A/N

So I have finally come back, as stated in the profile update I have begun a rewrite for my story 'Of Red and Gold'. I will continue work on this starting after the 5th and my large update to my other story. While this may not be a very long chapter it hopefully gives some explanation as to what is to come and will allow things to make more sense as I build the story, something I felt was entirely lacking previously.


Five figures gathered atop the building watching as adventurers tried to keep the hordes spilling from the mouth of the tower at bay. Ashes littered the grounds and the sound of dying creatures and people mingled with the offset explosions of magic slaughtering anything in its way. A gust of wind followed an angered howl from the dungeon, blowing the stench of blood and death over the entire area. Just another gruesome reminder to all who had been fighting for hours of what would be to come if they could not win.

Bell watched a particularly large explosion wipe half the courtyard clean, only for it to begin flooding with monsters once again.

"Twiluna, please send the signal. Orario has fallen and we cannot keep the monsters at bay. Send the Familia out to the large cities to fortify and keep them safe."

"What will you do?"

"I will take those willing and hold them back to give you all a chance to escape. Now please, go and spread the word. Goodbye."

Bell watched as tears welled up in her eyes. He took a step forward and gave her a hug before turning and diving down into the plaza.

"Zeus Familia! On me. We must push these monsters back. We will be the sword and shield for the people and Familia of Orario. Those of you who can heal take the wounded and low-level members and get the rest of our Familia out. Follow Loki Familia and they will take you to safety. As for those of you staying, let's show these monsters what true adventurers can do. This will be our last big adventure!"

Bell smiled as roars and cheers rose up from his Familia to rival those of the charging monsters. As he unsheathed his weapon he couldn't help but let his smile grow. This was going to be one big adventure so he would damn sure it was a good one.

Lifting his sword to the sky he began

"One hundred days and nights.

Hammers and anvils form a choir.

As blood stains, the skies, and dwindling stars expire.

From smoke and ash, we rise. Strike up chords of ice and fire.

No sacrifice shall be in vain.

On a holy night, the skies have been stained.

Our coming prophesied, wielding blades of steel and light.

A pure spirit sealed inside.

We have worn our heavy hearts. Like fabric is torn and tattered.

We shall fight to the end until torn apart. But our spirit never shattered.

From the ashes, resurgence. We shall cleanse this land with storm and fire."

All across the plaza, a soft light began to travel before wrapping around each person. Their weapons resharpened. Their armor was mended. And all-around cheers went up as they felt their wounds close and their strength return. Once again each warrior pushed forward, further determined to win and survive.

Bell's spell finished with a thunderous explosion as all the leftover power rushed out into the courtyard electrocuting all the monsters in the courtyard with a massive flash.

"You always did have one hell of a way with words and being able to motivate them you know Bell." His father, the captain of Zeus Familia appeared at his side, slashing monster after monster.

"Well, I always did have a great role model."

"Keep that silver tongue to yourself boy, and focus on the battle in front of you. Remember what is behind us, and push forward with everything you have. We must not fail."

Both father and son took up blades once again to push into the fray.

Bell felt another smile creep onto his face. In that moment everything was so utterly simple. The only things that mattered were his weapon, his friends, and his opponents. But in an instant, he became serious as an obsidian soldier raised its weapon while advancing toward him.

Jumping, he fell and slammed his foot into the monster's neck, forcing it to fall before slamming his shield down through into its magic stone. With only a moment to look up, he was forced to brace himself with his sword as a black rhino slammed its club down.

Bell blinked as his father appeared from behind the ash.

"Focus child. Now is not the time for mistakes. Always remember, your life is not your own as a leader or as a hero. You must fight for them if not for yourself." He swung his sword in an arc behind him bisecting several monsters. "Now, are you ready?"

Bell grinned again, "Why of course."


After what felt like hours, Bell felt a change in the monsters. They all began retreating back into the dungeon.

"Alright, the lot of you all need to get out of here. I will stay and hold them off with Bell." Bell nodded in agreement with his father.

"WhAt?" "No way!" "Oh hell no" "But why?"

"Silence" Everyone became quiet, terrified to incur the wrath of Bell's Aunt.

"I thank you all for the sentiment, but you are all still needed. Our Familia will be leaving Orario, along with the rest. But remember this if nothing else. You have one singular job now. To protect those who cannot protect themselves. After today we will be living in a dangerous place so make sure you do a damn good job and keep everyone safe. Now go."

Bell watched as his father finished speaking, moving to his side and sheathing his sword. Only a handful of them remained. Everything was silent but an eerie sense of doom loomed over all who remained.

Suddenly the silence was shattered by a roar. The Earth trembled beneath them as the sky shook and blazing gouts of fire broke from the clouds smashing into the plaza. Half the plaza instantly turned molten and those who were too close screamed as their armor melted with them inside.

Bell glared towards the massive black shape that dwarfed the Babel tower as it dropped from the clouds. Its massive head swung around to reveal two piercing purple eyes staring at the pair of adventures who still stood before it. A deep rumbling sound tore from the dragon.

Both men felt pure unbridled fury as realization dawned on them that it laughed at their suffering and dying friends and family.

A deep grating voice spoke as the rumbling stopped, "So, you ants truly believe yourself capable of stopping someone like me? What pitifully stupid creatures you are." Its voice boomed.

Bell was about to retort as his father spoke, "Bell, I am sorry but one day, you will understand what I am about to do."

Suddenly Bell felt all control of his body leave him.

His father caught him and lowered him slowly toward the ground. He propped Bell's shield underneath him before taking a stand and unsheathing his own weapon.

"But… Why…"

"I do this in hopes for the future. Go and live. He watched as his father walked towards the dragon before a white material covered him and sealed him away from the world.