Sacrifice
"Hermes-sama, what are you doing here?" Bell gasped in surprise.
"We need to talk. In private," Hermes insisted, looking around them suspiciously.
Bell raised an eyebrow but didn't protest as Hermes dragged him out of the marketplace and into a nearby alleyway.
"Lord Hermes, what can I do for you?"
Hermes looked Bell in the eyee, his expression grave and his tone somber. "Bell, there's something you need to know about the Light Bond Shield, and it's not going to be easy to hear."
Bell's brow furrowed with concern, a sense of unease settling in his gut. "What is it, Lord Hermes? Please, tell me."
Hermes sighed heavily, the weight of his words bearing down on him. "The Light Bond Shield is incredibly powerful, a force to be reckoned with, but it comes at a great cost. It burns through Riveria's life force every time it's used, sapping her strength and vitality. If you rely on it too heavily, she will eventually die when her life force is completely depleted, leaving nothing but an empty shell behind."
Bell's eyes widened in horror, his heart sinking into the pit of his stomach, a cold dread seeping through his veins. "What?" he whispered, his voice barely audible, a mere breath escaping his lips.
Hermes placed a comforting hand on Bell's shoulder, his grip firm yet gentle. "I'm sorry, Bell. I truly am. But you need to be prepared for the possibility that Riveria may not come back alive from this quest. She may have to be sacrificed in order to defeat Medusa, to ensure the safety of Orario and all who dwell within its walls."
Bell stood in stunned silence, his mind reeling, struggling to comprehend the enormity of the truth that had been laid bare before him. His worst fears were confirmed, and he felt as though the ground had been ripped out from beneath his feet, leaving him adrift in a sea of uncertainty and despair.
"I..." Bell was at a loss for words, unable to formulate a coherent response as his emotions churned within him, a tempest of sorrow and anger swirling within his soul.
"No," he said, his voice trembling with emotion, raw and unfiltered. "I won't let that happen. I won't lose another person important to me."
Hermes nodded sadly, understanding Bell's pain and anguish all too well. "I know how hard this must be for you, Bell, but you must be strong. Riveria knows the risks, and she's willing to make that sacrifice for the greater good, to lay down her life for the sake of others."
Bell gritted his teeth, his hands clenched into fists, his resolve hardening like steel. "I don't care. I won't let her die. I'll find a way to save her, no matter what it takes."
Hermes looked at Bell with a mixture of admiration and pity, both touched and saddened by his determination to defy the fates, to fight against the inevitable. "Bell, listen to me," he said, his tone imploring, earnest. "Even if you are successful in your quest to defeat Medusa, there's a good chance Riveria will die anyway. The Light Bond Shield is too powerful, too dangerous; it will eventually consume her entirely. Even if you manage to get her back to Orario alive, she may not survive for long."
Bell clenched his fists, his eyes burning with determination, a fire igniting within his soul. "I won't let her die," he declared, his voice filled with unwavering resolve, a promise etched in stone. "I've already lost one mother, I won't lose another. I'll protect Riveria with everything I have, and if it's the last thing I do, I'll bring her back home alive, safe and sound."
Hermes couldn't help but smile despite the dire circumstances, touched by Bell's conviction and passion. He gave Bell's shoulder a reassuring squeeze, a silent gesture of support and encouragement.
"Bell, I believe in you. You have a pure heart and a strong will; you're destined to become a great hero one day. But remember, it's not just Riveria's life that's at stake here, but the lives of everyone in Orario. If we don't stop Medusa, not only will Riveria die, so will everybody else in the Lower World. Medusa will then move on and destroy world after world. These are the stakes, Bell."
Bell nodded grimly, his expression solemn, his determination unwavering. "I will save everyone. I promise you that. In Asfi's name, I won't let anymore people die. But most of all, I will protect Riveria, no matter what it takes."
Hermes saw the fiery resolve in Bell's eyes, the unyielding determination that burned within him, and knew that he would not be swayed from his path.
"I know you will, Bell. I have no doubt in my mind. But remember, the fate of Orario rests on your shoulders, a burden that no one should have to bear alone. You must be willing to make the tough choices when the time comes, to do what is necessary for the sake of all."
Bell nodded solemnly, his heart heavy with the weight of his newfound responsibility, a mantle he never asked for but would bear with pride. "I understand, Lord Hermes. I will do what I must. But I won't give up on Riveria, not now, not ever. I will find a way to save her, even if it means defying the gods themselves."
Hermes smiled sadly, knowing that Bell had accepted his fate, a vow spoken to the heavens themselves, an oath that could not be broken.
"Go on then, Bell Cranel. May the fates be with you."
As Bell walked away with a heavy heart and a determined step, Hermes watched him go, his smile bittersweet, his eyes filled with both pride and sorrow.
***
Bell's mind raced as he tried to process the devastating revelation Hermes had just shared with him. The thought of losing Riveria, the one person who had become like a mother to him, was too much to bear. He couldn't fathom a world without her in it, couldn't imagine Orario without her guiding light, her unwavering strength."
As he made his way back to the training grounds, his steps heavy with the weight of his newfound knowledge, he spotted Riveria in the distance. She was instructing a group of young adventurers, her voice calm and authoritative, her movements graceful and precise. Bell's heart ached at the sight of her, knowing that every moment they shared together could be their last.
He approached her tentatively, his eyes filled with a mixture of love and fear, a desperate need to hold onto her and never let go. Riveria turned to face him, her brow furrowed with concern as she took in his troubled expression.
"Bell Cranel, is something the matter?" she asked, her voice soft and soothing, a balm to his battered soul. "You look as if you've just seen a ghost."
Bell opened his mouth to speak, but the words caught in his throat, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. He shook his head, unable to find the right way to express the depth of his feelings, the fear that gripped his heart.
Riveria placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, her touch warm and comforting, a lifeline in the stormy sea of his emotions. "Talk to me, Bell Cranel. Whatever it is, you can tell me."
Bell took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he had to say. "Riveria, I... I know about the Light Bond Shield. I...I can't lose you, Riveria. Not like this, not when I just found you."
Riveria's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of understanding dawning in their emerald depths. She pulled Bell into a tight embrace, her arms wrapping around him like a shield, a barrier against the cruel world that threatened to tear them apart.
"Oh, Bell Cranel," she murmured softly, her voice filled with sadness and regret. "I'm so sorry you had to find out this way. I wanted to tell you, but I didn't know how."
Bell buried his face in Riveria's hair, breathing in her familiar scent, committing it to memory. "Riveria, please..." he begged, his voice barely above a whisper, his heart breaking with each passing second.
"I'm not going anywhere, Bell Cranel. I'll always be here for you, no matter what happens. We'll be together, always. I promise."
"You promise?"
"You needn't worry about me, Bell Cranel. I'm as tough as old boots. I've lived through things you can't even imagine. You know that. This stuffy, hard old woman is too stubborn to die so easily."
"But you're soft on the inside! And you're not old!"
"Hush now. It'll be alright. You'll see."
Bell clung to Riveria, desperately hoping that her words would ring true, that they could defy the fates and be together for eternity. But as he looked into her eyes, he saw a flicker of sorrow beneath the unwavering resolve and determination that burned within her, a glimpse of the terrible truth: Riveria knew that she may not survive this quest, and she was willing to sacrifice herself for the greater good.
Bell clung to her, his face buried in the crook of her neck, his tears soaking into the fabric of her cloak. He wanted to believe her words, to trust in the strength of their bond, but the fear of losing her still lingered in the back of his mind, a constant reminder of the fragility of life.
"Honestly, you worry far too much about me, Bell Cranel. I'm not as fragile as you think. I've survived this long, haven't I?"
Bell laughed shakily, the sound muffled by Riveria's cloak. "I guess you have a point," he replied, his voice thick with emotion.
"I'm not the strongest mage in this city for nothing, you know. And besides, I have you and my familia to look after me," Riveria continued, her voice filled with confidence and determination. "So don't worry about me so much. I'll be fine."
Her voice was gentle and soothing, but Bell could sense the sadness hidden beneath her words, the weight of the burden she bore on her shoulders. Riveria had always been strong for him, a pillar of support and wisdom, but now, it seemed as though the cracks were beginning to show.
Bell held her tighter, wishing he could take away her pain, carry it for her. "I won't let anything happen to you," he vowed, his voice fierce and unyielding.
Riveria smiled softly at Bell's words, touched by his devotion and loyalty. "I know you won't, Bell Cranel. I trust you with my life."
She pulled back from the embrace, her hands resting on his shoulders as she looked into his eyes, her gaze filled with warmth and affection. "But remember, we have a mission to complete. We can't let our personal feelings get in the way of what needs to be done."
Bell nodded, his expression serious and determined. "I understand, Riveria-sama. I won't let you down."
"I know you won't," Riveria replied, her voice filled with pride and confidence. "I must confess, I'm jealous of you, Bell Cranel. You move the people closest to me in ways I could never."
Bell felt a surge of emotion at her words, a warmth spreading through his chest. He had always looked up to Riveria, admired her strength and wisdom, but to hear her say those words, to know that she believed in him so completely, was more than he could have ever hoped for.
"Thank you, Riveria," he said softly, his voice filled with gratitude and love. "For everything."
Riveria smiled, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "You don't need to thank me, Bell Cranel. I'm the one who should be thanking you."
She took his hand in hers, squeezing it gently. "Now let's go. We have a quest to complete and a monster to slay."
Bell nodded, his expression resolute. "We'll return from this adventure together. I won't accept anything less."
Riveria smiled at his words, his determination and resolve a balm to her weary soul. "I know you won't," she replied, her voice filled with unwavering faith in him. "Now get some rest. We have a long journey ahead of us."
With one last squeeze of his hand, Riveria turned and walked away, leaving Bell alone with his thoughts and fears. He watched her retreating form, his heart heavy with emotion, his mind racing with the implications of what he had learned. He couldn't help but think Riveria was just putting on a brave face for him, that she had already accepted her fate. She had already resolved to make the ultimate sacrifice, if necessary.
Bell had a sleepless, agonizing night. He couldn't stop thinking about Riveria. His stomach churned with anxiety, and his mind raced with worry. Every fiber of his being was telling him that he couldn't let her die. For now, all he could do was cherish every moment they had together, to make the most of the time they had left. And when the moment came, when they faced Medusa in battle, he would do everything in his power to protect Riveria and keep her safe. No matter what it took.
***
Finn stood before the assembled adventurers, his expression grim as he surveyed the determined faces before him. "Listen up, everyone," he said, his voice carrying across the crowded room. "We've got a tough fight ahead of us, and it's going to take all of our skills and cunning to come out on top."
The adventurers murmured amongst themselves, their eyes fixed on the diminutive pallum as he outlined the plan.
"We'll be splitting into several groups," Finn explained, gesturing to a large map spread out on the table before him. "Each group will have a specific role to play in the battle against Medusa."
He pointed to a series of marked locations on the map, his finger tracing the various routes that each group would take. "The majority of our forces will serve as decoys, drawing Medusa's attention away from our true objective."
Finn's gaze settled on Bell, who stood near the front of the crowd, his crimson eyes blazing with determination. "Bell Cranel, you'll be placed in a group led by Riveria," he said, nodding towards the elven princess who stood at his side.
Riveria met Bell's gaze, her emerald eyes filled with a fierce protectiveness. "I'll be watching your back, Bell Cranel," she said, her voice filled with unwavering conviction. "You just focus on finding Medusa and slaying her."
Bell nodded, his expression resolute, his heart swelling with gratitude and affection for the beautiful elf who had become such an important part of his life.
"The rest of you will be divided into smaller groups," Finn continued, his voice rising above the murmurs of the adventurers. "Each group will have a specific target to focus on, whether it be Medusa's minions or her stronghold itself."
He looked around the room, his eyes meeting those of each adventurer in turn. "I won't lie to you," he said, his voice growing somber. "This will be a dangerous mission, and not all of us may make it back alive. But we cannot allow Medusa to continue her reign of terror over Orario."
The adventurers nodded, their faces set with grim determination. They knew the risks, but they also knew that they had no choice but to fight.
"Remember," Finn said, his voice ringing out across the room, "we are the last line of defense against Medusa's evil. We must not fail."
With that, he dismissed the adventurers, watching as they filed out of the room, each lost in their own thoughts as they prepared for the battle ahead.
Bell lingered for a moment, his gaze fixed on Riveria as she spoke quietly with Finn. He knew that he would have to rely on her strength and guidance in the coming battle, and he silently vowed to do everything in his power to protect her, just as she had promised to protect him.
Riveria stepped forward, her emerald eyes sweeping over the assembled adventurers as she prepared to announce her group. "Listen closely," she said, her voice clear and commanding. "I will now announce the members of my group, who will be tasked with protecting Bell Cranel and ensuring his safety during the upcoming battle."
The adventurers fell silent, their attention fixed on the elven princess as she began to read off the names. "Aiz Wallenstein, Ryuu Lion, Tiona Hiyrute, Lefiya Viridis, Liliruca Arde, Yamato Mikoto, Aisha Belka, Cassandra Ilion, Daphne Lauros, Sanjouno Haruhime and Amid Teasanare," she said, her voice ringing out across the room.
Each adventurer named stepped forward, their expressions fierce and determined. Bell was touched by their loyalty and commitment, their willingness to lay down their lives for him and for their city.
"I will be leading this group," Riveria continued, "and Finn has entrusted me with ensuring Bell Cranel's success in this quest."
She turned to Bell, her eyes locking with his as she spoke. "I won't let you down," she said, her voice filled with fierce resolve. "I promise."
Bell nodded, his heart filled with gratitude and admiration for the beautiful elf who had become such an important part of his life. "I trust you with my life," he said softly, his voice barely audible above the murmurs of the other adventurers.
As the group assembled, whispers began to circulate among the other adventurers. "The Wives of Bell Cranel," someone murmured, eliciting a few chuckles from the crowd.
Riveria's eyes flashed with annoyance at the nickname, but she held her tongue, knowing that there were more important matters at hand. "We will be the ones to protect Bell Cranel," she said, her voice firm and unyielding. "And we will succeed in our mission, no matter what it takes."
Bell glanced around at the fierce and beautiful women gathered around him, a sense of awe and gratitude washing over him. He had never imagined that he would inspire such devotion and loyalty among such amazing women, but now that he did, he vowed to live up to their expectations. He would do everything in his power to bring them all home safely, to vanquish Medusa once and for all.
Welf Crozzo interjected, his eyes blazing with determination as he approached Bell and Riveria. "I'm coming with you," he declared, his voice brooking no argument.
Bell's eyes widened in surprise, while Riveria raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "Why?" she asked bluntly.
"Because Bell is my friend too," Welf replied fiercely. "And I won't sit idly by while he's threatened by that monster."
Riveria considered his words for a moment. "You have courage, young Crozzo," she said evenly. "But you must understand that this is a dangerous mission and that your life will be at risk."
Welf shrugged off her warning. "I know the risks," he said, his voice unwavering.
"But Welf-san —" Bell protested, but Welf cut him off.
Welf shook his head, his jaw set with stubborn resolve. "No buts, Bell," Welf said firmly. "I'm not letting you do this alone. You can accept it or not, but I'm going with you. I'm your personal blacksmith, and it's my job to make sure you have the best gear possible for this quest."
Bell sighed heavily, knowing that there was no use arguing with Welf once his mind was made up. He was touched by his friend's loyalty and dedication, but he also felt a pang of guilt, knowing that Welf was putting himself in harm's way for Bell's sake.
Riveria studied Welf for a moment longer before nodding her assent. "Very well," she said evenly. "Welcome aboard."
He gestured to the sword at his hip, the gleaming blade reflecting the light of the room. "I've been working on some new weapons and armor for all of us," he explained. "They're a bit unconventional, but I think they'll give us an edge against Medusa."
Bell opened his mouth to protest, but Riveria held up a hand, silencing him. "Any advantage we can get is welcome," she said, her gaze focused on Welf. "Show me what you've got."
Welf grinned and pulled out a sleek-looking dagger, the blade shining with a strange purple glow. "This is called a berserk poison knife," he said, holding up the weapon for Riveria and Bell to inspect. "It's coated with a powerful poison that will cause extreme pain and disorientation if it hits its target."
Riveria raised an eyebrow, reaching out to take the dagger from Welf's hand and turning it over to examine it more closely. "Impressive," she said, her voice filled with curiosity. "What's it made of?"
"A combination of mithril and adamantite," Welf replied, puffing out his chest with pride. "It was a challenge to craft it correctly, but I think it'll be worth it."
"You've convinced me, Welf Crozzo. But it's Bell Cranel that you must convince now," Riveria said calmly.
He met Bell's gaze, his eyes filled with a fierce loyalty. "Bell, I know you're worried about me getting hurt," he said earnestly. "But I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't do everything in my power to protect you. I'm not going to let you face this threat alone, Bell. I'll be by your side every step of the way, and I swear on my life that I'll protect you until the very end."
Bell felt a surge of emotion at Welf's words, a lump forming in his throat. He knew that he couldn't dissuade his friend from joining the mission, not when he was so determined to help.
"Alright," he said at last, his voice thick with gratitude. "If you're sure about this, then I would be honored to have you by my side, Welf."
Welf smiled and clapped Bell on the shoulder. "Don't worry," he said reassuringly. "We're going to get through this together, and we're going to come out on top. Now let's go kick some monster ass and save Orario!"
Riveria nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "You have devoted friends, Bell Cranel," she said, her voice filled with approval. "Be sure to treasure them."
Bell nodded fervently, his heart swelling with gratitude and affection for the brave and loyal companions who had chosen to stand by his side in his darkest hour. "I will," he promised.
Riveria turned to look at Welf. "Let's hope your weapons are as impressive as your resolve."
Welf's grin widened. "Trust me, they are," he said confidently. "And when this is all over, we'll drink like kings at the Flaming Wasp to celebrate!"
Bell looked around at the group of adventurers who had gathered around him, his heart swelling with gratitude and affection. He knew that he was lucky to have such loyal and dedicated friends by his side, and he silently vowed to do everything in his power to keep them safe as well.
As the group prepared to depart, Riveria pulled Bell aside, her expression serious. "Stay close to me," she said, her voice low and urgent. "I will not let anything happen to you, Bell. I promise."
Bell nodded, his crimson eyes meeting her emerald gaze. "I know," he said softly, his voice filled with trust and affection. "I'll be counting on you, Riveria."
Finn stood before the assembled adventurers, his expression grim as he surveyed the determined faces before him. "Listen up, everyone," he said, his voice carrying across the crowded room. "We've got a tough fight ahead of us, and it's going to take all of our skills and cunning to come out on top."
The adventurers murmured amongst themselves, their eyes fixed on the diminutive pallum as he outlined the plan.
"The plan is for all the groups to converge for the final confrontation with Medusa," Finn explained, his gaze sweeping over the assembled adventurers. "But before we can face her, we must first find the entrance to her lair."
He paused, his expression growing even more serious. "And therein lies the problem," he said, his voice heavy with concern. "Despite our best efforts, we have yet to uncover any leads as to the location of Medusa's hideout."
The adventurers exchanged worried glances, their faces etched with uncertainty. They knew that finding Medusa's lair was crucial to the success of their mission, but without any clues to go on, the task seemed almost impossible.
"We've searched high and low," Finn continued, his voice rising above the murmurs of the crowd. "We've scoured every inch of Orario, followed up on every rumor and whisper, but still, we have nothing to show for our efforts."
He looked around the room, his eyes meeting those of each adventurer in turn. "But we cannot let this setback deter us," he said, his voice growing more determined. "We must press on, no matter how difficult the road ahead may be."
The adventurers nodded, their faces set with grim resolve. They knew that they had no choice but to keep searching, to keep fighting, until they found a way to stop Medusa once and for all.
"I know that many of you are frustrated," Finn said, his voice softening slightly. "I know that you're tired, and that you're beginning to wonder if we'll ever find a way to defeat Medusa. But I also know that each and every one of you has the strength and the courage to see this through to the end."
He looked around the room once more, his gaze lingering on each face in turn. "So let's get back out there," he said, his voice ringing with determination. "Let's keep searching, keep fighting, until we find a way to bring Medusa to justice and restore peace to Orario once and for all."
The adventurers let out a cheer, their voices rising in a cacophony of determination and resolve. They knew that the road ahead would be long and difficult, but they also knew that they had the strength and the courage to see it through to the end.
As the meeting drew to a close, Finn pulled Riveria aside, his expression serious. "You've already decided, haven't you?"
Riveria has considered the possibility of sacrificing herself
Riveria nodded solemnly. "I have no choice," she said quietly. "If it means saving everyone else, I'm willing to do whatever it takes."
Finn sighed heavily, a flicker of sadness flickering in his eyes. "Tell me how to talk you out of it. Please!"
Riveria shook her head, her eyes filled with a quiet resolve. "There's nothing you can say that will change my mind, Finn. My decision is final."
"Why?" Finn's voice was filled with frustration and desperation.
"Atonement. I've turned my back on Bell Cranel once before. Now is my chance to put things right."
"This is about the last war game, isn't it?" Finn's voice was gentle and understanding. "What Medusa said to you has gotten to you, hasn't it? That you refused to help Bell Cranel in his time of need?"
Riveria looked away, unable to meet his gaze. "It's not just that," she said softly. "It's about everything that came before it. About all the mistakes I've made over the years, all the lives I've failed to save."
Finn placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You'll just be abandoning him all over again by doing this. Do you think that's what he wants?"
Riveria flinched as if she had been struck. "Bell Cranel's own views are irrelevant on this matter. His life is far too valuable. I will go to any lengths necessary to keep him safe, regardless of the cost."
"And Aiz? Can she bear losing her mother once more?"
"It pains me to acknowledge it, but she's matured and no longer requires my direction. A life with Bell Cranel awaits her. Together, they can create a home, a family, an opportunity that eluded her for so many years."
Finn shook his head in frustration. "I don't accept that. This familia needs you, Riveria. You are the matriarch which holds us all together. You can be tough but also kind. No one can replace that. When did you become so blinded by your own guilt?"
"Silence! I alone shall determine my fate. Should my demise be required to safeguard Bell Cranel and our familia, I accept that burden willingly. No harm shall befall him, not while I draw breath,"
"You know Bell Cranel will never accept that. He will find a way to save you. He loves you."
"That's why he has to survive, even if I don't. The only way to keep him safe is to use the Light Bond Shield."
"I wish I could understand why you're being so selfish, Riveria."
"It's because I love him, Finn! Don't you understand?" Riveria's voice was filled with anguish.
"However, a future between us is impossible. That young man's fate is intertwined with Aiz's, but while I remain, their union will never come to pass. I've loved for far too long, Finn. It is my turn to die."
Finn's shoulders slumped in defeat. "Then I can't stop you," he said softly. "But please, know that this familia will always be here for you. We will always love you and stand by your side."
Riveria turned away from Finn, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. She knew that he was right, that her choice would bring pain and sorrow to those she loved most. But she also knew that she had no other choice, not if she wanted to keep Bell safe.
As she walked away, her mind was filled with thoughts of the young adventurer who had captured her heart. She thought of his kind smile, his unwavering courage, and the way he always seemed to find a way to overcome even the most impossible odds.
She knew that he would never accept her sacrifice, that he would fight tooth and nail to save her from her fate. But she also knew that she had to be strong, that she had to do whatever it took to protect him, even if it meant giving up her own life in the process.
As she made her way through the halls of the Twilight Manor, Riveria's thoughts turned to Aiz, the girl she had come to love as a daughter. She knew that her decision would be hard on Aiz, that losing another mother figure would be a devastating blow.
But she also knew that Aiz was strong, that she had the courage and the resilience to overcome even the greatest of challenges. And with Bell by her side, Riveria knew that Aiz would never be alone, that she would always have someone to love and support her, no matter what.
As she stepped out into the courtyard, Riveria took a deep breath, steeling herself for the battle that lay ahead. She knew that the road would be long and difficult, that she would face challenges and obstacles at every turn.
But she also knew that she had the strength and the courage to see it through, to fight for the ones she loved until her last breath. And with that thought in mind, she set out to face her destiny, ready to do whatever it took to keep Bell and her familia safe.