After encountering his first impressions of the Loki familia, Bell was walking through the streets of orario, under a starry night, after the whole incident happened at the pub. With the moon shining over the city, Bell looked over the paper Ryuu gave him, indicating a location for him to go. As he looked over it again, he couldn't help but be intrigued by the significance of this one.
"Astrea… where did I hear of that name?" Expressing a look of confusion on his face, the boy tried to think as hard as he can about the name of it, but he hardly could come to a solid conclusion.
As he walked through those streets, there were fewer people walking there, mostly adventurers and merchants that had their shops still open. There were a lot fewer shops open at this hour of the night, but Bell could see how some of them were more popular than the days, Though this was not why he was here at the moment.
Shaking his head, Bell concentrated on the task he had ahead as he continued his walk toward the Stardust Garden. There was still a good while before Bell get to that destination. During that time he tries to think back of certain members of the Loki familia as some of them had a better impact on him as one of them was a pair of twins. Well, that's what he think they would be as the two girls as the appearance of amazons.
The two, despite being one of the most aggressive personalities due to their races, were mostly calm during the commotion that happened with Bete. This intrigued him at the moment, feeling curious about them. He doesn't know quite their names, but their beauty was really above most girls he's seen in his life.
But there's no way I'd want to say that to them, I appreciate the life I have and I don't need a sudden death…
Bell's nervously laughed at this since he was alone at the time. But it didn't falter his curiosity to meet them again, maybe he could even befriend them like Ais? Well, this is what he thought, even if he highly doubts this will happen. Ais was just an unexpected meeting for the boy after all.
The next person that thought in mind was that green-haired elf woman that gave a motherly aura around her, This was from Bell's perspective as he had always been a weak spot for elves. There was just something that draw him to them, and this woman was no exception. As he remembered her there was a detail that struck him more than anything…
From the moment she entered through the end of the incident, she took Bell's side the whole time, never wavering and trusting that he'll have some hidden talent or something. Thinking of this, Bell couldn't help but laugh in a sarcastic manner, with a soft smile on his face.
Well, if being unlucky was a hidden talent, then I'm sure I didn't disappoint her… though I had to admit she was stunning, giving that matured aura.
Bell was so engrossed in his thoughts, that the boy didn't notice the huge building ahead of him, filled with plants and flowers. There was a metal fence, being both the height of Bell as the same logo on Bell's paper was on it. It didn't take a genius to figure out where Bell was at the moment.
"This must be the place…" Even if Bell was excited and more than ready to meet this God, he couldn't help but feel a wave of nervousness wash over him as his eyes wandered over the fence, where the building was. There was even vegetation that was suspended on the walls of the fancy-looking place.
With a loud gulp, Bell gathered his thoughts together as he looked ahead, a trembling smile on his face as his ruby orbs were looking with excitement at what lay ahead of him. Though now that he thinks about it, there were no familia members at the entrance, to guard the place where the familia and their God live.
This is getting me a bad feeling… where is everyone? Are there only a few members in their familia?
Thoughts like that flood his mind as anxiety invaded his mind, making him falter for a moment before he shook his head and walked towards the fence.
Putting his hands on the cold hard metal bars, Bell pushed them as a loud creaking noise surprised him as he slipped through the slight opening there was. Due to his frame, he was able to slip through it as the fence immediately closed after he was on the other side, due to the chains that blocked the fence from any intruders.
The boy felt bad to intrude on a deity's property like this, but his curiosity got the best of him, wanting to know what kind of person he will encounter. He might be rejected again, but in Bell's mind, every effort is worth the time if there's a result at the end of it.
Walking to the cobblestone path leading to the building ahead of him, Bell took the time to appreciate the vegetation that was surrounding the property, feeling mesmerized by it. But he wasn't there for sightseeing as his objective was to see this "Astrea".
As the path widened up, the building came into full view after a few more steps it looked like a huge mansion with vegetation covering most of the walls, with the exception of the windows that stayed clear of them. There was also some path that lead to a place Bell had no knowledge as the one on the far left led to a rather big door with a golden handle. On the door were the logo of the Astrea familia and some writing under it.
Your vocation can be found where your greatest joy meets the world's greatest need.
Reading this, Bell couldn't help but wonder at the meaning of those words. Pondering over it, Bell asked a question to himself. It was simple and could be answered quite quickly, but at the same time, the answer might not be the one he would prefer…
Being a hero, this was something I always wanted to be, just like the stories that grandpa used to read me… But is this really my vocation? What exactly is mine…?
As Bell was focused deep in his thoughts about the quote, he failed to notice the door that is in front of him, opened a bit as a woman was looking outside, her eyes meeting the white-haired boy. Seeing him deep in thought, made her intrigued by what could be the reason to come all the way over here, since it was on the other side of the city, almost at the gates.
By the time Bell finished sorting his thoughts out, his eyes slowly rose up, noticing an odd light shining over him as the face of the woman met his gaze. His ruby eyes shone at the mere sight of her face as if it was truly one worth of a Goddess. A deep blush spread wide all over his face as he stammered in his words, not able to formulate a full sentence.
"I… erm, I come h-here for…" No matter how would Bell look away at this moment, it didn't matter as his mind was racing with a million thoughts, seeing such a Goddess just in front of him as the woman walked to Bell, showing a soft smile, which melt Bell's worries, calming him down for a moment.
"What is a boy like you doing so late in the middle of the night? Are you perhaps lost?" Hearing her soothing voice brought the boy back to reality as he gather his thoughts, not wanting to waste this opportunity. He knows that he most likely would be rejected like every other time, but giving up was something that Bell Cranel was unable to do.
"I… I'm here to join your familia!"
With an embarrassed look mixed with determination, bell's trembling lips parted away.
"I-I'm Bell Cranel and I want to be an adventurer!" This took the woman by surprise for a second, before a pleased expression formed on her face, with a hopeful look that was spread on her lips. Opening the door wide, she extended her arm toward the property as she addressed him.
"Why don't we go inside Bell-san? I'm sure we have much to talk and you'll feel more comfortable inside than on a cold night."
Bell hesitated for a moment, feeling like this maybe wasn't a good time, but she seemed to have no problem with him being here and even offered him to go inside her property. Was there really a reason for him to refuse?
At least she didn't deny me, I may have a chance here! I have to thank Ryuu-san for this later!
Feeling hopeful of the outcome as he might have found a familia to be with, Bell set foot in the woman's mansion and followed her, without saying much. While they were walking, Bell could feel her gaze on him from time to time during the time that they reached the room where they would seemingly talk.
During the walk, Bell took the time to look around as he was mesmerized by the fashion of the mansion. Despite having a deserted look on the outside with how the vegetation was taking over the mansion, the inside was polished and quite elegant compared to it. He even felt little to everything, even a bit out of place.
With a faint smile, Bell imagine what it would be like to live here as he looked outside as the moon shone, giving him enough light to see all the plants that surrounded the property.
It would be so relaxing to just relax in that field of flowers…
Engrossed in his thoughts, it didn't take too much time as the two arrived in a bedroom, where the woman sit on a fairly large bed. Tapping beside her, she indicate Bell to go sit next to her as he slowly made his way there. The atmosphere was soothing for him as he could relax, even with his flustered expression to be close to her.
"I didn't present myself, didn't I? My name is Astrea, the Goddess of Justice." With a warm smile, she presented herself to him, and he doubted she was the Goddess. Even so, his look of shock was obvious to her she let out a soft giggle from her mouth.
Astraea has long walnut brown hair that is gathered together behind her head in a dignified manner, along with deep indigo eyes that are reminiscent of a sea of stars. She wears a simple kirtle and a long skirt.
"G-G-Goddess!!!"
With a shout, Bell jumped back of the bed as he was up, his eyes wide at Astrea. This information, while plausible, still shook him to the core. There were only a few Gods that Bell talked to, but it wasn't to this extent. As he tried to compose himself, not wanting to look like a fool, Astrea continue to giggle, finding his reaction quite amusing.
Despite this, Astrea could see the sheer excitement in his eyes more than shock as she was surprised by it. It was rare to see people remain this pure in a world like this. Death was close at any moment with monsters roaming the dungeon, but he looked so innocent, so pure in her eyes.
After a moment, Bell calmed himself down as he saw that the Goddess was looking at him with interest, kinda like Ryuu, but how would he put it… It was different. Well, this wasn't the time to ponder on trivial things, as he sat next to her. His legs were dangling in the air as his eyes were locked on her. She had his undivided attention.
"Bell Cranel… what exactly is your vision of justice?" Hearing the question from the Goddess beside him, he wanted to think about it, but he found it unable to do so.
I should think of a suitable answer, but if she wants me to say my vision of justice, then I should just be honest right?
"My idea of justice…? I don't have any idea of how to put it, but I ever dream to be a hero, like those in the fairytales! Protecting those I care about. Even if I fail, it doesn't matter cause I will try again and again! I-I want to be acknowledged for my efforts and actions, guiding the weak to a better future."
Astrea looked at Bell with even more interest. She knew that he didn't answer her question, but she really didn't care at that moment. His words weren't made up and carried his passion.
Honestly, what a childish boy, wanting to be a hero… How can anyone refuse such a passionate boy, I already made my choice when I met him but this… it just confirms to me that he has what it takes
Astrea stood up and went in front of the boy as she crouched to his level. When the two looked at each other, there was no ill intentions or fear in his eyes. Only a burning passion was showing. It only fueled her more to make her choice.
So, without any notice or warning, she hugged him gently, her chin resting on the top of his hair as she had a soft smile on her face, looking down at him. There was no doubt in her mind that she wanted him in her familia…
"It seems like I've found my first child. Welcome to the Astrea familia, Bell Cranel…"
