Rank 7: The Reward - Awakens a special skill within the Fool Arcana.
Considerate -> Empathetic
We wrapped things up at the Hotel quite quickly after our conversation, and of course I made sure to wash my clothes on my way out! Also Belle gets another skill? She has one more than I do now! Though having my Persona system is sort of an extra skill anyways.
Belle seemed to want to leave quite quickly, though the nice lady from earlier tried to get us to stay longer and pay more money for 'special services'.
FOOLISH! I know special services just means I'm paying more money for something dumb and unneeded!
I am not scammed so easily!
With a nod of my head I decided that today we'd go shopping. We had just cleaned ourselves off so working out today was not the plan, though I had no doubt I'd go for a run later on in the day.
"Belle, we should get Hestia. We need to buy some things." I stated it as fact, after all we DID have things we absolutely needed. Especially for dungeon diving later.
She looked curious and raised a thin white eyebrow.
"What exactly did you have in mind?"
"Well I figured Hestia needed a change of clothes, and so do I. I only have these clothes from my homeland so I'd like to make sure they don't get destroyed." My tone was a bit somber, but my heart swelled with joy as I recalled the people who I was certain were waiting for my return someday.
I knew they'd be fine, and I'm sure they felt the same.
"I've never seen clothes like that before, where do you even come from?" Her words were gentle, as though poking a bee's test gently. I gave her a light smile, she didn't need to be so cautious with me!
"I'm from a place called Earth- dumb name I know, but it's the name we had." I was tempted to call it 'Shit Out of Luck III' but I resisted the urge. My younger cousin had informed me of what Sol III truly meant and I was never the same!
"I see." She didn't add too much, but I wasn't expecting much to begin with. Her tone had a faint hint of sadness behind it.
"I don't miss home too much if that's what you're wondering. Sure I left behind a lot of awesome people, but now I get to spend time with you and Hestia." My words were said with a smile and seemed to pick up the mood as she blushed.
Silly Belle, you didn't have to be embarrassed that I valued you!
"W-well I'm happy about that then." My Arrogant Young Master can't be this cute!
"Belle, why don't you tell me about your hometown!" My words were obviously changing the subject because of the awkward silence that settled between us. However she seemed to frown at my words.
Dang it, how could I have forgotten. Arrogant Young Masters always have tough family lives! I put my hands on her shoulders and looked straight into her eyes.
"I don't know how things were back where you used to live, but I can assure you that things are going to be better now." My tone was serious, as was my expression. I could just be making a wild guess, and maybe her family was great but having a bad family life was terrible.
I'd known plenty of people with tough families and it was not pretty. I could only assume it to be worse in a fantasy world. She didn't pull away from my hands but she did look down to the ground without saying a word.
Her face was blank, in a way that almost felt creepy.
I stared at her for a moment, then I frowned. She sort of reminded me of this girl who had a really abusive parent.
I saved her of course, and she even lived with our family for a while but the whole emotional suppression or redirection thing was real.
You either shut down, or you spoke up. You either fell apart or pretended you were keeping it together with a loud mask.
I gave Belle a hug while she stood stock still.
Then I whispered in her ear.
"You don't have to go back there ever again if you don't want to."
She let out a soft gulp as I pressed into her.
"You don't understand . . ." She trailed off, but past the sorrow in her voice was hope.
"I won't let them take you, and I'll make sure you can stop them even without me by your side."
I never took advantage of someone in a bad place by making them depend on me. I just wasn't that type of person. I gave them the tools to succeed, to overcome the demons in their life and the demon within their heart.
A Hero does not take advantage of the weakness of those they seek to save.
Save others so they may love themself, not so that they may love you.
That was one of the key principles I followed. One of my most important.
I met this complete bastard once who pretended to be a good person, but he really just wanted to take advantage of others with a mask of kindness.
I gave him a Shounen Monologue, but I had to give him a stern beating too! One more Monologue after that and he seemed to be back on the right track! He realized that he was taking advantage of the girl he saved and he started treating her like a proper person rather than an object.
Love is supposed to help both of those bonds grow and become better. Whether romantic, or platonic it didn't matter. That was what love was to me.
You are more than your worst moment, that is what I hold in my heart.
Anyone can be better and lose bastard status. They just have to try! Though that doesn't mean they can get away with being a bastard!
Whoever is bullying Belle will need to get a stern beating!
Belle still remained silent as my thoughts wandered. However this wasn't the type of thing I'd drop so easily. Sure it could be shelved to give her time to properly prepare, but seeing my treasured companion in pain wasn't something that could be ignored.
"If you'd like to not have this conversation yet, I understand." My words were gentle to the little rabbit, but I knew she could do this! However it seemed that time was not this current moment.
Rank 8: The Road Back - Awakens a powerful magic within the Fool Arcana.
". . . Thank you." Her words broke lightly in her throat, and I softly sat her down against a bench.
That was alright. Forcing someone to do something when they aren't ready usually ends poorly.
"How about we just have fun today then. No chores, no training. I still have some pocket money so I'm sure we can find something to do." My smile seemed to comfort her despite her confusion.
"What else is there to do?" Her tone made my heart sink a little bit, did she not know the concept of fun? Though I actually didn't know what else there was to do so I put a hand on my chin as I looked around.
"Well, we could always go play games with Mr. Dagda, I'm sure he wouldn't turn us away!"
Her eyes widened slightly at the name of the man before she became thoughtful and let out a sigh.
"Alright, that doesn't sound so bad." Her words were slow, and I could feel a trace of fear behind them causing me to narrow my eyes.
"Did Dagda do something bad to you?"
Isabelle Cranel POV
I was tempted to say yes, despite the fact that it would be a lie. 'Dagda' was a God. A God with a lot of experience who easily saw past the mask I wore. Yet as I stared back at Andrew my teeth gritted.
I did not wish to wear a mask around him. It pained me to do so. The faces I could wear so easily in the past seemed to crumble apart under his gaze.
Perhaps he was right. I should just try to enjoy my life. In Dungeon Oratorio the Heroes always had times where they simply enjoyed each other's company and had fun.
Was this any different?
"He didn't do anything bad, he was nothing but kind to me." It was a little bit of a white lie, the man had pressed me about the mask I wore. However Andrew didn't need to know such a minor detail.
It was irrelevant towards the feelings I carried towards him.
"Awesome! Let's go then, I'm sure you'll love the games he has!" His tone was joyful, trusting me implicitly. He truly was a Fool, yet one I had grown fond of. I gave him a happy smile in return to him grabbing my hand and starting to pull me away.
However my eyes opened wide in shock and horror as I was pulled onto his back.
Yet as I clutched him tightly in a panic I couldn't help but find comfort in his presence.
"Come on Belle, your chariot awaits!"
I was a horrible person.
However I was glad to spend time with him.
Andrew Ariti POV
"Alright, we've made it. Your chariot has arrived!" Perhaps I was more of the Chariot Arcana rather than a Fool if I kept carting around my companions like this!
Thus was the weight I carried . . . Ah, I think the great sage told me I shouldn't call people heavy. Forgive me oh Great Sage!
Belle hopped off my back after a moment and a random passerby gave me an odd look. She stared at the two of us for a moment with a small frown, then she approached.
"Hello." Her voice was soft and familiar, but I couldn't exactly place where we had met before.
I was bad with voices, but good with faces! I was a visual learner after all!
"Hi! Me and my dear companion were about to play some games, would you like to join us?" I offered her a place among our number, but Belle seemed slightly annoyed for some reason.
The woman nodded but frowned lightly.
"I'm busy."
She truly was burdened by the world! Me and Belle now faced the greatest foe of all. Debt was diabolical, insurance was nefarious indeed, but the worst of the worst, the biggest foe of them all . . . Scheduling Conflicts!
My Older Cousin wanted me to play some game called Pathfinder Two Ee with her and some friends but we could just never find the time!
I had to omit myself because I was always busy with other things . . . Truly scheduling conflicts was the real villain all along!
It stops you from spending time with those you care about after all.
Tears leaked from my eyes and I put a hand on the woman's shoulder.
"The offer is always open. I wish the best of luck in your endeavors." My words were filled with sadness as I spoke with passion. She gave a tiny smile and muttered a thank you before slowly wandering off into the city.
Belle turned to be in confusion and also a hint of jealousy? I wasn't really sure but she spoke nonetheless.
"Who was that?"
FOOLISH BELLE. For I had no idea!
"I don't know!"
Her jaw dropped for a moment, then she laughed daintily before stopping with a breath.
"Alright, why don't you show me this game of yours then."
We made our way inside and I didn't see Dagda anywhere! So I used my secret technique.
"MR. DAGDA I HAVE ARRIVED!" My words echoed through the building as I pointed two fingers to the sky in excitement.
The giant of a man peeled around a corner with some exasperation in his voice.
"What are you, Ganesha?"
I think that was a god? So No I suppose?
"I am not a divine being! I'm just me!"
"Well I figured that out," his eyes darted over our pair before he smiled. "What can ah' do for ya lad and lass."
"I want to play a game, and I brought my friend with me as well!"
Belle gave what seemed to be an embarrassed wave as she appeared to be sizing up Dagda. Could it be that Belle was ready to fight anyone who appeared strong?
She truly was my people!
"So how've you been then? Coming back oh so soon?" He started pulling out a deck of cards which he began to shuffle with a smile on his face.
"Well me and my dearest companion are taking the day off so I thought of you . . . And here we are!"
He gave a slight smile, and then Belle began to speak in an answer as well.
"Today . . . I'm just trying to be happy."
Dagda gave her a light smile and I couldn't help but do the same. Happiness was awesome! I loved it when my friends were happy!
"Well then, let's get this started. Have you ever heard of Poker?"
My eyes widened at his words. I actually heard of that one! My younger cousin destroyed me in Discord poker for 4 hours straight, but I learned how to play from his teachings!
Apparently I was very easy to read, and he was right . . . if he asked me what my cards were I couldn't help but tell him!
We began to play, and to my surprise Belle didn't seem to know what she was doing at all!
Truly such a young master would not partake in the games of the commoners! However that just wouldn't do, Belle needed to learn the way of the peasant, the way of the people!
Through Dagda's help we taught her how to play, and she was scarily good. It didn't help that I was awful but she even seemed to be giving Dagda a run for his money much to the man's shock!
"Hmph! My Belle has defeated you, consider this our revenge for last time!" I couldn't help but pretend to be an arrogant young master, even if only for a moment!
The man let out a boisterous laugh at my antics, and his voice was just as loud.
"You truly are an asstounding pair. I'm glad you're doing better, young lady."
That reminded me that Belle wasn't doing so great mentally, but this whole interaction seemed to make her smile. Dagda was pretty good at reading people from what I gathered of him, so having his confirmation did help soothe my heart a bit.
I slammed into Belle's side and gave her a massive hug while leaning against her. Faint tears flowing from my eyes with joy.
"W-why are you crying?" Her tone was surprised, but she didn't push me away.
"I'm just so happy! I'm just so happy you're feeling better!"
Her face turned red at the gesture and I couldn't help but wonder how red this bunny could be!
AN: Wholesome friendship and love moments in this chapter. Belle is being corrupted by shounen energy and is slowly distancing her heart from Hera in pursuit of her own happiness.
Belle is also rapidly falling in love despite Andrew having no intent for such a thing. He doesn't believe in 'taking advantage' of others, he really is just doing this because she needs help!
Andrew is a far better man than 99% of people to be honest. Truly the Shounen Hero we should all aspire to be!
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Last edited: Jun 25, 2025
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After bidding Mr. Dagda goodbye I started to walk alongside my compatriot. She seemed as though I would grab her at any moment, my back her chariot to be. Yet I did no such thing! Instead I just walked alongside her with a smile.
Going for a casual walk with a friend was always a good way to spend time together. You could talk, enjoy the scenery, start playing a game of some sort . . . plenty to do while on the move!
"Say, my dear companion, shall we delay our return with a joyful walk?" I leaned over into her with a smile, and she got just slightly redder before she let out a huff.
"Fine then, I'll allow you to accompany me for a moment." Her words were a bit haughty which caused me to pause and my eyes to soften as I stared at her, which only seemed to make her even more embarrassed.
"Belle are you doing alright?" She only talked like that when she was stressed, right? She blinked at my words then her eyes widened.
"You remembered . . . ?" Her cheeks dimmed in color as she looked confused for a moment.
"Well of course! I may not have the greatest memory, but when it comes to my friends I'll never forget the important details!" I struck a pose as I pointed at her chest. My brain only had room for two things!
Rank 9: Resurrection - While within the presence of the Fool Arcana, all of their Parameters are increased.
Power of Friendship and Power of Stabbing! Everything else didn't really click, but that was alright. I didn't need to be the best, I just needed to be me!
She silently stared for a moment before she gave a small smile to me while her eyes flicked away.
"I'd like to go on a walk with you." She twiddled her thumbs slightly as her eyes turned up to me.
She was too cute! Her pretty red eyes, soft white hair, she was just too much!
Was she even aware of how cute she was!?
My companion needed to know! She could get any friend or partner she wanted with a look like that!
"Belle, you're super cute!"
Isabelle Cranel POV
He cared, and not in a superficial way. He remembered that small detail before he even considered me a friend.
He truly was special, he complimented me without venom, he remembered my faults and made sure I was doing well, he cared. He did not 'care' like my 'grandmother' did.
No. This was a different kind of value. This was not caring for me in pursuit of what I can provide, but instead a love. Yes, he loved me. A smile bloomed upon my face at his words.
"Belle, you're super cute!"
I was, wasn't I? Ah, there's my pride again. I suppose my 'grandmother' did teach me a few parts of herself, didn't she? Was I princess in the castle being whisked away by the hero from the evil queen?
Not exactly, for I was just as evil as the queen.
My heart softly beat in my chest as I considered actively seducing him, yet I decided that for the moment I would hold off. He did not deserve to be manipulated in such a way.
I stared at his smile and I felt as though I could tell him anything. He was an open book, his heart on his sleeve. He truly was one of a kind. However if such a thing was an accident, then surely it would be fine?
Of course if he developed feelings for me, how could that be my fault?
"Thank you, you're quite handsome yourself you know."
Whoops! A small slip of the tongue! My hand snaked towards his waist and I pulled him close with a smile. Another minor slip of the hand, nothing I was actively trying to do of course!
Much to my annoyance however he just gave me a hug. It let out a small sigh as he lifted me in the air and did a spin and set me on the side of the road, not in any danger, but no longer in his arms.
"Belle, the time has come. Let us move forward!"
Indeed.
However I paused mid step. Why was I intent on seducing him? Could it be . . . no. I gritted my teeth as I realized something. Was I the one who had been seduced? This was stupid. He was stupid. Or more accurately he wasn't fair!
You can't just seduce this heroic young lady and get away without taking responsibility!
"Belle . . .? If there's anything bothering you, you can tell me! I'll always have your back!"
It was getting late and as I gazed at the setting Sun in the distance I realized something. We were alone. Just the two of us. All alone.
"Andrew . . . can I tell you something?"
Andrew Ariti POV
"Anything." Was it time for Belle's mysterious backstory? She gave me tragic hero vibes at this point, and I'd met similar people in the past so it wasn't too far of a stretch.
"I-"
She started to speak, but I HAD to cut her off!
"WAIT."
She raised an eyebrow as I frowned.
"I can feel someone watching us."
It was really weird. I could tell someone was looking at us, but I had no idea where they were! They weren't invisible, well, probably at least. More like someone was scrying on us?
It was like I was being watched by a camera. It really was a strange feeling.
My eyes turned towards the sky and I found myself staring at the massive tower in the distance while Belle clenched her fist in annoyance.
Freya POV
"How intriguing." I softly swirled the glass of wine in my hand while I watched him. The radiant soul I hadn't encountered ever before. This soul was not one who had been reincarnated from our world, or at least I had never seen this soul before.
To think, in all my years, you escaped my gaze. I wonder, are you the one I am searching for?
An Emerald Soul, radiant, with ever moving threads swirling inside. Stars, beautiful stars, a Soul that reached out to others and formed a deep Bond that could not be repeated by any being I had seen before.
Not a bond of control, but one of Love. Deep, passionate kindness. The soul of a warrior, a Hero.
"WAIT."
He held up a hand right as things were getting interesting with that girl who looked oddly like the Silence, with a personality oh so similar as well.
"I can feel someone watching us."
What? My eyes narrowed as I looked around the area, but I could see no one. Who was he even referring too- then his eyes panned up to where I sat and my form moved backwards in my chair.
Maniacal laughter broke from my throat.
"You truly are amazing!" I softly lay a hand on the side of my face as I stared deep into his eyes. What a beautiful person. To sense my Love from so far away!
However I could see the Bond between the pair starting to meld on a deeper level as he held her hand and pulled her away. Such a sight bothered me.
It was wretched that he was not doing such a thing with me.
I was tempted to call Ottar and have him slaughter the girl, but I resisted for now. She would die, but not today. When she fell, when everyone in his life was torn apart, I would be there. Syr would be there, and become his one and only.
Yes. That would be perfect.
Won't you allow me to break your heart, so that I may take it all for myself?
Such a compassionate Soul.
I know you will forgive me in time.
Andrew Ariti POV
"Alright, whoever that was is gone now." My eyes peeled back over to Belle, who wasn't in the greatest state and was clearly tense.
Belle had already drawn her knife, poised to tear someone's throat out but I put a hand on her shoulder and pulled her deeper into the abandoned building. I sat her on a stool of the abandoned bar, and then rested next to her.
"We're safe now . . . though I'm not certain if we were ever in danger." They didn't seem hostile . . . well they did for about half a second but even then it wasn't directed towards me at least. I wasn't sure about it being directed at Belle though . . .
"How could you sense whatever that was?" Her words were terse, she was confused and slightly angry.
I just shrugged. I had Hestia to thank.
"Your passionate desire to tell me what was on your heart ignited my heart and senses in order to fully pay attention to you. I just so happened to catch someone peeping on us because of that."
She seemed to calm down slightly as she pocketed her knife. She leaned against the counter and let out a small laugh. Her smile grew wider as her eyes narrowed slightly and her eyelashes fluttered.
"You truly do have a way with words Andrew, such a unique individual in this City is rarity. Or so I've heard." She leaned closer towards me, to the point I could feel her breath on my face. It was warm, and for a fantasy world with probably a huge lack of hygiene it didn't smell bad somehow.
Sort of just smelled like cherries. Weird. Fantasy logic I guess?
Damn it, how am I going to brush my teeth? How am I going to floss? Truly I am cursed! A shame, a shame.
"Well thank you Belle! I wouldn't say it's my greatest skill, but hearing it from you makes me have more confidence in my speaking prowess!" Compliments made me feel good! There was just something special about someone you loved saying a nice thing about you!
Compliments from people I didn't know didn't really affect me that much, but that didn't mean I'd be rude and just ignore them! She lightly kicked her legs as she leaned her back on the dusty bar, then she looked upwards and through a hole in roof.
She was staring at the moon and I squeezed myself a bit closer to her. She was probably a little bit cold, but the truth was I just liked being physically next to her. She was my treasured companion, I wanted to be with her!
She slowly draped an arm around my shoulder, and she pulled me closely while not meeting my gaze. My face was about an inch from hers as she stared at the moon.
Then she spoke with a dead calm.
"Andrew." She whispered it in my ear before turning to me, a blush no longer present on her face. Only seriousness in your eyes. "If I once had a goal, the thing that pushed me forward in pursuance of the ending I sought, and that goal no longer felt important to me . . . what should I do?"
I looked into her red eyes. They quivered slightly under my stare, but she needed to hear what I was about to say.
"Is your lack of pursuance towards your goal from fading desire, or has something else taken its place?"
"I've realized it's not what I truly desire. Yet, I've done so many things while chasing it that I'm not certain if I should quit entirely."
Damn. She's getting the sunk cost fallacy beam!
"A Great Sage once told me of such a conundrum." She seemed to raise her eyebrows in slight shock, before she focused completely on my words. "I'd once faced a similar problem as well after all. I desired to master the bow, yet no matter how hard I trained I faced no results. I had poured three years into such a weapon, and nothing had come of it."
"I didn't know what to do, I was lost. All that time burned away and for what? Nothing. At least that's what I thought to begin with." My voice was soft, this truly was a tough time in my life. Nearly getting burned out from how much I worked on the bow, only to gain nothing . . . well I used to think that at least.
Her eyes widened as I continued, hanging on the words of my tale.
"The truth is that nothing in this world only has one application. I failed to master the bow, but I learned something few people in the land I hailed from were capable of doing. I could sense incoming projectiles before they were even fired, I knew the intent behind someone preparing a shot, and I knew how to avoid it." Reminds me of that time I got shot at and just dodged everything by predicting every incoming attack. That was a wild day. The mafia is scary!
"Just because your goal has shifted, doesn't mean that time was wasted. Even if you feel as though you gained no skills, you still gained experience. I'm not certain what your goal was, or what your new one is now, but I trust you're smart enough to figure something out. You're smarter than me at least." I gave her a light smile, and she turned away with a blush. Then she let out a breath. A faint smile danced on her lips, yet I could sense the fear behind it, as though already expecting my answer to her follow up question to not satisfy her.
Or perhaps for my rejection to slam into her like a train.
She would find such a thing never present within me.
"What if my previous goal was horrible, what if it would hurt countless people, and what if those thoughts and pains still remained?"
"You can't commit a thought crime, Belle. The only thing that matters is that you, despite having those bad thoughts, made the active choice to resist your darker urges. That takes real strength." I bit my lip and looked straight at her. "The truth is, I'm not like that Belle. I don't get those dark and scary thoughts, the truth is, I'm lucky." The Great Sage knew much, for she had struggled with such a thing as well. Both of them were strong. Much stronger than I needed to be.
The Great Sage also taught me about how bad thoughts aren't inherently evil. They just need to be managed well . . . what were those two things she said?
Ah, I remember.
"Everyone is so much more than the worst thing they've ever done. You aren't just someone who faces those heart wrenching thoughts Belle. You're my friend. You're Hestia's dear child, and most of all you're trying to be better."
She held me tightly now, soft tears raining from her face upon my shirt as I held her as well.
"Belle, is it better to be born good? Or to overcome the evil within through sheer force of will and the treasured companions around you? I believe that while it's better to be born good, it's far, far, more impressive to have that darkness and overcome it, or at least push in the direction of what you believe is right despite the suffering you go through."
She was bawling into my shoulder now, her nails digging into my skin, but they could not pierce my flesh.
"But Belle, I refuse to let you be a martyr. I'll help you overcome this, I'll help you feel safe from yourself, and comfortable in your own mind." She pulled back with a gulp, yet I pulled her close and smiled.
"We can do this, together." Her face moved towards mine causing me to be a bit confused, then she did something really, REALLY weird. She started rubbing her cheek against mine while her face was scarlet red!
She really was a rabbit!
I knew it!
Isabelle Cranel POV
GOD FUCKING DAMMIT! Why couldn't I just kiss him! His words had already soothed my rotten heart, restoring it to a state I once thought impossible, yet here I was unable to tell this hero how I felt.
No. I'm saying it. I'll do this. RIGHT NOW!
"I love-" However his words caused me to freeze
"You're my Sister Belle. My Family. I'll always be there for you. No matter what." He paused for a moment then continued with a slight chuckle and a faint blush. "I think I know what you were going to say . . . but I love you too, Belle."
Ah. I feel like I'm in Heaven right now.
A blissful laugh creaking out of my mouth. Madness tinged on my lips, at the man I fell in love with seeing me as a Sister.
Oh I was certain I would change that.
If it was the last thing I did.
Then the darkness took me, the last thing I saw as my consciousness faded was my Hero softly pressing my hair to the side as he lifted me in his arms.
His arms were strong, of that I knew. Yet in this moment I couldn't help but feel as though they were the softest pillow in the world.
AN: We finally get Belle to Rank 10. She also starts crashing out via the standard social autism. Andrew gives a Shounen monologue about how having bad thoughts doesn't make you bad as long as you don't act on them! In other news, Freya is a Peeping Tom!
He's going to help Belle with a secret technique: THERAPY! He'd rather a professional do it, but therapists just aren't a thing in fantasy worlds sadly :(. The main problem is that his 'budget therapy' which will just be them confiding in each other is basically just going to make her yandere harder.
'I would kill for you.' sort of deal. To be fair Andrew would do the same thing . . . maybe everyone is Yandere?
FUCK IS ANDREW A YANDERE!?
Ugh. Anyways, feel free to drop your comments and questions down below. I love reading em! If you'd like to read ahead you can do so on my Patreon here:
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Last edited: Jun 28, 2025
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I held Belle in my arms as I moved home. Her face was stained with tears, but I wiped them away. Leaving her face sleeping softly with a peaceful smile. I blushed faintly while staring at her form. She really was cute! Though not just in the normal way, she was MEGA cute! I'm not sure how I didn't see it before, but she really was attractive. I let out a light sigh with a smile on my face as I gently held her tight.
I'd never pursue someone just because of their appearance!
Belle was really cute and I liked her a whole lot though . . . Nah. She was my Sister! That was the relationship we had, and I had no reason to change such a thing.
I frowned lightly as I looked up at the night sky. Old memories I'd thought I'd forgotten until now churning and turning in my mind.
I'd thought about the girl I'd dated briefly in my freshman year of highschool, however that wasn't really considered a proper relationship, now was it? I didn't spend as much time with her as I should have, and when I did I often found us accompanied by many other people I also wanted to spend time with.
I made so many friends, and I spent so much time pursuing a passion she just didn't see any interest in. I continued to walk as I let out a faint sigh.
I loved my friends, and while that romantic love is a different feeling entirely, it was barely any more intense. How could I tell someone who saw me as their one and only that I had such strong emotions about so many other people?
Sure, it wasn't the same type of love, but she couldn't handle that. Which was honestly completely reasonable of her. It wasn't fair to her. It wasn't fair at all.
She loved me, deeply. She truly was a good person, and I couldn't fault her in any way.
The truth is I couldn't make her feel special. When we got in a 'relationship', practically nothing had changed. Sure, we had sex, which was fun . . . but otherwise?
I hadn't changed a bit, while she completely changed in how she acted with me. To her I was simply being myself, and not expressing this new love she had felt herself.
I was just the same.
I'd consulted the Great Sage for advice and she told me that I was perfect the way I was, and that I didn't need to change at all to satisfy other people. It made me feel better, but the relationship we had fell apart in only a couple months because of that.
Now it's not like we stopped being friends or anything, and of course I still loved her as a friend, but honestly . . . It kind of scared me how quickly I fell back into seeing her as a friend.
As though the romantic love was almost superficial in the face of this other love I felt. However, what truly saddened me was that her love did not fade at all. We talked about it a lot, and I'm happy to know that I don't feel guilty anymore . . . but I don't wish such a fate upon any of my treasured companions.
The Great Sage told me I wasn't that compatible with Maya anyways, that I should pursue one of the three girls or the boy who sparred with me, Master's four grandkids. Though they obviously weren't into me at all! They just wanted to keep fighting me all the time!
They were my siblings anyways, Master was practically my grandmother! The Great Sage can say some silly things sometimes. They even taught me Chinese! Honestly I thought I would be forever cursed to not know a second language, but relating each language concept to a sword technique does wonders!
We called the Fruit Basket Blade Dance. I can still do it pretty easily actually! Though honestly it's more of a Kata than an actual combat technique.
Eyes slowly blinked open from their slumber, Belle letting out a soft breath as she blearily stared up at me with a soft smile.
"Thank you, for being a part of my life. Let's tackle our dream. Together."
Her smile . . . something about it was different.
Something about it was True, with no pain lurking deep beneath her eyes.
Then the world cracked.
I am Thou, Thou art I . . .
Thou hast turned a Vow into a Blood Oath.
Thy bond shall become the wings of hope and break through the yoke of thy City's heart.
Thou hast awakened to the ultimate secret of the Fool, granting thee infinite power . . .
Rank 10: Returning with my Dearest Companion - Awakens a powerful skill within the Fool Arcana. Awakens the Persona: ???
Isabelle Cranel POV
For the first time in my life I felt absent of tension, of hate, and of malice towards the world for its wrongs against me. The peace was shattering, to the point where I relaxed so deeply for the first time I fell asleep instantly.
Thus I experienced a dream.
However, this dream was different. A buried memory, dragged up from the dregs of my infantile mind. One I had long forgotten, whether from the despair of my heart, or from the desire to never face this memory with a clear conscience.
My mother clutched me tightly in her arms, her breathing was labored, for she was not only recovering from giving birth, but she was deeply sick. This sickness stole her from me, and she could not last for much longer.
She had slowly gazed her eyes around the room, in her arms I was held tight. Her ears had long corroded from her body. Her tongue black and sickly, her nose a sunken grey. She was dying. Yet she still lived.
For me.
Words entered my ears from the other room. Words my mother could have never caught.
". . . so she does not wish to see me?"
"Indeed. She has every reason to hate you. This sickness is your fault after all. You can only find redemption in completing her final wish of revenge."
There was a dreary silence as my mother stared down at me, footsteps of the woman pacing away while agony in her steps. Then the door creaked open.
Hera entered the room. She had a soft smile laced upon her face as she stared deep into my eyes. My mother muttered a few words, however they were caught on her crumbling tongue. Hera raised an eyebrow at the action, but my mother spoke again.
"W-where's Alfia?" My mother could read lips, as Hera knew. So she spoke without words, yet my older mind could perceive them with such ease that it frightened me of how weak I once was.
"She no longer wishes to associate with her crippled sister."
"A-ah." Her arms went limp for a moment, but her eyes regained their fire when she looked at me and she did not loosen her grip for the moment.
"I-I'll stay strong. For the little one." Hera frowned lightly at the act, but allowed my mother this moment of peace.
A peace that would not last long. Mother clutched me tight and she smiled at the action. Mother was staring at me, so she could not have known the Goddess' words. For her lips were out of view, her intent veiled.
"It never hurts to have a spare weapon."
My mother spoke softly in the air as she stared up to grandmother a moment later.
"I think I'll call her Isabelle, in honor of the sister who has done so much for-" A knife was softly slid into her neck. A black dagger that was given for my journey to Orario. A knife upon my rapidly waking person.
Yet the dream did not end just yet.
Her body crumbled at the sudden strike. Grey flesh turning to ash as her neck caved in on itself. Blackening blood spilled from her body as she tried to shield me, but Hera's arms simply snapped the pathetically weakened limbs with a twist.
Then she stole me from my mother.
"Don't worry sweetie, Grandmother will be taking good care of you from now on."
Yet my crying did not wane. Instead it grew louder. So she struck me. Then again. Then once more.
"Silence when I am speaking to you, you disgusting rat."
I shut up quite quickly in terror. The memories being trapped under lock and key, yet desperate to break from my mind in a tidal wave. Yet at each attempt a firm hand and beating was my cold reminder.
I had become docile. My hatred of Hera redirected. Controlled. Warped. Yet most importantly of all, it had been silenced in the face of the cruel woman.
All things were to satisfy her. All things were for her benefits. All things Were. For. Her.
I'd redirected some of my feelings, yet all things came back to her. The family I'd lost. The childhood I'd lost. In the end she was a person, and I was a tool.
Everything changed when I met you. Not immediately, but you changed me. You showed me that I don't have to be alone. That I don't have to be terrified of everything yet suppress it down to my rotted heart. You showed me the joys of 'wasting' time.
Most of all you showed me something I could have never imagined feeling in my lifetime. Something I'd only seen in its purest form in a storybook I gained by happenstance.
You showed me Love.
Not a Love grown from fear, and not a Love grown from self doubt.
It is a Love so strong that it broke through the illusion cast around my soul. Breaking the shell of my heart, and setting it free.
Love has eclipsed Hate.
Why would I seek revenge against Orario? Why would I seek revenge against the Familia's that wronged my Aunt? Why would I seek revenge against Hera?
They do not matter.
Thank you Andrew Ariti.
You truly are a Hero.
Your goals are my goals. I know you would do the same at my request, yet you need not request anything of me. For I shall always accompany you in everything you do.
I truly do wonder if you can teach me the kindness you hold deep within, or if I am never to share in the joys you feel.
However I shall experience a joy of my own born from the fruit of my love. A joy born of seeing you smile. A joy born of seeing you succeed.
This Love is all, for my Hero.
So I awoke. I answered not the Queen, but instead to someone far more important.
"Thank you, for being a part of my life. Let's tackle our dream. Together."
Indeed. For his dreams were that of my own.
I knew that his dreams would be forever righteous, and he would always guide me down the path of a Hero I sought to be.
However I knew that deep down even if he fell into becoming the thing this current version of him hated, I could never leave him behind.
He had ownership of this lowly tool, and could do whatever he desired.
My heart ached for a moment, for I knew what I desired.
I desired for him to teach me to be Human.
To teach me to be a Hero.
A tear drop hit my face as he looked down at me in his arms. A wide smile was on his face, so I returned it. Additionally I licked off the tear and softly added it to my mouth while I pressed into his form. It was salty, yet I could not hate it. It came from him after all.
"Belle. You have a really nice smile right now."
He saw my true heart laid bare? With just a glance?
I wouldn't have it any other way.
"I'm glad you're part of my life too! . . . and I'm glad you see my dream as your own. That really does make me feel like the future won't stand a chance against the two of us!" His voice was happy, yet slightly strained.
"Indeed. I doubt it shall resist our pair's onslaught of hope and love." He didn't like it when I put myself down. I knew that from when we moved my bed to the church. He did not revel in watching others lower themselves so he felt higher. Instead when one person was elevated, he rose along with them. If one fell, he dropped down to hold their hand and give them comfort.
I was not like him.
Yet I knew that if I accompanied him long enough, eventually this mask would become my face.
The Face of a Hero.
Someone worthy of standing alongside him.
My masks were not my burden, nor my curse. They were the blessing I needed in order to get ever, ever, closer to him.
So that one day that closeness could bloom his love into the Love that I felt for him.
"It's getting late, we should head back. Can you walk?" His voice was whisper, a caress on my brain that sent a pulse of passion through my blood.
"Of course!" My voice was chipper as I left his arms. While a small part of me wished to remain in such a place, I knew I was needed somewhere else.
I was needed by his side.
AN: I swear this chapter felt like it could have ended on five different cliffhangers. Was quite fun to write this one. The Belle backstory deepens, and she decides that she doesn't give a fuck because those other things don't matter anymore!
Also Andrew gets a Fool Persona? Who could it be? Spoilers: It's not the one he dreamed about!
Feel free to drop any questions or comments down below, I love to read them all! If you'd like to read ahead you can do so on my Patreon here:
Thanks for reading and see you all next time!
Last edited: Jul 2, 2025
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I walked with Belle closeby, and truth be told I was a little bit lost. I put my hand on my chin and slowly looked around before coming to an idea. Was it the best idea? Probably not, but I wasn't that smart anyways!
"Belle, I think we're lost, yet I have an idea."
She gave a small smile my way and slightly tilted her head while leaning in close.
"Oh? What would that entail?"
"I'm going to shoot a fireball into the air to light our way!" I held my hands to the night sky as I let my idea burst forth!
However, Belle stopped me with her words before I could continue!
"I think I know the way back, how about you just follow me."
Belle was so smart!
Wait. Then why didn't she say so earlier!?
Could it be that Belle simply wanted to spend more time with me? She is a true friend! So I held her hand tight and gave her a smile.
"Belle, if you want to keep walking around for a while we can. I'd love to spend more time with you."
Isabelle Cranel POV
So he saw through my mask? I paused and then let out a light laugh. I had no need to hide my desire to be with him.
"I'm glad, however we should head back. It's getting quite late after all." He held my hand slightly tighter and my heart fluttered from the action. I wished this moment could last an eternity, but we were temporary beings.
It was just as he had said. That didn't mean I wouldn't enjoy the moment though!
We inevitably made it back, and Hestia was already asleep on the steps. Andrew prepared to take her down however I softly wrapped my arms around his waist and whispered breathily in his ear.
"Why don't you sleep with me tonight?"
I was taught seduction, to control others. Yet this came from deep within. Yet this lovable Fool just gave a small smile in response.
"Hestia needs me as her body pillow, but you're welcome to join us."
I looked at the 'Sun' Goddess with slight annoyance before letting out a sigh.
I suppose it was good enough.
At least he wouldn't be alone with her!
"Alright then. Lead the way."
We crawled into bed together and he quickly drifted off to sleep, the form of Hestia clutching him close, yet I softly caressed his sleeping face while I stared at his peaceful expression.
I noticed Hestia twitch slightly as he pulled him away ever so slightly while Andrew moved deeper into my arms.
Tonight was my victory, Hestia.
"Sweet Dreams, my Hero."
'We could not stop the invasion. I had always known this was inevitable. Yet as the city was sieged through the trickery of those who opposed us, why did the people not flee? Why instead did they look down from the wall with the hope in their direction towards me as the city was crushed behind them?
I faced down !(#$&% his spear drawn, an arrogant smile upon his face as he looked at my form. I only had my sword with me, without my blessed spear I could not defeat this immortal. It was impossible.
I had planned to hold him off as my people fled, so why did they not.
Then they chanted my name. They chanted it again and again.
"!@#%(*(!%"
I clutched my sword tight as the 'man' before me laughed.
"They actually believe in you? That's ridiculous, you don't even have a trace of divinity within you."
I shouted up to them and swung my arm as I turned and fled.
"FLEE! Survive for another day! Do not fall with this city! Please, survive so we can rebuild!"
I heard laughter echo out behind me as I led away the lancer wielding bastard. My shoes slammed against the stone, and I soon heard his as well. Jeers flew from him as I ran around the city thrice, yet the blood pounding in my ears blocked out much sound.
Only then did I stop and look at the people. My people. They did not jeer at my cowardice, they were screaming something with hope in their eyes.
"FIGHT! !@#%(*(!%, you can win!" What?
"As your prince I ask you to flee, and you do no such thing! I have bought as much time as I could and yet countless of you stand here waiting for me to fall against this immortal?"
"There is no city without !@#%(*(!%! You can do this! You shall take the city back!"
I was not a divine being. I did not hold that power in my hands.
I was only a human.
"AH !@#%(*(!%, I have a gift for you!"
Oddly enough the man chasing me allowed the individual to approach, a man I recognized as one of my close companions. Within his hands was my spear that could pierce the immortal flesh.
No. That wasn't right. His lip. Whenever we spoke he lightly bit it in nervousness. He was a meek one, yet despite that he had great bravery. Furthermore I could not sense the danger I normally would sense from the spear.
Anger took hold of my heart, and I brought my sword down upon the skull of the imposter. Yet the strike did not land. A shield of gold appeared, and 'his' flesh melted to reveal a Goddess I despised.
One of the three who had brought fall to our wonderful city alongside my brother.
"You should have accepted. It would have allowed you to die with some dignity." Her tone was casual. She did not care for us mortals. Selfish, prideful, and vain. That was the nature of every divinity I had ever had the misfortune of meeting.
I could not kill a Goddess. I could not kill an Immortal.
Yet still the people chanted.
They would not survive. The window for escape was closing soon.
So I decided to take a stand, for the people I swore to protect with kindness in my heart rather than hate.
The Goddess was gone, and I decided now was the time to speak. That goddess would sense such trickery, so I was glad she was gone.
While I wasn't much of a trickster, I still had a few tricks up my sleeve.
"All of you! Retreat for now! I shall return to you when I am finished slaying this immortal! Do not put yourself in danger!"
That seemed to soothe some of their hearts, and many fled. They slowly cleared from the wall, yet I knew many of them would die in the escape. At least this way some would survive.
Though I would not. Nor would I last long.
"You know once I finish up here I'm going to hunt them down and kill them all, right?" My grip tightened on my sword. It was not my favored weapon, yet this arrogant bastard seemed to be looking down on my fighting skills.
I did not hate any of the mortals caught up in this situation. I understood we were all at the whims of the divine who would brainwash, murder, and rape us without a second thought. I did not hate my enemies. I pitied them for being such monsters.
I let out a small chuckle for a moment, though I can not help but direct all the hate in my heart towards the one who stole my brother's last vestige of goodness.
One of the three who started this all.
So I stood there, the burning city behind me, a look of wrath in my flaming eyes, and I smiled after letting out a hot breath of air from my burning lungs.
"YOU, DIVINE WRETCH, YOU FACE A MORTAL! LET IT BE KNOWN WHEN YOU ARE CHOKING ON YOUR OWN BLOOD THAT A MORTAL WAS ABLE TO PUSH YOU THIS FAR!"
He laughed as I brought my blade down, he caught it in hand and drove his spear towards my heart. Then I punched him across the face causing him to stagger. I headbutt him, I clawed at unbreakable flesh, I attempted to gouge his eyes yet nothing came of it. Every strike doing nothing, yet still I persisted.
That was what it meant to be a Mortal. To fight even in the face of pointlessness.
One day the city would be destroyed. One day my people would perish. One day my name would be forgotten by all things.
All ends were inevitable to us mortals, yet that is what makes us special.
A silent fire is only lamented upon by those who rest in the cold.
The Immortal could never appreciate life in the way we do, they had put themselves on a pedestal, one had I would break here and now.
I would prove a mortal can defeat a demigod.
Even without the help of any divine.
3 Days Later
"H-how the fuck are you still even awake!?"
I stared at the immortal bastard who I'd practically killed hundreds of times now. My mind was falling apart, my flesh tearing, one of my arms missing. Yet I still fought.
I could see the fear in his eyes. Not the fear of a predator eying dangerous prey, but the fear one has towards a sharp object. The fear of death of something that could easily kill you.
Such a warrior failed. My fist clenched in hate, and while I knew I was running my candle short, I would strangle the bastard in the next life.
About a third of my people had escaped. A third remained captive in the city. A third were dead. I was not satisfied with such a thing, I could never be satisfied with such a broken ending.
I let out ragged breaths as I stared at the warrior before me who staggered back, as though waiting for a rapid strike.
Yet I was not certain I would still be standing after my next action.
So I spoke.
"Three Goddesses brought this city to ruin, and my people are split into groups of three. Is that not ironic?"
He looked at me as though I was crazy, then I smiled only to see fear in his eyes at the small movement.
"How does it feel? To be afraid of a mortal?"
He grew rapid at that, and charged at me with hate. Fear still lurked in his eyes, yet his strike was true. Yet as I fell, I heard the flying of an arrow.
@^@$? Is that you?
You came back . . . ?
Ah. So even you can own up to your mistakes in the end.
I'm glad.
I'm glad that you've shown even the worst person can do something good.
Then darkness.
. . .
A man who loved his city and its heart, his family and his people.
A man who gave his life to hold back an arrogant immortal who was unable to dodge an accursed arrow that stole his life as he shook with fear from an attack that would never come from his murdered foe.
A man who lived with kindness, and was driven to sorrow by his foes. Yet he still held onto his beliefs into death.
A man who proved even Mortals can defeat the Divinely touched in combat.
A man who proved Mortals were so much more than just the toys of Olympus.
Thus ends the life of a hero.
Thus ends the life of !@#%!#$%^ of #@$,
My eyes blearily started to open as I sat up, I ran a hand along my face with a small grunt of confusion and I slowly peeled Belle off of me as her hand was nearly in my mouth. I still wasn't getting any names from my weird dreams . . . I really want to know more about you Mr. Persona! You're super awesome!
Whoever this was, he was certainly someone I could respect! Beating up an immortal for three days sounds hard! He also believed a lot of similar things I do. I suppose that's why he's my Persona.
Though I didn't believe all gods were assholes, Hestia was great!
Though such a dream could not stop me, for after all it was now:
Day Five of the Dungeonless Week
We had lots of training to do!
AN: This isn't how the Iliad goes, but I'm taking some creative liberties. Everything is still pretty much the same though. In the Iliad Hector and Achilles die before the fall of Troy by about a day or so I think.
However I moved up the timeline for more drama! Also this way Achilles doesn't drag Hector's body through the streets attached to the back of his chariot . . .
For those wondering why I made Achilles a bad guy, well it's pretty simple, he doesn't go through his character arc in this Persona timeline. Personas are stories made manifest, and in this story basically everyone but Hector and Helen are villians.
Anyways I hope you enjoyed it! Feel free to ask questions or leave some comments down below! If you'd like to read ahead you can do so on my Patreon here:
Thanks for reading and I'll see you next time!
Edit: I just realized this has over 3,000 watchers. Thank you for all the support everyone! Glad we can all accompany Andrew of his VERY Shounen journey!
Last edited: Jul 6, 2025
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The day blew by like a hurricane, the whole gang had split up with Hestia taking a bunch of Valis to buy toiletries and prepare us food while Belle and I trained an insane amount. I'd stopped by Welf's workshop too, but unfortunately the sword would only be done tomorrow, and it was too early today!
Though the trip wasn't completely pointless, because I managed to buy some training gear off of him!
"Belle don't feel down, you're doing great!" The truth is I'd destroyed her repeatedly now that I had a wooden sword, but she was making insane amounts of progress!
She could use basically any weapon she picked up, and could adapt her fighting style to fit it. This led me to an internal debate however.
Should I teach her Master's style? It's not like I thought she would fail in learning it like I had. I believed in Belle! It's just that I wasn't sure if Master wanted me teaching anyone that wasn't considered her Family.
Wait a second! Belle is my Sister now! So if I'm Master's grandson (not blood related), then that means Belle is her granddaughter!
Yeah! That makes so much sense!
I really am smarter!
AN: Nobody tell him.
"Belle, want to learn something extra cool?"
She pulled herself up from the ground, a faint trick of blood fell from her nose but she wiped it away in order to reveal a determined expression.
"As long as it will help me avoid being thrashed."
I gave her a radiant smile. Belle was perfect for this. Belle could wear any face she needed too, she could become formless and in doing so adopt the four other forms needed for this Bladedance!
"Awesome! Let's get started then. We'll start with the part I feel you'll have the most affinity for. This part is called White Tiger Intent, I could never pull it off, but I believe in you! "
She faintly blushed under my praise, but she looked slightly confused by my self degradation.
"Do you know why you can't do it?"
I just gave a shrug.
"Master said I couldn't do it properly even if I could mimic the movements, she always said that my Sword Intent was too chaotic to do anything but carve my own path."
And carved I had. I felt myself on the edge of grasping what she meant by 'Intent' honestly it sounded vaguely supernatural, but it clearly wasn't! It's not like people were magically glowing or anything with an intense 'aura' whenever I fought them.
While I showed Belle the movements my thoughts wandered.
A lot of people back home were just huge chunni's! Or maybe they were just as Shounen as I was! I could never really tell.
I made a light snort as I remembered an old friend. She was the most chunni person I'd ever met! Always rambling about something crazy, but she was fun. I hope she's doing alright!
Reminds me of the time she said she had to use her 'Dark Tapestry Intent' . . . I still have no idea what she was talking about, but it seemed to make her better at fighting.
Calling out your ultimate moves was a trait I'd picked up from her, a trait I'd love to use outside of video games, if I had any ultimate moves outside of games!
Dang it, if only I could still tap into the next level! I'd only ever done it once, and it was on a very bad day.
I had to fight one of my friends who was crashing out. She started saying how I belonged to her and she was going to turn me into her most prized treasure. Then she was going to destroy the world for me or something like that. Something about me being burdened by the Execution of Fate and only she could 'save' me? I wasn't super sure, she wasn't really making sense in her ramblings.
She had lost it! Luckily I managed to bring her back to sanity with a three hour long fight and lots of Shounen speech ending in a big hug.
That was probably the most intense fight of my life, she even took a bunch of drugs to become super strong and fast! Though she only told me she did so afterwards.
For a moment there I believed my world might just have supernatural shenanigans, but nope! Just drugs! If you ask some people though, those might just be the same thing!
Either way her 'Heavenly Demon Intent' was scary! Ugh, now I miss her!
"I can't feel anything out of what's normal."
Belle was a genius, and even she couldn't learn it? Well I guess I had no idea what exactly I was teaching, and couldn't give an example. The realization caused me to sigh. Unless I could show her what I was talking about I most likely couldn't teach her how to do it!
Considering the fact that I don't even know how to do it myself, that's looking to be impossible.
Today is a sad day for my teaching skills! That doesn't mean it's a sad day though! I'm spending time with Belle!
"Well then Belle, I think it's best we work on our fundamentals. I got these nice training swords from my Blacksmith Buddy for a reason!" Belle had been weirdly insistent on learning more about Welf, luckily she didn't seem hostile after some light questioning.
Silly Belle, you aren't that subtle! Or maybe she was super subtle! That's how being subtle works!
Either way we trained, and trained, and trained! She was making decent progress, but she couldn't beat me! When wielding a blade my senses were heightened, as though the steel itself was sharpening my senses with its razor edge!
I looked down at the blunted wooden sword with a frown. Alright, maybe it had nothing to do with sharpness. Maybe I was just weird. Belle threw a strike towards me during my momentary lapse, but I easily deflected it and struck her hand causing the wooden dagger to fly into the ground. My eyes widened at the rapidly bruising hand, my instinct had caused me to hurt my friend.
My eyes softened and I prepared to take out our last potion, but her other fist flew towards my neck! What a ravenous rabbit! I know I told her we could stop training early if she could beat me once, but this was ridiculous! That didn't mean I was going to go easy on her though.
So I headbutt her hand causing her to let out a cry. Faint blood trickled from my head despite my enhanced endurance, her hand however made a small cracking sound and I prepared to lecture her about getting used to pain. She was rich, and she'd probably never been seriously hurt before, I didn't like hurting her, but it was necessary- then she threw a leg sweep at me!
This bunny is too murderous! I stepped over the attack, and then I grabbed her ears causing her to eep and blush.
"Belle! This is just sparing, if you're hurt, we can stop!" Dang it, wasn't I supposed to be lecturing her about resisting pain? She grumbled under her breath, the words incoherent. Not because I couldn't hear them, but because she was just speaking in gibberish!
"Cup your hands together, I'm gonna use the potion. This is enough for today."
Despite clearly being in pain, she was smiling as I poured the potion on her hands. She did deserve some praise for 'locking in' as my cousin would put it.
"You did really good Belle, you've made tons of progress today and that ferocity will be useful when your back is against the wall." She let out a small smile as she leaned against me, Hestia already making her way over as I continued. "That doesn't mean you should let yourself get hurt though, and if you need to retreat, always know that I'll have your back."
Belle's hands had already repaired themselves, truly Naaza is my hero! She's great, though we should certainly buy more potions before our next dive.
"Alright you two, enough squishing into each other! You two need to eat!" Hestia looked slightly conflicted as she stared at Belle, who gave a cheeky smile back.
Hestia was amazing.
My stomach growled with desire, and Hestia surely had to have known that the way to an athlete's heart is through their stomach!
Hestia POV
Dang it! Andrew had already seduced Belle! Why do I feel so mad! There both my children, I just want what's best for both of them? Shouldn't they be happy together than have myself interfere with their relationship?
Belle had told me he 'loved her'' and it made me super mad!
. . . though family is supposed to love each other, right? He'd said he loved me as well. So why did I care so much about him loving Belle as well.
Andrew gave me a hug, but I didn't initially react to it. I was used to his touch at this point, and it wasn't a bad thing.
My cheeks glowed as I pressed closer into him, Belle had also moved closer and threw an arm around her.
"Isn't my Sister amazing? She's made so much progress."
Belle's face paled and my eyes widened in shock as I slowly rotated towards her. She started blushing profusely in embarrassment. So they weren't dating.
Why did that make me feel so good? Why did that make my heart delight in anticipation despite the fact one of my children had not achieved their desires?
Oh. I don't see myself as a proper Goddess with him, now do I? My face heated up and I smiled. Then he spoke.
"You're awesome Auntie!" An arrow through my heart in an instant! Instant shut down! I looked down for a moment, and locked eyes with Belle. A silent challenge lurking in the air.
Neither of us wanted to lose, this was just a small setback. Andrew wasn't taken, and that made him up for grabs.
I'd make sure he chose me!
Afterwards we enjoyed a jovial meal as a family. Its not like I hated Belle, she was still my child . . . that didn't mean I would go easy though.
Yet perhaps one day that dynamic would change, at least it would if I had it my way!
Andrew Ariti POV
Hestia was awesome. This food was amazing!
"You're awesome Auntie!" Hestia gave me more aunt vibes than Mom vibes. Mom was super scary after all, and Hestia wasn't really like that. Though she was super cool too!
Then the world froze.
Thou hast turned a Vow into a Blood Oath.
Thy bond shall become the wings of hope and break the yoke of thy City's heart.
Thou hast awakened