The portal opened and everyone wondered who would be coming out next.
Rolan: I've opened our door, so any requests as to who to bring first?
No one was able to think for long because Meteria immediately gave her request.
Meteria: Oh, bring in the kids from the first world you showed us!
Rolan: The one from several years in the future?
He asked and she quickly nodded. She was smiling bright before her sister asked her why she wanted that.
Alfia: Any reason you wanted that world? That was quick of you.
Meteria: Is is wrong to want to see my grandchildren while I'm still young?
The word "grandchildren" immediately made Alfia uncomfortable, but she was unable to say anything before many other agreed with Meteria. Getting the idea, Rolan connected the two worlds and many children walked out from the portal, eighteen in all. The room was amazed by the sight of them, though the kids were confused.
AN: I'll be using the characters from my Embers story for this batch, so same names. There's more on the way.
Loki: Oh wow, that's a lot.
Hephaestus: There's so many of them.
While some were trying to wrap their heads around the amount of kids, Meteria was practically gushing.
Meteria: AAHHH!!! Quick, how many of them are mine?!
Rolan: All, but those three.
He said that, pointing to the two red head blacksmiths and the ninja.
Meteria: I must be dreaming! Alfia, pinch me!
The kids decided they had enough, and the oldest who was a boy with blonde hair and red eyes spoke.
Albert(Emb): Where are we? What is this place?
The boy asked this as he put his guard up to protect his younger siblings.
Rolan: It was sudden interruption for you all, so I imagine you're all a little confused.
They turned to the god who was walking towards them.
Albert(Emb): Are you the one who brought us here?
Rolan: That is correct. You may call me Rolan, I am the god that transported your siblings here.
They were still tense so the god was doing his best to lighten the mood.
Rolan: Peace, children. I don't mean any harm by bringing you here.
Albert(Emb): Why do this then?
Rolan: You see, they wanted to meet all of you in person.
The god gestured to everyone in the room who were still in awe at the kids. The children scanned the room until their eyes found a certain white rabbit sitting with his family.
Albert(Emb): Dad?
He was looking at Bell who had a confused look on his face.
Bell: Me?
Rolan: This isn't the first time you've seen him, Bell.
Bell was thinking back to when he could have possibly seen him, until he remembered that world they showed.
Bell: You mean he's that boy from that world?!
Rolan: That's right.
All the kids were in shock to see Bell and began to walk towards him.
Albert(Emb): Is that you?
Rolan: Not exactly, that isn't the Bell Cranel who is your father. That is a version of him back when he was around your age.
Albert(Emb): Another version? What are you saying?.
One explanation about the multiverse later...
Albert(Emb): Oh, I think I get it now.
Rolan: Well, you already know most of the people here, so why not introduce yourselves.
The boy turned to his group as they planned how to do this.
Albert(Emb): So, how do we do this?
Alise(Emb): The usual?
Masako: Let's just be quick, there's no need to drag this out.
Albert(Emb): Fair enough. Alright, I'll go first, my name is Albert, Albert Cranel.
Aria: Is that our grandson?
Rolan: He is that boy you saw, much older now.
Said boy was now looking at the blonde spirit.
Albert(Emb): Grandmother? All of our aunts and uncles are here too. Oh, nevermind, you're up next sister.
Next came a girl who looked like a perfect mix of two people they knew well.
Ariel: Hello, my name is Ariel Cranel. I'm his little sister.
Aria: Ah! Meteria, look! It's our granddaughter!
Meteria was full of glee when she saw a perfect female version of Bell, though resembling more of Ais. Ais herself was blushing along with Bell after seeing them. The introductions continued with the half elves next. The Astraea familia and the Hostess staff were shocked to hear that they all belonged to Ryuu.
Astraea: My, you've given me so many beautiful grandkids.
Kaguya: Sure you aren't an amazon in disguise, Lion? Six kids is a lot for an elf.
Alise: You even named one after me, I'm touched.
Ardi: So am I. Hehe, we could be sisters if it weren't for the ears.
Kaguya gave the elf a teasing smirk as Ryuu's face was bright red with steam coming off her head. She was embarrassed beyond belief, but happy in a way she never thought possible. Next came the last half elf and the amazon. Needless to say, Lefiya was quite loud when she heard of her child with Bell along with they name they had.
Lefiya: How did we even get away with that?!
Rolan: It really didnt take much to get Riveria's permission.
Tione: Hehe. Looks like you and Mr Argonaut made a good one.
Tiona: H-Hey!
Tiona was also embarrassed, but luckily her child was able to help calm her down. Next came the little renard who surprised the Hestia familia and a certain amazon.
Aisha: Aw, she's a cute one.
Mikoto: She's beautiful. Haruhime?
The renard was about to pass out again from the idea of her and Bell having a child. Luckily Aisha was faster than her and was able to pinch her nose.
Aisha: Not happening, you should at least greet her.
Haruhime: I-I'm sorry.
The white haired renard ran up and hugged her mom as the room appreciated the cuteness she gave. Next came the three prum triplets. Their hair was mostly brown, except for some random white patches along with their red eyes.
Lili: Alright! Eat it, Hestia!
The little goddess just grumbled in jealousy as more of her competition met their children. They three drums greeted their mother and father before finding their seat with their siblings. Last came the final demi elf.
Rolan: Alright, this should be the last of Bell's children.
Welf: Whoo~ We're in the home stretch now.
Artemis: I can hardly believe you were capable of this, Orion.
Bell: I-I, uh.
The last child, Eileen, greeted her father and her mother, Eina which shocked the guild staff.
Misha: You and the rabbit got together?!
Rose: I never expected this of you, Eina.
Royman: What is the meaning of this, Tulle?! An adventurer and a receptionist in a relationship?!
Eina just became a stuttering mess which worsened when the girl ran behind her and gave her a hug.
Eileen: Don't be ashamed, mother~.
She and the other two women laughed and teased the poor half elf.
Zeus: Such a beautiful harem, Bell! You've made me so proud!
Bell: G-Grandpa!!
Bell was red in the face while Zeus was crying tears of joy, and partly jealousy, while Hera had to stop herself from beating him and admire all the great grandkids she now had. Though, some had different thoughts on the matter.
Freya: *Jealous Grumbling*
Ottarl: My lady?
Allen: I know the rabbit thing was a joke, but this is ridiculous.
Everyone's thoughts were interrupted when they saw that three of the kids didn't move.
Hermes: So, what's with those three? Aren't they going to greet, Bell?
Rolan: They could, but Bell isn't their father. He is family to them, but he is more of an Uncle.
Welf and Hephaestus were still sitting next to each other which helped Rolan explain the children better.
Rolan: Well kids, you're up.
The first boy walked up and introduced himself.
Wallace: Alright, name's Wallace Crozzo. It's nice to meet you again.
The boy gave them a smile before the other Crozzo in the room spoke up.
Welf: Wait, he's my son?!
Rolan: That he is.
Welf: W-W-Wait, t-then who's the mom?!
Welf was getting nervous. His face was already red and Hephaestus wasn't far behind. It only worsened when the boy smiled.
Wallace: Nice joke, dad. She's sitting right next to you.
This floored everyone in the room.
Everyone: WHAAAAAAT?!!
Loki: You're telling me a god and a mortal had a kid?!
Ouranos: Amazing, demigods were mere speculation.
Hestia: Well well, nice to see you two getting cozy in the future.
Needless to say, Welf and Hephaestus were both blushing hard. Though, it only got worse when the girl spoke next.
Wendi: I'm Wendi, Wallace's twin sister.
The shock increased further at the news of twin demigods. Last now came the ninja who drew the attention of the far eastern members.
Ouka: He isn't...
Chigusa: He must be!
The young ninja boy gave his introduction.
Masako: I am Masako Yamato.
Chigusa: I knew it!
After that, the Hestia familia quickly looked at their samurai member who's face was flushed at the boy's introduction.
Mikoto: H-H-He's...
Welf: Sweet, we're all parents in the future.
Bell: Good for you, Mikoto!
Haruhime: I'm so happy for you!
The renard embraced her friend who returned in.
Mikoto: T-Thanks.
Ouka: Wait, who's the father?
Masako: You get three guesses.
The boy just had a deadpan expression as all the members of the Takemikazuchi familia looked at their god. Mikoto being red in the face as the two locked eyes.
Take: M-Me and Mikoto?!
Masako: Surprised?
Take: Sorry, it was just a shock. It's an honor to meet you, son.
Masako: Thr honor is mine, father.
The two bowed to each other and the introductions were complete. Now everyone was trying to get to know the kids better.
Lili: What were we like as parent?
Ais: Did we do a good job?
Aisha: How was the rabbit in bed with the girls?
The third question made many in the room blush before Alfia had a menacing glare focused on the amazon.
Alise(Emb): A little clumsy, good, and uh...
She quickly had a blush on her face when she got to the last question.
Hera: What are you trying to ask these kids?!
Loki: Aw, I think it's a fair ask. Pretty sure most of them are wondering how they're gonna handle the rabbit at night.
That said, many of the girl and Bell were red in the face again.
Rolan: I'll answer that. To keep it simple and child friendly, all the girls at once couldn't handle Bell for long. He is more of a rabbit than just appearance.
Bell couldn't take that and passed out with Haruhime not far behind. The Xenos were happy for their friend, though some were a little confused.
Wiene: Ray, what did he mean by that?
Ray: T-That isn't important!
She quickly tried to divert the girl's attention before they had to explain the birds and the bees.
Rolan: Okay, that's the first one down. So, what next?
He asked this as the next portal appeared. The newcomers looked on in amazement at the god's power.
Celdia: Wow...
Karmi: That's so cool!
Welf: What should we do next?
Tiona: I dunno...
Suddenly, their Albert had an idea.
Albert: I've got it!
Ais: Papa?
Aria: What is it, dear?
Albert: Let's grab someone from the past! Someone from our past!
Rolan: I get it, a person from the past in the main time. So, who do you want?
Albert: Bring the Argonaut. I want to see him in person.
Aria: Him?
Albert: Of course, everyone person who wanted to be a hero was inspired by his story.
Those such as Bell nodded along with his idea. Rolan only smiled and gave a low chuckle.
Rolan: I've got a better idea.
Hermes: Oh? What is it?
Rolan: You'll have to wait and see.
He smiled before focusing on the portal again. Once more, several figures walked out of it, but their appearance shocked everyone even more than when the kids appeared.
???: Woah, what is this place?
Everyone was able to get a clear look at them and many were wondering if it was a dream.
Crozzo: You holding up okay, Argo?
Argo: Yeah, I'm good.
???: Brother!
Argo: Feena! Thank goodness you're alright.
???: Argonaut!!
Argo: Ariadne and Orna too?!
???: Orna.
Orna: Hello, sister.
They were able to give each other warm smiles as Crozzo brought Argo's attention back to where they were.
Crozzo: Don't blink yet.
The red head pointed over to even more of their allies who wer just as confused as them, but glad to see each other.
???: Argo.
???: You guys?
???: What's going on?
Argo: Ryulu, Yuri, Garms. Wow, everyone is here..Back with the Present Cast...Welf: So, anyone else getting deja vu here?
Lili: I can pinch your cheeks for only 20 valis.
Tiona: Sold! Ouch!
Bell: They look like us. Like, a lot like us!
Alfia: This day is only getting stranger by the minute.
Rolan brought the newcomers' attention to him as he explained why they were here..
16 minutes later...
Feena: I get it, so that's why we're here now?
Rolan: Basically.
Argo: So who are they?
Ryulu: The way I see it, they look like our doppelgangers.
Rolan: They are, but not exactly.
Welf: What does that mean?
Rolan: To the gods here, you all are aware of what happens during reincarnation, correct?
The nodded before Hestia spoke.
Hestia: Does that mean?
Rolan: Yes, those people and the ones here are connected by soul. Argonaut.
The boy looked at him.
Rolan: You see that white haired boy sitting over there?
He nodded as he looked and saw Bell looking at him.
Rolan: That over there is Bell Cranel. He is you in your next life, or more precisely, your reincarnation.
Everyone: WHAAAAAAT?!!
Bell: I was the Argonaut in a past life.
Bell was utterly astonished while others like Haruhime and Tiona had stars in their eyes. Bell's children all had stars in their eyes at the characters they were read during bedtime were here and they were related to their parents.
Albert(Emb): Dad was always amazing.
Eileen: Yup.
While the kids reminisced about their dad, Tiona was getting hyped by the revelation.
Tiona: You mean Mr Argonaut was also The Argonaut too? Awesome!
Argo: So they know of me?
Rolan: Of course. Your story has echoed all across the land long since your time.
Argo: HAHAHAHAHA!!! You see that, Feena?! I told you my hero journal was more than a bundle of paper! Everyone knows of my heroism!
Feena: *Sigh* Brother...
Orna: Actually, you know I'm the one who wrote that story.
Argo: Details, details, but I appreciate your help. Now there isn't anyone in the world who doesn't know about us.
Crozzo: That's great and all, but we're supposed to be dead. We don't even know how far ahead we are.
Rolan: Give or take a few thousand years.
Ariadne: We've been dead for that long!
Rolan: That's right, now, why don't you all get to know your new lives.
They all quickly went to where their doubles were, which involved crowding the table Bell was at.
Argo: So, your the me in a new life?
Bell: I-I guess?
Argo: Haha! That's great, now, I'm sure a stud like you has more than a few women with him. Come on, we both have refined tastes.
Many women who heard thos from the legendary clown could only face palm along some of the friends Argo has from his time.
Crozzo: Oh boy.
He felt a demonic presence from behind him.
Feena: Dear brother?
Argo: F-Feena, what are you doing?
The girl had an angry scowl on her face as she hit her brother.
Argo: OW! OW!! That hurts!
Feena: Will you stop trying to embarrass me with you perverted tendencies.
Argo: I'd hardly word it like that. You know as well as I that I could've had Princess Ariadne and Orna together with me.
The two only blushed before Orna came and punched him on the head. Meanwhile, Bell sweat dropped as he got to learn more about his past self. Lefiya on the other hand was trying to get a grip on herself.
Lefiya: Hang on a minute. You call him your brother?
Feena: Oh, you must be the me from the future. I'm Feena, nice to meet you.
Lefiya: Lefiya...
Feena: On that note, we're adopted sibling, but I care about him like he's my real brother. I'm sure you have similar feelings with my brother's version in your time.
The elf's face lit up red before she shot down that statememt.
Lefiya: ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!.
With Ais and Tiona...
Ariadne: So these are us in another life.
Orna: Yeah, almost feels unreal.
Ais saw her past life and looked at her in amazement along with her parents.
Ais: So, you're the princess of the Lakrios kingdom?
Ariadne: I am.
Loki: Looks like Ais is a princess no matter where she goes.
Riveria: Seems like it.
Tiona: Wow, you're the great story teller, Orna!
Orna: If that's what they call me, then yes I am.
Tiona: That's amazing, so you wrote the story of the Argonaut?!
Orna: I had to base it off his ridiculous journal, but yes most of what I wrote did happen.
Tiona: Wooow~
The younger amazon was giddy while her older sister was wondering what was wrong with her counterpart.
Tione: If you're the me from that time, does that mean you two are related?
Elmina: I take it you and the bubbly one are sibling?
Tione: We are.
Elmina smiled at this along with Orna.
Orna: Looks like our wish came true.
Elmina: Mhm.
Tione: You two made a wish?
Elmina: Yes, we wished that in our next life we would be true sisters. That wish was fulfilled with you two.
The two amazons looked at each other before smiling.
Tione: Well, we wouldn't have it any other way.
Tiona: Yeah!
Bete and Gareth were stunned at the uncanny resemblance they had with their counterparts. Finn still had no words for what he was looking at. Ryuu and Ryulu were talking about what they do in their times. Ryuu was a little embarrassed by the fact that she was a bard in a previous life while Ryulu was embarrassed by the waitress uniform her new self was wearing..
Back with Bell...
Welf: So, you're friends with him?
He pointed to Argonaut.
Crozzo: Sure am, the name's Crozzo.
Everyone at the table was stunned by this.
Welf: So the original Crozzo's name was actually Crozzo, who knew? Well, it's nice to meet you, I'm Welf Crozzo.
Crozzo: Ha! Not only a reincarnation, but a descendant too. You've got your white hair's back like I've got mine's, right?
The blacksmith smiled before responding.
Welf: Hell yeah I do.
Welf and Crozzo:
Things were going well until a certain dragon girl to Bell.
Lyd: Hold on, Wiene!
Wiene: Bell!
Bell turned and faced Wiene with a smile before those of Argo's time got on their guard.
Crozzo: Woah, what the hell is this?!
Argo: A talking monster?
Feena: That's practically unheard of!
Bell: Uh, I'd appreciate it if you didn't treat her like a monster. Come on, say hi.
The dragon girl did her best to be polite to them.
Wiene: It's nice to meet you, my name is Wiene.
Crozzo and Feena were still uncomfortable by this, but Argo was another story.
Crozzo: Hey, wait!
Feena: Brother!
Argo: I'm Argonaut, it's nice to meet you, Wiene.
The dragon girl looked at him with glittering eyes before brightly smiling.
Wiene: Yay, I have two Papas now!
Bell and his friends smiled at this seeing how Bell was still the same even in a past life.
Crozzo: Phew, that could've been ugly.
Feena: Says you! Now I'm being a monster's aunt!
Wine looked at the half elf with a confused expression.
Wiene: Bell, why does she and the annoying elf lady act the same.
The two orange hairs felt arrow pierce their chests at the child's insult while some people had to hold their laughter.
Argo: Hahaha! That's why you should loosen up, Feena!
Feena: Mmm...
She just had an annoyed look on her face. The tension caused by the Xeno was lifted, but it soon returned when they felt the stomping of Asterius move towards them.
Crozzo: Oh great, they have a giant minotaur too?
Argo: *Memories of Vietnam*
They all had bad memories of their last minotaur, but Bell was able to bring them out of their trance.
Bell: Asterius?
The minotaur huffed at him before speaking.
Asterius: You are my rival's past life?
Argo looked back and forth between Bell and the Minotaur.
Argo: You and he are rivals?
The two nodded while Alfia and Hera were making mental notes.
Alfia: (I'll have to talk with Bell later about taking that minotaur as a rival.)
Argo: That's great! So our battle continues!
Feena: Oh please...
Orna: Ugh...
Ariadne: He never learns.
Ais: What's wrong?
Ariadne: He was already crippled when he had to slay the minotaur to save me. Even then I had to help him and still didn't come out unscathed.
Argo: I'm quite aware. I even lost my eyesight afterward, but it was still a victory worth that sacrifice.
Many gasped in shock at what happened to the boy during his legendary battle while others admired his bravery.
Bell: You mean even Asterius was part of you guys?
Argo: I'm not sure. The minotaur I fought was a monster through and through. But if our rivalry lives on with you two, I think it was real.
Bell and Asterius looked at each other and vowed to finished what was started thousands of years ago.
Feena: Mr Rolan?
Rolan: Yes?
Feena: How much of the world has changed?
Crozzo: Are monsters still ravaging the world?
Rolan: No, actually. There are still some, but humanity has gained the edge it needed to fight back in the blessings of the gods.
Ariadne: Gods?
Elmina: Blessings?
Bell: Yeah, they basically grant us their powers and we use them to fight monsters int eh dungeon.
Crozzo: Dungeon?
Rolan: It's the place where the monsters in your world came from. Humanity eventually pushed the monsters back there and a lid was put over the hole to keep them from escaping. The old god over there uses his prayers to keep the dungeon under control.
Feena: That's amazing. He must be a really powerful.
Loki: Nah, he just sits on a chair all day.
Ouranos:
Ryulu: So, what do the rest of you do?
Rolan: After obtaining a god's blessing, they become servants of that god. More precisely, they become familia.
Ariadne: Familia?
Rolan: Yes, that is what we call those who serve under a god. Those familia then go on to become adventurers. They explore the depths of the dungeon to control the spawning of the monsters. As a result, they are able to make a living while keeping everyone safe.
Argo: Wow, you all are incredible.
Bell: Thank you, that means a lot from someone like you.
Argo smiled before the god went on.
Rolan: Still, they have their own problems to face in their time.
Yuri: They're already so much stronger tha us. How could they have any kind of problem?!
Rolan: That lies in the spawning of three legendary monsters thousands of years ago.
Crozzo: Legendary monsters?
Zeus: The King of the Land, Behemoth. The Lord of the Seas, Leviathan. And the Black Dragon.
Argo: Well, they certainly sound legendary with names like those.
Feena: After all that time, are they still alive and causing chaos?
Rolan: No, those two over there.
He pointed to Zeus and Hera.
Rolan: Their children were able to slay Behemoth and Leviathan.
Argo: Wow...
Crozzo: They must have been strong.
Ariadne: Wait, what about the Black Dragon?
The atmosphere darkened a bit as the two gods saddened at the question. Bell looked concerned at his grandparents as well as his aunt and uncle.
Zeus: No, that monster is still alive.
Hera: Our children at their peaks couldn't even weaken it.
Feena: What?!
Hermes: Only that man over there was able to deal a decisive blow towards the monster and that was over 1000 years ago which is why it's now known as the One Eyed Black Dragon.
They looked at Albert who only hung his head down in shame.
Albert: I'm sorry I couldn't do more.
Aria: Dear...
Argo: So it's still alive then?
Rolan: Correct. The lower world will not know true peace until it's slain.
Feena: But with the god's help then surely they have a chance.
Alfia: After 1000 no one has been able to match the Sword Champion in strength.
Feena: No way...
Yuri: The what the hell are you gonna do?!
Everyone felt a great anxiety take over them until someone spoke up.
Bell(Urano): That's where I come in.
They turned towards him, forgetting he was even there.
Argo: Who are you?
Bell(Urano): Bell Cranel, but not the one from this world.
Feena: This world?
Bell(Urano): Put simply, I'm another version of Bell Cranel. In my world, I was able to slay the dragon and bring peace to my world.
Argo: Wow, that's impressive.
Bell(Urano): It's only natural that we would be the ones to slay it.
Bell: What do you mean?
Bell(Urano): Freya, if you look at all of us you see that our souls are basically the same.
The goddess of beauty did look and indeed there were three of the same soul. She widened her eyes before nodding.
Bell(Urano): Thats because our soul is special. It's the manifestation of the heroism and bravery the world will need. Argonaut and Bell are indeed connected by soul, but on closer inspection they are actually right next to each other in our soul's reinvention cycle.
Argo: What?!
Bell: It took this long for me to reincarnate?!
Bell(Urano): Yes, because after Argonaut died, there was no need for our soul. His heroism inspired many to rise up and as a result, humanity had gotten this far in its war against monsters. The reason you were born was because no one was able to slay the Black Dragon, so your heroic essence was needed.
Zeus: So basically, Bell's soul will reincarnate whenever the world needs a hero?
Bell(Urano): That's right.
Many of Bell's friends felt proud of knowing how special the rabbit was.
Miach: That's good to hear, but how exactly do you know this?
Bell(Urano): Ouranos is my god and he told me the truth of my soul, isn't that right?
Everyone looked at the old god who had a neutral expression.
Ouranos: There was no point in telling anyone. No matter the soul, the boy needed to make the decision of his future for himself.
The confession shocked everyone as their view of the boy changed. Many saw him as much more than the weak looking rabbit he appeared to be.
Bell: Are you sure I'm really meant for all of that?
Bell(Urano): You doubt yourself?
Bell: I mean...
Rolan: If you don't think you have what it takes, why don't we test that?
Hestia: Test it how?
Rolan: I'll pit him against Bell's from other worlds and see how he does against them.
He looked at Bell.
Rolan: You don't acknowledge all of the feats you've achieved so far. Perhaps this will open your eyes to the truth. That is, if you're willing to try.
Bell closed his eyes before he gained a look of determination.
Bell: I'll do it.
The god smiled at his resolve.
Rolan: Good. Then we'll close our holiday celebration with this.
He snapped his fingers and prepared everyone for the final events. Bell family, past, present and future were ready to see the rabbit prove himself.
AN: I felt like I was on a roll with this. Then again, I spent the entire morning writing this, but this leaves only one part left. Let's see how Bell fares against other versions of himself.
Hopefully you all enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for reading and see you in the next one.