Chapter 15: To Be Needed
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LinkOnScepter
Versed in the lewd.
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"You really didn't talk about anything with her?"
Simon shrugged and shook his head, "Not really. It was more like she didn't really want to talk. Felt like she was just waiting for Aiz to come out of the Dungeon. But I know her name now, at least."
"I see," Bell said, trying to wrap his head around what Riveria may have been thinking. After he and Aiz had separated in the Dungeon, they saw that the sun had risen and Orario was waking up. They both went their own ways after finding their friends. Aiz went back to her Familia while Bell and Simon went back to Hestia. Bell had told Simon what he had promised Aiz and Simon's response was to pat Bell on the back. He had said he looked forward to the training, and was happy Bell was able to get together with Aiz.
Simon put his hands behind his head and said, "That aside, what do you think Aiz meant by 'she'll find us'?"
"She probably means she'll come find us when she's prepared. Adventurers in different Familias can't just help each other like that. It's the equivalent of giving information to a possible rival," Bell stated, head hung low at the confirmation.
"Sounds like bullshit to me," Simon said, rubbing his nose with a frown, "but if she wants to be careful about it, then I'm not gonna begrudge her for it. When do you think she'll come talk to us?"
Bell shrugged, "Who knows? We'll just have to keep an eye out."
"Hmm, guess so. I'm assuming that you won't be telling Hestia about it?"
Bell flinched and put his hands on his head, "P-Please don't remind me. I-I don't like keeping it from my Goddess but...she and Loki don't like each other. If she found out I was training with Aiz she's forbid it and-"
Simon held up a hand and smiled, "Don't worry. I won't tell her. Though, if you ask me, you should feel confident in telling stuff like that to your Goddess. At least if you trust her that much."
"I do, but..." Bell didn't finish, unable to come up with a good response. He was almost thankful when the two of them returned to the church. He was the first to get inside the basement and say hello to Hestia, with Simon a few steps behind him. Bell greeted Hestia who was sitting on the sofa with the book Bell had brought home in her lap. Bell flinched when he saw the hint of frustration on her face, lowering his face in shame, "Um, Hestia? I'm sorry for leaving without telling you but I-"
"It's fine, Bell. As long as you're alright. I assume you kept him safe, Simon?" Hestia said as she stood up from the sofa. She snapped the book shut and held it out for both of them to see, "Anyway, Bell can you hand me that book you were reading yesterday? I'm curious and have nothing to this morning."
"Okay," Bell said, moving toward the kitchen where he was reading the book. Simon stepped into the living room and raised an eyebrow at Hestia. Hestia shrugged as she waited for Bell to come back. He eventually returned to the room with the book, which as thick as an encyclopedia, in his hands. He gave it to Hestia who opens the cover and glances through the first few pages, "Hmm...the more I look at it., the book seems stranger and stranger...yes?"
After a few moments, she stops moving. Save for her eyes spinning like crazy. She looked up at Bell and said in a surprised voice, "Isn't this a grimoire?"
"Grimoire?" both Simon and Bell asked in unison, neither having heard of it before.
"To put it simply, it's a book that forces the reader to learn magic."
Bell began to sweat profusely, while Simon frowned in thought. Hestia continued, "I don't think either of you know about Advanced Abilities, but their special skills like Magic Control or Enigma. This book could only be made by someone who has mastered both."
Simon stepped forward and held out his hand, "Mind if I see it?"
"Go ahead, but you won't get anything out of it," she said while giving him the book, "Grimoires can only be used once. Once someone acquires magic from it, a grimoire becomes nothing more than trash. A big paperweight. So Bell, just how exactly did this grimoire end up here in the first place?"
As Hestia rounded on Bell, Simon flipped through the pages of the book. Sure enough, he felt no power form it whatsoever. It was exactly as Hestia described. A big, blank, paperweight. Bell audibly swallowed before speaking, "I borrowed it from a friend...She said it was left behind by someone else..."
Hestia went silent while staring at Bell.
Bell hesitantly asked, "What's it worth...?"
"At least as much as Hephaistos Familia's highest-quality weapons, or possibly even more..."
A heavy silence falls over them as both look at the floor in thought. Inwardly, both were panicking at what this could mean for their Familia. Simon, though, was deep in thought about something else. He hummed and put a hand on his chin as Hestia walked over to the table. She grabbed a chair, wealked over to Bell, then climbs into the seat. She thumps both hands onto Bell's shoulders as she starts talking, "Listen to me, Bell. You met the book's owner by accident. And you returned the book to him before reading it. So the book was never here. Even if there was a mistake, the grimoire had been used before you had it...That's how this happened."
"Goddess, that's wrong!"
"Bell, Gekai is not all sunshine and flowers; there are many dark, dark things. I've seen them with my own eyes. Being thrown out of home, being so poor that even buying potato puffs was impossible and starving, being forced to live under ruins...almost carrying an enormous debt. The world is full of injustices."
"Wasn't all of that your fault?!"
"Actually, I don't think either of you have to worry about returning this. But you've got other problems."
Hestia and Bell turned their attention to Simon. Simon had closed the book and was holding it in his right hand. He looked pensive as he spoke, "Cause I don't think that Bell finding this was an accident."
Both Hestia and Bell shared a confused look. Then Hestia took her hands off Bell and looked at Simon, "What makes you say that?"
"Hestia, you said that this thing is worth a lot of money when it hasn't been read yet. Like, it could be enough to act as payment for a custom weapon, or something, right?"
Hestia flinched but nodded her head. Simon flipped the book in his hand and continued, "And, Bell, you know how important it is for adventurers to get money, right? Like, really important, right?"
Bell nodded, "Y-Yeah. For some it's the only reason they become adventurers."
"And I'm gonna guess that you can't just buy or obtain something like this easily. Not without spending a lot of money, or going to places that carry things most people wouldn't carry."
"What are you trying to say, Simon?" Hestia asked, though the frown on her face suggested she was starting to pick up on his thought process.
"I'm saying that someone planted this thing," Simon held up the book and pointed at it so that both of them could see it, "No one in their right minds would just leave something like this in a place where anyone could grab it, read it, and make it worthless. Only careless adventurers would do that, but if you're good enough or rich enough to get a grimoire, then you're not gonna be that careless. Or at least you shouldn't be. I'd bet that someone purposely left it wherever Bell put it so that someone else could grab it. That someone being Bell."
"But, wait," Bell held up his hands and shook his head, "I can see where you're going with this, Simon. But...why would you say that someone left it for me, specifically? If someone did leave it behind on purpose, then wouldn't it have still been for someone else?"
Simon shrugged, "Maybe. I don't have any proof that it wasn't. But, Bell, do you remember those times me and you felt someone watching us from a distance? Like when we're walking down Main Street?"
Bell swallowed then nodded, "Y-Yeah. Do you think...whoever's been watching me did it? What do you think, Lady Hestia?"
Hestia was looking at the ground with her brows furrowed in thought. She hummed and tapped a finger against her lips, "It's...possible. But the chances of it being true are very slim. Unless we have some kind of concrete evidence, I wouldn't assume it was the case."
"But...?" Simon asked, tilting his head at Hestia.
"But I can't rule out that your suggestion maybe correct," she crossed her arms, making Bell turn his head as her chest bounced a bit. She nodded and said, "I still think my story would work out best in the long run."
"Actually, I don't think we'll need it," Simon looked toward Bell and asked, "Bell, you got this from the Benevolent Mistress, didn't you?"
Bell's eyes went wide, his sudden flinching giving both him and Hestia the answer they needed. Bell still answered, "Y-Yeah! How'd you know?"
"You said you borrowed it from a friend, and mentioned that said friend was a girl. Of the friends you have that I know of, only four of them are women. One's Hestia, who would've known about this if she gave it to you. Another is Eina, but she's part of the Guild. She couldn't just give you something this valuable. Then there's Lilly, but she doesn't strike me as the kind to just give away a grimoire like this. Which leaves one person: Syr."
Hestia leaned forward with a forced smile on her lips as she turned to Bell. Bell felt a shiver go up his spine as she spoke, "You sure are popular, aren't you Bell?"
"Ehehehe," Bell refused to look Hestia in the eyes while rubbing the back of his head. He didn't know why, but he felt like Hestia was judging him harshly.
"Anyway," Simon got their attention again and tapped his finger against the book, "if you got this from Syr, then all we gotta do is come back and tell her what happened. She'll keep a secret. We should just act as if this was all an accident. Don't mention any of our suspicions. Not until we can get some kind of evidence. Bell, you go get ready to head to the Mistress. I'll catch up."
"Okay, I'll do that! We'll get this all settled and handled!" Bell said, quickly rushing up the stairs to the ruins above.
Once he was out of the room, Simon turned his gaze to Hestia. The two shared a knowing look and Simon asked, "So, do you know of any Gods or Goddesses who like to give gifts to members of other Familias?"
Hestia pursed her lips as her brows furrowed in thought. Then she shook her head, "No one comes to mind. Besides, Bell's still Level 1. The only reason other Gods would look at him is because he's cute and innocent. But that wouldn't be enough for any of them to order someone to give him something so priceless."
Simon hummed and considered his own experience. He had only run into five Gods since he's been here. Of those five, he could only think of one that might have the ability and want to do something like this. And if it was who he thought it was, then things might be more complicated then he thought. But without proof he wasn't going to jump to any conclusions. He nodded at Hestia and said, "Alright, then you should keep an eye out in the best way you can, Hestia. Watching other Gods just in case. I'll keep an eye out where I'm at. With Bell in the Dungeon. Sound good?"
"Yeah. Thank you, Simon. Let's hope we're both just over thinking this," Hestia said as Simon walked up the stairs. She bit her lip, worried that he might be right. Because if he was then this was much more serious than she thought.
"You alright, Bell?" Simon asked the boy as they headed down West Main toward the Dungeon. The young man had just finished putting away the mind-restoring potion he had bought from Nahza a few moments ago. The animal woman had been as tired looking as ever, and had offered the potion to Bell for a discount. Simon had left the negotiations to Bell as he didn't really get it. Not to mention he had no money of his own, so he couldn't really help Bell buy it. Though it was good to see that Nahza was willing to help Bell out. Despite that, though, Bell still looked upset as the two walked toward the Dungeon.
Bell looked up at Simon and sighed, "Sorry, Simon. I'm still thinking about what you said. I mean...Syr and Mama Mia didn't seem to know anything about it. So, maybe it was just an accident?"
Simon pursed his lips and said, "Maybe. But I'm not too sure. They could be in on it."
"Y-You think so?!"
"Not really. Mama doesn't seem the type to owe people favors, or let people use her place for their own reasons. Doubt she would let anyone do that to her girls if she could help it. But ya never know with stuff like this. All we can do is hope that things aren't as bad as they seem, and keep moving forward. But don't you worry. If me or Hestia find out what's going on, we'll all take care of it as a team," Simon said, giving Bell a smile and thumbs up. That helped lift the boy's spirits a bit and he kept a smile on his face as they headed towards Central Park. They stopped in the usual place where they would meet Lilly with the clear blue sky shining down on them. They both looked around to see if she had arrived yet, but neither could see a dog girl that looked like her. But then Bell caught a glimpse of something strange on the way to Babel Tower.
"Isn't that Lily?" Bell said, pointing to a part of Central Park under the shade of a tree with large leaves. Lilly was standing there with three adventurers, sunlight dancing on their faces as the leaves swayed in the soft breeze. The three large men were surrounding Lilly, their chests puffed out and looking down on her. They were saying something while Lilly frantically shook her head from side to side. Bell and Simon looked at each other, the latter frowning before nodding his head toward the meeting. Bell returned the nod and the two slowly crept closer to hear what was happening. As they got close, they began to hear heated words.
"...enough...hand...over!"
"Already...gone...Really...!!"
While Bell made ready to hide behind a tree in their blind spot, Simon rushed in without warning. Shocked, Bell couldn't stop him as he closed the distance and jumped in between Lilly and the three adventurers. It took Bell a moment to realize what was happening, but he made ready to get involved. However, before he could go someone grabbed his shoulder and shouted, "Hey!"
Bell reflexively spun out of the grip and turned to face the grabber. He came face to face with a familiar male adventurer. The same one that Simon had punched when the two of them first met Lilly. The man's eyes flashed with recognition and he said, "Heh, yer that kid form before...Don't matter, got a question for ya. Good thing that big fella's busy. Ya working with that runt over there?"
Bell remained on guard and stayed quiet. The man's expression grew darker as he said, "Oi! Haven't got all day! Did ya hire that supporter or not?"
"...That girl is not the prum you were chasing in the alley that day," Bell says, keeping an eye on the man. He didn't know why, but he felt his hands curling into fists. Something about this situation just made him feel angry and upset.
The man's lips curl into a sneer, "Moron...is what I wanna call ya, but what ya think is yer own business. Ya wanna play the fool along with that dumbass over there, be my guest. But that don't matter; yer gonna help me...We're gonna snatch her."
The man's lipes curled into a jeering smile. Bell blinked in awe, "Wha..."
"Not askin' ya to do it for free. I'll pay ya a bit up front and a share of what we get out of the runt. Ya can even tell that big guy if ya think he'll see reason. All ya have to do is go into the Dungeon like usual. After that, find an excuse to leave her alone and I'll-"
The man never finished his speech.
Because Bell got in his face before he could finish, and rammed his right fist into the man's cheek. His eyes blazed a bright green while his teeth were grit in an expression of fury. Despite the man being taller and broader than him, Bell's punch managed to crack a few of his teeth. With a burning anger in his heart Bell shouted, "Not a chance in Hell!"
"Leave her alone!" Simon shouted, waving his hand through the air to ward off the three adventurers. All three were male, but while two were human one was an animal-person. The three of them gathered closer together when Simon appeared, but none of them looked particularly frightened of him. Lilly was behind Simon's right leg, her eyes wide as she stared up at the blue-haired man.
The animal-person stepped forward, his cloudy eyes dark as he stared at Simon. He spoke with an even tone, "Careful there, sir. This is Familia business. Nothing to do with you."
"Nothing to do with me? Ha!" Simon scoffed at the three, not backing down in the slightest, "If you think that's enough to get me to back off when you're clearly hassling my party member, you've got another thing coming!"
Lilly opened her mouth to say something, but lost her voice when the adventurer cut his eyes at her. She felt a chill go down her spine and turned her eyes away from him. The animal-person looked at Simon and said, "I'd be more careful about trying to protect someone like her, sir. Quite a few people before you have and they came to regret-"
"Save it!" Simon interrupted, stepping forward and shoving his finger in the animal-person's face. The gesture was so abrupt it made the three males and Lilly open their mouths in shock. Simon's eyes blazed with righteous fury as he continued, "I don't give a single shit what you have to say about her! The only thing that matters to me is this: Lilly is my party member. We look out for each other. That means when one of us is being threatened, the rest of us rush over to help them out. So, back off! And if you really are from her Familia, then she deserves so much better than you fucking pathetic assholes!"
The adventurers' faces had turned bright red with anger, but Simon didn't seem bothered at all. He pulled his finger away, backed up, then held up his fist, "Now scram, before I decide to slug each and every one of you!"
The three adventurers stared at Simon, all tensed but none making any moves to attack. The animal-person, seemingly the leader of the group, hummed before turning his back on Simon and Lilly. He glanced at Lilly one last time before walking off with the other two adventurers in tow. Simon glared at their backs as they walked away, not relaxing until they had passed out of sight. Only then did he finally relax and put his arms down. Sighing he turned to look at Lilly and asked, "You alright, Lilly? Those guys didn't hurt you or anything, right?"
Lilly kept her expression as neutral as she could while saying, "Lilly is fine, but Mr. Simon shouldn't have done that. Lilly had it under control."
Simon shrugged, "Sorry, but didn't seem like it. Ya know that if you're having trouble with those guys, me and Bell will give you a hand if you ask."
"Lilly is...grateful," she turned around adjusting her hood to make sure her face and head were covered, "but Mr. Simon and Mr. Bell shouldn't get involved in something like this. After all, Lilly is just a supporter."
Simon smiled, caught up to Lilly, then tapped her head with his finger, "Didn't I already tell ya? You're more than just a supporter. You're Lilly. And you're an important part of our team. I know Bell thinks the same."
As soon as Simon said that, both of them heard the sound of a fist meeting flesh. It soon followed by Bell shouting at the top of his lungs, "Not a chance in Hell!"
Lilly looked shocked but Simon's lips curled into a proud smile. Both of them rushed to see what was happening and found Bell standing before a familiar male adventurer. Simon recognized him as the man who was chasing that prum girl, who he now knew was likely Lilly, and while Lilly recognized him as the man who knew her true power. He was holding his cheek with one hand while stumbling away from Bell. Blood seeped from his lips as his eyes blazed with hatred. He growled a curse at Bell and reached for his sword but caught sight of Simon and Lilly. With a frown he took his hand away and said, "This isn't over, brat! Yer gonna regret that!"
Then he turned around and ran off. Bell stood firm, his right fist trembling as he glared at the man's back. It took Simon calling his name to get him to return to himself. He shook his head then turned to look at his party members, "Simon! Lilly! Are you two alright?"
"Yeah, we're fine. I ran those guys threatening Lilly off," Simon put his arms behind his head and jerked it in the direction of the fleeing adventurer, "What was that about?"
"Did Mr. Bell talk with that honorable adventurer?" Lilly asked, her expression neutral as she looked up at Bell.
Bell frowned and slowly nodded, "Y-Yeah. He...He wanted me to help him hurt you. And when I heard that I...I don't know what came over me. I just felt so angry that I...I-"
"Ya slugged him one?" Simon finished for Bell. Bell looked at the ground in shame while Simon nodded, "Yeah, I can see why you would do that. Good that you stood up for Lilly, but it means we'll have to be careful. Doubt that guy's just gonna leave it at that. We should call keep an eye out while we're in the Dungeon, right Lilly? Lilly?"
"H-Huh?" Lilly blinked while looking up at Simon and Bell. Both of them were staring at her with worry in their eyes. Lilly took a moment to regain her composure then suggested they get going to the Dungeon. Bell and Simon shared a look but followed her toward Babel Tower.
"So, this is the tenth floor, huh?" Simon said as they exited a corridor from the ninth floor. Fog hung in the air, stopping them from making out the dimensions of the room. The room itself was an open savanna filled with leafless, limbless dead trees scattered all around. Simon put a hand over his eyes and squinted, trying to see further into the room. When that failed he shook his head, "Yep, that's some dense fog. We should stay together, so we don't lose each other. Sound good, Bell?"
Bell nodded while holding his new weapon in his hands. Lilly had gone shopping for new items the other day and had given him a baselard. The simple sword was well weighted and felt good in his hands. He had already used it to kill numerous other monsters on their journey down here. Though in order to wield it, he had to put his Divine Knife in his leg protector. Lilly had gotten new weapons for Simon as well. Gauntlets that she assured him would work well with his style. However, though Simon thanked her, he assured her that he didn't need them. When she tried to explain why having a weapon was practical even for adventurers who fought unarmed, he simply said that he had his "Fighting Spirit" and that was all he needed. She didn't seem to buy it, but accepted it after Bell confirmed that Simon would be fine.
Normally, they wouldn't have come to the tenth floor this early. It was around here that the Dungeon began to bring out it's crueler tricks and traps. Many an overconfident adventurer had met their end in these floors. But Lilly had asked to travel down here for today for two reasons. The first is that she was certain Bell and Simon could handle it. Anyone could see that Simon himself was stronger than a level one adventurer, but that wouldn't have been enough. One person couldn't protect them all if things got that dire. But Bell was clearly far stronger than any normal solo adventurer. Lilly was certain that, even though he was level one, he could easily handle these levels with ease. The second reason is that, she was trying to gather a large amount of money. She wouldn't give them details, but did she did say it had something to do with her Familia. Then, after a few moments of consideration, Bell had agreed to Lilly's suggestion.
Thus the three of them were here in this fog covered savanna. The entire journey down Bell had been particularly protective of Lilly. Not because of the floors they were going through were dangerous for them. But because he was certain that the male adventurer from the other day would be watching them. Like Simon said, he felt that the man wasn't the type to let what happened go. He was certain that he was just waiting for them to drop their guard so he could get at Lilly. Though he didn't think that the man would attack them in this area, he didn't want to take any chances.
Bell kept Lilly in his line of sight while Simon walked a bit ahead of the group. All of them were on guard, watching closely to see if anything was coming out of the mist. They approach a small group of the dead trees. Each one stands between one and two meters tall. Abnormally thick bark cover their wide bases, but the trunks became thinner and thinner the taller the trees grew. Simon touched a nearby one with the back of his hand and frowned, "These trees...they don't feel natural. Not like the trees above ground. In fact, how do they even grow in this area? There's no real sunlight down here."
"...I think I may know," Bell frowned before turning to Lilly, "Do you think we should cut these things down?"
"No, we don't have time for that," Lilly says, surprise filling her voice as she stares past Bell and Simon. The two of turn to see what startled her, and both immediately get on guard. From afare they spot two large silhouettes moving through the fog. They could hear their gigantic feet hitting the floor as they walked side by side, the vibrations of the impacts running up their boots. Bell put his arms up defensively as he clenched his jaw, while Simon got into a fighting stance with his fist held at the ready.
The two creatures were orcs, monsters solidly in the large category of monsters. They had brown skin and the heads of boars, with old hide wrapped around their waist like beat-up old skirts. They were both three meters tall, a bit taller than the Minotaur. However, compared to that thickly muscled beast, the orcs were squat and hugely fat. They let out growls as they appeared through the fog, "Ughaaaa....."
"Ready when you are, Bell," Simon said, his eyes never leaving the two monsters. Bell took a deep breath then nodded at Simon. Just as he did that, the orcs caught the three of them in their beady yellow eyes. They both roar and quicken their pace, making the floor shake even more. They make their way through the group of dead trees, both holding out their arms. They each grab a tree in one of their meaty hands and pull them out of the floor.
What were once just natural parts of the scenery in the Dungeon, became crude clubs in the hands of the monster's. Landform, the Dungeons' own armory. Used to provide weapons to the roaming monsters, they first appear on level ten and give them that much more power.
"Ah, the Dungeon made those too," Simon said eyes still on the approaching monsters, "Guessing they would've just grown back if we had taken them out?"
"Yes," Bell nodded as he tightened his grip on his sword, "You take the one on the left, I'll take the one on the right. Neither gets passed us to Lilly. Charge in when they roar and don't get hit, you won't survive."
"Got it. Let's go!" Simon said and, when the two orcs roared in unison, they both charged in without hesitation. Simon's target quickly swung its club horizontally, planning to splatter the blue haired man all over the Dungeon floor. But Simon countered by sliding under the blow, his cape protecting his back from the rough Dungeon floor. He stopped just when he was passing under the orc's legs, kicking out with his own and shattering its left kneecap. He rolled to his feet as the beast fell to one knee, shattering its jaw with a swift right hook. He dodged the monster's clumsy attempts to grab at him and climbed up to its head. A hard kick to the back of its head cracked its neck, killing the monster instantly. As its body fell limp to the floor, he turned to see Bell finishing up with his own orc. However, before either of them could rest, they both heard Lilly yell, "Mr. Bell, Mr. Simon! Two more!"
They both look up to see two more orcs charging at them from the way they came in. Enraged by the sounds of battle, they plowed forward ignoring the landforms entirely to get at their quarry. Simon and Bell rushed forward to deal with the two. However, Bell readied his baselard and shouted, "I've got them!" before his body began to glow green as he prepared his magic.
"Spiral Boost!"
He burst forward, closing the distance between himself and the orc on the left in a matter of moments. He swung his blade, a streak of steel flashing through the fog as he cut into the side of the orc's throat. Blood sprayed as the beast let out a gurgling squeal, stumbling as it tried to stem the bleeding with a hand. Clicking his tongue, Bell turned to aim at the orc's back changing his grip on his sword so he could stab it forward. He cast his spell a second time and shot forward before piercing through the half-dead orc's head. Its squeals were cut off by his blade as it began falling over. It crashed to the floor with a thump but Bell soon realized his mistake. He tried to pull his sword out found doing so difficult. It had lodged itself deep in the orc's skull and wouldn't come out easily.
The other orc took advantage, moving to smash both of his fists down on Bell's head. Bell made to dodge, the fist grazing his cheek as he tried to keep hold of his sword. As he continued to try to yank it out, the orc made to make a second attack. But it was forced back as Simon came in with a straight to its stomach. The monster doubled over in pain while holding its stomach. Simon grabbed it by its head then kneed it in the face. He yelled Bell's name, then kicked out at the orc's right leg. With a snap it split in two, making the monster fall. Bell took the chance to yank the sword from the fallen orc's head before rushing over and slashing straight through the other one's neck.
Bell and Simon backed up as the now dead orc fell to the ground. Bell wiped at the small cut on his cheek with the back of his hand while regaining his breath, "Thank you, Simon. Sorry about that. I need to get better at aiming that."
"Don't sweat it. Beside, you'll have more opportunities to practice. Right, Lilly? Lilly?"
The two looked around to see if they could find their supporter, but the only thing that welcomed them was the thick fog. Bell began to panic, his voice bordering on a scream as he called Lilly's name again. Simon was calmer but his eyes kept roaming the fog trying to spot Lilly anywhere nearby. When that didn't work, the two of them started making their way through the room, calling for Lilly as they went. Just when Simon was about to sense her core drill, Bell called his name and pointed out something sitting in the corner of the room. The second they noticed it, a horrible smell hit their noses like a tone of bricks. Simon frowned as he saw what Bell was pointing at; a hunk of bloody, raw meat the base of one of the trees.
"What the hell is that?" Simon said, keeping an eye out.
"Isn't that...a monster lure?" Bell said, kneeling down next to the oily mass.
"Monster lure? Wait...if it is then," Simon realized it before Bell did, his body whipping around as he looked at their surroundings. He spotted them just as Bell heard the sound of approaching footsteps, "Bell! Four! There are four of those all around us! It's a setup!"
"Oh no!" Bell yelled, backing away from the lure and heading toward Simon. The two men went back to back, both in fighting stances as they readied themselves for what was to come. Both heard the sound of orcs approaching from the fog, all lured by the smell of the processed meat.
"Damn. What's the plan, Bell?" Simon asked, holding up his fists while his eyes kept glancing at the fog.
"S-Stick close to me! Once we get out of this, we go looking for Lilly!" Bell said while holding his sword up. His eyes darted left and right while he mentally prepared himself for what was to come. However, as the two of them made ready to battle, the air was split by the soft twang of a weapon. A golden streak flew toward Bell's leg...then landed just in front of his foot. Both Simon and Bell looked down and saw a golden arrow sticking out of the ground. On the shaft was a small white cloth with three health potions bulging out of it. Both young men traced the path the arrow had taken to its source...and they found Lilly standing a safe distance away with her wrist held up.
"Lilly!" Bell yelled at her, relief and confusion flooding him in equal measure, "What are you-?"
"Watch out!" Simon said as blocked an oncoming swing with a landform weapon with his arms. The orcs had arrived and were bearing down on them, forcing Simon to pull off his glasses and start slashing at foes. Bell was caught up in the melee, with multiple muscled arms coming at him.
As they were surrounded, Lilly called out to them, "Mr. Bell, Mr. Simon...thank you both for everything you've done for Lilly."
"Lilly, what the hell are you saying?!" Bell shouted while dodging under a swing.
"When Lilly was with you two, she was...happy. Lilly hasn't felt that way in a long time. But Lilly can't stay with you. If Lilly does, trouble will come for Mr. Bell and Mr. Simon. Lilly doesn't want that. So, this is where our partnership ends."
The two caught a glimpse of Lilly through the ring of orcs. Her lips were curled into a false smile while her arm slowly waved goodbye to them. She tilts her head to the side like a cute little girl, while her lonely eyes watched them from afar, "I hope you both find an opening and escape."
Then she adjusts her big backpack, before turning around and running off into the fog.
...However....
"RAAAAAHHHHH!!!"
The sudden roar cut through the silence. So forceful was it that even the orcs were forced to pause in their tracks from fear. Bell froze while turning his head around to see Simon taking his core drill off his neck. Emerald green energy gathered around the tip of the drill as he held it up toward the sky. The energy gathered within the item until it started to glow the same color. Then, with the sound of metal screeching against metal, it suddenly grew to twice its original size. It went from being a small drill to being as large as Simon's arm.
"SPIIINNN ONNNN~!" Simon shouted and the drill obeyed. In an instant it went from an idle position to spinning so fast it looked like a blur to Bell. As it spun, the air around them picked up and gathered around the drill. It created a field of pressure around them, gathering the fog up until it was surrounding Simon's drill. A few orcs tried to attack them, but the force of the air pushed even their bulky frames back. Bell was covering his face with his arms to protect his eyes. He could barely make out what was happening in front of him, blinking as he tried to keep the dust out of his eyes. However, what he could see made his mouth hang open in complete awe.
The fog that engulfed the entire room, that characterized this part of the tenth floor, and was known to go on for the entire length of it...all of it was being drawn in to Simon's drill. All the thick, gray mist was gathering around the spinning item along with the emerald green light. As it did, the floor was slowly but surely revealed before them. Bell quickly saw the large number of orcs that had surrounded them, some still trying to get through the air pressure only to be knocked to the ground. He could see the walls and ceiling of the room clearly, along with the monster lures that surrounded them.
And he could see a little girl with a big backpack, staring at them with an expression identical to his.
With another roar of effort, Simon quickly swung his drill vertically sending the air tunnel the area in front of them. It hit the earth with a deafening crash and scattered the crowd of orcs in front of and around them. The ones behind them took a step back in surprise while Bell finally let his arms down. He blinked rapidly as his mind tried to make sense of what just happened. Before he could even do that, he felt Simon pushing him from the back. He looked over his shoulder to see Simon's blazing eyes, "Bell! I'll hold these guys off! You go after Lilly!"
Reminded of the current situation, Bell looked over at where Lilly was. She had gotten over her shock first and was running towards a side passage that no doubt headed to the surface. Worry filled him and Bell looked behind him, "B-But what about-"
"I'll be fine! Right now, Lilly needs you! You're the one who has to bring her back! Unless you want it all to end like this?" Simon's words struck Bell to his core. Seeing the shame on the boy's face, Simon more forcefully shoved him in Lilly's direction, "Didn't think so. Now, go!"
His hand thoroughly forced, Bell took one look back at Simon before turning and running after Lilly. Some of the orcs tried to grab at his legs but his agility let him leap over and around them, until he was on the same path that Lilly had taken. He ran off toward the surface until he was completely out of sight. Simon smiled after the boy, before his vision was blocked by a large amount of off-brown flesh. He frowned as he lifted his right hand and grabbed the oncoming orc's arm with ease. With a grunt he kicked the monster in the stomach and launched it away. He then knelt and grabbed the bag of health potions that Lilly had left behind.
"Thanks, Lilly," he said to the open air, hooking the bag onto his pants. He stared out at the orcs surrounding him before cracking his knuckles, "Don't worry. Bell isn't giving up on you. And neither am I."
It didn't take long for Bell to catch up to Lilly. While Lilly did try to use the environment to her advantage, hiding in spaces only someone as small as her could, the fact was that she couldn't match Bell's speed. It didn't take long for Bell to close the distance between them. And before she could pull out her tricks, he used his Spiral Boost to appear in front of her path. His sudden appearance in front of her made her stumble to a stop. Bell kept his stance wide and his limbs ready to move in case Lilly tried to slip past him. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Both just stared into each other's eyes as they caught their breath and waited for the other to make a move.
The first to break the silence was Lilly. She stood up straight as her expression changed to a stoic one, "Why did you decide to chase Lilly, Mr. Bell?"
Bell immediately felt put on the spot. He relaxed his stance a little while trying to keep his gaze locked with Lilly's. Though he could already feel nervousness beginning to creep in even as he spoke, "Because...I wanted to stop you. I...I wanted to know why and...and stop you from just leaving us like that."
"...Mr. Bell is very kind. But he shouldn't be so trusting of others. Especially not Lilly," Lilly lowered her head and continued speaking, "Lilly isn't what she she seems. She's not as kind as Mr. Bell and Mr. Simon. She hasn't been telling the truth. She's done bad things to other adventurers. And almost did the same to Mr. Bell and Mr. Simon. Lilly...can't stay with you."
She lifted her head and gave Bell a hard stare as she said, "Mr. Bell would be better off forgetting Lilly. Mr. Bell doesn't know her and it should remain that way."
Bell was taken aback and nearly stepped back at how cold Lilly's voice sounded. But he managed to stop himself because something about her words seemed...wrong. The words reached his ears, but something his heart told them they weren't how she really felt. There was no logical basis for that reasoning, just the feeling he held in his heart. But it was enough to stop him from doing as Lilly said. Seeing that he hadn't moved, Lilly frowned and stepped forward, "Mr. Bell, you don't know Lilly. Not the real her. Thus, Mr. Bell should feel no pity nor sympathy for her. Mr. Bell should focus on himself and not think about Lilly anymore. Mr. Bell will be better off not knowing Lilly."
Bell could tell that Lilly was getting bolder. She was examining his stance now, looking for openings she could use to slip away. If he let his guard down any further, she'd dash around him and run off again. He wasn't sure if he could catch up to her a second time. Not with the conflicted emotions churning within him. He wanted to say something, anything to her, but he didn't know what he could say. He didn't think that Lilly was right, but he couldn't bring himself to say she was wrong either. He could hear his heart pounding in his chest as he tried to think of an answer to her. He closed his eyes while his mind worked overtime to find it, because he knew that if he didn't...then this might be the last time he saw...Lilly.
And he didn't want that.
He didn't want to lose Lilly.
Not when he barely...knew her.
Bell's eyes widened for a moment, then they returned to normal as a strange calmness came over him. He lowered his arms and got out of his stance, while sheathing the baselard in his holster. He kept his eyes on Lilly as he did so, watching her expression become conflicted. Then Bell swallowed and said, "You're right, Lilly. I don't really know you."
Lilly's shoulders slumped but she plastered a smile on her face. She lowered her head and said, "Yes, that's right. Lilly's glad Mr. Bell-"
Before she could finish, Bell sat down on the ground. He crossed his legs and leaned forward while keeping his eyes on Lilly, "So, tell me."
"...What?"
"Tell me, Lilly. Tell me about you. I...I want to know you. The real you. No matter who you really are," Bell's spoke with a calm confidence while keeping his eyes on Lilly. He didn't raise his voice yet Lilly seemed to hang on his every word.
Lilly blinked, her mask of stoicism cracking slightly. It took a moment for her mind to catch up with what Bell had said. Then she shook her head, "Mr. Bell, that's not possible. Lilly can't-"
"Lilly, I need you."
Those four words made Lilly choke on her own. She nearly fell over the moment she heard them. Bell gave her a moment to compose herself before he continued, "I...I need you, Lilly. Because even if you didn't do it because you actually needed the money, you telling me that I could handle coming to the tenth floor is the only I'm down here. If it weren't for you, I'd still be in the upper floors fighting the beginner monsters. With no confidence to go any further. And the progress I've been making in fighting monsters, making vals, and becoming a better adventurer...it's all because of you. Not just because you get the magic stones, but because you know things about the Dungeon and it's monsters that I don't. Even now, I can't count how many times you've saved me by warning me about a monster I didn't see coming or didn't know about."
Lilly lowered her head, letting her hood and bangs hide her expression. But her unsteady voice gave away her true feelings, "Those are things that any supporter could do for Mr. Bell."
"Maybe...but none of those supporters would be you," Bell remained unbowed as he spoke again, "And if there is one out there like you, I'd still choose you. Because, you're you, Lilly. And no one out there can be you."
Lilly's arms were shaking as much as her voice as she spoke again, "B-But Mr. Bell has Mr. Simon. He's strong and can do what Lilly does."
Bell shook his head, "No, he can't. He doesn't know the Dungeon like you do. Nor does he understand how poison, antidotes, or anything like that works. He's strong and can take out magic stones, but he's just okay at that. You're amazing. Don't you remember how you got so many more magic stones than him using your knife, even if he used his core drill? Simon's a good party member, but he can't replace you. No one can."
Lilly didn't respond this time. But Bell felt that he was getting through to her. The fact that she hadn't tried to run past him told him that. Nervousness mostly gone, he spoke one more time, "Lilly I...I don't want our relationship to end like this. I...I want you to stay. If that means learning who you really are, then please, tell me that. Tell me who you are. I can't promise that my reaction will be good. But, I will stay here and listen to your every word. I can promise you that. Because...I don't want you to go."
Silence fell over the two of them as Bell waited for Lilly's response. He could hear his heart beating in his chest, trying and failing to keep his expression calm. He was biting his lip as sweat fell from his head. But, despite all that, he kept his eyes solely on Lilly, waiting to hear what she had to say. Finally, Lilly lifted one of her hands up and pushed her hood back. Bell saw her small dog ears flicking in the light of the Dungeon. He didn't know what she was trying to do, so he remained silent to see. Then...
"Stroke of midnight's bell."
As if she had been dosed in ash, a gray dust covered her head. A light flashed without sound, and the ears on her head were gone when it cleared. That wasn't all. The bangs that covered her eyes and the furry tail behind her had disappeared as well. Bell's eyes widened and his mouth gaped in shock as he saw Lilly transform before his eyes. Her big chestnut eyes were still there, her face was still that of a cute girl. But the dog-girl child he thought he knew was gone. There was no doubt now-Lilly was the prum girl Bell and Simon had run into in the back alley. Bell blinked twice as his mind went back through that day. The day when he was looking for his knife that he thought he had dropped.
"So...that was you?" Bell asked, knowing the answer but wanting confirmation. Lilly slowly nodded still not looking Bell in the eyes. Bell spoke again, "And the prum boy Simon caught. That was..."
"That was Lilly, too," Lilly admitted, her voice a whisper as she stared at the ground.
Bell went silent again as he went over the revelations in his mind. He opened his mouth, closed it, pursed his lips, then sat up straight and said, "Okay. Keep going."
Lilly slowly lifted her head, her eyes close to watering as she met Bell's gaze. She tried to keep her voice stable as she spoke again, "Mr. Bell...wants to hear more?"
Bell nodded, "I said I wanted you to tell me about you. The real you. And this is the first part. So, you can keep going. I'll listen for long as you need."
The smile Bell gave Lilly was so genuine that her stoicism finally broke. The strength left her body and she fell to her knees. She put her hands over her eyes and began to cry. Real, actual tears fell from her eyes as she sobbed uncontrollably. Bell got to one knee, reached for Lilly, but hesitated. He was completely at odds with what he should do. He wanted to embrace her, but he wasn't sure if she actually wanted him to do that. He as still arguing with himself when Lilly started yelling, "Why?! Why won't Mr. Bell abandon Lilly! She's been nothing but horrible to Mr. Bell and Mr. Simon!" She proceeded to confess to everything she had done. When she would took money for herself at the exchange, when she took more than the fifty-fifty share they had agreed upon from Bell, when she charged him more than double for the price of items. While a voice in the back of her kept telling her to stop, she didn't listen to it. She spilled everything she had done out at that moment. Ending with her saying, "Lilly is a bad, bad person! A thief! Lilly's a piece-of-shit prum who lied to you over and over! Lilly's not worthy to be your supporter."
Lilly took a moment to recover her breath before continuing through her sobs, "Even still...Event still, Mr. Bell and Mr. Simon both are still kind to Lilly. Mr. Simon found Lilly out but didn't rat on her. He kept quiet and still gave Lilly his share. He even took Lilly to get food and paid for it all by working it off. He never once charged Lilly anything, never shunned her, never yelled...he didn't...he didn't abandon her. And Mr. Bell won't either! Why?! Why are you both trying to keep Lilly around?!"
Bell stayed silent, his original uncertainty having lessened after listening to Lilly's rant. He stayed silent to let Lilly sob and pant as much as she needed. Only when he was certain she was somewhat calm did he finally reach a hand forward and gently cup her cheek. When her wet eyes shot to look at him, he spoke without a hint of nervousness in his voice, "Because you're Lilly. I've said it before and I'll say it as many times as I have to. I don't want you to disappear. There's nothing else to it, cause I don't need a better reason to save Lilly."
A waterfall of tears fell from Lilly's eyes as her damn broke. She wailed again before diving into Bell's chest and hanging on tight. His metallic armor got in the way but she didn't care. She embraced him with all her might while Bell gently stroked her head and back. His voice was gentle as he spoke, "Lilly, if you're in trouble, come talk to me or Simon. Simon will probably get it, but I'm an idiot. So, I won't know unless you tell me. I promise we'll help you, you can count on that."
Lilly continued to cry into his chest, neither of them caring about the fact that they were in the Dungeon. Bell was willing to wait until Lilly got everything out of her system, and she was willing to take him up on that offer. Why neither of them got attacked by any monsters was anyone's guess. But it gave them the time they needed.
Once Lilly was done crying, Bell helped her get to her feet and gather her things. As the two of them gathered themselves, they both heard footsteps approaching their position. Looking up they saw a familiar silhouette walking up the path they had come from. He was walking with his back straight and head held high, his cape off and being used as a bag held over his left shoulder. Bell's smile widened and he ran to meet their friend, "Simon! You're alright!"
Simon came into the light, smiled, then waved back at Bell with his right hand, "Hey, Bell. Course I'm alright. Like a few orcs could beat me. Though they did get me good a few times. Which is why I'm glad a certain someone left behind some healing potions."
Simon lowered his hand and showed off the the empty potion vials in the bag at his hip. He adjusted the makeshift bag over his shoulder before stopping before Bell and Lilly. His smile softened as he looked down at Lilly, tear stains running down her cheeks. He knelt to her level and said, "Guess Bell caught up to you, huh? He tell you what he wanted to?"
Lilly nodded, drying her eyes with her cloak, "Y-Yes. Lilly is sorry for...for everything."
Simon hummed then nodded, "Don't mention it. I'm just glad that you two were able to work it out. And know that, whatever Bell said, goes double for me. So, don't be afraid to come talk to us. Alright?"
"Lilly understands. Is that bag full of magic stones from the orcs?"
"Indeed it is. Took me a bit to get all of them out, but I managed. Don't worry, I'm good to carry this stuff back to the surface."
Simon made to stand but Lilly held out her hands and shook her head, "No, no. Lilly is Mr. Bell and Mr. Simon's supporter. Lilly will carry the magic stones. It's something only Lilly can do, after all."
Lilly smiled up at Simon, her lips curling up to her teary eyes. Simon blinked before his own smile grew wider. He turned his cape around and said, "That it is. Come on, let me help you get these in your bag. You mind keeping an eye out, Bell?"
"Of course not," Bell said, turning to watch for monsters...and to hide his own wide smile from view. Before long the three of them were making their way back to the surface. While a few monsters did harass them heading up, none of them were a problem for Bell and Simon. However, just when they made it ot the seventh level and started heading up the staircase, something got in their way.
Or, more specifically, multiple people.
They had just exited a corridor into a small room. While the room was clear of monsters, a group of adventurers was standing at the exit leading to the Guild. All of them were familiar to Bell's party. One was the male adventurer that Bell had punched yesterday, and the other three were the same adventurers that had cornered Lilly that same day. Upon seeing them Lilly instinctively started to shudder while her grip on her backpack tightened. She felt fear grip her heart, but Simon and Bell moved in to block her from the direct line of sight. Seeing the way they moved the male adventurer sneered, "So, ya morons know the score then? Pfft, idiots defending a good for nuthin' thief. S'why I waited for ya here. Knew ya'd come here through some place and just my luck you ran into us here?"
He started laughing, his eyes cold and filled with malice. Bell swallowed with one hand on his baselard while getting into a fighting stance. Simon remained silent but his eyes were watching for any sign of attack from their foes. The adult male animal person that Simon had confronted kept his dull eyes focused on the three of them but spoke to his partner, "Quite a windfall we've come across, Master Gedo."
"Just you wait, Kanu. The runt's nuthin' to worry about. He'll go down easy. Watch out for the blue fucker, but he'll go down when we've got the number advantage. Then that shitty prum will be all ours and we'll get all the stuff she's been stealin'," Gedo's sneer grew deeper as he reached behind him and pulled out his sword.
However, Kanu held out his hand to stop the man from approaching. He looked at the human and said, "Hold, Master Gedo. I believe we have a better idea."
Kanu gestured for the other two adventurers to come forward. As they did, they held up two strange objects in their hands. It took a moment for Bell, Simon, and Lilly to realize what they were. They were killer ants that had been severely injured but left alive. The monsters gave off pheromones that attracted more of their kind when they were close to death. These two weren't doing it just yet, but the second they were thrown into the room they would. Gedo, realizing what his partners were planning, laughed loudly while spewing insults at Bell's party. Bell bit his lip while pulling the Hestia Knife from its protector. He put up his baselard and put the knife in his main hand. He didn't think he could reach the two killer ants in time to kill them before they started calling more of them. But if he didn't, then Simon, Lilly, and him would be surrounded within a matter of seconds. And even if the did get close, the four adventurers would take him down before he could do anything. He hadn't fought another human before, something these adventurers had likely done many times. Not to mention they had the numbers advantage.
Just when he was thinking of grabbing Lilly and using his magic spell to burst past them, he heard Simon yell out, "Gurren Boomerang!"
Bell watched Simon's sunglasses fly forward, arcing through the air at the adventurers in front of them. Simon ran after it while shouting, "Bell, Lilly! Get going! I've got these assholes!"
"Bu-"
"Go!" Simon's voice would broker no argument. His sunglasses came around at the two holding the killer ants. Thinking the weapon was aimed at them, they chose their own survival over holding onto the monsters. They threw both of the monsters away which made the killer ants easy targets for the sunglasses. The red objects cleaved through the killer ants, shattering their magic stones and killing them for good.
"Mr. Bell! We should trust Mr. Simon!" Lilly said, walking up and grabbing Bell's hand with her own.
Bell didn't have the time to recognize the situation. He was too busy thinking about what to do. He looked at Lilly with an uncertain frown, "But Simon-"
"Will be fine! Mr. Simon is strong. We just have to trust him and wait for him on the surface," Lilly increased her grip on Bell's hand. Bell girt his teeth, his own hand shaking. He didn't like the idea of leaving Simon behind for a second time...but...
"...Alright. Hold on, Lilly," Bell reached down and scooped Lilly up in his arms. Lilly suddenly felt very embarrassed at the circumstances but she forced it down to focus on holding onto Bell. She wrapped her arms around his chest while Bell did his best to keep her backpack from blocking his vision. Once he had a clear view ahead of him, he planted his feet then shouted the trigger phrase for his spell, "Spiral Boost!"
In a burst of speed, Bell and Lilly landed just to the right of Gedo. The male adventurer shrieked in surprise, trying to pull his sword and slash at the two. However, Simon had reached their position before Bell and had already grabbed his sunglasses. He dashed away from Kanu and sliced at Gedo's right wrist. Before he could see the outcome, Bell shouted, "Spiral Boost!"
Again him and Lilly shot forward, but this time he came out of the spell sprinting away. He didn't look back as he ran toward the staircase leading to the next floor. However, the entire time he was silently telling Simon to be careful.
Meanwhile, Gedo cried out in pain as Simon's glasses sliced right through his right wrist. Blood gushed from the wound as the man fell to his knees in pain, "Ah! You son of a-"
Before he could finish, Simon kicked him square between in the legs. Gedo's voice pitched high as he doubled over in pain. Simon grabbed the back of his neck with his free hand, then turned and threw him at Kanu. The animal person grunted as the heavy human landed on top of him, while the other two adventurers rushed Simon. One swung his sword at Simon's left, forcing Simon to block with his glasses. The other dashed around to Simon's back and made to slash at his cape. His sword landed but was deflected by the steel like cape. The other adventurer stumbled backward, while Simon forced the one he was clashing with away. He charged forward, stomping on the man's foot before following it up with a punch to the stomach. The adventurer grunted but tried to run Simon threw with his sword. Simon dodged to the left, lifted his sunglasses, then brought them down hard on the man's blade.
The blade was broken in a single blow.
As the adventurer's mouth went wide, Simon followed up with a karate chop to the man's throat, a kick to the stomach, then ending it off with a right hook to the man's temple. He was out on the ground within moments. The other adventurer, after seeing his fallen comrades, immediately turned to run. However, Simon grabbed the back of his collar before he could get far. He yanked him back before slamming him to the ground and tossing him over toward Kanu and Gedo. The two "leaders" were trying to stand when the other man crashed on top of them. As the three ended up in a bloody tangle of limbs, Simon picked up the unconscious man and added him to the pile.
He walked over to the three conscious men, staring down at them with disdain and anger. Kanu and Gedo glared at him while the unnamed adventurer refused to meet his gaze. Simon crossed his arms and spoke aloud, "Okay, you assholes, listen up! I'm gonna be taking you to the Guild and letting them deal with you. But! Before that, you are going to tell me something I want to know. At least you will, if you don't want me to beat you up some more."
Simon leaned forward his eyes ablaze with anger. He spoke clearly and succinctly to make sure he wasn't misheard, "Where do that Soma guy and his Familia hang out, and how do I get to them?"
Finally got it done. I hope you all enjoyed. I particularly hope the moment between Lilly and Bell comes across as good. I wasn't really sure if I got the emotions I wanted to convey across well, so let me know how that went.
Anyway, next Chapter: Simon Storms Soma Familia's Base!
Simon shrugged and shook his head, "Not really. It was more like she didn't really want to talk. Felt like she was just waiting for Aiz to come out of the Dungeon. But I know her name now, at least."
"I see," Bell said, trying to wrap his head around what Riveria may have been thinking. After he and Aiz had separated in the Dungeon, they saw that the sun had risen and Orario was waking up. They both went their own ways after finding their friends. Aiz went back to her Familia while Bell and Simon went back to Hestia. Bell had told Simon what he had promised Aiz and Simon's response was to pat Bell on the back. He had said he looked forward to the training, and was happy Bell was able to get together with Aiz.
Simon put his hands behind his head and said, "That aside, what do you think Aiz meant by 'she'll find us'?"
"She probably means she'll come find us when she's prepared. Adventurers in different Familias can't just help each other like that. It's the equivalent of giving information to a possible rival," Bell stated, head hung low at the confirmation.
"Sounds like bullshit to me," Simon said, rubbing his nose with a frown, "but if she wants to be careful about it, then I'm not gonna begrudge her for it. When do you think she'll come talk to us?"
Bell shrugged, "Who knows? We'll just have to keep an eye out."
"Hmm, guess so. I'm assuming that you won't be telling Hestia about it?"
Bell flinched and put his hands on his head, "P-Please don't remind me. I-I don't like keeping it from my Goddess but...she and Loki don't like each other. If she found out I was training with Aiz she's forbid it and-"
Simon held up a hand and smiled, "Don't worry. I won't tell her. Though, if you ask me, you should feel confident in telling stuff like that to your Goddess. At least if you trust her that much."
"I do, but..." Bell didn't finish, unable to come up with a good response. He was almost thankful when the two of them returned to the church. He was the first to get inside the basement and say hello to Hestia, with Simon a few steps behind him. Bell greeted Hestia who was sitting on the sofa with the book Bell had brought home in her lap. Bell flinched when he saw the hint of frustration on her face, lowering his face in shame, "Um, Hestia? I'm sorry for leaving without telling you but I-"
"It's fine, Bell. As long as you're alright. I assume you kept him safe, Simon?" Hestia said as she stood up from the sofa. She snapped the book shut and held it out for both of them to see, "Anyway, Bell can you hand me that book you were reading yesterday? I'm curious and have nothing to this morning."
"Okay," Bell said, moving toward the kitchen where he was reading the book. Simon stepped into the living room and raised an eyebrow at Hestia. Hestia shrugged as she waited for Bell to come back. He eventually returned to the room with the book, which as thick as an encyclopedia, in his hands. He gave it to Hestia who opens the cover and glances through the first few pages, "Hmm...the more I look at it., the book seems stranger and stranger...yes?"
After a few moments, she stops moving. Save for her eyes spinning like crazy. She looked up at Bell and said in a surprised voice, "Isn't this a grimoire?"
"Grimoire?" both Simon and Bell asked in unison, neither having heard of it before.
"To put it simply, it's a book that forces the reader to learn magic."
Bell began to sweat profusely, while Simon frowned in thought. Hestia continued, "I don't think either of you know about Advanced Abilities, but their special skills like Magic Control or Enigma. This book could only be made by someone who has mastered both."
Simon stepped forward and held out his hand, "Mind if I see it?"
"Go ahead, but you won't get anything out of it," she said while giving him the book, "Grimoires can only be used once. Once someone acquires magic from it, a grimoire becomes nothing more than trash. A big paperweight. So Bell, just how exactly did this grimoire end up here in the first place?"
As Hestia rounded on Bell, Simon flipped through the pages of the book. Sure enough, he felt no power form it whatsoever. It was exactly as Hestia described. A big, blank, paperweight. Bell audibly swallowed before speaking, "I borrowed it from a friend...She said it was left behind by someone else..."
Hestia went silent while staring at Bell.
Bell hesitantly asked, "What's it worth...?"
"At least as much as Hephaistos Familia's highest-quality weapons, or possibly even more..."
A heavy silence falls over them as both look at the floor in thought. Inwardly, both were panicking at what this could mean for their Familia. Simon, though, was deep in thought about something else. He hummed and put a hand on his chin as Hestia walked over to the table. She grabbed a chair, wealked over to Bell, then climbs into the seat. She thumps both hands onto Bell's shoulders as she starts talking, "Listen to me, Bell. You met the book's owner by accident. And you returned the book to him before reading it. So the book was never here. Even if there was a mistake, the grimoire had been used before you had it...That's how this happened."
"Goddess, that's wrong!"
"Bell, Gekai is not all sunshine and flowers; there are many dark, dark things. I've seen them with my own eyes. Being thrown out of home, being so poor that even buying potato puffs was impossible and starving, being forced to live under ruins...almost carrying an enormous debt. The world is full of injustices."
"Wasn't all of that your fault?!"
"Actually, I don't think either of you have to worry about returning this. But you've got other problems."
Hestia and Bell turned their attention to Simon. Simon had closed the book and was holding it in his right hand. He looked pensive as he spoke, "Cause I don't think that Bell finding this was an accident."
Both Hestia and Bell shared a confused look. Then Hestia took her hands off Bell and looked at Simon, "What makes you say that?"
"Hestia, you said that this thing is worth a lot of money when it hasn't been read yet. Like, it could be enough to act as payment for a custom weapon, or something, right?"
Hestia flinched but nodded her head. Simon flipped the book in his hand and continued, "And, Bell, you know how important it is for adventurers to get money, right? Like, really important, right?"
Bell nodded, "Y-Yeah. For some it's the only reason they become adventurers."
"And I'm gonna guess that you can't just buy or obtain something like this easily. Not without spending a lot of money, or going to places that carry things most people wouldn't carry."
"What are you trying to say, Simon?" Hestia asked, though the frown on her face suggested she was starting to pick up on his thought process.
"I'm saying that someone planted this thing," Simon held up the book and pointed at it so that both of them could see it, "No one in their right minds would just leave something like this in a place where anyone could grab it, read it, and make it worthless. Only careless adventurers would do that, but if you're good enough or rich enough to get a grimoire, then you're not gonna be that careless. Or at least you shouldn't be. I'd bet that someone purposely left it wherever Bell put it so that someone else could grab it. That someone being Bell."
"But, wait," Bell held up his hands and shook his head, "I can see where you're going with this, Simon. But...why would you say that someone left it for me, specifically? If someone did leave it behind on purpose, then wouldn't it have still been for someone else?"
Simon shrugged, "Maybe. I don't have any proof that it wasn't. But, Bell, do you remember those times me and you felt someone watching us from a distance? Like when we're walking down Main Street?"
Bell swallowed then nodded, "Y-Yeah. Do you think...whoever's been watching me did it? What do you think, Lady Hestia?"
Hestia was looking at the ground with her brows furrowed in thought. She hummed and tapped a finger against her lips, "It's...possible. But the chances of it being true are very slim. Unless we have some kind of concrete evidence, I wouldn't assume it was the case."
"But...?" Simon asked, tilting his head at Hestia.
"But I can't rule out that your suggestion maybe correct," she crossed her arms, making Bell turn his head as her chest bounced a bit. She nodded and said, "I still think my story would work out best in the long run."
"Actually, I don't think we'll need it," Simon looked toward Bell and asked, "Bell, you got this from the Benevolent Mistress, didn't you?"
Bell's eyes went wide, his sudden flinching giving both him and Hestia the answer they needed. Bell still answered, "Y-Yeah! How'd you know?"
"You said you borrowed it from a friend, and mentioned that said friend was a girl. Of the friends you have that I know of, only four of them are women. One's Hestia, who would've known about this if she gave it to you. Another is Eina, but she's part of the Guild. She couldn't just give you something this valuable. Then there's Lilly, but she doesn't strike me as the kind to just give away a grimoire like this. Which leaves one person: Syr."
Hestia leaned forward with a forced smile on her lips as she turned to Bell. Bell felt a shiver go up his spine as she spoke, "You sure are popular, aren't you Bell?"
"Ehehehe," Bell refused to look Hestia in the eyes while rubbing the back of his head. He didn't know why, but he felt like Hestia was judging him harshly.
"Anyway," Simon got their attention again and tapped his finger against the book, "if you got this from Syr, then all we gotta do is come back and tell her what happened. She'll keep a secret. We should just act as if this was all an accident. Don't mention any of our suspicions. Not until we can get some kind of evidence. Bell, you go get ready to head to the Mistress. I'll catch up."
"Okay, I'll do that! We'll get this all settled and handled!" Bell said, quickly rushing up the stairs to the ruins above.
Once he was out of the room, Simon turned his gaze to Hestia. The two shared a knowing look and Simon asked, "So, do you know of any Gods or Goddesses who like to give gifts to members of other Familias?"
Hestia pursed her lips as her brows furrowed in thought. Then she shook her head, "No one comes to mind. Besides, Bell's still Level 1. The only reason other Gods would look at him is because he's cute and innocent. But that wouldn't be enough for any of them to order someone to give him something so priceless."
Simon hummed and considered his own experience. He had only run into five Gods since he's been here. Of those five, he could only think of one that might have the ability and want to do something like this. And if it was who he thought it was, then things might be more complicated then he thought. But without proof he wasn't going to jump to any conclusions. He nodded at Hestia and said, "Alright, then you should keep an eye out in the best way you can, Hestia. Watching other Gods just in case. I'll keep an eye out where I'm at. With Bell in the Dungeon. Sound good?"
"Yeah. Thank you, Simon. Let's hope we're both just over thinking this," Hestia said as Simon walked up the stairs. She bit her lip, worried that he might be right. Because if he was then this was much more serious than she thought.
"You alright, Bell?" Simon asked the boy as they headed down West Main toward the Dungeon. The young man had just finished putting away the mind-restoring potion he had bought from Nahza a few moments ago. The animal woman had been as tired looking as ever, and had offered the potion to Bell for a discount. Simon had left the negotiations to Bell as he didn't really get it. Not to mention he had no money of his own, so he couldn't really help Bell buy it. Though it was good to see that Nahza was willing to help Bell out. Despite that, though, Bell still looked upset as the two walked toward the Dungeon.
Bell looked up at Simon and sighed, "Sorry, Simon. I'm still thinking about what you said. I mean...Syr and Mama Mia didn't seem to know anything about it. So, maybe it was just an accident?"
Simon pursed his lips and said, "Maybe. But I'm not too sure. They could be in on it."
"Y-You think so?!"
"Not really. Mama doesn't seem the type to owe people favors, or let people use her place for their own reasons. Doubt she would let anyone do that to her girls if she could help it. But ya never know with stuff like this. All we can do is hope that things aren't as bad as they seem, and keep moving forward. But don't you worry. If me or Hestia find out what's going on, we'll all take care of it as a team," Simon said, giving Bell a smile and thumbs up. That helped lift the boy's spirits a bit and he kept a smile on his face as they headed towards Central Park. They stopped in the usual place where they would meet Lilly with the clear blue sky shining down on them. They both looked around to see if she had arrived yet, but neither could see a dog girl that looked like her. But then Bell caught a glimpse of something strange on the way to Babel Tower.
"Isn't that Lily?" Bell said, pointing to a part of Central Park under the shade of a tree with large leaves. Lilly was standing there with three adventurers, sunlight dancing on their faces as the leaves swayed in the soft breeze. The three large men were surrounding Lilly, their chests puffed out and looking down on her. They were saying something while Lilly frantically shook her head from side to side. Bell and Simon looked at each other, the latter frowning before nodding his head toward the meeting. Bell returned the nod and the two slowly crept closer to hear what was happening. As they got close, they began to hear heated words.
"...enough...hand...over!"
"Already...gone...Really...!!"
While Bell made ready to hide behind a tree in their blind spot, Simon rushed in without warning. Shocked, Bell couldn't stop him as he closed the distance and jumped in between Lilly and the three adventurers. It took Bell a moment to realize what was happening, but he made ready to get involved. However, before he could go someone grabbed his shoulder and shouted, "Hey!"
Bell reflexively spun out of the grip and turned to face the grabber. He came face to face with a familiar male adventurer. The same one that Simon had punched when the two of them first met Lilly. The man's eyes flashed with recognition and he said, "Heh, yer that kid form before...Don't matter, got a question for ya. Good thing that big fella's busy. Ya working with that runt over there?"
Bell remained on guard and stayed quiet. The man's expression grew darker as he said, "Oi! Haven't got all day! Did ya hire that supporter or not?"
"...That girl is not the prum you were chasing in the alley that day," Bell says, keeping an eye on the man. He didn't know why, but he felt his hands curling into fists. Something about this situation just made him feel angry and upset.
The man's lips curl into a sneer, "Moron...is what I wanna call ya, but what ya think is yer own business. Ya wanna play the fool along with that dumbass over there, be my guest. But that don't matter; yer gonna help me...We're gonna snatch her."
The man's lipes curled into a jeering smile. Bell blinked in awe, "Wha..."
"Not askin' ya to do it for free. I'll pay ya a bit up front and a share of what we get out of the runt. Ya can even tell that big guy if ya think he'll see reason. All ya have to do is go into the Dungeon like usual. After that, find an excuse to leave her alone and I'll-"
The man never finished his speech.
Because Bell got in his face before he could finish, and rammed his right fist into the man's cheek. His eyes blazed a bright green while his teeth were grit in an expression of fury. Despite the man being taller and broader than him, Bell's punch managed to crack a few of his teeth. With a burning anger in his heart Bell shouted, "Not a chance in Hell!"
"Leave her alone!" Simon shouted, waving his hand through the air to ward off the three adventurers. All three were male, but while two were human one was an animal-person. The three of them gathered closer together when Simon appeared, but none of them looked particularly frightened of him. Lilly was behind Simon's right leg, her eyes wide as she stared up at the blue-haired man.
The animal-person stepped forward, his cloudy eyes dark as he stared at Simon. He spoke with an even tone, "Careful there, sir. This is Familia business. Nothing to do with you."
"Nothing to do with me? Ha!" Simon scoffed at the three, not backing down in the slightest, "If you think that's enough to get me to back off when you're clearly hassling my party member, you've got another thing coming!"
Lilly opened her mouth to say something, but lost her voice when the adventurer cut his eyes at her. She felt a chill go down her spine and turned her eyes away from him. The animal-person looked at Simon and said, "I'd be more careful about trying to protect someone like her, sir. Quite a few people before you have and they came to regret-"
"Save it!" Simon interrupted, stepping forward and shoving his finger in the animal-person's face. The gesture was so abrupt it made the three males and Lilly open their mouths in shock. Simon's eyes blazed with righteous fury as he continued, "I don't give a single shit what you have to say about her! The only thing that matters to me is this: Lilly is my party member. We look out for each other. That means when one of us is being threatened, the rest of us rush over to help them out. So, back off! And if you really are from her Familia, then she deserves so much better than you fucking pathetic assholes!"
The adventurers' faces had turned bright red with anger, but Simon didn't seem bothered at all. He pulled his finger away, backed up, then held up his fist, "Now scram, before I decide to slug each and every one of you!"
The three adventurers stared at Simon, all tensed but none making any moves to attack. The animal-person, seemingly the leader of the group, hummed before turning his back on Simon and Lilly. He glanced at Lilly one last time before walking off with the other two adventurers in tow. Simon glared at their backs as they walked away, not relaxing until they had passed out of sight. Only then did he finally relax and put his arms down. Sighing he turned to look at Lilly and asked, "You alright, Lilly? Those guys didn't hurt you or anything, right?"
Lilly kept her expression as neutral as she could while saying, "Lilly is fine, but Mr. Simon shouldn't have done that. Lilly had it under control."
Simon shrugged, "Sorry, but didn't seem like it. Ya know that if you're having trouble with those guys, me and Bell will give you a hand if you ask."
"Lilly is...grateful," she turned around adjusting her hood to make sure her face and head were covered, "but Mr. Simon and Mr. Bell shouldn't get involved in something like this. After all, Lilly is just a supporter."
Simon smiled, caught up to Lilly, then tapped her head with his finger, "Didn't I already tell ya? You're more than just a supporter. You're Lilly. And you're an important part of our team. I know Bell thinks the same."
As soon as Simon said that, both of them heard the sound of a fist meeting flesh. It soon followed by Bell shouting at the top of his lungs, "Not a chance in Hell!"
Lilly looked shocked but Simon's lips curled into a proud smile. Both of them rushed to see what was happening and found Bell standing before a familiar male adventurer. Simon recognized him as the man who was chasing that prum girl, who he now knew was likely Lilly, and while Lilly recognized him as the man who knew her true power. He was holding his cheek with one hand while stumbling away from Bell. Blood seeped from his lips as his eyes blazed with hatred. He growled a curse at Bell and reached for his sword but caught sight of Simon and Lilly. With a frown he took his hand away and said, "This isn't over, brat! Yer gonna regret that!"
Then he turned around and ran off. Bell stood firm, his right fist trembling as he glared at the man's back. It took Simon calling his name to get him to return to himself. He shook his head then turned to look at his party members, "Simon! Lilly! Are you two alright?"
"Yeah, we're fine. I ran those guys threatening Lilly off," Simon put his arms behind his head and jerked it in the direction of the fleeing adventurer, "What was that about?"
"Did Mr. Bell talk with that honorable adventurer?" Lilly asked, her expression neutral as she looked up at Bell.
Bell frowned and slowly nodded, "Y-Yeah. He...He wanted me to help him hurt you. And when I heard that I...I don't know what came over me. I just felt so angry that I...I-"
"Ya slugged him one?" Simon finished for Bell. Bell looked at the ground in shame while Simon nodded, "Yeah, I can see why you would do that. Good that you stood up for Lilly, but it means we'll have to be careful. Doubt that guy's just gonna leave it at that. We should call keep an eye out while we're in the Dungeon, right Lilly? Lilly?"
"H-Huh?" Lilly blinked while looking up at Simon and Bell. Both of them were staring at her with worry in their eyes. Lilly took a moment to regain her composure then suggested they get going to the Dungeon. Bell and Simon shared a look but followed her toward Babel Tower.
"So, this is the tenth floor, huh?" Simon said as they exited a corridor from the ninth floor. Fog hung in the air, stopping them from making out the dimensions of the room. The room itself was an open savanna filled with leafless, limbless dead trees scattered all around. Simon put a hand over his eyes and squinted, trying to see further into the room. When that failed he shook his head, "Yep, that's some dense fog. We should stay together, so we don't lose each other. Sound good, Bell?"
Bell nodded while holding his new weapon in his hands. Lilly had gone shopping for new items the other day and had given him a baselard. The simple sword was well weighted and felt good in his hands. He had already used it to kill numerous other monsters on their journey down here. Though in order to wield it, he had to put his Divine Knife in his leg protector. Lilly had gotten new weapons for Simon as well. Gauntlets that she assured him would work well with his style. However, though Simon thanked her, he assured her that he didn't need them. When she tried to explain why having a weapon was practical even for adventurers who fought unarmed, he simply said that he had his "Fighting Spirit" and that was all he needed. She didn't seem to buy it, but accepted it after Bell confirmed that Simon would be fine.
Normally, they wouldn't have come to the tenth floor this early. It was around here that the Dungeon began to bring out it's crueler tricks and traps. Many an overconfident adventurer had met their end in these floors. But Lilly had asked to travel down here for today for two reasons. The first is that she was certain Bell and Simon could handle it. Anyone could see that Simon himself was stronger than a level one adventurer, but that wouldn't have been enough. One person couldn't protect them all if things got that dire. But Bell was clearly far stronger than any normal solo adventurer. Lilly was certain that, even though he was level one, he could easily handle these levels with ease. The second reason is that, she was trying to gather a large amount of money. She wouldn't give them details, but did she did say it had something to do with her Familia. Then, after a few moments of consideration, Bell had agreed to Lilly's suggestion.
Thus the three of them were here in this fog covered savanna. The entire journey down Bell had been particularly protective of Lilly. Not because of the floors they were going through were dangerous for them. But because he was certain that the male adventurer from the other day would be watching them. Like Simon said, he felt that the man wasn't the type to let what happened go. He was certain that he was just waiting for them to drop their guard so he could get at Lilly. Though he didn't think that the man would attack them in this area, he didn't want to take any chances.
Bell kept Lilly in his line of sight while Simon walked a bit ahead of the group. All of them were on guard, watching closely to see if anything was coming out of the mist. They approach a small group of the dead trees. Each one stands between one and two meters tall. Abnormally thick bark cover their wide bases, but the trunks became thinner and thinner the taller the trees grew. Simon touched a nearby one with the back of his hand and frowned, "These trees...they don't feel natural. Not like the trees above ground. In fact, how do they even grow in this area? There's no real sunlight down here."
"...I think I may know," Bell frowned before turning to Lilly, "Do you think we should cut these things down?"
"No, we don't have time for that," Lilly says, surprise filling her voice as she stares past Bell and Simon. The two of turn to see what startled her, and both immediately get on guard. From afare they spot two large silhouettes moving through the fog. They could hear their gigantic feet hitting the floor as they walked side by side, the vibrations of the impacts running up their boots. Bell put his arms up defensively as he clenched his jaw, while Simon got into a fighting stance with his fist held at the ready.
The two creatures were orcs, monsters solidly in the large category of monsters. They had brown skin and the heads of boars, with old hide wrapped around their waist like beat-up old skirts. They were both three meters tall, a bit taller than the Minotaur. However, compared to that thickly muscled beast, the orcs were squat and hugely fat. They let out growls as they appeared through the fog, "Ughaaaa....."
"Ready when you are, Bell," Simon said, his eyes never leaving the two monsters. Bell took a deep breath then nodded at Simon. Just as he did that, the orcs caught the three of them in their beady yellow eyes. They both roar and quicken their pace, making the floor shake even more. They make their way through the group of dead trees, both holding out their arms. They each grab a tree in one of their meaty hands and pull them out of the floor.
What were once just natural parts of the scenery in the Dungeon, became crude clubs in the hands of the monster's. Landform, the Dungeons' own armory. Used to provide weapons to the roaming monsters, they first appear on level ten and give them that much more power.
"Ah, the Dungeon made those too," Simon said eyes still on the approaching monsters, "Guessing they would've just grown back if we had taken them out?"
"Yes," Bell nodded as he tightened his grip on his sword, "You take the one on the left, I'll take the one on the right. Neither gets passed us to Lilly. Charge in when they roar and don't get hit, you won't survive."
"Got it. Let's go!" Simon said and, when the two orcs roared in unison, they both charged in without hesitation. Simon's target quickly swung its club horizontally, planning to splatter the blue haired man all over the Dungeon floor. But Simon countered by sliding under the blow, his cape protecting his back from the rough Dungeon floor. He stopped just when he was passing under the orc's legs, kicking out with his own and shattering its left kneecap. He rolled to his feet as the beast fell to one knee, shattering its jaw with a swift right hook. He dodged the monster's clumsy attempts to grab at him and climbed up to its head. A hard kick to the back of its head cracked its neck, killing the monster instantly. As its body fell limp to the floor, he turned to see Bell finishing up with his own orc. However, before either of them could rest, they both heard Lilly yell, "Mr. Bell, Mr. Simon! Two more!"
They both look up to see two more orcs charging at them from the way they came in. Enraged by the sounds of battle, they plowed forward ignoring the landforms entirely to get at their quarry. Simon and Bell rushed forward to deal with the two. However, Bell readied his baselard and shouted, "I've got them!" before his body began to glow green as he prepared his magic.
"Spiral Boost!"
He burst forward, closing the distance between himself and the orc on the left in a matter of moments. He swung his blade, a streak of steel flashing through the fog as he cut into the side of the orc's throat. Blood sprayed as the beast let out a gurgling squeal, stumbling as it tried to stem the bleeding with a hand. Clicking his tongue, Bell turned to aim at the orc's back changing his grip on his sword so he could stab it forward. He cast his spell a second time and shot forward before piercing through the half-dead orc's head. Its squeals were cut off by his blade as it began falling over. It crashed to the floor with a thump but Bell soon realized his mistake. He tried to pull his sword out found doing so difficult. It had lodged itself deep in the orc's skull and wouldn't come out easily.
The other orc took advantage, moving to smash both of his fists down on Bell's head. Bell made to dodge, the fist grazing his cheek as he tried to keep hold of his sword. As he continued to try to yank it out, the orc made to make a second attack. But it was forced back as Simon came in with a straight to its stomach. The monster doubled over in pain while holding its stomach. Simon grabbed it by its head then kneed it in the face. He yelled Bell's name, then kicked out at the orc's right leg. With a snap it split in two, making the monster fall. Bell took the chance to yank the sword from the fallen orc's head before rushing over and slashing straight through the other one's neck.
Bell and Simon backed up as the now dead orc fell to the ground. Bell wiped at the small cut on his cheek with the back of his hand while regaining his breath, "Thank you, Simon. Sorry about that. I need to get better at aiming that."
"Don't sweat it. Beside, you'll have more opportunities to practice. Right, Lilly? Lilly?"
The two looked around to see if they could find their supporter, but the only thing that welcomed them was the thick fog. Bell began to panic, his voice bordering on a scream as he called Lilly's name again. Simon was calmer but his eyes kept roaming the fog trying to spot Lilly anywhere nearby. When that didn't work, the two of them started making their way through the room, calling for Lilly as they went. Just when Simon was about to sense her core drill, Bell called his name and pointed out something sitting in the corner of the room. The second they noticed it, a horrible smell hit their noses like a tone of bricks. Simon frowned as he saw what Bell was pointing at; a hunk of bloody, raw meat the base of one of the trees.
"What the hell is that?" Simon said, keeping an eye out.
"Isn't that...a monster lure?" Bell said, kneeling down next to the oily mass.
"Monster lure? Wait...if it is then," Simon realized it before Bell did, his body whipping around as he looked at their surroundings. He spotted them just as Bell heard the sound of approaching footsteps, "Bell! Four! There are four of those all around us! It's a setup!"
"Oh no!" Bell yelled, backing away from the lure and heading toward Simon. The two men went back to back, both in fighting stances as they readied themselves for what was to come. Both heard the sound of orcs approaching from the fog, all lured by the smell of the processed meat.
"Damn. What's the plan, Bell?" Simon asked, holding up his fists while his eyes kept glancing at the fog.
"S-Stick close to me! Once we get out of this, we go looking for Lilly!" Bell said while holding his sword up. His eyes darted left and right while he mentally prepared himself for what was to come. However, as the two of them made ready to battle, the air was split by the soft twang of a weapon. A golden streak flew toward Bell's leg...then landed just in front of his foot. Both Simon and Bell looked down and saw a golden arrow sticking out of the ground. On the shaft was a small white cloth with three health potions bulging out of it. Both young men traced the path the arrow had taken to its source...and they found Lilly standing a safe distance away with her wrist held up.
"Lilly!" Bell yelled at her, relief and confusion flooding him in equal measure, "What are you-?"
"Watch out!" Simon said as blocked an oncoming swing with a landform weapon with his arms. The orcs had arrived and were bearing down on them, forcing Simon to pull off his glasses and start slashing at foes. Bell was caught up in the melee, with multiple muscled arms coming at him.
As they were surrounded, Lilly called out to them, "Mr. Bell, Mr. Simon...thank you both for everything you've done for Lilly."
"Lilly, what the hell are you saying?!" Bell shouted while dodging under a swing.
"When Lilly was with you two, she was...happy. Lilly hasn't felt that way in a long time. But Lilly can't stay with you. If Lilly does, trouble will come for Mr. Bell and Mr. Simon. Lilly doesn't want that. So, this is where our partnership ends."
The two caught a glimpse of Lilly through the ring of orcs. Her lips were curled into a false smile while her arm slowly waved goodbye to them. She tilts her head to the side like a cute little girl, while her lonely eyes watched them from afar, "I hope you both find an opening and escape."
Then she adjusts her big backpack, before turning around and running off into the fog.
...However....
"RAAAAAHHHHH!!!"
The sudden roar cut through the silence. So forceful was it that even the orcs were forced to pause in their tracks from fear. Bell froze while turning his head around to see Simon taking his core drill off his neck. Emerald green energy gathered around the tip of the drill as he held it up toward the sky. The energy gathered within the item until it started to glow the same color. Then, with the sound of metal screeching against metal, it suddenly grew to twice its original size. It went from being a small drill to being as large as Simon's arm.
"SPIIINNN ONNNN~!" Simon shouted and the drill obeyed. In an instant it went from an idle position to spinning so fast it looked like a blur to Bell. As it spun, the air around them picked up and gathered around the drill. It created a field of pressure around them, gathering the fog up until it was surrounding Simon's drill. A few orcs tried to attack them, but the force of the air pushed even their bulky frames back. Bell was covering his face with his arms to protect his eyes. He could barely make out what was happening in front of him, blinking as he tried to keep the dust out of his eyes. However, what he could see made his mouth hang open in complete awe.
The fog that engulfed the entire room, that characterized this part of the tenth floor, and was known to go on for the entire length of it...all of it was being drawn in to Simon's drill. All the thick, gray mist was gathering around the spinning item along with the emerald green light. As it did, the floor was slowly but surely revealed before them. Bell quickly saw the large number of orcs that had surrounded them, some still trying to get through the air pressure only to be knocked to the ground. He could see the walls and ceiling of the room clearly, along with the monster lures that surrounded them.
And he could see a little girl with a big backpack, staring at them with an expression identical to his.
With another roar of effort, Simon quickly swung his drill vertically sending the air tunnel the area in front of them. It hit the earth with a deafening crash and scattered the crowd of orcs in front of and around them. The ones behind them took a step back in surprise while Bell finally let his arms down. He blinked rapidly as his mind tried to make sense of what just happened. Before he could even do that, he felt Simon pushing him from the back. He looked over his shoulder to see Simon's blazing eyes, "Bell! I'll hold these guys off! You go after Lilly!"
Reminded of the current situation, Bell looked over at where Lilly was. She had gotten over her shock first and was running towards a side passage that no doubt headed to the surface. Worry filled him and Bell looked behind him, "B-But what about-"
"I'll be fine! Right now, Lilly needs you! You're the one who has to bring her back! Unless you want it all to end like this?" Simon's words struck Bell to his core. Seeing the shame on the boy's face, Simon more forcefully shoved him in Lilly's direction, "Didn't think so. Now, go!"
His hand thoroughly forced, Bell took one look back at Simon before turning and running after Lilly. Some of the orcs tried to grab at his legs but his agility let him leap over and around them, until he was on the same path that Lilly had taken. He ran off toward the surface until he was completely out of sight. Simon smiled after the boy, before his vision was blocked by a large amount of off-brown flesh. He frowned as he lifted his right hand and grabbed the oncoming orc's arm with ease. With a grunt he kicked the monster in the stomach and launched it away. He then knelt and grabbed the bag of health potions that Lilly had left behind.
"Thanks, Lilly," he said to the open air, hooking the bag onto his pants. He stared out at the orcs surrounding him before cracking his knuckles, "Don't worry. Bell isn't giving up on you. And neither am I."
It didn't take long for Bell to catch up to Lilly. While Lilly did try to use the environment to her advantage, hiding in spaces only someone as small as her could, the fact was that she couldn't match Bell's speed. It didn't take long for Bell to close the distance between them. And before she could pull out her tricks, he used his Spiral Boost to appear in front of her path. His sudden appearance in front of her made her stumble to a stop. Bell kept his stance wide and his limbs ready to move in case Lilly tried to slip past him. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Both just stared into each other's eyes as they caught their breath and waited for the other to make a move.
The first to break the silence was Lilly. She stood up straight as her expression changed to a stoic one, "Why did you decide to chase Lilly, Mr. Bell?"
Bell immediately felt put on the spot. He relaxed his stance a little while trying to keep his gaze locked with Lilly's. Though he could already feel nervousness beginning to creep in even as he spoke, "Because...I wanted to stop you. I...I wanted to know why and...and stop you from just leaving us like that."
"...Mr. Bell is very kind. But he shouldn't be so trusting of others. Especially not Lilly," Lilly lowered her head and continued speaking, "Lilly isn't what she she seems. She's not as kind as Mr. Bell and Mr. Simon. She hasn't been telling the truth. She's done bad things to other adventurers. And almost did the same to Mr. Bell and Mr. Simon. Lilly...can't stay with you."
She lifted her head and gave Bell a hard stare as she said, "Mr. Bell would be better off forgetting Lilly. Mr. Bell doesn't know her and it should remain that way."
Bell was taken aback and nearly stepped back at how cold Lilly's voice sounded. But he managed to stop himself because something about her words seemed...wrong. The words reached his ears, but something his heart told them they weren't how she really felt. There was no logical basis for that reasoning, just the feeling he held in his heart. But it was enough to stop him from doing as Lilly said. Seeing that he hadn't moved, Lilly frowned and stepped forward, "Mr. Bell, you don't know Lilly. Not the real her. Thus, Mr. Bell should feel no pity nor sympathy for her. Mr. Bell should focus on himself and not think about Lilly anymore. Mr. Bell will be better off not knowing Lilly."
Bell could tell that Lilly was getting bolder. She was examining his stance now, looking for openings she could use to slip away. If he let his guard down any further, she'd dash around him and run off again. He wasn't sure if he could catch up to her a second time. Not with the conflicted emotions churning within him. He wanted to say something, anything to her, but he didn't know what he could say. He didn't think that Lilly was right, but he couldn't bring himself to say she was wrong either. He could hear his heart pounding in his chest as he tried to think of an answer to her. He closed his eyes while his mind worked overtime to find it, because he knew that if he didn't...then this might be the last time he saw...Lilly.
And he didn't want that.
He didn't want to lose Lilly.
Not when he barely...knew her.
Bell's eyes widened for a moment, then they returned to normal as a strange calmness came over him. He lowered his arms and got out of his stance, while sheathing the baselard in his holster. He kept his eyes on Lilly as he did so, watching her expression become conflicted. Then Bell swallowed and said, "You're right, Lilly. I don't really know you."
Lilly's shoulders slumped but she plastered a smile on her face. She lowered her head and said, "Yes, that's right. Lilly's glad Mr. Bell-"
Before she could finish, Bell sat down on the ground. He crossed his legs and leaned forward while keeping his eyes on Lilly, "So, tell me."
"...What?"
"Tell me, Lilly. Tell me about you. I...I want to know you. The real you. No matter who you really are," Bell's spoke with a calm confidence while keeping his eyes on Lilly. He didn't raise his voice yet Lilly seemed to hang on his every word.
Lilly blinked, her mask of stoicism cracking slightly. It took a moment for her mind to catch up with what Bell had said. Then she shook her head, "Mr. Bell, that's not possible. Lilly can't-"
"Lilly, I need you."
Those four words made Lilly choke on her own. She nearly fell over the moment she heard them. Bell gave her a moment to compose herself before he continued, "I...I need you, Lilly. Because even if you didn't do it because you actually needed the money, you telling me that I could handle coming to the tenth floor is the only I'm down here. If it weren't for you, I'd still be in the upper floors fighting the beginner monsters. With no confidence to go any further. And the progress I've been making in fighting monsters, making vals, and becoming a better adventurer...it's all because of you. Not just because you get the magic stones, but because you know things about the Dungeon and it's monsters that I don't. Even now, I can't count how many times you've saved me by warning me about a monster I didn't see coming or didn't know about."
Lilly lowered her head, letting her hood and bangs hide her expression. But her unsteady voice gave away her true feelings, "Those are things that any supporter could do for Mr. Bell."
"Maybe...but none of those supporters would be you," Bell remained unbowed as he spoke again, "And if there is one out there like you, I'd still choose you. Because, you're you, Lilly. And no one out there can be you."
Lilly's arms were shaking as much as her voice as she spoke again, "B-But Mr. Bell has Mr. Simon. He's strong and can do what Lilly does."
Bell shook his head, "No, he can't. He doesn't know the Dungeon like you do. Nor does he understand how poison, antidotes, or anything like that works. He's strong and can take out magic stones, but he's just okay at that. You're amazing. Don't you remember how you got so many more magic stones than him using your knife, even if he used his core drill? Simon's a good party member, but he can't replace you. No one can."
Lilly didn't respond this time. But Bell felt that he was getting through to her. The fact that she hadn't tried to run past him told him that. Nervousness mostly gone, he spoke one more time, "Lilly I...I don't want our relationship to end like this. I...I want you to stay. If that means learning who you really are, then please, tell me that. Tell me who you are. I can't promise that my reaction will be good. But, I will stay here and listen to your every word. I can promise you that. Because...I don't want you to go."
Silence fell over the two of them as Bell waited for Lilly's response. He could hear his heart beating in his chest, trying and failing to keep his expression calm. He was biting his lip as sweat fell from his head. But, despite all that, he kept his eyes solely on Lilly, waiting to hear what she had to say. Finally, Lilly lifted one of her hands up and pushed her hood back. Bell saw her small dog ears flicking in the light of the Dungeon. He didn't know what she was trying to do, so he remained silent to see. Then...
"Stroke of midnight's bell."
As if she had been dosed in ash, a gray dust covered her head. A light flashed without sound, and the ears on her head were gone when it cleared. That wasn't all. The bangs that covered her eyes and the furry tail behind her had disappeared as well. Bell's eyes widened and his mouth gaped in shock as he saw Lilly transform before his eyes. Her big chestnut eyes were still there, her face was still that of a cute girl. But the dog-girl child he thought he knew was gone. There was no doubt now-Lilly was the prum girl Bell and Simon had run into in the back alley. Bell blinked twice as his mind went back through that day. The day when he was looking for his knife that he thought he had dropped.
"So...that was you?" Bell asked, knowing the answer but wanting confirmation. Lilly slowly nodded still not looking Bell in the eyes. Bell spoke again, "And the prum boy Simon caught. That was..."
"That was Lilly, too," Lilly admitted, her voice a whisper as she stared at the ground.
Bell went silent again as he went over the revelations in his mind. He opened his mouth, closed it, pursed his lips, then sat up straight and said, "Okay. Keep going."
Lilly slowly lifted her head, her eyes close to watering as she met Bell's gaze. She tried to keep her voice stable as she spoke again, "Mr. Bell...wants to hear more?"
Bell nodded, "I said I wanted you to tell me about you. The real you. And this is the first part. So, you can keep going. I'll listen for long as you need."
The smile Bell gave Lilly was so genuine that her stoicism finally broke. The strength left her body and she fell to her knees. She put her hands over her eyes and began to cry. Real, actual tears fell from her eyes as she sobbed uncontrollably. Bell got to one knee, reached for Lilly, but hesitated. He was completely at odds with what he should do. He wanted to embrace her, but he wasn't sure if she actually wanted him to do that. He as still arguing with himself when Lilly started yelling, "Why?! Why won't Mr. Bell abandon Lilly! She's been nothing but horrible to Mr. Bell and Mr. Simon!" She proceeded to confess to everything she had done. When she would took money for herself at the exchange, when she took more than the fifty-fifty share they had agreed upon from Bell, when she charged him more than double for the price of items. While a voice in the back of her kept telling her to stop, she didn't listen to it. She spilled everything she had done out at that moment. Ending with her saying, "Lilly is a bad, bad person! A thief! Lilly's a piece-of-shit prum who lied to you over and over! Lilly's not worthy to be your supporter."
Lilly took a moment to recover her breath before continuing through her sobs, "Even still...Event still, Mr. Bell and Mr. Simon both are still kind to Lilly. Mr. Simon found Lilly out but didn't rat on her. He kept quiet and still gave Lilly his share. He even took Lilly to get food and paid for it all by working it off. He never once charged Lilly anything, never shunned her, never yelled...he didn't...he didn't abandon her. And Mr. Bell won't either! Why?! Why are you both trying to keep Lilly around?!"
Bell stayed silent, his original uncertainty having lessened after listening to Lilly's rant. He stayed silent to let Lilly sob and pant as much as she needed. Only when he was certain she was somewhat calm did he finally reach a hand forward and gently cup her cheek. When her wet eyes shot to look at him, he spoke without a hint of nervousness in his voice, "Because you're Lilly. I've said it before and I'll say it as many times as I have to. I don't want you to disappear. There's nothing else to it, cause I don't need a better reason to save Lilly."
A waterfall of tears fell from Lilly's eyes as her damn broke. She wailed again before diving into Bell's chest and hanging on tight. His metallic armor got in the way but she didn't care. She embraced him with all her might while Bell gently stroked her head and back. His voice was gentle as he spoke, "Lilly, if you're in trouble, come talk to me or Simon. Simon will probably get it, but I'm an idiot. So, I won't know unless you tell me. I promise we'll help you, you can count on that."
Lilly continued to cry into his chest, neither of them caring about the fact that they were in the Dungeon. Bell was willing to wait until Lilly got everything out of her system, and she was willing to take him up on that offer. Why neither of them got attacked by any monsters was anyone's guess. But it gave them the time they needed.
Once Lilly was done crying, Bell helped her get to her feet and gather her things. As the two of them gathered themselves, they both heard footsteps approaching their position. Looking up they saw a familiar silhouette walking up the path they had come from. He was walking with his back straight and head held high, his cape off and being used as a bag held over his left shoulder. Bell's smile widened and he ran to meet their friend, "Simon! You're alright!"
Simon came into the light, smiled, then waved back at Bell with his right hand, "Hey, Bell. Course I'm alright. Like a few orcs could beat me. Though they did get me good a few times. Which is why I'm glad a certain someone left behind some healing potions."
Simon lowered his hand and showed off the the empty potion vials in the bag at his hip. He adjusted the makeshift bag over his shoulder before stopping before Bell and Lilly. His smile softened as he looked down at Lilly, tear stains running down her cheeks. He knelt to her level and said, "Guess Bell caught up to you, huh? He tell you what he wanted to?"
Lilly nodded, drying her eyes with her cloak, "Y-Yes. Lilly is sorry for...for everything."
Simon hummed then nodded, "Don't mention it. I'm just glad that you two were able to work it out. And know that, whatever Bell said, goes double for me. So, don't be afraid to come talk to us. Alright?"
"Lilly understands. Is that bag full of magic stones from the orcs?"
"Indeed it is. Took me a bit to get all of them out, but I managed. Don't worry, I'm good to carry this stuff back to the surface."
Simon made to stand but Lilly held out her hands and shook her head, "No, no. Lilly is Mr. Bell and Mr. Simon's supporter. Lilly will carry the magic stones. It's something only Lilly can do, after all."
Lilly smiled up at Simon, her lips curling up to her teary eyes. Simon blinked before his own smile grew wider. He turned his cape around and said, "That it is. Come on, let me help you get these in your bag. You mind keeping an eye out, Bell?"
"Of course not," Bell said, turning to watch for monsters...and to hide his own wide smile from view. Before long the three of them were making their way back to the surface. While a few monsters did harass them heading up, none of them were a problem for Bell and Simon. However, just when they made it ot the seventh level and started heading up the staircase, something got in their way.
Or, more specifically, multiple people.
They had just exited a corridor into a small room. While the room was clear of monsters, a group of adventurers was standing at the exit leading to the Guild. All of them were familiar to Bell's party. One was the male adventurer that Bell had punched yesterday, and the other three were the same adventurers that had cornered Lilly that same day. Upon seeing them Lilly instinctively started to shudder while her grip on her backpack tightened. She felt fear grip her heart, but Simon and Bell moved in to block her from the direct line of sight. Seeing the way they moved the male adventurer sneered, "So, ya morons know the score then? Pfft, idiots defending a good for nuthin' thief. S'why I waited for ya here. Knew ya'd come here through some place and just my luck you ran into us here?"
He started laughing, his eyes cold and filled with malice. Bell swallowed with one hand on his baselard while getting into a fighting stance. Simon remained silent but his eyes were watching for any sign of attack from their foes. The adult male animal person that Simon had confronted kept his dull eyes focused on the three of them but spoke to his partner, "Quite a windfall we've come across, Master Gedo."
"Just you wait, Kanu. The runt's nuthin' to worry about. He'll go down easy. Watch out for the blue fucker, but he'll go down when we've got the number advantage. Then that shitty prum will be all ours and we'll get all the stuff she's been stealin'," Gedo's sneer grew deeper as he reached behind him and pulled out his sword.
However, Kanu held out his hand to stop the man from approaching. He looked at the human and said, "Hold, Master Gedo. I believe we have a better idea."
Kanu gestured for the other two adventurers to come forward. As they did, they held up two strange objects in their hands. It took a moment for Bell, Simon, and Lilly to realize what they were. They were killer ants that had been severely injured but left alive. The monsters gave off pheromones that attracted more of their kind when they were close to death. These two weren't doing it just yet, but the second they were thrown into the room they would. Gedo, realizing what his partners were planning, laughed loudly while spewing insults at Bell's party. Bell bit his lip while pulling the Hestia Knife from its protector. He put up his baselard and put the knife in his main hand. He didn't think he could reach the two killer ants in time to kill them before they started calling more of them. But if he didn't, then Simon, Lilly, and him would be surrounded within a matter of seconds. And even if the did get close, the four adventurers would take him down before he could do anything. He hadn't fought another human before, something these adventurers had likely done many times. Not to mention they had the numbers advantage.
Just when he was thinking of grabbing Lilly and using his magic spell to burst past them, he heard Simon yell out, "Gurren Boomerang!"
Bell watched Simon's sunglasses fly forward, arcing through the air at the adventurers in front of them. Simon ran after it while shouting, "Bell, Lilly! Get going! I've got these assholes!"
"Bu-"
"Go!" Simon's voice would broker no argument. His sunglasses came around at the two holding the killer ants. Thinking the weapon was aimed at them, they chose their own survival over holding onto the monsters. They threw both of the monsters away which made the killer ants easy targets for the sunglasses. The red objects cleaved through the killer ants, shattering their magic stones and killing them for good.
"Mr. Bell! We should trust Mr. Simon!" Lilly said, walking up and grabbing Bell's hand with her own.
Bell didn't have the time to recognize the situation. He was too busy thinking about what to do. He looked at Lilly with an uncertain frown, "But Simon-"
"Will be fine! Mr. Simon is strong. We just have to trust him and wait for him on the surface," Lilly increased her grip on Bell's hand. Bell girt his teeth, his own hand shaking. He didn't like the idea of leaving Simon behind for a second time...but...
"...Alright. Hold on, Lilly," Bell reached down and scooped Lilly up in his arms. Lilly suddenly felt very embarrassed at the circumstances but she forced it down to focus on holding onto Bell. She wrapped her arms around his chest while Bell did his best to keep her backpack from blocking his vision. Once he had a clear view ahead of him, he planted his feet then shouted the trigger phrase for his spell, "Spiral Boost!"
In a burst of speed, Bell and Lilly landed just to the right of Gedo. The male adventurer shrieked in surprise, trying to pull his sword and slash at the two. However, Simon had reached their position before Bell and had already grabbed his sunglasses. He dashed away from Kanu and sliced at Gedo's right wrist. Before he could see the outcome, Bell shouted, "Spiral Boost!"
Again him and Lilly shot forward, but this time he came out of the spell sprinting away. He didn't look back as he ran toward the staircase leading to the next floor. However, the entire time he was silently telling Simon to be careful.
Meanwhile, Gedo cried out in pain as Simon's glasses sliced right through his right wrist. Blood gushed from the wound as the man fell to his knees in pain, "Ah! You son of a-"
Before he could finish, Simon kicked him square between in the legs. Gedo's voice pitched high as he doubled over in pain. Simon grabbed the back of his neck with his free hand, then turned and threw him at Kanu. The animal person grunted as the heavy human landed on top of him, while the other two adventurers rushed Simon. One swung his sword at Simon's left, forcing Simon to block with his glasses. The other dashed around to Simon's back and made to slash at his cape. His sword landed but was deflected by the steel like cape. The other adventurer stumbled backward, while Simon forced the one he was clashing with away. He charged forward, stomping on the man's foot before following it up with a punch to the stomach. The adventurer grunted but tried to run Simon threw with his sword. Simon dodged to the left, lifted his sunglasses, then brought them down hard on the man's blade.
The blade was broken in a single blow.
As the adventurer's mouth went wide, Simon followed up with a karate chop to the man's throat, a kick to the stomach, then ending it off with a right hook to the man's temple. He was out on the ground within moments. The other adventurer, after seeing his fallen comrades, immediately turned to run. However, Simon grabbed the back of his collar before he could get far. He yanked him back before slamming him to the ground and tossing him over toward Kanu and Gedo. The two "leaders" were trying to stand when the other man crashed on top of them. As the three ended up in a bloody tangle of limbs, Simon picked up the unconscious man and added him to the pile.
He walked over to the three conscious men, staring down at them with disdain and anger. Kanu and Gedo glared at him while the unnamed adventurer refused to meet his gaze. Simon crossed his arms and spoke aloud, "Okay, you assholes, listen up! I'm gonna be taking you to the Guild and letting them deal with you. But! Before that, you are going to tell me something I want to know. At least you will, if you don't want me to beat you up some more."
Simon leaned forward his eyes ablaze with anger. He spoke clearly and succinctly to make sure he wasn't misheard, "Where do that Soma guy and his Familia hang out, and how do I get to them?"
Finally got it done. I hope you all enjoyed. I particularly hope the moment between Lilly and Bell comes across as good. I wasn't really sure if I got the emotions I wanted to convey across well, so let me know how that went.
Anyway, next Chapter: Simon Storms Soma Familia's Base!
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