Prologue:

1000 years before the events of Danmachi, Dragon Valley

Bells POV:

I wake up to the sound of light chirping and the soft refreshing breeze caressing my skin. The sun looks to be rising now and the animals are beginning to wake up. I bathe in the morning light for a while, enjoying the scenery. It looks like it's going to be a good day to go hunting, I can't wait to finally go with dad today!

My name is Bell Cranel, an average and skinny 8 year old boy living on the outskirts of Dragon Valley. I say average but for those who meet me for the first time, will immediately notice my striking appearance. I have snow white hair and ruby colored eyes. I don't really see what's wrong with my appearance but the people I've met, say that not many people look like I do, so I guess them being a little surprised about my appearance is justified. But what I don't think is justified is how they think I look like a cute little bunny. One day I want to be a hero who defeats giant monsters and saves pretty girls but all everyone talks about is how cute I am, is it too much to ask to be taken seriously. Anyway, I am the son of Meliodas Cranel and Elizabeth Cranel. My dad used to be this really powerful knight so he's super strong, the people in my village call him a hero because he keeps the village safe from monsters. I heard that my mom used to be a noble woman from some far away land but I don't know if it's true. Though I have to admit, she is always so elegant and kind that sometimes I think she could be a princess, but why would a princess live in a small town in the middle of nowhere and settle down with a weirdo like my dad. Anyway, my mom used to be this really powerful mage. My mom and dad met on some expedition a long time ago and that's how they fell in love, then they settled down here and had me.

My dad goes on regular hunting trips to the valley and he always brings back a massive deer after every hunt. I've been asking my dad for a while to take me with him but my mom always said it was too dangerous. But my dad managed to convince my mom that I could go if he promises not to go too deep into the mountains. So today is the first day that I go hunting with my dad. I'm really nervous but I'm so excited that I can finally go, that I barely notice how nervous I really am. Dad usually goes out really early, so I should get ready before he completely forgets about our promise. I let out a long sigh as I remind myself of how unreliable my dad is.

I begin to get changed, I put on a plain black shirt and pants and then a warm coat to keep me warm. Mom knitted this for me because the valley can get really cold around this time. I fix my hair and run downstairs to the kitchen, immediately the scent of freshly cooked eggs and bacon hits my nose. I arrive in the kitchen/dining area to find my mom cooking breakfast for us and my dad sharpening his sword. Phew, he hasn't left yet. I let out a relieved sigh, then I enter the room. Mom noticed me right away and greeted me with a bright and loving smile.

''Oh, Good morning sweetheart. I'm nearly done with your breakfast, so go and sit down on the table while you wait.'' I begin to move to the table, whilst replying to her with a good morning and thank you. Dad lifted his head up after I sat down and grinned at me.

''Oh so your finally awake, you took so long that I considered leaving you behind'' he said in a teasing voice

''Yea right! You wouldn't leave without having breakfast first'' I replied with a slightly annoyed look

''Oh come on, does my own son think so low of me. I even spent an entire day thinking of new recipes to try out with you.'' Dad said in a mocking and sarcastic tone. Dad may be really skilled at a lot of things but cooking is not one of them. His food may look amazing from the outside but as soon as you take a bite of it, your done for. Dad always has these new recipes that never work out and I always have to be the taste tester. That's why I'm so glad that mom is the one that makes the food. If she didn't, I don't know how long I would have lasted up until now. Before I could reply to dad, mom comes with our food. She made quite a bit today, I guess she wants me to have as much strength as possible for today. Mom begins to sit down until my dad sneaks up on her from behind and gropes her breasts. Eliciting a small shriek from my mom.

''M-Meliodas stop that, Bell is here'' she said with a slightly embarrassed look on her face. Dad doesn't seem to care and continues anyway until he finally withdrew, with a mischievous grin on his face. I shoot dad an annoyed look but it seems to only inflate his ego. Mom and dad are so weird. When dad first started doing those perverted things in front of me, I would always get really flustered and chase him around the house and scream at him not to touch my mother. But it seemed to only encourage him to do it more, so I stopped giving him what he wants. But do they really have to do those things in front of me, it's embarrassing.

We eat our breakfast whilst engaging in some conversations about the hunting trip we're going on and heroes from the books my mom reads to me every night. Sometimes dad would join in and tell me stories about his adventures with mom but they always seemed to lead to perverted stories about mom, so I stopped listening to them. Anyway, dad said that we are going to visit one of his old friends that lives near the valley. Him and his daughter are going to be joining us on the hunting trip. Apparently his daughter is only 2 years older than me, so hopefully I can make her my friend. Although I act all tough at home I'm actually am pretty shy, especially around girls. I don't have many friends in my village, the boys say that I'm too weak to play with them and all the girls do is chase me around and say that I look like a really cute bunny. Thank the gods that I'm really agile or else I would have been their life sized doll for the rest of my life. But I really want to make some friends! Even though she's a girl and I get really nervous around girls, I still want to make a friend and this is the perfect opportunity. I hear that her father used to work with my dad and is also super strong, so hopefully he can tell me some really cool stories about his adventures outside of Dragon Valley.

After we finished eating our breakfast dad gave me a dagger for me to use. It's a simple hunting dagger but to me it's one of the best gifts that he could have ever given me, so I accepted it with a bright smile. Mom sent us off with a warm hug and gave us our lunch for today, she also gave us a basket full of blankets, utensils and other random stuff. I guess it's for dad's friend. Then we finally embarked on our hunting trip and after a short walk through the valley, we arrived at the foot of a large mountain. It had tall trees that seemed to pierce the clouds and an eerie and somber mood. I have always been warned never to go near the mountains because it housed dangerous monsters that lurked in the shadows, and not to mention you could always get lost or fall to your death if you're not careful. I swallowed the lump in my throat and followed dad into the mountains, it was a lot scarier than the stories I heard and once in a while I would hear shrieks coming from atop of the mountain. Dad reassured me and said that they were just some goblins being noisy, but that only made me even more nervous.

I stayed close to dad and after about an hour of endlessly climbing up the steep mountain, we arrived at a flat and open area. There was a waterfall in the corner of the large space and beautiful yellow flowers that populated the ground. Dandelions, that's what they're called right? They look really pretty. The area looked so calm and peaceful, with the warm breeze gently hitting my skin. Who would have thought that there would be such a beautiful place on this scary mountain. I wipe away the beads of sweat on my forehead and bask in the peaceful scenery. I then notice a large cottage opposite the waterfall with smoke coming out of the chimney. I immediately snap out of my stupor once I spot a muscular man with brown hair and armor leave the cottage. My father immediately walked up to him and gave him a brief greeting. I decide to follow closely behind my father, feeling the anxiety of meeting new people come up.

''Hey there Albert, what's up'' dad said nonchalantly. The man seemed to be used to his care free attitude and responded with a kind smile.

''Nothing much, just finished getting ready. We should be leaving soon.'' He seemed to have noticed me hiding behind my father and gave me a warm smile. ''Is this your son, Meliodas?'' Upon hearing his question dad turned around and introduced me.

''Yep! This shorty's my son, his names Bell. Isn't he cute?'' Dad said in a mocking tone. Your only 2 inches taller than me, who are you calling shorty? If this was back home, I may have replied back but because that man is here, all I could muster was a shaky reply,

''N-nice to m-meet you'' He let out a hearty laugh, making me turn as red as a tomato and then he responded back with a smile.

''Yes, he is pretty cute. My name is Albert Waldstein, it's nice to meet you.'' I cling onto my dad in embarrassment and hide from Albert, although he looks very nice he seems to be very strong. After Dad and Albert finished laughing at how shy I was, Albert welcomed us inside his cottage. The cottage was quite large, with a cozy living room, a fireplace and a large sized kitchen/dining room on the first floor. Sat on the couch knitting, was a beautiful woman with long flowing golden hair and eyes. She wore a simple white dress and showed off her glowing and warm smile. She stopped what she was doing and greeted us, she introduced herself as Aria, Albert's wife. I introduced myself to her and gave her the basket that mom gave me, she accepted it with a grateful smile that made me feel warm inside. She seemed to be very nice, she kind of reminded me of my own mother.

Dad and Aria began to chat for a while, then dad and Albert began to talk about the route we're going to be using and the plan for today. I sat on the couch and listened in but I started to get bored, so I started scanning the cottage. There were many animal heads hanging on the wall, as well as weapons. They looked really cool. I hope one day I will get to use one of them. Then my eyes landed on the entrance of the hall and that's when I noticed a little girl peeking into the room. She looked exactly like Aria, just much younger. She seemed to have noticed that I was staring at her, so she quickly hid behind the wall. Aria must have noticed because she stood up and went to introduce the girl.

''This is our daughter, Ais. I believe she's 2 years older than you but I'm sure you two will get along with each.'' She then turned to Ais and said ''Ais, this is Meliodas and his son, Bell''. Dad said a quick 'Heya' and I gave her a timid nod. Ais then hid behind her mother. Aria gave a light smile, probably sensing how awkward we both were.

''I'm sure you both are bored staying in here. Why don't you two go outside and play, while you wait for your fathers'' We both gave a slight nod and headed outside. I noticed that Ais was holding a small rabbit plushie, which looked really cute with its snowy fur and red orbs. We stood outside awkwardly, without saying a word. After a few minutes of awkward silence, I started to become restless. Come on Bell, I said that I would make her my friend, so I have to say something or else I will be lonely forever. Strengthening my resolve I reluctantly spoke up, but the thought of talking to a girl for the first time really made me nervous.

''H-hi m-m-my name i-is Bell, ummm'' She already knows what my name is, Aria already introduced me to her dummy. Think! What do I say! An idea then popped into my head.

''I-I like y-your r-rabbit. It looks really c-cute'' She then looked down to stare at her toy bunny, then back up at me.

''Thank you'' She gave me a bright smile, one that could melt the hearts of even the toughest knights. Surprisingly, I managed to not faint and I also managed to give her a small smile. She then gave me a puzzled look and then looked down at her rabbit again, then back up at me again.

''It looks like you'' she said, once again giving me a bright smile. I immediately flushed and turned a bright crimson with tears in my eyes. Damn it, why does everyone say the same thing. This is so embarrassing. Ais let out a giggle, which sounded like a beautiful and harmonious melody. She has a nice smile. I smiled widely and completely forgot about my embarrassment, Ais then looked down and began to speak lightly.

''Mama made it for me because sometimes the monsters outside scare me at night. I haven't given it a name because I didn't know what to name it, but...'' She looked up and smiled. ''I think I'll call it Bell''. Normally I would be embarrassed and run away because I'm talking to a really pretty girl, but right now in this open and peaceful field of dandelions, all I can do is smile and laugh with her.

I think I finally made my first friend….I'm so happy!

Meliodas' POV

I look out of the window and see Ais and Bell playing outside, it seems that they've become friends. I let out a small smile and then turn back around to look at Albert and Aria, who are sitting on the couch next to me. They seemed to have noticed that Bell and Ais have become quick friends as well and they also let out a smile. Though, that moment of peace soon dissipated and the mood quickly turned serious.

''I have noticed that there have been fewer and fewer prey up in the mountains and the valley. The monsters have also been acting strange, they're becoming more aggressive and unpredictable. I fear that it is a sign that something is approaching, something that will claim many lives.'' Albert said in a serious and low voice, I nodded in agreement

''I have noticed that as well, I have had to be more careful when coming up the mountain now.''

''It seems that we have to be more careful from now on, at least until things start to get back to normal.'' Albert stated. Aria then spoke up,

''I have been sensing very powerful dark energy coming from the very top of the mountain. I believe that this energy has been causing the monsters behavior to change, it would be best if you investigate what it is as soon as possible.'' We agree to be extra cautious from now on and decide that we should just focus on the hunting trip for now. However, I can't shake this feeling that something bad is going to happen, very soon…

Bells POV

It's been a while since I went on my first hunting trip. Me and Ais became very close friends and we went on regular hunting trips together with Albert. Dad and Albert would also teach me and Ais swordsmanship when we visited, it was really hard at first but now it's really fun, I almost feel like the hero's in legends training to become the strongest out there. Mom also came and visited with us. However, both mom and dad came dressed in full battle gear, even for casual visits. The mountains aren't that dangerous, right?

Today we are going further up the mountain, mom and Aria packed us food and kept telling us to be careful. But with dad and Albert here we can conquer the entire mountain, so there is nothing to worry about. We headed out whilst mom and Aria stayed and chatted in the cottage. Going deeper into the mountain is really exhausting and me and Ais struggled to keep up. We stopped at a really creepy place to rest, it felt like there was always something watching us while we rested. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, dad and Albert seem to be calm, so it should be safe.

''Come on, let's get moving! It will get dark soon if we don't hurry'' Albert announced. As we were about to continue on with our hunt, a small army of goblins suddenly appeared and surrounded us. Dad and Albert immediately told us to stand back and they began to fight the goblins. It felt like there were goblins everywhere, How did so many goblins manage to sneak up on us without being noticed? Before I could even try to come up with an answer, a goblin lunged forward towards me and Ais. Ais kicked the goblin in the face, before it could reach us but more goblins began to corner us. Dad and Albert seemed too preoccupied with the army of goblins and couldn't come to help us. We kept backing up, until we were on the edge of the cliff. We then came tumbling down the mountain, whilst holding onto each other. The last thing I heard was my father's cry.

I woke up to Ais shaking me, I slowly opened my eyes and noticed that we were in a completely different area. It didn't take long for me to notice that we had been separated from our fathers and that we were in an unknown area. Oh no, what do we do. It's too steep for us to try to climb back up the mountain and we have no idea where we are, so we can't go back to the cottage. Mom always warned me that the mountains of Dragon Valley were large and dangerous, people who don't have the right equipment or knowledge of the mountains will probably never come back out. We're two kids who have no equipment and not enough knowledge of the mountains, so we stand no chance of getting out alive. We'll definitely get eaten by monsters and if we manage to survive long enough we will starve, what do we do?!

''Don't worry, they are just goblins. Papa and Sir Meliodas would have defeated all of them by now, so they are most likely looking for us now'' Ais spoke up in a gentle tone, she probably sensed that I was in the middle of a nervous breakdown. She gave me a small smile to reassure me and then looked up.

''It looks like it will rain soon, we should go and find shelter. Papa will find us soon, so don't worry.'' Feeling a little bit better, I followed Ais and we started searching for shelter. I stayed close to Ais and pulled out my dagger, ready to attack the first monster I see. However, I started shaking uncontrollably and walked cautiously through the mountain. I've got to protect Ais and stay alive, dad will find us soon. I begin to breathe heavily. I know I said that I would protect Ais but really I'm just hiding behind her and praying to the gods that we stay safe.

After walking for about 20 minutes, we found the entrance of a large cave. It had already begun to rain, so we had no other choice but to seek shelter here until it passed. As soon as I enter the cave I felt immense fear tugging at me, as if the most evil and dangerous creature in the lower world was only a few steps away from us. I then noticed a massive boulder in the middle of the cave. What caught my eye was how black the boulder was, it was as if not even light could touch it. I begin to slowly walk towards it, almost like I'm being tugged forward. I stop a few steps away from it, I reach out to touch it, entranced by its strange color.

''BELL DON'T TOUCH IT!'' I turn around to see my dad calling out to me. Albert, Aria and mom were also outside of the entrance of the cave. They all came looking for us, they must have been really worried then. I smile, feeling relieved that they found us. I begin to turn around but before I could take a step forward, I hear a rumble and the ground begins to shake. I turn around and see that the massive boulder looks different, it looks like… an eye. Two black orbs stare right at me, almost burning a hole right through me, the boulder begins to move. I then realized that it wasn't a boulder. As it began to take shape I realized what it really was, I woke up… a Dragon.

I immediately begin to run as fast as I can, the dragon is now fully awake. My dad and Albert lunge forward with their weapons drawn and mom draws out her staff. Ais hides behind her mother and screams my name, telling me to hurry up and get to safety. Dad and Albert sprint past me and begin to fight the black dragon. The dragon then lets out a roar, a piercing and venomous roar. Thousands of monsters then appear in the cave, surrounding us. The entrance is now completely blocked by a hoard of monsters. I somehow manage to reach mom and Aria, and join Ais. Mom and Aria are now surrounded by monsters and are struggling to kill all of them. Albert and Dad are helplessly fighting the dragon, not a single strike piercing its thick and solid scales. Mom then chants out a long spell, whilst Aria defends. Once it was finished a massive ring of fire spreads around us and kills most of the monsters, however it seemed that more and more kept coming. Mom looks breathless and really pale, I want to help her, and I want to protect Ais and everyone around me. What if we all… Tears begin flowing down my face, even Ais looks terrified. We're all going to die.

''ARIA! THERES TOO MANY OF THEM. EVEN IF WE SAVE THE CHILDREN THE DRAGON WILL COME DOWN AND DESTROY THE ENTIRE VILLAGE AND EVERYTHING AROUND IT!'' I snap out of my thoughts and hear my mom shout to Aria. We're doomed, if mom and dad can't save us, then that dragon will eat us alive.

''ELIZABETH WE HAVE TO CREATE A BARRIER TO TRAP IT HERE! IF WE WANT THE CHILDREN TO SURVIVE, THEN WE MUST USE THAT SPELL!'' Aria responded. What spell, and how are they going to make a barrier strong enough to trap that thing. Mom immediately understood and nodded, she then looked at the direction of Albert and dad. They both shot her a glance, and nodded. Tears began to roll down moms face. What are they going to do? She wiped her tears and then conjured up a barrier around us, stopping the monsters from coming near us. Aria and mom then began to chant a long spell and once they were finished, mom looked at me and Ais.

''You're going to be going to a very faraway place, a better place.'' Mom continued pushing back her tears. ''You may be confused and lost but stay strong and fearless…we're not going to be able to come with you but we want you both to know we love you so much. So stay healthy and eat a lot of good food, ok. Make sure you do everything in your power to survive, alright.'' She said in a soft voice. What's happening? It was almost like time had stopped and that's when I finally realized what was happening, she's saying goodbye. I don't want this, it's not meant to end like this. Mom, dad… I don't care that you're a pervert or that your cooking is really bad. I don't mind eating it for the rest of my life or doing the chores every day until I can't move my arms, just…just… DON'T LEAVE ME, I NEED YOU! I look up tears flowing down my face, my eyes pleading her not to leave me. She looks at me right in the eyes then looks away, tears also flowing freely down her face. I open my mouth to say something. Anything. But nothing comes out. Ais also seems to be speechless but the tears flowing down her face says it all, we're both feeling the same helplessness, the same anger and sadness. I guess at that moment we finally understood… how cruel this world really is.

''WE MUST ACTIVATE IT NOW!'' Aria shouted, mom nodded and they began to activate it. It happened in a split second, the last thing I remember is Aria mouthing 'I love you' to Ais, then a white light. I will never see my parents again, but at least… at least I can be with Ais, right? I was wrong, not even the Gods could save us now. Just before mom and Aria had casted the spell, Albert managed to land one more strike on the dragon. Striking and blinding its left eye. The monster let out a nerve racking screech and stomped the ground with its gigantic foot. Causing the barrier to crumble. The strong wind from the dragons scream caused rocks to begin flying all around us, knocking all of the monsters away. One was heading straight for Ais, that's when I finally decided to play the hero. I unsheathed my dagger and tried to slice through the rock, however the dagger shattered and I was sent flying back. At that moment the spell was complete and Ais fell on her head and then disappeared. At least she survived. I looked up and see Albert's lifeless body lying on the floor whilst my dad breathlessly staggered and tried to keep himself up. Everyone was breathless and bathed with sweat, they could do nothing else now, and it is now time for us to meet our deaths. Aria collapsed on the floor from over exerting and my mother looked like she was also going to faint as well. I'm sorry mom, I didn't get to survive.

After accepting my fate I look up and notice the dragon is staring right at me, my blood suddenly runs cold. His large arms begins to extend forward, its intentions as clear as day. With one claw outstretched, he lunges to pierce me. I close my eyes shut not wanting to see what happens next, then I feel something warm sprinkle on my face. I open my eyes and I see my father and mother in front of me. Dad is behind mom holding on to her and mom has her arm stretched out. I wonder if it's over, then I begin to see more clearly. This warm thing on my face… its blood….moms blood. The dragon's long claw had pierced both my mother and father, just missing me. They had both sacrificed themselves for me… My mom's outstretched hand lightly caressed my face, both of them smiled like they didn't have a care in the world. Why are they smiling, they're going to die. How can you smile at a time like this? I then realized that they weren't smiling because they were happy…they were smiling for me. More tears leave my eyes, dad looks at me and smiles even wider.

''Sate, sate, sate…Why are you crying Bell….Didn't you say you were going to be a hero one day'' Dad coughs out a bit of blood then looks back at me. ''Stop crying and go and kill some monsters and save a ton of pretty girls'' he said in a soft voice and with a slight grin, ''me and your mother will be watching, so give it your all. Ya hear shorty!'' He gave me a big bright smile, both of them did. I give a slight smile and look up at them, opening my mouth reluctantly.

''Y-…You're only 2 inches taller than me, you know….'' Dad let out a weak chuckle and so did mom.

''I'll see you in heaven…Elizabeth…'' Dad whispered into moms ear.

''You too Meliodas…Bell take c-care…we l-love you'' The dragon then withdrew its claw and mom and dad collapsed onto the floor, their bodies completely lifeless.

''…I love you too…'' I weakly whispered but there was no longer anyone left to hear me. I am now completely alone.

I hear an evil cackle, it's the dragon… it can talk. Why hasn't it killed me yet, is it just toying with me….please…I beg you…let me see my parents again….Please, kill me.

''HAHAHAHAHHAHA, what pathetic and weak humans. Such sadness I feel within them, they must have been in so much pain hahahaha'' he let out a deep and low chuckle. Then he suddenly stopped and a dominating aura spread across the cave. I felt like I was almost getting crushed.

''Those bastards have put up a barrier, it seems that that human lying dead on the floor sacrificed herself to trap me here…'' he then let out a deafening roar and began ripping moms and dads body. I put my hands over my mouth trying not to barf right then and there, but the only thing that came out were soft whimpers. The dragon suddenly stopped and looked at me, and then gave me a chilling grin.

''Your still alive? That's good… very good. Children are responsible for their parent's sins. I'll make sure to use you well.'' I let out a small whimper, then I uncover my mouth.

''P-please…Kill me'' I begged but all the dragon did was laugh at me, that's when I knew that what he has in store for me, is a fate worse than death.

''I won't kill you, I'll make sure you live for a long, long time. Your father said that you want to be a hero right, hahahaha. I'll give you all the power you need to do that, I'll taint that pure soul of yours. And when the time comes you will repay me by releasing this barrier'' I looked at him in horror, he then reached out his hand

''N-No…NO I DON'T WANT IT… PLEASE KILL ME, I WANT TO DIE…PLEASE….KILL ME!'' I begged but he didn't listen, his claw, still stained with my parent's blood, pierced my heart. I then feel this evil and agonizingly painful power flow through me. Aria seemed to have woken up at that moment and watched in horror. This new power consumed me and surged within me, I can only see darkness now. I float in an empty space and close my eyes….

I fear that I am no longer human….