A Rabbit and his Robot: Path to Ascension
DanMachi Fanfiction Self Insert
Summary: Reach the end and you will receive a reward beyond your imagination. That's all I could recall before falling asleep and waking up in a new world and a new body with powers. And who am I to deny a challenge? Especially for great power as a reward? Now, just how am I going to do it? Huh, this place seems familiar. Dungeon with deadly monsters inside? Okay. Adventurers go in and make money? Mmhmm! Gods walking among mortals and making familias? Familiar. Oh? Is that a familiar rabbit themed protagonist over there? Even more familiar! DanMachi! Well? Why not! Let's shake things up!
Note: There might be some OOC-ness and some liberties I've taken.
Rated M for Mature, Gore, Blood and Adult Themes
Arc One: A new story begins
Chapter One: A chance for new adventures
*Tatatatatatatatatat~
"I see it in you."
*Splish! *Splash!
"A great desire to be above the rest."
*Crackle! *Boom!
"An everlasting hunger for more."
*Click *Clank!
"Reach the end and you shall receive a reward beyond your imagination."
*Tatatatatatatatatat~
"I await you there, at the bottom and end of the world."
*Crackle! *Crack!
"Forward…forward." I mutter to myself as I keep walking through the heavy rain.
It's been at least a few hours now since I woke in this early morning darkness, surrounded by trees. Garbed in a large light-grey colored cloak which covered most of my body and frame, and a hood which covered my head from the rain. Woken up in a completely different place or rather a completely different world, if the monsters I faced earlier were any hint. Woken up in a completely different body as well, since the first thing I noticed when I woke up was that I was unusually tall I was. A good eight-foot compared to my five-foot-seven in my organic body. I was as tall as an Elite from Halo, go me! Anyways, the new body really helped when I needed to kill those monsters earlier. So easy and simple, more so with my new body. The night vision mode helped immensely too, made it easier to find them and kill them. No different than butchering farm animals for food and profit. Well other than not being equipped with anything and not being paid, I just crushed, ripped and teared until all were dead and I was the last one standing. It was morbidly easy, we're all just watery meat bags after all. Don't know why others throw, maybe plot armor but who knows. Did I feel anything? No really, might be my new body making me null to extreme gore and violence, that might help, I guess? They left some trinkets too. Ten shiny rocks of some sort. I took them, might be valuable though they were puny compared to my hand. Though that might be because I'm much larger than before, I'd say human finger sized gems. They looked familiar but I can't quite put the pieces together. They vanished when I had a thought of storing them somewhere, a small screen had told me that they were stored in some digital space that I had. Very useful, kind of like hammer space.
"Hmmmmm…" I hum to myself.
I raise up my left arm and a long robotic mass of metal greets my sight. Sleek silvery white metal mass with an occasional glowing line of energy which formed as my arm along with skeletal looking hand and long and sharp digits. I clench my fingers briefly and then watch as I mentally command my hand to spin in a complete three hundred sixty degrees rapidly, like a morbid drill. My abnormally long and pointed fingers were already very effective weapons, especially for stabbing or clawing at things. A literal hand drill just adds another avenue of attack that I can perform. My cloak briefly flares back from a small gust of wind, revealing my mechanical torso which was supported by a slightly glowing spine. I could also feel a weight on my back, a power pack of some sort perhaps. My equally mechanically humanoid lower body too was exposed from the gust, long silvery white metal legs drifting in and out from the confines of the cloak. My arms and legs were unnaturally large and long compared to my small body. Another thing which will make me stand out if I do encounter people. Hopefully they don't try to stone me for being an abomination. Who knows, we'll wait see once we get to that bridge.
"Hmph, wonder when the rain will stop?" I murmur as I look upwards.
I sigh as I let the rain pelt my face and eyes, unflinchingly. Helps when your face is also made of some synthetic and metallic material and your sense of touch is dulled to some extent, and not needing to blink to keep your eyes moist. My robotic eyes had an advanced heads-up-display, taking all the details that I could never have with my organic body down even to the microscopic things. I no longer need to even breathe, yet I do out of reflex and instilled instinct as an organic meat bag. I no longer even feel the soreness or exhaustion of my formally physically taxed body from the grueling days of work. Robots were already super strong, they don't tire or need rest, they just keep going. A plus I suppose, that will be useful when needing pure brute force. I also don't even feel hungry or thirsty, how could I when I had no stomach to begin with? Which also meant I no longer needed to answer the call of nature, I suppose that's a plus too. No matter, got to keep going.
"Forward…forward." I say again as I resume walking.
I kept going, further and further down this wet dirt road in complete silence. There was nobody else but me, myself and I. Perfect, that allows me to think. I continue going for another hour before something catches my eye. Lights, not the natural sunlight that is slowly lighting up the landscape but actual small flecks of lights in the far distance, barely visible due to the thickness of the trees. Lights hopefully mean civilization and people. A surge of elation goes through me and I soon turn my walk into a slow steady jog, my body whirring slightly to life as I began to move more actively. As I move through the darkness, the trees slowly began to recede as more and more open fields greeted me. In the distance I can see open fields, zooming in with my eyes, I spot farmland, zooming further I see a wall, a city and most of all, a singular tower of sorts.
"And there it is." I say to myself. "Finally, some progress."
Glad to have found civilization I pick up my pace to a steady run. Another hour's worth of running, open fields soon turned into farmland. Various crops growing in sectioned fields and others open pastures for farm animals. I can see a few farm cottages lit with lights and a few figures moving about. Choosing the farmstead with the house closest to the road, I come to a slow and walk over. I see a man working inside a barn of sorts. I notice his choice of clothing, it looked…old styled or medieval as I would say. Eh, to each one's own, I guess. Somehow, he doesn't hear me walking up despite my large size. So not wanting the scare him, I proceed to take off my hood. Dark blue colored locks of hair ruffling free and letting the rain pelt my now exposed head, another oddity with this new body. I'm also quick to cover my robotic body with my large cloak, though my size will still make me stand out regardless. Better to not look too threatening. I knock on a nearby wooden post to get his attention on me, hopefully he doesn't scare easily.
*Knock! *Knock! *Knock!
"Excuse me sir?" I ask politely.
"Yes? How can I—whoa!" The man says, turning around before recoiling in surprise.
I try to look friendly by slowly bowing to him, trying to assure them I was friendly and had no ill motives.
"My apologies for disturbing your work sir." I say quickly.
He seems to relax a bit though I can still see some nervousness from my presence. The man shakes himself slightly before speaking.
"It's no problem, just got…surprised, that's all lad." He speaks. "Not every day someone like your stature come around. Are you an adventurer?"
A what? An adventurer? Huh, that'll be interesting information to keep in mind later.
"No, not really. I'm rather new around here, just arrived in fact. Didn't see any signs earlier, so I wanted to ask where exactly am I?" I reply to him.
"No signs huh? Damn hooligan kids probably broke it again." The farmer muttered before continuing. "You my friend, are in Orario. Or rather the countryside of Orario."
"Orario huh? Interesting." I say offhandedly, thinking as that sounded familiar.
"Indeed, the city where the gods from Tenkai walk amongst us mortals. Gifting adventurers' Falna and forming Familias to brave the depths of the dungeon located underneath the Tower of Babel." The man says with whimsical look on his face. "If you plan on going into the city, there's going to be a small fee to enter."
"Huh, I see then." I said, now connecting all the dots with the information provided. "Thank you for your time good sir."
"It's no problem lad, good luck to ye!" The man says as I bow respectfully to him and proceed to leave.
I now had enough information to deduce where I was, I was in DanMachi. Something that I watched and read off handedly with interest, but I knew enough. I know the name Orario sounded familiar along with the other details. Gods descending down to the mortal realm and a tower built upon a dungeon. And adventurers braving said dungeon to make profit and grow stronger. And a young white-haired boy whom desired to become a hero and form a harem. Said boy will face many trials and adventures yet he will prevail. I now had a plan to achieve my goal.
"Alright then, time to shake things up." I say as I continue down the road to the city of Orario. "Bell Cranel? You will be my one-way ticket to power."
He will face many trials and dangers. And I shall be by his side to reap the benefits as well. The thought of Bell Cranel also then brought up a sour thought of one particular goddess of love. My hand clenches and I scowl as I think of said goddess. What a disgusting creature. Her lust for Bell put him in many dangers. He was nothing but a trophy for her to attain, just like the others she's claimed. Nothing but a toy, a living toy. How despicable. I may have done some…questionable things back on Earth, but even that never crossed my mind. I shall not let that happen.
"She will not lay a single hand on him." I vow. "I'll send her and any other godlings back to Tenkai myself if they try anything. Nobody is taking my path of victory, not even Hestia."
Well, looks like I'm going to have to play protector for Bell if I want a for sure guarantee that I'll reach the bottom floor and reach my goal. That'll mean also helping him get stronger as well, for what I recall, one of his abilities was over powered. I guess now our goals are in line for now. I'll protect and guide him and help him achieve his dream and he'll unknowingly aid me in reaching the bottom. It's a win-win scenario that will give me the best results.
"Now…to get into the city?" I wonder as the walls drew ever nearer.
*Clink! *Clink!
I hum in wonder before I feel something form in my hand and I lift it up to see that the stones that I had gathered earlier were present. Then it clicked in my head as I began to recall more stuff about the world of DanMachi. Magic stones were traded for money, right? Magic stones were used for various things so the guild buys them. But…surface monsters were rather weak from what I recall so their worth might be less than those born in the dungeon. And I don't even know if people accept stones over valis.
"Won't know till we try." I say to myself and resolve to the simple approach.
As I get closer to the entrance into the city, I see my possible opposition. There are five of them from what I can currently see. Three females and two males. All of them were decently armored and armed with swords or maces. As I approach the entrance, I see the guards stop any other activity and turn silent. They're all tense as I walk up to them. I'm about ten feet away from them before one of them speaks up.
"That's close enough…stranger." A female guard spoke, standing up to confront me.
"Hello there." I simply reply politely.
"State your business in Orario." She asks as she keeps looking me over.
"I am here seeking assistance." I reply honestly.
"Is that so?" She says inquisitively before looking at my cloak. "Hiding something?"
With a small grunt, I reluctantly expose my mechanical body for them to see. They flinch in response and a few of them place their hands on their weapons upon seeing my inhuman appearance. I quickly try to diffuse the situation by raising my hands and waving at them in a placating manner while also calling out to them.
"Wait! Please don't attack me." I began, thinking up some lies. "I can explain my current predicament."
They all look back and forth from another before the lead guard gestures for me to continue. Seeing that I bought myself time, I continue with my fake story.
"I am human or rather was." I began before continuing. "I was testing out some magic spells in my workshop, and some of it involved in trying to make a golem."
"A golem?" One of them asks for clarification.
"Yes, a golem. I was trying to make one out of pure metal. Most mages use dirt, clay, wood or stone, but I wanted to have a go with metal. Unfortunately, the spell either overloaded or something and well the ensuing explosion resulted in…this mess." I said as I tapped my chest. "So, I was hoping to find some aid to maybe help me turn back to normal if possible. It's been quite the surreal experience, believe me. The sooner I can go back to being human, the better. You wouldn't believe how many people I've scared off when asking for help."
The guards look at each other before briefly huddling and murmuring to themselves. I wait patiently for them to finish, the lady from before then turns back to me. They all had a much more relaxed posture to them compared to earlier. Good, they bought my story.
"Alright, if what you say is true, then we'll let you through." She says to me. "My advice, head towards the Guild. They might be able to point you to someone. If not, then try the Hephaestus Familia, they might be able to help you out. They work with a lot of metals and might be able to help you out. And of course, there's an entry fee since you're new around here. So, it'll be a hundred valis."
"Right, will these do?" I say as I take out the monster stones and present them.
"You don't have any valis?" She asked in a dry tone.
"I think any valis I did have merged with my body during the experiment. Come to think of it, a lot of stuff in my workshop were missing. Might explain the broken piping and collapsing roof." I replied with an unsure tone, adding to my fake story. "Eugh, more work to do once this whole ordeal is finished. But no, only got these at the moment. Are they acceptable?"
The lead guard gives a small sigh before slowly taking the offered monster stones. She frowns slightly as she brings one of the stone closer to her face for an inspection. She then nods before taking out a pouch and storing the ten stones in them before making a hand motion to one of her colleagues. Said colleagues takes out a small contraption with a small handle of sorts before turning it, making it click loudly before a small ding rings out from it, it was a small slip. Handing it to the lead guard, she then offers the slip to me.
"Here's your slip, it's enchanted with some magic to never tear or wear easily and it'll be good for at least a month before needing a renewal. Don't loose it." She says as I accept the slip.
"I'll try not to. Thanks for letting me through." I reply, giving a small respectful bow to her and her colleagues before walking past them.
"Good luck mage, hopefully you'll get your body back to normal!" She calls after me as I finally enter the city.
I wave back offhandedly as I walk further and further into the city. I keep going for a bit before sighing with relief. I quickly cover myself up once more with my cloak, though I did still draw some eyes towards me. I grunt with annoyance before hastily walking towards the direction of the tower.
"Thank goodness that's over with." I murmur to myself. "Hopefully nobody will give me any further trouble. Now…onto the next part of the plan. Finding Bell Cranel, if he's even here at the moment. Not sure where in the timeline I'm at but hopefully nothing butterflied to much."
It was time to skulk around, maybe the finding the Guild would be a good starting place? Wonder where it is? Maybe near Babel? Better than nothing I guess, best chance of finding Bell there anyways. One step, two step, three step, four and five. As I walk towards the main landmark i.e., the Tower of Babel, I take a gander and look about. Various kinds of people were beginning to stroll about, some of them setting up stalls of sorts as the morning went by. I got a few looks but I ignored them to the best of my ability, those that I walked across quickly made way for my large towering stature. Now, back to my original goal, find the white-haired rabbit boy protagonist Bell Cranel. Sheesh, now that I'm thinking about it, there's going to be a lot of teaching when I find him. The romance dense protagonist trope has got to go. I'll teach and show him the ropes proper, unlike so many other stories and anime's I've come across. For some reason these guys don't ever get help from an older character. And if they did, the older character; if male, gave a blunt and useless answer or; if female, gushed over how cute it was or something of the like and tries to overdo their teaching slash advising. Unless its deliberate, protagonist knows about the affection but doesn't want to proceed with it, finding it unnecessary as they're focused on one thing rather than romance. Those protagonists were fucking rare when I came upon them.
"It's going to be a lot of work put out for me." I mumble to myself as I keep a lookout. "Might need to break that heroism of his too. Being a goody two shoe is nice and all but, god damn is it a pain in the ass when more practical options are present. Freya won't probably like that but I could give less of a fuck. Now, wonder how I'll do that though?"
I shake my head as I put those thoughts to the side. Too much thinking, keep it simple right now. Got to keep focus on current goal, find and join up with the Guild. Better chance of finding my main quarry and joining up with Hestia. Once I'm secure, then I can plan my future ambitions. Focus! I can do this! A whole new world awaits! Fame and power up for grabs unlike back on Earth! Just got to reach out and take it! No hesitation! No fear! Nothing! I take a deep breath before exhaling as I set my eyes solely on the Tower of Babel in the distance, and I keep on marching.
"Excuse me." I murmur politely to the elfling before me.
"Sorry—eek!" the elf with blonde hair replies before yelping in surprise at my towering stature as I move around her.
Huh, she looks familiar? I wonder who? She looks like mage. Oh well, think about it later. Polite wave to her and I refocus on my task. Anyways, I found the Guild Hall or whatever it's called. Easy to spot as I was a large building with various kinds of banners hanging all over it, plus the amount of people treading in and out also helped point it out to me. I speed up my gait as I get closer and closer to the building. Once I reach the doors, I do a quick look around, searching for my main quarry Bell Cranel. I leer at every possible avenue of approach Bell might take to reach the Hall. I harumph in disappointment as I don't spot him amongst any of the adventurers. I think I scared a few adventurers from my towering presence, I give those that stare at me flat stares of my own and they quickly get the message. I snort slightly before making my way inside the Guild Hall. I numbly feel the warm heat wash over me as I step in, my advanced robotic eyesight quickly dimming the lights down to not be blinding to me. I can feel the eyes of many on me but I ignore them.
"Excuse me. Pardon me. Coming through." I say as I carefully maneuver around people.
I see a large reception like area with various people manning it. I make my way over to the reception and I give a small annoyed sigh as I get even more stares as I tower ominously over a receptionist. Not on purpose mind you, it's not every day you see someone as tall as me, towering even the tallest adventurer by a good foot or two depending on who. Making those whom are shorter than six-foot feel like dwarfs when compared to my tall ass eight-footer. And right now, my receptionist was probably feeling like the smallest person in the world right now. The receptionist was another elf, brown hair and glasses with a somewhat fancy uniform similar to what I would see on high end workers at restaurants. My eyes can make out a slight sense of nervousness on her body despite her calm appearance. A small bead of sweat forming on the side of her head as she nervously glances up at me.
"Hello there." I say to her, mimicking a certain Jedi.
"Ah! Erm—greetings!" She stammers before quickly correcting herself. "Can I help you with anything today?"
"I would like to apply as an adventurer please." I reply to her.
She nods and reaches for something under the reception counter and brings out a sheet of paper and a pen of sorts and places it down before me. I shuffle a bit and my cloak opens as my mechanical arms and hands slip out. My enhanced hearing picks up a hitched breath from the receptionist as I bend over to reach down to the desk, further making me loom over the poor unfortunate lady as I gently grab the tiny writing utensil with my index finger and thumb on my left hand and gently hold down the paper with one finger with my other hand. Jeez these things were puny, good lord. Making sure to not break the fragile objects, I begin to write. I felt my body warm up and whir before everything seemed to slow as I began to write neatly and hastily. Mechanical and robotic precision for the win!
"Erm—excuse me uh…" The receptionist trailed off.
"Call me Kaz. Just Kaz, no surname." I reply to her question before asking. "What's yours?"
"It's Eina, Eina Tulle." She replies with a small bow.
Huh, no wonder why she looked familiar. She's Bell's advisor if I recall, a half breed if I'm correct, yes? I glance up while still writing and checking off the applications to get a better look at her. Brown hair, elf ears, light skin tone complexion, and a very pretty and homely appearance. Must be the elf genetics adding to her appearance. Wouldn't have minded in asking her out if I was human, but now, not so much. Oh? She's talking, better listen.
"Okay then. Mr. Kaz, if I may ask, are you currently with a Familia?" the now named Eina asks.
"Nope, not yet." I reply before adding to it. "I'm rather new around here but I've asked around. First plan was to get things done here at the guild first. After that, I was going to search around for a Familia to join."
"Ah, I see then. Seems you have a solid plan then." Eina says as I finish the application and slide the pen and paper over to her. "Do you need any suggestions or advise on what Familia you plan on joining then?"
"Ah, I don't mean to take up more of your time Miss Tulle. But I'm certain I have all my bases covered for now though." I assure her before continuing. "But if you have a packet or booklet of sorts, that would be most helpful."
Eina gives a confirming nod before bending under the counter once more and handing me three pamphlets. Opening them up, I'm greeted with various names of many Familias. The most popular ones being formatted in large letters. I hum with interest as I look over the papers before looking back to Eina.
"Thank you kindly, Miss Tulle." I thanked with a polite smile and nod to her.
"You're welcome Mister Kaz, come back anytime if you have any further questions." Eina replies with a satisfied smile and a polite bow to me.
With a gentle wave of goodbye to her, I walk away from the counter. I look over the pamphlets once more before I give a mental thought of putting them away. They are wrapped in a slightly white ghostly aura before vanishing in a shower of pixels. My robotic HUD pops up with notification of stored items. The note then vanishes after a moment and I exit the Guild building. I get about ten yards before I stop and look around once more, trying to find a mop of white hair amongst the crowd of normal everyday people and adventurers. Again, I have no such luck as I look around despite making my vison zoom in and enhance focus. Ruffling my grey cloak, I briskly begin to walk in a random direction. If I couldn't find him around here, then I go to the next possible location to encounter our little shounen-dense-harem hero. The Greek Goddess of the Hearth and Family.
"Time to find a certain loli-boobie goddess a certain flat-wall trickster god or should I say goddess now, would say." I drawl dryly to myself.
Cue the two in question in sneezing simultaneously in Orario.
"Somebody must be talking about me, must be the chest-fatty/flat-board." Both said at the same time before returning to their prior duty.
I harrumph to myself as I began my search for Hestia, people obviously making way for me as I walk by. Bell only happened upon Hestia because she saw him being turned down by many other Familias and decided to follow the poor kid. Seeing that he was having no luck, she eagerly took him into her own nonexistent Familia. Those Familia that didn't take him in for being merely weak or poor, never saw the true potential in him. It's always the small and unassuming ones to watch out for, sure as hell made life easier back on Earth. The smallest are usually the most cunning and vicious when given the chance. And Hestia managed my sheer luck to find him. I'm going to stoke and cultivate the flames of potential in Bell Cranel, how could I not? His special ability, what was it called again? I think it was Liaris Freese, was essentially an OP power up ability. So long as he desired something, he would grow stronger and stronger to achieve it. It made him go beyond his limits, growing stronger and stronger than even the powerfullest in Orario. Something along those lines it I recall. But yeah, he was the golden ticket to my goal. My goal of ultimate power, power beyond anything. Thinking about that, I recall the dream I had before I awoke here.
"I see it in you."
A man stands before me, we are both standing in a dark void.
"A great desire to be above the rest."
Crows and ravens caw and croak loudly all around us, black feathers swirling from an unfelt wind.
"An everlasting hunger for more."
Two glowing purple eyes from behind a corvid-like mask, staring me down.
"Reach the end and you shall receive a reward beyond your imagination."
A burning desire wells up within me, and I eagerly accept the challenge.
"I await you here, at the bottom and end of the world."
I see a light; it blooms before me. I reach forward and soon I am consumed by it.
And now here I am. In a world that was considered nothing but some drawings on a page, animations that gave life to said drawings. Transcended in a body far superior to my original; stronger, faster and tougher. I let out a long breath I didn't know I was holding; I see wisps of smoke and faintly feel the heat within my mechanical body cool down. I bring out my left arm from beneath my cloak and proceed to stare at it. My eyes taking in the sleek silvery white limb before slowly tracing up to the hand and fingers. I idly move my fingers, bending them at impossible angles. I spread my fingers apart and stare intently at my palm. There's a small hiss and a circular piece, located directly dead center, slides apart and a I'm greeted with a golden glow emitting from a module of sorts. I keep staring for a few moments and I begin to hear the telltale sound of a charge and my body whirring to life and heating up. I quickly shake my hand and hide it once more underneath my cloak. I do quick look around and to my relief nobody was paying much attention to that small slip up. I shake myself and I refocus on walking rather than reminiscing on a dream. Just have to look for a rundown church, there I might find Hestia and Bell.
It wasn't until an hour later and some random wandering when something got my notice.
"Please, let me into your familia!" a voice of a young boy asked, desperation, hope, and pleading.
My head immediately begins to turn and look about. My eyesight goes immediately sharp, details become enhanced and my HUD flaring as it scans for my target. The side of my head whir and my hearing enhances, deafening all other sounds while focusing on that particular voice. A buzzing feeling goes through my mechanical body, a sixth sense, immediately pinpointing me in the correct direction. To the left, near an open door, two figures in sight. An older male and a younger one. I hear a shove, my eyes harden; the smaller male is thrown back away from the door. He trips and lands on his rear, the older male retreats back into the building and the door closes harshly, a voice calling out from behind it.
"Come back when you get stronger."
There he was, the main character of DanMachi himself. A young boy, about fourteen years if I recall. A mop of ruffled white hair and two red eyes. He was currently sporting a downtrodden face, depressing, sad, and tired. Here he was, so small, so defeated, so hopeless, so weak right now. But I knew better. I knew most of the trials he would face, and he would push on through them. He would become one of the strongest in Orario…and I will be there by his side. Cultivating his heroic flame for my own desires. He will be my guiding light to absolute victory. Yet I know, the brighter the flame, the greater the shadows are casted. Every hero has a shadow trailing them. Every great king has their personal assassin. Every great empire has their own secret agents. I will be that shadow that lurks in the darkness. That surgical scalpel, small, cold, sharp and precise. Silencing any threat to him from the darkness, striking a cancer before it can freely fester and consume. A quote from another works come to mind, an image of a heavily bandaged old man comes to mind in his dying moments.
"You are the leaves bathing in the sun. I am the roots that grow in the dark."
"The tree cannot survive without the roots." I mutter as I approach him.
One step, two step, three and four. Soon enough, I am next to him. Towering over him, my visage casting a darker shadow over him. Hearing my approach and that he was covered in more darkness, Bell turns. His breath hitches before he slowly looks up, higher and higher until our eyes meet. I sense his rising fear as we stare at one another. My eyes take in every detail of Bell, memories come like pictures comparing the one seen on a flat surface to the one in physical form before me.
*Beep! *Beep!
97.5% Match!
Identity Confirmed.
Primary Target Located.
Primary Mission Completed.
Begin new mission; Protect and Guide Bell Cranel at all Costs.
Probability of Mission Success increased to 30%!
He is slightly shaking, unnerved. I soften my face and slowly as to not scare him, I reach out with a hand. My inhumane limb makes him flinch but he does not flee. He stares from my hand and face, and so I finally speak.
"Are you okay?" I asked gently, still offering my hand.
My words break him out of his stupor before nods and he gingerly takes my hand. Grasping gently, I help him up. He takes a few steps back as he looks me over, awed by my sheer size and exotic look. Not planning on hiding it, I ruffle my cloak and allow it to open up more freely, exposing my entire mechanical body for him to see. More awe and amazing comes over his face as he closely looks over the sleek metal that makes up my body. I decide to break the silence again.
"Having a rough day with the familias kid?" I ask him.
"Ah—erm, yes sir." He stammers in response; a sad expression comes over his face as he continues. "I've been here for I think a week now? Ever since, I've tried to join but nobody wants me. Either I'm too weak, not wealthy, or something. Others say I need more experience but how can I get any when others won't let me join?"
His face scowls slightly and he clenches his jaw, I see tears slowly forming in his eyes.
"My funds are starting to run out, so I am becoming desperate. I just want to become an adventurer and make my grandfather proud and achieve my dreams. And maybe find love too." Bell explains further. "But instead…instead I keep getting pushed and thrown away like trash! Why? Why am I not good enough?!"
I soon hear stifled sniffles and choking sob and I let out a sympathetic sigh. I reach out with a hand and do something that almost every male anime fan wants to do, though it's usually with a cute girl instead. I bend down and perform the action.
*Pat! *Pat! *Pat!
I fucking head patted him. Three gentle pats to his head before reaching further down a placing a hand on his shoulder, taking care to not put too much weight. The height difference made it very easy to do and it felt so fucking awkward doing it. But my message got across as he looks up at me questioningly. Here's a chance to stoke the flames of heroism and hope in him, and I take it eagerly. Here was a young kid, confused and desperate to seek guidance from someone. Give him hope and a chance, they may surprise you. I kneel down closer to his level and place my other hand on his other should as best as I could and I stare straight into his eyes. God, this feels so cliché! BUT HERE I AM LIVING IN ONE! ACTIVATE EPIC ANIME SPEECH MOMENT!
"That's a good goal kid, a good one. A simple yet pure one." I began, I think before continuing. "However, know it will be a hard road ahead. Even the simplest goals will require effort on your part. You will face many challenges on your quest, but know there are many roads to traverse around these obstacles than face it head on. Some goals however must be forgone under certain circumstances, but many can be achieved. But there will be a time, when a true roadblock will halt your progress. It will seem there is no other way around it, nor through it. It will make you want to lose your way and give up. Many others like you had given up hope and fell from the road. But always know, with enough effort from you and any others you find along your way, the impossible can be possible. Never lose hope, it will be your light in the darkest of places when all else seems lost. I know, and I say this from my soul itself. I have a feeling about you kid. I know that you will go far, far beyond anything in Orario. You will find a familia and carve your own story, whether down in history or other is up to you and only you. Stand strong, and let me see where your story goes. Let me see where your story ends."
I could feel the radiating awe coming off of Bell as we both stared at one another. I give him a confident and assuring smile before I stand back up and let go of his shoulders, and I shit you not, a random breeze passes by us in the alleyway. His hair whips slightly to the side and my heavy synthetic cloak billows out in a fucking awesome anime-like fashion. Outwardly, I'm confident and cool. Inwardly, I'm fucking fanboying at achieving a moment of anime awesomeness. He stares for another few moments before raising an arm and wiping away his tears on his face. His depressed aura slowly turns hopeful as a happier and more confident smile adorns his face as he looks up to me. Seeing his smile, his god damn pure smile, makes a good-hearted smirk form on my face. I then feel a sudden warmth wrap around me, my body whirs to life, as I feel…empowered. It was…intoxicating.
*Beep! *Beep!
Primary Target Morale boosted!
Probability of Mission Success increased to 50%!
Energy surge detected!
Absorbing power!
Power level increasing!
Maximum outputs increased!
Probability of Mission Success increased to 65%!
"Is this it? Is this Liaris Freese?" I thought as the warmth surged through me.
I thought it only affected Bell, if not…
"I—I—thank you!" Bell says as he smiles, closing his eyes which made more tears fall. "Thank you…?"
"Kaz, call me Kaz kid. No surname, just Kaz." I answered before asking him. "And yours?"
"My name is Bell Cranel! And I will find a familia and become an adventurer!" Bell replies with conviction.
"That you will Bell Cranel. That you will." I say in agreement. "With spirit like yours, you will find your way."
"A—erm—Mister Kaz? Sir?" Bell then asked, a somewhat nervous and shy expression forming on his face. "Are you with a familia by chance?"
Here my smirk fades a bit, his own expression falls slightly at this. I give him a reassuring smile but his face remains the same. I sigh and wave for him to follow me and he does. We step back out into the street and there's fewer people than there was before. I gesture for him to walk with me and he quickly follows. We come to a very much empty plaza that allowed Babel to be seen. I turn towards the shape of Babel Tower and look at it, he too looks towards Babel. I feel another breeze come by, my cloak billowing along with the gentle wind. Cue epic anime moment part two! I sigh before giving an honest answer to him.
"I'll be honest with you Bell, my answer to your query is no. Unfortunately, I do not belong with any Familia I'm afraid." I say to him as I look around, hoping to see a certain goddess somewhere but no such luck. "But just because I am not part of one, does not mean I do not know the hardships of failing to join one. Many familias have become…too jaded and too focused on being seen as the best and strongest. They have lost their way, they have become more akin to corporates rather than staying true to what the word familia meant, family. They toss and push away those that do not fit their desires and absurd high standards, not seeing their true potential if carefully guided correctly. I thought it was better to be alone, than be suffocated with their politics and sheer greed for glory and fame. The familias…have lost their way. The word familia? It no longer holds its original meaning anymore."
A silence comes between us after my speech. I simply keep waiting, hoping Bell would say something, but I hear nothing. Then there's a pitter patter of feet coming our way. My senses hone in on the owner making the noise. It had to be her. I could not see but I could feel her presence. A gentle, yet hopeful aura. She was there when Bell was rejected. She was there when I refueled his hope. And now here she was, all according to plan.
"Then I will change that." I hear her declare.
Bell yelps and turns around to look. I too turn to look, albeit in a more controlled manner. And lo and behold, the Greek goddess of the Hearth and Family. She was short, shorter than Bell. Tiny compared to me obviously. A white dress which covered her small yet mature body. Black thigh length hair styled in two twintails with bell-shaped ornaments. A youthful face along with two blue eyes, eyes which held a small amount of mischievousness in them yet also kindness. Youthful beauty, fitting for a goddess. Seeing that she had our attention, she continued to walk towards us. I could see Bell had a look of a look of wonder and questioning on his face as she came closer and closer.
"I will change that." She says again to me.
"A goddess…" Bell mutters with realization of whom was before us.
"I will create a familia that does not turn away those simply for looking different or appearing weak. I will create a familia where all can find comfort and belonging no matter what hardships they face. I will create a familia that will take even the smallest sapling and nurture it inro a grand tree. I will create a familia that will not judge based on looks, rather they will be judged on their character. But I cannot do it alone. Even if I was stronger than I was now, I still could not do it alone. But I will create an example for all others to follow." She stops, looking both of us over before smiling. "My name is Hestia and I ask you both…will you become part of my familia? Will you lend me your strength?"
"I—" Bell stops before looking up to me, and I simply nod. "—I do! I will join your familia Lady Hestia!"
Hestia makes a small sound of joy at Bells declaration. She then turns her attention up to me, waiting for my own answer. Her and Bell both look to me, wondering for my answer. Another breeze comes by, my cloak lightly flapping with the current.
"A noble statement and goal Lady Hestia. But bold, very bold I must say." I began. "But do you truly speak with truth and conviction? Or are they simple empty promises to lure in the unsuspecting? Every great familia started with nothing. Every familia began with a sprouting sapling that was once cultivated. Many have come and gone, claiming they will do the same as you have said. Many over time have strayed and broken their oaths, becoming what they are now. Even if you are able to create this familia that you claim to create, you will face opposition whether you like it or not. The greater and brighter the flame becomes, the greater the shadows that are cast. And many others are petty enough that they will seek to topple your familia. Misery loves company after all and they seek any opportunity to destroy and steal what you built. Will you be able to stand against the coming tide?"
Hestia is silent and she adopts a contemplative look. I wait as she thinks, Bell himself looks contemplative as well when I look at him. Another moment passes before Hestia gives her reply to me and I pay with rapt attention. My ears recording for what she had to say.
"I will, be they now or in the future. I will gladly and willingly stand against the challenges to come." She declares before staring intently at me. "But as I said before, I cannot do it alone. So, I ask you…will you lend me your strength to help me and this familia to stand against the coming tide?"
Heh, why wouldn't I? Of all others, you were the purest. Even back home, in Greek and Roman culture, of all the Pantheon, next to Prometheus, she was one of the gods I could give full respect to. Maybe there may be others like you Hestia, but they are not here now. Perhaps we do need to light the way for others to follow. Yes, I see now. I can see it. Like moths to a flame. Just before I can give my answer to her, Bell chimed in.
"Mr. Kaz…" he started, making me hold my tongue to see what he had to say. "…you said you were always alone? And that you wanted to see where my story went? To see where my story ends? Yes? Then…then come with me! Yes! Please, come with us! Don't walk your road alone anymore then! I—I want to see where your story goes! I want to see where your story ends too! Will you join me to join Lady Hestia and see her goal through?"
Well…well, hah. Use my own words against me kid? Clever, very clever kid. To be asked such a thing. I was already going to join, but with his little speech? I felt surge of…joy? It felt…good, very good. I don't know, something stirred but my determination and conviction solidified. I gave my answer to both of them.
"I suppose…I've walked this road alone for too long." I say and Bell's face glows with joy along with Hestia's. "Perhaps I should take my own advice, to stand along with others. Heh, very well then. Lady Hestia? I shall gladly lend my strength to you. I will be your sword and shield until my service or life ends. And Bell? Let us see where our stories go. Now then, Lady Hestia? What would you have this Arbiter do?"
And so, the Hestia Familia formed this day.
End of Chapter One
Been a while since I last posted anything on this site but I have been skulking about! Sorry for my VERY LONG ABSENSE. Got burned out you see? But after reading and reading and reading, I got back in the mood once more! Fans of Legendary Gamer, it will be going under a rewrite eventually, the old one will remain and is officially dead for now at least. If you got this far and enjoyed this story, leave a comment!
If not, oh well!
Thanks for reading!