The Herrschers Of Heroes

by Astral Kairos

Bell and Nuri are chosen to become Herrschers. But when they recieve the power they go rogue instead of following the will of Honkai and obeying the order to destroy humanity. What will happen to them and Orario now that this foreign power has found its ways in their hands?

2. The Gems Of Thunderlian And Flamescion

Chapter 2 – The Gems Of Thunderlian And Flamescion

Bell woke up just in time to see Nuri all dressed up and clean. The renard smiled and greeted him. His nine tails all swishing independently of each other. His fur was groomed but after having taken a shower it was twice as fluffy and it had exploded, looking three times as thick and puffed out.

"Hehe."

"Don't laugh Bell-nii."

"But you look so cute and funny."

"I said stop."

He grumbled and pouted only earning him more laughs from the elf. However, upon looking at his tails again something else came to his mind.

"Nii-nii, did you tell or show anyone the fact that you have nine tails?"

"Nope. Papa said to never show anyone outside the village and no one I trusted."

For a moment there was silence until Bell spoke again.

"Do you not trust them yet?"

"I … I don't know. I suppose I do trust Klara. Helios and Jove as well, though the old man is irredeemable pervert apparently. But I don't fully trust those two Gods and the other villagers I don't know. I suppose I trust Klara the most since she is the person we've been with the most. But with what happened it's hard for me."

"I understand. W-wait what do you mean the two Gods. Isn't Helios the only God?"

"Hmm, so they said but I smelt the same exact smell on Jove. That of divinity."

"I suppose that is also a reason why you don't completely trust him?"

"Yes. Perhaps if he were to tell us the truth, maybe I could open up more to him, but not until then."

Bell nodded before hearing Klara's voice calling them down once again.

.

I walked downstairs with Nii-nii right behind me. This small little house had now become my new home, though it would take a little while for it to feel like home. But I'm getting used to it and I like Klara and the old man, though Nii-nii clearly doesn't trust them yet, well to the exception of Klara.

I glanced at Nii-nii and giggled. Little did he know that I had seen every single detail of yesterday night's tail touching session. Not that I would tell him otherwise he would kill me and then kill himself out of embarrassment. After all I do understand that he misses mama, and Klara reminds us a lot of her. Is it wrong to let himself live a memory and be pampered?

'No it's not.'

"There you are you two."

I turned my head and saw Klara setting down the plates for me and Nii-nii. Eggs and bacon was today's breakfast. I could see Nii-nii's tail swishing impatiently, mot that I was any better, I could feel the drool trickling down the side of my mouth at the rich scent emanating from the dishes.

.

The renard immediately sat down next to Bell and wolfed down on the plate with surprising elegance. Klara watched happily as the two of them enjoyed her cooking. Her eyes kept glancing at the wiggling ears of the two. They were just so cute when they twitched like that and it filled her with joy that their excitement was due to her cooking.

Until now her life had been boring, learning from the adults about academics and how to tend to the village. These two however, opened a whole new world to her. And her new goal was now to touch their ears. She had earned their trust, got them to hug her without rejecting her and even fluffed Nuri's tail. That's why touching their ears was now her goal and was now formulating a plan, she just couldn't wait.

"Klara!"

The blonde girl was startled out of her trance. The two boys were staring at her curiously. It looked like they had called out to her but distracted by her thoughts, she must have not heard them.

"Ah, sorry, sorry. What were you two saying?"

"What's at the top of the mountain?"

The sudden question caught her off guard. Why were they suddenly asking about the mountain? But looking at their fingers pointing outside the window, right in the line of sight a single dark mountain stood towering over the valley. Its peak shrouded and hidden by the clouds.

"You mean the mountain of doom?"

"Mountain of doom?"

"Yes, That is what we call the mountain. It is a dark and dangerous place that has been forbidden to go near by Helios-sama. There are a lot of unnatural and powerful monsters, some which should be found only in the dungeon, some other that have never been seen before. According to Helios-sama, some of them are even as strong as those in the dungeon. But the monsters are the least of the problem.

But chance is you'll never reach the mountain since before the mountain there is a forest. A forest called the forest of illusion. The entire area in a dark fog which corrupts and weakens those who enter. Its said to be a mysterious dark power that will cause anyone who enter unable to leave. This village some time gets travelers and adventurers who venture into the mountain and never come back. Apparently not only are there monsters everywhere but magic doesn't recover and that black mist I told you about causes you get lost in the forest before the mountain. No matter what anyone tried no one could get out. Helios-sama doesn't know if its because of an illusion, magic that makes you lose your sense of direction or whatnot, but death is certain if you enter."

"But if it leads to certain death why do people keep entering?"

Bell curiously tilted his head hearing her talk about the lonely mountain.

"There is a legend that a miracle is found at the peak and it will grant you any wish. It is said that at the peak where the miracle is found you will be blessed with a beautiful sight of the world from which you will ask for your wish. Most go there in search of power, one that can shake the mountains and split the sea, able to change the principles of the very world. That is why it has attracted many to the end of their journey. Adventurers, travelers, merchants, scholars and others of which I don't remember the profession. All of whom were never seen again."

Hearing that sent a shiver down the back of the two boys.

"Ah but as I said this is a serious story, I'm not joking and the area is forbidden so don't get anywhere close to it, okay?"

The two of them nodded.

"Anyways, why the sudden question?"

The siblings looked at each other, exchanging a mental message with a look of their eyes before nodding and looking back at her.

"Nii-nii and I saw some weird lights coming from the mountain."

"Weird lights?"

"Yes, purple and crimson lights lit the sky yesterday night. The lights came right from the peak of the mountain."

She tapped her chin and hummed in thought for a while.

"Weird. Either way don't get close no matter what. I will inform Helios-sama about it and see what he has to say, alright?"

"Yes Klara."

.

"Hmm, that's weird I don't remember seeing anything of the sort."

Klara was sitting at a table with Helios and the high ranking members of the village, including Jove. The village chief, who was also the captain of the Helios Familia, was patrolling the night and reported his findings upon hearing what the two little boys said.

"Could it have something to do with the increase in monsters recently?"

A member of the Familia voiced his opinion.

"Perhaps. Either way, keep them away from the mountain for now."

"Hehe, fear not Helios. This calls in for me, their grampa to take care of that."

Klara looked at the old man. Her look expressionless.

"W-what? I'm serious. I'll play with them and keep them away from the forest."

"It's fine, just leave that to me. It is a sister's role to play with them not an old cranky man like you."

"Why you!"

Helios and the others watched amused at the quarrel between the two caretakers.

.

"The competition begins!"

Jove and Klara had gathered the two boys and presented to them their gifts with great excitement. The competition had turned into one where the winner would be announced based on whose gift the two children liked the most. The very next day after the meeting, the two decided to prepare a present for them, all under the curious eyes of Helios and the others.

Klara presented her gift first. She had put a lot of effort in it and she had to admit that she was proud of her best piece of work so far. She placed it on the table and revealed a white vanilla cake. The eyes of the two boys lit up when they saw it, ears and tail wiggling animatedly and mouths drooling. It was hard to think of them as the same boys who wouldn't allow anyone to touch them and it certainly reminded everyone that they were still children no matter what they went through or did. Either way their look must have amused Klara because she couldn't contain her giggles as she cut two slices for them.

"Here you go."

The two immediately assaulted the slice with the same enthusiasm Bell had when he talked about hero stories. As soon as they tasted it, the flavor made them squeal with joy. Unlike Meteria, Bell had not picked up on her love for sweets, luckily the cake wasn't too sweet for Bell. The creamy coating was delicious and the bread of the cake was soft and spongy.

"It's delicious!"

"See that old man? My victory."

"Guh! J-just you wait this is not over."

As soon as the two had finished their slices of cake Zeus brought their attention to himself. He then took out his present. It was a large old leather book. But the almost magical and elven design of the cover enchanted the two boys. But the moment they read the title was when it truly stole away their attention. A book full of tales of heroes. Nuri and Bell looked with even brighter eyes at the book. All the stories of heroes and warriors they had never heard of before were just there. Their excitement was just bubbling.

Helios and the others looked at him with raised eyebrows not catching onto the two boys who were ready to burst from the idea of reading hero stories. Klara gave him a smug smile and taunted the old man while Helios decided to ask the opinion of the two boys.

"So now that both presents have been given, it is time for the two of you to judge whose is the best gift."

And without hesitation the two pointed at Jove.

"That's ri- what?!"

Klara was left shocked as the two pointed at white bearded man, who burst into laughter.

"Well lass, look who gets the last laugh now. Hahaha!"

"H-how?"

Even Helios was taken back by the answer.

"To be fair Klara-nee we get your cooking every day, even if it was especially delicious and a special dish, it was still something we expected."

Bell began referring to her as Klara-nee, much to her joy.

"But as you know we love hero stories and are our main interest, particularly because we want to become like them. And this book is full of them."

Nuri then continued.

"We've read many stories but not all. This story book must have been written by him so he put a lot of effort to keep the heroes alive and that's something me and Bell admire. Besides old man Jove is a God like Helios so he's sure to have seen many things that no one else has before. Perhaps we'll get stories no one has ever seen before."

Everyone in the room froze, too shocked to talk.

"N-Nuri, how did you know? It was meant to be a secret."

Helios frantically closed in on him wanting to know how he figured it out.

"The smell. Old man has the same smell of divinity as Helios."

Hearing that everyone asked themselves the same question.

"Divinity has a smell?"

"I think it does. Only you two have it."

The beast people in the room sniffed the air but smelt nothing that could have identified the two as Gods.

"We don't smell anything though?"

Suddenly Jove's eyes widened with surprise.

"Nuri! Are you a nine tailed renard?"

Hearing that both Nuri and Bell tensed.

"I heard that nine tailed renards can smell and see magic flow, including divinity and arcanum! Can you see a rainbow aura around us?"

"Now that you mention it, I can."

Without a choice he unraveled his tails into nine slightly smaller ones. They were just as fluffy and puffed out but the sight of the nine tailed fox entranced everyone in the room. They had no words and simply marveled at the mystical being.

"Haha, I was right."

It was truly a day of revelations and since his secret was out he decided to reveal something else as well.

"Yes you were Zeus."

"Excuse me?"

"What? You're Zeus are you not?"

The old man now revealed as the King of the Gods froze once again. It looked like everyone in the room knew about it, they simply didn't expect two little boys to figure it out.

"How did you know?"

The renard grinned at that.

"I didn't."

"Eh?"

"I have read stories seen pictures often describing or portraying you as an old man with white hair and blue eyes. That and Jove is one of your many names. But I had no way to be sure so I guessed and you just gave me the answer. If you had said no I might have even believed it."

Everyone in the room, bar Bell, had their eyes widening in shock while Nuri's sly and mischievous grin grew bigger.

"I can't believe I got tricked by a five year old boy."

Bell had silently watched the exchange before questions were asked about him as no one had seen an elf with white hair, where he revealed his unique lineage as a previous royal from a time long lost. Hearing that Zeus then revealed that apparently like Nuri he was a special being who had a special ability and could see souls. Though Bell had never seen souls so when asked about the God told him it will happen when he grows older.

"Man what a day."

It had been an interesting day for sure and everyone in the room agreed. They also decided to keep every secret revealed that day strictly between those that had been in the room at the time of but the following one would turn out to be even more eventful.

.

The two little boys were playing out in the field. Zeus had been called to a meeting the adults of the village had organized, so he left the two boys to play around. Klara was also busy looking after the children resulting with the two boys being alone without supervision.

"Say Nii-nii, can you still see the bright lights from the peak of the mountain?"

Nuri turned his attention to the mountain and nodded.

"Now that you mention it, I can."

"It might be what Zeus mentioned yesterday. The flow of magic. That's what you're seeing."

"But even Helios and Zeus had little aura, even if they are suppressing it. Even so the amount that would be required to emit such a powerful color is something we probably shouldn't get close to."

When he looked back the renard saw that Bell was no longer standing by him. The little elf was running back towards the home. Knowing what he was going to do, he ran to catch up to him and stop him with going through with his crazy plan.

"Bell-nii you better not be getting your swords to go up there."

"But think about it Nii-nii if there is that magic then there is truth to the legends that Klara-nee told us."

"But remember what Klara told us? No one ever came back."

"It's fine, you can see magic flow so we'll find our way out anyways."

The ever impatient boy kept on prepping his gear and grabbing his bag.

"Let's go."

"Bell-nii stop being so hasty. St- Bell-nii?!"

The boy, however, didn't stop and began running out. With no choice Nuri got his gear and followed right after him still intending to stop him. It was always the other way, with Bell trying to restrain Nuri from starting a fight, but when it came to adventures, it was always Nuri that had to keep Bell from doing dangerous stuff.

"Bell-nii stop!"

The elf looked back at him and pouted.

"Come on, it was you who said as long as both of us are together we will be invincible."

"And how invincible were we when Evilus attacked?!"

Hearing that Bell stopped. It was then that he realized that Nuri wasn't scared of hurting himself, not of death or of monster, no, he was scared that he was scared of his beloved brother getting hurt. He had always been caring and worried for him, he didn't doubt that he would jump to his death if it was for his sake. And that idea terrified him more than anything. And the recent incident didn't help. Realizing his selfish and hasty demand he finally stopped.

"I'm sorry Nii-nii."

"It's okay. Let's ask the adults about it first."

However, by then it was already too late. Bell was staring at his feet when he took a step to follow him only for the sound of the soft grass below him to be substituted by the sound of crunching leaf.

'Weird. There should be no trees nearby.'

He then noticed that the soft green ground had turned into a scorched black earth. His eyes shot up and looked around him only to notice he was in a completely unknown territory.

'Oh no!'

"Nii-nii! Nii-nii!"

Wherever he looked it was filled with a forest of black trees and even darker leaves. Just like Klara had said, a black mist permeated the entire forest. He ran forwards in an attempt to leave the forest but no matter how far he went ahead he noticed that there was no end. He also realized that he was passing the same spot continuously. There really was no escape and knowing that he felt his heart beat faster and harder as fear began taking over.

.

"Alright Bell-nii?"

Not receiving any response he looked back only to see that he was no longer there.

"Eh? Bell-nii?"

His eyes displayed confusion then the next moment they were filled with dread. The black mist from the forest seemed to have expanded. That is when he noticed that the legend that Klara told them weirdly reminded him of a small little poem that he had heard about from a random traveler a year ago. A weird and unsettling man with amethyst eyes found passed out the next day. But when he woke up his eyes were dark brown.

A hasty flame, a conquering thunder

Of an ancient origin you are torn asunder

You are the forsaken God, you are a fallen star

From your desire you have strayed too far

Your journey starts, your path now set

The humans of the world are now a threat

The arrogation of mankind now comes to an end

Awoken to reality you once again ascend

Through the dark forest

You will follow the torrent

At the peak of the sorrowful eminence

You will feel its divine imminence

At long last you will be reunited

And the spark of war ignited

The tale told not of the dangers of the forest nor what awaited at the top of the mountain, what it did foretell however was a dark ending. He debated whether or not to tell the adults but upon looking back he couldn't move. Bell was in there alone and he knew not what would be found inside. How long would it take for the adults to be informed and to act. Would they even act? The area was forbidden. What if they abandoned him?

Without further hesitation he decided to rely on himself and headed into the black mist hoping to find Bell. As his vision came back and the mist subsided somewhat he immediately looked for any traces of Bell, but he was nowhere to be found. Luckily his race came with many benefits, sniffing the air he could smell the familiar scent of the elf.

'That way!'

Following the invisible track, Nuri let his nose guide him through the forest.

.

He had been running for seconds, minutes, hours with no end in sight. The forest was dark as the trees and the mist blocked out the sky. He had no idea what time it was, for how long he had actually been miserably trying to make his way out, he didn't even know if it was day or night anymore. He was not used to being lost all alone and scared. Before this he always lived in the village, being accompanied by Nuri, watched over his parents and elders. Now they were all gone. Only Nuri was left and he wasn't here right now.

He clutched his knives tightly and kept moving forwards. It was quiet, so much that it was unsettling. There was no sign of life no matter where he looked. The trees were thick and robust but looked black as if withered. Said trees practically impaired his vision with their dense population within the forest. The further he went, the deeper he felt he was heading into the forest. Or was he?

Everything looked so unfamiliar yet so identical. Was he even progressing? What if he was just walking in circles and he wasn't aware of it? His ears twitched searching for any sounds of any kind, but silence reigned supreme. His breath being the only sign of life in the woodland.

Gradually, the forest had become darker and darker. Until the only thing he saw was the ground below as he treaded over the ash that layered the ground. But he didn't lose hope and kept his long knives at the ready as he proceeded forwards. The atmosphere growing eerier and more unsettling as he advanced.

That was until the sound of a low and angry growl filled the air. The noise seemed to come from everywhere yet from nowhere. He checked left and right but saw no monsters, no red gleaming eyes or shadowy figure stalking him. Yet he could feel it. Its eyes were right on him.

He kept looking around as he felt the presence get stronger. But no matter how hard he tried he couldn't see the monster. Too late did Bell notice the glowing light, that was the monster, swinging towards him. His head had turned just as a thin metallic object sliced through his arm.

"Ahh!"

The blood flowed down his face as he stumbled back, away from the unusual monster. He tightly held his arm still clutching the knives in both hands. His fear overcome by surprise and adrenaline at the sudden presence of the monster. A monster unlike anything he had seen or heard of before.

It was small, about as big as a human torso. It floated above the ground with its slim and smooth body. A pair of butterfly like wings sprouted from its back. It was white with bright pink highlights. It felt like looking at a huge metal bug with wings. It had no arms or legs.

The blood from his arm trickled down one of the wings. Though it had no face he felt the glee of the monster. It zoomed around flapping its wings ready to strike again. Bell had the feeling the monster's next attack was going to end him. It was extremely fast and there was no way for him to dodge an attack. Even if he did, the second attack would hit him.

"Rragh!"

As the monster flew towards him a sword accompanied by the weight of a body pierced through the monster's head. The two bodies fell to the ground where the unusual white monster writhed in pain for a few moments before its pink glow dimmed and the creature died. The renard looked at the monster weirdly for a moment before Bell's cry reached his ears.[

"Nii-nii!"

With teary eyes he threw himself on the renard before receiving the cruelest smack across the back of his head to this date by Nuri.

"Will you ever listen to me? This is exactly why I said you need to stop being so hasty and childish."

"But we're five!"

"That is no excuse. We are in unknown territory, just rushing in will get you killed. Especially because we are five!"

The elf pouted but begrudgingly acknowledged that he was right.

"So … how do we go home?"

"We don't. We leave the forest by going to the mountain."

"Eh?! But I've been walking for hours! The mountain doesn't seem to get closer."

"You've been walking for an hour. Besides, remember that weird traveler that passed out in the village's vicinity?"

"The one the village wouldn't help because he was human?"

"Yes. He told me a poem that reminds me of this place."

"He did? What do we do then?"

The renard looked around and noticed something that Bell couldn't.

"We follow the torrent."

The elf looked with confusion around the forest.

"But there is no water in this place."

"No there is not. But I can see a torrent. One made of magic. I don't know how he knew that I could see magic flow but the torrent was definitely talking about the magic."

Invisible to all but his eyes and nose, strands of red and purple magic flowed through the forest.

"Then let's follow it!"

Nodding, Nuri began following the trail of powerful magic. Right and left, they turned but Bell noticed that unlike before they were actually moving closer to the mountain. The landforms changed and it no longer felt like he was walking in circles. So they kept walking forwards until they arrived at a massive tree with a large magic stone at its center. The trunk was wrapped around the stone like vines and its black leaves glowed menacingly.

"Woah! What is this?"

"If I were to guess, then I'd say that the magic illusion that keeps us trapped in the forest comes from this tree. All magic flow is crossing paths here."

"What if we break the stone? Will we be able to leave?"

"Yes, but how do we break the stone? With these?"

Nuri raised his weapons in front of Bell's face. Realizing the impossibility of the task caused the elf to deflate in defeat.

"Oh. Then are there are many paths?"

"At least ten or more."

The elf deflated even further hearing that.

"Eh? How do we know where to go then?"

Looking around Nuri noticed that one flow in particular stood out. It was larger, brighter and it exuded an ominous feeling that caused his blood to freeze.

"I think I know which path to follow. Follow me."

So the elf did.

"Hopefully we'll reach the peak by sundown."

.

Chaos. The whole of the village was in a state of absolute disorder and panic. When Zeus returned to the fields where he had left Bell and Nuri, he was left confused to see that they had vanished. Initially he thought they had went out to play and would be back by the end of an hour or two.

But when the two boys never came back, he began to worry. He called the others, telling them the boys had vanished. An hour turned to two then to three. The sun had begun descending behind the mountains by the time someone gave their report of witnessing the boys run with their equipment towards the dark forest.

Hearing that sent everyone in a frenzy. The dark forest, an infamous forbidden territory that always resulted in the invader's death. Under the orders of Zeus and Helios, the adventurers gathered together. They gathered their equipment and resources to prepare for a trip to the dark forest, hoping only to find the boys before it was too late.

"I'll accompany you too."

Everyone turned around and was shocked to find Zeus volunteering to join the expedition.

"Take me too."

The blonde girl who often took care of the two boys stood before the entire village waring an outfit no one had seen in years. Full plated white and golden armor, shining like that of a proud knight. In her hand she held a long mithril lance. She resembled the perfect image of a legendary warrior.

"Zeus? Klara too? You two are not fit for this."

"I may be a God but I have more fighting experience than any of you."

"And though I ceased being an adventurer I am still an ex Hera Familia member."

"Klara you stopped adventuring because of your trauma towards monsters."

"If its for the sake of the two boys I'm willing to try and overcome my fear."

.

"We're getting closer Nii-nii."

The two slowly exited the dark forest and closed in on the base of the mountain. A massive gate gave birth to a single path that lead to the peak of the mountain. It was narrow and seemed to extend infinitely, but they had no choice. Going back would lead them back to the dark forest and there was no magic trail that led to the outside word and they didn't have the strength to break the tree that caused the illusion of the forest to trap them inside.

"Let's go Nii-nii!"

"Wait!"

Nuri grabbed onto his shoulder and stopped him.

"Will you listen for once?"

"Sorry."

The elven ears drooped down.

"Let's not run. The way to the mountain is long and is uphill."

"Okay."

Slowly the two children began walking up the steep path. Looking around the mountain certainly lived up to its name. The rock was raven and spikey giving it a truly terrifying feeling. Black clouds caused the area to be permanently dark as if one was walking in the middle of the night. It was desolate and grim, it brought despair and made one lose any hope to get out. But the base of the mountain was just that. As they walked up the two demi-humans would come to learn of how treacherous and agonizing the path to the peak truly was.

.

"We're really doing this."

"If you're too much of a coward then turn and run. But I'm going in with or without any of you."

She neither hesitated or waited for an answer from the others. Ignoring some murmurs and protests, Klara took a step forward and vanished into the black fog of the dark forest. Zeus followed right behind her, also vanishing right in front of them. Some were scared others hesitated but after the captain promised a painful fate for the disgraceful bastards who would abandon a child and with more and more people going in, few were left behind. Only those that had an unfavorable view of the two children due to their race, particularly Bell given that he was an elf. People who would feel Nuri's wrath in the future for their stupidity.

.

The path had gotten harder to follow as they had climbed higher and higher. The path had become steeper, some areas the road was smooth causing them to slip other it was full of rocks and it required them to climb. It was even harder for the two children, whose bodies were frail. The air became thinner and colder, wind turned to gales, threatening to blow them away.

"Ugh!"

But the hard part came as they entered the dark clouds. Their vision was impaired by the thick clouds, the gales, like magic became deadly, tearing cuts through their clothes and skin, but worse of them all were the lightning strikes raining down on the path out of nowhere.

"Watch out!"

"Gah!"

The pillars of thunder were unnatural in many ways and there was no doubt, they were even more dangerous than the already deadly lightning bolts. Each strike was accompanied by several arcs that scorched the surrounding area lasting several seconds rather than vanishing immediately. But the most shocking thing was the power behind each strike. Though Bell and Nuri were nearly three meders away, the moment the bolt landed it sent them flying back. Luckily the two hit the side of the mountain rather than flying off the side and down the several hundred meders they had painstakingly climbed.

"Run!"

The two broke into a sprint with blades of wind and thunder strikes threatening to kill them for every step they took. It didn't look like it would end either, so without a choice, they ran with all their energy barely missing countless deadly attacks.

Step by step, they rapidly exhausted themselves. The end of the path was nowhere in sight and the peak looked no closer than it was when they were still at the base. By the will of the Gods, the two were miraculously allowed a rest as they spotted a small cave that offered cover from the relentless storm of death.

"Ha, ha, ha. Are we … getting closer?"

"I think … so."

The two panted, sucking in deep breaths of air to refill their lungs. Their bodies were littered with burn marks, cuts and sweat covered them from top to bottom. Looking outside, Nuri did notice the magic flow growing thicker, brighter and stronger. He was sure that they were getting closer but it was hard to tell with the clouds.

"Come on Bell. We have to get to the top."

After taking the time to recover for another quarter of an hour, the two boys prepared themselves to run out. Just as they were about to make a break for it, a lightning bolt suddenly curved and shot right between Bell and Nuri, striking the wall behind them.

"Wah!"

The two boys were knocked down to the ground from the lightning blasting the wall behind them. Nuri and Bell looked back and were surprised to see that the wall had crumbled revealing a path inside the mountain that appeared to lead up.

A weak glowing light illuminated the hole created by the lightning strike. Curiosity enraptured the two boys who immediately forgot their plan to rush out and instead walked towards the hole. Arriving at the opening, the two peeked inside and were mesmerized by the sight.

"Woah!"

The mountain was hollow inside and instead or rock and earth, a massive tree stood inside, filling up the interior. Its leaves like the trees outside were completely black, but they glowed brightly with its ominous black energy. A magic stone sat at the centre of the tree, just like the tree they had found before but several times bigger. The magic around the tree was extremely strong and Nuri's vision was filled with wisps of black and purple magic.

"This is amazing."

.

"We've passed this tree a thousand times already, old man!"

Klara was getting impatient as the group of twenty walked in circles for the ninth time. The young girl had taken to slashing at the trees with her lance but every time they passed back, the trees had magically healed as if no damage had been done before, only scratch marks remaining as proof of her actions.

"We're wasting time! It's been more than four hours since Nuri and Bell went missing and we've been going in circles for an hour! Where are they?"

"They are probably deep in the forest. I bet you that Nuri can navigate through the forest thanks to his ability to see magic flow."

"Then how do we get to him?!"

"I don't think we can. Not until we figure out how to traverse the forest. Honestly, our best hope is that they find us."

.

"Look at that Nii-nii!"

Bell's eyes glowed before the majesty of the colossal tree. Though ominous in form, the tree was truly a sight to see. The ever excitable child fearlessly moved closer to take a look. Behind him the renard followed while staring at the magic stone with suspicion.

From the elevated position they looked at the bottom and trailed the trunk with their eyes until they reached the top. It felt like ants before a human, it towered over them making them feel like small and insignificant insects. Bell really wanted to go and admire the magic stone but even if it was large, it would mean to descend after they painfully scaled the mountain, so much to his delusion the idea was discarded, supported by the fact that Nuri found the magic stone's flow of mana very disturbing.

However, fate served an exciting new adventure in the form of a legendary monster, to the two children. One of which they had dreamt of fighting since their desire to become heroes was born. A minotaurus. A powerful monster of the middle floors of the dungeon, one which lived nowhere else, yet was now in front of them.

"Oh no."

"Say Nii-nii. Isn't this very, very bad?"

"Yes, it is Bell-nii."

Unfortunately for the two, the legendary monster fate had prepared was not actually the minotaurus. The horned monster's mighty figure was instantly trampled and sliced in pieces, some of which were munched by the maws of the new monster, a much larger beast.

Yet another monster they had never seen before appeared in front of them, not that the two knew many. It was a quadrupedal monster, with a pyramidal face reminding them of a dragon. Its skin was black and purple, covered with thick scales, to protect itself. A long tail like those of sharks extended from its back. Its eyes were pink and its body covered with many long fins that flowed in the air as if it was underwater. The extremities of its tail, fins and limb ended with a shadowy fire that kept permanently burning, exuding embers of purple fire. It was a truly intimidating beast, mostly when considering that it was nearly three times as big as a minotaurus.

'There's no way we can fight this or run from this!'

Unknown to them, the monster carefully analysed them, for it was a very intelligent and adaptable creature, not a mindless and bloodthirsty monster like those of the dungeon. It looked at them ferociously never allowing to show weakness. But as it observed them it decided there was no need to kill them. Not because they were children, the monster had an innate hatred for humans after all and would not hesitate to kill them, but because they were special, it could tell just by looking. But the aura and the reaction from the tree told much about their importance, they were the making of a future sovereign it would eventually serve.

So, without wasting another second it turned around and vanished as it retreated back into the shadows. Bell and Nuri had not moved from their places terrified of the monster that could trample a level two minotaurus like that. They thanked the heavens, Helios and Zeus for sparing them from becoming that monster's dinner.

"That was too close. Nii-nii, let's hurry up."

The renard nodded and the two resumed the climb to the top of the mountain, with their weapons at the ready. Should they come face to face with anything other than a kobold or a goblin and there was little chance that they would win against any of the monsters on the mountain. Even the weird white and pink monster from before would probably turn out to be difficult to kill if it wasn't for the surprise attack.

That also posed the question, why did this monster spare them while the ones before would mindlessly attack them? The shadow monster definitely felt much more alive and intelligent, unlike the self-aware beast, the small white bug felt like it was being controlled and was mindlessly following orders.

"What do we do now?"

Bell tilted his head as he looked at the roadblock that Nuri pointed at. Just as the pathway stopped spiralling upwards, around the inside of the mountain, and headed into a tunnel, the tree blocked the path by having roots sprout out of the walls completely cutting off the two off. The two had been climbing for a couple of hours so it was probable that even if it didn't look like they were quite at the top, the cave lead outside.

"Do you think we can cut through it with our swords?"

The renard turned to Bell and stared at him with a very unamused arched eyebrow.

"Sorry."

He showed a sheepish smile before looking away in embarrassment.

"Well, we can't go around, we can't cut through it and we can't climb it either."

"Oh! What if we ask that nice monster from before?"

Nuri stared at him once again but his expression brightened after thinking about it for a while.

"That might actually not be a bad idea. But how do we find it? Besides, we've been climbing for the past two hours. We'd have to go all the way down and come back up. We don't know how long that will take. I'm also getting pretty hungry."

"Nii-nii, you're always hungry!"

"I'm not!"

"ROOOOOAAAAARRRRR!"

The two startled children turned around and silently listened as a monster stomped its way towards them. Yet another minotaurus showed up, its blood red eyes locking onto them. It clearly desired nothing more than death, to kill and bathe in their despair.

"Not again."

"Oh oh, What do we do now Bell-nii?"

"You're asking me? You're the one who always has the solutions!"

"Well I don't have one for this situation!"

The bull let out a ferocious battle cry and stomped the ground, showing its clear intent to charge them and squish them into a bloody mess.

"Nii-nii, what if we let it open the passage for us?"

Nuri immediately understood what he meant and nodded. With more bravery than the two had ever before they naively taunted the monster with silly faces. Provocation which worked wonderfully well as the monster roared enraged before it rushed forward.

Just before it reached them, the two children got out of the way and let the beast ram the blockade of roots. But much to the shock of the foolish children, the wood of the magical tree was far too sturdy for even the monster to damage and simply bounced off it.

'Oh no.'

However, that left the two children with a completely mad bull wanting to kill them. Their only hope of escape still blocked off, the two ran out of ideas on what to do. They could run down but the monster would definitely catch up to them. Even so, they didn't lose to fear, knowing there was no way to win, they unsheathed their weapons and prepared to face the bull.

"Come and get it!"

"Yeah! Prepare yourself for your end!"

The two felt their heart beating faster than ever as the bull approached at Mach speed. But before it could strike, long shadowy claws extended over the boys slicing the minotaurus to ribbons before slamming it out of the way. The two boys lifted their gaze to see the reptilian beast. Its pink eyes curiously looked at them.

The two could almost feel its eyebrow arching up, as if asking what they were doing. But that didn't matter in that moment. Though Nuri had trouble trusting people he simply wished to believe the monster to be simple minded like other animals and beasts.

"Can you help us?"

The two boys made all kinds of gestures pointing at the roots and making slashing motions with their arms. The two were blissfully unaware of how clever beast was, probably much more than the two of them combined were, but it decide to humour them nonetheless, if only because he found them an amusing pair.

It walked to the roots and with a single fluid motion of its claws it tore a hole straight through them. Behind them the two boys stared wide mouthed at the mighty strength of the reptile. With eyes full of admiration they rushed in front of the monster before bowing and thanking it.

"Thank you mister sharky!"

With a wave the two boys ran forwards, resuming their journey upwards. Behind them the monster that was left behind decided to follow them and see what would become of them once they reached the peak. It was curious. Were they going to be consumed, destroyed, broken, corrupted … or would they do the unspeakable? Resist, struggle and defiantly become a rogue, strive to adhere to their own ideals, straying away from the path of destruction that the will of the original wished for.

.

"We've made it! Look Nii-nii!"

Bell excitedly pointed at the altar that stood on the peak of the mountain. An elevated circular stone floor made out of white marble stood at the centre of the peak. Three pillars stood at the edge and a pedestal at the centre. On top of the pedestal were two gems, one pink and red the other one blue and purple. From them emanated magic. A flow stronger than anything Nuri had sensed, felt or seen. Stronger than that of the suppressed Gods, stronger than the forest or the magic tree hidden inside of the mountain.

It was almost overbearing but he pushed through and followed as Bell walked without a worry. Unseen by them the shadow beast silently observed as they walked closer to their predestined power. Whilst it sat down on a nearby rock the two boys reached the altar.

"Look at those bright stones!"

"Wait Bell, don't touch them! They are bad. There are weird and dangerous people inside the gems. Evil people that cannot be trusted."

The renard rushed to get in front of the elf, stopping him from touching the gem on the pedestal.

"Bell, we don't know what these are. And the magic emanating from them is super powerful. We shouldn't just touch them."

As he said that and tried to point at the gems, his hand swung around and accidentally landed on the glowing stones, touching the purple one.

"Oh oh."

As soon as he finished saying that bolts of lightning like those that bombarded them on the way up the mountain, shot out of the gem and struck Nuri. The lightning however didn't stop. Once the arcs tethered to the boy, the electricity kept on electrocuting the small renard, little bolts of lightning wrapping around and into the body, dancing over it and covering the whole renard.

"RRRRAAAAGGGGGHHHH!"

Bell watched horrified as Nuri was burnt by the thunderbolt and roared unlike anything he had heard before. Trying to help him he grabbed onto him only to be zapped sideways, right onto the pink gem. Unlike its purple counterpart flames burst out and engulfed the white haired elf.

While from the outside it looked like the two boys were being encapsuled by lightning and fire, no one would be able to tell what was actually happening. The gems' power flowed into the boys, but with it so did the being inside the gem. The incarnation of the gem, the power that had developed sentience. That's when two beams, one orange, one purple shot into the sky and a spiritual battle started.

.

"Hey old man, is it just me or is the fog clearing out?"

Zeus looked around and noticed that the black mist that permeated through the forest was indeed disappearing. Just then two beams shot into the sky. The God felt the sky clear, the magic of the dark forest vanish and the mountain's ominous feeling disappear.

The fog cleared and as the group of adventurers looked around they realised they were no longer in the midst of the forest. Somehow they had magically been transported right at the base of the mountain. Or perhaps they had been walking right around the mountain the whole time, but that didn't matter to the old God. The two boys were in danger, he could feel it. So he ran forwards, followed by Klara and the rest of the baffled group soon after.

.

Nuri woke up in an empty void, bolts of lightning lighting the surroundings every once in a while. He looked right and left, up and down, but wherever he looked there was only an empty black space. He could not move his body, which was floating in the empty space. His mind was lost, confused by the sudden situation. One moment he was trying to stop Bell, then lightning encased him and before he knew it he was transported to this place.

"Magnificent."

"Who are you?!"

He turned his body in the empty void only to find the space was empty just like before. The voice who spoke was broken and distorted yet elegant and euphonious. The feminine voice had a softness to it that it was intoxicatingly captivating. But the renard vowed to not fall from it.

"I am the gem of conquest, the incarnation of thunder and lightning. And you. Are the destined one, the Herrscher of Thunderlian. One who will follow the will of Honkai. And become the Herrscher of the end and finality."

"No."

"No?"

"I know what you are. I heard it. Your goal is war with humans and the demi-human races."

"Fufufu. It would seem you met the messenger."

"Messenger?"

"Yes, you and your brother were the chosen ones from the moment you were born. It was no mistake or coincidence that you received the prophecy. Mortals. Their arrogation will be their end. We will exterminate humanity, that is the will of the Honkai."

As it finished declaring her intentions the voice finally materialized her body. A body glowing purple, the shape of an hourglass that would put Goddesses to shame and face beautiful enough that would have captured anyone's heart in an instant, to the exception of the young child who had to still develop certain materialistic desires.

"Why do you oppose me?"

"Because I will not follow your crazy plan! Mama said not to trust strangers!"

"Fufu, my little adorable child."

She closed in on him and wrapped him in a hug from behind, gently caressing his cheek.

"Let go!"

"Do you not feel it inside you?"

The boy kept struggling until her next words left her tongue.

"Hatred. Anger and resentment. Who took your beloved parents away? It was people. And what of true parents? It was monsters."

"How do you know?"

"I have been watching you for a while. But that does not matter. What does matter is that people and monsters are no different. You saw that."

"I saw that not all people are evil."

"But you don't trust them. How long before they show their true colors and betray you too."

His insecure and frail mind doubted his own thoughts and ideals.

"Let me guide you. Let your desires sing their tunes. Let hatred and anger be your source of power. Let them out and make all of those who wronged you pay the price."

The smile on the incarnation's face grew wider as her hands and body wrapped around the boy's tighter.

'My beautiful puppy, you are so adorable. Kya! Too adorable. You are a kind and just person, never change! Always help those in need and remember it's okay to get angry but don't go hating them. You are better than that! '

'You are a strong cub, Nuri. Every hero is a fool but not all fools are heroes. Remember vengeance is like a poison. It will be your downfall if you let it take over.'

'Nii-nii! Let's go on an adventure!'

The faces of his once again reunited family ignited a heroic desire unlike anything he had before. The incarnation's smile faltered when from the heart of Nuri's soul, a white light began glowing brighter. Too late did she realize the danger she was in. Before she could act, the light engulfed her and a searing pain shot through her body. When she opened her eyes, there no longer was a void, instead she was in a forest. The pink light followed by a pink petal falling in her vision made her realize that she was kneeling before a sakura tree. A Humongous tree, accompanied by thousands more that all surrounded a massive lake. At the center of the lake, standing on the still water was Nuri, staring up to the night sky filled with a myriad of different colors.

'…'

Awoken, his soul and mind had materialized. And it was stronger than anyone's she had seen or felt before. She knew she had lost the fight. A Herrscher was born, but as quick as it was born it went rogue, striving to follow his own ideals rather than be controlled. It frustrated her, but she respected him just as much. A child, whose head was filled with imagination and childish desires turned those insignificant wishes into his most powerful weapon.

This was now his domain. She understood very well that there was no way to win now. She was just an incarnation, she had no power, just a presence. With no will to fight she approached the boy. He didn't understand why at the moment, but he felt like he could read her like an open book. He should be angry and end her right there. But he saw no will to harm him, no desire. Just her.

"What's your name?"

"Does it matter?"

Her voice had changed, it was no longer broken and distorted. It was even more melodious than before, every word was a note, every sentence a song.

"It does!"

"Well … I don't really have one."

"Then I'll give you one. From now on you are … Mei. And I'll call you Micchan because it sounds better than Mecchan."

The girl looked surprised but couldn't help but crack a smile.

"So … what now, Micchan?"

"You tell me. I no longer have the power to do anything. I had one chance to let the will of the gem corrupt you. I lost you won. Now I'm just me. You can now kill me."

"Or?"

The entity, no longer a purple glowing body, now completely human like had an actual face, even prettier than before. Her eyes were a beautiful violet and her hair long and purple, truly an incarnation of thunder and lightning. When she heard his question she visibly recoiled in surprise and hesitated.

"Or you could just let me live in your mindscape."

His expressionless face turned into a smile.

"Sure, you can't do anything else. And papa said I should be kind to pretty women."

"Even if they tried to harm you?"

"You didn't want to though, did you?"

"You can tell?"

"I don't know why, but right now I can feel everything you do. I can see everything you did and feel everything you felt. You did it many times before, many times you've seen people die. You've grown sorrowful and it break your heart every time it happens. You can't go against the will of Honkai, so you put an act and pretended to be evil hoping one day someone would end you, but now you're no longer bound to her. So I will show you what freedom feels like and let you be the one saving people rather than killing them."

How pretentious of the boy, no older than five. All her experiences, knowledge and memories flowed into him. Yet it was heartwarming to her. Tears formed in her eyes and standing where she was she began crying, trying desperately to rub away the drops to no avail. Nuri ran up to her and hugged her legs, wrapping all his nine tails around her, enveloping in a warmth she never felt. The dam broke and she kneeled down, hugging tightly the little renard.

"Wait a minute! Your brother touched the red gem!"

"Isn't it fine?"

"No! Absolutely no! Unlike me the other one is stubborn and snobby, always boasting of her abilities. She is an absolute idiotic girl. Who knows what she might do!"

"As long as she is not outright cruel and vicious he'll be fine. But I suppose I have to at least be there to help him. How do I get out?"

"Allow me."

She closed her eyes and in that moment he suddenly felt like he was zooming out, until his vision turned black. When he opened his eyes again he found himself laying down on the ground, face beautifully planted into the ground. Looking up he saw that Bell was also in the same position.

He groaned as he struggled to get up before slowly walking over to the motionless body. The lightning had injured his body and he felt exhausted. Now he somewhat regretted leaving the mindscape. Even so he pushed himself to keep struggling until he reached his brother's body.

"Micchan?"

'Don't worry I'm here. And always will be.'

He was spooked by the sudden words spoken by Mei but soon relaxed.

'Just place your hand on him and speak with your mind.'

Following her instructions he dove into Bell's mind.

.

Bell woke up to a black void, wisps of fire illuminated the otherwise empty space here and there. It was such an unfamiliar place to him. It all felt so weird and out of place. But it also scared him how he felt so, so small and insignificant. How everything seemed so far away and out of reach.

"Magnificent."

"Who are you?!"

He looked around only to find the space was empty just like before. The voice of the entity that spoke was melancholic and distorted yet chirpy and young. The feminine voice had a energy to it that contradicted the ominous feeling it gave. It kind of reminded him of himself.

"I am the gem of haste, the incarnation of fire and embers. And you. Are the destined one, the Herrscher of Flamescion. One who will follow the will of Honkai. And become the Herrscher of the end and finality."

"No."

"No?"

"I don't believe you. I heard it. Nii-nii said not to trust strangers, particularly weirdos like you."

"Fufufu. It would seem your brother met the messenger."

"Messenger?"

"Yes, you and your brother were the chosen ones from the moment you were born. It was no mistake or coincidence that you received the prophecy. Mortals. Their arrogation will be their end. We will exterminate humanity, that is the will of the Honkai."

As it finished declaring her intentions the voice finally materialized her body. A body glowing crimson red, the shape of an hourglass that would put Goddesses to shame and face beautiful enough that would have captured anyone's heart in an instant, to the exception of the young child who had to still develop certain materialistic desires.

"Why do you oppose me?"

"Because Nii-nii said not to trust dangerous and evil people like you!"

"Fufu, my little adorable child."

She closed in on him and wrapped him in a hug from the front, gently caressing his cheek.

"Let go!"

"Do you not feel it inside you?"

The boy kept struggling until her next words left her tongue.

"Think about your brother. He is everything like you are his everything. Would you be able to forgive you if he was hurt because of you?"

"How do you know?"

"I have been watching you for a while. But that does not matter. What does matter is that your brother always goes above and beyond for you."

"Nii-nii is clever he knows how to take care of himself."

"But you don't know what fate he awaits. How long before he makes a mistake and he gets injured? You are weak, dependent and hopelessly naïve. You're no hero."

His insecure and frail mind doubted his own thoughts and ideals.

"Let me guide you. Let go of your fear. Let your fear and hastiness be your source of power. Let them out and make all of those who wronged your brother and family pay the price."

The smile on the incarnation's face grew wider as her hands and body wrapped around the boy's tighter.

'My beautiful baby, you are so noble. Too noble. You are a kind and just person, like your brother. Always help those in need and remember it's okay to be scared but don't let it control you. You are better than that! '

'You are a strong elf, Bell. Like I said to Nuri, every hero is a fool but not all fools are heroes. Remember fear is the key to grasping courage. It will inspire you to take action.'

'Bell-nii! How many times have I told you to stop doing that?!'

The faces of his once again reunited family ignited a heroic desire unlike anything he had before. The incarnation's smile faltered when from the heart of Bell's soul, a white light began glowing brighter. Too late did she realize the danger she was in. When she tried to use her power to suppress him a chain of lightning wrapped around her wrist.

"What?"

"Don't even think about touching Bell-nii."

By then it was too late, the light engulfed her and a searing pain shot through her body. When she opened her eyes, there no longer was a void, instead she was sitting on still body of water that extended over the horizon. Above her a blue sky with white fluffy clouds extended to infinity. At the center of the infinite body of water, Bell stood before a lone sacred tree. The rays of the sun shining down on the mental landscape.

'…'

Awoken, his soul and mind had materialized. And it was stronger than anyone's she had seen or felt before. She knew she had lost the fight but she didn't wish to admit it. She failed to take control of his body and her will was suppressed, her strength sapped. It frustrated her, but more than that she felt a sense of admiration. A beautiful landscape, so pure and devoid of desire, it was unlike anything she had seen.

This was now his domain. She understood very well that there was no way to win now. She was just an incarnation, she had no power, just a presence. Next to the white haired boy another white child suddenly appeared. The renard that her thunder counterpart should have dealt with. Had she failed as well?

"What's your name?"

"Does it matter?"

Her voice had changed, it was no longer broken and distorted. It was even more animate than before. If not for her moody tone she would have sounded very similar to Bell.

"It does! Micchan let me give her one!"

She easily understood who he was referring to. But as if to make her sure of her deduction a girl suddenly materialized next to the renard.

"Well … like her I don't really have one."

"Then Bell will give you one."

"I will?"

"Yes, you will."

Bell thought about it long and hard when a cog suddenly began spinning and an idea popped in his head.

"I know! From now on you are … Kiana. And I'll call you Kicchan because Nii-nii is also doing that."

The girl looked surprised but couldn't help but crack a slight smile.

"So … what now boy?"

"My name is Bell. As for what to do? Nii-nii what did you do?"

"I'm going to let Micchan live in my mindscape."

"Then so will I!"

The entity, no longer a red glowing body, now completely human like had an actual face, even prettier than before. Her eyes were a beautiful blue like the sky of his mindscape and her hair long and white like the sibling's. When she heard her verdict she visibly recoiled in shock.

"Are you serious!? I don't accept!"

"Stop being stubborn. They are giving you a chance for a new life, free from the will."

Kiana turned to Mei and carefully considered what she had been just told.

"Free from our suffering?"

"Yes. These two are our saviors. They freed us. From an eternity of suffering."

"I will do my best to take care of you!"

Bell smiled brightly, bright enough to at the very least put the sun to shame. Kiana couldn't resist the urge and let a small smile appear on her face.

'Finally free, huh? It might not be too bad then.'

"I guess I have no choice then. Be grateful for the great Kiana is now at your service!"

Mei rolled her eyes and face palmed while the two children giggled amusedly at their new companion. Then the mindscape began darkening all of a sudden. Kiana and Mei looked around before turning to their little heroes.

"It seems like our time is up. Your bodies are exhausted and are about to lose consciousness. But don't worry we will be with you from now."

"Make sure to hit us up when you wake up! If you forget I won't forgive you!"

The two children couldn't answer as their vision turned black. They only heard their last words.

"We'll be waiting for you."

.

The shadowy beast had been watching over the two unconscious bodies when it heard the shout of other people. Knowing they were safe and that they had subjugated the will of the Honkai it retreated back into the mountain. Just as it left, a group of adventurers appeared around the corner.

"There!"

"Nuri! Bell!"

Klara rushed to check on their bodies, dropping her lance without a second thought to hold their tiny frames. Zeus was close behind and quickly examined them, reassuring everyone that they were simply exhausted. The adults all breathed out a sigh of relief while Klara held the two children tightly to her bosom, vowing to never let go of them again.

"Thank Helios you two are okay."

Zeus was examining the altar, recognizing the ancient and foreign writing on the pillars. He then remembered the pillars of magic that had shot into the sky. The old God carefully looked around until he focused on the pedestal only to find that the two gems that had been sealed there were gone.

"What the?"

~To Be Continued

I hope you have enjoyed, see you next time!