Chapter 3: Adventure
Summary:
No it wasn't possible. In a single delve into the dungeon Bell had gone up two ranks in strength, Dex and Agi? with one rank in Vit? Had anyone in the history of adventurers ever skilled up so fast?
Bell once again oblivious to his Deities Dilemma, only noticed when Loki Collapsed in a heap besides the bed.
"Uh, Goddess? GODDESS!? are you ok???" He asked in panic. Just what the hell was she going to do with this kid. Unreal, she thought unsure what to think at the turn of these advents.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
The early morning had Bell, who was on his way to meet with Welf and Lili, traversing merrily down the streets of Oariro. Rushing about in an excited hurry, he failed to notice the pretty grey haired young waitress that was just now stepping out in front of him.
"WOAH! Look out!" Bell said, surprising Syr and crashing into her. Frantically he moved his arms around the back of her head, in an effort to prevent serious harm. Not realizing that in doing so, he had put his face precariously level with her ample chest. Bumbling to the ground, his face cushioned by the heavenly mounds. Bell quickly rushed to his feet apologizing and bowing repeatedly. Embarrassment obvious, Geeze, Why did he always seem to be crashing into people he wondered lamely. Still, he wanted to make sure Syr was uninjured and not hurt.
"Miss Syr? are you ok. I'm so sorry, really truly, I am. I didn't mean to crash into you, and touch your bo-boo-boob-Chest. Please forgive me." Bell pleaded, falling to his hands and knees prostrating himself before the lovely girl. Ryuu, who had been slightly behind Sry, watched on in amusement. It was obvious that Bell hadn't done anything on purpose. That him landing on Syr's chest had simply been dumb luck, especially since he had tried to protect her from his own carelessness.
"Owwwww, Bell! That hurt, try to be careful please". Syr chided gently. Flush now obvious to her face, She was embarrassed? Thinking back, she couldn't really ever remember being embarrassed before. Yet her heart now beating at rapid pace couldn't be denied. Still, better to use this opportunity to tease the boy. It was in her nature, Bell oblivious to who exactly she really was. As he continued his fitful apologies.
"Bell, if you wanted to feel them. You could have asked nicer. Honestly young boy's and their hormones."
"Syr!?" a scandalized Ryuu said, shocked at boldness of her friends words.
"No no no no no! I really didn't mean to Miss Syr, honest. I just wasn't watching where I was going, in a hurry to get started on another dungeon adventure. I promise Syr, I'm so so so sorry."
"Tee-hee Bell, Well I guess if you really didn't mean too. You'll just have to swing by later and grab a large dinner! Won't you Bell? We haven't seen you since you left with Goddess Loki. Now now, That's not good Bell, you shouldn't be ignoring your friends." Syr said, tongue sticking out in a child like fashion.
"Ummm, Ye-Yes! Miss Syr, I promise me and my party will stop by after. I'm sorry once again". Bell who was now running late, dashed off in another Hurry. Unable to keep the redness off his face. Dang it he really didn't know how to handle woman, regardless of all the instructions that his grandpa had given him.
Amused both waitresses watch the boy hurrying off into the distance. Each sharing similar thoughts of "cuuuutteee" Though Ryuu felt ashamed after. Turning to the mischievous grey haired girl that was her friend.
"Syr, you shouldn't tease the boy so relentlessly" Ryuu scolded. She loved Syr, but still sometimes Ryuu didn't know where these things came from. Sweet charming and beautiful Syr could at once minute be as innocent as a babe. Then the next could be teasing with innuendo's that would make even some of the more experienced adventurers blush.
"Haha, Sorry sorry Ryuu. There's just something about that boy that gets me excited." She said, putting on a pouting face towards her elven friend. Ryuu, who had enough of her friends antics left her to continue on with her opening duties. Readying the Hostess for another busy day. If she had been paying attention a little more closely she would of seen a very un-Syr like look now showing on her friends face. A almost haunting look, like a predator finding juicy prey...
--
Bell who rushed on soon found both Welf and Lili casually waiting for him. He apologized profusely for being late, promising to be on time from that day onwards. He sure did say sorry a lot he thought glumly. Welf who had told him not to mind, and Lili who had strangely enough grabbed his arm and held it closer to her. Explained they hadn't been waiting very long, it wasn't such a big deal. So soon the trio found themselves continuing where the left off the day before. It wasn't long however, before both party members stood stunned as Bell showed remarkable progress. Sure he had impressed yesterday but today? Just how amazing was the Loki Familia? they wondered to themselves. Wow really he had improved so much again, especially since yesterday. Glancing at one another, they shrugged their shoulders, that's the Loki Familia for you. Neither ever having experienced what a first class Familia was like.
Bell, who had been been moving well. Fist smashing directly into the chest of a Kobold that had been foolish enough to face him. Welf dispatching his with comparative ease while Lili brought up the rear. They had progressed at an ever greater pace then the day before. Already having destroyed various monsters, and just now reaching the drop down to level three.
Checking that his companions were doing well Bell lead on. Seeing that they were ready only a short rested needed they ventured on. Until Lili, having noticed movement above Bell, yelled out a shout in warning.
"Bell! Above! Look out" She cried, as Welf looked up to see what was going on. A dungeon lizard, a brown four legged creature who had suction like cups on its toes, dropped towards Bell. Ambushing him with vicious maw open, biting attack unleashed. Bell leaped to the side, narrowly dodging the horribly fanged mouth. Readying himself he darted in wards, back hunched in a combative stance. He unleashed a flurry of fists at the would be sneak attacker. The lizard, who thrived on attacking by surprise no match for the onslaught Bell dished.
Black smoke and crystal falling, only for more of its brethren to fall down. Surrounding the party on all sides, Bell yelled with a mighty shout as the monsters and adventurers clashed. Lili, trying to point out any lizards who might still be on the ceiling. While also firing away with her tiny cross bow. Had her hands covered, trying to provide any and all support she could. Bell who now stood shoulder to should with Welf, darting in to rain blows on the nasty lizards. Using Welfs mighty swings as cover, pulling back to allow them to create space. They were doing well, and even though both he and Welf had sustained a few hits. Nothing overly serious had happened yet. Their armor shrugging off the miniscule blows, as they plowed their way through.
That is until, Lili, So caught up on trying to spot any more would be ambushers. Failed to realize that on her side was another Lizard lying in wait. Camouflaged, its brown skin matching surprisingly well with the brown walls. She failed to see it until it had hurtled on top of her. Pinning her to the ground, dangerous maw snapping at her face. Lili desperately trying to avoid its vicious fangs. Bell seeing the motion behind him, gasped in terror.
"LILI !!!" He roared, summoning a burst of speed, he moved with all the skill he could muster. Diving at the creature, who had still fortunately not taken a chomp out of the Cheinthrope. He crashed into it like a line backer, ripping it off of Lili in tumble of limbs. Finally, his knack for running into things coming in handy. At least until the creature, who reacted by going berserk to the interruption of its food. Flailed mightily, Mouth latching onto the Bells forearm. Grunting in pain as the jaws crunched on his bracers. Bell yanked back, trying to free his arm from the lizards maw. He didn't notice little Lili, who had recovered quickly from the attack. at least until, she Jammed a dagger straight through the annoying and persistent lizards eye. Blood spurting out from the creature as it shrieked in pain. The blow, obviously mortal, soon had the Lizard bursting into a cloud of dust.
Bell panting, at the turn of events adrenaline pumping readied himself for another attack. none came, Welf just finishing up the remaining creatures on his own with out much need. Huffing in relief Bell fell on his back side, Shaking lightly at the close call the group had suffered. Lili rushing to his side, she grabbed his arm with a gentle touch. Eye's roaming on his arm.
"Bell? how bad is it? let me see, move your arm ok? We need to get the wound cleaned and tidied to prevent infection". A frantic and worried Lili said, Moving his arm this way and that checking for damage.
Bell, who's arm was hurting, yet not nearly as much as he thought it would. Especially considering it had basically been used as a chew toy looked instead at the little supporter.
"It's ok Lili, are you injured? when I saw that horrible monster on top of you I was so scared". He said in a whisper, Lili who had now realized that thankfully. Whether by skill or luck, Bell's armor held. The lizards Jaw had chomped directly onto Bell's bracer, the tooth marks clearly visible on the strongest parts of the metal. She shuddered to think of if it had only just been a few inches lower, his arm could have turned into a shredded pulpy ruin.
"Let's take a breather here, Wasn't expecting to be ambushed so soon after entering level three. Lili? I'm sorry I couldn't aid you like Bell did. I had to keep those others engaged so they didn't overwhelm us" Welf said apology sincere towards Lili.
"Huh? you guys aren't mad? The supporter is the one who's suppose to warn of danger to the main group. If I had been paying more attention I could of seen them sooner. If I had just been a second slower of warning Bell. Or hadn't been so distracted and gotten pinned by the one on the wall. Nothing bad would of ever happened..." She said down cast. Great job Lili, she scolded herself. How could you do something so stupid. Now both Bell and Welf are going to get a different supporter and I'll be late on my payments again. Internally berating herself, she didn't notice the confused looks on Bell and Welfs faces.
"Um, Miss Lili?" Bell said quietly, waiting for Lili to turn her gaze towards him.
"If it wasn't for you Welf and I would be totally hopeless. Neither of us have tons of dungeon experience, so you've been an amazing help. Sides!" he said, Bell's trade marked smile shinning brightly on his face. "it's the parties responsibility to look out for one another. Neither Welf and I had noticed the lizards either. Your shout had given me enough time to dodge, and you only missed the lizard on the wall, because of how much you were supporting us with your cross bow. Not to mention We both seem to be ok! Let's just count ourselves lucky and be more vigilant as a group moving forwards. Ok? Bell finished, hand reaching towards her palm open. A sign of friendship and understanding.
"yeah Lili, when we first met you. I had my doubts, but boy, you sure have proven me wrong, Don't mind the small stuff. Sides I knew my trusty armor would keep Bell safe" Welf added.
Lili, who for the second time in two days, was speechless. Never before had a party treated her with such respect and caring. Tears forming in her eyes, yet not falling she nodded and hummed in agreement. Hood falling onto her head from the motion. Hiding just how touched she was about everything from the two clueless men. Maybe, Just maybe she had found people who were different. Maybe they were not the same as all the other jerk adventures who had treated her so poorly. Hope bubbling in her chest for the first time in a long while, she continued on with them. None of them needing any first aid or more help. Finished with their rest, Lili hoped that this was simply a sign of things to come.
Onwards they progressed, the party of three. Far more aware of their surroundings they plowed on. No more close calls, and even an extremely rare sighting of a Jack bird. A rare monster that looks like a rooster with fluffy yellow-green feathers, it wasn't aggressive and it didn't attack. Yet it sure was fast, Bell and Welf who rushed after it. Gave up only moments later realizing that they had no chance on catching the elusive bird. A shame too, as the strange monster had a guaranteed drop item of a single golden egg. Worth roughly a million vials, all three of them had despaired at not being agile enough . Depressed they made their way onward. Already claiming more crystals then they had yesterday.
They breezed past floor four, and quickly found themselves on floor five. Wondering through having just defeated three killer ants. They decided to rest again, catching their breath ensuring that there was no injures. Weapons in good working order, until they heard it.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
A strong bellow echoed all around them, the three immediately jumping alert, unsure of what kind of monster could make such a tremendous howl. Until they saw it, a hulking figure lumbering through the tunnel. Tan brown skin, furred legs ending in blacker than night hooves. Giant horns and a terrible snarl on its bull like face. It noticed the three adventurers, snuffling and howling once again the beast charged. Power rippling in it's muscles as it launched it self at them.
"A minotaur? This is only level five! Just what the hell is it doing here" Lili screamed panic on her face. "We have to run! now!" she yelled.
Only it was took late, the bull who had charged at them caught them flat footed. Powerful head smashed into Welf, the force of the blow launching him into a nearby wall. Bone snapping force, as his limp form hit the wall, un moving. Lili who fared no better, caught with a crushing hoof. Lashing at her with lightning quickness, blood spurting from her mouth as the foot impacted into her stomach. Crumpling in a similar horrifying manor as Welf. Only Bell, who as if by sheer chance had darted to the side dodging the monstrous creature. The bull charging past only millimeters from hitting Bell in the quick exchange.
Horridly he looked on at his party, unsure of if they were even alive. Terror gripped him, turning to run from the scene, heart beating faster then he had in all his life. He stopped as his grandfathers words gripped him.
"Bell? never leave your comrades behind, it's a sad existence to leave friends or love ones to perish. Take it from me, even if you physically survive from such a loss, Mentally you'll waste away. Regret filling you until you wish the past wasn't so. Sides, if you are able to come out ahead. Just think of how thankful any pretty girls might be when you didn't leave them behind. Hee hee hee..."
His grandfather was right, how could he just leave things like this? How could he call himself and adventurer, if on his second delve to the dungeon he left behind his precious friends. All the great Heroes in the stories stood up the horrible odds. Couldn't he? didn't David destroy Goliath? Sure the minotaur wasn't a giant, yet he situation seemed similar. Steeling himself, he forced his brain to think, few precious seconds had past by, as the minotaur was turning his now red gaze at him.
He couldn't stay here with the creature, his friends could get trampled or caught in the cross fire. No, he needed to lure the monster away, summoning all the courage that he could muster. Bell Steeled himself, Reaching down for a rock. He threw it at the monster. Bouncing harmlessly off its thick skull, the Bull's glowing red eyes latched onto Bell.
With another mighty AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO . The minotaur charged, only this time, Bell launched himself away, like a bunny rabbit running from a predator.
Thankfully bell realized he was just as fast as the lumbering behemoth behind. Not that it did him much good, he knew eventually that one of them would get exhausted. He just hoped that his stamina would hold out first. Peering back ensuring the raging Bull was till on his tail. Yelping, and adding another burst of speed, OH shit, yep still there. He thought to himself grimly, he only hoped that maybe on his mad dash he could get assistance from this surreal situation. Continuing the pace for what seemed like hours, yet only minutes had passed. Bell not paying much attention to where he was, darted down a corridor. Hoping that if he happened to put some distance, maybe he could lose the monster in the now twisting and narrowing path.
Bell, who was roughly half a minute ahead of the minotaur, stumbled through an opening before he noticed his mistake. Oh no, What I have I done, he looked around in fear, I'm screwed he thought. It was a medium sized circular room. Yet that wasn't what had filled him with dread. It was a dead end, oh fuck... Of all the times for his luck to run out, now was the time. With only seconds to think he looked back towards where he came. Could he squeeze past the creature during one of the twists? No, it was far too cramped, the monster would notice and Bell being forced into such an area would of been a sitting duck to the monsters attack.
Staring as his cruel fate drew nearer. Gauntlets at the ready, well if if today was to be his last day, then he'd go down swinging. Bell thought to himself grimly, trying to calm his shaking body, slight exhaustion from running his mad dash away from his
tormentor. He watched as the Minotaur emerged into the room, Nostrils flaring, flecks of blood and lather dripping down its chin. Fur slick with sweat as it had been forced to charge long distances after the slippery rabbit.
Finally after cornering it's prey, it launched him self once again. Roaring that terrible noise, dark muscular hand thrown at bell with tremendous force. Ducking, barely avoiding what felt like a lethal blow, Bell returned the favor. Fist one and then two rocketing into the creatures belly, the second hitting the throat. Seemingly unphased the Minotaur responded, horns glinting in the dim light, as it head butted Bell. Trying to gore, or smash the puny boy into the dirt. Bells agility once again winning the day as he narrowly avoided, darting swiftly to the side, starting to flank the lumbering creature. Yet as with all things, he wasn't perfect, and his inexperience now started to show.
He had forgotten a very important thing, Heck he had even seen it when poor Lili was swatted like a bug. An enormous leg rocketed out, hoofed foot leading as it crashed into Bell, the Bull had mule kicked him . Shattering his armor as if it was flimsy plastic, the breath flung from him as flew into the unyielding stone behind. Blood trickling from his mouth at the impact, now struggling for all he's worth trying to breath. Winded, sure that he had taken serious damage. Bell watched as the Minotaur righted it self, surging towards him again, merciless in its hunt. Bell who hadn't recovered fully, flung him self in a disorganized roll. Body protesting as he went, grunts of pain from moving in his injured state. He miraculously dodged the horns as the minotaur crashed into the stone wall. Exactly where he had been, Luckily it seemed dazed the minotaur stumbled off balance. Bell, using everything he had left, got up and attacked. Right, then left, Left again and all of his strongest punches hitting the creature. Sadly the blows, while leaving small marks, was not enough to rip through such strong hide.
Two hulking arms engulfed Bell, crushing him to the monsters chest. His remaining tattered armor clanging to the floor, as the vicious creature started to squeeze. Zero remorse or concern on the hideous Bull like face, Bell who could feel his ribs buckling under the pressure. Frantically started resisting, trying to pry off the horrible pressure he now felt. Pain that the young boy had not experienced ever before, he knew that this was it. His breaths becoming shallower, vision fading, death starting to welcome him as an old friend.
Bell? again his Grandfathers voice carrying to him now, even through his dimming eyes. You must never give up, being a Hero is not an easy path, filled with frights and harsh lessons. Yet I truly know you can do it, your my boy after all, Make me proud Bell. Show the world what it means to be a hero. Hearing his Grandfather, as if he was there with him. Bell, who still couldn't breath, helpless as he was. Yet a clear strong thought entered the boy. NO I can't be defeated here, not after meeting Loki, Welf, Lili, Eina and so so many more. Finding the very last of his strength, and using the bladed tip of his gauntlets bell smashed down with all his might.
Earsplitting shriek of pain as it pierced the monsters hide. The first time since they had began, the Minotaur had been hurt by Bell's doing. Blood pouring in gurgling spurts from the grizzly wound. With a frenzied jerk, he twisted the gauntlets with all his worth shredding the forearm of one of the muscled arms holding him. Collapsing to the ground complete exhaustion threatening to over whelm him, Bell stared in determination at the Bull. Take that you fucker, he thought, trembling trying to do anything with his body. Utterly spent, and having used his last herculean effort. Bell watched in an almost cold detachment as the Minotaur raised it's hoofed foot. Ready to crush the stupid boy who had hurt it so. No, there was so much I wanted to do. So much more I wanted to accomplish. Tears filling his eyes as he thought of all the people he failed. He tried, really tried, Oh Goddess he prayed. If I live through this, If I should somehow survive. Never again will I feel so helpless, never again would he lose, He promised to fight with all his worth in the days to come. If only he had more time, Bell thought wistfull.
Before a dark skinned beauty jumped in front of Bell, Long flowing black hair cascading gracefully behind her. Fist striking out so fast Bell didn't even register, the Beast hurtled across the room. As if he was nothing but an insect, swatted out of the sky. At first Bell thought his mind was playing tricks on him. His Grandpa's perverted gaze as looked on at the breathtaking woman. This beautiful woman, was wearing a bikini top. Breasts fully on display in all their delicious wonder, was he hallucinating? He wondered... pain filled heaving breaths racking his body as his stared. He had to be dreaming right? No one that beautiful would randomly save him. Let alone so easily and without a care in the world. Woozily he tried to cement her features into his brain, marveling at her smooth skin, powerful frame, and graceful curves.
"Tiona, He's hurt badly." The wonderous woman said, concern filling her features as she gazed at the bloodied and battered boy. Sheesh how unluck could this kid get, Tione thought sadly. Running into a random Minotaur at level five of all things? Poor kid, he'd be kinda cute, Well if he wasn't covered in blood and looking like ten miles of bad road the new comer noted.
"Yo! got it Tione! Oh mista Cowwwww??? you've been a naughty boy". A second amazingly beautiful dark skinned woman responded. Every bit the first ones equal, yet with a child like joy and exuberance. Only just barely could Bell see her, his vision getting darker and darker. She had short stylish hair, and what was she wearing!? was that tube top!? Geeze he must be dreaming. Letting his Grandfathers stories get to him, all those lewd stories causing the young man to invent beautiful story book saviors.
Stil he watched on in amazment. Having difficulty on choosing which beautiful figure to start at longingly. He Sighed deciding to focus on just breathing, difficult as it was, Ragged breaths still causing blood to drip down his chin. One of the very last things he saw. The gorgeous woman, walk up to the Bull, completely and unafraid. The Bull it self obviously stunned and hurt at having being smashed away. Bellowed at the new challengers. Rearing down into a full crouch the Minotaur charged at the short haired beauty. Bell who wanted to scream a warning, Tell them not to get hurt on his part and praying to the gods before he lost consciousness that she would be ok. Was granted a vision, as if almost Bell was in a trance. The girl effortlessly dodged a blow that would of killed Bell instantly. Then deciding on something truly insane, the woman latched onto it's horns, hands holding each one as she did a hand stand of sorts. Legs, high above the bull, showing off her wonderous body. With an almost too simple twist, the Bulls neck snapped. The girl having turned the Bulls head in an almost complete one hundred and eighty degrees. Dispatching the creature that had utter defeated him, with no more difficulty then one would an ant.
Bell, unable to handle anything more, already long past the time he should of been out cold. Only felt him self hosted up onto the softest and warmest cloud he had ever felt. Tucked safely behind Tione, with a determined Tiona ensuring nothing was left behind the two adventures raced down the Tunnel. They had to get the boy back to Riveria ASAP, or he might just not make it. Especially when they had seen just how great of a fight this little rabbit like boy had put up.
If only He or they had a healing pot. Didn't the boy know how foolish it was to traverse the dungeon without it? Cursing, the Amazonians flew down the corridors, Precious cargo safely held in Tione grasp. Didn't anyone tell him to bring one as preparation? God what kind of idiot god would send their new adventurer down into the dungeon without the basics!? They prayed to their Goddess that he would be ok, it had been their fault the Minotaur escaped after all.
Loki who had been twiddling her thumbs getting drunk while waiting for either Bell or the expedition. Sneezed abruptly, unaware of the sister's horrible thoughts. Oh? Loki thought to herself, was someone talking about me? she wondered. Ah well, she hoped Finn would come back soon. For some strange reason she just couldn't figure out what she had forgotten to give Bell. She knew it was important, but after two days the thought escaped the fickle Goddess. Oh well, this wine sure was great! She happily sipped. Unaware that her newest Familia's life was disastrously close to ending.
Notes:
Thanks for all the positive comments everyone. Really appreciate you taking the time to give feed back! Apologies for the short chapter. Just honestly felt like the best time to end this one. Tiona and Tione finally arrive :)