Training newbie adventurers to become Hunters was not an easy task, and to teach them the skill set to survive was impossible.
What was possible was giving them a certain skill set, training their abilities and mindset, heightening their senses and instincts and let it all culminate into a seasoned warrior.
Combat proficiency, quick-thinking, agility and mobility, teamwork and self-care; this was all just the tip of the iceberg that was becoming a Hunter.
And Elias had the sole responsibility of training the youth under his wing these very things…
He'd rather be out on the field then be stuck with daycare, but with such promise of talent, he needed to ensure they grew up in the best environment.
"Today, I shall be showing you basic form with weaponry. But first, a quick lecture."
Elias came to a stop, slowly bringing up a simple sword with countless chips and scratches.
Objectively, it's purpose as a lethal weapon had long come by, now serving as a dull practice blade, but a weapon was a weapon regardless of who wielded it. Elias always drilled this into those he trained, regardless of what he wielded.
"Sharp, blunt, dull, broken; a weapon is a tool in your arsenal, regardless of its shape, form and condition," Elias began his lecture, slowly pacing to and fro in front of his students. "And a weapon can materialise into anything one desires."
"Take this dull blade as an example," he said, coming to a stop as he placed its tip gently onto the hardened earth. "A sword is a common sight, and even in this condition, it can still serve its purpose, correct?"
Silence met his question and he smiled.
"So what if we take something completely unexpected, and use it as something to attack with? To defeat our enemy with?"
Elias barely moved as the sword suddenly sunk hilt-deep into the ground, fracturing the earth itself from the sudden display of raw strength.
"Such as a pebble," the Hunter hinged over to take a small rock into his fingers, "or even the very clothing we wear?"
Elias smiled as his students watched hyper-focused on his movements.
"Whilst majority of items and objects cannot survive high-velocity out of nowhere," the pebble disappeared, and a streak of blood forced one of the students to suddenly wince, "the inertia of said object can still deliver a deadly blow. Whilst my hat may not kill or decapitate somebody," Elias took his hat off and doused it with a nearby bucket, the hat hardening considerably, "with the right circumstances, it can be as deadly as a mace."
"Small objects are deadly projectiles, while cloth can form binds for offence or defence. Gloves can be brutal maces, and hair an assassins blade," Elias cleared his throat, "my point here is that the limit to your weaponry is your imagination. The more open-minded you are out on the battlefield, the more options are available for you to take advantage of to achieve your end goal. Questions?"
A hand shot up and Elias nodded.
"You said apparel could be used both offensively or defensively," somebody asked. "How would you achieve this?"
"Coat my coat in poisonous chemicals, use my clothing as a flexible bind for choking techniques and a bind to catch hostile weapons. Buttons as a close-range projectile to hit pressure-points, a zipper's edge to grate their skin apart," Elias answered casually, his gruesome words not affecting him in the slightest. "Of course, to think that what we wear can be used in a fight effectively is wishful thinking, but it's the options that grant you versatility. To be able to calculate your opponent's next move, to make that split-second decision to throw your opponent off and take advantage of something they never expected; a Hunter's arsenal can never be limited to what they just brought. You must be able to adapt to your situation and environment accordingly, and take the path that best optimises your path to victory."
"Some of us don't have the raw strength that you do," another question appeared. "How do we make up for that?"
"Skill, technique, intellect," the Hunter said. "If you lack the strength to wield a war hammer, then become extremely efficient in a different types of weapons. Overcome the gap of strength with sheer technique and skill, and use your mind to outwit and ensnare your foe." Elias' eyes glinted as he smiled cruelly. "And if all else fails, then grit your teeth and fight with all you've got, no matter what you need to resort to to survive. Any more questions?"
A pregnant silence ensued, but just before Elias could speak, a certain somebody squeaked out the last question.
"W-What if there's nothing to u-use whatsoever?"
"An excellent question," Elias smiled. "As Mr Cranel just asked, if we somehow found ourselves with no weapons at our disposal, what do we do?"
"…"
Elias raised his arm, hand straight and taut.
"Our body itself is a tool we can utilise," Elias answered his own question. "Our hand is a piercing blade or a deadly club. Our elbows are jack-hammers and our legs and feet are blunt axes. By strengthening yourself physically to your utmost limits, you can make your body a temple of steel and inflict major damage regardless of your race and genetics." Elias closed his eyes and asked another question. " But, let's say that even our body is out of the question, and we are – truly – left helpless and weaponless. What do we do?"
"…grit our teeth and push through?"
The hopeful answer was squashed with grim reality.
"We die," Elias simply said, his eyes losing their shine. "Even with sheer versatility at our disposal, even with utilising anything we can, and straining our mind to new heights, we will die."
"Instilling a childish naivety that you can survive anything then destroying it with a sledgehammer," Elias smiled darkly. "If you're caught with your pants halfway down, then you've already lost the fight, the war, and your life. So, what is the lesson learnt?"
"To never be caught off guard..?"
"To always be prepared," Elias answered. "To think ahead, to plot out any possible situation and outcome, to make preparations on what lays ahead and the foggy unknown, no matter of place or time. Of course, to do all this is near impossible without the correct information and a gifted insight, so what we do instead is train you to become critical thinkers, capable of making decisions and forming plans on the spot in an instant."
Elias took his cane from the weapons rack and leaned into it with a soft smile.
"With the lecture over, let's return to the subject of today's lesson. Take a weapon of your choice then line up behind each other. I shall correct your form and instruct you all on how to find your stance. Then, basic training drills."
"Good start, but I'd suggest a kneeling stance if you plan on using this great sword offensively off the bat. Position your foot pointing forwards and bent, then your other leg behind you as a support, roughly shoulder-width apart, or which feels best. Since strength and speed is your forte, we'll start off with the great sword by your side with a two-handed grip- yes, just like that. From here, you can lead into any upwards slashing movement, or detach the blade within and fight with that, using your great sword sheathe as whatever you deem necessary. Of course, this is just a basic stance to begin with. Find what works best for you."
Bell gulped nervously, next to be judged as he fidgeted in place with his weapon of choice.
His choice was quite controversial in terms of blades, especially considering the Hunter's forte in something they called 'Trick Weapons'.
Originally, the term was coined by one of Gehrman's late friends who acknowledged the trick nature of the weapons he employed, and the name stuck long after he passed.
In this case, the unruly behemoth of a blade his teammate wielded was a replica of Ludwig's Holy Blade, a silver-steel sword encased in a decorated sheathe capable of dealing massive damage. It was beyond just a hunk of iron, but an effective weapon against all sorts of enemies.
It was a common choice from recruits, as well as the [Saw Cleaver], [Battle Axe], and transforming blade-type weapons. What lay in his hands, however…
Elias finished and made his way towards Bell, his eyes lighting up with curiosity and joy.
"A weapon capable of piercing weak points in armour, leaving deep lacerations and boasts high mobility and flexibility with its move set, but lacks range and majority sure-kill attacks," Elias smiled. "It is small, unassuming, but deadly nonetheless even in its most natural form."
"Not many choose a knife as their main choice of weapon, Mr Cranel," Elias continued, aware of the eyes all focused on Bell. "When you have the serrated teeth of a cleaver, the sharp silver of a long sword, the overpowering mass of iron; pray tell, what made you choose a dagger?"
Bell gulped nervously, the Hunter's eyes piercing his body and searching for an answer from within, analysed head to toe with a raw intensity despite his calm expression.
"B-Because it's what I'm best with," Bell mumbled, looking down towards his shoes.
"Head up," and just like before, he found his chin forced upwards by a single, gloved finger. "You are a man, are you not?"
Bell felt his nerves skyrocket despite Elias' goodwill as he struggled to speak.
"…I'm not good with a sword, sir," the young boy continued. "I-I lack the strength to wield normal weapons, and the only thing I have going for me is my agility, but even that is…"
"You have a strong sense of conviction, an honest heart, and know your limits."
Bell's eyes lit up in surprise as Elias smiled down at him.
"Irreplaceable traits that can lead to both good and bad," the Hunter sighed, turning away to address everybody once more. "Bell made the right choice. Of course, you will learn how to wield weapons far beyond your weight-class, but your specialisation is what you should hone to a razor sharp edge."
A pause, then the experienced Hunter smiled.
"Versatility is always welcomed, so if any of you picked weapons due to pressure, do not be afraid to amend your choice."
Some shuffling occurred, and a few amended their choice before Elias began to speak again.
"For those training with heftier weapons, please move to my left," Elias instructed. "Lighter weapons to my right and ranged in the middle. If you are capable of using magic, please stand behind me and-"
A wave of whispers caught Elias attention as he glanced over his shoulder, lips curling as he sighed.
"A quick reprieve," the Hunter ordered. "Take a break for five, then we'll recommence!"
"Yes sir!"
"Now then," Elias crossed his arms, "what brings you here today, Ludwig?"
"A fleeting thought, a guiding whisper," Ludwig of the Holy Blade smiled. "I have been graced with a blessing and a curse; knowledge of the future coming."
Elias lost his smile as Ludwig continued on, his face serious but his words a lofty breeze.
"A small incident will build into a prelude of disaster in the coming years," Ludwig said sadly, caressing his blades hilt. "And Hunters gathered here shall be the prelude, the catalyst, and the solution."
"Another one of your prophecy's then," Elias sighed wearily, recalling his previous adventures. "I'm not fond of crushing them beneath my boot, Ludwig. How sure are you of this one?"
"As sure as day turns to night, how life feeds into death, and as inevitable as one breathing." Ludwig shook his head, eyes reflecting a melancholy sadness. "This one is not so kind, dear friend. Even you will struggle to survive, less the cosmos above and below intervenes."
"What of Orario then?"
"A tittering balance that can be tilted by a fleeting thought. We must all tread carefully, les we fall prey to the darkness waiting to devour us from above."
"I'll keep it in mind," Elias sighed before grinning. "Since you're here, mind teaching the rookies a few tricks? Or are you off to bask in your swords greatness."
"A helping hand I can extend, brother. You need only ask."
"Great," Elias sighed, feeling even more drained than usual. "Just… great."
Another prophecy to add to his list. Another burden, 'Adventure' some Gods called it, to partake on.
It wasn't his first time, but he sure hoped his previous was his last. The Dream, a traditional ritual to undertake, was the opposite of what they called it, and was only supposed to be undertaken once… he had had his fair share of it seven times too many.
A hellish landscape of torturous suffering and vile rituals, hideous and unimaginable eldritch horrors that could only exist in another world; carcass upon carcass of ripped organs and dried blood splattered and layering upon each and every surface of Yharnam like some bloody tapestry that lay festering to rot each and every day.
Hunters were changed by the Dream, but it made them stronger, faster, and more dangerous to a mere dungeon monster, and abnormally so. Normal Adventurers wouldn't stand a chance against a beast, and one of their fears were realised when they found an abomination of flesh and poison presented itself in the deepest layer of the dungeon.
Thus why the Dungeon was locked to certain Adventurers, to protect civilians and weaker Adventurers and to isolate the horrors so the strongest could prepare to fight.
Isolation of information was necessary, for if what he and Gehrman feared truly came to light, and his theory was realised, then the Dream simply wasn't the Dream, but something more vicious, more ancient and beyond mortal comprehension. Ouranous understood and gave him special permissions, and thank the Gods for that.
"Alright Rookies, let's recoup," Elias shouted, clapping his hands once. "Today you'll have a special lesson under his tutelage."
Ludwig stepped up with a natural smile that radiated warmth and a homely comfort, his blade a symbol of his legendary status as it basked the area in gentle moonlight.
Maybe today wouldn't be too bad after all.
Elias Winchester was her Hero.
Of course, it was an open secret amongst their Familia – the Exec's at least – but he inspired her to become the Adventurer she was today.
His awe-inspiring form like a powerful volcano, his swift and beautiful movements that moved like a gentle wind, his voice that flowed crystal clear and his eyes; she was definitely a sucker for his eyes.
Unfortunately, he was taken, but she never saw him in that light... well, anymore at least. However, she was extremely happy when he personally reached out to her to help with teaching some newbies how to fight. Loki wasn't very happy, but a day with Maria quickly extinguished any sort of fight she had left.
To put it in her Goddess's terms: "She's hot! Why wouldn't I take this chance?"
Many wouldn't blame her, but Aiz knew her Goddess was a tad bit… eccentric? Or was it lost? Something where a screw was loose, that's for sure. Her fellow Exec's would agree with her.
Passing through the Hunter's reception, a brief nod and she breezed past, walking directly to the training fields she knew all too well.
Painful and unforgiving, yes, but fond memories indeed. If it wasn't for their kindness, she wouldn't be where she was right now.
It was barely breaking Dawn, the sun barely having crept over the horizon, yet here they were, lined up orderly and awaiting instruction as her Hero stood out in front, looking them directly in the eye as he asked them soft spoken questions with the impact of a fireball.
His words ground them to reality, a much needed humbling adventurers needed before they created a devastating situation due to their arrogance. Many laughed it off, but the astonishing reality was that far too many deaths were caused by the ego of one.
"Team, I invited a special someone to help with your training today," Elias said with a smile, gesturing to her. "Aiz Wallenstein. Today, you'll be trained by one of my protegès."
Aiz would proceed to deny on any and all accounts that she squealed when Elias introduced her, even more so when rumours began to spread that the stoic 'Sword Princess' had a crush on Elias Winchester.
Stepping up to the front with ease, Aiz faced the group of recruits, eyeing their faces of amazement and wonder and comparing it to her first time as one of them.
"Hello. I'm here to give you training."
"Simple as that," Elias clapped. "We'll begin in five. Everybody warm up and be prepared to go."
And with that, Elias turned to face Aiz, a happy smile on his face as he raised a brow inquisitively. Arms raised, he hugged his former student in greeting, earning a few hushed whispers that he ignored in favour of examining Aiz Wallenstein.
"Look at you," Elias gushed, making her feel warm from head to toes. "You're even stronger then the last we met."
"All thanks to you," Aiz said simply.
She still struggled to express her emotions, but was progressing slowly. Elias and Maria were a huge step forward in that, even been granted permission to call them Uncle and Auntie if she wish.
Slightly embarrassing, but something she welcomed. Of course, their relationship wasn't by blood, but something stronger that tied them together.
"You had the strength, we just gave you the tools to utilise it," Elias smiled. "From the looks of things, I'd say you're catching up quickly to us as well! Already an Exec for Loki and a top adventurer; a shame you decided to leave the Guild, just know that you'll always be accepted here."
Ais nodded, shuffling on the spot as she looked out at the recruits.
To her, they were green as day, all excited murmurs and unbidden motivation to train and become a legendary hunter. The day they became fully qualified was the day they truly decided whether to cross the line or not, and until then, they would need to earn her trust and respect.
One does not simply remain naïve and live to be a Hunter. And, from what she could see, there was none in the crowd that passed the qualifications to be a Hunter or Huntress.
Adjusting her simple breastplate, Aiz felt slightly underdressed in terms of armour, but her simple dress and leggings gave her the mobility she desired. The leather armour and utility it provided was handy, but was suffocating for her, restricting her movements and fighting style. She only kept the boots, a gift from Elias that she always wore whenever she could. Of course, she understood when the armour was necessary, but for a simple training session, it wasn't necessary.
Grasping the handle of her blade, Aiz slowly drew it, letting the metal shine brilliantly beneath the warm sunlight as she let her hand drop by her side, ready to be swung and draw blood.
"Today, I want you to test their reactions to an overwhelming opponent," Elias said quietly, standing beside her. "How they fare against overwhelming speed and strength as a group and how they react. Minor injuries are acceptable, but if you have the chance, bruise them up and give them time to think and try strategies. If they're incapable, knock them out or incapacitate them to a certain degree."
As expected of her teacher. His methods were nowhere near as brutal as they once were, but those methods were outdated for a reason.
"Understood."
She waited, and once the required time passed, Aiz raised her blade, the light blinding off the metal before she dashed forwards with such raw speed she essentially disappeared before the air reacted.
And with said speed, she descended from the sky, the sun by her side and glaring down at the recruits as they winced and shielded their eyes.
Her first target was a boy around her age, with white hair and red eyes similar to her mentors. Flicking her wrist, her blade swung towards his neck with ease as his eyes widened.
His reaction was slow. Far too slow.
Hitting him with the flat of her blade, sparks flew as he catapulted off into the distance and she frowned, pulling back on her next attacks that knocked the recruits out easily.
The next few she struck had their world shook, barely conscious as they struggled to their feet, and a few had the gal to try strike her while she was fighting another foe.
There was promise in those fighters.
Deflecting a familiar serrated cleaver, Aiz decided to show off some swordplay and footwork; dismantling the recruit of their weapon in quick precise movements before sweeping their feet from underneath as she bounced back.
An arrow flew towards her, but her connection to the wind, the very air itself warned her when the projectile was notched, a reward for heightening her senses and training her magic to its utmost potential.
So she cut the projectile with her sword, Desperate whistling through the air as she mowed through the remaining recruits.
Greatsword, longsword, serrated blades and axes; all fell to her blade, hand and boot as she made quick work of the remaining recruits. Projectiles were rendered all but moot, and the occasional magic spell projected were dismantled with sheer technique and overwhelming strength.
A yell from behind made her spin and block instinctively, the boy with the white hair holding a short blade with both hands as he grit his teeth, trails of blood running from his forehead.
He had drive, Aiz acknowledged as she forced his knife down and booted him away, watching him roll backwards through the dirt. Expecting him to remain down, her eyes widened slightly as he gasped for air, hands dragging through the dirt and bloodying fingernails as he forced himself up, propping himself on one knee as he looked up.
Determination, Resolve, Courage; she could sense the fragments within him, barely there but lingering regardless. He was hopelessly outclassed, yet a fire burned within his eyes, adrenaline fuelled his movement and despite fear paralysing him to the bone, he pushed on to fight- to survive.
Bell Cranel panted harshly but readied his knife regardless, letting out a war cry as she dashed forward with what energy he had left.
It was an impressive feat, still conscious and capable of fighting in his condition, but his strategic mind was lacking.
Something for him to learn from, Aiz thought idly as she swayed to avoid his desperate lunge before carefully knocking the recruit out, his body falling limp into her arms.
"Who is this?"
"Bell Cranel," Elias answered, and from his tone, she could sense his anticipation. "The Hunter I hope to surpass me."
Aiz blinked.
"Surpass?" Her voice came out awfully weak.
"Indeed," Elias confirmed. "He holds the potential, but whether or not we can bring it out to its maximum is another question altogether." The Hunter smiled, eyes sparkling. "If you desire, you can swing by to help train him."
"Okay."
To observe and train this potential, and also learn from and be by her idol's side; of course her answer was going to be yes!
"Wonderful," Elias said, smiling once more. "Ill let you decide whether or not you inform Loki of your decision. Consider this your responsibility of sorts."
Outward, Aiz's face was still a stony mask, but internally she danced on the spot, elated at the opportunity thrust into her hands.
"Now then, time to wake these younglings up. Can't have them enjoy some downtime just because you knocked them out."
Aiz blushed.
She should've held back more.
Maria did not have a good time.
In fact, it was quite pleasant, considering her partner was none other then Loki.
Say what you will about the woman, she knew how to enjoy time and make sure her companion did so as well.
A much needed break, something nice and refreshing and to help clear her mind from all the duties their 'admin' dumped on her so they could enjoy their merry days doing nothing but praise their superiors.
She was one of their superiors, but for some reason they decided to ignore that simple fact. Regardless, they did need the help. They were always lacking on admin in general to help pick up the pace, so she lent her services.
Ah, she was exaggerating the situation once more in her head. Must be the stress getting to her. She needs another massage.
Waving to the Goddess, Maria stepped away from Loki's Familia Base-home and began making her way through the shimmering streets of Orario, the sunset basking the world in its orange glow as she enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere.
Loki's advances weren't surprising, she received them from countless people despite her relationship with Elias. Instead of being pushy and overbearing as one might expect, the Goddess was instead kind and caring in her own way, unlike the normal persona she usually held.
She had found a friend in the Goddess, surprisingly enough. One she could rely on to chat to and enjoy her time with. Unfortunate it was that she barely had free time to spend with her.
Her boots traversed a familiar pathway, taking her down paved cobble to a building that was never quiet and always bustling with a strong familial warmth, the sound of excited uproar filing the tavern to the brink yet never making it burst.
The Hostess of Fertility, run by Mama Mia and the females she took in as waitresses. Food and drink, both provided with such high quality and modest pricing it was highly regarded as one of the best restaurants in Orario.
Having tasted the higher priced and ludicrously extravagant restaurants in Orario, Maria still found comfort in knowing that the Hostess was her favourite, and much of the Hunter's also came to the same agreement.
And so, when she walked into the familiar tavern noise, a small smile graced her lips as she made a beeline for the booth where her partner awaited with some company.
"Sword Princess," Maria greeted warmly, sliding into the seat beside her. "A pleasure to see you once more."
"Lady Maria," Aiz nodded, trying but failing to express her emotions.
It was nothing new, but she knew the young lady was trying her best. Their other companion was a familiar face in a way, but what was his name again…
"And… Bell, was it? A pleasure seeing you again."
He was easily recognisable, potentially the first and only person seen in Orario with white hair and red eyes; well, for her at least. The name was the hardest part for her to remember as of now, but that was mostly due to how busy she was on a daily basis.
He was peculiar in a way. She hadn't seen his fighting style as of yet, but from what Elias had told her, he was quite the fighter, and held a strong willpower to keep pushing forwards.
"L-Lady Maria!" Bell stuttered as Elias let out a hearty chuckle. "I-It's an honour-!"
"Save your honour," Maria smiled with a slight shake of her head. "It will be wasted on the likes of me."
"Even so-"
"She's right, Bell," Elias interjected. "Honour can cloud your judgement on the battlefield. As a Hunter, it's necessary to rid yourself of such naïve thoughts. Pride, which can be handy from time to time, is more of a hindrance, and will only falter your progress." He gave out another hearty chuckle as he ruffled Bell's hair with a gloved hand. "Of course, have Pride in yourself as a man and such out of battle," Elias continued with a smile. "But in a fight? On the battlefield where such a thing has no place? Discard of it, and utilise the tools available to you when deemed necessary."
Aiz nodded along, listening to her mentor's wisdom as Bell mulled over it in silence, wide red eyes taking in this lesson with such seriousness the Sword Princess couldn't help but fawn over how cute he appeared.
He looked just like a bunny; a snow bunny in fact, and she could easily visualise the ears drooping and perking up with his emotions.
Bell was just so… expressive, that she was curious on how he did it. Maybe he could help her with her own emotions…?
"A lesson from your Seniors," the Hunter sighed, cutting through Aiz's thoughts. "Regardless, you were quite impressive today, Young Cranel. Not many newbies can take a hit from Aiz and keep fighting."
"I-It was nothing, really," Bell blushed, looking down at his hands.
"When someone compliments you, accept it with your head up," Maria smiled, leaning against her hand. "Do not downplay your own achievements and do not let them feed your ego. Aiz is by no means weak, so you are quite strong to be able to take her attacks and keep fighting."
"You are tough," Aiz acknowledged with a nod. "Even when I held back, you didn't get knocked out like the others."
"This wasn't just a lesson about getting the shit beat of you either," Elias said. "What did you learn from this, Bell?"
"Even with bigger numbers, if someone is strong enough it doesn't matter?" He questioned, tilting his head in thought. "With Miss Aiz, her strength was really overwhelming that it didn't matter what we did."
"That is correct, but what else could you have done?" Elias pushed further.
"We could have… ran?"
Elias nodded.
"Of course, running is always an option," the Hunter smiled. "Not every fight are you capable of defeating your opponent, especially if they have overwhelming power." He grinned. "But! A change of location can easily change the tides and even then out or push them into your favour."
"Tell me, Bell," Elias continued. "If you ran and knew Aiz would eventually catch up to you, where would you choose to run? Imagine the scenario is life or death."
"…I would run towards the barracks," Bell frowned, unsure of his own answer. "There should be somebody there training or an instructor that would be capable of helping me."
"What if it was midnight?"
Bell blanched, nearly falling from his seat before he repositioned.
"I-I didn't know it was midnight-, I w-would run to the entrance or dorms-
"And endanger your fellow comrades when they have no idea of the threat?"
Elias clicked his tongue and wagged his finger as Bell slumped forwards.
"From now on, try and improve your spatial awareness, as well as situational advantages and disadvantages," Elias said. "Never ever be afraid to ask questions either regarding any sort of conflict you are obscuring or may have to enter."
"Learning more about Orario and her people will also help," Maria noted idly. "Having general knowledge and gaining connections can solve many a problem we have on the surface and even in the Dungeon."
"Take any and every opportunity to learn, Bell," Elias advised. "No matter how trivial it may seem, knowledge is a powerful tool in our arsenal."
"Keep yer wits about ya, and follow yer gut," Mama Mia said gruffly, setting down four plates. "Don't overthink till yer head explodes neither."
"Mia is an ex-adventurer," Maria explained. "If you ever feel astray, she can set you back straight."
"I ain't no advisor," Mama Mia said gruffly. "If ya ever need to talk, head down and grab a meal. Maybe you'll pick a thing up or two."
Bell was shocked, happiness and relief making him giddy at his wonderful new circumstances.
With such wealth of knowledge surrounding him, such supporting teammates and welcoming environment, he knew he had made the right decision in coming to Orario. His Grandpa's tales may even become true!
"T-Thank you all very much!" Bell shouted, bowing his head and hiding his flushed face. "These opportunities a-and everything… thank you…!"
"There there," Maria said calmly as Elias rubbed Bell's back. "It is what we should – anyone should – really do for those they share their lives with. A Familia is Family, is it not?"
"Family…"
It was something he hadn't considered, up until now.
He had family…. …he had family again.
Right then and there, Bell swore he would never let this family go, right up until his last dying breath.
An oath emblazoned on his heart, the segmented ribbons of fate grew stronger, interlocking into a weak link that held them together.
They had granted him something he'd think he'd never see again, and were welcoming him with open arms; a bond established, a family forged, and a fate set in stone.
That night, Bell cried from laughter, felt extreme embarrassment from teasing, mortified from the stories he heard and left with a wide smile that brightened everyone's mood.
A night of celebration, but also a night that was a prelude to the first calamity that went unnoticed for days.
That night, when the world was silent, Ludwig of the Holy Blade disappeared into the night.
AN:
Soz for extreme slow internet explorer update speeds. Taking as long as I need for deez chapters, so Don't expect consistent uploads.
NEarly been a year too lmao, shows how busy I am with life.