Chapter 1 - Acts of Heroism have Unforeseen Consequences
A/N: This is my first fanfic, just had this idea for this after reading some of the great fanfics already on here. Hope you enjoy!
Two cloaked figures are walking side by side down a pathway that can only be described as a jungle; both men are carrying barrels and bags filled to the brim with surprises. Moss grows in patches up and down the walls, floor and ceiling. The moss emanates a kind and calming blue light which in the eyes of the guild is considered just as dangerous as any of the monsters in the Large Tree Labyrinth due to the effect it has on adventures. This light leads adventures into a false sense of safety which the ruthless and devious dungeon will capitalize on. Too many adventuring parties have lost members inside the labyrinth that one wrong turn could mean you could potentially find a corpse or two but if you are not careful you could very well join them.
The two cloaked figures reached one such dead end that the guild maps noted provide nothing valuable to adventures; no plants or herbs for potion makers; no minerals to mine for blacksmiths and no monsters spawning from the walls. This last detail is considered odd to a select few that know the dungeon better than most. Once the two reached one such wall with a large green crystal protruding from it. The one on the right took a green orb from his pocket and spoke directly into it. To anyone on the outside they would think this person was odd or losing his mind. But once a few sentences emerged from within any onlookers would have their jaws drop to the ground with disbelief. And with a nod of acknowledgement the other man shot fire into the crystal destroying it completely and with the last few fragments dropping to the ground the two walked in gifts in hand.
Once inside the large cave the atmosphere was completely different from the moss covered tree labyrinth from whence they came. Now the walls were bare with large water pools in the middle resembling a lake; remarkably the water was crystal clear inside the dingy, dark and blood filled floor this is a welcome reprieve from the dangers of the dungeon. However it was darker than the moss filled floor behind them, then as if on cue the entrance way closed behind them sealing them in darkness. The two men set their gifts to the ground as light running footsteps charged towards the man on the left, suddenly the footsteps stopped and then a shadow leaped towards the man. He caught the figure and happily exclaimed. "Wiene! I'm so happy to see you, I missed you so much!". Then the man started to twirl the young Vouivre around on the spot.
"Bell I've missed you too!" Wiene responded with a smile that could melt the most frozen of hearts. And as if on cue the cave-like room lit up and then the room ruptured with cheers. Cries of "Bell-cchi welcome back!" a certain lizardman shouted, "Welcome Fels" another monster said with a smile on her face.
The old,wise and foolish sage replied kindly "Hello everyone I hope you've been well. We come bearing some gifts we think you'll love". Upon hearing those words one small monster ran up to them, he was a goblin. Known as the weakest monsters in the dungeon but not him he could handle most adventures except first class adventures. Shaking with so much excitement his red hat almost flew off his head.
He proclaimed "You're saying what I think you're saying right?". Fels could see the excitement overflowing from the goblin so to calm him down he replied immediately.
"Indeed Let we have some of Orarios' finest ale and some high quality meats from the butchers on the surface with us". Once these words escaped the area where Fels lips once situated, Lets eyes started to fill up happy tears threatening to burst open.
"Then what are we waiting for!" Let replied. Fels attempt to calm him backfired but not that it mattered this was a celebration after all.
Three of the monsters known as the Xenos moved towards the 2 surface dwellers. They were Lyd the Lizardman, Gros the Gargoyle and Ray the Siren. The 3 Xenos were the designated leaders of the Xenos and the pillars of support to the new Xenos that would spawn in the dungeon. Although they were the leaders they weren't the strongest that crown went to a certain Black skinned Minotaur. Once the three of them arrived in front of Bell and Fels their faces beamed with joy. Ray started the conversation with a slight bow, "I hope your journey was without any surprises" she spoke warmly almost with as much motherly warmth as a certain High Elf adventurer.
Fels decided to reply as Bell was very much preoccupied with Wiene taking all of his attention. "Nothing out of the ordinary. Smooth sailing almost as if someone cleared the way". Turning to face Gros and Lyd the space under Fels hood emanated a smile which was impossible but at the same time the aura was there they could feel it.
Gros was the first to reply with "Well can you blame us? Wiene was practically bouncing off the walls with excitement we had to do something to calm her down." Although Gros played it cool he was just as excited to see Bell and Fels after Bell saved his life how could he not be excited to see them. Lyd followed up with a laugh and a scratch to the back of his head similar to the young adventurer it was practically his trademark. As if their bond wasn't close enough this habit he picked up from Bell proved it.
Bell finally free from Wiene proclaimed "Well shall we get started? This is a celebration after all! Where is the man of the hour?". Once he said those words a howl was heard from behind the 3 pillars of the Xenos. "There he is! How are you Fen?" Bell shouted to the back of the room. Upon hearing Bell the young but tall Xenos walked up to the 6 of them and smiled bearing all of his sharp razor-like teeth.
Fen was a Kobold, he was found by Bell 2 days prior on floor 4. Reports quickly flooded the guild with many level 1 adventures scared because it was out of the ordinary for a monster not to attack on site, but what truly scared them was small whispers escaping the scared Kobold throat. Despite what many citizens of Orario witnessed a year ago the Xenos were still a mystery to a select few.
"H..Hi B..B..Bell" Fen said timidly but still flashing his big teeth reminding Bell of a young child similar to his first few days with Wiene. Fen was still grasping his understanding of Koine, the most common language amongst the people of Gekai. Some Xenos were unable to speak Koine but Fen took to Koine just as quickly as Wiene it may have just saved his life the day he was unceremoniously spit out of the walls on the 4th floor and set upon by what he thought were his brothers; monsters just like him so why? Why did they attack him with such hate and disgust, he simply did not know.
Bell wrapped his right arm around the young Kobold's shoulder and with his usual optimistic smile, a smile that inspires hope in everyone who witnesses the bunnies beam said "This parties for you Fen all of us here are your family and we are delighted that you are here with us".
Once the words escaped his lips Fen hugged Bell and was reminded of a hooded and masked adventurer fighting against his would be brothers to save him a stranger; not even someone born within the dungeon, a sight that a year ago the Xenos his new family witnessed firsthand. Fen blissfully unaware of how lucky he was, little did he know that 2 adventures of a certain trickster goddess familia were minutes out.
"Come on guys i'm getting thirsty over here" Let interrupted. As much as he enjoyed what was happening before his eyes he desired the golden nectar of the gods as he described it sitting in the two casks. Right now that was all that consumed his thoughts after all it wasn't everyday the Xenos were treated to such fine ale. Bell simply smiled at him however he couldn't help but think 'If only Loki were here they would become good friends, perhaps if she could see this side of Let and the others maybe i'd still be able to show my face in Orario'.
Now with greetings and hugs out the way the party could start. Whole joints of beef were placed on a spit above a roasting fire produced by Lyd with his firebreath which all Lizardmen could produce, Bell offered but as he and Fels were the guests they were instructed to sit down and relax. Steins of golden hazy ale smashed together with joyus roars. These festivities would last for hours. Once everyone had their fill of beef Ray proclaimed "I think it's about time I sing the newest member a song after all it's a tradition".
Now as if by magic the boisterous laughs and clinking of steins came to a standstill. As was the beauty of the Sirens song all those present were waiting on bated breath and once Ray began a few tears from the older Xenos started to flow. Fels wasn't sure if it was the ale that helped bring the tears forth or whether the beauty of the song alone was enough. But as he glanced back he noticed a single tear running down the cheek of the rabbit adventurer. To the drunken Xenos they believed it was the Sirens song that brought the single tear but Fels knew the true meaning of the tear. There were people missing in the room. A blacksmith who was by all means the brother Bell never had till he came to Orario; his Prum supporter who not only carried his supplies but carried his troubles too; a certain far eastern warrior who bell could talk strategy with and spar against when Aiz and Ryu were occupied and last but not least a Renard who Bell could talk to for hours on end about heroes and their exploits.
They were missing and they were who he shed a tear for. Lost in Ray's song Bell could only reminisce about Hestia familias first visit to a Xenos village it may have been a year but it wasn't any easier. Fels knew Bell was putting on a brave face behind his smile was a longing to see his family again. Perhaps ironies cruel joke Bell couldn't help but long for a return to Hearth Mansion. To his home. To his Goddess and to his family. Just like Lyd had become like Bell, Bell had become like Lyd longing for what his heart desired. Although for now the scene unfolding in front of him would be enough.
After another few hours most Xenos were knocked out due to drinking too much. Wiene had long since fallen asleep on Bells lap as the party was finally dying down. Bell scanned across the room he noticed Lyd on his back on the cold ground with an empty stein grasped in right hand. Let was lying on his stomach, also too drunk to keep his eyes open. Gros had managed to make it back to his makeshift bed. Ray, ever the mother to the Xenos, was making sure the smaller and younger ones were asleep too.
Fels and Bell exchanged a glance and they knew this rare moment of happiness had run its course. Bell, as gentle as a feather placed his hand on Wiene's head and raised it gently allowing him to escape the lap pillow he was giving her. Once he stood up he slowly laid her head onto the ground and went to find a blanket. He quickly found the blanket he gave her a few months back and gently placed it over her covering her from feet to neck.
Now came the hard part. Leaving. Both Bell and Fels nodded silently to Ray the only Xenos still awake they shared a glance of understanding and proceed to the crystal wall where they entered a quick slash of his black knife a great knife but it wasn't the Hestia Knife was enough to destroy the crystal revealing the moss covered labyrinth once more .
Both men left and quickly managed to get to Knossos via the entrance close to Rivra once Fels knew they were alone he decided to speak up to try to comfort his friend. His first friend in 1000 years that wasn't a monster or his God Ouranos and calling him a friend is a stretch.
"Bell Cranel you miss them don't you. It's been a year, another year and you'll officially be welcomed back. Will you head straight to Hearth Mansion?". Fels spoke hoping to get Bell to open up.
…
"Bell?" Fels spoke again.
"Fels… d do I deserve to be welcomed back?" Bell replied but couldn't look up from the steps reaching up to Daedalus street.
Upon hearing this Fels couldn't help but be surprised. Fels knew that Bell didn't regret his actions a year ago but perhaps he felt guilty nonetheless. After the record length denatus the Gods and Goddesses present decided to banish Bell and strip him of Hestia's blessing the punishment was much worse until Freya finally decided to speak up that is. Using her charm she managed to convince the Gods present that banishment was punishment enough and if by luck only a two year banishment at that. Nobody there had any idea whether this was all part of Freya's plan to get her Bell into her familia but only time would tell.
"You were not banished for your actions. It was for your own safety. The city was divided. To some you were a hero and to others a heretic and a hypocrite. Only a select few know the truth. Only a select few know how much you've done for this city in such a short time. Others have done much less in a lot longer of a timeframe. I should know i've seen it all with my own eye sockets". Fels ended his little pep talk with a joke hoping it would get Bell to smile if only slightly.
"But if I show up out of the blue I will only cause them problems. Until recently they were still getting jeered in the streets. It will only get worse if I come back" Bell replied in a quiet voice.
"They endured the abuse knowing you'll return to them. Just like the Xenos you are the hope of the Hestia familia. Even Ouranos and I see that when we look at you. You give the city hope. That's why he gave you his blessing after we smuggled you back into the city. You are the first man in 1000 years to get his blessing. You are worthy in his eyes" Fels interjected hoping to get through to the young man.
Finally Bell lifted his head and gave that familiar smile. They arrived at the entrance to Daedalus street. Fels lifted the Daedalus Orb in his possession and the two hulking slabs of Orichalcum that act as doors started to part allowing the two men to exit Knossos. Deciding to try to cheer Bell up on last time Fels decided to ask Bell one final question.
"Are you coming to the room of prayer with me? You'll need to get your status updated". Fels knew even saying his name was dangerous even if they were both using reverse veils to remain hidden from prying eyes. Even if it was the middle of the night you don't know who is lurking in the city that never sleeps.
"Not today, I'm feeling tired. Just going to head home, besides I have to report to him tomorrow anyway i'll get it updated then". Bell replied with tired eyes.
"Ok… please take it easy, you pushed yourself hard again this week. I understand you are saving adventures and Xenos alike in the dungeon but if you are discovered we won't be able to protect you". Fels gave a kind warning to the young man.
"I will Fels thank you" was all Bell could muster and with a small bow he left towards his abandoned shack that he called a home on the outskirts of Daedalus street. The shack was smaller than the room under the church that Bell and Hestia called home for a time. The room was barron apart from some thin straw in the corner of the room that Bell used as a bed. The room was clearly a peek into his mind. No possessions apart from the cloths on his back, armour and weapons he carried too. In his mind he deserved nothing. Why does he deserve anything when his familia is suffering for his actions even if they supported him they suffered more than he did. Bell got lucky he was banished, away from the hate of the citizens of Orario but Hestia familia wasn't so lucky he heard from Fels the abuse they would get whilst Hestia worked at Jagamarukun she would often have abuse hearld at her. Something not befitting a Goddess. The same went for the rest of the familia whenever they entered the dungeon. Micah and Takemikazuchi and their familias were there to lend their support but it amounted to very little when Orario was against you.
As Bell got himself ready to rest he looked up to the damp covered ceiling and started lamenting. This is how he was spent every night in this room. To anyone that could see him. He was a sorry sight, a shadow of the little rookie that lit up Orario with his smile. Thankfully nobody could see him, not even Freya with her devine eyes. Fels made sure of that thanks to this mystery skill and Ouranos' intervention.
After an unbearable amount of time Bell finally managed to fall asleep only to dream of the day he was paraded out of Orario like the pariah he was painted as.
A/N: So here is the first chapter of my first ever fanfic hope you enjoyed. Please feel free to leave feedback as I welcome any chance to improve the story for you guys. Have a pleasant day.