Danmachi: The Twin Rabbits

Chapter 7 Brother's Stand Together

Two Week Recap:

During the past two weeks, Bell had an unexpected encounter with Ais Wallenstein at the Guild. Embarrassed to see his crush and the person who saved him, he initially tried to flee, but Ais quickly stopped him. They ended up talking about his progress in the Dungeon, which led to her curiosity about where he learned to fight. Bell explained that most of his training came from his grandfather and his twin brother, Leo. Intrigued, Ais challenged Bell to a sparring session. Despite his best efforts, Bell lost quickly, but Ais offered to continue sparring with him until her Loki Familia left for their next Dungeon expedition.

Meanwhile, Leo, not wanting to intrude on Bell's time with Ais, went on several solo Dungeon runs. He also spent time studying future floors with Eina, learning about the monsters and traps that awaited them deeper in the Dungeon.

A day after the two weeks, Bell and Leo passed the Guild bulletin board and saw a notice that Ais had single-handedly defeated the floor boss on the 35th floor. Bell was stunned, staring at the paper with wide eyes. Her words from their sparring session—"How did you get strong so fast?"—echoed in his mind. Gritting his teeth, Bell clenched his fist, frustrated by his perceived lack of progress. "It's not fast, and I'm not strong at all..."

---~---

Two young men walk along the street of Orario, one lost in thought with a defeated air hung over him while the other worriedly glanced at his brother.

"Don't get so hung up on it little brother. We're making good progress." Leo said trying to cheer him up. Bell didn't respond and kept his eyes on the ground, Leo sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

Bell suddenly stopped and clenched his hand into a tight fist, as he was about to open his mouth a feminine voice calls out for them.

"Bell! Leo!"

The brother's turn to see a familiar looking hostess running towards them before she engulfs Bell's arm. The young man was quickly snapped out of his depressing thoughts with a red face.

"S-Syr?" He stutters out, Leo let out a sigh and smirked, finally something had snapped Bell out of his funk.

"I really wanted to find you." She says looking up at Bell with her own blush, this made Bell's face even more red. Leo chuckled and gave his brother a knowing look to which Bell shot him a slight glare.

"So, what'd you need us for?" Leo asked curiously. Syr glanced at him with a smile still on her face.

"Well..." She started but stopped, the two brothers shared a curious glance. It seemed like they teleported and are now faced with a mountain of dirty dishes.

"Washing dishes?!" Bell exclaimed in a disheartened tone, Leo chuckled and threw an arm over around his neck.

"Come on, it's not that bad, Bell. We'll power through this like always." Leo said trying to cheer him up, but Bell gave him a defeated look.

One thing Leo has known is that Bell hates doing dishes, ever since they were little; dishes was the one chore that he despised with a passion.

"Sorry. I skipped out on--I mean, took a break from some work that was piling up, and Mama Mia got mad at me. And as a punishment..." Syr said with an embaressed blush.

"We've got nothing to do with this at all!" Bell exclaimed not happy about being dragged into the one chore he hates. Syr smiles sweetly at the two while holding a tray full of drinks for some of the customers out in the tavern.

"Sorry, Bell, Leo. Thanks' so much!" She said before turning and speed walking back into the tavern. Bell sighed giving in, Leo patted Bell on the back and lightly pushed him towards the door.