… and well… I need all of your guys’ help.”

—

“…you can’t be serious.” Drawled Lyra, in disbelief.

“He’s not lying.” Stated Astraea firmly. “And Artemis…” who waved, “Was present to see it all happen.”

An orange haired woman raised her hand gaining her Goddess’ attention. “Yes, Ryana?”

“Goddess, I think there is an easy way to quell the doubt.” Said the human girl, looking around the room.

“There really isn’t.” said a black-haired woman named Noin.

“No. There is.” Countered Ryana. “Bell… you’re level 9 right?”

“Yes.” Said the boy firmly.

“Take us to the dungeon. Summon the Juggernaut.”

Bell tilted his head to the side in confusion.

“I’ve studied all the writings on the dungeon, monsters, floor levels, designs, maps, there is nothing about this Juggernaut. If you can prove to me that it is real, I will believe you.” Said Ryana firmly. “I do not mean any disrespect to Lady Astraea or Lady Artemis, but I need visual proof, more so than just ‘please believe me’. And… if the Juggernaut works like you claim it to, its strength is based off the floor it’s summoned on, if we stay on a higher floor, we should be alright, no?”

“Yes…” Bell didn’t like the idea, and it must have showed on his face.

“We’ll be alright, with you there, Bell.” Said Iska reassuringly.

“I um… okay.” Said Bell, trying to think. “It’s highly resistant to Magic, Ryuu’s Luminous Wind didn’t do much to it. It… what?” asked Bell looking at Lyra.

“How do you know about Ryuu’s Luminous Wind?” asked the prum staring a whole through the boy.

Kaguya sighed, “You’re an executive, truly embarrassing.”

“Fuck you!” spat Lyra.

“Stupid rat!” yelled back Kaguya.

“Bell, is that something you could do?” asked Astraea. “Summon the Juggernaut, I mean.”

“I can… I just don’t want to. I don’t have my weapons, I don’t want something to go wrong, I don’t want any of you to get hurt… or worse… I don’t want Ryuu to go through that again.”

Eyes softened, as everyone looked at Bell.

“You loved that dumb elf didn’t you, Bell-kun?”

“Very much so, yes. And she did her best every day to make all of you proud.”

“That sounds like our Ryuu!” cheered Celty.

Ryana smiled at Bell, “I think we should rest. It’s terribly late. Maybe tomorrow night would be better that way, no one can get hurt. What say you, Lady Astraea?”

“That’s fine with me—”

“You care about people getting hurt now?” asked Bell, an accusing tone in his voice.

Astraea flinched.

“Hey now—” started Lyra.

“No.” interrupted Bell. “How will you all atone for your attack on Orario?”

“Bell, you don’t understand what’s been going on here.” Pleaded Astraea.

“BOMBING INNOCENTS IS UNACCEPTABLE!” yelled Bell in defiance.

“You don’t know shit, kid!” screamed Lyra. “You don’t know what Freya has done to us and these people!”

“SO, YOU BLOW UP THEIR HOMES?!” roared Bell, not backing down. “You’re supposed to protect the people, not plunge them into chaos!”

“He’s right. You’re right, Bell.” Said Neze standing up from her leaning position on the door frame of the spacious living room. “You’re right. But we have to explain our side of things.”

“Oh dear…” said Artemis quietly, “So you all…”

“Yes.” Said Astraea, answering Artemis’ unfinished question.

Artemis frowned. “I’m terribly disappointed…”

“I understand.” Said Astraea quietly. The Goddess’ mind was in chaos. Morals that belonged to her, but at the same time, didn’t, clouded her judgment. For years she swore her allegiance to Loki, to walk the grey line between peace and chaos, for what she thought was the greater good. However, she wasn’t the only one to do so. “You were a part of this too Artemis…” said Astraea softly.

The blue-haired deity frowned, “I don’t like that at all…”

“Have you spoke to Rethusa?” asked Astraea.

Artemis shook her head, “I have not.”

“You probably should…” suggested Astraea.

Artemis nodded, before stretching. “It is late, I must retire.”

“Let me walk you home, Lady Artemis.” Bowed Bell.

“Well how could I say no.” blushed Artemis.

“I suppose I should come as well.” Giggled Kaguya.

Artemis dead-panned, “No thanks.”

“I insist.” Her pink eyes gleamed.

“I… un-insist…” said a panicking Artemis. She really wanted her alone time with Bell.

“That’s not a word.” Teased Kaguya.

“I don’t want you too!” stomped Artemis.

“We all want, and don’t want things.” Chuckled Kaguya while shrugging.

Artemis was getting mad. “Grrrrrr—”

“Lady Artemis, I only have this dull dagger… if something were to come up then maybe Kaguya being there would be of assistance.” Rationalized Bell.

“Isn’t he level 9?” whispered Noin to Iska.

“I think he’s just chivalrous…” answered Iska letting a dreamy sigh escape from her.

—

“The plan is simple on paper, Lady Artemis. We need to get everyone on the same page, faster. The School District, Rakia, Telsy. We need everyone.”

“I understand that Bell, but we can’t just go around and—”

“Lady Artemis, we don’t really have another option. We just need ‘more.’ More organization, more strength, more time. We rushed things. We can’t make the same mistake.”

“Bell.” Started Artemis as she looked at him with worry, “Relax. Take a breath. Please.”

“I-I can’t.” said Bell shaking his head, “If I fail then—”

“Bell-kun.” Said Kaguya interrupting the Rabbit. “It’s on all of us, not just you. You’ve lived it once, I understand not wanting to live it twice, but this isn’t just your fight.”

Bell studied Kaguya’s face, before letting out a tired sigh. “I’m just stressed.”

“And I can relieve that stress if you’d liiiike~~~” sang Kaguya.

Artemis started to pout again, “I’m going to accompany you guys back to Stardust.”

“But then we’d have to just turn around and walk you back home Artemis-dono.” Said Kaguya, snidely.

“Well, I guess it will be the long cycle of life then, because I’m not leaving him alone with YOU of all people.” Retorted a sassy Artemis.

“Got something against the Far East, hmmm?” teased Kaguya.

“That’s not what I meant, and you know it!” protested Artemis.

“I don’t know what you are talking about…” said Kaguya while checking her nails.

Bell laughed, a genuine laugh. It felt good to laugh.

Both girls smiled at him.

“Lady Artemis!”

“Ah. Rethusa.” Artemis smiled as she turned to her trusty Captain.

“You really worried us!” exclaimed Rethusa. “We know you said you wanted to see the doings of Astraea’s Familia up close and personal, but when you didn’t come back we started to fear you got caught up in it.”

Artemis sweat-dropped. “Then why didn’t you come looking for me?”

Rethusa blushed from embarrassment, “W-Well… we also thought it’d be possible that you were spending the night with Astraea…”

“…huh?” Artemis blinked.

“Oh yeeeeeaaah.” Started Kaguya her voice full of mirth.

Dread built in the pit of Artemis’ stomach. “We spoke just yesterday… You love him…” Astraea’s words, rang in Artemis’ mind.

“Bang Bang, Scissor Gang!” said Kaguya happily, breaking Artemis from her inner turmoil.

Rethusa’s blush intensified. “You don’t have to be so crass Kaguya!”

“I’m going to bed.” Huffed Artemis. She turned to look at Bell, she looked almost heartbroken. “Please… don’t think of me differently Bell.”

“I don’t, Lady Artemis. I promise.”

Artemis gave Bell a small smile, “Good night, Hero.”

Bell blushed, as Artemis disappeared into her home.

“And you are?” asked Rethusa eyeing the boy.

“Did you not hear your Goddess; this is the Hero.” Answered Kaguya.

“Doesn’t look like much.” Said Rethusa sizing him up.

“Fight him then.” Goaded Kaguya.

Bell shook his hands, trying to deescalate the situation, “It’s all good, good night, Lady Rethusa.” Said Bell bowing quickly.

“At least he’s got manners.” Huffed Rethusa.

“That he does… among other things. Kukukuku.”

—

As the crickets sang them a melody for their walk back to Astraea, Bell took in the now unblocked night sky, the smoke all but gone with the wind. It was a quiet and peaceful stroll, Bell could feel his stress and anxiety shed off his shoulders.

“So tell me Bell-kun, what was your Freya like?” asked Kaguya eyeing the young man.

Bell thought for a second, “Tempermental. Bossy. A bit rude.”

Kaguya snorted. “Sounds about right.”

Bell smiled softly, “But she’s also loyal, caring, brave, smart… a friend, a companion. A true Goddess in every meaning of the word.”

Kaguya eyed the boy with a raised eyebrow. “I see…”

“What was your Freya like?” asked Bell.

“A fucking tyrant.” Spat Kaguya. “A power-hungry bitch, that had many a deity and adventurers executed for personal gain.”

“That… I don’t want to believe that…” said Bell sadly.

“Ganesha is gone, because of her. The Varma family, is gone because of her. Miach, Penia, Take… they’re all gone because of her.”

Bell hung his head. So many friends, so many allies, that he wouldn’t have the chance to reconnect with. More importantly, powerful allies that couldn’t help with the impending battle.

“Lady Loki, and Lady Astraea came up with a plan to get her out of here. Sabotage. Terrorist attacks, and we were going to make it look like Freya was doing it all, Alise, and Ais were going to take down Ottar, and then I…” Kaguya let out a deep sigh, “Was going to bear the burden of killing Freya.”

Bell looked at the girl with wide eyes.

“It makes sense.” Shrugged Kaguya. “I don’t know how much you know about the Gojouno family Bell-kun but—”

“The poison?” asked Bell.

“Yes…” answered Kaguya sadly. “Gojouno women don’t live past 25, and I am 23.”

Bell frowned, that didn’t sound right. “I thought… Gojouno women couldn’t have intercourse.”

Kaguya laughed, “Silly boy, who told you that?”

“Well… where I come from—”

“Ah… I see… well I wish that’s all it was.” Shrugged Kaguya. “I left the Far East, because I wanted to be more than just some mindless baby factory, so my father helped me escape.”

“That sounds awful…”

“I’ve had a long time to accept it, Bell-kun.”

“Well, I don’t accept it at all.” stated Bell defiantly.

“Bell-kun…” Kaguya’s eyes slightly widened.

“We’ll find a cure. I’ll save you. I promise.” Said Bell firmly, his eyes locking with hers.

Kaguya smiled at the boy, a light pink dusting graced her cheeks. “I appreciate the sentiment Bell-kun, but I’m afraid that’s a promise you can’t keep—”

“Have faith in me, Lady Kaguya.”

Kaguya got lost in the determination that burned in his eyes, before smiling. “I’ll hold you to it, Bell-kun. Please don’t break my heart.”

—

*Next Morning*

—

“My fucking head.” Whined Tiona as she peeled her face off a sweaty mound of flesh. “What the hell?” a Golden Valis was embedded into her cheek, she peeled it off of her. She must of slept on it. She chuckled as she looked at the coin in her hand. She turned her eyes to her sleeping companion. The ‘head’ side of the Valis, imprinted on the delicate skin of the chest. “Ryuu?”

“Mmmm, let me sleep.” Whined the elf.

Tiona shook her head, “Lazy ass…” The Amazon’s eyes widened. “Wait, Ryuu!?”

“What, Tiona damn?” said an annoyed elf, sitting up right, rubbing sleep out of her eyes.

“You’re… okay?” whispered the Amazon in shock.

“Why… wouldn’t… I—” Ryuu’s eyes widened as memories of a battle with a dragon, plagued her mind. The image of Tiona getting eaten alive, caused tears to build up in the elf’s eyes. She shook her head, looking wide-eyed at the Amazon. “Tiona… you’re alive…?”

The way they dove at each other, was desperate and forceful. The knocked heads, any other time Tiona and Ryuu both would’ve been annoyed. However, the girls cried in each other’s arms, relishing each other’s embrace.

“We have a lot to discuss…” spoke a voice quietly.

The two women’s heads snapped to the door frame, to a serious looking Ais Wallenstein, leaning on the door frame, a disheveled Alise Lovell, standing next to her.

Author’s Notes: Lore accurate ‘I’m just trying to help the girl so I’m unintentionally rizzing’ Bell in full effect. Next chapter will be more about Ais, and will touch on her night with Alise. I’m still debating how long I want to dangle the ‘when will they reconnect carrot’ but honestly, probably not too long. It’s almost unrealistic for it to happen. Lili’s coming up next for Bell’s list of woes.

Review and follow if you’d be so inclined. Thanks!

Chapter Text

“So let me get this straight.” Snapped a voice, her head full of red hair shaking back and forth in disbelief. “I died?”

“Yes.” Golden eyes blinked.

“You died?”

“Yes.”

“They died?” red hair turned to eye an amazon.

“…Yes.”

“Ais, come the fuck on, give up this charade, it’s not funny.” Huffed Alise in frustration.

“She’s not lying Alise.” A muffled voice whimpered.

Alise blinked looking down at a slender pair of arms wrapped around her waist, “Ryuu, you can let go of me now.”

Ryuu’s head of green hair shook as her face was buried into Alise’s stomach.

Ais smiled fondly at the scene. As the three women that made up Bell’s universe got closer to each other, Ais, and Tiona easily learned how influential Alise was to Ryuu. Ais was genuinely happy for her.

Tiona slowly raised her hand, causing Ais to cock her head to the side. “We’re not in a class room.”

“Right.” Chuckled Tiona, quickly putting her hand back down. “So how are we here? What happened?”

The silence in the foyer where the four women sat was prominent. Ais hummed in thought as she cupped her chin. How did they get here? What was going on?

“Ohhhhh heeyoooo!” cheered Loki, as she burst through the doorway.

Tiona fought the urge to roll her eyes. Covered in only a blanket, her nude form was in dangerously close proximity to the perverted Goddess.

Loki’s eyes gleamed as she eyed the half-naked elf, and the presumably naked Amazon wrapped in only a blanket.

“Focus Loki, we have a task at hand.” Admonished a voice behind her.

“Ah. Yes. How could that have slipped my mind?” laughed the smaller deity.

“Lady Astraea?” Alise looked at her Goddess in confusion, “Why are you up, and here so early?”

“Well after a successful attack against Freya, I feel like it would be disrespectful for me to not show up early and celebrate.” Giggled Astraea.

Three of the four women frowned.

Loki rolled her eyes. “Quit yankin’ their chain.”

“Fine. Fine.” Sighed Astraea dramatically. “I do believe Riveria is making us some tea, so how about we all get dressed and have a nice long… talk.”

Ais eyed the deity suspiciously before nodding.

Alise went to grab Ais’ hand, before sighing for the umpteenth time. “I get it. I get it. Let go of me Ryuu, damn.”

—

“It’s all thanks to bunny boy.” Chuckled Loki. “Mr. Rabbit man pulled off a miracle.”

“His name is Bell.” Admonished Astraea.

“The White Hare, saved the day by the hair of his ass.” Continued Loki, seemingly ignoring Astraea. “He turned back time.”

“…How?” asked Ais in disbelief.

Loki waived off her question. “Semantics. I don’t care for ‘em.”

Astraea sighed shaking her head, she turned to stare into the golden-eyes of Ais. “You should ask him.”

Ais’ eyes widened as she quickly stood up, the chair screeching along the pristine wooden floors. “Where is he?”

“He’s… out.” Said Astraea a slight frown on her face.

“Out?” asked Tiona in confusion, rising with Ais.

“He said he’s retracing his steps. That’s all he really told me.” Admitted Astraea.

Ais smiled softly, her hand clutching over her chest. “I have to find him.”

Astraea chuckled. “Good luck. As soon as he woke up, he was rearing to go. I don’t even know if Kaguya kept up with him to be honest.”

“You sent… her with him?” asked Alise with an accusatory eye.

“She is my Vice-Captain, and the boy is important.” Answered Astraea.

“But… her!?” screeched Alise, her hands finding home at the bangs of her hair, giving them a tug.

Astraea waived off Alise’s concerns, “He’s fine. He’s fine.”

Ryuu slowly turned to her Goddess, “You’re… okay?”

Astraea smiled softly at the elf, Bell and Artemis recounting the blonde-haired woman’s tragic tale. “As are you, Ryuu Lion.”

“Goddess…” whispered Ryuu quietly, her eyes tearing up for the uptenth time.

“Give me a hug, Ryuu.”

Astraea smiled softly, rubbing the soft head of golden hair, that crashed into her chest.

—

“Hello, White Hair.”

Bell fought the urge to smile, as he turned his head towards a sitting prum, hood over her face, a gigantic backpack strapped to her back. “Lili.” He said softly, but then quickly recoiled seeing the frown marring the beautiful face of Liliruca Arde.

“And you are?” she asked with an accusatory tone.

“Oh. Um. Sorry.” Bell laughed sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. “Bell. Bell Cranel.”

“And how do you know ‘that’ name, Bell?”

Bell gulped, something about the sitting prum, with her legs crossed, her hands clasped at her knee, terrified him. Her hood moved back, her piercing honey brown eyes boring through Bell Cranel, at this moment, he’d rather be starring at the beasts’ of legacy. “I… uhm…”

“You’re a pretty notorious piece of shit, ‘Lili’.” Said a voice off to the side of Bell.

Liliruca snarled as her eyes set on the newcomer. “Why the fuck are you here, NARC?”

“I’m his bodyguard~~~” a light voice sang, as she draped an arm over Bell’s shoulder.

Liliruca crossed her arms and huffed, “Work on the company you keep, Mr. Cranel.”

Bell’s eyes started to wander, the way her all too familiar thigh high stockings were still ripped, the way her thighs molded with those stockings making her look a little extra plump in all the right spots, the way her arms pushed up her impressive chest, especially of a woman of her species.

A smack on the back of his head, brought him back to Earth.

“I’d hate for our first conversation with the Kenki to be about how you were oogling a street urchin.” Chided Kaguya.

Liliruca smirked, “He clearly has an eye for fine tastes.” She goaded, while checking her nails.

“Even trash can hold value, when the Valis is sparse.” Said Kaguya nonchalantly.

“What’d you say!?” said Liliruca standing up quickly, barring her teeth at the Far-Eastern Princess.

Kaguya sighed dramatically, her hand resting on the hilt of her blade, “Please do something, I’ve been meaning to cut you down.”

“Hey. Hey. Hey.” Said Bell, holding his hands out, and shaking them frantically, moving to stand between the two women, “There’s no need to fight.” He turned his gaze to Kaguya. “You know why we are here, so please.”

Kaguya eyed Bell for a second before sighing, “I suppose I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt, Bell-kun, but the Captain of the Soma familia is bad news.”

“She’s—” Bell’s eyes widened as he turned to Liliruca, “You’re the Captain?”

The prum shrugged, “What’s it to ya?” she smirked eyeing the red-eyed rabbit, “If the Valis is right, I can add you to the list.”

Bell blushed at the inuendo.

“She’ll rob you, and maybe try to kill you Bell-kun.” Chuckled Kaguya.

“Got any proof?” asked Liliruca.

“Nope. That’s the only reason why your greasy ass is still alive.” Said Kaguya, a small smile on her face.

“Sounds like you’re just jealous.”

Kaguya raised an eyebrow, “Of?”

“Clearly White Hair, finds me more attractive than you.” Teased Liliruca.

Kaguya rolled her eyes, “Then why was he in my bed last night?”

• Stardust Garden the Previous Evening —

“Are you going to hold this over me?” asked a blushing Bell, as Kaguya wrapped the boy in her arms.

“Of course not, Bell-kun. Besides, we’re just sleeping… unless…”

“No! Nope. No… just sleeping.” Stammered Bell.

“Such a shame. Well if you want to wake me up, and take me, you have my blessing.”

“T-Thanks…”

“No, Bell-kun, thank you~~~”

• Present —

“You said you wouldn’t—”

“I say a lot of things, Bell-kun.”

“Well, I hate to interrupt the sexual tension, but I got Valis to make, so if you guys could politely move the fuck on, that’d be great.”

Bell turned to Liliruca, “Lili I really need to talk to you—”

“My parents called me Lili…” started the prum. Bell’s eyes softened looking at the small woman, “I killed them for Valis to buy wine.” Said Liliruca nonchalantly.

Bell’s eyes slowly started to widen. “No—”

“So, if you call me Lili again, ‘Bell’ I will gut you.” Said the prum in a cold tone.

Kaguya sighed, “Her parents were notorious drug king-pins in Orario, the guild gave the douche canoe in front of us millions of Valis for their assassination, she could have retired, to bad she developed a drinking problem. Stupid alcoholic.”

“I’d rather have my breath smell like alcohol, than dick.” Bit back Liliruca.

“Okaaaaay~~~” laughed Kaguya, while starting to draw her katana. “I’m going to kill you now.”

“Enough!” snapped Bell, shocking both women.

Liliruca glared at the boy.

Kaguya’s knees shook, she got a little ‘excited.’

“Lili…ruca.” Started Bell, “I have something important to discuss with you, if you would please give me your time, I can compensate you for it.”

“I’m not doing a threesome with her.” Stated Liliruca quickly.

Bell blushed, “N-Nothing like that…” he stammered.

Liliruca rolled her eyes. “You’re such a pussy.”

As a bag of coins made it’s way to the prum’s itching palms, the three took to the streets, Bell in the middle, the prum to his left, a princess to his right. The ‘White Hair’ was the cause of a lot of envy.

“So Soma’s in bed with Astraea now, huh?” asked a man his arms crossed, as he leaned against an ally wall. His voice was gruff, and scratchy. He pulled a cigarette from the pack out of his pocket and lit it.

A weasely, greasy voice sounded next to him, “Lord Thanatos would be interested to hear about this.”

The scarred face of the bald man scrunched up his eyebrows as he turned to look at his smaller counterpart, “He won’t be happy.”

The smaller hooded weasel shook his head, “I didn’t say happy, I said ‘interested’, let’s go.”

—

“Ais you gotta slow down!” whined Tiona, trying to catch her breath.

“I want to see him.” Said Ais, nonchalantly.

Tiona sighed, Bell had been really good of breaking Ais out of her shell, she started emoting more, showing more emotions, open herself up for more dialogue, however, sometimes she would revert back to factory settings, this was one of those times.

“You gotta work on the tunnel vision Ais.” Admonished Ryuu.

Ais blinked, before turning around to look at the three women, “Do you not want to see Bell?”

Alise shook her head, “Me, personally? No.” she chuckled softly, “But if he makes you happy—”

“We’ll figure this out Alise.” Said Ais quickly, trying to assuage the red-haired warrior’s worries.

Alise stared at Ais for what felt like a life time before smiling softly, “I’ll hold you to it.”

Ryuu frowned, her sensitive elf ears tingling, honing in on a particular conversation.

“We need to tell Thanatos, we were supposed to get rid of that bitch Liliruca today, Kaguya and that white haired fucker getting in our way was unexpected.”

“We can just kill all three.” Said the bigger of the two.

The smaller hooded figure of the two, scoffed, “Kaguya is no slouch.”

“We have the element of surprise though.”

The smaller figured stopped, turning to look at his partner, “Did you… just have a smart idea?”

“Did I?”

“Extra crayons for you today.”

“Oh, yaaay!” cheered the bigger oaf happily.

“You get all that?” whispered Tiona.

Ryuu nodded her head.

Alise shook her head, “Packed street, right by the dungeon, let’s openly talk about murdering adventurers.”

“They’re clearly not intelligent.” Said Ais agreeing with Alise’s logic.

“Let’s go get nosey.” Grinned Tiona.

Ryuu matched the Amazon’s smile. “Yes, lets.”

—

“You’re full of shit, Bell Cranel.”

“Lili, you have—”

“Grrrrrr”

“Liliruca…” corrected Bell, “You have to believe me.”

“Not that you care…” started Kaguya, “Astraea did vet his story and said he was being genuine.”

“Yeah, I don’t give a fuck about your goody goody Goddess agreeing with his crackpot story.”

Bell grimaced; ‘Goody Goody’ wasn’t a fair description of Astraea.

“If you insult Lady Astraea again, I’ll—”

Bell interrupted the princess, “Liliruca, how can I prove this to you?”

The prum eyed the red-eyed boy, before prying her eyes away to look at her cooling tea. “Tell me Bell, what was I like?”

Bell beamed brightly, “You were amazing Lili!” Bell exclaimed excitedly, “You were the brains of all of our operations. You were our strategist, and you earned the name ‘Little Marshall’ from the Gods. You even surpassed Finn in that regard!”

Liliruca scoffed, taking a sip of her tea, “Doesn’t take much to be better than that fucking groomer.”

“Groomer?” asked Bell, with a raised eyebrow.

“I just think you’d be the perfect wife, you, Lyra, and myself, we’ll make people respect prums.” Said Liliruca in a mocking tone, “Dude just has ass on the brain. I don’t have to marry you to make prum’s respectable. Fucking loser.”

Bell raised an eyebrow while Kaguya laughed. “Finally something we agree on, Street Trash.”

“Shut up.” Snapped Liliruca, “You Astraea fucks are all weird.”

“Why hmmm? Because we uphold the law?”

“Yeah, when it’s convenient for you too.” Chided Liliruca.

Liliruca couldn’t of have comprehended how right she was in that regard. Kaguya bristled at that, while Bell shot the princess a sideways glance.

“Anyways…” started Bell, trying to ease some of the growing tension, his eyes settling back on the prum’s. “I need you Lili, will you please rejoin me?”

Liliruca’s eyes widened at Bell’s piercing gaze. “You… need me?”

“Of course, Lili.” Responded Bell, his hand reaching for hers, from across the table.

“Oh, Bell…” said the prum softly, grabbing his hand.

Bell smiled.

Kaguya rolled her eyes, from her seat next to Bell.

Liliruca smiled softly. “Go. Fuck. Yourself.”

Bell blinked, as Liliruca quickly removed her hand from his and standing up.

“Well.” Sighed the prum, “If that’s all you wanted, I suppose we are done here. Thanks for the Valis kid.”

“H-Hold on…” said Bell standing up.

“No, I don’t think I will.” Said Liliruca shaking her head, and making her way to the door of the tea shop they stopped at. “If I wanted to hear drunken nonsense all day, I would have just stayed home.”

“You’re an insufferable twat.” Spat Kaguya.

Liliruca rolled her eyes as she gave a half-hearted wave before exiting the building leaving the stewing princess and confused rabbit.

Bell slowly sank back into his seat, trying to process the conversation and figure out what he could have done differently.

“Don’t beat yourself up Bell-kun, she sucks.”

Bell snorted as he turned his gaze to the table, his eyes hyper-focusing on the pitted wood.

“You can’t expect everyone to just believe you Bell-kun, in a world full of Gods and superpowers, Time Travel, seems a bit too farfetched for most.”

“I understand…” said Bell quietly.

“LET GO OF ME YOU FUCKING FREAK!” screamed an all too familiar voice from outside.

Bell’s head snapped up towards the door, Liliruca’s shriek knocking him out of his stupor.

“Was that…” started Bell.

“Let us make haste Bell-kun, she seems in distress, and I do not want to miss any second of it.”

Bell shook his head, as they both rushed to the exit of the café.

—

“WAAAAAH! Lili! I’ve missed you so much!”

“Get your fucking tits out of my face!” yelled an angry prum, trying to shake free from a small deity’s grasp.

Hestia squealed in protest as she clung on to the prum holding on for dear life. “LOVE ME LILI!”

“Goddess?” asked Bell, his head tilted to the side, his look of confusion apparent as he stood in the café doorway.

“BELL!” said Hestia happily, as she let go of the prum.

“H-Hi…” said Bell nervously.

“BELL!” yelled Hestia again, she let go of the prum and pushed her away. “MOVE!” she snapped, as she ran past Liliruca.

“Fucking bitch.” Spat the prum as she landed in a heap from the surprising strength of the small goddess.

“Wow.” Said Kaguya in a gloating tone as she stared down at the prum, “Want help up?”

“Sure.” Spat Liliruca.

“That sucks.” Mocked Kaguya, crossing her arms and walking away.

“I’m going to kill you, Kaguya. I swear to it.” Said a glaring Liliruca.

“You did it Bell! You did it!” yelled Hestia happily as she cried into Bell’s neck.

“I’m happy to see you again, my Goddess.” Said Bell softly into her ear, his arms wrapping around her slender waist returning her hug.

Kagyua smiled sweetly at the scene, before a piercing side-eyed glare from Hestia shot her a look. “We know what you did.”

Kaguya recoiled, “What… I did?”

“What the Astraea familia did.” Corrected Hestia.

“Ah.” Said Kaguya in understanding. “Who the hell is we?”

“Us of course.”

The voice behind Kaguya made the Vice-Captain of the Astraea Familia freeze.

Liliruca turned to the voice, her mind told her not to, every fiber of her being told her to look the other way, but with one glance she was ensnared.

A Goddess of Beauty was… well… a beautiful thing.

“Freya.” Said Kaguya softly as she continued to look forward.

“My my, I heard you were such a strong willed girl Kaguya, you can’t even look at me?” teased Freya.

“I’d rather not…” said Kaguya quietly.

“Fine. Then don’t.” said Freya brushing it off. Her heels clicked along the cobblestone path, Liliruca and other inhabitants of the street were lovestruck by the Goddess. “So is it true then? Did Astraea really attack the city?”

Kaguya stayed quiet.

“Lady Freya, please—”

Freya’s eyes snapped towards Bell, quieting the young man. “We’ll talk later Bell, my darling.”

“There will be no talking!” snapped Hestia.

Freya smiled, “You’re right Hestia, our bodies will speak for us.”

Hestia blushed brightly, “There will be none of that either!”

Freya let out a light laugh, as she slowly continued her walk towards the princess. Like a shark in the water, she circled her prey.

Kaguya would move her head to avoid the gaze of Freya, before settling on just closing her eyes tightly.

Freya stopped in front of Kaguya and gently cupped her chin. She felt the girl tense before trying to pull away from her grasp. Freya’s hand tightened around her jaw before slowly lessening her grip, as she felt Kaguya stop resisting. “Look at me, pretty girl.”

“N-No…” said Kaguya in barely a whisper.

“Fine, then just listen. I want you to send Astraea a message for me.”

Kaguya stayed quiet.

“Tell your Goddess, that I am sorry.”

Kaguya’s eyes snapped open, and bright pink, met seductive purple.

Author’s Notes: Short chapter. Sorry about that. I am back. Just unfortunate events on top of a busy schedule. Laptop died, and it took ASUS forever to send it back. Buying a house, so that’s been a mentally taxing prospect. Things are starting to even out though. Thanks for reading. Really trying to iron out what I want to do in OU next. Have like 5 different routes I want to take, I’m just trying to work out what’s the best one. Had some ideas for this story and OU that DanMachi Battle Chronicles kind of poo poo’d on. Really wanted to use the Dis sisters which I obviously still can, but now the ‘Bell’s maybe I can fix her Rizz’ seems kind of cheap with them. We’ll see though.

Follow and review, if you’d be so inclined.

**** This is now caught up on Ao3. More chapters will be coming in the future. 

Probs just going to do a Harem. It was originally just supposed to be AisXBell, but I can't fathom how to make that fair to others, in a story since. In retrospect I guess I could have just made Ais be the only one to remember, but it is what it is. Be easy.

Chapter Text

“Look at this, and tell me what you make of it…”

The paper exchanged hands, as soft elven eyes glanced over the numbers. The more she read, more her eyes furrowed. The God smiled; he could see the gears turning.

“…this is almost perfect.”

Hermes raised an eyebrow. “…almost?”

Asfi sat down the schematic, that ‘the other Asfi’ had made. “This string right here.” Said Asfi pointing at part of the formula. “It’s off.”

“I see…”

“Whoever designed this was in a rush, and made a simple error. The decimal, needs to be at the hundredth, not the thousandth.”

“What would be the outcome of such a small error?” asked Hermes.

Asfi sighed, her hand reaching for something that wasn’t there. She froze, her fjngers hovering over her face like she was trying to adjust a pair of glasses. She tried to play it off by placing a fist in front of her mouth and clearing her throat. “Ahem… well, depending on what it was intended to be used for, nothing, or worst-case scenario, absolutely catastrophic.”

Hermes sweat dropped, “And the in-between?”

“A mild inconvenience?” she scoffed crossing her arms, “Hermes, I don’t fucking know.”

Hermes chuckled, “There’s my Asfi…”

“So.” Sighed Asfi as she rolled the parchment back up. “What’s the point? Why show me this?”

“I just wanted to see what you made of it.” Shrugged Hermes.

Asfi eyed him, “This is very capable work, minus that one error, who did this?”

“You wouldn’t believe me, if I told you.”

Asfi stayed quiet, her eyes never leaving Hermes. She held out her hand. “One.” Her index finger shot up, “You out of the blue, asked me about reversing time. Two.” Her middle finger now stood tall with her index finger. “Alternate timelines? Really? Three.” Her ring finger followed, “You come and ask ME of all people. Four.” Ah. There’s her pinky. “Glasses, motherfucker, really!? Do I look like I need glasses!?”

“How does one… ‘look’ like they need glasses?” chuckled Hermes.

“Not the point!” she snapped. “What’s going on Hermes, why come at me with this nonsense, and not Lidith?”

Hermes’ eyes widened dramatically. “L-Lidith…?”

Asfi raised an eyebrow, “Are you drunk?”

“W-Where is she?” asked Hermes, as he tried to keep his emotions in check.

Asfi unrolled the parchment paper again, taking one good long look at the formula, before tugging on a curling corner, that wouldn’t stay flat. She closed her eyes, and exhaled deeply. “I did this, didn’t I?”

Hermes stayed quiet.

“Something happened, and I tried to reverse it, and made an error and now you’re here. Is that correct?”

Hermes slowly nodded.

Asfi frowned as she started to try and think about the possible implications of ‘her’ own actions. That was incredibly reckless, even more so if she wasn’t going to double check her work.

“How did you know?” asked Hermes, with a quiet voice.

“Hermes… this is my handwriting… and… just like everything else I’ve ever worked on… I signed it. Dumbass.”

— Orario, Near Daedalus Street —

“Aw. Did we lose them?” pouted Tiona. The daily traffic was amplified with last night’s confusion and terror.

Alise let out a sigh. “We’ll never find ‘em like this.”

Ais hummed in thought, before shrugging. “Then we need to find—”

“BELL! MY SWEET BELL! I WILL NEVER LET YOU OUT OF MY SIGHT AGAIN!”

“…Hestia?” The Sword Princess tilted her head to the side, that voice was unmistakable. “Let’s go.” Said Ais with conviction.

—

“Bell-kun?”

“Hmmm?”

“Must she always be insufferably loud?”

Bell chuckled scratching his cheek, the weight of Hestia hanging off his neck. “That’s my Goddess, I wouldn’t trade her for anyone else in the world.”

“Besides me. Obviously.” Boasted Freya.

“Up yours, skank!” yelled Hestia.

Kaguya’s breath caught in her throat, as she turned to look at the hooded Freya. “She didn’t mean—”

“Hestia, that’s such a big word, for such a small little girl.” Giggled Freya.

“I’M NOT THAT FUCKING SMALL! LOOK AT HER!” yelled Hestia pointing a finger at the still ensnared Liliruca.

“Goddess… my ear.” Whined Bell.

“Oh! I’m so sorry Bell!”

“Still loud.” Huffed Kaguya. She turned to look at Freya, maybe she was different. The Freya she knew, would have had Hestia executed for a barb like that. Ally or not.

Freya felt Kaguya’s eyes studying her, she couldn’t help but smile. “If you are using your eyes to strip me down, I’d prefer your hands, pretty girl.”

The Princess Gojouno blushed, quickly looking at the ground.

“”Lady Freya!”” yelled a duo.

Freya turned to see a pair of Amazons jogging up to her. She furrowed her brows in confusion, they seemed familiar, but she couldn’t place a name to them.

“We were worried that you went out on your own, after yesterday’s bombings.” Said one, as she caught her breath.

“Shut up, Bache! You were worried, I knew Lady Freya had it handled!”

“Argana, you cried…”

“SHUT YOUR MOUTH!”

“The Kalif sisters.” Whispered Kaguya into Bell’s ear. She could sense the boy’s confusion, so she decided to throw him a bone.

Freya frowned, these were not her children, what had happened? “Think Freya, think…”

“Oh lookie here. If it isn’t Ottarl’s play things.” teased a voice.

Kaguya frowned, turning to a gloating Tione.

Tione blinked, noticing Kaguya with Freya, “What the hell—”

“Take that back!” snapped Argana.

“She’s… technically not wrong.” Countered Bache.

Kaguya let out a sigh, she could smell the confusion, and it reeked to high hell. “Three years ago, the Goddess Kali led a march on Orario. Freya, using only Ottarl crushed Kali’s army. These two.” She motioned to the Kalif sisters, “Were so impressed by Ottarl’s strength, they sold Kali’s whereabouts away to Freya, for his dick, in return.”

“Ah.” Was Bell’s reply.

Freya snorted. “Stupid, horny, Amazons.”

“G-GODDESS!?!?” gasped Argana.

“Oh… sorry, not you.” Chuckled Freya waving her hand. “I was talking about… just Kali in general.”

Bache, nodded. “That makes perfect sense.”

“Uh… no it doesn’t.” stomped Tione. “What gives with the random ass history lesson, Gojouno?”

“Sometimes it pays to be educated, all this brawn and beauty with no brains around, well, I started to feel dumb.”

Tione nodded, “I guess…” she frowned, “HEY!”

Bell was torn seeing the other Hiryute sister. Tione, in his life, was opposed to Tiona marrying him. Heavily so. To the point the twin sisters fractured, and stopped talking. Tiona had always said that it didn’t truly bother her, but she couldn’t lie… at least not to him. She was devastated. She missed her sister. Bell felt guilty.

Then, Finn died.

Tiona followed.

Drinks were shared, stories were told, mistakes were made.

Bell flinched. She was beautiful. She was stunning.

She was a mistake. Nothing more, nothing less.

Freya observed the kaleidoscope of emotions that graced the dubbed Rabbit’s face. She sighed. She knew exactly what he was thinking about. It was the juiciest of gossip in Tenkai for a good little while. Loki, hadn’t known whether to laugh, or cry, tease, or curse. It truly was splendid.

Kaguya elbowed Bell, “Close your mouth ‘hon. A fly might wind up in there.”

A soft snap, and blinking eyes reset the young man’s brain.

“Like whatcha see?” teased Tione, as she looked down at her boobs.

Argana scoffed, crossing her arms, pushing up her impressive bust in the process. “If he WAS looking, it’d clearly be at me.”

Bache shook her head, “It’d be me.” She countered.

Freya giggled into her hand. “He’s off-limits girls. Sorry.”

Tione shook her head, she had so many questions, the first being why Kaguya was seen with Freya. “Tch… fucking traitor.” She turned to eye Liliruca Arde, who was still stuck in Freya’s spell, her eyes, literal hearts. “Weak bitch…” Tione then eyed the boy, that Freya clearly was staking claim over, what the fuck made him so special?

“BELL!”

Tione’s eyes widened, as time slowed for her.

Her beautiful, and flat sister, Tiona, smashing into this ‘Rabbit’ with the biggest smile on her face. She threw her arms around his neck like they had been friends for years… no… it was more than that. Like lovers, who hadn’t tasted each other’s flesh in years. She was confused. She was curious. She was stumped.

“T-Tiona?” asked Bell with a raised eyebrow.

The Amazon beamed brightly as she looked up into his eyes, her arms interlocked behind his neck. She stood up on her tip toes, and pecked his lips with hers, smiling sweetly. “Hey… stud.”

Bell’s eyes widened. He hated that name. ‘Stud’. However, the more he had protested that name, the more she said it. The more she teased him with it. Oh, how he had missed that name. That sweet sweet nickname coming off her lips.

“Tiona…” his throat dried up. His eyes watered up. He couldn’t believe it. “Do you… remember me?”

Kaguya raised an eyebrow. “She just kissed you, darling.”

Tiona ignored Kaguya; her eyes locked with his. “You did good, Bell. I’m proud of you.”

Freya smiled sweetly at the scene. She turned to look at the other 3 Amazons, clear confusion blessing their beautiful faces. “Come. Let us all have a chat over some tea.”

“N-No thanks—” started Tione.

Freya’s eyes glowed a beautiful pink. “I wasn’t asking, pretty girl.”

Tione gulped, her will to rebel against Freya dying a quick death.

“I missed you…” Bell started to feel the salty trail of tears grace his cheeks. “I missed you so much.”

Tiona held her smile, pressing her forehead to his. “I’m taking you home, Bell.”

Hestia rolled her eyes, “Everyone wants to take MY Bell. Go find your own!”

“I married him. He’s mine.” Growled Tiona.

“WE married him.” Corrected a voice, causing Bell’s head to snap to his left.

“Ryuu…” his voice almost failed him. “Ais…”

Ais smiled sweetly, “Hey, Rabbit. How you been?”

Bell was gobsmacked, “You remember me…? You all—”

Tiona cut him off, pressing a finger to his lips. She missed getting lost in those captivating red eyes of his. She internally chuckled, how long had it been for her, truly? A day? Months? Years? Seconds? She was so confused, but she didn’t care right now. Her love. Her savior. Was right where he should be, and that’s in her arms. She wanted him. She needed him. “Let’s go home, Bell.”

Freya chuckled, shaking her head. “Sorry Tiona dear, that is going to have to wait.”

Tiona turned a side eye to the Goddess, irritation leaking into her voice. “Like hell…”

“Tiona.” Spoke Ais, calmly. She took a deep breath. She had found Bell, her mind was back to a more rational pace. “We are in no rush. He’s not going anywhere.”

“Beeesides.” Smiled Kaguya. “I got rather use to Bell sleeping in my bed, I’m not ready to just let that go.”

Alise smacked her forehead, a sigh escaping her lips. “Why did Lady Astraea trust him with YOU of all people?”

“Because I’m beautiful, and trustworthy, and smart, and brave, and elegant, and sophisticated…”

Ryuu smiled softly, Kaguya, was still the same.

“…exquisite, and majestic, and passionate—”

“Shuuuuut. The. Fuuuuck. Up.” Drawled Tione with an eyeroll. She turned to her sister, pointing a finger at her. “What gives, Tiona? You need to come clean. Now. Married? With this toothpick!? Not even that, but just MARRIED in general!?”

Ais looked at Alise who shrugged, she turned to Ryuu who just nodded, before her eyes set on Kaguya, who just grinned in response. The Sword Princess, had lost her patience. The other women present understood her plight. She wasn’t going to wait another second.

Tiona, blinked.

Tione, blinked.

Freya, blinked.

Hestia, blinked.

Liliruca drooled, as her heart exploded for Freya.

Bell, was gone.

As was Ais.

“There was no rush, he isn’t going anywhere…”

A more beautiful lie, had never been told.

—

She hummed softly, as her fingers combed gently through his white hair. She smiled looking down at him, he was fast asleep. “So much for talking, huh?” She looked out over the wall of Orario, to a shining sun, and clear blue sky. It felt nostalgic.

“If you really wanted to reward him, give him a…”

Ais looked down at the resting Bell Cranel, her thighs granted him comfort as he slightly snored away. She had missed this. She let out a deep breath, as she saw a droplet hit Bell’s cheek. It wasn’t raining. She slowly reached up to touch her face. Tears. As much as her emotions had evolved thanks to the young man, resting on her lap, crying was still a rarity for her.

She failed.

She failed him.

She failed him, splendidly.

It wouldn’t happen again.

She felt all the hurt, anger, frustration, denial, heartbreak, and hopelessness go, as her tears streamed down her cheek. She shook her head, her golden hair flowing in the breeze. She told the dragon, that it wouldn’t take any more from her, and in a way, she was right. Bell lived. No offense to Asfi, or Lili, but Bell made it out. The dragon didn’t take Bell. That’s all that mattered.

It wasn’t a ‘clean’ getaway. Her love, was hardheaded. Bell had wanted to protest. Bell wanted to get back to Liliruca, and to keep organizing the troops. Ais told Bell to relax. Bell said no.

Unfortunately, Bell, ‘didn’t have a fucking choice.’

So here they were. Ais, humming a sweet, nostalgic tune her mother would hum for her, as she watched the clouds, her fingers caressing his scalp while he snored peacefully.

“I need to protect him…” She didn’t mean that in a physical sense. He was strong. She wasn’t quite sure, how strong he was at the moment, however, she felt like if he truly wanted to oppose her, he could have. “Did you… retain your level?” she asked looking down at the sleeping Bell. She didn’t expect a response, as the wind gently cradled stray strands of her hair. She could see it in his eyes.

Trauma.

Trauma was a breeding pool for underlying problems. She needed to protect him, from themselves. She let out a soft sigh. Tiona was going to come for him. Amazons, at the end of the day, are Amazons. Ais let out a soft chuckle. Maybe Ryuu, and to a lesser extent herself could handle the horny madness that was Tiona Hiryute. Bell was suffering, love would be his cure. Physical touch could wait.

Trauma breeds needs.

Needs breed addictions.

As much as Ais wanted to enjoy the touch of her ‘husband’. “We never married… but does it really matter?” She would wait. She would be the supportive pillar he needed more than anything else. She would protect him.

Business as usual, for Ais Wallenstein.

—

“You can buzz off now.” Whispered Alise.

Kaguya giggled into her kimono as she looked on at the duo resting on the wall. “I don’t think I’ll be doing that, no.”

Alise eyed Kaguya, with mild interest. “He’s not going to be one of your conquests.”

“Hathor-sama says every beautiful woman deserves her own harem.” Was Kaguya’s classy retort.

“She’s just a horny nutcase.” Rebutted Alise.

“Maybe. Maybe.” Conceded Kaguya, her eyes never leaving the prone form of Bell Cranel. She hummed in thought, why was she here? The boy was clearly safe, and she wasn’t needed, by any stretch of the imagination. Her eyes moved to her left, as she slightly turned her head. A smiling Ryuu, and a ‘foaming at the mouth’ Tiona. “Maybe… he isn’t all that safe.” Kaguya suppressed the desire to giggle again, seeing the Amazon. She understood, and even sympathized with the woman. ‘Amazon Blood’ an excuse to be a berserking, walking, sex-addict. No, giggling in her face, would probably set the ‘Crusher’ off, and even though Kaguya was sure she could handle herself, “Low-diff, honestly…” She didn’t want to earn the ire of the man that promised to save her, from her family’s cursed fate.

“Have faith in me…”

She nodded to herself. Hope. It died within her a long time ago. Maybe that’s why she lived her life so ‘loose’. Those hypnotizing red-eyes lit a spark in her that she hadn’t had, in a very long time. Hope was contagious. Hope was dangerous.

“Kaguya…”

“Hmm?”

Ryuu turned to look at Kaguya, concern etched on her face. “How much, do you know?”

“Well…” Kaguya paused, thinking her response through, “Bell-kun told us everything… showed us everything too.”

She thought out her response, very well.

Ryuu narrowed her eyes, “What does that mean?”

“Bell-kun… is a very blessed man.” Kaguya’s eyes gleamed, as she stared at the now blushing elf. “I’m honestly jealous, Ryuu-chan. Tell me, have you had ‘that’ yet?”

Ryuu’s fierce façade instantly vanished, turning into a bumbling mess. “T-T-That’s none o-of your business!” she snapped.

Kaguya sighed, the more things changed, the more they stayed the same. “I’d ride him, until that thing fell off. I’d wake him up every morning with him in my mouth, and I’d go to sleep with him inside of me. Clearly, I would have been the better choice for a wife.” She teased.

“I’ve ‘done’ him plenty!” clap backed Ryuu.

“Ah. Well, that’s all you had to say. Silly elf.” Chuckled Kaguya, shaking her head. At least Ryuu was still the same, for the most part. “Now I’m back to being jealous.”

Alise scoffed, shaking her head, at Ryuu for still falling for Kaguya’s trap. “Anyways…” she said, crossing her arms. “What’s next?”

“I fuck my husband.” Was Tiona’s curt response.

Kaguya sighed dramatically. “I must ask you to wait, darling. Bell is needed elsewhere.”

Tiona finally acknowledged the teasing Far-Easterner. “You talk a lot… I don’t fucking like you.”

“I’ll ignore your sex-starved anger for now, ‘hon. Keep it up though, and I will have to be your replacement for Bell-kun… and that’d be tragic.”

Tiona growled, easily falling for the rage bait.

Alise sighed, “Kaguya, knock it off!”

Kaguya giggled, waving her hands in surrender. “Sorry. Sorry. Seriously though, tonight, we have plans, but I would like you both to be there, just in case.” She said directing her statement towards Ryuu, and Tiona.

“With what?” asked Ryuu.

“In all fairness, Bell-kun’s story… your story is still quite hard to digest.” Answered Kaguya. “So for proof… Bell-kun is going to summon the Jugg—"

“ABSOLUTELY NOT!” yelled Ryuu, cutting off Kaguya.

Kaguya and Alise’s eyes widened from the sudden outburst.

Alise had heard bits and pieces about her fate in Ryuu’s world. It had saddened her that the elf went through that pain, but deep down, she knew that ‘Alise’ had made the right choice, and she could only hope that she’d have the courage when it counted, to do the exact same, if need be.

“He will not be doing that!” protested Ryuu. “Please—”

“Ryuu-chan. It’s fine. We’ll be prepared and—”

“You didn’t have to live through that, I did!”

“I died, and you didn’t.” countered Kaguya.

Ryuu’s words died in her throat.

“Bell-kun is level 9. With you, and—”

“HE’S LEVEL 9!?” shrieked Alise. “WHAT THE FUCK—”

“Hey, shut the hell up!” snapped Ais, finally turning to look at the arguing four. “You’re ruining my fucking peace!”

Alise blinked. “A-Ais…?”

“WHAT!?”

“Nothing. Nothing.” Answered Kaguya, shooing away Ais with her hand. “Carry on, with your dramatic petting.”

Ais didn’t respond, opting to turn back towards the shining sun, and fluffy clouds.

“As I was saying.” Said Kaguya, clearing her throat. “Bell-kun is level 9. The plan is to rendezvous on the 10^th floor, after the guild closes, and summon the Juggernaut there… I would like it, if you, Tiona.” She said pointing at the Amazon, “And you… of course.” She said pointing at Ryuu, “Were there with us, just in case.”

Tiona eyed Ryuu, her eyes turning soft. “Ryuu… I don’t like it either, but if this helps us gain allies, then for Bell’s sake…” she turned to eye Kaguya, “And the faster it gets him away from her then I will be there, and with you there, I’d feel more confident. So be strong, for me, for your familia, and for Bell.”

Ryuu hung her head, her shoulders sagging. “Tiona…”

“Ryuu. Hold your fucking head up.” Snapped Tiona. “You are the fucking Gale Wind, act like it!”

Ryuu exhaled deeply, before raising her head. “You’re right… You’re right… I’m sorry. I’ll be there.”

Kaguya clapped her hands together. “Splendid. Splendid.” Her stomach growled, “Ya’ll wanna go get some lunch?”

“GET LOST!” snapped Tiona.

— Elsewhere —

“Arcanum transcends everything.” Sighed Lidith, as she massaged her temples. “Arcanum holds values that aren’t subjective to our laws. It’s transcendent. Do you, perhaps, have anything on you, Hermes, that you had during this… ‘event’?”

Hermes raised an eyebrow, “May I ask why?”

“Say, you had a scarf, that you wore when you used your Arcanum in that time period, maybe we could use it as a ‘time stamp’ to help kickstart people’s memories from this ‘other world’ or ‘parallel universe’ that we are theorizing exists.”

“It exists.” Stated Hermes confidently. “You died, in… my world? Time? Universe?”

Lidith offered Hermes a sad smile, “I’m sorry you went through that Lord Hermes… However, you’re a drunk, weaselly, ho bag and sometimes I just can’t take you seriously. I’m trying.” She laughed lightly, “But maybe you’re a victim of your own design.”

Hermes hung his head. “I have missed you so, Lidith…”

Lidith smiled at her eccentric God. “So maybe, a sock? A piece of paper? A coin—” Lidith’s eyes widened, as did Hermes in a perfect synchronized moment.

“ASFI’S SCHEMATIC!” said Lidith excitedly.

“MY CHEATING GAMBLING COIN!” yelled Hermes at the same time.

Lidith blinked, “Your… what?”

“N-Nothing…” answered Hermes, scratching his cheek. He ignored his captain’s scrutinizing glare, as he thought back to his dual-sided Valis. He told Bell it was a good luck charm, surely the boy still had it.

He better have.

If he was every in a pinch for coin, a couple of heads or tails call it in the air bets, and he was right as rain.

— Orario —

Freya furrowed her eyebrows, as she looked at the stuttering mess in front of her. “You’re… wearing white.”

“W-W-Well y-yeah, i-it’s kind of my t-thing.” She answered nervously, chewing on her index finger.

“You look like you’re about to piss yourself…” admonished Freya.

“I-I-I a-am…” she admitted.

Freya’s eyes set on her accompanied deity. “Explain.”

“In this world, she’s known as the ‘Runaway Bride’.” Was his answer, accompanied by a deep chuckle.

Freya hummed it over. “Fitting.” An all-white dress, a white veil, and the constant threat of a fainting episode. “Runaway Bride, indeed.”

“I-I-I’m s-s-sorry!”

Freya rolled her eyes, “Liliruca, be a dear, and go take this woman to get some new clothes. It is becoming an eyesore.”

Liliruca sighed, dreamily. “I did swipe some money from the elf, Lady Freya, I have extra Valis to spend, just for you.”

Freya nodded, not voicing a response.

The prum walked up to the shaking woman in white, placing some coins in her hand.

“O-Oh n-neat…” said the woman, holding up a dual-headed Valis. “M-M-Magic c-coin maybe?”

“Alfia, dear. Stop talking.” Sighed Freya, resting her chin in her palm, as she crossed her legs, sitting on her throne at the top of Babel.

Author’s Notes: I’m really really sorry about the late upload for this story. This idea kind of hit me at an awkward time. I kind of got burned out on DanMachi, and then I got burned out on writing. Then I started obsessing over the perverted nonsense that was Nukitashi, so I started a story about that, now I’m reading and re-reading and rewatching everything Chainsaw Man, then I started using Orario; United as a troll piece (which I regret, I’m exploring rewrite options, I just don’t want to abandon it; however, it’s at like 45 chapters, so maybe I’ll just up the quality of future updates and reward the ones still reading it, and making it that far? Idk) and now, I’m trying to get back into this fic. So I just wanted to ask, if anyone wanted to co-write this with me? If you do, please send me a DM, and I’ll add you on discord.

I hope all my US readers had a good Thanksgiving.

Peace, and love.

Kaaaaaay byyyyyye~~~