Little shorter of a chapter. Im writing alot more than my minimum which is 2k words. Every story is almost 4k or more. This one hit only about 3.9k though but I wanted to end it where it was as next chapter will be a nice one I think. Anyways, I think we're all good in terms of the reviews. Seems I handled most concerns through PM's though ill say it here as well.
Bell does act more childish than a normal 18 year old, but that IS going to be stopping in the near future. His experiences in his childhood, lack of childhood, and the lack of actual parents had affected him. That being said, he's going to get alot of experiences from the adventures and the women in his life that will shift him to be a much better man in personality.
An hour went by with Bell having passed out in Loki's arms. Loki had held the boy while he snuggled in. During this time, her thoughts were of him, his childhood and of what he went through before he got here. How was he raised? How did he even get to Orario? Where did he come from? What was his childhood? What was his past? What made Bell, Bell? Bell was so much like a child, yet he was an adult in age. He had his moments of maturity, no doubt, but he was insanely childish. He cried a lot, he was extremely apologetic, he was absolutely terrified of anything intimate. She had to wonder what exactly made him like this, though she wouldn't get any answers. So she just held him, vowing to help him grow up.
Bell woke up shortly after Loki's resolve to assist him. He sat up, removing himself from the soft relatively flat bosom of his Goddess. He blushed a bit as he recalled falling asleep against her chest, looking away.
"T-Thank you Goddess. I… sorry." He said quietly. Loki sighed in her head.
"I had no issues with it. You needed it and I can't say I didn't enjoy it either." Loki replied, leaning back against her hands behind her. "So you all good?" Loki asked, raising a brow.
"Y-Yea." Bell admitted, before looking at his Goddess. Loki smirked.
"Now then, with that out of the way. I believe its time you opened your gifts. You are going to the dungeon tomorrow and I want to make sure you are equipped. So go ahead." Loki said, gesturing to the boxes placed on the bed next to him. Bell nodded, shifted on the bed before grabbing the larger of the boxes, placing it in his lap. He stared at the box, his eyes wide. It was a pure black box, with a red insignia, written in ancient Greek. Bell couldn't read it, tilting his head before lifting the lid off the box, revealing a purple velvet material lining the inside. He reached, pulling out a large rope like object.
"That right there, has no name yet though I'm sure you'll give it one eventually. If you want to I mean, but I took your chain idea and we made it better. It's not chain but braided metal. Its lighter than the chain, but it can stretch a bit so it provides a bit more power to a strike with it. At least, that's how it was explained to me. If you ever get to use magic, it'll act as a conduit for the magic. That means, say you have fire magic, you can fling fire from the chain or ignite the chain. Anything your heart desires I suppose. It's very durable, won't rust. On one end of the chain, is the arm band that you had for your chain. Identical I hope. On the other end is a weighted bell-end. It's a wrecking ball or a mace, but in the center of this ball will allow you to put knives or swords or whatever you want in it. You can release it with just a thought, for it'll be coded into your magical capability, which yes, you have some. So you think you want to throw the knife with the cord and well, it releases. Same for attachments. There is also two of this cord, one for each arm." Loki explained to the extremely flabbergasted child of hers. Bell looked over at her with wide eyes.
"Goddess… are you sure?" He asked quietly, much like a kid on Christmas who was afraid that his gift would be taken away. Loki nodded.
"I am very sure, now stop asking." Loki said, getting a little annoyed. "You got that? If I give you a gift, don't insult me by saying I should take it back." She scolded, which got Bell to gulp but nod in acceptance. "Now good, open the other one." She requested which Bell complied with minimal hesitation and fluster. Bell pulled the next box over into his lap, noting that it was identical in markings and coloration, including the velvet on the inside when he opened it. He then pulled out a large knife, almost a short sword. It was a black handle, with grooves for the fingers already in place. The pommel of the blade was a large Ruby that glistened in the sun light. The blade was a shimmering silver with a single sharp edge that curved near the tip into a sharp point. At the top, was several large serrations which acted as blade traps to assist in any sort of blade locking maneuvers. ((Think Ka-Bar knife with just serrations at the top)).
"This is a lot less complicated than the cord to explain. This knife will grow in strength as you grow. It'll never really need to be maintained, though it is recommended every couple months to give it a sharpening. It'll also allow you to use magic through it, so again with fire, you can put the knife into a monster and shoot fire into the body. Get it? The Knife becomes dull and inert if its wielded by anyone other than you. With these items, you should be well equipped for the dungeon but don't think you can advance further than your body will allow. Your weapons may not break, but you won't be able to fight something stronger than you until YOU are strong enough to take it down. The knife simply won't cut. So, I recommend caution. Listen to Riveria, Finn and the other executives. Listen to your guild advisor. Listen to your party and most of all. Listen to me." Loki said, trying to drill her concern and wisdom into her newest child. Bell nodded a few times, in rapid succession. "Good. Now, I suggest getting some rest but you probably should eat." Loki said, getting up from the bed with a sigh. Loki turned back and gave Bell a smile. "I will make you a man. This Familia will help you. Promise." Loki commented before vacating Bells room. Bell frowned a bit, looking a bit lost at those words but he realized that he wasn't much of a man yet.
'I'm going to make her proud of me.' Bell thought with determination. 'I will become a man and make her proud of who I will become.' Bell got up from the bed, placing his weapons under it, before he went to go take a bath.
An hour later, Bell came down from his room and the bath house. He was dressed in a simple grey T-shirt, brown pants and his signature boots. He entered the dining hall, as it was the only way into the kitchen, finding it was pretty packed. All of the executives barring Loki and Bete, were sitting at the table and enjoying a relatively quiet meal. Loki was also at the table. The end chair was empty, with Finn to the right of the chair and Riveria to the left. The sisters were all sitting next to Finn with Tione closest. Ais and Gareth were next to Riveria in that order. Immediately noticing that the dining area was packed, Bell immediately froze up and attempted to sneak to the kitchen from the dining hall but his ability of sneak was not quite at the level to defeat… well anyone. Tiona was first to speak.
"Oh Bell! You're down here! Are you going to come eat with us?!" She asked, nearly bouncing up and down in her seat trying to get the attention of the boy that had gained her attraction. Bell flushed at being noticed, especially by the object of his own obsession. Bell didn't want to answer but it wasn't meant to be, for he heard a voice.
'Bell. Women don't like men who don't have some backbone. Take a chance, have some confidence and try. I know your life without your parents took a toll on you, but I also know that you have it in you.' Bell heard his Grandfather say to him once. Bell clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. 'I… I want to be better. They all keep thinking I'm a kid. I don't want to be a kid. Maybe… Maybe that Werewolf is wrong. Maybe I am worthy.' Bell said to himself, before he nodded and grabbed a plate, helping himself to the dinner that was prepared. As he exited the kitchen and began to make his way over to the group, Tiona grinned brightly and immediately bounced up and down again, gesturing for him to sit next to her.
"C'mon Argonaut! Come eat with us!" She cried. Tione glanced over at Bell and gave him a smile.
"We don't bite. We want you to join us. Bete isn't here to harass you." Riveria looked up from her food.
"He's been punished for what he's said and what he ended up causing you to do. He won't be joining us at the table and will be eating in his room, alone, for a week." The green-haired elf replied before humming. Finn nodded.
"Yes, so please, eat with us Bell and let's get to know you. I believe that is something acceptable yes?" Finn asked. Bell nodded. "Wonderful. So, it is my understanding that you are foreign to Orario, and come from a far away village, if Riviera and Loki stories are true. Where did you come from?"
((I cannot find any information about Bells village so I'm coming up with something.))
"It's a very small village north of the mountains. It was called Drachen. It took me a few months to travel here… so it's pretty far. I cannot tell you much more than that." Bell said, which Finn nodded to.
"Hmmm well, welcome to the Loki Familia and welcome to Orario. I know your time here on arrival wasn't great but we hope to make it a better experience for you. Do you have any previous experience fighting? You survived the dungeon a few times without a Falna and that is most impressive."
"My Grandfather taught me a few things that he learned though most of it was just practice. I had to go into the dungeon… I just… I was rejected left and right and my options were dwindling to nothing. Figured it was my best option. Plus… well never mind." Bell said, before blushing slightly. 'Can't let them find out that I also did it to be a hero…'
"Stupid option more like it. If you were any less skilled, you'd be dead." Riveria said harshly, giving Bell a slight glare. Bell immediately gulped and looked down.
"She means nothing by it. It's her way of caring, so don't let it get to you. While it was reckless and stupid, it only shows your determination. I can respect that also as a man to do what you must." Finn said. Tiona smirked and gently nudged Bell in the side with her shoulder.
"Bet you did it to look like a hero huh?" She teased, only to get her answer well Bell sputtered and flushed. Ais tilted her head curiously which was a very cute response though she didn't say anything. Bells actions got Tiona, Tione and Finn to snicker, while Riveria just sighed.
"Nothing wrong with that, so don't take it as we are laughing at you. It's just a childish ideal." Finn said. "If that is your goal, than go for it." Finn replied. Finn was very level headed and kind. He was very much a good figure as a leader, trying to calm things down and make sure his subordinates or family members were taken care of. This got Bell to smile bright, which got Tiona to also smile. She loved Bell's smile as his smile was very joyous and expressive.
"My bad for teasing. So tell me, do you read any stories when you were on your travels or with your grandfather?" Tiona asked, tilting her head in a rather cute manner.
"Oh um yes."
"I like stories too! When we saw you fighting and kicking all those monsters butts, despite being outnumbered and injured, it reminded me of one of my favorite fairy tails back when I was a little girl!" The younger Amazoness said without any hesitation, much to the embarrassment of Bell and the humor of Finn and Tione. Gareth and Riveria kept quiet, though the looked a little embarrassed over Tiona's antics. Bell sputtered, unable to respond very well, only to get even more red when Tiona spoke once more. "Awww you're so adorable when you blush!"
"No I! It's not! I…" He spluttered, unable to form a response under the teasing antics from his crush. Finn chuckled and decided to help Bell by getting the conversation away from the teasing.
"So, what is your plan now that you have formed your first party? Are you going to search for a supporter or go right down?"
"I… I plan on going right down. I don't really know where to look for a supporter."
"Oh, most supporters can be found near Babel and the dungeon, waiting for an adventurer to hire them. Usually they are just hired for the day, but some supporters become cherished and valued members of a Familia. We wouldn't be where we are at without them. Going down into the middle and lower depths of the dungeon is nigh impossible without a supporter. Usually two for a party of five adventurers." Finn explained. Bell nodded.
"Oh! Well, I will keep an eye out for a supporter then if I find someone, but I think I want to focus on the higher up floors for now, to gain some experience and see what my partner and I can do together. I promised Goddess that I'd take it a little slow and not rush. I don't want to be responsible for killing my party…" Bell trailed off. Gareth grunted.
"Respectable. You'll do well in the dungeon if you keep what we all say in mind." Spoke the Dwarf. Bell nodded rapidly though Finn interjected before Bell could reply.
"Gareth is not a man of many words, but what he says is true. If you keep all of our teachings to heart, you'll do very well. We're expecting much from you Bell Cranel, don't disappoint us by dying so soon. I'd never hear the end of it from our Goddess or Tiona over there." Finn said, teasing the Amazon. Tiona grinned.
"That's right! Don't you go dying you got that Argonaut?" She said, giving Bell his current nickname to her. Bell nodded.
"Right! I won't let you down!"
"Well enough of the interrogation. Let's eat." Finn said, gesturing to the food in which everyone started once again digging into their meal.
Dinner went by without much else of significance, though Tiona was responsible for many blushes from the white haired boy during his meal, which she of course found adorable. Bell retired to his bedroom, running up the stairs unless he was teased once again by his crush. Flustered, Bell shut his door rather loudly, though not really a slam either. He jumped into bed, face first before letting out a scream into the pillow before blushing and shuddering. 'She's so cool! I hope… I hope I can become worthy of her…' Bell thought into his pillow, his legs kicking behind him as he slowly drifted into a sleep with dreams filled with Tiona, dreams that would have made his Grandfather proud.
Morning came, though the sun still hasn't risen much though it was coming. The sky was cast in a dim purple, though stars could still be seen. Bell jumped out of bed with a giddy smile. He was going back into the dungeon and this time with a new friend! He was going to get further than before, he was going to make more money, he was going to become stronger and he was going to make his Goddess and Tiona proud! He got dressed really fast, his dungeon pants going on first, then his socks and then his boots. A soft T-shirt was underneath before he scrambled to put on his armor. The poor was struggling a bit with the new set of armor, not used to the buckles which made him 'dance' around the room a bit. He nearly fell a few times before he got his armor on right. He then put his arm bands on around his upper bicep before attaching the braided cord to the latch on the arm bands, before flicking his arms, getting the braid to coil retract and coil around his bicep. It slowed him down a little bit, but compared to the chains it was light! He would be faster than before he was sure of it! He placed the blade that Loki had given him, putting it into a scabbard before placing it on his lower back. He thought about it and he knew he'd need to request something from Welf when they met up.
Running down the stairs with speed that of a level eight adventurer, Bell bulleted down in record time, nearly running right into Riveria! He nearly ran right smack into her chest, but he turned on his right foot, pivoting around her.
"SORRY!" Bell exclaimed, before continuing his run to the door of the Manor. Riveria sighed.
"Stop running in the house!" Riveria scolded, giving Bell her best mama glare, but his back was already turned and he was gone out of the door without any further people body blocking him, not that Riveria was doing so. Riveria sighed, shaking her head only to spot Loki smirking from on top the stairs.
"He's going to make this place a lot more… lively." Loki said with mirth, only for Riveria to glare at her.
"It's lively enough as it is. We don't need a bunch of hyper active children running around!" Riveria scolded Loki. Loki merely laughed and waved it off.
"Oh lighten up Mama, he's just excited to be going into the dungeon. He's not harming anyone."
"Even so, he needs to learn some control! It's too early to be like that!" Riviera said before sighing and nodding. "I know I know. It's early in the morning, I just woke up and I haven't finished my coffee. You're right. He's going to be a good addition to this Familia." Loki smiled at that and nodded.
"Now come Mama, let's go get some breakfast hmm?"
"I told you to stop calling me that." Riveria growled, but followed the Goddess anyway to the kitchen.
Bell was filled with absolute glee as he flew down the streets, running right towards Babel and the dungeon. He didn't really make a plan to meet up at a certain time, but it mattered not. He'd still want to be there bright and early! He couldn't fathom just waiting in the manor! He had to be there! With a laugh, Bell ran faster and faster down the streets, his eyes filled with the idea of having a grand adventure. Little did he know, in a few days, an adventure would come for him.
"Mister Cranel." Spoke a voice to his left, which got the boy to immediately come skidding to a stop, nearly tripping over his own feet but he saved himself. He turned and smiled before bowing at her.
"Miss Ryuu! I hope I didn't almost run into you! I wasn't paying attention!"
"No you're fine. You off to the dungeon so soon?"
"Y-yea! I got someone to make a party with me so we planned on meeting today! I hope to get farther today!"
"Mmmm, just be careful Mister Cranel." The elf said, closing her eyes before gesturing for him to get going. It was then his stomach rumbled, letting out a roar. Ryuu opened her eyes and gave a -very- small smile. "But wait here for a moment. I have something for you." She said, before leaving into the Benevolent Mistress. She came back a minute later with a wicker basket, offering it to Bell who had been waiting while bouncing on his heels. He was really excited for the dungeon. "Here. We had extras from breakfast for the workers. Take it. You will need your strength." Bell blushed but didn't argue, taking the basket.
"Oh uh… Thank you so much!" Bell said, tilting his head with a bright smile, with his eyes closed. 'Accept any gift a pretty girl gives you Bell for the feeling of receiving such is unlike any other.' His grandfather had once said. Bell went further than that, immediately rushing over before grabbing her hands, holding them again like before, which got the Elf to blush.
"Ah Mister Cranel…"
"Thank you so much Miss Ryuu! I will come by to get something to eat later as thanks!" Bell said, before releasing the blushing Elves hands. He then bowed to her. "I must be going through!" He replied before he rushed off, darting off to the dungeon and Babel again, leaving Ryuu behind to sigh.
'He's going to be the death of me…' She thought in embarrassment. 'Why… why am I allowing him to…?' She thought before shaking her head and watching the boy disappear towards the dungeon. 'Good luck Mister Cranel.'
Bell arrived at the large fountain outside of Babel, his head on swivel as he began searching for Welf. Sure, they never agreed to have a set time to meet up but surely most adventurers would want to start bright and early right? Little did he know, he was a bit too early for most. The sun had just risen enough to cast the sky in a dark orange, still a sunrise. The sun still hasn't risen above the city walls, though in an hour or two it would make its appearance. As such, Bell would be stuck waiting…. And waiting…. And waiting.
After three hours, Bell began to look a little concerned. 'He's not coming…' Bell thought with a frown, looking around. Just as he thought that, he heard Welf's voice.
"Hey man! How long have you been waiting here?!" Spoke the joyous blacksmith. Bell turned and smiled brightly.
"A few hours I think? I didn't know when we were supposed to meet so I got here bright and early. I figured we'd wanna start at the crack of dawn?" Bell offered. Welf merely laughed and nodded.
"That is my bad. I forgot that you are new to Orario. Most adventurers aren't even awake yet or are barely waking up. Next time, we'll set a good time to meet alright? Now then, you ready?"
"Yes! I've been ready since yesterday! I can't wait to have my adventure!" Welf laughed and nodded.
"Well, I will be happy to help you find an adventure." Welf replied, shaking his head as the exuberant boy. As they made their way down the dungeon, Welf asked a question. A question that would give Bell his adventure, even if he didn't know it. "Say, you going to Monsterphilia right?"
Monsterphilia will be the pivotal point in Bell's development.
Read. Review. Moo.