Daedalus Street, the above-ground labyrinth, sprawled with shadows and secrets. Its narrow alleyways twisting and turning in unknown patterns, while the decaying facades of old buildings were left to rot where they stood. At the edge of this urban jungle, a lone civilian called out from down the street:
"Hey, adventurers! You're patrolling, right?"
"Yeap, we were. I was Alise Lovell, Captain of the Astraea Familia. Was there a problem?" Alise's fiery locks framed her determined expression as she responded.
"Maybe. I could hear a kid crying if you walked by a house just around the corner," the civilian replied, his words heavy with worry.
"Okay. Could you show us where it was?" Alise responded.
The man guided them through the labyrinthine streets, each step fraught with anticipation. As they neared the source of distress, they strained their senses to the max. Daedalus Street loomed ominously, its tangled alleys a haven for Evilus.
They stood before the door and could hear sobs from within. Ardee raised her hand and knocked.
"Guild Patrol. Could you open the door?" Ardee's voice rang out.
The sobs faded, replaced by the shuffle of feet. The door creaked open, revealing a boy, with hair as white as snow and cheeks stained with tears, peered out from behind the threshold, eyes glistening with tears
"What could I do for you, lady Adventurers?" the boy asked, his voice trembling with sorrow.
"Could you tell us your name first?" Ardee inquired, her tone gentle yet probing.
"I am Bell," the boy responded, his voice laden with melancholy.
"Bell, could you tell us why you were crying?" Ardee's words hung in the air, heavy with understanding.
"Mom... just... passed... away," Bell replied, fresh tears streaming down his cheeks
"Bell, is it alright if we come in?" Ardee asked, her empathy for the boy evident in her voice, mirrored by Alise's silent concern.
"Sure," Bell murmured softly, his voice barely audible amidst the weight of his sorrow.
Both women entered cautiously, their eyes scanning the room, taking in the scene before them. Meteria lay still in her bed unmoving.
Ardee moved towards the bed, her heart heavy with sympathy, and shook her head at Alise, a silent acknowledgment of what had happened.
"Bell, is your father around, or is there someone that we can bring you to?" Alise's voice was filled with warmth.
"There... was no... one in Orario... I am... alone now," Bell responded, his words carrying the weight of his solitude, the emptiness echoing in the hollow of his voice.
Both women flinched at the desolation in Bell's tone, the stark reality of his situation cutting through their hearts.
"No, you were not alone, Bell. I was going to take you to my familia. I was going to convince my goddess to let you stay at least for a few days," Alise declared.
"Why would you do that?" Bell's voice wavered; the concern etched in the furrow of his brow.
"Because I refuse to leave you on your own," Alise's tone was resolute, her eyes conveying a mixture of determination and care. "Our patrol is just about over. We'll report to the Ganesha familia what happened. They'll take care of your mom. And we'll take care of you until we can find a more permanent solution."
"Okay," Bell replied softly, a hint of relief in his voice.
Alise and Ardee swiftly gathered Bell's essentials. After locking the door behind them, they ventured into the main streets.
"Alright. I'm going to report this to Shakti. We'll take care of everything for you, Bell. I'll stop by tomorrow morning to check in on you," Ardee's words were punctuated with a reassuring nod.
Bell offered a nod in acknowledgment, his gratitude unsaid but felt in the air. Alise and Ardee parted ways, their paths diverging with a promise to reconvene. Alise guided Bell back to Stardust Garden.
Stardust Garden:
In southwest Orario lay Stardust Garden, a haven of tranquility veiled in ethereal beauty. Its presence a combination of silver-touched foliage and white blossoms danced in harmony. Upon entering, a tapestry of silver and white awaited. The White Moonflowers greeted visitors with their nocturnal blooms. While Silver Birch trees stood sentinel, their slender forms reaching towards the heavens, their bark a tapestry of silver and white, echoing the luminous glow of the moon on a cloudless night. Their leaves rustled in the gentle breeze, serenading the weary traveler.
As Bell and Alise approached the wrought-iron gates of the estate, a sense of anticipation hung heavy in the air, mingling with the fragrance of dew-kissed blossoms and the earthy scent of freshly turned soil. The gates, crafted with meticulous care and adorned with intricate flower patterns. Each twist and curl of the wrought iron told a story of craftsmanship and artistry, a testament to the skilled hands that had shaped them with love and reverence.
The path, lined with Silver Dust Dusty Miller, unfurled like a silver ribbon beneath the feet of those who dared to tread its length. Each silvery leaf, delicate and lustrous, caught the light in a dance of shadows and reflections, guiding visitors with its silent whispers of welcome and wonder.
As footsteps echoed upon the cobblestones, the air hummed with the promise of adventure, the faint rustle of leaves and the distant song of birds serving as a backdrop to the symphony of nature's embrace. Along the path, clusters of White Moonflowers bloomed, their luminous petals unfurling like stars against the velvet sky, casting a spell of enchantment upon all who beheld their beauty.
Among the tapestry, the White Rose stood. Each rose, a pristine symbol of purity and grace, exuded an aura of timeless elegance, casting a spell of serenity upon all who wandered amidst their midst. Their blossoms emitting a delicate calming fragrance for the residents and guests.
In the distance, beyond the gates and the winding path lay Stardust Garden, itself. A haven of peace and tranquility amidst the chaos of the world. Here, the Silver Lace Vine cascaded like a waterfall of stardust, its delicate tendrils weaving a tapestry of dreams and desires, binding hearts in an eternal embrace. Amidst the blooms, a sense of peace permeated the air, as if time itself had paused to bask in the gentle embrace of nature's embrace. As twilight descended and the stars cast their shimmering light upon the earth, Stardust Garden transformed into a realm of calm and serenity, where silver and white mingled in a dance of celestial beauty.
It was to Stardust Garden that Alise had brought Bell. As they both approached the building, the air thrummed with a sense of anticipation, mingling with the fragrance of Silver Dust Dusty Miller and the gentle rustle of leaves in the evening breeze.
As they neared the entrance, their arrival did not go unnoticed. Kaguya, a far-eastern woman with long black hair, greeted them with a purr of amusement, her eyes alight with mischief. "Ara, ara. Who's this, Alise?" she purred, her gaze lingering on Bell. "He seems rather adorable. A candidate to be the Familia's husband, perhaps? If so, I approve of your taste in men, if that is the case."
Beside Kaguya stood Neze, a dark-skinned Beast Human woman, her expression a mixture of curiosity and amusement. "Alise, why did you bring a hume bunny boy home?" she inquired, her voice tinged with playful teasing. "I mean, he is rather cute, but boys are not allowed."
Alise's cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment at their playful banter. "He's not here to stay," she replied, her tone tinged with affection. "Neze, Kaguya. This is Bell and I want to take him in for a couple of nights. He doesn't have anywhere else to go. His situation is... complicated."
"Ah, this is like when you adopted Lyon. I trust your judgment of people, so I am sure he is fine," Neze remarked with a knowing smile
"Hphm. Very well. I will enjoy having eye candy around for a few days. And if he's under your care, then he's under ours as well. I will make sure to take very good care of him," Kaguya replied, her gaze lingering on Bell with a playful glint in her eyes. Bell, feeling the weight of her scrutiny, gulped nervously and sought refuge behind Alise, peeking cautiously around her shoulder.
"Pft. That's cute," Neze chuckled
"Thank you both. Kaguya, can you talk to any of the other girls here while I talk to the goddess about letting Bell stay here?" Alise's voice, cutting through the playful banter.
"Sure. Most of them won't complain since you brought him in. Lyon will probably complain, but she is fussy about everything," Kaguya offered, her tone filled with amusement at the thought of Lyon's inevitable objections.
"Yeah. Lyon will be stubborn. Of course. We'll make sure he's comfortable for the night. But remember, no funny business, Kaguya," Neze interjected, her tone firm yet tinged with affection.
"Who, me? It's not my fault that little rabbit is so cute I just want to eat him up," Kaguya replied with a mischievous grin, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she licked her lips, eliciting a nervous chuckle from Bell, who pressed himself closer to Alise's side.
"I will convince Lyon if I have to. Come on Bell, time to meet to best goddess in world. I am sure she will love you," Alise declared, her eyes reflecting determination as she turned to Bell, whose gaze mirrored a mix of curiosity and apprehension. With a gentle tug, she led him forward, guiding him through the corridors of Stardust Garden.
Bell blinked nervously, his heart pounding in his chest as Alise dragged him up the staircase, the sound of their footsteps echoing against the polished wood floors. With a hesitant hand, Alise knocked on the door, her knuckles rapping against the wood in a rhythm of uncertainty.
"Yes? Please enter," came the gentle voice from within, its timbre soothing yet tinged with curiosity. Alise twisted the knob and stepped into the office, Bell trailing behind her.
The sight of Lady Astraea, the Goddess of Justice, greeted them, her presence commanding yet gentle, her eyes alight with warmth and understanding. Bell's breath caught in his throat, his gaze shifting nervously as he peeked out from behind Alise's shoulders.
"Alise, may I ask who this young man is?" Lady Astraea inquired, her smile kind as she regarded Bell, noting his timid demeanor with a gentle understanding.
"This is Bell. Say hi, Bell. This is the best goddess in the world, Lady Astraea, the Goddess of Justice," Alise introduced, her voice steady yet tinged with affection.
Bell's reaction was immediate, his voice cracking with surprise as he blurted out, "What?! You are Lady Astraea?!"
Lady Astraea's laughter tinkled like wind chimes in the gentle breeze, her smile bright as she nodded in acknowledgment. "Hehe. Yes, I am the Goddess Astraea," she replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement at Bell's flustered reaction.
"It is an honor to meet you, Goddess Astraea. My apologies for my previously rude behavior," Bell responded with a deep bow, his demeanor suddenly formal and respectful, catching both Lady Astraea and Alise off guard.
"There is no need to be that formal, Bell. Why did you change once you learned my name?" Lady Astraea inquired, her curiosity piqued, while Alise mirrored the same question in her eyes.
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"So umh. Mom always said good things about you and your daughters. She said that you were a good goddess and that your daughters weren't like other adventurers. She said that your girls were good and honorable," Bell confessed as fresh tears welled in his eyes.
Astraea closed her eyes as she could sense the truth in Bell's words. Turning to Alise for confirmation, she received the silent affirmation she sought as Alise's mouthed the words: 'She died a few hours ago."
Steadying her breath, Astraea composed herself, her voice steady as she addressed Alise. "It makes me happy that your mother thought so highly of my girls. Now, before we go on, Alise, why did you bring Bell here?"
"Goddess Astraea, I would like to take Bell in for a few days at least. At least until we can find him a safe place to stay. I cannot just leave him to the streets," Alise responded, her voice tinged with determination and compassion.
"Oh, Alise," Astraea began, but before she could finish, a knock on the door interrupted their conversation, and Kaguya entered the room.
"Lady Astraea and Alise, I finished talking to the girls that are at home. They all have faith in Alise to judge someone's character, and as long as she is responsible for him, they have no complaints. The only ones absent are Lyra and Lyon," Kaguya reported
"I see. Kaguya, can you take care of Bell for a few minutes while I talk to Alise in private?" Astraea instructed, her tone gentle yet firm
"Of course, Lady Astraea. Come on, Bell, let's get you something to eat," Kaguya offered, her voice warm and reassuring as she guided Bell downstairs to the kitchen.
Bell eyed Kaguya with a mixture of concern and wariness, but his heart was grateful for the kindness extended to him. And as he followed Kaguya down the stairs, he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness that had enveloped his world.
In the kitchen of Stardust Garden.
Kaguya swiftly pulled out a meal from the magic stone icebox, deft fingers working to prepare a simple yet nourishing meal for Bell, who sat quietly at the table. As Bell finished his meal, Kaguya took his plate with a gentle smile, her eyes betraying a sense of warmth and understanding.
"Bell, why don't you go into the living room? We can wait for the Captain and Goddess there," Kaguya suggested, her voice soft yet reassuring.
"Okay," Bell replied, his voice subdued as he rose from the table and made his way to the living room, his footsteps echoing softly against the polished wood floors.
As Bell departed, Kaguya's began to count.
5
.
4
.
3
.
2
.
1
.
"Intruder!" an enraged female voice yelled.
"Ephm! Miss Kaguya, help!" A terrified voice pleaded
"Predictable as always, Lyon," Kaguya thought, her senses sharpening as she sprang into action, rushing to the main hall with lightning speed. In the nick of time, she intercepted Lyon's strike at Bell, her movements fluid and precise, her stance a testament to years of training and discipline.
"What are you doing, you stupid elf?" Kaguya's voice rang out, as she stared down Lyon, while thinking "Perfect reaction as always jumping to conclusion. Now I don't have to worry about you objecting to Bell staying here. I don't know what exactly happened, but Alise wouldn't take in just anyone without reason."
In the blink of an eye, the commotion drew the attention of the other girls, who came running to the scene, their expressions a mix of confusion and alarm. Among them stood Alise and Goddess Astraea, their eyes scanning the room.
Alise's voice cut through air; "Alright, Lyon, put down your weapon. Bell isn't an intruder,"
Lyon's protested, her voice laced with skepticism "What do you mean, Alise? He is a man, and men aren't allowed in Stardust Garden,"
"Stupid elf," Kaguya interjected, her voice sharp with irritation as she retorted "Alise brought Bell back because he has nowhere else to go. We certainly can't kick him out now that you practically tried to murder him. "
Lyon's expression grew to one of disbelief, as she protested, her voice indignant; "What! You can't be serious about letting a man stay in a house full of women."
Amid the exchange, Kaguya's asserted: "Regardless of the seriousness of the idea, Lyon, it doesn't change the fact that you assaulted an innocent person based on your assumptions. At the very least, you should apologize for that first."
Alise responded "Kaguya is right, Lyon. You have a bad habit of jumping to conclusions. I brought Bell back because he has no one else to turn to right now. I couldn't just leave him alone."
Lyon lowered her weapon. As she relented, her voice tinged with resignation "Fine, but I will be watching him like a hawk."
Alise nodded in acknowledgment as she spoke "Thank you, Lyon,"
As the tension in the room began to dissipate, Bell stood silent amidst the turmoil.
"Now, Bell, getting back to letting you stay at Stardust Garden," Astraea began, her tone measured yet compassionate. "I have only ever allowed girls into my familia, and men are typically not permitted into the residence. So, I need you to promise me that you won't do anything inappropriate if I let you stay."
"I promise, Lady Astraea," Bell replied, his voice steady with sincerity.
"Very well, Bell. I will allow you to stay for a few days until we can think of a more permanent solution. Alise will be responsible for you," Astraea declared, her words carrying the weight of authority and compassion.
"Yes!" Alise exclaimed with joy, pulling Bell into a tight embrace, her relief palpable in the air.
As the night wore on, Ryu remained true to her word, watching Bell like a hawk. Bell, his nerves on edge, remained close to either Alise or Kaguya until it was time to retire for the evening.
The Evening that Bell Stayed at Stardust Garden
The room was cloaked in the soft glow of the moonlight, casting flickering shadows on the walls. Bell, with a hint of vulnerability in his eyes, gazed at Alise, his benefactor, who was meticulously arranging the bed for him.
"Miss Lovell, why are you doing all of this for me?" Bell's voice carried a note of genuine curiosity.
Alise paused in her task, her hands briefly stilling as she met Bell's gaze. "First, you can just call me Alise," she said her voice warm and comforting; "The reason is actually pretty simple. We are a lot alike. I lost my parents when I was younger, but there wasn't anyone there for me. It took a while before I met Mother Astraea and finally had someone that looked after me. So when I came across you, it reminded me of myself, and I decided I couldn't abandon you. That's all."
Bell, touched by the sincerity in Alise's words, simply said, "Thank you, Miss Alise."
"You are welcome, Bell. Now, get to sleep," Alise ordered, her directive softened by a tender smile. The atmosphere in the room shifted to a more comforting warmth.
As Bell settled down on the bed, Alise's watchful eyes followed him. She had insisted on him taking the bed, arguing that part of their agreement was to ensure he didn't do anything inappropriate or try to sneak out of the room.
Once Bell was nestled under the covers, he closed his eyes, and settled into a peaceful embrace of sleep. However, as the night wore on, Bell's expression twisted into one of anguish as nightmares took hold of his slumber. Bell started to toss and turn, as he called out, "Mama."
Alise, who had become used to sleeping in the Dungeon, noticed Bell's distress immediately.
"I see. He is having a nightmare," Alise murmured to herself, her eyes soft with concern as she observed Bell's restless form. She pondered, her mind racing for a solution, until inspiration struck. "It can't hurt."
Alise shifted on the bed and curled up beside Bell. Gently, she began running her fingers through his hair, the touch meant to soothe the turmoil within him. The moonlight played upon their figures, casting a silver veil over the room and illuminating Alise's face and hair.
"You know, Bell, no one else gets this treatment, so you had better appreciate it," Alise remarked, her voice carrying a hint of playful teasing. Yet, as her words lingered in the air, she transitioned seamlessly into a calming melody.
Life blooms like a flower
In the moonlight or the sun
Each petal tells a tale
Of journeys just begun
Lost in the winding roads
Or dancing in the rain
I'm waiting for the one
To guide me home again
Rain falls a thousand times
You who once went by
Where will you belong?
I feel your sigh and breath
In the whispers of the breeze
Not yet the final chapter
In this tale of memories
In the echoes of your footsteps
That linger in the night
I'm searching for the path
That leads me to your light
Life blooms like a flower
In the valleys and the hills
Waiting for the one
To mend the time it kills
Time flows across the world
There's always a longer way to go
But I'll journey through the storms
'Til I reach your arms, I know
A traveler on this road
With a heart that beats for you
In every mile, in every song
There's a promise to renew
Rain falls a thousand times
You who once went by
Where will you belong?
The story's not yet ended
As I'm walking through the unknown
Life blooms like a flower
And I'm finding my way home
Alise continued her melody, her fingers threading through Bell's hair until she realized that his rubellite eyes were wide open.
"Oh, Bell, you're awake?" Alise's voice, normally composed, betrayed a hint of nervousness. The realization that she had been caught in the act of singing stirred a blush across her cheeks, painting them with embarrassment.
"I'm really not good at singing. Don't you think so too, Bell?" she stammered, her words tumbling out in a rush as she struggled to regain her composure.
"I-I..." Bell's attempt to respond was cut short as Alise, interjected with a self-deprecating comment.
"It's fine, I know it. No need to console me!" Alise managed a small smile, her gaze averted. She seemed to seek refuge from any potential judgment mirrored in Bell's rubellite eyes.
Bell, though momentarily caught off guard, gathered his thoughts, his rubellite eyes softened and he spoke, breaking the silence with sincerity, "No, Miss Alise, the reason I couldn't answer was because I thought your voice was so beautiful it took my breath away. It was comforting and made me feel happy. Also, the moonlight is making you look even more beautiful than normal. You look even more beautiful than many of the goddess in Orario. "
The words hung in the air, a confession that cut through the silence. Bell's heart and mind raced as soon as those words left his mouth. Panic seized him, and internal screams echoed in his thoughts.
"What am I saying!?" he berated himself, attempting to conjure an excuse before Alise misunderstood his intentions. The girls had entrusted him to behave, not to let any lines blur. Yet, here he was, offering compliments that could easily be interpreted as him flirting.
In his internal chaos, Bell failed to notice the subtle transformation in Alise. Her cheeks, much like the vibrant hue of her hair, were now crimson. Caught in the unexpected moment, Alise found herself at a loss for words, her attempt to still her rapidly beating heart evident as she placed both hands in front of her chest.
As she blushed profusely, Alise struggled to find her voice. She opened and closed her mouth several times before she finally managed to articulate her question, "R-really? You think my singing is beautiful?"
"Y-yes. Your voice was lovely," Bell responded, his own voice tinged with nervousness as he gauged Alise's reaction.
Alise, though flustered, found a way to deflect the attention with a teasing smile. "Bell, you are such a flirt, but thank you for the compliment. It means a lot. I never, ever sing in front of other people. So, no telling anyone, okay?" With that, she playfully poked Bell on the cheek.
"Ow…Okay, I promise," Bell responded, a flicker of relief in his rubellite eyes.
"Good, now back to sleep," Alise instructed, and Bell dutifully complied, drifting back into the embrace of sleep.
However, Alise, despite the outward assurance, found it challenging to calm down. "ARGHH! WHY AM I SO EMBARRASSED by his compliment!?" Her internal panic, hidden beneath a veneer of slight embarrassment, raged on. As she struggled to quell the turmoil within, Alise realized it would be a long time before her heart calmed enough to allow her sleep.
The night unfolded with the room shrouded in moonlight, wearied by her incessant panic, Alise succumbed to the drowsiness and fell asleep right next to Bell.
As the night wore on, Bell and Alise gradually moved closer to one another until Bell was cradled in Alise's arms. For Bell it was as though he had found a feeling of warmth that was able to alleviate the cold ache in his heart. For Alise it was as though she sought to protect Bell from all the pain and sorrow, she herself had been through, to let him know that there was some there for him. It was a moment that granted both peace and comfort until morning.
Next Morning:
With the first rays of dawn streaming through the window, Bell stirred from his slumber, his senses awakening to the soft embrace enveloping him. He found himself held gently, his face nestled against something luxuriously soft. As consciousness gradually returned, he felt the tender caress of fingers running through his hair, accompanied by the soothing hum of a gentle melody.
Opening his eyes, Bell gazed up to behold a pair of striking emerald eyes peering back at him. "Well, good morning, Mister. Look at you all comfortably just sleeping there on my chest. I bet you had a great rest." Alise greeted him with a teasing lilt in her voice, her gaze warm and playful as she held him close. Internally, however, a tumult of emotions raged within her:
"Why? Why? Why?" Alise's mind screamed in silent torment, grappling with the surreal intimacy of their current situation. "Why was I hugging Bell in my sleep? I literally had his face shoved into my chest! He's going to think I'm a pervert. How did we even get into this position to begin with?! I can't believe this! Keep up the act, Alise. Don't let him see how embarrassed you are."
"I AM"
Bell, his face flushing a bright crimson, opened his mouth to speak, only to have Alise swiftly clamp her hands over his mouth, forestalling whatever protest he intended to voice.
"Shhh, Bell, quietly," Alise admonished him, her voice a hushed whisper "You don't want the other girls to hear you scream. Especially Lyon," she cautioned
Bell's blood ran cold at the mention of Ryu, his mind conjuring vivid images of the fierce retribution she would undoubtedly give out should she stumble upon them in such a compromising position. Minutes passed in tense silence, the air heavy with unspoken apologies and lingering discomfort. Finally, as the initial shock began to subside, Bell mustered the courage to break the silence that hung between them.
"I am very sorry, Miss Alise," he murmured, his voice heavy with remorse as he cast his gaze downward, unable to meet her eyes.
Alise took a deep breath, steadying herself before she addressed Bell. "It is okay, Bell. It was an accident. We are sharing a bed, after all. Now, we should probably get up and get ready. I will wait outside while you get changed," she reassured him, her voice calm and composed despite the lingering traces of embarrassment that colored her face.
"Okay," Bell replied tentatively, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty as he processed the events of the morning.
"Good," Alise responded, rising from the bed and making her way to the door. Before she departed, however, she couldn't resist a playful jab at Bell. "Now, Bell, I know this is your first time in a girl's room, but no peeking in the drawers, okay?"
"I would never," Bell protested, his cheeks flushing a deep crimson at the mere suggestion.
"Hehe, I know, but you are fun to tease," Alise chuckled
As Bell hastily changed and emerged from the room, he was greeted by Kaguya and Lyra, who ushered him downstairs to the kitchen for breakfast. The morning meal progressed without incident, the air filled with the comforting aroma of freshly cooked food and the soft murmur of conversation.
As the girls departed for their patrols, Bell vowed to begin his search for his aunt as soon as the opportunity presented itself. Armed with what is mother had told him about his aunt's favorite places, he set forth later that morning disappearing from Stardust Garden.