The Gathering Dark
"Bell Cranel, don't blame yourself. It was her decision, and she made it because she wanted to save you."
Finn's words are comforting, but I don't know how I feel about them. I know Riveria chose to save me. I know it wasn't my fault. But I also know she wouldn't have had to make that choice if I had just been a little faster and stronger.
"But she's dying because of me," I whisper, my voice choked with emotion. Unaware of my surroundings, I stumble forward as we walk through the Dark Forest. My companions are here with me—Ais, Lefiya, Tiona, Tione, and Asfi—but I can barely focus on them. All I can think about is Riveria and how I've failed her.
I reflect on Finn's words at the camp as he tries to reassure me. "Bell Cranel, there's something you need to understand. When you came to Orario, you changed a lot of people's lives, including mine and Riveria's." He gives a soft, melancholy laugh. "And I'm not just talking about the times you've saved our lives. I'm talking about how you inspired us to keep pushing ourselves, to keep fighting for what's right."
My heart aches as I remember Finn's words. I've inspired people. But right now, all I can think about is my failures. I couldn't save Riveria. I couldn't stop Medusa.
As if in the blink of an eye, I start to feel a gentle warmth spreading from my chest, at first faint but growing stronger with each passing moment. I find myself reaching for my heart, wondering if it's just my mind playing tricks on me. Yet, a soft and reassuring voice begins to echo in my mind, erasing all my uncertainties.
"Bell... Bell Cranel..." It's Riveria's voice. I'd know it anywhere. But how is this possible?
I glance down at my hand, where the wedding ring of Lunararae glints in the dim light. Riveria wears its counterpart, Solaranarae. Could it be...?
"Riveria?" I whisper, my voice trembling. "Is that really you?"
There's a brief pause, and then Riveria's voice echoes in my head again. "Of course it's me... I always have to keep an eye on you all... Honestly, you're all such a handful..."
The words are faint and weak, but the sarcasm is unmistakable. A tear forms in my eye, and I give a small, sad laugh.
"Are you... worried about us?"
"What kind of question is that? I'm the one who's dying."
Despite her flippant words, she's concerned about me and my wellbeing. But as grateful as I am for her care and concern, I'm much more relieved to hear her voice.
I'm unsure what's happening, but I know this is real.
Her voice is weak, but I can feel the warmth of her presence enveloping me. "My spirit resides within your heart, Bell Cranel. Trust your intuition. Because I'm always right, aren't I?"
I feel the familiar prickle of tears. "Thank you, Riveria. I—"
"Don't. This isn't goodbye. Remember, you and I are married."
The words strike a chord, and I realize they're true. Riveria is here with me, in my heart.
"Don't you dare start feeling sorry for yourself. Pull yourself together, Bell Cranel. You can talk to me anytime because I'm not going anywhere."
Her words are a lifeline, giving me strength and determination. She's right.
I have to stay strong, not just for myself, but for her.
Her words fill me with a renewed sense of hope and purpose.
Tears spring to my eyes as the realization hits me. Riveria is here, in my heart. Our souls are intertwined, bound together by the power of the Light Bond Shield.
"I know you're hurting, Bell. But I'm here, and I'm going to look after you."
Riveria's words resonate within me, giving me the strength to continue.
"I...I don't understand," I manage to choke out. "How is this possible?"
"The rings, Bell," Riveria explains gently. "Solarnarae and Lunararae. They allow our spirits to communicate across great distances."
Suddenly, everything clicks into place. Riveria's voice and words come from the wedding ring she gave me. I feel like such a fool for not realizing it sooner.
I shake my head in disbelief. "I must be going mad," I mutter. "Hearing voices in my head..."
But Riveria's presence only grows stronger, her voice more insistent. "Bell Cranel. I want to hear your heroic resolve, not your whining. Right now, you're the most important person in the Dungeon. So, get a grip!"
I take a deep breath, feeling some of my resolve returning. "I'll...I'll try," I reply, my voice wavering slightly.
"Do not attempt. Act. You are Bell Cranel, and perseverance is your hallmark. Recall the commitments we made during the ceremony."
I clench my fist, feeling the ring's cool metal against my skin.
"I love you," I murmur. "I'm so lucky to have you in my life."
"And I love you. Now, dry your tears and save the world, Bell."
I give a weak smile. "Yes, Riveria. I will. I promise."
---
Bell took a deep, shaky breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. The weight of Riveria's sacrifice hung heavy on his shoulders, threatening to crush him under its immense guilt. As he stumbled forward through the Dark Forest, barely aware of his surroundings, Ais noticed the distant look in his eyes and the way his hands trembled slightly.
She quickened her pace to catch up with him, concern etched across her face. "Bell, what's wrong? Are you alright?"
He glanced up at her, startled by the sound of her voice. "Oh, um, I'm fine," he mumbled.
Ais frowned, clearly not convinced. She lightly brushed his arm, making him jump in surprise. "You don't have to lie to me, Bell. I can tell something is bothering you. Please, talk to me."
Bell hesitated, unsure of how to respond. How could he possibly explain what he was feeling?
Bell glanced at her, his red eyes filled with confusion and despair. "I...I don't know, Ais. I think I might be losing my mind."
Ais frowned, her brow furrowing. "What do you mean? What's wrong?"
Bell took a deep breath, trying to collect his thoughts. The memory of Riveria's sacrifice replayed in his mind, a painful reminder of his failure.
Bell hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should share his experience. But the look of genuine worry on Ais' face compelled him to open up. "I...I've been hearing voices—Riveria's voice. I can hear her whispering in my heart. Her nurturing but stern voice speaks to me."
Ais' eyes widened in surprise. "I see...What's she saying?"
Bell let out a small, sad laugh. "She's telling me to get over myself. She said that she was okay and that she was not going anywhere. But...how can I believe that when she sacrificed herself for me?"
Ais put her hand on Bell's shoulder, gently squeezing it. "I understand... But Riveria chose to sacrifice herself to save you. There's nothing you can do about that now. And you shouldn't feel guilty. You can't control others' choices, but you can control your own."
Bell's expression softened slightly. "I know, but...I can't help but question my sanity," Bell admitted. "I'm hearing voices. That's not normal. Maybe the stress of everything is getting to me."
Ais shook her head firmly. "Don't think that, Bell. You're not crazy. This is real. Riveria is talking to you, and she's right. You mustn't give up."
Bell hesitated, his uncertainty apparent.
Ais reached out and took his hand in hers, gently squeezing it. "Bell, I know this is hard, but don't lose hope. You're not alone. We are all here to support and help you with this."
Bell's eyes met hers, and they simply stared at each other momentarily. They had an unspoken understanding, a bond of trust and respect.
Bell nodded, his gaze dropping to the ground. "I thought I was going crazy at first, but now that you say it, it's not impossible. Maybe my mind is playing tricks on me, but Riveria's voice feels real. I can't explain it."
Ais smiled softly. "I believe you, Bell. And we'll figure this out together. Whatever happens, I'm here for you. Always."
The two stood silently for a moment, simply enjoying each other's company.
Bell's expression softened, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Thank you, Ais," he whispered.
Bell looked up at her, his eyes searching for answers. "But how is this possible? How can she be talking to me when she's...when she's dying because of me?"
Ais shook her head firmly. "You don't know that, Bell. This isn't the first time Riveria has stared death in the face or the first time we thought we'd lost her. Riveria is strong, Bell. She's lived through unimaginable things. Don't forget that."
Bell felt a lump form in his throat, his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. He swallowed hard, trying to maintain his composure.
"I... I can't do this, Ais," he said woefully. "I'm useless... I'm no good. I'm no good for anything. I'm just a..."
Ais embraced him tightly, her arms wrapping around him protectively. "You're wrong, Bell. I believe in you. Tiona believes in you. And Riveria, for sure, believes in you. My whole Familia believes in you. It's time you started to believe in yourself."
Bell returned the embrace, his body trembling slightly. He leaned his head against Ais', tears springing to his eyes.
As Bell melted into Ais's comforting embrace, he felt a glimmer of hope reignites. Maybe, just maybe, he could find the strength to keep going, honor Riveria's sacrifice, and save her before it was too late.
Ais observed Bell's exhaustion, the dark circles under his eyes and the slight tremble in his hands. She placed a firm yet gentle hand on his shoulder. "Bell, you need to rest. You're burning yourself out."
Bell opened his mouth to protest, but the weight of fatigue crashed over him like a tidal wave. He nodded reluctantly. "Alright," he mumbled.
Ais guided him to a makeshift bed of soft leaves and a spare cloak. He lay down, feeling the heaviness of his eyelids pulling him into darkness. His body ached with every movement, but he managed to get comfortable.
"Get some sleep," Ais whispered, her voice soothingly to his weary soul. "We'll keep watch."
Bell's eyes fluttered shut, and he was engulfed in a fevered dream within moments.
In the dream, Bell stood in an ethereal forest bathed in soft moonlight. The air was cool and fragrant with the scent of night-blooming flowers. He wandered through the trees, feeling a strange calm wash over him.
Then, he saw her—Riveria. She stood under a large oak tree, her green eyes filled with warmth and understanding. She looked as serene as ever, her presence radiating strength and grace.
"Riveria..." Bell breathed, his voice filled with awe and relief.
She approached him with a gentle smile, her footsteps barely sounding on the forest floor. When she reached him, she touched his cheek, calm and soothing.
"Hello, Bell Cranel. I'm glad you're here."
Bell felt the familiar tingling of tears in his eyes, his emotions threatening to spill over. He was so happy to see her yet so overwhelmed by his guilt and despair.
"Riveria, I... I'm so sorry," he choked out. "I should have been there for you. I should have saved you. It's my fault—"
Riveria silenced him with a single, firm look. "Don't give me that, Bell Cranel. Stop your moping."
Bell stared at her, unable to hide his disbelief. "But—"
"No," she insisted, her voice unwavering. "In the past, I made a terrible mistake of not being there for you when I should have been. It was time to make up for my mistakes."
She gently pressed her forehead against his, her green eyes gazing into his ruby-red ones. "Do you believe me?"
Bell hesitated, his conflicting emotions threatening to swallow him whole. But then, he felt her presence enveloping him, washing away all his doubts and fears.
"Yes," he whispered, his voice filled with conviction. "I believe you, Riveria."
Riveria smiled, her expression filled with warmth and affection. "I hope you're watching over Ais and the others for me in my absence. Honestly, that girl can be impossible sometimes."
Tears welled up in Bell's eyes as he gazed at her. "I'm so sorry... I should have protected you."
Riveria shook her head gently. "Never underestimate a High Elf in love, Bell Cranel. It is I who should be protecting you."
Bell blinked, his brow furrowing in confusion.
Riveria reached out and placed her hand on his chest above his heart.
She leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss on his forehead. The touch was light as a feather yet filled with an overwhelming sense of love and reassurance.
"Riveria, you—"
"Hush, Bell Cranel," she said softly. "I love you. And I'm so proud of you. But you need to stop beating yourself up. If you don't, I'll box your ears when I return!"
"Eeeeepppp!!!"
"Heehee, you're so adorable, I can't resist teasing you. So, get your act together and take care of everyone. Understand?"
Bell nodded, unable to keep smiling despite the tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Yes, Riveria. I'll do my best."
"Remember," she whispered against his skin. "I am waiting patiently for your return."
Riveria's presence slowly faded from his senses, leaving him feeling hollow and empty. He tried to call out to her, but his voice wouldn't obey.
"I love you, Riveria," he finally croaked out.
Bell's heart felt lighter as he slowly drifted out of the dream world, Riveria's words echoing in his mind like a soothing melody.
When he awoke, he felt more rested than in days, Riveria's gentle kiss lingering on his forehead like a promise.
Bell awoke the following day, his heart heavy but his mind clearer after Riveria's dream visit. As the group packed up camp and prepared to continue their search for the Night Lotus, tension hung thick.
Lefiya approached Bell, her blue eyes flashing with anger and accusation. "This is all your fault, you human," she spat venomously. "If it weren't for you, Riveria-sama wouldn't be dying right now."
Bell felt a pang of guilt in his chest. He knew Lefiya was speaking out of grief and pain, but her words still stung.
Bell flinched at her words, the guilt gnawing at him rearing its ugly head once more. "I...I know," he said quietly, unable to meet her gaze. "I'm so sorry, Lefiya. I never meant for any of this to happen."
Lefiya glared at him, her eyes filled with hatred. "Sorry doesn't cut it! You're the reason we're in this mess. If Riveria-sama dies, I swear I will—"
Tione grabbed her arm, pulling her back. "Enough, Lefiya. It's not his fault."
"How can you say that?! This is all his fault! He's the reason Riveria-sama is suffering! If it wasn't for him—"
"We don't know that," Tione replied firmly. "Stop jumping to conclusions. It won't help us or Riveria. We must find the Night Lotus, not start bickering amongst ourselves."
"But, Riveria-sama—"
"Will be fine. She's stronger than all of us. She'll pull through."
Lefiya hesitated, her anger slowly dissipating. She looked away, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes.
"I just want her to be okay," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Tione gave her a small, reassuring smile. "So do I, Lefiya. So do I."
"Still, this human has brought nothing but misery to -"
"That's enough, Lefiya," Ais said firmly, her voice leaving no room for argument. "I know you're angry, but Bell isn't to blame. If anything, it's my fault. I was supposed to keep her safe. If you have something to say about that, say it to me."
Lefiya opened her mouth, but no words came out. She clenched her jaw, her shoulders trembling.
"It's alright, Ais," Bell said softly, his voice strained. "She's grieving. She has every right to be angry."
"No, it's not alright," Ais retorted, her eyes blazing. "She has no right to talk to you like that."
Tiona and Tione nodded in agreement, moving to stand beside Ais in support of Bell.
"Yeah, lay off him already," Tiona said, crossing her arms over her chest. "Can't you see he's beating himself up enough as it is?"
"Riveria knew what she was doing," Tione added, her voice uncharacteristically gentle. "She wouldn't want us turning on each other like this."
"But..." Lefiya trailed off, her gaze dropping to the ground. "I can't lose her," she murmured, her voice cracking. "She's like a mother to me. I can't... I can't do this without her."
The sight of Lefiya's tears was enough to melt the hearts of everyone in the room.
"We're not going to lose her," Ais said firmly, placing a hand on Lefiya's shoulder. "We will save her, Lefiya. I promise. But you need to stay focused and calm. We need your help."
Lefiya took a deep breath, her shoulders trembling as she tried to suppress her tears.
"Ais-san... I'm so sorry.... please forgive me, I'm not myself."
"You don't have to say sorry, Lefiya. But we need to be strong. We must work as a team."
Lefiya gave a slight, sad nod.
"Come, let's continue our search for the Night Lotus," Ais declared, leading the way
Tiona and Tione stepped beside her, glancing at Bell and mouthing the words, "Sorry about that."
"No, it's all right, and thank you," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "I...I don't know what I would do without you all."
Ais fondly placed her hand on his shoulder, her normally doll-like golden eyes filled with compassion. "I'm with you, Bell."
As the group moved on, Bell's thoughts lingered on Lefiya's words. He couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt, the weight of Riveria's sacrifice hanging heavy on his heart. But he was determined to make things right.
Was he to blame for what happened to Riveria, or was he innocent? He honestly did not know the answer to that. But he knew worrying about it now wouldn't solve a thing. Only action had meaning.
And he knew that he had Ais who would stand by his side, come what may.
Bell walked behind the group, his mind clouded with dark thoughts. Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed in his head, causing him to freeze. It was Medusa, her presence invading his mind like a venomous snake.
"Hello, Bell," she said in a sultry, but menacing voice. "Fate has brought us together once again. Isn't destiny a wonderful thing?"
Bell felt his blood run cold, his pulse quickening.
"Get out of my head, Medusa!" he shouted.
Ais whirled around, her eyes wide. "Bell, are you alright?"
He didn't respond, his focus locked onto Medusa's presence.
Medusa chuckled, a cruel, mocking sound. "Oh, dear. That's no way to greet a lady. Especially how you left me hung out to dry. Some hero you turned out to be."
"What do you want, Medusa?" he demanded.
"I just wanted to see my favourite toy before I smash it into tiny little pieces."
Bell clenched his fists, his anger rising.
"Leave me alone," Bell hissed.
"Well, you're no fun," she purred, her voice dripping with malice. "How does it feel to bring nothing but suffering to every girl you get close to?"
"Shut up," he growled.
"Poor Riveria," Medusa crooned, her tone mocking. "She paid the ultimate price for getting close to you. What a short-lived marriage that was!"
"I said, shut up!"
"Didn't take long for death to do you part, did it?" Medusa continued, her laughter echoing in his mind. "I ended your marriage to Ljos Alf before it even began!"
Bell's eyes widened in shock, his breath catching in his throat. How did she know about their marriage? They had kept it a secret from everyone except their closest friends.
"Ah, I see the realization is starting to sink in," Medusa purred, her voice laced with sadistic pleasure. "Yes, Bell, I know everything. The rings, the ceremony, the vows. I heard it all from Zatrona. She put up quite a struggle, so I had to think of new, creative ways of torturing her. Her shrieks of agony were music to my ears. It took some work, but I got it all out of her."
The revelation hit Bell like a blow to the gut, his blood running cold.
"I'll kill you," he said, his voice barely a whisper.
"Oh? And didn't you say once that you wanted to save me?" Medusa laughed. "What happened to that, hmm? It looks like you're unable to save anyone. Utterly useless."
Bell felt the truth of her words cut deep, a searing pain stabbing his heart.
"You... you're a monster," he snarled, his anger rising.
"No, Bell. You're the monster," Medusa countered. "You've destroyed everything you've ever touched."
Bell couldn't take it anymore. He reached for his sword, drawing it in one fluid motion.
Medusa merely laughed.
"Bell, what are you doing?" Ais asked, her brow furrowed in concern.
"Medusa is talking to me," he snapped, his voice strained.
"How?"
"I don't know, but she's here."
"Well, isn't this interesting?" Medusa mused. "Now that Ljos Alf has passed, you've returned to swooning over the Sword Princess. We all know how that'll end now, don't we?"
Bell felt a surge of anger and despair wash over him. He wanted to scream, to lash out at the voice in his head, but he knew it would do no good.
"Now, here's a little dilemma for you: let's say, hypothetically speaking, you were forced to choose between the Sword Princess or Nine Hell, which one could live and which one had to die, what would be your decision?"
The thought of losing either Ais or Riveria was more than Bell could bear. His mind was racing, searching for a solution.
"Neither," he declared, his voice filled with determination.
"It doesn't work that way I'm afraid, my dear Bell. One of them must die. And that will be a decision you will have to make very soon, I assure you."
"You're lying," he snarled, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.
"You'll soon find that out for yourself, and you're in for a very nasty surprise."
"What are you talking about?"
"All in due time, my darling. All in due time."
Bell's patience was wearing thin. He was tired of her games, and he wasn't about to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.
"Why are you doing this, Medusa?" he asked, his voice filled with anguish. "What have I ever done to you?"
"Don't you remember?" Medusa replied, her voice dripping with venom. "You promised you would come and save. But you never did."
"Medusa.... I'm sorry..."
"Too little, too late."
"I didn't mean—"
"And now, I can hear the choir singing, calling to me."
"Choir? What are you talking about?"
"The sweet song calling me to arms, Bell. It's calling me, calling me to destroy... destroy! Destroy everything on the surface! It's the Dungeon's sonata of vengeance, and it's called upon me."
"Y-You're crazy."
"No, Bell, I'm not. I've just accepted my destiny. I've found my true calling, my true purpose. I've found my peace. Can't you feel it? Don't you hear it? It's calling us."
Bell's eyes widened, his heart hammering in his chest. "What... what are you saying?"
Medusa laughed, a cruel, twisted sound. "I'm saying that our time is coming, Bell. I'm saying that the world is going to burn. And I'm going to be the one who lights the match. And only then will the singing stop."
"Medusa... I won't let you—"
"You will watch helplessly as I bring the Age of the Gods to an end, and a new dawn begins."
Bell clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. He refused to let her words get to him. He had to stay strong, for Riveria's sake.
"I won't let you," he said, his voice growing stronger with each word. "I'll find the Night Lotus and save Riveria. And then, I'll save you too."
"Save me? Hah, there's no saving me, Bell. I am the herald of a new era. You're too late."
"Medusa—"
"And, looking for the Night Lotus, you say? Well, here it is!"
Bell's eyes widened in shock as Medusa held up the Night Lotus, the thing he had been searching for. The legendary flower seemed to glow with an otherworldly light, its petals a deep, rich purple that seemed to shimmer in the darkness.
"No..." Bell breathed, his heart pounding in his chest. "How did you...?"
Medusa laughed, a cruel, mocking sound that sent shivers down Bell's spine.
"That doesn't matter. All that matters is that you failed, Bell. You couldn't save anyone. Your quest is over, and your world is about to crumble."
Despite the chilling words, Bell's eyes blazed with determination. He would not give up. Not yet.
"Give me the Night Lotus, Medusa. We're not finished here."
"Oh, but we are, Bell. We are."
Bell clenched his fists, his mind racing. He had to get that flower, no matter what it took. Riveria's life depended on it.
"What do you want, Medusa?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly. "I'll do anything. Just give me the Night Lotus."
Medusa's smile widened, her teeth glinting in the darkness. "Anything, you say? Well, how about a little wager?"
Bell's heart sank, knowing that any wager with Medusa would surely be a trap, but what choice did he have? He couldn't let Riveria die.
"What kind of wager?" he asked, his voice thick with apprehension.
"I'll hide the Night Lotus somewhere in this forest," Medusa said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "If you can find it before Riveria dies, it's yours. But if she perishes, you will become mine. You will belong to me."
"Deal," Bell said without hesitation.
"Excellent. The game begins now."
Medusa vanished, and the forest was plunged into silence.
"Bell, what happened?" Ais asked, her voice filled with concern.
Bell looked at her, his expression grim.
"I made a deal with Medusa," he said, his voice barely a whisper.
"A deal? What kind of deal?"
"If I can find the Night Lotus before Riveria dies, the flower is mine. But if not, I belong to Medusa."
Ais' eyes widened in disbelief. "Are you insane?! You can't trust her!"
"I know," Bell replied, his voice filled with desperation. "But I have to try. Riveria's life is at stake."
Ais placed her hand on his arm, her eyes pleading. "Please, Bell. Don't do this. It's not worth the risk. There has to be another way."
Bell shook his head. "There isn't. This is my only chance."
Ais stared at him, her golden eyes filled with fear and uncertainty. She didn't want to lose him, but she understood his sense of duty. She knew how much he cared for Riveria, and she couldn't fault him for trying to save her.
"I'm going," Bell said, his voice firm. "And I'm going to win."
Before Ais could respond, Bell turned and ran into the forest, his heart racing. He had no idea where the Night Lotus could be, but he was determined to find it.
"Bell!" Ais called after him. "Wait!"
But Bell didn't stop. He had a mission, and he wasn't going to fail.
He would save Riveria, no matter what the cost.
In his haste, Bell stumbled over a fallen log, landing on the ground with a dull thud. His breathing was ragged, his muscles aching, but still, he pressed on.
As he ran through the forest, Bell's mind raced with thoughts of Medusa. How did she manage to steal the Night Lotus from him? Had it been a setup? Or was the Dark Mother playing a twisted game with him?
He didn't know the answer, and he didn't care. All that mattered was finding the Night Lotus.
Tiona and Tione rushed to Ais's side. "Ais-chan, are you alright?" Tiona asked, her voice filled with concern.
Ais glanced at her, her expression pained. "No, Tiona. I'm not alright. I'm worried about Bell."
"Yeah, that was crazy," Tione added. "I've never seen him like that before."
Ais nodded, her brow furrowed. "I'm afraid he's in danger. We need to help him."
Tiona and Tione looked at each other, their faces mirroring the same look of determination.
"We're with you, Ais-chan," Tiona said, her eyes flashing. "Let's go save him."
The three women were then joined by Lefiya and Asfi, who had overheard their conversation.
Ais quickly filled them in on the situation.
"You don't have to ask us twice," Lefiya said, her voice filled with conviction.
"Indeed," Asfi added. "I'm always up for a good challenge."
The five women then took off into the forest, determined to find Bell and help him save Riveria.
---
Bell tripped over a root, causing his momentum to come to a sudden halt. As he lay there, his heart was racing, his mind reeling from Medusa's cruel wager.
"This is madness," he muttered. "I have to find that flower."
As Bell struggled to his feet, he heard a voice call behind him.
"Bell! Bell, are you alright? Where are you?" Ais asked, her voice tinged with worry.
"I'm here!" he shouted, stumbling forward. "I'm over here!"
The five women caught up with him, their expressions mirroring the same concern.
"Are you alright?" Tiona asked, her blue-green eyes wide with worry.
"I'm fine," Bell replied, his voice strained. "We need to keep moving."
"Bell, you need to rest," Ais said, her voice laced with concern.
He blinked, suddenly realizing how this must look to his companions.
"I can't rest," he said, his voice filled with urgency. "Not until I find the Night Lotus."
"We'll help you, but we need to take a break," Ais replied, her voice firm.
Bell glanced at the other two, who nodded in agreement.
"Fine," he said, relenting. "We'll take a short break, but then we have to keep moving. Riveria's life depends on it."
"We know," Tiona replied, her voice filled with determination.
Lefiya stared at him, her expression a mix of anger and disbelief.
"What is wrong with you?!" she exclaimed, her voice rising with each word. "How can you be so reckless, going off on your own like that? Do you even care about Riveria-sama at all?"
"Lefiya..." Tione started, but the elf mage ignored her.
"No, he's clearly lost his mind," Lefiya snapped. "Talking to himself, making deals with Medusa, running away...he's going to get us all killed!"
"Lefiya, calm down," Ais said, her voice low and steady. "Bell is not crazy. He's simply trying to save Riveria. We must support him."
"But he's a liability, and he doesn't even care," Lefiya retorted, her anger boiling over.
Bell flinched at her words, but he couldn't deny the truth in them. He knew how this must look to them, how crazy he must seem. But what choice did he have?
"I have to save her," he said, his voice strained. "I can't let her die because of me."
Lefiya hesitated, her eyes filled with conflicting emotions.
"I...I don't understand," she said, her voice quieter. "You're risking your life for Riveria-sama, when you know it's a trap. Why would you do such a thing?"
Bell met her gaze, his eyes burning with resolve.
"Because I love her," he replied, his voice barely a whisper.
There was a moment of stunned silence as the women absorbed his words.
"You...you love her?" Lefiya repeated, her voice filled with disbelief.
Bell nodded, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Yes," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I love her."
The four women stared at him, their expressions ranging from shock to wonder.
Bell glanced at Ais, her golden eyes filled with compassion and understanding.
"I'm sorry, Bell," she whispered. "I should have known."
"It's alright, Ais," Bell replied, his voice shaking slightly. "I never expected you to understand."
Lefiya stared at him, her blue eyes filled with anger and disbelief.
"Why?" she demanded, her voice laced with accusation. "Why did you choose her over Ais-san?"
Bell felt the weight of her question, the implications heavy.
"I didn't, Lefiya," he replied, his voice low and sad. "I love them both."
The words hung in the air, filling the silence.
Tiona and Tione looked at each other, their gazes meeting in silent understanding.
"What?!" Lefiya exclaimed. "How could you love them both?"
"Lefiya, enough," Tiona interjected, her voice firm. "You're out of line."
Lefiya shot her an angry look but remained silent.
Bell's heart ached, a painful reminder of the guilt he carried. He had hurt so many people, so many women he cared for deeply.
"I'm sorry," he murmured. "I never meant to hurt anyone. I just...I can't stop loving them."
Ais stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Bell, it's okay," she said, her voice filled with kindness and understanding. "We all understand."
"Bell..." he could hear Riveria's voice calling out to him. "Bell. Take charge."
He shook his head.
"I'm not worthy of being their leader, Riveria. I've failed too many times."
"Then maybe the man I fell in love with doesn't exist. Maybe he's a lie."
The thought struck him like a hammer. Was Riveria right?
"Maybe..."
"What kind of pathetic resolve is that? Get off your backside, and prove to me that the man I love isn't a lie!"
The force of Riveria's voice shook him.
"Trust your heart, Bell Cranel. I'm in your heart. Remember. I always know best."
Bell blinked, feeling Riveria's presence growing stronger in his mind.
"Riveria?" he asked hesitantly.
"Yes, it's me," she replied, her voice filled with warmth and understanding.
"I don't understand..."
"There is no time for this nonsense, Bell Cranel," Riveria declared, her voice echoing in his head. "You are the leader. You must act like one."
"But..."
"Stop moping, Bell. We are not done yet."
Her words gave him a burst of strength and purpose.
"Riveria... thank you."
"Now, focus, Bell. Lead the way."
Bell glanced around at the others, who were all staring at him with a mixture of concern and hope.
"Are you alright, Bell?" Ais asked, her golden eyes filled with worry.
"Yeah, I'm okay," he replied, his voice filled with determination. "I'm sorry. I just had a silly five minutes, but I'm back on track now. Do you all trust me?"
The others nodded, their expressions softening.
"Yes, we do," Tiona added. "You don't have to apologize."
Lefiya opened her mouth to speak, but the words wouldn't come. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
"I...I'm sorry," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
"I know," Bell replied, his gaze meeting hers. "Thank you, Lefiya."
The group fell silent once more, the tension slowly easing.
Bell felt the burden of his emotions lessen, his heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time.
He then turned to face his companions, his eyes blazing with determination. "I know this seems crazy," he said, his voice steady despite the fear in his heart. "I know that trusting Medusa is a risk. But it's a risk I must take, for Riveria's sake."
He looked at each of them in turn, his gaze unwavering. "I can't do this without your help. So, please, I'm begging you, help me save her. Help me bring her home."
Tiona, Tione, and Lefiya exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable. Then, one by one, they nodded, their eyes filled with resolve.
Ais nodded, her eyes shining with pride. "Bell is right," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "Riveria would do the same for any of us, without hesitation. We owe it to her to do everything in our power to save her."
Tiona and Tione exchanged a glance, then nodded in agreement. "We're with you, Argonaut," Tiona said, her usual cheerful demeanor replaced by a solemn expression.
Lefiya hesitated for a moment, then gave a small nod. "I'm sorry, Bell Cranel. I spoke out of anger and grief. But if Riveria-sama has placed her trust in you, then so shall I."
Bell felt a surge of gratitude and affection for his companions wash over him. They believed in him, trusted him, even when he wasn't sure he deserved it.
"Thank you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
"Now, what's the plan, Argonaut?" Tiona asked, her eyes shining with anticipation.
Bell paused, considering their options.
"We have no idea where the Night Lotus could be," he said, his brow furrowed in concentration. "We could search for days and not find it. If we want to win this game, we need to outsmart Medusa."
"Outsmart her?" Tiona asked, her expression thoughtful.
"Yes," Bell replied. "If we can figure out her plan, we can beat her at her own game."
Tiona grinned. "I'm up for a challenge. What do you have in mind, Argonaut?"
Bell felt a renewed sense of purpose, the weight of Riveria's sacrifice fueling him.
"We need to draw Medusa out," he said, his voice filled with confidence. "She won't show herself unless she thinks she can get the upper hand."
"How do we do that?" Lefiya asked, her blue eyes filled with apprehension.
"By using ourselves as bait," Bell replied, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "We'll split up, and she'll be drawn to each of us. Once she's exposed, we'll surround her and take her down."
Ais's expression darkened. "But what if she doesn't come for us? What if she tries to hide the Night Lotus?"
"That's a risk we'll have to take," Bell said. "If she doesn't show, we'll search the entire forest until we find her."
Tiona and Tione exchanged a glance, their expressions grim. "This is risky, Bell," Tione said, her voice tinged with concern. "Medusa is not someone who can be easily outwitted."
Bell's expression hardened. "I'm afraid we're out of options. We have no good choices. All we can do is fight and win."
The group fell silent, the weight of their decision heavy.
Ais stepped forward, her eyes blazing with determination. "We will do this, Bell. Together."
Bell nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Let's save Riveria."
Bell then took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing thoughts. He knew they had limited time to find the Night Lotus, and every second counted. He needed to come up with a plan, and fast.
"Okay, listen up," he said, his voice steady and commanding. "We need to split up and search this forest as efficiently as possible. Ais, you're with me. Your sword skills and my speed will allow us to cover a lot of ground quickly."
Ais nodded, her hand already on the hilt of her sword. "Understood."
Bell turned to the Amazon twins. "Tiona, Tione, you two stick together. Your strength and combat prowess will be invaluable if you run into any of Medusa's minions."
"You got it, Argonaut," Tiona replied, her smile wide. "We'll crush anything that gets in our way!"
Finally, Bell looked at Lefiya. "Lefiya, I want you to stay here and use your magic to create a protective barrier around our camp. We can't risk Medusa or her creatures finding Riveria while she's vulnerable."
Lefiya looked like she wanted to protest, but a stern look from Bell silenced her. "I...I understand," she said, though there was a hint of reluctance in her voice.
Bell's gaze softened. "I know this isn't easy, Lefiya. But we're doing this for Riveria."
The elf nodded, her expression determined. "For Riveria-sama," she repeated, her voice filled with conviction.
He looked around at his companions, seeing the determination and resolve in their eyes. They were ready, willing to do whatever it took to save Riveria.
"Alright, let's do this," Bell said, his voice laced with a steely resolve. "We've got a flower to find and a high elf princess to save."
With that, the group split up, each pair heading in a different direction. Bell and Ais took the lead, their weapons at the ready as they plunged into the dark heart of the forest.
They moved through the dense foliage, their senses on high alert. The forest was eerily quiet, the only sounds the occasional rustling of leaves and the creaking of tree branches.
Bell felt the tension in the air, his pulse quickening.
As he ran through the forest, Ais by his side, he could sense the darkness all around him.
"Ais, are you alright?" he asked, his voice low and tense.
"I'm fine," she replied, her gaze never wavering.
The pair continued their search, the forest seeming to grow darker with each step.
"Riveria, wait for us. We're coming," Bell thought, hoping his silent plea would reach her.
"I'm here," her voice echoed in his head. "And I'm waiting. Just hurry, before the darkness consumes us."
As he ran, memories of Riveria flashed through his mind. Her gentle smile, wise words, and how she always seemed to know just what to say to lift his spirits. She had been his rock, his guiding light in the darkness. And now, she was slipping away, and he was powerless to stop it.
Bell shook his head, trying to clear his mind of the dark thoughts. He couldn't afford to lose focus, not now. Every second counted, and every moment was precious. He had to find the Night Lotus and save Riveria before it was too late.
The forest loomed over him, its ancient trees casting shadows across the forest floor. He could feel the darkness closing in, the whispers of the night creatures filling the air.
"Riveria, hang on," he whispered. "We're coming."
"Hurry, Bell," she replied, her voice faint and strained. "I don't know how much longer I can last."
"Don't give up, Riveria," he thought.
Beside him, Ais ran fiercely, her sword at the ready. She didn't say a word, but Bell could feel her support, her presence reassuring him.
The forest was a maze of twisting pathways and hidden dangers, and as they searched, Bell couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.
"Do you see anything, Ais?" he asked, his ruby-red eyes scanning the surroundings.
"No," she replied, her tone terse. "I don't like this, Bell. It feels like we're being led into a trap."
"I know," he said, his expression grim. "But we have no choice. We have to find the Night Lotus and save Riveria. If it's a trap, then we'll just have to be prepared."
They searched for what felt like hours, combing through the dense undergrowth, peering into every nook and cranny. But there was no sign of the Night Lotus, no hint of its legendary healing powers.
With each passing minute, Bell could feel the desperation growing inside him. Riveria was fading fast, and he was no closer to finding the cure. He could feel her pain, her weakness, through their bond, and it tore at his heart.
"Riveria, please," he thought, his mind reaching out to her. "Just hold on a little longer. I'll find the Night Lotus. I promise."
But no answer came.
"Riveria, talk to me," he pleaded.
Silence.
"Bell," Ais whispered, her voice urgent. "I think I see something."
He turned to her, his eyes widening. "What is it?"
She pointed to a clearing in the distance, her gaze never wavering. "It's a shrine," she said. "And there's a statue of a woman holding a flower."
Bell felt his pulse quicken, hope surging within him. "The Night Lotus?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
"I think so," she replied, her tone filled with trepidation.
"Come on," he said, grabbing her hand and pulling her toward the clearing. "We have to check it out."
As they ran, Bell couldn't help but steal glances at Ais, marveling at her strength and grace. Even in the face of such danger, she moved with a fluid elegance, her sword an extension of her body. He felt a surge of gratitude and affection for her, knowing he couldn't have asked for a better partner on this dangerous quest.
They reached the clearing, the shrine looming before them. It was a simple structure, a stone altar surrounded by pillars, the statue of a woman standing at the center. The statue was carved from white marble, its features serene and graceful.
Bell's gaze was drawn to the flower held in the statue's hands, the petals a deep, rich purple, almost glowing in the darkness.
"Is that...?" Bell trailed off, unable to finish the question.
"I think so," Ais replied, her expression awestruck.
The two approached the statue cautiously, their weapons at the ready.
"Are you sure this is it?" Bell asked, his voice laced with uncertainty.
"I'm not sure," Ais replied, her golden eyes never leaving the flower. "But it's our best chance."
"Be careful," Bell warned, his voice low and tense. "It could be a trap."
Ais nodded, her expression unwavering. She moved closer to the statue, her eyes searching for any signs of danger.
Suddenly, a chill ran down Bell's spine. Something was wrong. He could feel it.
"Ais, watch out!" he shouted, tackling her to the ground as a swarm of bats descended upon them.
The creatures were small and seemingly harmless, but they moved with a strange, unnatural speed, their eyes gleaming red.
Ais was quick to her feet, her sword flashing through the air, slashing at the attacking creatures.
"We have to get the flower!" she shouted, her voice filled with urgency.
"Right!" Bell replied, his own sword drawn, ready to fight.
Bell and Ais sprang into action, their weapons flashing in the dim light. They fought back to back, each covering the other's blind spots, their teamwork honed by countless battles.
Bell's knives were a blur as he darted and slashed, his speed and agility unmatched. Ais was a force of nature, her sword cutting through the monsters like they were made of paper. Together, they made short work of the creatures, their determination and skill triumphing over the beasts' savagery.
As the last monster fell, Bell and Ais paused to catch their breath, their chests heaving with exertion.
"You alright?" Bell asked, his gaze fixed on the statue.
"I'm fine," Ais replied, her own eyes narrowing as she surveyed the scene.
There was something eerie about the statue, its white marble features seeming to glow in the darkness.
"This is it, isn't it?" Bell asked, his voice trembling slightly.
"I think so," Ais replied, her eyes never leaving the object in the statue's hands.
---
Meanwhile, Tiona and Tione faced their challenges deeper in the forest. A massive, serpentine creature rose before them, its scales glinting like polished obsidian. The Amazon twins exchanged a glance, then charged forward, their weapons ready.
Tiona leapt high into the air, bringing her massive Urga down on the creature's head with a resounding crack. Tione followed up with a flurry of slashes from her twin daggers, the blades finding the chinks in the monster's armor.
The creature reared back, roaring in pain, before lunging at the Amazon twins. The two women dodged, but the beast's massive jaws snapped closed on Tione's shoulder.
Tione gritted her teeth, her face contorting with pain, as the beast's razor-sharp teeth tore through her flesh. But the Amazonian woman did not cry out, her determination and strength holding firm.
"What a pain!" Tione yelled, like as if it were just a minor inconvenience. "I'll skin you alive, you ugly, stupid snake!"
Tiona glanced at her sister, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
"There she goes again. She's lost it.," she thought.
Tione glared at the beast, her eyes blazing with anger. "Come on, then! Let's see if you're really worth my time, or if I should just cut you up for a nice meal."
As the creature pulled back, readying for another attack, Tiona darted forward, her Urga slicing through its thick hide.
"You're not the only one with a bite!" Tione yelled, her voice echoing through the forest.
The monster roared, its eyes narrowing, as it lunged at the Amazonian twins. But the sisters were too fast, their movements a blur as they dodged and weaved, their attacks relentless.
The battle raged on, the twins fighting as a single unit, their movements perfectly coordinated.
With a nod to each other, they launched into a perfectly coordinated assault, their attacks coming from all angles.
"Let's finish this!" Tiona yelled, her Urga glowing brightly.
"Right behind you, sister!" Tione called back, her twin daggers gleaming.
The two women exchanged a final glance, then launched themselves at the creature, their weapons flashing.
With a final, savage cry, the creature collapsed, its body twitching. The sisters stood over the fallen beast, their weapons dripping with its blood.
"Well, that was fun," Tiona said, a satisfied grin on her face.
Tiona and Tione stood over the fallen creature, their chests heaving with exertion. The battle had been a tough one, but they had emerged victorious, their combined strength and determination proving to be too much for the beast.
"We did it, sis!" Tiona said, grinning.
Tione grinned back, her expression matching her twin's.
"Hell yeah, we did," she replied.
The two sisters, exhausted and covered in the monster's blood, embraced, their love for each other palpable.
---
Bell and Ais stood before the statue, the legendary flower held aloft. The moment was tense, both knowing that this was their last chance to save Riveria.
"So, what now?" Bell asked, his brow furrowed.
"I...I'm not sure," Ais admitted, her gaze never leaving the flower.
The two exchanged a glance, their expressions mirroring the same trepidation. They knew the stakes were high, and the cost of failure would be great.
Bell noticed strange occurrences as they ran that sent a chill down his spine. The air grew thick and heavy, like a physical weight pressing down on them. The darkness seemed to close in, the shadows threatening to swallow them whole.
"This place is cursed," Ais said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I can feel it."
Bell nodded, his gaze darting around, searching for any signs of danger.
And then there were the whispers, faint and insidious, that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere. At first, Bell thought he was imagining things, his mind playing tricks on him in the oppressive darkness. But the whispers grew louder, more insistent, until he could no longer deny their presence.
"It's not real," Bell thought. "It's just the darkness, trying to trick us.
"Bell..." the voices hissed, their tone mocking and cruel. "take the flower... take it! Take it! Take it!!"
Bell shook his head, trying to block out the taunting words. But they seemed to worm into his mind, burrowing deep and taking root.
Ais glanced at him, her expression concerned.
"Are you alright?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry.
"I'm...I'm fine," Bell replied, though he knew he didn't sound convincing.
Beside him, Ais seemed unaffected by the strange phenomena, her focus unwavering. But Bell couldn't shake the feeling that something was very wrong, that they were walking into a trap.
"Ais," he said, his voice strained with tension. "Do you...do you feel that? Like something's watching us, playing with us?"
Ais glanced at him, her blue eyes sharp and alert. "I feel it too," she said, her hand tightening on the hilt of her sword.
Bell nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Whatever's waiting for us, we can face it together. We're not going to let anything stop us from saving Riveria."
The two stood side-by-side, their weapons at the ready, their determination unshakable.
Ais stared at the statue, her brow furrowed in concentration. There had to be a way to reach the flower, a way to save Riveria.
"What are we missing here?" she thought.
Ais took a step forward, her eyes narrowed in determination.
"I'm going for it," she said, her voice laced with resolve.
Bell nodded, a sense of dread settling in the pit of his stomach. "I'm right behind you."
Ais approached the statue, her gaze never wavering. The Night Lotus seemed to glow in the darkness, its petals a deep, rich purple that seemed to shimmer in the flickering lamplight.
But something was wrong. Very wrong.
He knew, with a sudden certainty, that this was Medusa's doing. The monster was toying with them, using her dark powers to manipulate the very fabric of reality.
"Ais, wait!" he called, his voice filled with fear. "Don't touch the flower! It's a trap!"
Ais glanced back at him, her expression uncertain. "What do you mean, a trap?"
"Look around you, Ais," he said, his voice shaking. "Everything is wrong. This is not how a shrine is supposed to be. It's a lie, a trick!"
But the statue holding the flower suddenly began to retreat. The Night Lotus was about to slip from their fingers, and they could not afford that.
"Damn it, Bell!" Ais cursed. "What are you waiting for? Grab the flower!"
Bell hesitated, his heart pounding in his chest.
"But—" he began.
"Stop overthinking this, Bell!" Ais interjected. "It's a trick. Don't let her win. Grab the flower!"
He didn't have time to argue. With a determined nod, he rushed forward, his hand outstretched.
But as he reached out to touch it, the flower disintegrated into ash, revealing it to be a cruel illusion.
"No..." Bell whispered, his heart sinking.
They had been played, and now Riveria was lost to them.
Bell felt a surge of rage and despair wash over him. He slammed his fist into the statue, the stone cracking beneath the force of his blow. Suddenly, the world around him seemed to shatter and warp. The ground beneath his feet fell away, and he tumbled through an endless void.
When he finally came to, Bell found himself in a strange, twisted version of the world he knew. The sky was a sickly, pulsing red, and the air was thick with the stench of decay. Monsters roamed the streets, their grotesque forms a mockery of the creatures he had fought in the dungeon.
But what shocked Bell the most was the people. They walked past him like he was invisible, their eyes vacant and lifeless. He called out to them, and begged for help, but they ignored him as if he didn't exist.
And then he saw her - Medusa, her form towering over the city like a malevolent goddess. Her laughter echoed through the streets, cruel and mocking.
"Welcome to my world, little hero," she sneered, her voice dripping with venom. "Here, you are nothing. No one knows you, no one cares about you. You are just another lost soul, trapped in my web of lies."
Bell felt a crushing despair wash over him as the realization hit. The Night Lotus had been a trap, a cruel trick designed to lure him into Medusa's clutches. And now, he was trapped in this nightmare world, alone and powerless.
But even as the darkness threatened to consume him, Bell refused to give in. He had come too far, fought too hard, to let Medusa win now. He would find a way out of this twisted reality, would find his way back to his friends and save Riveria.
With a deep breath, Bell squared his shoulders and set off into the nightmare city, determined to unravel Medusa's web of deceit and find his way back to the light.