Azrael
From a distance I watched as Bell made quick work of a cluster of war shadows; originally I planned to intervene and stop him from doing anything stupid, but fierce, overpowering determination sparkled in his eyes outshining the very heavens themselves. If I stopped him now, I would only be a hinderance blocking his development. confidently, I decided to watch from a distance. To my utter shock and surprise, he was nothing like he was in our first descent. His strength had practically multiplied.
Bell fought relentlessly throughout the entire night, disregarding his exhaustion and the severity of his wounds . As he finally staggered towards the exit, his face was veiled in blood, and his arm ripped to shreds. It was unbelievable to see him still standing, a mortal displaying such determination and resolve; how curious.
"Bell," I called, drawing his attention as he limped toward the exit. He slowly raised his gaze to meet mine, a look of surprise crossing his face, though his injuries obscured his true feelings. "Your resolve is impressive. However, if you don't return home safely, I'll have to face Hestia's fury... Let me help you." With a hesitant nod, he permitted me to slip his arm around my shoulder for support.
---
When we finally arrived at the church, I spotted Hestia waiting at the door, her face a mix of fury and rage littered with dots of worry; as soon as we got close enough, she took Bell in her arms. Bell muttered something I couldn't quite hear before passing out in Hestia's arms. His unconscious form bore a wide smile; Hestia held a relieved smile.
Until she turned to me anyway...
"Where were you!" Hestia slammed into the chair beside me, her frustration palpable. I paused for a moment, debating whether or not I should try and make up a lie to get away from her wrath. Absolutely not... the situation would only become more dire.
"I watched from afar, making sure Bell wouldn't die. I didn't want to get in the way of his development." My best chance at mercy was answering as honestly as possible. The oppressive, fiery aura of anger around her began to die down as she let out a soft sigh.
"Fine! Bell-kun didn't die; you're forgiven!" Her shouts weren't entirely convincing, but I was glad she had at least said it aloud. "I'm just worried Bell-kun is growing too quickly." Hestia's voice softened, and a worried expression replaced her anger.
"Too quickly?" Wondering why rapid development would be an issue, I pried for more answers.
"Mhm... It's to do with his skill 'Realis Phrase.'I haven't told Bell-kun its effects yet, so keep this under wraps." With her words, my curiosities only grew. She's hiding her precious Bell-kun's skill? How intriguing indeed.
"What does it do?" I asked.
"The skill boosts his development as long as his feelings for Ais are strong." Taking her words at face value just makes it seem she's disappointed that Bell is powering up because of Ais and not her... Oh well, I'm sure she has other reasons...
"That's a very powerful skill." Feigning shock, I quickly answered.
"What're you gonna do now, Az?" Her sudden change in topic was shocking; I gave off a few confused blinks trying to readjust myself.
"What do you mean?" Trying to understand her question better, I asked my own.
"Well, you're obviously not going to stay here. You've always preferred working alone." A small smirk tugged at the corner of my lips; we didn't speak much in heaven, yet her words were absolutely right.
"You're absolutely right, Hestia." Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I hesitated briefly before adding, "I believe my first step is to see just how much my divine nature has been hidden by my human façade." I replied with assurance.
Her expression shifted slowly, her jaw slackening and her eyes widening as she began to understand my true motives. "You can't be serious..." It was evident that she saw right through my playful scheme. "A deity joining a familiar is completely unheard of!" She exclaimed, voicing her disapproval of my choice.
Calm down, Hestia. I'm not completely convinced this will actually work out. However, the benefits would be significant; if it does, I could gain access to far superior gear, and I wouldn't need to sneak in and out of the dungeon whenever I'm bored. I shared my thoughts in a calm manner, hoping it would calm her fury.
Hestia let out a defeated sigh before asking one last question, "That's the complete opposite of solo, you know!"
I explained, "Precisely why I have to find a deity that will let me move freely and keep me away from the serious stuff!" Hestia shot me a frustrated glance. "I could be a secret weapon!" I added, receiving another glance from Hestia.
"And people say I'm childish..." She muttered something just out of range of my hearing, "Any gods in mind then?"
My thoughts raced back to the moment Bell and I stepped into the Hostess of Fertility. The instant my eyes locked with 'Syr's, an odd sensation washed over me. It felt as if she were a goddess, yet somehow not quite. In that moment, I chose not to pursue her for an answer, sensing that she might be on a similar journey as mine, striving to experience enjoyment as a human rather than among them. Later on that night, Bell had been insulted. While my divinity had been concealed, a fragment of my power still leaked as anger. I'm sure if Syr is a goddess, she would've noticed me as the source of the emission. I cannot confirm for certain that she even has a Familia or what type of goddess she may be. However, if she were to approach me, a golden opportunity may arise.
"I don't have anyone specific in mind, but perhaps I'm on someone else's mind." I replied to Hestia, finally snapping back to reality.
(A/N) Hope you all enjoyed, see you next chapter.