"Riveria-mama, I wanna drink!" Loki whined like an impetuous, impatient child, tugging on the hem of Riveria's elegant robe. "I'm thirsty and I need some booze right now!"
"Drink some water, then." Riveria retorted, her tone firm and unwavering in the face of Loki's juvenile antics. She gestured to a pitcher of clear, cool water on a nearby table.
"But I want some booze!" Loki insisted petulantly. "Water tastes like nothin', ya know what I'm sayin'? It's got no flavor, no kick! I need me some of that good stuff!"
"Well, I want a cup of tea," Riveria said, her brow furrowing slightly in annoyance. "A nice, soothing herbal blend to calm my nerves after dealing with your nonsense. But life doesn't work that way, does it? We can't always get what we want."
"Ya can't get drunk on tea! What's the point?" Loki protested, throwing her hands up in exasperation. "Tea ain't gonna give me that nice buzz, that floaty feeling! I need alcohol, and I need it now!"
"Loki, this isn't the time or place to get drunk, is it?" Riveria said, with her arms folded across her chest, her posture radiating disapproval. "We're in the middle of an important meeting. Are you an infant who can't control their impulses?"
Loki's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Then let me feel up yer fine ass! That'll tide me over until I can get some booze!"
Riveria's glare could have frozen lava. "Drop dead, Loki."
"I'm gonna hold my breath until ya let me grab yer ass." Loki took an exaggerated breath and puffed out her cheeks, like a petulant toddler.
Riveria sighed in exasperation. "I didn't mean drop dead literally, you fool. Stop being so dramatic."
"Why does the shrimp's kid get yer ass all to 'imself?" Loki whined enviously. "I bet ya let Bell cop a feel whenever he wants!"
"Bell Cranel is a gentleman, Loki. He would never touch a woman without her explicit consent. Well, not on purpose at least! The boy is too pure for his own good sometimes." Riveria's expression softened a bit as she thought of the innocent, kind-hearted young adventurer. Then her gaze sharpened once more as she focused on Loki. "We really need to do something about your conduct, don't we? This lecherous behavior is most unbecoming of a deity."
Loki's pout deepened, her cheeks still puffed out childishly. She crossed her arms and tapped her foot, the very picture of petulance.
"Fine, fine," she finally huffed, letting out her breath in a dramatic sigh. "But this conversation ain't over. I'll get my hands on some booze or your ass eventually, mark my words."
Riveria rolled her eyes, her patience wearing thin. "If you're quite finished, we need to discuss our next move. Bell Cranel and the others are waiting for us."
"Ah, yeah...that," Loki muttered, her enthusiasm fading. Her eyes took on a more somber cast. "Damn it, I hate this. But we ain't got much choice, do we? Sneak-attack ass grab!"
"Gah!" Riveria gasped in surprise as Loki's hand clamped onto her shapely buttocks. The elf flushed bright red as a dozen eyes suddenly fixed on her.
Riveria whirled on Loki, her eyes flashing with fury. "How dare you!" she hissed, her voice low and dangerous. "You overstep your bounds, Loki. This behavior is absolutely unacceptable!"
Loki flinched back, startled by the intensity of Riveria's anger. "Aw, c'mon, Riveria-mama," she wheedled, trying to play it off with a cheeky grin. "It was just a little joke, ya know? No need to get all worked up about it."
"A joke?" Riveria repeated incredulously. "You call sexually harassing me in front of our companions a joke? You are a deity, Loki! Start acting like one!"
Loki's grin faded, replaced by a scowl. "Fine, whatever," she muttered sullenly. "Ain't like ya ever let me have any fun anyway."
With that, the goddess turned on her heel and stormed off, disappearing into the shadows of the dungeon.
Finn approached Riveria, concern etched on his face. "Where's Loki going?" he asked, glancing in the direction the goddess had vanished.
"What do I care?" Riveria retorted, still seething with anger. "She can go wherever she wants, as long as it's away from me."
Finn's brow furrowed. "Did you two have another fight?"
Riveria let out a humorless laugh. "Fight? No, Finn. A fight would imply that there was some sort of argument or disagreement. What Loki did was sexual harassment, plain and simple."
Finn's eyes widened in shock. "What? What did she do?"
"She groped me," Riveria said bluntly. "In front of everyone. She's a sex pest, Finn. A lecherous, immature, irresponsible sex pest."
Finn sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I'm sorry, Riveria," he said sincerely. "I've overlooked Loki's behavior for too long."
Riveria shook her head, her anger already beginning to fade. "No, don't apologize for Loki," she said softly. "It's not your fault that she's acting out like this."
Finn gazed at the shadows where Loki had disappeared. "She certainly wouldn't get away with it she weren't a cute goddess," he mused wryly. "I can only imagine the punishment if I had groped you like that."
"Don't even think about it, Finn!!!!"
Her indignant voice echoed through the dungeon, making Finn chuckle despite himself.
"It's okay, Riveria," he reassured her gently. "You think I want to make an enemy of every elf in the world? It would tarnish my reputation. I'm only interested in continuing Fianna's legacy and the honor of the Prum race."
Riveria sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I know, Finn. I'm sorry for yelling at you like that."
"Your reaction is understandable," Finn replied diplomatically. "But how do you feel when Bell Cranel touches you?"
Riveria's cheeks flushed pink. "It's different," she protested. "He is my husband. I welcome his touch. At first, I felt uncomfortable, but I have grown used to his hands on me. Now, I find it rather...enjoyable."
"I'm astonished to hear that coming for you," Finn teased, trying to lighten the mood. "And do you enjoy touching him?"
"Do not push your luck, Finn. I'm warning you."
The prum captain laughed, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You really do have feelings for the lad, don't you?"
Riveria opened her mouth to protest, then sighed, her shoulders sagging in resignation.
"Of course I do." Her expression softened as she thought of Bell. "I love him dearly. And I worry about him constantly."
Finn studied Riveria's softened expression and nodded, understanding the depth of her feelings for Bell Cranel. Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of footsteps echoing through the dungeon corridor. Bell himself appeared, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Riveria. Relief washed over his features as he approached her, his movements quick and purposeful.
"Riveria," Bell said, his voice tinged with concern. "Is everything alright? I heard some commotion."
Riveria smiled at him, her earlier frustration melting away. "Everything's fine, Bell. Just dealing with some...issues."
Finn gave Bell a reassuring nod. "Don't worry, Bell. Riveria handled it perfectly. As always."
Bell glanced between them, his brow furrowed in confusion but he chose not to press further. Instead, he turned his attention fully to Riveria, his hand reaching out to gently touch her arm.
"How are you feeling?" he asked softly, his eyes searching hers.
Riveria placed her hand over his, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm alright, Bell. Thank you for asking."
Bell's eyes softened, and he took a step closer to her. "You don't have to thank me. I just want to make sure you're okay."
Riveria nodded, appreciating his concern. She glanced at Finn, who gave her a knowing smile before turning to address the rest of their group, who had gathered nearby.
"Alright, everyone," Finn called out, his voice carrying authority. "We need to stay focused. Our mission isn't over yet. Let's regroup and prepare for the next phase."
The adventurers responded with nods and murmurs of agreement, their resolve evident. As they began to gather their gear and ready themselves, Bell stayed close to Riveria, his presence a comforting reassurance.
"Riveria," he said quietly, his voice filled with determination. "We'll get through this. Together."
Riveria looked up at him, her eyes reflecting her gratitude and love. "Yes, we will. Thank you, Bell."
Their moment was interrupted by Ais, who approached with a focused expression. "Bell, Riveria, we need to move out soon. The dungeon won't wait for us."
Bell nodded, his grip on Riveria's hand tightening briefly before he let go. "We'll be ready, Ais."
With a final glance at Riveria, Bell joined the others, helping to finalize their preparations. Riveria watched him go, her heart swelling with pride and affection for the young adventurer who had become such an integral part of her life. She knew that with Bell by her side, they could face any challenge that lay ahead.
---
Loki's huff had taken her deeper into the dungeon than she intended. Separated from the group, she found herself wandering through the dimly lit corridors, her frustration with Riveria still simmering. The dungeon's oppressive atmosphere seemed to press down on her, making every sound echo eerily.
"Damn it, where the hell am I?" Loki muttered to herself, her eyes darting around. She tried to recall the path she had taken, but the labyrinthine passages all looked the same. She was too proud to admit she was lost, but the nagging feeling of vulnerability gnawed at her.
Suddenly, a slithering sound reached her ears, sending a shiver down her spine. Loki's hand instinctively moved to her dagger, her senses on high alert. The darkness seemed to close in around her, and she could almost feel eyes watching her from the shadows.
Before she could react, a coil of sinewy muscle wrapped around her ankle, yanking her off her feet. Loki let out a startled yelp, her dagger clattering to the ground. She twisted and turned, trying to free herself, but the grip tightened, dragging her deeper into the dungeon.
"Let go of me, you slimy bastard!" Loki shouted, her voice echoing off the walls. She reached for her weapon, but another coil wrapped around her wrist, pinning her arm to her side.
Out of the darkness, a monstrous figure emerged, its serpentine body glistening in the dim light. Medusa's forces had found her. The creature's eyes glowed with malevolent intelligence, and it hissed in triumph.
"Gotcha now, little goddess," the creature rasped, its voice dripping with venom. "Medusa's gonna be pleased to see you."
Loki struggled fiercely, but the creature's grip was unyielding. It dragged her through the corridors, its pace relentless. She could see more of Medusa's minions lurking in the shadows, their eyes gleaming with cruel delight.
"Ya think Medusa's gonna scare me?" Loki spat, her defiance undimmed. "She's got another thing coming if she thinks she can keep me down."
The creature merely laughed, a harsh, grating sound that sent chills down Loki's spine. "We'll see about that, goddess. We'll see."
As they continued deeper into the dungeon, Loki's thoughts raced. She knew her companions would come for her, but she also knew the peril she was in. Medusa was no ordinary foe, and her forces were cunning and ruthless.
But Loki was a goddess, and she wasn't about to go down without a fight.
The creature dragged Loki into a cavernous chamber, where Medusa awaited, her serpentine hair writhing with anticipation. The goddess struggled against her bonds, her eyes blazing with defiance, but the monster's grip remained unyielding.
"Caught quite a big fish here, haven't I?" Medusa purred, her voice a silken caress. "The goddess of Loki Familia. The ultimate bargaining chip."
Loki glared at her, refusing to be cowed. "Ya think ya got me, don't ya?" she spat. "But my familia's gonna come for me, and then you'll be sorry."
Medusa laughed, a cold, cruel sound that echoed through the chamber. "Oh, I'm counting on it," she said, her eyes glinting with malice.
The creature holding Loki captive coiled its tail tighter around her, nearly squeezing the breath from her lungs. Loki's eyes flashed with fury, but there was nothing she could do to free herself.
Medusa circled Loki, studying her like a predator assessing its prey.
"Your familia is nothing without the Falna blessed by you."
Loki's eyes narrowed as she met Medusa's gaze. "Maybe so, but they're still strong enough to kick your ass," she retorted defiantly. "Don't underestimate them."
"You fail to understand, missy, that with you in my clutches, they are also in my clutches," Medusa sneered, her tone patronizing. "They'll do anything to save you. Even surrender."
"You'll never get away with this, Medusa!" Loki snarled, her eyes blazing with anger. "Whatever you're planning, my familia will stop you!"
Medusa's lips curved into a cruel smile. "Without you, there is no Loki Familia." Her hand brushed Loki's cheek with an unsettling intimacy. "And without them, you are powerless."
Loki jerked away from Medusa's touch, her expression fierce. "My familia will never give up," she declared, her voice filled with conviction.
"You want a bet? Let's inform them of the situation, shall we?"
Medusa turned her back on Loki and gestured to the shadows, where an oculus crystal awaited. The image of Finn and Riveria appeared in the crystal's depths.
"Finn! Riveria!" Loki gasped in surprise and relief. Her relief was short-lived as she took in their faces.
"Loki," Finn said, his expression grim. "Are you alright?"
Riveria's face was drawn and pale. "Loki..." she murmured, her voice laced with worry and fear.
"We meet again, Ljos Alf." Medusa said.
"I will destroy you if you harm her," Riveria said in a voice as hard and sharp as steel.
"If you don't want me to return your precious goddess to the heavens, then you will surrender to me unconditionally."
The two powerful women stared at each other in silence for a moment.
"Damn it," Finn muttered under his breath.
Riveria closed her eyes briefly before looking up at Medusa with a determined expression.
Finn's shoulders sagged under the weight of their decision. "Alright, Medusa," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil raging inside him. "We'll surrender. But you must promise not to harm Loki."
Medusa's smile widened, a chilling sight that sent shivers down the spines of those watching. "Agreed," she purred, her tone dripping with satisfaction. "You have my word."
Riveria clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white. "Finn," she whispered, her voice barely audible, "are we really going to do this?"
Finn turned to face her, his expression resolute. "We have no choice, Riveria. Loki's life is at stake. We can't risk losing her."
Bell stepped forward, his eyes blazing with determination. "No, I can't accept this," he vowed, his voice firm. "This isn't right."
"Bell..." Riveria began softly, but the boy cut her off.
"You won't harm a single hair on my wife's head, Tyratryx!"
Ais stood frozen, her golden eyes locked onto the image of Medusa and the captured Loki. Her sword hand trembled, the usual steadiness shaken by the sight of their goddess in chains. Her mind raced with a thousand thoughts, each one more desperate than the last.
"No," Ais murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Her grip on Desperate tightened, the leather of the hilt creaking under the pressure. "We can't surrender to... monsters..."
Beside her, Tiona's reaction was far more vocal. "Damn that snake woman!" she shouted, her fists clenching and unclenching with barely restrained fury. "I knew she was trouble the moment we heard about her. But this? This is unforgivable!"
Ais turned to Tiona, her eyes pleading. "Tiona... We can't do it."
"What are you talking about? Of course we can!" Tiona protested, her gaze hardening. "If we don't stand up to them now, they'll never stop!"
The others looked on silently as Ais and Tiona argued, their faces etched with worry and frustration. The tension in the air was palpable, like a blade poised to fall at any moment.
The party members exchanged grim looks, their hearts heavy with the weight of their decision. Slowly, they laid down their weapons, the clatter of metal against stone ringing out in the cavernous space.
Medusa watched them with a satisfied gleam in her eyes. "Good," she said, her voice a silken caress. "Very good. Now, come forward, one by one."
Finn stepped forward first, his gaze unwavering. "We are at your mercy," he said, his voice steady.
Riveria followed, her eyes never leaving Medusa's face. "Do not harm Loki," she warned, her voice low and dangerous.
Bell and the others joined them, their expressions a mix of defiance and resignation. They knew they were walking into a trap, but they had no other choice.
Medusa's creatures moved in, binding their wrists with enchanted chains that glowed faintly in the dim light. The party members stood together, a united front even in the face of their surrender.
Loki watched helplessly from her captive position, her heart aching for her friends. "Don't give up," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Don't give up."
Medusa's eyes glittered with triumph as she surveyed her captives. "Congratulations, adventurers. You wanted to find my lair; well, here you are," she said, her voice echoing through the chamber. "And as for you, Ljos Alf, it's time for you to get an abortion."
Medusa's command echoed through the chamber, chilling everyone to the bone. Bell's eyes widened in horror, his heart pounding furiously against his chest. Riveria's expression hardened, her eyes blazing with a fierce resolve.
"You will do no such thing," Riveria declared, stepping forward despite the chains binding her. "My child is not yours to decide over."
"Not exactly in a position to declare such things, are we?"
Riveria's jaw tightened as she stared down the monster before her. "I will never allow you to harm my child," she said fiercely. "I will kill you before you lay a finger on them."
"Stop this, Tyratryx!" Bell pleaded desperately. "Just stop! Just think!"
"You wish to save your child?" Medusa smirked. "Then offer yourself up instead. I'll consider this your request. Either you kill your child or Bell Cranel is mine to do with as I please."
Medusa's offer hung in the air like a knife poised at Riveria's throat.
"I'll do it."
Bell's voice was steady and certain as he stepped forward, his eyes never leaving Medusa's face. "Choose me."
Riveria's breath caught in her throat, and she shook her head vehemently. "No, Bell," she protested, her voice laced with fear and anguish. "I won't allow it. You can't do this!"
"I can and I will." Bell looked at Riveria, his eyes filled with love and determination. "I can't let you sacrifice our child."
Riveria's eyes brimmed with tears as she shook her head in silent protest. But there was no stopping Bell, and she knew it.
Riveria stood frozen, her heart shattering into a million pieces as she watched Bell offer himself up to Medusa. The weight of her own helplessness crashed down upon her, threatening to crush her very soul.
She was Riveria Ljos Alf, the most powerful mage in the world, and yet here she stood, unable to protect the man she loved and the child they had created together. What good was all her power if she couldn't keep her family safe?
Guilt gnawed at her, a vicious beast that tore at her insides. She had failed them. Failed Bell, who had always been there for her, who had loved her unconditionally. Failed their unborn child, who deserved a chance at life.
How could she call herself a mother when she couldn't even protect her own child? How could she call herself a wife when she couldn't stand by her husband's side?
Tears streamed down her face as she watched Bell step forward, his head held high. He was so brave, so selfless. And what was she? A failure. A helpless bystander who could do nothing but watch as the man she loved sacrificed himself for their child.
She wanted to scream, to fight, to do something, anything. But the chains that bound her were not just physical. They were the chains of her own inadequacy, her own weakness.
Riveria had always prided herself on her strength, on her ability to face any challenge head-on. But now, in the face of this ultimate test, she found herself wanting. She had never felt so small, so insignificant.
As Bell stepped closer to Medusa, Riveria's heart shattered all over again. She knew that this was the end, that there was no coming back from this. And yet, even in her despair, she couldn't help but marvel at the man Bell had become. The man she had fallen in love with.
He was a hero, in every sense of the word. And she... she was nothing. Just a broken shell of a woman who had failed in every way that mattered.
Bell stepped forward, his head held high as he faced Medusa. His voice was steady and certain as he spoke. "I'll do it. Choose me."
Riveria shook her head in anguished protest, tears streaming down her face. "No, Bell! I won't allow it. You can't do this!"
But Bell's eyes never left Medusa's face, filled with love and determination. "I can and I will. I can't let you sacrifice our child."
Finn, Ais, and the others watched in stunned silence, their hearts heavy with the weight of Bell's decision. They knew there was no stopping him, no changing his mind.
Medusa's lips curved into a cruel, triumphant smile as she surveyed the scene before her. "Very well, Bell Cranel," she purred, her voice dripping with satisfaction. "I accept your offer."
She gestured to her minions, who moved forward to unchain Bell from the others. He stood tall and proud, his gaze never wavering from Medusa's face.
Riveria's sobs echoed through the chamber as she watched helplessly, her heart shattering into a million pieces. She wanted to scream, to fight, to do something, anything. But the chains that bound her were not just physical. They were the chains of her own helplessness, her own failure.
As Bell stepped closer to Medusa, ready to surrender himself for the sake of their unborn child, the chamber fell silent. The only sound was the soft hiss of Medusa's serpentine hair and the pounding of their own hearts.
What would become of them now? What fate awaited Bell in Medusa's clutches? The questions hung heavy in the air, unanswered and terrifying.
But one thing was certain. Bell Cranel, the hero who had always been there for them, who had loved them unconditionally, was about to make the ultimate sacrifice. And there was nothing they could do to stop him.