"Do not think you have won, Ljos Alf," The being once known as Medusa hissed, the venom oozing from her teeth as she snarled. "If you value the well-being of the goddesses, know that all I have to do is send them on a one-way trip to heaven, and you will all be at my mercy."
Riveria frowned incredulously. "This is too much for you, Medusa. Learn not to trifle with Loki Familia."
"Do not call me Medusa. I am Tyratryx."
"Tyratryx, then," Riveria sneered defiantly. "But whatever you call yourself, you made a big mistake bringing us into the heart of your lair."
By Tyratryx did not look the least bit troubled. She was unnervingly measured and cold. "Do you not recognize the power she just used? It is Lux Nexus Aegis, the Light Bond Shield. In other words, it is sapping her life force. The longer she keeps that spell active, the more it drains from her."
The blood drained from Bell's cheeks as he processed what Tyratryx said. The news hit him like a tsunami.
"You have ten minutes," the pitiless, emotionless voice of Tyratryx proclaimed in a menacing warning. You utter failures of parents!"
"Hold it," Riveria wheezed, writhing in her bonds that strapped her to the table. Despite the weakness in her voice, her spirit was far from broken. "We have to find another way..."
Bell began to panic. His mind was overwhelmed by frantic thoughts, and the pressure started to suffocate his body. He had to remain calm, he told himself. His restless mind could not get them out of this.
Finn stepped up to take the initiative in the wake of Bell's indecisiveness.
"Ais, on my count, use your Aerial to…"
"Oh no you don't! Guards! Surround them!"
Within seconds of Tyratryx giving her command, hundreds of Militispes surged into the room from the darkness. The clanks of their metallic armor echoed as they marched to close in on Bell, Finn, and everyone else. Moving with flawless coordination, their snake-like forms undulated grotesquely. They raised their rifles, and the chamber echoed with the sound of dozens of weapons being cocked.
Within a split second, Bell positioned himself in front of Riveria, using his body as a shield. He was determined to protect his wife and unborn child at any cost. But he took one look at his comrades, their expressions stony-faced. Without saying a word, he understood the futility of his heroics in the face of what they were up against.
With a sinister smile, Tyratryx gazed at him, conveying a sense of cruel delight.
"Oh, Bell, I can't tell whether your fruitless attempts at heroism are comedic or tragic. But one thing for certain is that they're pathetic."
Riveria fought frantically against the constraining harness, her breath coming in frantic, shallow gasps as she struggled to break free. The light of Eirlys's protection flickered and wavered, growing dimmer with each passing second. Bell's heart raced as he watched the light fade, knowing that every moment brought them closer to losing their unborn child.
"Please," Bell pleaded, his voice cracking with emotion. "Don't do this, Medusa. We can find another way."
Tyratryx laughed, a harsh and grating sound that sent shivers down Bell's spine. "Oh, now you're begging for mercy? Get down on your knees, prostrate yourself like the rodent you are, and kiss my feet. Then I'll decide whether you're deserving of mercy."
The Militispes tightened their circle around the group, their weapons trained on the adventurers. Bell's mind raced as he tried to think of a way out, but every scenario ended in bloodshed and tragedy. He looked to Finn and the others, hoping for some glimmer of a plan, but he saw only grim determination in their eyes.
As the seconds ticked by, the light of Eirlys's protection grew ever fainter, and Bell's desperation mounted. He knew they would lose everything they had fought so hard to protect if they didn't act soon.
Bell's mind raced as he looked around at their dire situation. The weight of the choices before him pressed down on his shoulders like a physical burden. He had promised to protect Riveria and their unborn child, but now, faced with the overwhelming force of Medusa's Militispes, he felt a sickening sense of doubt creeping into his heart.
Was he truly capable of saving them all? He had come so far, faced so many challenges, but this moment felt different. The stakes were higher than ever before, and the consequences of failure were too terrible to contemplate.
As he watched the light of Eirlys's protection flickering around Riveria, growing weaker with each passing second, a wave of guilt washed over him. He had brought her into this danger, and now he was failing to keep her safe. The thought of losing her, of losing their child, was a knife twisting in his gut.
Bell's hand tightened around the hilt of his knife, but he knew that even with all his strength and skill, he couldn't fight his way out of this. The Militispes were too many, too well-armed, and Medusa's cruel gaze bore into him, daring him to make a move.
He looked to his companions, seeing the same desperation and fear in their eyes that he felt in his own heart. Finn, Ais, Tiona, Tione, Asfi... they had all followed him into this nightmare, trusting in his leadership and his ability to see them through. But now, faced with an impossible situation, he couldn't help but question whether he had led them astray.
The seconds ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity as Bell's mind raced, searching for a solution, a way out, anything that could save the people he loved. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't see a path to victory. The weight of his failure pressed down on him, threatening to crush his spirit.
And yet, even in the depths of his despair, a flicker of determination still burned within him. He had come too far to give up now had fought too hard to let Medusa win. He would somehow find a way to protect Riveria and their child, save his friends, and defeat this evil. He had to believe that, and cling to that hope, or all would be lost.
---
A cold wind swept through the chamber as Tyratryx's laughter echoed, causing Bell and his companions to shiver. She raised her hand, and a dark portal swirled open beside her. A figure bound in chains emerged from the shadows, her once regal attire now torn and sullied. Princess Zatrona stumbled forward, her eyes wide with defiance and fear.
"Behold, your new guest," Tyratryx declared with a wicked grin. "Princess Zatrona, the valiant leader of the resistance against me."
Bell's heart sank further as he saw the princess, her spirit undiminished despite her dire circumstances. "Zatrona!" he called out, his voice breaking with worry and anger.
Zatrona lifted her head, her gaze meeting Bell's. "Bell Cranel," she whispered, her voice steady despite the tremor in her limbs. "Do not give in to her. The fight must continue."
Tyratryx stepped closer to Zatrona, her presence looming like a dark cloud. "And you, once again, have proven that you are undeserving of any pity." Tyratryx grabbed Zatrona by the neck with a scaly hand and flung her against the wall like a rag doll.
Zatrona fell to the ground, her body crumpled in a heap.
"Stop it!!" Bell shouted desperately. "Just leave her alone!"
"Admit it, Bell Cranel: I've beaten you!" Tyratryx roared, her voice filled with triumph. "You adventurers have a glaring weakness: you have no actual power of your own; you simply borrow your power from your gods. Of course, gods are forbidden from using their own power on the Lower World. So, without you gods, you are nothing! You failed to protect your goddesses from me. Checkmate!"
"Please!" Bell pleaded as he watched Zatrona writhe in pain on the floor.
Zatrona struggled to push herself up, her body trembling with the effort.
Riveria struggled against her bonds, the light from Eirlys flickering dangerously. "This is far from over, Medusa," she spat through clenched teeth. "You've tortured my friends. You've destroyed my home. But we will not let you win!"
Tyratryx, looking most displeased, ignored Zatrona momentarily and hovered over Riveria. She struck Riveria hard across the face. But Riveria did not even flinch.
She then grabbed Riveria by the throat.
"Your unborn child cannot protect you forever. And then you will be mine. You'd do well to remember that... runaway princess!" Tyratryx roared as her grip tightened around Riveria's throat.
As Tyratryx's grip tightened around Riveria's throat, a flicker of something crossed her eyes—a brief moment where the mask of cruelty slipped. Within her mind, the chorus began its haunting refrain, a cacophony of voices that had tormented her for centuries. Memories surged forth, unbidden and relentless.
Medusa had not always been a monster. Once, she had been one of three Gorgons, revered and feared in equal measure. But fate had not been kind. She recalled the days of her captivity, the cold, damp stone of her prison, the shackles that bit into her flesh. Her captors had been relentless, seeking to break her spirit, to bend her to their will. The whispers of their cruelty echoed in her mind even now.
"Monster," they had called her, their voices dripping with venom. "Abomination."
She had been tormented, not just by the physical pain but by the isolation, the loneliness. They had taken pleasure in her suffering, their laughter a cruel symphony that played over and over in her head. And now, those same voices drove her actions, a dark chorus that demanded retribution.
Medusa's eyes burned with a mix of hatred and sorrow as she looked down at Riveria. "Do you know what it's like to be hunted? To be tormented for what you are?" she hissed, her voice barely more than a whisper. "I was once like you—helpless, at the mercy of those who sought to destroy me."
The chorus in her mind grew louder, urging her on. "Make them pay," it whispered. "They deserve to suffer as you did."
She tightened her grip, feeling the power coursing through her, a twisted sense of satisfaction in seeing her captors' faces reflected in those she now tormented. In her eyes, they were all the same—enemies who would never understand her pain.
But beneath the layers of cruelty and vengeance, a part of Medusa longed for something more. She remembered the fleeting moments of kindness she had once known, the rare glimpses of compassion that her tormentors had snuffed out. Those memories were buried deep, overshadowed by the darkness that now consumed her.
"Why?" Riveria choked out, her voice strained. "Why do you do this?"
Medusa's gaze faltered, a moment of vulnerability flashing across her face. "Because I have no choice," she whispered, more to herself than Riveria. "Because the voices won't let me rest until they have their pound of flesh."
The chorus in her mind roared its approval, drowning out any semblance of doubt. She was a creature of vengeance, forged by the fires of her suffering. And as long as those voices drove her, she would continue wielding her power ruthlessly.
***
Riveria's inner strength in the face of such dire circumstances stemmed from a lifetime of experiences and desires that had shaped her into the formidable leader and mother figure she is today. Despite the crushing pressure of Tyratryx's grip around her throat, Riveria refused to yield, drawing upon the very principles and memories that had guided her throughout her life.
At the core of her being was an unquenchable thirst for freedom and adventure, a desire that had driven her to escape the confines of her father's expectations and explore the world beyond the boundaries of her royal upbringing. This same spirit had led her to join the Loki Familia, where she had found a sense of purpose and belonging among the city's most powerful and influential adventurers.
As the vice-captain of the familia, Riveria had taken on the duty of protecting and guiding her fellow members, especially Ais, whom she had come to love as a daughter. The weight of this responsibility had only strengthened her resolve, fueling her determination to overcome any obstacle that stood in her way.
But it was her upbringing as a princess, destined to one day become queen, that truly forged Riveria into the unwavering leader she is today. The lessons of diplomacy, strategy, and grace under pressure were ingrained in her from a young age, equipping her with the tools she needed to navigate even the most treacherous of situations.
And then there was Bell, the man who had captured her heart and given her a reason to fight harder. Her devotion to him was a source of strength, a love that burned brightly even in the darkest moments. This love, combined with her fierce maternal instincts, drove her to protect their unborn child at all costs, even as Tyratryx threatened to tear everything apart.
As Riveria stared defiantly into the eyes of her tormentor, she drew upon all of these experiences and desires, allowing them to fill her with an unbreakable strength. She would not be broken, not by Tyratryx, not by anyone. She would fight until her last breath to protect those she loved and see the world she had always dreamed of, where freedom and adventure reigned supreme.
Eirlys's light flickered even more dangerously now, and Bell felt his heart sinking deep into his stomach. He struggled against his bonds, but they held fast.
The Militispes hissed and rattled their armor, their weapons still trained on the group. Tension crackled in the air as Bell's mind raced, searching for any possible solution. He knew they couldn't let Tyratryx win, but every path seemed perilous.
Tyratryx's eyes gleamed with malice as she turned to Bell. "Make your choice, hero. Save the princess, or save your family. You can't have both."
Finn's voice cut through the heavy silence. "Bell, we need a plan. Now."
Bell looked at each of his companions, seeing their trust and determination reflected in their eyes. His heart pounded in his chest as he took a deep breath, steeling himself for the decision ahead. "We'll find a way to save everyone," he vowed resolutely.
Tyratryx's laughter echoed again, but Bell's resolve grew stronger. The battle was over, and he would not let despair take hold.
Zatrona's wrists and ankles were bound to the table with heavy iron shackles, her wings pinned beneath her. She winced as the metal dug into her flesh, but she refused to give Tyratryx the satisfaction of seeing her pain.
Tyratryx approached her with deliberate steps, the sinister gauntlet gleaming in the dim light of the chamber. The gauntlet was a grotesque amalgamation of dark metals and pulsating veins, each finger ending in a sharp, claw-like tip. It radiated an evil energy that made the air around it shimmer and warp.
"Comfortable, Princess?" Tyratryx sneered, slipping the gauntlet onto her hand with a practiced ease.
Zatrona's eyes narrowed. "Do your worst, Tyratryx. I will not break."
Bell clenched his fists, his body trembling with rage and helplessness. He glanced at Riveria, who was still struggling against her own restraints, her face pale but determined. The flickering light of Eirlys's protection cast an ethereal glow around her, but it was clear that both mother and child were growing weaker by the second.
"We have to do something," Bell whispered to Finn, his voice urgent.
Finn's jaw tightened as he assessed the situation. "We need a distraction, something to buy us time."
Asfi's eyes darted around the chamber, searching for any possible advantage. "If we can disrupt her control over the Militispes, we might stand a chance."
Tyratryx's gaze shifted to Bell, her eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. "Oh, how noble of you, Little Rookie. Always looking for a way to play the hero."
Bell's heart pounded in his chest, his mind racing for a plan. "Tyratryx, you're afraid," he called out, trying to keep his voice steady. "You know we can beat you."
Tyratryx laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "Afraid? Hardly. But your bravado is entertaining."
The gauntlet on her hand began to hum with a low, ominous vibration. She raised it above Zatrona, who stared up at her with unwavering defiance.
"Let's see how long that spirit of yours lasts," Tyratryx hissed.
The gauntlet's claws descended, and Zatrona's body arched in pain as dark energy surged through her. She bit back a scream, her eyes blazing with determination despite the agony.
Bell's breath caught in his throat. "Stop! You'll kill her!"
Tyratryx's smile widened. "That's the idea."
Finn's voice was sharp, a command cutting through the chaos. "Now! We move now!"
The group sprang into action, their coordinated movements desperate to save their friends. Bell's heart hammered in his chest as he charged forward, determination and fear warring.
a"Stop them!" Tyratryx ordered.
The Militispes moved with frightening speed. The assailant forcefully slammed the butt of their rifle onto the back of Bell's head. His vision immediately blurred, and he collapsed to the cold, hard, stony ground, succumbing to unconsciousness.
"Bell!" Riveria screamed, her voice filled with anguish. She struggled against her bonds, but the harness held firm.
Tyratryx's cruel smile widened as she turned her attention back to Zatrona. The gauntlet on her hand glowed with a sinister light. "You will all stand down," she declared, her voice dripping with malice.
The gauntlet's claws descended again, and Zatrona's body convulsed as dark energy surged through her. Her wings fluttered helplessly against the restraints, her face contorted in pain. Slowly, the gauntlet's power began to take effect, turning her heart to stone.
Zatrona's breaths came in ragged gasps, her eyes wide with a mixture of pain and defiance. "I will not... break," she managed to choke out, her voice strained.
Tyratryx's laughter echoed through the chamber. "Oh, but you will, Princess. You all will."
Finn, Asfi, and the others stood frozen, their eyes locked on Zatrona's suffering. The flickering light of Eirlys's protection around Riveria dimmed further, a visual reminder of their dwindling hope.
Riveria's eyes filled with tears as she watched the torture unfold. "Please, stop," she begged, her voice breaking. "We'll do whatever you want, just stop."
Tyratryx's gaze shifted to Riveria, her expression one of cold satisfaction. "You will all submit to my will," she declared. "Or you will watch each other die, one by one."
Zatrona's body trembled, the stone encasing her heart spreading with each passing second. Her breaths grew shallower, her strength waning.
"Stand down," Tyratryx commanded, her eyes locked on Finn. "Or she dies."
Finn's fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tight with frustration and helplessness. He exchanged a look with Asfi, who nodded grimly.
"We... we have no choice," Finn said, his voice heavy with defeat. "We stand down."
The Militispes lowered their weapons slightly, but the threat remained clear. Tyratryx's smile widened, her victory seemingly assured.
Tyratryx's gaze swept over the defeated group, her lips curling into a wicked grin. Her eyes came to rest on Bell, unconscious and vulnerable. A cruel spark ignited in her gaze.
"You," she said, her voice cold and sharp as she pointed at Bell. "Take him to the operating chamber. Prepare him for the procedure."
A chill ran down Riveria's spine. "What are you going to do to him?" she demanded, her voice filled with fear.
Tyratryx's eyes met hers, a cruel smile playing on her lips. "I'm going to make him mine."
Two Militispes moved forward, hoisting Bell's unconscious body between them. Riveria watched helplessly as they carried him away, his body limp and lifeless. Her heart pounded in her chest, her mind racing.
"What does she mean, 'make him hers'?" Finn asked, his voice filled with dread.
Riveria's eyes never left the retreating figures of the Militispes. "I don't know," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "But I fear it's nothing good."
"I'll tell you what I mean, Ljos Alf," Tyratryx sneered in delight. "We're going to perform a little surgery on your husband's brain. He will be altered..."
Riveria's pupils dilated to the extreme. "A-Altered? He is not yours to do as you please!"
Tyratryx flashed a mocking smile at Riveria. "I can. And I will. And you will all witness it. And your husband will be my husband."
"What do we do with the rest of them, my Lady?" one of the Militispes asked, its voice filled with the metallic echo of its armor.
"Keep the goddesses alive. They may still be of some use to us." Tyratryx instructed the Militispes holding Bell's body.
"What about my familia, Tyratryx?" Riveria demanded. "Are you going to slaughter them?"
Tyratryx laughed. "You could put it that way. I'm going to slaughter them... slowly...."
"Monster!" Riveria shouted, pulling violently against her restraints. She felt the blood trickle from the leather cuffs digging into her wrists. She struggled in vain against the bonds holding her in place. "I'll get you for this, if it's the last thing I do!"
"Calm yourself, Ljos Alf. They're getting off easy, comparatively speaking, to what awaits you and the Sword Princess."
Tyratryx's eyes gleamed with a sadistic light as she turned to her Militispes. "Execute the members of Loki and Hestia Familia. Make it painful. Make it slow."
The Militispes hissed in response, their serpentine bodies slithering forward, weapons gleaming menacingly. The air filled with the sounds of scraping metal and low growls, a symphony of impending doom.
Riveria's heart raced, her breath catching in her throat. "I'm warning you! Don't!!"
"As for you and the Sword Princess, I have something special planned."
The Militispes began to drag the captured adventurers toward a dark corner of the chamber. Their screams and cries for mercy echoed through the stone walls, but there was no escape from the fate Tyratryx had decreed.
Ais and Riveria were forcibly separated from the group, their struggles futile against the iron grips of their captors. Tyratryx watched with a twisted satisfaction as they were brought before a massive pit, its depths shrouded in darkness.
"Bury them," Tyratryx commanded, her voice dripping with malice. "Bury them beneath the petrified remains of Medusa's victims."
The Militispes obeyed, their movements mechanical and efficient. They began to hurl stone fragments into the pit—pieces of adventurers and monsters alike, their forms frozen in eternal torment. Faces twisted in fear, limbs contorted in pain, all immortalized in cold, unforgiving stone.
Ais's eyes widened as the pit began to fill. She could feel the weight of the stone fragments pressing down on her, the suffocating darkness closing in. "Riveria," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "We have to stay strong."
Riveria's face was pale, her eyes filled with a mix of fear and determination. "We will find a way out," she promised, her voice trembling. "We must."
The stone fragments continued to pile up, burying the two women alive. The air grew thin, the darkness more oppressive with each passing second. Tyratryx's laughter echoed above them, a haunting reminder of their captor's cruelty.
As the last fragments fell into place, sealing Ais and Riveria beneath a tomb of petrified remains, the chamber fell silent. The weight of the stone pressed down on them, but the flicker of determination in their hearts refused to be extinguished.