AN: Hey everyone! First time writing a fanfic, however I've been reading them for quite some time. Been wanting to see more fics involving an alive Astrea Familia and decided to write my own. Obviously this won't follow cannon very closely with Bell being in Orario during the initial Evilus attack. I wonder how that will change things... guess we'll find out!
This will be a BellxAstrea Familia Harem (Alise, Ryuu, Kaguya, Lyra, etc...) I'll leave it up to you all if you want Astrea herself to be in the harem, but I'm pretty sure I know the answer already. With that being said let's get started!
Disclaimer: I OWN NOTHING
Chapter 1)
The sun had begun to shine through the window, illuminating the bedroom. It was a simple room. A bed here, a desk there, and a few toys scattered on the floor. The most important thing however, was the bookshelf in the corner. This bookshelf was full to the brim with books, but not just any books. Stories of the heroes of old lined every shelf, for these were Bell's favorite, and he read one almost daily.
"Bell, are you up yet? The day has started and we have something to talk about." Came the deep voice of an older man, outside Bell's bedroom door.
"Uuhhhh. Yes Grandpa I'm up..." came the very unconvincing reply of the young boy.
After taking a few minutes to get himself dressed and ready for the day, Bell left his room when the sweet scent of breakfast caught his nose. Walking into the kitchen, he found his Grandfather had cooked him a full course meal. Eggs from the chickens out back, bacon from yesterdays market, potatoes from the garden, and freshly squeezed orange juice to top it off.
"Wow! This looks delicious!" Exclaimed a very excited Bell. "Is there any special reason for this? Am I forgetting an important date?"
"No Bell... Here, sit down. There's something I need to tell you."
Not picking up on the serious tone his Grandpa had used, Bell happily sat down and began to feast, never losing the smile he always wore.
"Bell, there's no easy way to say this, but I'm going to be going away for awhile."
"That's fine. I can handle myself for a day!" Said Bell, while beginning to think of all the things he could do while his Grandpa was out.
"No Bell, when I say awhile... I mean I don't know when I'll return... if ever..."
This time, Bell could hear the sadness in his voice. Slowly he put his fork down, and just stared at his Grandpa. His smile slowly fading.
"But.. why? I don't want to be alone without you for that long! Oh! Maybe I can come with you! We can travel together!"
"I'm sorry Bell, but where I'm going, you cannot follow."
With every word he said. Zeus could see the despair slowly filling the boys features, and it broke his heart to know he was the cause. But this was not a matter he could ignore, and as such, he had to leave the boy.
"Bell I need you to listen to me, I've spoken to the family next door, and they were happy to have you. It would probably be best if you moved into their spare room instead of staying in here. I know this is sudden but believe me when I say I would not leave if it wasn't important."
Bell had zoned out at this point, not really hearing the last part. He couldn't believe it, the only family member he had was leaving, and he couldn't go with him. He was going somewhere he 'could not follow' whatever that meant. His vision began to blur as tears threatened to poor out. He had never known his mother, or his father, but that didn't matter for he had his Grandfather. Someone he looked up to and respected, even when he didn't understand half of what his Grandfather was trying to teach him. But Bell was happy with his life. What would he do now? Who would read him stories at night? Who would teach him what it meant to be a man and save the damsel in distress.
Without saying a word in response, Bell got up and turned to leave for his room. Seeing this, Zeus got up and grabbed the boys arm, turning him to face himself. What he saw only broke his heart further. He wasn't sure he would ever recover from this sight. Bell had let go. No longer trying to hold back the tears.
For the rest of the day Bell and Zeus had done whatever Bell wanted to do. They'd played games, read stories, and ate lots of food. The fun however could not last. As the day came to a close, Bell had finally worked up the courage to ask the one question that had been bothering him all day. So, with a deep breath, he spoke.
"Grandpa, when are you leaving?"
"At first light tomorrow morning. When you wake up, I will have gone."
Even though Bell knew that was the most likely of answers, hearing it didn't hurt any less.
"I see. Will I ever see you again?" The act alone of asking that question almost brought on another round of tears, but Bell stayed as strong as he could.
"I cannot make any promises Bell, but if fate allows us to meet once more, I will be there for it."
Nodding his head, Bell accepted that that was the best answer he was going to get. He was about to say more when his Grandfather spoke up first.
"Now it's my turn to make a request from you Bell. I want you to promise me that no matter where you go, or what you do, that you will stay true to yourself and the goals in which you believe in."
"That's easy Grandpa! I want to be just like the heroes in my stories! Whenever someone is in danger, I will be there!" Screamed Bell who was starting to recover some of his smile.
"Atta boy! Just what I expect from my own grandson of course!"
As the day came to a close and Bell had been read his bed time hero story, Zeus had packed all his belongings, ready to set out with the dawn.
"I have no doubts of the wondrous things you'll accomplish Bell. My only regret is that I won't be by your side to witness them. Stay strong, and above all else, get yourself a girl! (Or better yet, girls)
These were Zeus' last words to Bell, even though he was asleep and did not hear them. Zeus left with a smile, having no doubts that Bell would indeed become a hero.
That morning, Bell awoke with a spring in his step only to be reminded of what happened yesterday. Having to confirm to himself that it was real, he walked to his Grandpa's room. Sure enough, it was empty. The realization hit Bell in that moment. Yesterday had happened. His Grandfather had left and he might never see him again. Everywhere he looked in the house, memories would come flooding in of the fun times they had shared together. Unable to escape the memories, Bell ran outside into the village, only to have new memories come crashing down on him once again. It was too much for Bell, and the pain of losing his only family member had brought him to his knees. Unable to move, Bell had stayed in that position and cried his heart out.
As the sun reached mid day, Bell had calmed down a considerable amount. He had been thinking over the past few hours and had come to a decision. He would leave the village. He would run away and not look back, for the memories were too much. Strengthening his resolve, he ran into his house to pack his bag with some food, water, and his favorite hero books.
At the edge of town he paused and looked back one final time. Was this really the right thing to do? Could a 5 year old really survive on their own? Bell did not know, but he was determined to try. With his mind made up and his heart set on the future, he ventured out.
A few hours had passed and Bell had come to a grave discovery. He had no idea where he was going. He had simply picked a direction and started walking when he left. Following a path that had left south of town, he figured it would end somewhere. It was at this point he stopped to look around. He was still on that path, but to his right was a forest. Trees swaying calmly in the breeze, birds chirping about. However what caught his eye the most was the sparkle of sunlight on a smooth body of water. Deciding it was time for a rest, Bell entered the forest heading towards the lake.
Upon arriving, he noticed what appeared to be a small camp setup there. Several tents were pitched, and there was evidence of a small fire. Looking around however, he wasn't able to spot anyone. The tents were empty, and from what he could tell, no one was in the lake either. Deciding to call out, he spoke.
"Hello? Is there anyone here?" He waited a few moments, but no reply ever came.
"Hmmm. I guess everyone's out right now. I was really hoping someone could point me in the right direction too."
Lost in thought, Bell was abruptly brought out of it when the sound a scream came blasting through the trees. This was not just any scream, but a scream of distress and fear. Frozen at first, Bell did not know what to do. Should he run? Should he hide and wait for this to pass?
"No. I can't sit by and ignore someone in need. I have to do this!" With determination in his eyes, he ran towards the scream.
In another part of the forest. An hour before.
"Are you sure about this Lady Astrea? I think one of us should stay behind to guard you. The roads are not safe to travel alone." Argued an elf, too stubborn to drop the subject.
"I'll be fine Ryuu, I can handle myself. Besides, we set up camp in a forest, I hardly doubt any monsters will visit us here." Explained her goddess.
"I don't think monsters are what she's worried about Lady Astrea, the roads are known for bandits and thieves."
"Alise is right. I'm not comfortable with this" Said Ryuu.
"Everything will be okay, I'm sure of it. We are nearly done with this quest and tomorrow we can head home. Now go and gather that last of the ingredients we need"
"Yes Lady Astrea" spoke Ryuu and Alise in unison.
Ryuu and Alise had been gone for nearly an hour when Astrea heard rustling outside her tent. Believing it to be her returned children, she ventured out to greet them.
"Back already? And see, nothing even hap...HUH?! Who are you three" Upon exiting the tent, Astrea was met with a sight she most certainly did not want to see. Three burly men were rummaging through their camp, all equipped with a weapon, and basic armor.
"Well well well. Look what we got here boys. A beautiful lady, and all alone too. What a shame. A gorgeous little thing such as yourself shouldn't be out here by yourself. It's not safe you know... why don't you let us stay with you." Exclaimed a man with a wicked grin growing on his face.
"Yeah that's a good idea, we can... keep each other entertained." Said another man, walking up to the goddess as she slowly backed away
"Leave here immediately! You are not welcome here. I am the goddess of Justice, Astrea, and I will not tolerate you barging in without invite." Said Astrea. The fear in her voice betraying her confidence.
"Oh come now there's no need to be rude. We just want to get to know you a little better. It's not every day you meet a goddess alone in the woods you know" said the first man, reaching his hand out to grab Astrea's arm.
The other two had circled around and by now she was surrounded. Not seeing anyway out she did the only thing she could think of in that moment, scream and hope her children would hear here.
"RYUU! ALISE! HEL..." was all she could get out when one of the men grabbed her and placed a hand over her mouth to silence her screams. She began to kick and punch as best she could against the three men, but being out numbered, she was no match for their strength.
They had begun to drag her from the camp to a more secluded area. Her flailing doing little to slow them down. Upon reaching a little out cropping, the men decided it was time to have their fun. As they pinned her to the ground, they began to reach for her clothing.
.
In another part of the forest, Alise and Ryuu had been picking herbs for the quest they were on. They had been gone almost an hour, and had only a few more to pick. Ryuu was about to reach for another plant when her ears perked up to faint sound.
"Alise stop. Did you hear that?" Asked Ryuu, turning to her captain.
"What? I didn't hear anything. Why do you ask?"
"I thought I heard the sound of a scream. It... it sounded like my name too."
"You're probably hearing things. I wouldn't worry about it."
After listening for a few minutes more, no other sounds were heard. Ryuu was about to shrug it off and continue, when another scream was heard. This time however, it was loud enough that even Alise could hear it. Looking up at each other, no words were needed as they both dropped their packs and began racing back to camp.
.
With her arms and legs held down, Astrea could do little to stop what was about to happen. As the tears started to stream down her face, a sound was heard in a nearby bush. With a shred of renewed hope, Astrea looked up. Hoping and praying against all odds that Ryuu and Alise had heard her. That they had returned to save her. However neither Ryuu nor Alise came from that bush. No instead it was just a boy. A small boy at that. A boy with hair the color of snow, and eyes the color of rubies. They had locked eyes for merely a second before the boy came rushing closer.
Bell's POV
Where are they! I can hear something. I can here someone! I have to find her before it's too late!
Upon reaching a small out cropping, Bell was met with a terrible sight. A woman being held down by three men. She couldn't move, she couldn't scream, and... she was crying... he had to do something. How could he ever be the hero he dreamed of if he turned his back and did nothing here. But what could he do? He was only one person. He had no weapon, he had no magic or skills. What could he possibly do to save her?
Acting on instinct, and doing the only thing that came to mind, Bell took out one of the books from his bag. One of his beloved hero stories. He threw it at one of the men with all his might.
The book found its target and struck one of the men holding her down. However having only been thrown by a five year old, the book did little more than bounce off the man's back and land on the ground. This however was enough to get the attention of all three men as they turned to face him.
"Huh?! Who threw that!" Asked the man that had been hit. Seeing Bell, the man made his threat.
"Scram ya little shit. This is none of your business. Leave now before I kill ya."
Having heard the threat, Bell froze. No one had ever said anything like that to him before. What should he do? You can't be a hero if you're dead! As he stood there frozen in fear, contemplating his options, he glanced down at the face of the woman being held. He could see the fear in her eyes. He could see the pain in her face.
It was all he needed. His resolve strengthened once again, Bell threw another one of his books, hoping to distract the men long enough so the woman could flee. This time however, the bandits had been paying attention, and one of them had caught the book mid air. Throwing it to the ground and standing up. He walked towards the thrower.
"Alright that's it. I'm not in the mood to deal with him. Come here boy"
Turning to flee, Bell had attempted to run, only to be caught immediately by one of the bandits.
"Now you'll learn what happens to those who disobey me!" The man yelled as he unceremoniously threw Bell to the ground. He landed with a thud and began to gasp for air as the wind was knocked out of him.
This wasn't enough to satisfy the bandit however, as he bent down to pick Bell up and repeat the process. As he raised bell into the air a fourth time, Astrea could take no more of this sight.
"STOP!" She screamed with all her might. "Can't you see he's had enough! ...please... let him go." Her voice was beginning to lose its strength.
"Well kid. I hope you've learned your lesson" said the man, as he let go of Bell, causing him to drop to the ground.
Bell could hardly move. Everything hurt, he was bleeding, and his vision was getting blurrier by the second. He looked up, only to see that the men had all turned their attention back to their prize.
Not seeing any other ways out, Bell began to slowly crawl towards them. What he would do when he reached them he did not know, but even with the pain racking his body he simply could not give up.
As the men continued to tear at her clothing, they noticed the boy crawling towards them. Seeing this, Astrea nearly broke.
"What are you doing?! Get out of here! Run away while you still can! There's no point in you getting hurt like this!" She pleaded to the boy, hoping he would listen, and back off.
"Listen to her. You take one more move towards us, and that'll be it. You'll never wake up from this one." Said the man, reaching for a dagger.
Ignoring their words entirely, Bell continued to crawl towards them. His body almost running on auto pilot now. He was forcing himself to stay awake. He could sleep later. Right now he needed to act.
Seeing that he was not stopping or turning back. The man got up and walked over to Bell. Picking him up by the hair, he readied his dagger, set on plunging it into the poor boys body.
Astrea's screams and pleas fell on def ears as the man got into striking position. With his arm bent back, ready to lunge forward, Astrea slammed her eyes shut, as she could not watch what was about to happen.
Bell, having realized the position he was in, and having no strength left to fight it, could only close his eyes and wait for the inevitable.
I'm sorry Grandpa. I guess I won't be seeing you in the future after all.
Seconds passed and Bell could feel no pain. Was he already dead? Was it that fast? No, his body still hurt, but there was no new pain. Opening his eyes slowly and looking down, he found the knife to be inches from his stomach, but it wasn't moving. It was stopped. But how? Looking up, he could see a second hand had grabbed the handle of the dagger. Following that hand up the arm he was met with a sight he could not describe. A woman with the most beautiful red hair and green eyes. Bell wasn't sure he'd ever seen someone like her before.
With a quick motion, the red haired woman grabbed Bell while simultaneously kicking the bandit into a nearby tree, instantly knocking him out. The other two had stood up and drew their swords. Bell was set carefully on the ground as his savior readied her own sword to deal with them. This wasn't needed however as a second woman emerged and within moments had defeated the other two. She was even more beautiful than the first. With flowing blonde hair, and eyes the color of the sky. She was breath taking to Bell. Given her pointed ears, Bell quickly realized she was an elf. This was all the time he had though as the darkness was quickly taking him.
Astrea, having just gotten up, never took her eyes off the boy. Without a seconds thought she rushed over to him and picked him up in her arms.
"Ryuu please! He needs healing!" Yelled a frantic goddess, fear apparent in her voice.
"Who is he?" Asked Alise, as she looked down upon the boy.
"I...I don't know. But you were right Ryuu. These three men attacked me at our camp and dragged me out here. This boy showed up out of no where. If it wasn't for him, these men would have had their way with me." Said Astrea, holding in her tears. "Now please, save him!"
The last thing Bell saw as he slipped into unconsciousness, was a soft green light, flowing over his body.
AN: Well there you have it. The first chapter complete. I know I rushed the beginning with Bell and his Grandpa, but I wanted to get to what the story is mostly going to be about. That being Bell and the Astrea Familia. I have two arcs planned out right now but I'm open to ideas and suggestions if there's something you want to see. (Other than a bigger harem. This is Astrea Familia only)
See you all next time!