Ch 13: What it means
ENJOY!...
…
Vast open sky with birds flying all about, chirping, and crying moving along the wind. Right above them lied white clouds full of wonder and magnificence with powerful flighters flying even above just moving along without any sense of danger or dread. They flew and flew until disappearing beyond the horizon the next moment. That horizon seemed as if a carpet of blue with brilliant white in the centre separating or perhaps joining the two parts. Over there, it was as if the heavens and earth had connected together. It was as if the sea originated from sky and the sky originated from the sea at that one point.
Long ago there were beliefs that the brilliant light was a pathway to ascendence while others believed it to be the way to immortality. Many braved dangers and tried to find whatever they believed lied on the way only to end up disappearing, never to be seen again. Such were the dangers of this vast, seemingly boundless body of water.
The sky above, the sea below, looked one and the same. If there was a difference, then that would be the atmosphere. If sky seemed perfectly calm then sea was constantly churning, never waiting, never stopping. They were so different but perhaps that was the beauty of it all. They filled what other lacked. One vast, the other deep. One loved, the other feared. They were different but also same.
If looked from high above, one could see a crescent moon shaped stretch of gold. The waves of the ocean washed ashore continuously, bringing with them music of perfect harmony. Just listening to it gave one the peace-of-mind, taking away all worries. Many small silhouettes could be seen moving about here.
There were children playing in sand, building castles and structures of their imaginations using sand only for them to be rolled over by the currents while others would be blown away by sudden gusts of winds in continuous manner. Adults could be seen swimming, running and doing all sorts of things for their entertainment. They had come here by leaving every single worry behind. Just to relax and enjoy.
Over on the other shore forbidden to visitors, fishermen could be seen bringing back the haul while the new ones kept on joining the race. All sorts of fishing ships entered the deep waters one by one. If they had any worry, then that would be how much they could bring back to feed on and nothing else. There was no sense of danger or urgency in their movements and vocals.
The second and largest part of this shore was composed all of structures, big and small. Other then on-land buildings, jetty and quay lined up the entire water way with many ships of huge proportions docked there. This harbour linked the sea of various countries and Orario and was divided into three parts. One for passengers, one for goods while the last was over on the side, mostly empty. That was for VIP's only and couldn't be accessed by just anyone. Day after day, ships of various proportions landed here. Orario was the most famous city in the world and so the amount of traffic moving to-and-fro was massive.
This harbour itself was located in Port melen; a city located south-west of Orario which served as one of the seven connection points of Orario with outside world. The city itself was massive, about half the size of Orario which in-itself was a country called city. The sea shore here was divided into two parts separated by a large distance. A small part was given to visitors for enjoyment purposes with a park just behind while the other part was given to fishermen.
Most of the other sea-connected space was used to make these harbours known far and wide for their size but this was a necessity
Now this didn't mean there was no open space. No in fact there was a lot of open space in the east facing the ocean, surrounded by small rocky hills hiding it from everyone's view.
These rocky hills were only the beginning or perhaps the end of what was known as the 'red mountain range' going farther and farther. This space wasn't utilized for anything and for the most part wasn't known by even the city residents or anyone else. Very few knew of this place and those were individuals who stumbled upon it by chance.
This large body of water surrounded by hills on three sides, which was both connected and disconnected from the rest of the area was known as 'lake Loglog'. It was every bit as big and massive as the harbours area, just empty. There were no structures around and big rock fragments could be seen jutting out of sand from place to place making a sort of boundaries in this beach separating several big and small areas.
One area in particular was festive with small tents lined up on the side with many silhouettes doing what-ever they liked.
"How beautiful. Surrounded by hills with sea in front reflecting sun rays looking just like the most coveted jewel" Hestia it seemed had become a poet lying on mat with sunglasses on looking up front drinking whatever was present in the glasses. From here, she could see her children playing in water. She too wanted to but was afraid. It was more of a trauma than anything which she had developed after getting baptized by an ocean worth of water. Regardless she would have been very happy just lying here enjoying watching her children but, "Everything would have been perfect if only you weren't here, flat board!" she looked to her side looking at someone lying there just like her.
"I share the sentiment, shorty!"
It was Loki. It seemed both familias had made their plans at around the same time and came over as well. This place which was normally unknown to everyone and stayed empty for most right now was bustling with crowd. All sorts of flowers of all races and colours could be seen blooming in the wind, swaying ever so gently. Some preparing snacks while others having water wars.
There were more than 20 females present here most of whom belonged to Loki Familia with some being from Hestia's children.
Even though both were lying parallel to each other without much distance, they still didn't come to blows. Why? Because they already had that session only to be put down by Reveria who threatened both and so the atmosphere was so peaceful.
Regardless. Even if Reveria didn't intervene, Loki would have eventually stopped and why wouldn't she. Her long last wish had come true. "Guhehehe…" she laughed creepily while wiping the saliva off her mouth looking ahead with stars in her eyes. Yes, for her this was indeed the paradise looking at all her favourites in swimsuits.
"Ew! don't be so creepy around me"
"Tch who cares about y…!" she suddenly stopped, looking at Hestia or more precisely her chest. "E-even with those, don't think I'll be tempted" she was the perfect example of saying No and thinking Yes.
"Who even wants you to. Hah! And here I thought you would have gotten better"
"What do you mean better! I have always been pure. Can't you see how innocent I am"
"Grrr…! Know some shame. I feel like punching you in the face"
"And I feel like dumping you in the sea"
"Try it!"
"I will"
They both stood up with fire raging in the eyes. It seemed they would go to blows again but. "Stop it you two. We're here on a vacation so please don't spoil the mood" they were met with another intervention by another elf.
Hestia looked at this newcomer. She had faint impression of her. "Hm. Aren't you that famous 'thousand elf' or something" now she remembered. There weren't many elves as famous as her. If she didn't hear the false rumours, then apparently this girl in front was capable of using every type of elven magic possible. Now that was a great ability to have.
"Yeah…"
"You're much more sensible than this pervert. Why not come with me" if possible, Hestia wanted to recruit all the talented individuals out there. Ofcourse she wouldn't use force
"N-no. I'm better where I am"
"Heyheyhey! Ya think I'm air or somethin'. Tryna steal my child right under my nose"
Hearing that outburst, Hestia shrugged her shoulders replying, "Nothing wrong with asking"
"By the way, Loki. I've noticed something. Why did you bring girls only?"
Hearing that, Loki jumped to her feet scratching her nose. "Now that ya mentioned, I could only bring female members… oh how unfortunate…"
"See what I mean. You still have time. I can save you" Hestia once again turned towards Lefiya who seemed disgusted, but this was nothing new. Loki was the way she was, and nothing could be done about that. She gave them a light node and, "Please enjoy yourselves" left towards Aiz who was just sitting in the shade of the big rocks.
Apparently, Aiz was similar to Hestia, afraid of large quantities of water where her feet couldn't touch the ground. Lefiya who had huge obsession with Aiz went to give her company and to maybe win her heart. Though that was obviously not easy but what better time than now?
Seeing her leave, Hestia once again turned to Loki, asking in questioning tone, "So, why are you here? I doubt guild would just give you permission seeing how strong your familia is"
"Would you believe it if I said it's just for a vacation?"
"Never" Hestia knew how tedious and difficult it was for her and her familia to manage to come out despite being so weak not to mention about Loki. Among those with her, there were some even at lvl 6 and guild would never allow individuals of that level to just come out for picnic. Not to mention, if it was only for vacation, Orario itself had some good places to go to and enjoy.
Hestia familia had to go through many steps just to get this permission and even then, some members had to be left behind as per their regulations. Hestia came over with only five of her children.
These were Zoro, Bell, Lily, Emma and Leo. Others had decided to stay behind due to various reasons. This also met with guild regulations and so they were here but only after completing a set of quests which took around a week. They had to run errands for guild like wiping out some monster hordes gathered on upper floors, gathering some minerals and other materials and what not. On top of that, they only managed to come after proving that this was all for a quest on the seas.
It was difficult even for someone as weak as them but then how did Loki managed to come out with such strong following. It was beyond her imagination
'Something must be up. Such a bad timing. I just hope we won't get swept in whatever they're here for'
She turned towards a side or more like a stone boundary. There were big stones lined up in unnatural manner in straight line right at the very centre of this beach, 'I wonder how he's doing over there. It was his wish' Boys were on the other side which was empty for most part. Afterall there were only three individuals present here but sound of metal clashing could be heard.
Zoro even here was training them There was nothing else for him to do except that. There was only one reason for his presence here and that was to let go. He wanted to start anew but just recently he had started to notice a problem with that. He was living in the past and treating present as just fleeting moments, nothing to worry about. He wanted to leave his past behind and look forward to a new future.
Sure, he'll never forget all those moments he had spent with his family, with his crew. All the adventures they went through and all the hardships they suffered. He would always remember those BUT he couldn't live in those moments, something he had been doing for over four years now after disbandment. He hadn't grown a bit, not as a person nor swordsman. It was as if the time had been stopped for him and he couldn't take a single step forward. Just wandering like a cloud in open sky all day and all night during these past years was his life if that could even be considered life. He had been living a meaningless life for the last four years but couldn't do so now.
Now he had people to look after. Responsibilities to fulfil and a goal to accomplish, to be the best. This was something he kept on reminding himself over and over but never did any actual thing to realize it. Lost in a maze of past unable to breakthrough but now that he had burden to carry which gave him the most necessary push. Goals were necessary in life, but they alone weren't enough. A purpose and a push were needed. One needed to have firm resolve to want it without getting lost on the way which was very easy.
In his life the first push he got was due to his childhood friend Kuina's death. It made him want to become the best no matter the cost and thus he trained and went on a journey to accomplish it but he got lost. There were several reasons. Even though he never forgot that burning ambition, his heart still blazed with fervour but perhaps due to that shallow reputation or simply pride, he though he had already become great which became a bottleneck in his way.
The one who brought him back on the right course was his captain, Luffy and his ultimate goal Mihawk. Both of them gave him a way and a push to keep moving but in right direction and he did. He eventually accomplished his goal, became the best but still trained since he saw a greater height and thus sought after it but he lost his touch once again after disbandment. The ceiling he saw became clouded until completely disappearing. It wasn't that he overcame it, no. Simply he was no longer worthy of even seeing it since he stopped moving forward.
And now was the third time. He once again found his purpose and thus his goal became clear once again. There's a saying, a man matures when carrying heavy burdens and it couldn't be more right. For Zoro, these burdens were what kept him on the line. The people around kept him from losing direction both in and literal sense. Now that he had found a new purpose, a new light so he remerged from his own shadow. He once again started moving in right direction, but past was past, and it wasn't easy to just move on but still he was certain he could. For that to happen, he needed to see this vast ocean at least one time while in this world. This immeasurable stretch of water covered his entire life. It was where he became what he was today. To see it and to re-emerge. To leave his past behind and move onwards.
This was the end of one journey while beginning of another one.
…
Seeing sun starting to go down, Loki stood up, moving towards the amazon sisters. Hestia was right. They had indeed come to do something and the only reason they could come out was because the matter was quite big and serious, so guild had no choice but to allow it.
Even though she was mischievous, she naturally knew the priorities and it was time to start their performance. "Alright. Fun time over. Let's get to work"
"Yeah…" It seemed they wanted to play a bit more especially Tiona, but they couldn't waste any more time. "So, these really are Udine clothes" She examined her swimsuit turning towards her sister. Both the colour and design of their suit was different from others and the feeling they gave was also quite different. Like silk but softer and warmer
"Ofcourse. Even the texture is different from all others"
'Udine clothes' referred to an extremely special brand of clothing made by and only by spiritas. Spiritas were in a word, descendant of spirits. Though thin, Spirit blood ran in their veins allowing them to make things with special effects otherwise impossible. They could turn seemingly useless stuff into gold and much more. Welf could be considered to be a spiritas as well and that blood was what allowed him to make magic swords more powerful than normal.
Spiritas themselves could be divided into various branches depending on the blood of spirit running in them. Udine clothes for-example were made by a spirita with water spirit blood running through his veins.
"But are these genuine? It'll be a problem otherwise" Udine clothes were made for only a single purpose, underwater travels. They could regulate the temperature underwater along with absorbing and providing necessary amount of oxygen to the lungs of whoever was wearing them. So, for those going deep in water, these were a must. No matter how powerful one was, oxygen was an important resource without which even the strongest wouldn't survive five minutes.
"What do you mean?! Ofcourse they're genuine. This is the latest design, not to mention they costed a fortune!" These clothes had costed a fortune and due to her mistake, Loki was forced to buy them using her pocket money. Naturally she wasn't happy about that but since she made a mistake, she ought to pay for it and so Finn forced her to empty the wallet.
"What?!"
"Nothin'. Just go and do what you're here for. Now scram" Loki was just barely holding back her tears. She couldn't and wouldn't embarrass herself, especially not in front of her sworn enemy sitting behind watching her every move.
"Uhm! If you say so" Tione nodded her head and turned towards her sister. "Let's go!" she took the lead followed shortly by Tiona. Both sisters had short swords sheathed on the waist. These were for emergency purposes since this mission could turn dangerous any moment still, she would do it. Afterall, her beloved Finn had given her a mission and she would fulfil it even if it costed her life.
Loki turned back and sat down with eyes on the deep sea. All other members too stood up and had readied their equipment. It seemed as if they were preparing for a fight of their life. Tension could be felt in the air.
Lili and Emma came back from water, confused at the situation taking place in front. Why had the atmosphere suddenly turned so serious when it was jovially just a moment ago.
"What happened Hestia-sama" Even though she was looking at Hestia, her question was in fact directed at Loki who stood nearby. Lili knew something was off seeing such powerhouses being able to be allowed outside but now it seemed the situation was direr than expected.
Rather than answering her, Hestia turned towards Loki "So I was right. What exactly are you doing here?"
"Just some exploration" Loki replied nonchalantly with eyes fixed on the Horizon from where a shadow could be seen approaching at moderate pace.
Seeing her gaze, Hestia too turned towards the Horizon, "Hmm… wait! Is that a ship! But how come? I thought no one except us knew of his place" Hestia knew about this place through guild. Guild had assigned them a quest as the final price for coming out. Naturally if successful they would get a lot of bountiful rewards from guild.
"And who said tha-? …wait! How did you come to know of this place?" It suddenly dawned on her. Loki herself had to do a lot of research and asking from guild until eventually finding the presence and importance of this place. This wasn't just a hotspot anyone could visit.
There was a dungeon entrance here, to be more precise a sealed dungeon entrance and Loki Familia came to investigate that. It was present deep inside the sea, not easily accessible. Guild allowed them out because of various happenings around this area. Naturally they were worried if something had happened to the seal even though nothing should have affected it. Still be cautious than late and if the seal truly was damaged then yes. Strength was needed to keep things under control and Loki familia had brought said strength.
So now the question was, how did Hestia know of this place? It was obvious she had no idea about the seal or whatnot.
"I… have my sources" she would be a fool if she didn't figure things out by now. Even though she didn't know the exact details, this place was definitely special. Guild had given them a quest here and yet hid the importance of this place. Probably because they would never expect Hestia Familia to go deep down. Something was definitely there but Hestia wouldn't interfere. If even Loki Familia was tense then the problem should be pretty big, not something her tiny familia could take part in or handle. It was better to just leave here.
She looked towards horizon one last time and then turned to Lili and Emma. "Let's go. Zoro should have dealt with his matter by now"
Just when she was about to leave, Loki familia members suddenly exclaimed leading her to turn back and was stupefied. Suddenly a head emerged from water, rising up followed by the two sisters. It moved and eventually wrapped the shadow which had come quite close. It was a ship and quite big one in size, enough easily hold over three hundred individuals and yet it was entangled by this snaky-flowery like monster. The monster opened its mouth just about to chow down on it.
"Careful!" all of them involuntarily screamed out only to be silenced in the next instance. A girl, amazoness flew out of the ship and went directly for monsters' jaws. She looked extremely skinny and small when compared to that monstrosity and yet she fitted herself in its mouth in-between jaws, keeping it open and in the next instance, teared it off with pure brute force.
This was a bewildering sight. It was hard to discern of who was truly the monster here. This new amazoness was quite tall with good body proportions and yet now she looked like devil, covered in all that blood
"This!" Lily and Emma couldn't stop gapping at this brutality. Hestia swept her gaze over that distant ship and finally turned back, "let's go" they had nothing to do here.
…
"So, this is the cave we are to investigate?"
Hestia Familia could be seen standing in front of a cave entrance. Hestia herself wasn't present and neither was Zoro. There were only Bell, Lily, Leo and Emma here. Hestia stayed behind in the inn and Zoro stayed with her as a bodyguard.
The quest they received from guild was to map out this intricate cave system in red hills as much as possible and report their findings. It seemed easy but no one knew how big this was or how long it'll take.
Emma looked around the cave. It was dark, illuminated by lantern in each of their hands. These lanterns were powered by magick stone spreading light within small circumference. This cave was quite spacious inside with high ceiling and think walls. Several pillars could be seen standing on equal distances along with markings for roads. Although these marking were for the most part disappeared with time. All in all, this didn't seem like a natural structure, rather it seemed it had been man-made, "I wonder who built this and why?" There must have been a reason for making this. A lot of hard work and manpower should have been put into this entire project.
"Not certain since it was built a long time ago. But according to Lili's research, it was built as a refugee camp for people. Though that could only be a story. Who knows…?"
"…Hm… but… why would guild ask us for this?" regardless of whatever it was in the past, in current this place didn't seem to hold much value. These were outside Orario and quite a distance away from Port Melen so wouldn't have any direct affect there and yet they were asked to map this. For what purpose? Leo couldn't understand.
"Obviously the real purpose is something else. If Lily is not wrong, then some sort of shady stuff must be happening here or atleast guild has suspicion of some kind so in the guise of mapping, they want us to find a proof of it."
"OR… it could be something else."
Hearing their conversation, Bell had thoughtful look but eventually shook his head. "Regardless, let's focus on what we're here for and be careful. You remember that long flowery monster, right? There could be more of those in here" That monster, no. That scene in particular had given him a shock. If he wasn't wrong, then that monster should be somewhat equivalent to lvl 3 - lvl 4.
'How could a monster of that strength be found outside? I've heard of monsters existing outside but never this strong! And with Loki familia here, exactly what is going on?' He tried to think of several possible solutions but arrived at no answer.
"Yeah. We have to be careful, though Lili doesn't think we'll encounter something like that here. I mean that one looked like an aquatic one to me. Still, we shouldn't move about alone. Bell-sama, you take Leo with you and Lily will take Emma. Let's split up but remember the way back. We don't want to get lost in this maze" Lily had a lot of experience in this field. She had in fact even did the mapping several times while on adventures. The main reason was to escape in case of any danger and also in case of other stuff she used to do. Anyway, up to seven ways could be seen upfront which could easily be divided into many more branches ahead. They naturally wouldn't scour the entire cave system but however much was possible within timeframe. There was no penalty for failure anyway.
"Let's meet back here within two hours" Bell as the leader in this party instructed and moved forward towards one entrance with Leo in tow only to be stopped. Someone was holding on to his shirt. He looked back to see. It was Emma holding something in her hand
"Please take this with you and sprinkle it on the floor. It should help us from getting lost" She was holding whitish heavy powder. It seemed she had a lot of this stuff in that backpack.
"Sure. Thankyou" the idea never even crossed his mind. Bell had very strong sense of direction and great memory. On top of that, a lot of experience in dungeon so he never used stuff like this. More like he didn't have a need for this and the same applied for Lili.
Looking at this powder, a single though rang in his mind '…I should give some of this to Zoro. Not sure he'll ever use it but…'
"Yeah… not possible" both Bell and Lily spoke up at the same time. It seemed they both were thinking the same thing, but this stuff would be useless in dungeon. One redeeming quality that the dungeon had was the fact that it kept itself clean so no garbage or any other stuff could ever be found inside. From that perspective, it was less like a monster den and more like a lady who cared for her looks.
"Anyway. Let's go"
And with that they split up in party of twos.
'How long is this going to take?' and with that fleeting though Bell entered one of the branches and disappeared into the darkness.
…
"They should be coming back soon" Hestia whispered to herself while sitting in balcony from her floor gazing outside at the sunset. It had been quite some time since others left to complete the quest. Or perhaps this was just the beginning. They were here for only three days, and they would cover whatever possible within such timeframe. Weather it was enough or not didn't matter.
"Things seems to be heating up, especially for those two" Zoro too was just beside her. He had just woken up from a nap and was here for some open air. Unlike Hestia, his attention was focused on Loki Familia's group. They had booked an entire inn just in front. He had seen the two sisters bicker and leaving.
"Yeah… No matter. Let's just focus on our own things. Oh look. They're back… but…" Bell and others could be seen returning. Lili and Emma seemed fine but both Bell and Leo looked ashen faced as if they had seen something they weren't supposed to.
It didn't take long for them to arrive in the inn. What was surprising was the fact that Bell didn't even greet Aiz who was clearly standing there. This was strange. He looked lost
Even after coming back to the room, Bell and Leo didn't say anything. They just sat down to perhaps get their thoughts in order
"What happened?" Hestia and Zoro asked Lili simultaneously. Since Bell didn't seem to be in condition to speak up, only the other two could help.
"Lili doesn't know. We had split into two groups and Bell and Leo were together. We don't know what happened but… we heard a large blast and immediately came over. The walls around were ruined, with everything char black and Bell-sama was there just standing with Leo"
"Yes! Vice-captain only said one word, 'let's leave immediately'. His face was scary an-" she was interrupted "I'm fine" it was Bell. It seemed he had finally gotten his thoughts in order
"So?!" Zoro came forward, asking him to explain
"We… saw c-corpses and…and... there were men and woman… and children chained to the walls. Their… bodies were in extremely bad shape but…"
"…"
"…there were… also many skeletons strewn about. There… was also a red circle on the floor… and on the walls… and on the ceiling. Th-then…then we saw something. Some individuals with strange weapons in hands appeared. Those men started chanting some strange words and then… they… started killing the chained ones. Not all were dead even though they seemed to be but-"
Hestia suddenly waived her hands in front of him erratically, "Stop! Stop! stop! Enough!? I get it… That was probably some sort of demonic ritual"
"Demonic ritual…!?" this time it was Zoro's time to be stunned. This term was rather famous and even used in the world he came from. Although he never saw one himself but from descriptions, it seemed to be something just… pure evil.
"Yeah… I can't tell you much but… just know that there are beings known as 'daemons' living in the darkest depths and shadows of this universe and… they ask for living sacrifices from mortals using lies and flowery words, showing them dreams of immediate great power in return for their humanity. You know, like dreams of immortality and what-not. This act for them is just a game which doesn't benefit anyone including themselves. They just like to spread chaos. In short, they are evil simply for the sake of being evil. Though not all but many"
"Are they like celestials" Lily too was stupefied from Bell's description, but her interest was piqued by Hestia's words. She wanted to know even more now
"Yeah… in a way I guess!"
"I see…"
"Ha~h! I didn't know they had started acting again"
"You said something?"
"No. Nothing. Don't… ask me any more questions. Just know that they can't freely act in the world. What you saw was probably just one and only instance. There shouldn't be more. Atleast I hope not"
Zoro turned towards Bell. That must have been a shock, to see his fellow beings doing that. Still he needed to know something, "Hm… so! What did you do?"
Hearing this question, Bell felt blood gushing through out his body at extreme speeds. He felt like vomiting again but managed to control the impulse, though just barely.
He looked at his trembling hands before covering his face in them, finally speaking, "I was just so angry that I… couldn't control myself and…and…and…"
That was enough for Zoro. It was already obvious from what Lili said in the beginning, but he just wanted to confirm. He patted his shoulders before saying in comforting tone, "Take some rest and don't blame yourself. Just remember, they were nothing more than monsters coated in human flesh"
"Yes…" He weakly replied and lied down right then and there. Perhaps some sleep might do some good.
Leo on the other hand had seen it all. He wasn't concerned what Bell did to them. They deserved it but still what they did to the innocent… "I think… we should report it or atleast tell the families of the deceased that they have been avenged" he wanted to do so himself if possible.
"Fine" Zoro then turned towards a corner "You heard all that right? Come out" it seemed as if he was talking to just walls, to empty air. Other members also turned towards there and noticed something very strange. Even though no one was there but still, that side was a bit too dark atleast when compared to the rest.
"You were aware?" and a voice was suddenly heard scaring the hell out of everyone present. No one was there and yet someone spoke, and this voice was… strange to say the least. It was like a blend of a man and woman and yet neither of them.
"It wasn't difficult. Just with a bit of attention and anyone could have noticed that anomaly"
"You're indeed exceptional." Someone appeared in front of everyone. Their body was fully covered in robe hiding whatever was beneath.
"Tell me, oh master of blade! Why did you not strike when you were aware of my presence?"
"I didn't feel any ill intent and… you appeared at the same time as Bell and others so just a hunch but… you're from guild. RIGHT?" Even though there was hunch, there was no proof.
"No need to ask. Ouranos's breath is all over him. He should be someone closely related to that old man"
"Indeed, Lady Hestia. I work for Ouranos"
"Were you aware of this incident?" Hestia squinted her eyes looking at him with imposing glare. If they were aware of these happenings, then why did they not stop them?
"No. I wasn't. People were just disappearing and after a lot of research, we found a clue leading to the caves in red hills. We were just about to move but then Hestia familia came along so…"
"So, you decided to use us for this endeavour? My children are traumatized by these events you know! How are you going to pay us back?"
"…"
"Not going to answer? Well, whatever. I'll just ask Ouranos for compensation directly"
"Let me ask you something. If not us then why did you appear here" Zoro had an inkling of the answer but he still wanted to her it from his/her mouth.
"It's obvious isn't it. Hehe… you came to keep an eye on Loki familia?"
"…"
"RIGHT?!" Hestia asserted her dominance in voice only,
"…"
But he was stubborn. After looking at him for a time, she shrugged her shoulders, "Fine. Stay mute for all I care but I suppose our quest is over since this must have been the main objective. To investigate and find clues to missing people"
"Yes"
"So you finally spoke! We're not going back. Since I'm here and there's no longer a quest, I'm just gonna enjoy this trip" Even though she seemed to be in good mood, her expression spoke another story altogether. All in all, she immediately wanted to return since things especially in regard to Loki familia were turning grim. It could become dangerous anytime, but she decided against it. She wanted Bell and Leo to stay here and get better. The emotional scar especially for Bell was a bit too deep. He suddenly confronted completely different kind of darkness and even did something he never though he would.
Going back now and diving in dungeon was definitely not the right choice now. Perhaps by staying under the sun, in open with seas all around would lighten their mood and heal that scar, though it didn't seem easy.
Fels suddenly came forward and said in quite tone, "… in light of your help, please allow me to give you a warning. Be careful" and he disappeared without explaining anything.
"Che- so annoying?" Both Emma and Hestia spoke up at the same time. They both hated this half-half information
Zoro: "Anyway, better earlier than late. It's good he's experienced the brutality of those he considered his kind earlier on. Atleast now he won't just have that black and white worldview that all monsters are evil and all races are good so it's better this way. He also took his first crucial step so I'm on board with this"
Hestia: "Sure, but now we have to work extra hard"
Zoro: "Don't worry. He posses strong will. It shouldn't take long for him to get back to normal"
"I sure hope so" Hestia couldn't help but being anxious but now wasn't the time. Night had already arrived. Whatever they were going to do would happen tomorrow.
…
Hands. A lot of black hands were crawling out of the ground, screaming in pain, agony and fury. They moved and moved until surrounding the albino boy standing at the centre of this massive field. They inched closer noticing which the boy ran. He ran and ran and ran, never stopping. Never looking back. He tried to speak but the lips didn't move. He tried to fight but lacked the courage. The only thing he could think of was to run and run and that's exactly he did.
Not long before, he saw a hut. It was strange especially in this vast field. Without thinking twice, he jumped in closing the door behind catching his breath.
"Welcome" he suddenly heard a greeting and looked up. There stood a man smiling and welcoming him but seeing him horrified the boy. There was nothing, no legs, no arms no torso. Only the head and he wasn't alone. There were others like him in this small house similarly smiling possessing only the head.
"Do you remember?" the smile suddenly contorted, turning into hideous laughing. The head looked at the terrified boy, inching ever closer. The body on the other hand was paralyzed, unable to do anything
"you killed me"
"I didn't" he spoke. He finally managed to speak and managed to move.
"Why did you kill me?"
"I didn't" He spoke and ran outside. The field was gone, replaced by endless darkness and red. Everywhere was red but he didn't stop and plunged into it
"What had I ever done to you"
"I didn't"
"Come. Stay with us"
"Become one with us"
He ran and ran until…
"Hah… hah… hah" Bell suddenly woke up in dead of the night, covered in sweat looking around frantically.
"A… dream. Just a… dream" He slumped back. Everyone was already asleep and as for him, perhaps he could no longer sleep tonight. Not after that nightmare.
He got up and silently went out so as to not disturb others. He went to the balcony and jumped towards the roof. He wanted fresh air more than anything else and roof was the best choice. It was slanted but no matter. Bell sat there, looking towards the sky. It was full twinkling stars with full moon shining amidst them.
Breathing in the fresh air while looking at this scenery calmed his nerves down by quite a bit. He looked towards his hands, the hands he used to kill. This was first for him. Both seeing the men doing such evils and killing them. It was still vivid in his mind of how he jumped out and started attacking them in pure rage. By the time he calmed down, everything was gone. The chained ones were already on deaths door, so they didn't survive an instant longer. As for those others who killed, were wiped out by him. His body covered in blood and flesh just stood there until eventually he decided to remove everything and so he charged and blew everything to smithereens.
After that, he went to see, took a dive in and stayed there for quite a bit. All the blood was washed away by salty water, but he still felt it. On his arms, on his legs and on his entire body. He tried to forget but just couldn't.
Suddenly sensing a gaze, he looked forward "Oh!" exclaiming. There, just like him sat someone at the slanted roof of front building. Golden eyes were firmly locked onto him. He didn't know how long he had been stared at, but the watcher didn't even flinch. He could sense complain in those eyes as if she was blaming him for something he wasn't aware of.
Still he mustered up enough courage before waving towards her, "Hello! Miss Aiz…" and got no response.
'Is she in sleep?' such absurd thoughts crossed his mind, but he rejected them. Yes, some people had problem of sleep walking, but Aiz wasn't among those, and he knew that since they had slept together on that wall after every session of morning training a while back.
'Is she angry at me? But why?' he didn't know neither could he understand. Aiz looked at him and suddenly stood up. She jumped towards this roof and landed so lightly that not a single noise could be heard. She came beside him and sat down
"Miss Aiz…" he didn't know what to say.
Aiz looked him in the eyes and the suddenly started stroking his hair, patting his head. This might look intimate, but Bell got the feeling that she was treating him like a child, a feeling he didn't like.
And why was she doing this anyway, 'It's really hard to understand her' she looked angry just a moment ago and now was soothing him suddenly. All of this was beyond his comprehension
"Why are you here Miss Aiz?"
"…" Aiz didn't answer and just looked at him as if asking him the same question
"I… just had a strange dream so came over to get some open air. What about you"
"Couldn't sleep"
"I see…"
Both of them came over due to not being able to sleep but the reasons were completely opposite. Aiz suddenly dreamed of her parents, of her happy childhood while Bell just had the worst nightmare. Complete opposite but the same result.
It was strange, really.
"Um…"
"…Yes?"
"Have you ever… killed a person?"
"…" Aiz looked at him blankly not quite understanding. Why would he ask such a question and so suddenly?
She averted her gaze from him, looking at the sky "…I did…a long time ago"
"Uhm! Can I… ask the reason?"
"They were… bad people. Others called them evilus. They took so much from so many and they… went after my friends"
"I see…" Bell too turned his gaze towards the sky as if mimicking her. Evilus? He had heard of them. Apparently about ten years ago, they had started to cause havoc and destruction and reached their peak around five years ago. That's also when they were put to close by various powerful familias in Orario. It was natural for Aiz to have fought them since she was part of Loki Familia back then.
"How did it feel"
"Nothing really… They were monsters acting as people so" even though she said that her eyes conveyed a different tale. Perhaps she regretted her actions or atleast was remorseful of them.
But her words reminded him of what Zoro told him, those he killed were monsters clad in human flesh. Their viewpoints were so similar, and Bell understood the reason. He too understood this fact but weather he accepted it or not was another story.
"Do you think I shouldn't have killed or should have felt something?"
"No no" Bell shook his head, "I have no right to comment on that since I wasn't there" that was something he wasn't aware of so naturally he would not say anything about those actions.
"Do… Do you hate me… for this?" Aiz seemed to be on the verge of tears. For her Bell was someone precious, a friend but different from others. She didn't know how to explain it but she saw her former self in him. She didn't know what she would do if he too came to hate her like many others.
Hearing that, Bell jumped to his feet, "What!? No. I certainly do not" waving his hands around as if to make sure she knew.
Aiz couldn't help but smile a little with small Aiz inside her jumping around. Now there was one more person who accepted her despite knowing those facts and that made her happy.
After some time his mood calmed and he sat back downcontinuing the conversation "Truth be told, I just killed someone. People just like me. They too should have their families, their homes, their reasons so… so…"
Aiz looked at him, shocked by this proclamation. Bell had actually killed a person, why? When? How?
She suddenly reached out her hands and removed the bangs covering his eyes looking straight into them for a good while. After some time, she settled down heaving a sigh of relief.
His eyes weren't glazed over. They were still as clear and as pure as she remembered, perhaps the shine was somewhat dimmed but atleast he didn't fall into madness like many others do. He didn't change and that was for the best.
Now what to do now. She didn't know. She looked inside asking the same question from little Aiz but gained no response.
'Wait!' she suddenly thought of something. Did Riviera not teach her an art to sooth. She had tried it once with Bell and it was quite embarrassing, but she was fine if it was Bell. She used her hands to clear away any non-existing dirt on her laps and motioned to him to come and sleep.
"What!? Nononono. I'm fine, really." Bell backed off a bit, but Aiz suddenly grabbed hold of him.
"Wait! What are you doing?" Aiz didn't listen to anything he had to say. She knew he would run away like before but this time she wouldn't allow it and so she forced his head on her laps.
Bell was flustered red from this. Really. Just what was going on through this blockhead's mind. He was saying something so serious and yet this was the result. The atmosphere changed too fast for him to adapt.
"Miss Aiz…" he once again called only to find her glaring at him. Finally, she opened her mouth, "Aiz… that's what those close to me call me. So, Just Aiz" was this a threat. Perhaps she didn't mean to but from where he stood, this indeed seemed like a threat. Regardless, she called him 'someone close' which made his heartbeat reach the next level until eventually calming down. He lied there on her laps for who knows how long.
When he opened his eyes, it was already morning and, "she's gone! Or maybe all that was just a dream?" he was in his own room on his own bed. If what he saw was true, then he wouldn't be here so it must have been a dream.
"How was your sleep" Zoro suddenly asked him seeing those opened eyes and hearing that muttering.
"Huh… oh captain. Yes. I'm feeling much better" he felt energetic even more than usual
"Ofcourse you are sleeping like that. If I'm not wrong, she's your dream girl"
"…Dream girl?"
"What? You don't remember."
"What?"
"…"
"I brought you down from roof in the morning. You were sleeping like a child on that girls laps and now you don't remember?"
It took time for these words to register themselves, "WHAAAAT!? S-so that wasn't a dream"
"Wake up. Usually, it would be time for morning training but, just do what you want during these two days"
Bell still seemed to be in shock but was definitely registering it in his mind. After getting his thoughts in order, he replied to Zoro, "Yes captain"
"Hm… good. Let me give you just one advice. Do not think about others having family or whatnot. Everything, every action has a consequence regardless of one's background. Do not think that you killed someone. Think of their actions, analyse them and then decide weather or not that was the right decision. Think of how many you saved and how many you avenged"
"Remember, never ever regret your actions. Once you've decided firmly then go for it. You want to be a hero, do you not? Those heroes too need to go through many tribulations and make tough decisions. Make your will firm and stay with it"
"Alright that's enough. Now go and en-"
(BAAM!) Zoro was interrupted by a loud noise from outside. It sounded as if a blast had occurred destroying many things in result.
"What happened" Zoro along with Bell and Leo ran went towards the balcony to have a look. Down below, two amazons were at each other's throats throwing punches and kicks in rapid succession. One of these amazoness belonged to Loki familia but who was this other one?
To be able to fight on par with lvl 6 meant they too must have been at lvl 6 atleast
"This is… interesting"
….
END
It took a long but finally I had some free time so wrote away whatever came to mind
Anyway. How are you fellows these days. Thanks for continuous support. it really helps motivating me to write more.
So this one turned out to be a bit longer than usual but that's fine by me. I Was going to cover this entire arc of melen in three chapters and am going to stay true to that. This was first with two more remaining until moving towards the red-light district.
Next chapter will mostly be about the first interaction with some fan favourite characters and a lot, I mean a lot of fights. Perhaps the next chapter won't have much content other than fighting and fighting.
I've established everything in this one and have taken a drastic step forward. I wanted to wait for a bit before moving in that direction but why not now? But don't worry, his character wouldn't be affected too much. Yes, his though process will definitely change somewhat but he'll still remain the Bell Cranel we all know and love
So that was all I really had to say. Do continue to support me and I'll continue to update the story
REGARDS