But, I'm back, and ready to keep at it, so I hope my readers will forgive me.
In any case, our adventure is going to take a change in direction. Down, that is. Very far down.
I hope you'll all enjoy, and let's continue on.
Chapter 2: Welcome to Hell, Little Rookie
Bell opened his eyes to a strange new light, struggling to adjust to the new environment. Everything seemed to have a red tint, and the area was dark, with afew piercingly bright lights around.
"Light works strangely down here, you'll get used to it" a slightly familiar voice spoke to Bell. He looked over to see the figure he'd seen earlier, standing beside him, armour shining crimson.
"Who are you, exactly?" Bell queried, looking at the imposing individual. "I am Kraya, culminated God of Death. As the first individual you have met here, let me welcome you...to the Underworld."
Bell gazed out, his eyes beginning to adjust as he took in the environment. They were high up, on some sort of platform, and Bell could make out a town not to far away that looked like Orario.
"Why does that town look like home?" he queried to the hooded god. "The people here try there best to find familiar comforts. The least I could do was make it at least look like home."
"You built this whole place, Lord Kraya?" Bell marveled. "Built is the wrong word. In this world, my powers far exceed what the Gods from the surface can do. Would you like an example?"
"Please" Bell grinned. Kraya chuckled and tapped his sword to the ground, as the platform seemed to shift in position, moving over towards the town and floating above.
"Amazing!" Bell stated as he gazed below "where are we going?" Kraya hooked his sword onto his back and looked around "to the central plaza, where, in your world, the dungeon presides."
Bell nodded as the platform stopped and began to descend, eventually stopping when it hit the ground below. Kraya stepped off and offered a hand to Bell, as people around started to gather.
As Bell stepped off, he looked around at the many faces of fellow adventurers, which gazed back in wonder. "This is Bell Cranel of Hestia Famillia. Treat him well, as I'm sure he'll do the same."
Bell nervously waved to greet them, and two men approached, offering their hands. "Granidos, local blacksmith, nice to meet you" "Melefasto, potions master, glad to make your aquantance."
He shook their hands, smiling awkwardly "n-nice to meet you" he muttered. Kraya chuckled lightly as he began walking "stay close, young Bell" he stated, passing into a street, Bell following close.
As they walked through the twisting street, more and more people looked over from their usual activities, fascinated by the newcomer until they reached a somewhat familiar building.
"Isn't this the guild?" Bell questioned, looking at the unfamiliar flags. "Yes...and no" he walked in, Bell close behind.
The room looked exactly the same, with the counter, seats and tables. However, it seemed that the difference was in the activities of the building, and those within.
As the two walked over to the desk, a woman in similar uniform to the guild greeted them "good to see you again, my Lord. Is this the new adventurer I've heard about?" she enquired, smiling.
"That would be correct, Tinola, and it has indeed been quite some time since I was last here." the God replied. "Hi, I'm Bell Cranel. Nice to meet you" Bell stated, offering his hand to her.
She quickly shook it, smiling back at him "Pleasure to meet you, Mr Cranel, I'm Tinola." As Bell removed his hand, he queried "what exactly do you do here? Lord Kraya said this isn't the guild."
She chuckled a little, before nodding "he is correct. This building is used to establish those who have passed, as well as note any skills or powers gained here, and prepare you for your stay."
"Establish?" Bell queried, before the god placed his hand on his shoulder. "Did you think you were going to be living in some barn or something? You'll be in a temporary house for the coming week"
The Little Rookie smiled and nodded "Thank you, Lord Kraya" before looking back at Tinola "So, where will I be staying?" Tinola started browsing through some sheets "oh dear. Well thats bad"
"What's wrong, Miss Tinola?" Bell asked her. "It seems you're the first Hestia Familia member to pass. There currently is no existing Familia house here" she replied, tutting and shaking her head.
"Oh no...and at the same time, that's good?" Bell stated, unsure what he should really say. "I apologize, I didn't mean that in a bad way. It's good your familia has had only one loss" she added.
"You're getting off topic, Tinola" Kraya interrupted, leading to the woman coughing and blushing as she got back on topic. "Anyway, this means that you'll be staying somewhere else."
"Oh. Ok. Where will that be, miss Tinola?" Bell queried, making her pull a a thoughtful expression. "Hmm, I'm not entirely sure. I have my doubts another familia will let you in" she pondered.
After a short while, Kraya groaned "Semms that it'll be my job, then". They both looked to him "a-are you sure, my Lord?" Tinola queried. "Quite. My familia should accept him" the god replied.
"Very well, my Lord" she nodded and grabbed a stamp, pressing it onto a sheet she was writing on, moving it to reveal the same emblem on the god's armour "and so it is settled."
"What exactly is happening, then?" Bell queried. "Young Bell. For the next week, you will be staying my Mansion" Kraya stated bluntly "don't be unnerved. you will be well taken care of".
Bell nodded slowly as Tinola handed him the sheet she had been writing on "Welcome to the Underworld, Mr Cranel. we hope your stay will be short, but enjoyable" she smiled at him.
Kraya turned around and motioned for the Little Rookie to follow "come. We go to my home next". Bell nodded and followed, waving to Tinola, who waved back "good luck, I hope you return home"
With that, the two walked out to be met with 2 armed warriors, coated in black armour and wielding strange shaped polearms "My lord, a flare up has begun" "we will escort you and the boy."
Kraya nodded to the two and continued walking, the pair walking at the sides of Bell. The white haired boy glanced between them, then looked to Kraya "what do they mean "flare up" my Lord?"
"This world isn't the safest, and tensions form between people. Many people disagree with living here, and try to escape by leaving the town and going to the rift" he stated bluntly.
"Why is that a bad thing?" Bell queried. "Because the only way out is through me. If they leave the town, they are at risk of being attacked by what lurks beyond" he answered quickly.
"What lives beyond the wall?" the Rookie continued. "Beasts. Demons. Creatures you couldn't ever imagine, my boy" the god answered, before the two guards started talking in strange whispers.
Eventually, the group stopped at a large wall, a pair of massive wooden doors in front of them. "Ekyra Movoros!" Kraya called out, as the sound of creaking metal came from beyond.
The doors slowly began to open, revealing several warriors standing at the gate, wielding different weapons, their leader holding a seemingly very long katana blade, with serrated edges.
"My Lord, welcome home. The flare up has been contained for now." The god nodded "Thank you. Bell, this is my captain, Proteus. Proteus, this is Bell Cranel, he will be our guest."
"Understood, my Lord. Welcome, young Cranel, to Acheron" he stated, gesturing for him to enter. Kraya walked in, Bell quickly following as he took in the surroundings of the Mansion.
(Acheron: courtyard)
As Bell gazed around, he saw countless warriors, up to even a hundred, training with one another in the vast expanse of the courtyard, that had dirt arenas on both sides of the path he was on.
Many warriors were duelling with their strange weapons, while others were casting different spells and embuing attacks, with the odd few doing both and alternating between.
Eventually, the two reached an ornate wooden door, which opened as Kraya approached "Follow along, Mr Cranel." Bell hastily followed, still curious as he gazed around the new building.
(Acheron: main lobby)
The room had a glorious chandelier overhead, with several different monster heads and paintings on the walls, a roaring hearth in the other side of the room with a flag hanging above.
The flag was a blood red, with a black and gold symbol emblazoned on the front. The symbol was a horned skull with a very long, serrated sword through its top, just like that of Kraya.
Bell couldn't help but stare at the room as they walked through, eyes darting from side to side, earning a small chuckle from the god "impressive, is it not? I thought I may need the space."
"This mansion is amazing" Bell stated, still in awe. The god couldn't help but chuckle "I see why Hestia likes you. You are a funny one, Bell" he sniggered, before looking down at him.
The Little Rookie had gone quiet, his smile and bright eyes now pointing to the floor. "I see, the homesickness has already taken affect. Well, I suppose we should get your first meeting ready"
"Meeting?" the white haired boy questioned "w-what do you mean?" The god simply gestured for him to follow "you have 3 scheduled meetings with those you know in the living realm."
Bell seemed in a state of surprise and confusion "you mean my familia?". He nodded "your familia, a lady warrior, and two pub maids" he stated, continuing to walk until they reached a large door.
Bell continued to think about his chance to talk to his friends, what to say, and such things. Kraya placed his hand on the door, which began to show red glowing symbols across its surface.
As the door slowly opened, it revealed a circular, small room, symbols along the walls and lit by torches, a single, circular ring of grey brick, with a small slot in the central brick.
"Are you ready?" Kraya enquired, resting a hand on the boys shoulder. Bell took a deep breath, and nodded "I want to see them", leading to a nod from the armoured god "very well."
The god slowly walked to the centre of the circle, before outstetching his hand, the menacing sword materialising as he pointed it down, lifting slightly before plunging it into the central brick.
The symbols in the walls began to glow red as a spell wheel formed beneath the two, slowly rotating on the brick as the room seemed to fill with crimson light, which suddenly flashed violently.
(Hearth Mansion: Bell's room)
Hestia Familia had gathered around the bed of Bell, where his body had been laid, as if asleep. The atmosphere was tense, the group waiting by the brazier that now stood by his bedside.
Suddenly, the flames roared and spat as a spell wheel appeared on the floor, which flashed with red light. The familia turned their heads, unable to face the brilliant crimson glow.
As the light faded, the group returned their gazes, and stared at that which stood before them. In the centre of the circle stood the armoured god, and beside him, was Bell, rubbing his eyes.
For a second, there was silence, before Hestia stepped forward, head down. "How could you...?" she started, leading Bell to start speaking, but was cut off as she buried her head on his chest.
"How could you scare me so much?! I was so worried when I saw that flare!" she cried as she gripped onto his shirt, Bell simply placing his hand on her head "I'm sorry I worried you, Goddess."
She simply continued, the rest slowly joining in with Lili holding his back, Welf wrapping an arm around his shoulders and Mikoto and Haruhime taking an arm each, surrounding Bell.
"I don't wish to break up the moment, but I remind you that this vistit is temporary, so I recommend you discuss plans, gifts and other such personal matters while you can" Kraya stated bluntly.
After a short while, the group dispersed, wiping their tears and looking to Bell. Lili started "How have you been? Is it ok down there?" she queried, earning a smile from the Little Rookie.
"It's fine down there, if not a bit red" he replied, earning a small chuckle. "How's the equipment look down there? Any better than mine?" Welf enquired, noting Bell's lack of new gear.
"It's nice, but it doesn't beat yours, Welf" the white haired boy returned, checking over his armour. "Have you got any plans for your training?" Mikoto asked, still wiping some tears.
This time, Kraya replied "I will personally be training him, as he will be staying in my household". This led to a short gasp from the group, followed by Hestia's threatening glare fixing on Kraya.
"He's part of my familia, remember? be careful with him" she stated bluntly, being met with the unmoving glare of the armoured god. "I can assure his safety, Hestia. Don't worry" he replied.
She glared a little longer, before sighing and stepping back, Haruhime, now speaking to Bell. "Have you eaten yet? We still have some leftovers from dinner" she wondered, tail swaying gently.
Before Bell could reply, the god shook his head "It's a gracious offer, but the dead cannot partake in the food and drink of the living unless it is passed through the fire of the brazier."
Haruhime's ears flopped down, leading Bell to stroke her head "you can just put it in the fire later. I'm sure it'll be great" he replied, beaming his usual smile and making her tail wag.
Hestia interrupted the moment, pushing Haruhime back a little "Now, we need to discuss what we're going to be giving you through the brazier" she stated, moving his attention to her.
"Well...I haven't really thought about that" he scratched his neck nervously. Hestia gave a cheeky look "well, whatever you ask for, Bell, I'll give it. Aaaanything you could want~" she smirked.
Bell, oblivious as usual, decided to think in a different direction "I would like a potato from that stall we go to, Goddess" he stated, earning a pout from Hestia "that's all?"
Bell seemed confused, earning a chuckle from Lili. The group discussed a little longer, before Kraya called their attention "make haste. I cannot remain much longer, and neither can he."
"W-wait...can't we have a little longer?" Welf argued. "The laws of death are absolute. Should he remain longer, his body will degrade rapidly, and his spirit will fade" Kraya responded.
"Ohh" Welf responded, head lowering slightly as the rest seemed unnerved by the thought. "Now, is your business settled, Hestia Familia?" the armoured god questioned, blade almost free.
The group looked around at each other once more, before nodding as Bell stepped forward. "Yes, Lord Kraya. I am ready to return" he stated, putting on a strong face "whenever you're ready."
The armoured figure nodded, his blade finally rising from the floor as another flash of light filled the room, obscuring the vision of the familia and Bell as the two seemingly vanished.
As the group regained their vision, an air of silence filled the room, as they each hoped and prayed in their own heads that that wouldn't be the last they saw of the Little Rookie.
(Acheron: Portal Room)
Bell rubbed his eyes, seeing the room he had entered once again, the red lines slowly trailing down the walls and into the circular set of bricks in the centre, now only being lit by torchlight.
The armoured god turned to him "your next meeting is with the sword maiden of Loki familia tomorrow" he stated bluntly "keep that in mind, as today, I will be testing your capabilities."
Bell nodded slowly, slightly confused by the gods words "what exactly do you mean by "Test", Lord Kraya?" he questioned. The god simply walked out of the room, the Little Rookie right behind.
They continued walking, passing through the main lobby as they reentered the courtyard.
(Acheron: Courtyard)
Many guards watched as both Kraya and Bell stepped into the centre of one of the squared off arenas. Kraya turned, facing Bell as he gazed around the guards, calling their attention to him.
"My children, this is Bell Cranel, also known as the Little Rookie. He will be staying with us for the time being, so I expect you to treat him as one of your own. Understood?!" he called out.
The many warriors brought their weapons to their sides, nodding with him "Yes, Sir!" Kraya then gazed around, pointing at a warrior in pauldrones and vambraces, a black cloak covering the rest.
"Balar. Step here" the God called, the warrior quickly moving to stand by his master. "Cranel, this is Balar. He is new to his role as an assassin, but can most likely match you in power."
Bell nodded slowly "ok?" Kraya stepped back "the two of you will spar. Whoever can land the cleanest kill shot is the victor. Do not hold back, as your opponent won't. Ready!?" he announced.
The Assassin nodded, drawing a pair or long, serrated daggers from his back, almost 10 inches long, before enterring a fighting stance "It is an honour to spar with you, Mr Cranel."
Bell nodded, pulling Hestia knife from his belt and his other knife from his gauntlet sheathe, before also quickly entering a fighting stance "and I am honoured to spar with you, Mr Balar."
The armoured god stepped to the back of the arena, raising his arm "Readyyyyyyy?! Aaaan FIGHT!" he called out, a loud crash echoing like the bang of a gong from the main building.
The Assassin was quick to action, flicking his blades back and charging at Bell at high speed. Bell quickly raised his guard as Balar swung his blades round, both arching towards him.
Finally done. Once again, sorry for the delay in putting these out, but school is always hectic this time of year, y'know?
Anywho, we will be joining our white haired hero again in Chapter 3: Training Day in Acheron Thank you all for reading once again, and until we return to the Days of Death, please consider reading my MHA fanfic, the Demons Tale.
Until we meet again, thank you, and cya!
