Hello! I'm happy to see you all again! thanks to all those who have left reviews and criticisms, a small little announcement I'll mention here first is that the first 3 chapters will be getting a soft update. Effectively I aim to improve how it reads and make it more up to the standard that is enjoyable to everyone. Now then onwards to the story!

Chapter 6: The Familia is Born!

"Bell? WAIT!?"

"BELL!"

As the voices fade out into silence Bell had raised his spare arm in front of his face due to the light, Bell closing his hand that was Aegis he found it empty as if the table and shield had disappeared. Opening his eyes slowly Bell shivered slightly as a breeze blew gently past, it was cold and slow as it blew over him fully tucking his arms closer to try holding onto the heat. As it passed Bell let out a sigh seeing his breath in the cold air, his brow furrowed looking to the floor to see a fresh patch of snow upon the grass.

As Bells lifted his gaze his eyes widened looking around the tranquil area, it was a small clearing enclosed by a thick forest that encircled it. The trees, bushes and grass were all covered in snow as light snow fell from above, Bell suddenly stopped as he looked out into the small clearing his breath hitching at the sight. As he looked out he was met by a still pond in it reflecting a perfect image of the sky above, a moon in full shining brightly as the stars flicker and dance around it.

"H-how am I back here?.." Bell spoke in a hushed tone, it was quiet and fragile as if the words he said would break.

Bell started to walk towards the waters ledge the crunching of snow under his boots echoing into the quiet, as he peered over the edge to look into the pound his eyes face widened in disbelief. As his face tensed and mouth opened slightly Bell couldn't tear away his gaze, his reflection was that of his former self a small elven boy covered in burns and grime. Moving his arms Bells younger reflection did the same leaning down his reflection came closer, Bells face fell to one of sadness looking at his former self his tattered clothes and worn body. A sense of uneasiness washed over him causing him to sigh, reaching out and touching the water surface it rippled slightly as he did.

"How many years.. Since I made my promise" Bell once again let his voice out into the quiet, watching his reflection fade away as he swirls the water

Bell smiled sombrely as he watched his reflection taken by the ripples or water for his eyes to widen, suddenly coming out of the pond leaving behind little splashes were tiny transparent flames. Soon enough as more and more raised from the depths of the pond Bell cased his gaze upwards, to see all the formless flames transparent flickers that turn to orange and yellows before returning colourless. They climbed higher till they danced almost like fireflies above the pond before disappearing, it was enchanting in a sense that Bell stared absent minded at the display.

Unaware of how much time may have passed Bell eyes twitched at the sudden sound in all the quiet, between the sounds of water from the flames rising out Bell could hear another sound. It was quiet as he closed his eyes to listen to the sound more closely, between each time it rang out into the quiet he heard the sound of slight crunching. Quickly turning and pulling himself into a standing position Bell looked out into the forest, the crunching became louder with each step as Bell fell into a defensive stance.

However he was met with a shocking sight as a humanoid figure walked out from beyond the forest, standing at about his height the figure now stood amongst the snow in plain view under the moonlight. The figure was a women dressed in the same robe as Athena when Bell had first met her, however that's where the similarities ended she had long arms exposed to her shoulders. The outer parts covered in golden scales with claw like nails, her feet also resembled this trait as they poked out as she kept walking towards him.

Bell raised his eyes and met hers as he stared at her face bewilderment and shock, her face was fair however well defined as if she was sculpted. Her eyes were completely amber with no whites her pupils slit like that of a serpent, she had golden scales up her cheeks and side of her head as well along her neck. The main part that took Bells notice was her hair or version of hair, she had eight thick serpents that coil down to her shoulders that lift and wave in tandem of her look. With dozens of smaller snakes under them forming a coiling mess of golden like hair.

Bell stood there frozen as she slowly approached her steps crunching the snow with each step, the eight larger serpents coiling round as they along with her fix their gazes on him.

"We finally meet Bell.." Her face contorting into a small smile as her fangs appear.

"!?"

Bell jolted in place for a moment as she addressed him with a smile, her larger snakes extending towards him slightly their tongues flicking with a small hiss. Her voice was smooth yet it sounded off especially after each word a small hiss was heard, Bell relaxed from his position and slowly stood up straight never taking his eyes off her.

"Her voice it sounds familiar?.. But where would I have?"

Bell looking over the snake women in front of him again, she seemed to know him but he couldn't have met her before. She's not someone Bell would easily forget and there were only two things that bore resemblance, the first was the story that featured the gorgon Medusa and the shield Aegis. At the thought of Aegis Bells eyes widened at he realised the events, he placed his hand upon Aegis and heard the voice ring out and then was swallowed in golden light.

"Aegis?" Bell said sounding more like a question then addressing her

"Yes Bell I am Aegis and I'm happy we can speak after all this time" She responds again in an off voice, her smile never wavering as her gaze stays locked onto him.

"What do you mean?" Bell spoke with a bit more confidence tilting his ears slightly.

"I was awakened when I felt the presence of the next chosen, and so I've been waiting till you took up the shield" She simply stated in a flat tone.

"When we first met you had your eyes open.. And I was five.. You have been waiting for twelve years? Just for me?" As he spoke each part his face becoming more confused with each new piece of information.

"Yes I have" Again she stated simply never looking away her larger snakes waving slightly as the look at him.

"But why? Why did you choose me?" taking a step closer to Aegis he clenched his hands as he looked to her.

Aegis smile dropped as she closes her eyes and starts to walk forward with each step, the snow below her feet would kick up slightly as she walked to the edge of the pond. Crouching down placing her hands to each side she sits letting her feet enter the water, as her feet sank into the water the transparent flames that floated around erupted into an amber flame. Resembling that of a torch flame they danced around the air flickering as the wind gently blew, As Bell looked to the flames he felt a sense of melancholy until Aegis voice pulled him from his trance.

"When I was made, I had one purpose to protect the one who wielded me, and so I did" Her voiced sounded sad as she spoke with her eyes closed.

"Back with Zeus my first wielder my form was that of a shield, but then he gave me to Athena and I turned into a robe like armour." Her eyes opening with a solemn look as her gazed looked to the fire.

"And now you, as you may have guessed I'm not a normal shield or magical item, I am alive I may not be in the sense you are, but I exist and I choose who I want to protect" More enthusiasm entering her voice as a smile crept upon her face as her head turned back towards Bell.

"I chose you" The side of her face now towards him as four of the serpents lift themselves, for her eye to be seen clear along with a small smile.

"But why? And how did you choose?" Bell spoke again his face looking lost as if he was looking for answers.

Aegis only chuckled at his question turning her head back towards the pond, using her right hand she patted the ground next to her. Bell walked over to her right side using his boots to clear some of the snow, sitting down crossing his legs resting his right hand on his knee. However he had well several guests as he looked to his left and met with eight pair of eyes, her right side snakes had extended further then he realised as they coiled round his arm. Using his hand Bell gently traced along the scales of the golden snakes.

The scales were smooth and soft to touch but one thing struck Bell as odd as they nudged into his hands, they were hot to touch not as in warm but as if they were heated coals. Not scolding hot bit hotter than normal especially for snakes as Bells brow lowered slightly, it was confusing there were many animals and even a few monsters that lived behind Vale. The forest was vast and he had explored a lot of it so naturally Bell had encounter snakes, feeling their purple tongues against his fingers he couldn't suppress a chuckle.

"I wasn't always alive, it wasn't until Athena decided to use me as a shield again" Bells eye widened as Aegis voice rang back out between the hisses of her snake, looking pass them he sees her smile had once again left, and her voice now carries its odd sound again the hiss more apparent after every word.

"When I was wielded as a shield for Athena she was given a gift by the hero Perseus, the severed head of Medusa" Aegis closed her eyes as she started to recall events, her voice were calm and soft as she made sure each word was heard.

"!?" Bells leaned slightly towards as he listened to the story the snakes still coiling around his arm.

"Athena fused the head to the shield making it into an offensive force for she could use the snakes, however it had an unforeseen effect upon the shield"

"What did it do?" Tilting his head slightly at the statement she just made, what were this effect she mentioned.

"It combined with the already melded attributes of Aegis and the shield took its first breath, and so I became aware with the sacred materials and the head of the Medusa I became Aegis" As she finished Aegis glanced a look to Bell his face furrowed as he looked back at her.

"So.. You became aware after the shield merged with Medusa head?"

"Yes I did even if Zeus and Athena failed to notice I began to learn and grow alongside them, and so when Athena descended from heaven I came with of my own volition"

"Does that make you a divine tool?"

"In a sense though my abilities are mostly magical I only left my divine protection behind."

She answered Bells questions quickly with some description to her answers from what's she saw, the answers seemed to have satisfied him as she saw his face relax a bit. However Bells brow was still furrowed as he now has both hands petting the snakes, Bell kept looking around the area his gaze seemed to get lost as he looked out to the pond.

"I see.." His voice was quiet almost a whisper as he continued to look outwards.

"Are you alright Bell?" Aegis tilted her head to get a clearer view considering her snakes were occupied.

"Y-yes just a lot to process, which brings me onto another question" Bell cursed as he stuttered but who could blame him, he was dealing with a lot right now!

"What is your question?"

"How are we here.. This place.. It's not possible"

Bell again looked around the area he had been here for a little while now and he was certain, this was defiantly the place he made his promise, his vow and where he ripped out the arrow. But why he was here Bell couldn't understand why it was different though to his memory, there was no snow that night and neither was the air accompanied by little balls of fire. And then finally there was Aegis how is it even possible that a shield is here, in the form of a gorgon no less her snakes feel real though, and she seems real enough.

"Well that's simple in a sense Bell"

"This is your inner self or I guess where your soul rests" Aegis spoke in a plain manner her gaze never breaking.

"Where my soul rests?" Bells ears tilted slightly as he questioned.

"Yes.. I think I can explain it better, effectively in your subconscious lies a place where you feel the safest"

"This is well where your soul would rest or you'd retreat too" She once again explained making her words clear for him, while Bell just looked more confused.

"But how are we here?"

"Well we forged a bond when your hand touched the shield, and so we were transported to a place where we could meet."

"My mind?" Bells eyes widening at the prospect that this could all be in his head.

"In a sense were in the place where your soul feels most comfortable" she replied quickly seeing his confused state.

"But why is it like this? This is not what it looked like from what I remember" Bell again spoke conflict growing on his face as he spoke.

"That's a bit trickier, unfortunately throughout life there are events that leave an impression on us. And so such things can leave either positive or negative effect on us." Holding up two fingers as said her points her face looking a bit more serious while she looked to Bell.

Bell brow furrowed again as he looked around again this time with a more critical look, if this place is caused by events then he should be able to determine what ones. The obvious one is the area they were in this place was where Bell journey truly began, it was his beginning of everything where he had lost everything and where he vowed to get it all back. It was where he made his promise, and it also served as a reprieve from the events that happened.

The next thing would be the snow over the years winter had became Bells favourite season, it was the quietest part of the year where everything sleeps under a blanket of frost. However his favourite part of it was how the night sky always seemed to shine the brightest, it was peaceful walking through snow filled woods or fields under the moonlit sky. But it was now a solemn reminder of the trips Bell took with Guthrum through the years past, along with the time of his death it was snowing then as well along with his funeral.

Looking up Bell watched as the snowflakes gently fell around them it looked so peaceful, his breath was still visible in the air as he looked to the flames as they float around. After everything the flames seem to be a clear representation of his soul fire, it was the only thing it could be right? A flame made by his magic and soul combined how else would these flames be here now.

"Is this what you wanted? To protect me?" Bell stated more then asked.

"?" turning her head to Bell to see him looking back with a serious look to his eyes.

"Yes that is my wish, I chose you to be the next wielder of me" Aegis spoke in a formal tone towards him, her eyes slightly closing as her brow lowered.

"And what would that mean?"

"That I'd become a tool for you to use, to defend yourself or others" Aegis brow lowered more as she responded to his next question, she didn't understand why he would need clarification for her task.

"And if I wanted for you to be more than a tool?" Bell closed his eyes as he turned towards the pond.

"!? B-but I'm a shield or a tool of protection!" Aegis brow and voice raised at the sudden question, her snakes coil back and become ridged as they hissed loudly.

"You were such a tool, however from what I've seen you're now a person with the desire to protect" Bell spoke firmly his eyes not opening but his ears twitched slightly to the noises.

"... I'm unsure what you're trying to say Bell" Aegis snakes lowered as her voice did confusion evident in it, did Bell really mean what he just said but why would he.

"I'm asking do you want to be a tool to be used how I see fit, or do you want to be my companion to help me" Bell stated again his voice becoming more firm while addressing her.

"A.. Companion.. Bell do you even know what you're asking?" Her voice now a hushed low her snakes pointing forwards as her eyes widen.

"Yes.. You said you chose me and so I'm giving you a choice, to be how you were a simple tool or do you want to have a choice in what you do" Bells eyes opened slightly as he looked over the still lake, speaking the choices as if it was as easy to choose then say.

They sat in silence for awhile after Bells last statement as the snow continued to fall around, Bell sat stoically as he continued to look outwards peering into the ponds reflection. Aegis on the other hand simply looked towards Bell her snakes slithering down her back, her mouth was slightly open as her face was contorted in confusing. She could tell Bell meant what he said but that was the question why would he even bother? For her it was simple she was a shield, made for Zeus then used by Athena for what they needed.

But now the person she chose now giving her a choice saying she was no longer a shield, but a person who now holds the desire of the shield before but was that true. It's true that she became aware after Medusa head was melded to the shield, so she was more than before but does that mean she wasn't the same. Lowering her head she fixed her gaze to her knees, as she moves her legs through the water small splashes echoed into the silent.

"I can't walk as you do, or talk to you outside of this place, I'm a protective item at most" Her voice sounded closer to a whisper as she spoke her head still lowered.

"That is not what I asked Aegis I'm asking if you want to work with me" Bell again spoke plainly and clearly however his voice was less stern.

"What would that entail?"

"Entail? you making this sound like a job, I'm asking if you want to do" Bell responded quickly his voice had dropped its formality and was more lighter, her tone still quiet when she asked the hisses still ringing out from her snakes.

Aegis just looked at the elf after the tone in his voice changed to find Bell looking back at her, his face had fallen to soft look as a small smile had appeared on his face. Her snakes had already acted and moved forward nudging Bells hands as he responded in kind, petting them as they lick his hands every so often gaining a small chuckle from Bell.

"To think that in my search for a new wielder, that I would learn more about myself as well and it's thanks to him" Aegis pulled her legs out of the water with a splash of sound, she walked in front of him and kneeled down to one knee looking to the ground.

"I want to join you on your journey and to help you to the best of my capability"

"T-then I'm happy to have you with me Aegis, just stop kneeling please!"

Bell was taken aback by the sudden attitude shift in Aegis from her kneeling down in front of him, to her voice now instead of being quiet now spoke with a confident and formal tone. He inwardly cursed his stutter as well for being caught off guard by her, the sudden retraction of her snakes did not help as they shot back as she knelt before him.

"You truly are unique Bell, take my hand and I shall take the form of what you wish" a innocent smile crossed her lips as she looked to Bell.

"Aegis I think you can guess what I wish but the choice is yours" Bell took her hand as he spoke with a smile, his eyes widening as he starts to glow gold.

"By your command Bell, the bond is made and our contract sealed, return to the waken world Bell until we speak again" She spoke in a soft tone as Bell became consumed by the golden light, his eyes and hair all was left visible as the glow faded away along with Bell.

As Bell faded away Aegis watched as the remaining flickers of gold float passed her face, she watched them flutter into the pond the water evaporating into nothing as her smiles fade. Looking now into pit that once held the pound she walks towards the centre, as she approached the golden sparks burn bright as the floating fires combine with them. Watching the spiral her brow softens with a sad look upon her face, after all the fires gathered into the middle they suddenly went out leaving behind a small orb.

Extending her arms she cups the orb in both her hands it being no bigger than a crystal ball, peering over it the orb was transparent that pulsed with two beats every so often. However what stood out was the large cracks throughout the orb that had a seared glow, small embers float out of the cracks that flicker to smoke in seconds of appearing.

"I wonder how this place will look, when you have to go back to the start"

her voice sounded almost mournful as she held the orb close, she closes her eyes as from the silence Aegis heard the sound of snow crunching. Alongside the sound of metal creaking and the sounds of bones snapping, with each step it grew louder her snakes truing and hissing loudly as she held the orb close.

Bell opened his eyes while taking a long breath as he sighed, blinking a few times Bell turned his head to find it upon a soft pillow. Now looking into the room he sees his desk and wardrobe, he let out another sigh taking into realization he must have been moved to his room.

"Ah I'll have to apologize to Gramps when I see him"

A small smile appearing on Bells face remembering the old memories, after training when he was younger Bell fell asleep where he fell. Just to wake back up in his bed with his Grandpa looking over him, Bells smile softened as he turned towards his window to see the gently amber light glowing through.

"By the light must be late dusk, best get up and find them, wonder where huh?.."

Bell was pulled to his thoughts as he sat up to notice that he was just in his clothes from before, but there was a single addition to his current attire a large white cloak. The cloak was long that covered him down to below his knees it was pure white and thin, however it was very light and fit him perfectly from his current sitting position as he looked closer.

Now that Bell got a closer look in the low light his hands traced the outer cloak, it was covered in a material that was smooth but hard with the distinct pattern of scales. As if it was a reptilian hide, lifting up the side of the cloak Bell looked to the inside to find it matched. The same scaly hide was inside however the colour was pure black instead, his eyes widened slightly to see three golden serpents in a weaving form. Seeing how they went further behind him Bell could only let out a small chuckle, a smile appearing on his face as he checked the other side to see it the same.

"A cloak Aegis?, very fitting I'm happy with it" Gently petting it Bell continued to smile extremely happy that Aegis had decided on this form.

"Now then let's go find.. huh?" Being torn from his thoughts at the sudden sound of rustling from down the bed, looking down his eyes widen at the sleeping figure leaning over the bed.

"Lady Athena?!" Bells mind screamed as he realised the sleeping was the goddess.

Looking at her Athena had taken his chair from the desk and must have been sat in it, she had now fully leaned over his legs with her arms crossed as a pillow. Her hair slightly shifted across her face as she would rise and fall due to breathing, a slight snore could be heard as her face looked peaceful as she slept. Bells eyes trailed down as he looked at her, she no longer had her vambraces or chest piece on revealing a lot more skin. She still wore the robe he first saw her in however without some of the armour it looked different, her upper back was completely exposed the skin and muscles still looking toned but soft.

Her arms were again of the same tone like that of a fighter but not enough to make it look like pure muscle, however Bell felt his gaze glance down as she shifted slightly in her sleep. Watching her back rise as she breathed in Bell look at the scene stunned, taking a deep breath Bell gently leaned forward while trying to swivel his legs. It was a flawless plan he'd be able to get out of this situation whatever it is until it didn't work, as Bell moved his legs as gently he could Athena had moved slightly as well and decided to act.

Bell had made it into a sitting position his feet now on the floor as he sat on the bed before it happened, letting out a small jolt at the contact Bell looked down to see the sleeping Athena now holding him. Her arms stretched around his waist and loosely held him while her upper body rest on his lap, her head now craned slightly as it nuzzled into Bells stomach as a content sigh was heard. Bell had quickly became flustered raising his hands unsure on what to do, his ears twitching wildly as a panicked look upon his face as he scanned the room for a way out.

Taking a few moments to compose himself Bell let out a sigh as he looked over the goddess, she had effectively extended herself now being half on the bed her legs slowly curling up. In all honesty she looked rather peaceful and if Bell could admit it to himself beautiful as well, yes she was a goddess but for Bell considering he was raised with gods like Zeus and Fryer it's hard to separate them from normal people. And such is Bells current dilemma with having such a goddess in this situation he was in, most would kill for such an opportunity or a reason if he believed his Grandpa.

However for Bell this was the complete opposite sure it wasn't a bad or unpleasant, but over the course of the day that Bell had spent with her Bell had grown fond of Athena. She was pleasant to be around and after what he had seen her today Athena was rather blunt, from when she attempted to tease him at the table and her mumbles to the absolute hammer she brought down on his Grandpa. Smiling at the events Bell looked down to her and placed a hand upon her white hair, gently brushing through her hair Bells eyes travelled down from her sleeping face.

"That chassis did wonders hiding how feminism she was under it" Bell smile quickly fell once his stray thought rang clearly in his mind.

"..." His expression stayed stoned face as his ears dropped to the sides of his head, as he mulled over his thought. Still looking down at her Bells breath hitched, after she moved slightly her body pulling closer to his own.

"!?" Bell erupted into a flush his skin becoming as red an tomato as his hand stops dead in her hair, once she stopped Bell let out a long sigh as he breathed in the much needed breath.

"You know.. I'd didn't think you were the type to pet hair Bell" Athena's voiced broke Bell out of stupor and quickly removed his hand as she sat up beside him.

"AH! A-Athena um how long?" Bells face still red being flushed his voice stuttering.

"The whole time" she quickly responded.

"Wha..." Bells face and voice just deadpanned as he looked at her, noticing the slight bed head on her hair and a small amount of drool she wiped away.

"It was a test" Athena spoke firmly as she stared back at him

"Uh huh" Again in a monotone voice a small smile started to appear on Bells voice.

"It was a test! A-and you passed" Bell only chuckled as Athena pouted trying to stay serious even if she stuttered.

"What was the test for?" Tilting his head awaiting her answer.

"To see if you were someone I could trust" Bell smirked, oh he could have some fun with this, time for some revenge!

"Well I'm happy for that, so is this how you test everyone if there trustworthy?" Bell asked innocently but a large grin on his face, watching the goddess face turn red.

"W-what! O-of course not! You're an exception" Worth it! Bell mentally cheered, a smile now on his face he looked to her bed head again.

"Hmm you sure you were just not tired" Bell asked to see Athena turn to him a smile on her face but a fierce look in her eyes.

"It was a TEST!" She semi yelled the last part at him in a joking manner.

"Okay okay haha, it was a test" putting his hands up in front of him in a defensive manner.

After that they both stared at each other before breaking into chuckles and laughter, they laughed for a little bit at the antics they had. However Athena was looking over Bell with a soft look a small smile on her face, her hand reaching and gently grabbing his new cloak tracing the scales with her finger.

"How are you feeling, you know after you bonded with Aegis?" Athena spoke in a soft manner still holding Bells cloak in a slightly tighter grip then before.

"Um? I feel fine, little groggy but no real issues"

"I see I'm happy to see that your okay" Athena nodded as Bell seemed to be fine

"were you worried?" Bell asked in a jovial manner a smile forming on his face again.

"NO! Uh.. No I wasn't more concerned" Athena cursed herself for raising her voice again but this goddamn boy! Is to blame.

"Heh I see" Bell let out a single chuckle as he looked to her.

"Shut it regardless, we need to talk Bell" Athena smile quickly faded as she looked to Bell, her voice becoming more serious.

"?" Bell was slightly taken aback by the sudden tone shift, giving her a nod to continue as he sat up straight.

"While you were asleep me and Zeus talked, and he explained a lot of things"

"Did he tell you how we met?" Bells eyes widened as he looked to the floor at his feet taking a breath and waited.

"..."

"Not exactly but I have an idea, though he said"

"It's up to Bell to tell you his story" Athena decided to do a mock accent of what his Grandpa said, causing Bell to smile a little before his brow furrowed.

"Sounds like the old man, urgh where to start" Bell sighed annoying as he ran a hand through his hair.

"You don't have to tell me or at least not yet"

"But I thought?" Bells eyes widened as he heard Athena speak in her soft tone, her hand now resting on his shoulder causing him to turn to her.

"Bell I won't force you to tell me but I hope that you can tell me at some point" Athena gave a smile seeing the confusion on his face, as he sighed in defeat and smiled back.

"Thank you Athena"

"Your welcome Bell, it was a wise choice" Athena spoke confidently while closing her eyes and patting Bells shoulder.

"Makes sense coming from you" Bell again joked considering he remembered her saying she was a goddess of wisdom.

There was a moment of silence between them as they slightly chucked at Bells remark, however Athena knew she had to ask him what she needed so taken her hand of his shoulder. She coughed into her hand to gain his attention as she looked to him with another serious look.

"Regardless Bell there's summit I wish to ask you, however I want you to listen to my plan" looking to Bell with hope in her eyes.

"Alright" Bell simply stated as he leaned forward slightly and focusing on Athena.

"I came to Vale to retrieve Aegis and resume my travels, for another three years before I head to Orario"

Bell Nods his head in response, listening carefully as she spoke.

"Now I made a deal with Zeus in a sense, he looks after Aegis while I do my journey and my projects. The issue now is that you have Aegis"

"Is that a bad thing?" Bells face grew with worry as she finished explaining why she arrived here.

"No its not don't worry, regardless my plan will go forward regardless, but I do have a proposal" She spoke with such confidence Bell wouldn't lie, it was slightly intimidating for him.

"And that being?" Bell speaking in an interested tone his ears slightly twitching.

"Join my Familia" Athena said firmly with a smile.

There were a few moments of silence as Bell just looked to the smiling goddess, it was just a bit too good to be true. Sure he spent the years training for this moment to start his journey and to set out to make those promises a reality but he expected some complication. Yet here she was, Athena asking for him to join his familia with no context why he seeks to gain the power.

"Just like that? You'd just accept me regardless you don't know my story?" Bell spoke with scepticism in his voice, which seemed to upset Athena as her face lost it smile and frowned at him.

"Yes, from my time here Bell you are different, a good different I can tell you have trained for this. And that Aegis has chosen you meaning you are worthy"

"And with that you are a kind and understanding person Bell, and I think we can do a lot for each other, and we get along well don't you think?"

"..." Bell was stunned to silence as Athena spoke, her voice carried in it confidence with what she was saying and yet was kind sounding. Her reasons were flawless for Bell they did get along well, and if Aegis choose him who was he to say no.

"So? How about it? Join me and become my first member of the Athena familia" Athena spoke with anticipation practically bouncing in place.

Bell decided to stand up and kneels in front of her in an exaggerated manner, lifting his head and smiling with a mischievous look he placed a hand over his heart.

"I Bell Cranel pled undying fealty to the goddess Athena" He spoke in an overly formal tone to the point it sounded mockingly, however it felt right since Bell wasn't use to proper formality anymore.

"Pffft okay enough of that" Holding back a laugh Athena just shook her head at Bells response.

"Alright, but yes lady Athena I shall join your familia" Bell got back up and sat next to her back on the bed, this time sounding more like himself but slightly lighter.

"Good, now take your cloak and shirt off" Athena sounded glad with his response as she pulled out a needle, however Bell saw an opportunity and by Zeus he took it.

"What no dinner first?" Bell said a smirk crossing his face, for the first time summit his Grandpa said would actually help him thinking to himself.

"Oh shut it! Don't play with me you've been around a familia enough to understand the process" Athena playfully poked his side to his response, gaining a chuckle from the both of them from his little game.

"Alright alright"

Bell shook his head as he lifted Aegis off himself placing it on the side of his bed, grabbing the waist of his shirt Bell removed it rather smoothly as he placed it upon Aegis. Athena however paid close attention to him as he did so looking over him as if she was studying him, but Bell quickly noticed the look of concern form on her face as she looked to his shoulder.

"What happened to your shoulder?" Athena raised her hand towards the scar that was buried into his skin, she could tell it was by an arrow but her hand was suddenly grabbed by Bells.

".. I'll tell you after, with everything else.. It makes sense since I'm joining your familia" Bell spoke quietly as his spare hand gently traced his scar a forlorn look appearing on his face.

"Oh.. Alright lay down and I'll give you your falna" Athena quickly responded as Bell let go of her hand, she wasn't going to pry for now it's like he said he'll tell her in time.

"Right" Bell then lay down upon the bed using his shirt and Aegis as a pillow.

"So where did you get your sense of humour?" Athena was definitely curious Bell was unique by elves but his sense of humour, puts him in a whole new category! It almost funny how different he is for her but refreshing also.

"A mixture of Maria and Guthrum but mostly Guthrum" Bell had responded quickly as his body jolted as the sudden sensation on his back, feeling summit wet like a rain drop hit him and then the feeling of Athena's fingers moving in a pattern on his back.

"Ah I'm sorry.." Athena trying to concentrate until Bell had mentioned Guthrum from what she learnt she spoke more softly.

"So you know about that.."

"Yes.. it was one of the few things he could say"

"I understand.." Bells voice had quiet to a point it sounded almost mournful, causing Athena to mentally curse herself for it.

They continued in silence after Bell responded it was clear to Athena it was still a sore spot for him, so she decided to stay quiet as she made the finishing parts of the falna. Her eyes widening as her falna formed the owl head wearing a Corinthian helmet with its wings surrounding it, however her gaze was fixed as two things formed on Bells falna causing her to look in shock.

"Wait.. what?" Athena voice sounded almost too high for Bells ears to take, the sound of shock in it started to make him feel a bit panicked.

"What's wrong?" He simply spoke as he tried to not let his mind run wild until her knew what was going on.

"I was expecting some stats points.. but not this.."

"Athena?" Bell again spoke up for Athena's voice was still sounding off, and now getting quieter as he felt her hands leave his back.

"Take a look" Athena simply stated now being able to see her face Bells eyes narrowed, to see a look of bewilderment and concern as she held the sheet to him.

Sitting up Bell took the piece of paper from Athena and looked over the contents, his eyes staying narrow looking at the small value of magic he had. However his eyes widened slightly as he looked further down to see what Athena must of meant.

Bell Cranel

Level: 1

Strength: 103

Endurance: 84

Dexterity: 98

Agility: 112

Magic: 7

Skills:

Lunar Champion:

The Moon has chosen to aid you.

Elven Fury:

Your physical and magical capabilities increase when fighting elves, when fighting an Alf your capabilities greatly increase, for both can increase due to emotion.

"..." Bell was completely silent as he stared at the skills section of his sheet.

"Bell, skills are rare and you have two.. And they're both involved with you as in they are summit to your being" Athena spoke with confusion to her tone, though her voice quickly died down as she looked to Bells face.

"..." Bell gave no indication of response or even a movement, a slight glare appearing on his face as he stared at the sheet, his grip tightening to where the paper could be heard being crumpled.

"Bell.. Are you able to explain? Or does this have summit to do with your past?" She spoke softly worry evident in her voice as Bell looked at her, letting out a heavy sight he spoke with a cold tone.

"It started wit," Bell was cut off by his door suddenly flying open.

As the door bashes open with a large bang against Bells wall causing them both to stand up, they see Zeus slump to the floor his eyes doing spirals as he groans. Standing above Zeus was a 5ft hume bunny in a long floral dress, she was huffing with tears clear in her eyes. Athena just looked at the girl in confusion while Bell had looked with bewilderment at the young girls arrival.

"..It's true" Poppy's voice sounded like it had cracked mixed with frustration and sobs.

"Poppy? What's the matter?" Bell quickly grabbing his shirt and pulled it over himself.

Poppy ran up and hugged Bell all while glaring at Athena which caused her to recoil slightly, the sight of the angry young bunny was too confusing for Athena to understand. What had she done to earn this child's animosity towards her?

"You can't have Bell! He's not going anywhere with you! I won't let you destroy the bunny squad!" Poppy proclaimed as she pointed her finger at Athena her large ears folding behind her head.

"WAIT WHAT?!" Becoming flushed Athena shouted back in panic at the young girl, he hands waving in front of her in a denial fashion.

"Oh great.." Bell wrapped on hand around the young girl while shaking his head at the sudden development.

"Ha that's my grandson! RRRROOMANCE!" Everyone suddenly turned as Zeus sprung up from the floor and shouted to the skies, turning back to see Athena and Poppy still preoccupied with each other. However he looked to Bell and felt a chill as he met his narrowed look, taking a gulp Zeus took a step back as he sees Bells mouth opens.

"SHUT IT OLD MAN!" Bell shouted at Zeus as he hastily made it out of the room, leaving Bell to sigh at the current events.

And done! Right so first things first I wish to apologize to everyone for the unintended wait for chapter 6, however my reason for this was I hated how the original sounded and it just wasn't clicking. So I scrapped it and started from bottom and went over it a few times to get it to how I like, and so I'm happy with this chapter and I hope you enjoy it!

Now for announcements first things first I'm updating the first 3 chapters to make them more to my current capability, chapter 1 has already received such an improvement. To make it clear as well these are just getting updated meaning they won't be rewritten instead they'll have stuff taken out and added to make it flow better. So I hope you all look forward to that.

And finally the story! The next chapter will feature the last one before we go on another time skip taking us to Orario, so look forwarbd to it because we get to see what's the good old city will be like haha. As for Bell him gaining these skills has been summit I've had from the start, and I left Lunar champion vague for a reason just to make sure that's known.

Again thanks to everyone for comments and reviews I'm very happy to hear what you all say, and the advice giving hopefully I'll be back on track after this week for uploading wise. So that's everything hope you all had a great week and weekend and see you all next time.