Author's Notes: Thank you for all the reviews. The closing is near. Let the first book close with a bang! Also, I have no idea why there are so many self-insert stories now for Danmachi but dear God! We need more stories on this fandom that are not that. Really, all the Naruto SI, or any rather, have put a bad taste in my mouth. I guess I might have to open the floodgates! Hmm, maybe start Danmaich in a new direction? Oh damn, I got an idea now! There is also a poll on my page that will affect this story so pokemongo to the polls! I cringe every time that line is said.
Character quote of the day: "Asfi? More like As-if! Get it? Woah, wait! It's just a prank! It's just a prank!" ~ Bell Cranel
Story: Somebody Up There Likes Me
Chapter Twelve: A Wild Goddess Has Appeared
Tearing... grinding… digging… no air… crushing… rocks… dirt… desperate…. Forward! Almost there! Faster! Need to dig faster! Fear! Death!? No! Air...? It smelled air! Freedom in its grasp! Using its powerful arms, it dug, crawling forward to the source of air. One hand in front of the other. Desperation, panic.
Light! Air filled its system. It burst forth from the ground, letting out a ghostly shriek of rage. Dirt and debris showered to the ground as it shook itself clean. Its surroundings betrayed few signs, slowly yielding to its gaze to reveal a path to freedom. It took a long breath, getting its bearings. But finally, its bulk pulled out of cave-in. It moved down the dark cave corridor, yellow glowing eyes glaring through the darkness like a searchlight, seeking its prey. Nothing met its gaze, the Prey had escaped. For now. It would find it, finding the Prey would consume every action, occupy all thought until the Prey had – it stopped, sniffing the air as more sounds emanated from the stone it.
Its head turned to the source, only to see another spring forth from the holed it had made. This one was in bad shape, but nowhere near death's bed. Like the first had, it stood high, regaining its bearings. They looked at each other. Comprehension passed between both. They knew what must be done. Further rumbling heralded the arrival as another burst forth. It was missing an eye, and the left part of its mouth was bent oddly. Now there were three of them. The other two were in worse shape than it, but they were a pack now. It would be easier to hunt the boy down.
A hunting pack with a mission, given by her.
'Find and bring the traitor to me.'
They looked between each other, exchanging information. A powerful roar coruscated through the air, before they surged forward as one, moving at a blinding speeds. They would find the leader of the traitors. All who went against her would be slain in a brutal fashion. They followed every turn. There were no mess ups, no slips or falls. They were relentless and would not stop their hunt. They would find him, the one that had disturbed the peace of the Dungeon, and to be brought before their Creator.
The three popped out of the portal and tore their way through the dungeon floor, reaching the overhang were Treachery had happened in seconds. It seemed completely clean from the past acts, clean, but not pure. They stopped their search when the sounds of speech belonging to adventurers came to their attention. Normally, they would have immediately attacked, but greater orders had been given: to find the Jackalope. It could not be delayed by anyone or thing, no matter how badly they lusted to purge the filth from their halls.
Adventurers appeared before them. There was five of them, an Elf, two Dwarfs, a Human, and a mixed creature. The fragrance of shock filled the air as their massive bulk came into sight. Then came the heady aroma of fear. They knew what it was, what its pack was. Their blood-filled bodies screamed in distress.
"Juggernauts!?"
It stood to full height, and bellowed. The creatures ran in pitiful fear; there was no need to give chase like they normally would. No, its mission came first. Slowly, it took in a long sniff. The scent of Traitor reached its senses, the disgusting, unmistakable stench. The Jackalope's freedom would meet its end today. It was time to meet the creator of all dungeon life. Sins were made against her this day. Sins for which the Jackalope would be punished! They were almost there.
They ripped past the adventurers, two of the fools trampled as they thundered past. Higher! They had to get higher! Traitors were up there with the Needle Rabbits! How many would fall for this Jackalope? It had to be stopped, here and now! It could not corrupt another species! It screamed in anger. Unforgivable!
Only a floor away from their target. He could not get away from them now! The Traitor was theirs!
POV Change: Bell Cranel seventh floor
I had to get away from it all. I needed to be alone for the time being. Moving through the crowds let me find a good foothold, overlooking the Needle rabbit burrow. This place felt much more like a rabbit hole than the Almiraj home did. The needle rabbits were more animalistic too, with far less presence of mind. They were far more like the mindless monsters of the dungeon, except they wouldn't attack me, or anyone near me. Physically, they resembled the Almiraj, except for their size, and a long horn centered atop their little heads.
The leaders of the Almiraj were talking to the Needle Rabbits while my feet wandered upwards, I'd figured they would be far more capable of communicating than I. The other adventurers were doing their own little things all over. The High Elf had yet to wake up from all the magic she used. She would be fine to move in a couple more hours, or less if what Ais had told me was true. That gave me time to prepare for what had to be done.
This was all so new to me. I'd just gotten dumped on with all of this madness. I'd gone from being a neophyte, beginning adventurer, into the hottest damn thing this city had seen in years. I was unheard off. My luck was off the damn charts. I knew that it wasn't my 'amazing superior skills' that had kept me alive this long. No, it was my luck. Lady Luck herself had to be envious of me. I had the luck of a damn rabbit. Four lucky rabbit's feet, multiplied by being a Jackalope. To think that I'd only made it so far because of it – it was bummer at first but it just proved to me that I needed so much work. I had to get strong for both my own sake, and for the sake of the rabbit as well.
Was a Jackalope really so powerful? I mean, I got the fact that it was something most people hadn't seen or even heard of, but why was I being treated like some kind of god or king? What had I done to deserve this? Now that I had time to think about the whole situation, how could I be so stupid!? Did I really expect to just march these monsters out of the dungeon, all in one piece? Everyone else not in on the situation would be trying to kill us, the adventurers, guardians, warriors, and mages – everyone. That, and I couldn't forget that I had to march these guys all the way up north to the largest and coldest region on this continent. I mean, it was crazy to think all this happened like it did.
My mind took a side-path; if the Almiraj hadn't come to my aid this, wouldn't have happened. No, we would have met on different terms, meaning none of this needed to have happened. Well, there was no need to think about that, really. The 'what if's' were annoying because people got lost in them. I would not become one of those people. To be stuck in the past is never a good thing.
I mean a no level adventurer killed a fucking Juggernaut?! That's crazy talk, and everyone knew that. Sure, it was on death's bed anyway, but come now. I'd landed the last blow, therefore it was my kill – wait a minute! Looking through his bag quickly.
"Ah shit!" I erupted suddenly, startling the bird on my shoulder. It flapped its wings at me and squawked.
"Ahh, sorry there girl." I apologized quickly, "Who's a good birdy?" I rubbed the back of its head, smoothing the delicate feathers, soft and pliable to the touch. That seemed to calm the bird down, causing it to almost melt into my hand. Calm as the bird appeared, my memory was not: I'd forgotten to get the damn crystal! That thing was worth some serious vails! No, I did pick it up! It should be in my bag... Oh, so that was the sound at the house. It fell out?! What a loss! Well, nothing I could do about that now. There was no way I would be going back to get it.
Moving on to more important matters, how would I get these rabbits out of the dungeon without causing a mass panic? How to do it? 'I could get one of the Loki Familia members to spread the word.' That could work. In fact, it would make a whole spectacle out of it, kind of like that monster carnival way back when. It could work but that didn't mean it would. How could I get the ball rolling then? I didn't have very long to plan. Time was an enemy, now more than ever.
I put a hand through my dirty white locks. I probably looked like a mess with all the fighting; I was running low on just about everything; sleep, energy, never mind potions. Today's event were exhausting, no matter who measured it. Sighing, I took a seat in a patch of dirt. The large bird took off from my shoulder, flying a few circles in the air. I still hadn't found out why it had found me. Where had it come from? Who'd sent it? It didn't make sense for some bird to just randomly pop out of nowhere.
I had far too many question and not enough answers. Almost as if in answer, the bird landed ten feet in front of me, near the drop. I could tell it was looking at me. Not just watching a potential perch or meal, but looking.
"Yes?" I asked; it was silly, but the situation seemed to require at least a modicum of conversation. Plus, it looked so beautiful; the crystal representing the sun made it seem like the bird was glowing a brilliant shade of gold. In fact, I don't think I'd ever heard of a Falcon matching this one's description. Its sable back contrasted with a silver belly, and the feathers inside its wings were a rich cherry. On top of that, its meat-tearing beak look gold, pure gold, not the diluted stuff used in weapons decorations.
Then the bird did something that gave me pause. It wrapped its wings around itself, like an appreciative hug. By the time my head contemplated the weird movement, it started to grow taller, adding bulk to its mass, starting to look something very human like?!
I found myself standing, up suddenly not feeling very tired anymore. There, standing before me, was no longer a bird but a woman in shiny silver and black armor. Her wings had grown larger and hid most of her frame. The only thing I could see of her delicate skin was that it looked like fresh snow. Her hair was a stunning shade of silver as it poked out from under the helmet, and her pink lips held a welcoming aura, gracing me with a pleasant smile. The lower part of her face was all I could see, the armor and wings hid everything else, but I knew that this woman could possibly one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen.
Her figure stood at five foot seven inches if I was any judge, but what amazed me was the fact that she was also three inches off the ground. Her wings unfurled, granting a full view of her armor.
The wings had a metallic appearance, the feathers were hardened into overlapping scales. Looking at the armor, it seemed to be mostly steel plates, with multiple carvings. Black cloths with gold trimmings hung from her waist interspersed with chainmail over her crotch region for more protection. Her chestplate bore a falcon holding up an iron cross, while her shoulder guards portrayed a galloping horse. Her helmet was unique, as it covered her entire upper face to the point of hiding her eyes from view. The Freya Familia Emblem was emblazoned right in the middle of the helmet, a boar standing in relief. On the sides of the helmet rose two horns, metal feathers arching all the way down.
The woman landed, graceful as thistledown, wings dropping to her side, and just like that became a cloak. A brief glance showed its sable exterior, red on the inside. This had to be the one named Lady Falcon, of the Freya Familia. Here I was, standing in front of one of the most powerful adventurers the dungeon had ever seen. Her entrance was probably the coolest thing I had ever seen to date.
I forced my brain to start thinking again; the entrance was cool, but why was she here? There was just no way she'd stumbled upon this. No, she had to have been the one watching me! I'd remember that perfume anywhere, now that I got a smell of it. It was on my blanket for the longest of times, and then there was that time at the Hostess. She'd been the one watching over me.
How could she hide herself so well? She moved closer, but I knew why she was here: this had to be the last straw. There was no way any Familia would wait any longer, once they'd found out about this little mess. I guess this meant I would become the next Freya Familia member, should I accept the invitation. That would have to come later. Right now I had to figure out what I was going to do about these rabbits.
"I take it that you are lady Falcon." I said breaking the quiet that settled around us. We were only five feet apart now.
"Hmm, so you have heard of me?" The woman hummed to herself in a delighted way. She seemed intrigued by my opening, as if she hadn't planned on my knowing her identity. Well, what could I say, I was well informed. "Yes, that is one of the many names I go by."
She smiled in a pleasant heartwarming way. That smile could cause a memory burn, it was just so nice to see. This woman was enchanting, and didn't even seem to be trying. She looked so at ease that it kind of threw me off guard.
"I've heard of you, and we have met before." I was quick to respond. "I remember talking to you at the Hostess."
That gave the woman pause as if she hadn't expected that. Then I saw that same grin appear on her face, the curvature of her lips that made the woman look like a predator seeing its favorite prey. It was all the same.
"Was it the perfume again?" She seemed amused by my answer. I was lucky those deadly eyes were locked away or, I would've seen the hypnosis starting its deadly spell.
I nodded, "Yes, and I also recognize your lower face. How could I forget it?" Especially after what she'd said, up close. 'You're exciting me, my dear Bell. Interest me some more~'
"While I am most thankful that you could never forget my face…" She let that hang for second and I had the decency to blush. "I can say I'm almost envious of your abilities. It seems that the smallest detail of someone's appearance doesn't escape your memory. Does that only work with people?" Burgeoning excitement filled her voice; she was uncovering me faster than I was with her. I didn't know what to do – she was plainly a very dangerous woman.
I was stunned for a minute. She was almost like me, in a way. She was a quick one. I could also tell from her tone of voice that she assumed her question to be true. All she wanted from me was confirmation. I decided to let her have this one.
"No, I can remember everything since I was six. I don't forget things that I learn. I'm guessing it has to do with being a-" I caught myself. The woman leaned a bit forward, a playful smile on her lips.
"A Jackalope?" She finished for me. Ahh, that's right. She'd been there the whole time. I guess she didn't forget that bit at all. Then again, I had no idea she could transform into a falcon either?! That I had petted her a couple of times too, and she seemed to like it! 'No, bad Bell!'
"Yes, that..." I muttered in defeated embarrassment. I'd better come clean with most of my story. There was no need to upset someone that wanted me to join their Familia. The strongest Familia, especially. "I found out recently. Apparently I'm the sole leader of all Rabbit kind or something. Including monsters and such."
"You control them like a tamer?" The woman wondered aloud.
I scrunched my face up in distaste, "Control is a strong word. They listen to me, and will follow me so long as I keep my word and protect them. It is something that has been passed down since the first."
Jackalope upbringing was strange, and a touch nostalgic. It was also kind of sad, to know I was the last of my kind as well.
"They see you as the alpha then." Lady Falcon nodded in understanding. I could see how she came to that. They were animals at the end of the day; if that were the case, would one of them try to take my place? That could happen, should one of them become powerful enough. Might have to watch my back one of these days. She got my attention by moving her head slightly, "You are not like the others, Bell Cranel."
She had given the words more serious meaning than I would have taken them for. She stepped closer, now only three feet between us.
"I have watched over them all. Everyone in the Freya Familia is under my gaze. I have also taken it upon myself to help each one grow. I helped make situations or events that, in the end, benefited each one. You were no different."
It hit me; this was all connected. Syr and the Silverback! They'd said someone had let the beast out, and knocked out everyone watching the monster. My eyes widened at her words. Knowing it was her made me realize something.
This woman was dangerous in more ways than one. To think that Freya would send one of her best to watch over my progress? It was odd that Freya had seen so much potential in me that she would send one of her strongest to shadow me. That meant Freya had done a lot for me thus far; there was the constant watching over me for one thing. She'd sent Allen to save my ass in the Guild. Then there were the knives she had forge for me. The whole silverback thing now. While it stung to know it had been a setup, I couldn't be that mad about it either, as I'd gotten a place to stay and incredible weapons out of the experience. I wondered if that had to do anything with her too. Probably why I ran into her that night. Now there was this mess she'd saved me from Juggernauts. The escape through the tunnels. The puzzle was complete at this point.
She continued without missing a beat, "Everything had been planned, but in the end you always found some way to make it more entertaining."
I felt at a loss for words, my cheeks heating up at the praise. This woman had a way with making me feel like putty in her hands. I didn't know what to do with this! Mentally, my hands threw themselves up. 'She has me in a vise grip. I can feel it. We both know it. Just who is this Lady Falcon and why is she so… so… I don't have a word in my vocabulary to describe her!' What happened next threw me for a loop.
I felt her grab me by my under shirt. Huh?! Her mouth twisted into a furious frown. I somehow could tell it wasn't at me, something about the angle of her helmet and the fact that her sword was coming out in a different direction.
I went from staring at her mouth to looking up from the floor. She stood over me, a protective stance I recognized from some of her Familia. I blinked as I watched a juggernaut's massive head slam against her blade, eyes glaring down at me as saliva dripped from its mouth. I knew I was its target at that moment. The impact's sound rang in my ears, deafening me for a few moments. Did it somehow survive the cave in? Dear god! Were there more of them running around?! I hoped not because that would cause a mass panic on the surface, making it much harder to get these rabbits out of here.
Why did my luck saved my ass, but always got me back into trouble! It was a double edged sword I tell you!
I still couldn't believe my eyes, the sight of one woman holding her ground above me. She didn't seemed phased by the power of the beast. Her head tilted at the creature, like the thunderous blow was nothing for her. "You dare to interrupt me now? You'll pay with your blood."
That line had scared me! Damn! This was woman was dead serious on what she'd said. But watching her work, almost scared me even more. The creature was heaved off her blade, went skidding backwards to the tunnel it had appeared out of shoved by just one arm. I could barely kill a near-death juggernaut, and here was this woman throwing it around like a doll! 'Bell Cranel, eat your heart out.' I thought to myself in disbelief. Not even Ais and Bache together could do that!
I flipped myself over onto my chest to see better. One pair of eyes glared back at me, followed by another and one lone eye. The juggernaut returned at a slower stride as it stepped into the light. I could almost say it was acting careful. This time it brought two others with it, both following its lead.
"You brought friends? Cute." Lady Falcon pulled out her second sword, a deep frown on her face. "You didn't bring enough of them sadly."
The three powerful monsters circled Lady Falcon in eerie synchronization. The first one charged right at her, meeting the blade head on.
Its massive hand swung down, but was dispatched as fast as it arrived. Her second sword speared through its under belly, polished metal gleaming in the half-light. It let out a pained screech as the warrior brutally pushed her blade deeper into its guts, spilling blood. Her sword twisted, a vicious smile on her lips. The sound the creature made was horrifyingly painful. "Does it hurt?"
The second one rushed in from behind, angling at her blind side. This one had one eye, and a messed up jaw. I rolled out from under her, off the footpath, trying to not get stepped on. I managed to hear her say, "Skjöldr," but had no idea what that meant until I saw the blade in her right hand turn into a shield, a Falcon's head design emblazoned on its surface. Lady Falcon smashed the protective item atop the juggernaut's head as it tried to bite her legs.
The blow smashed the creature's body to the ground. Pulling out the blade still inside the first, she used the shield like springboard to land on pinned juggernaut's long neck. "Hjálmrǫðull," she uttered, and the shield became a sword once more. The monster tried to shake her off but both blades stabbed downwards. The first blade cut right through the top of its head while the second went through the remaining eye socket. I watched as life faded from its body, as it slow started to disappear from the world. Those blades ended the beast swiftly and efficiently. She stood atop of its dead body pulling the swords out with her. "Einn niðr."
The first juggernaut managed to recover. It was barely mobile, wound pouring its life blood out in buckets. Time was running out, and they all knew it; Lady Falcon had scored a fatal hit. The third one, the leader by what I could tell, regrouped next to the injured one. Lady Falcon once again stood over me. "Stay under me." She commanded and left no room to argue.
Not that I would. The safest place was probably under her anyway. I sighed mentally. 'Damn my young mind,' but simply nodded dumbly at her demand. I was useless in this fight. I was exhausted and these things out classed me by a mile. I had been fearful, but now, with how fast she'd beaten the first one and injured the second one, I was in awe. She was putting down massive Adventurer killers like they were nothing but bugs.
Once again, one of her swords became that falcon shield as she stood ready. "Do you still plan on winning?" She scoffed at the two with distaste. "It was over since the beginning. Now come; you won't survive, no matter what you do."
They roared, lurching forward with unnatural strength, tearing apart the terrain underfoot. They moved together, obviously planning to overwhelm with two where one had failed. In addition, with no visible communication, wove across each others paths, a bewildering display. I didn't think it to be possible, but Lady Falcon still seemed calm, studying what her next moves would be. She stood tall, like a rock wall about to breast a tidal wave. The more injured juggernaut came at her front, while the second went for her flank. She punched the leader under the chin with her shield forcing it to fall back, shaking its head to regain its bearings. It had to be seeing stars with that hit. The first one jumped backwards as well, away from a cunning flick of her sword. Her pink lips curved upwards. "Scared, are you?"
Once it realized the feint, the juggernaut rushed forwards, meeting her her blade with parrying claws. The injured juggernaut was far slower than the leader, due to the recent stab wound and possible earlier injuries. A moment of weakness exposed a vulnerable point, and the beast felt Falcon's Bane slash into its neck, the last thing it felt.
I was surprised; she had gracefully spun in place without accidently stepping on me. This woman had seen many battles and it was showing. Her skill, her coronation, her grace, and most definitely, her beauty, practically shone in battle. The juggernaut's head fell from its long neck as the body twitched violently on the dirt ground. Ugly dark blood spilled as the body slowly started to disintegrate.
"Tveir niðr." I raised my eyebrow at the woman. Just what was that language? It had to be a dead one, but that only made me want to know more.
That was when I saw the leader's head three feet away and closing in fast. 'Woah! It got in through her guard and was going for me!'
Just as the thought passed through my mind, an armored boot slammed into its head, sending the beast into the air. It crashed down onto its back, teeth flying from its mouth. I could feel the rage pouring out of the woman as she stalked away, towards the monster. "You must want a slow painful death."
The juggernaut flipped itself over, only to stumble in place before standing upright. It stance was shaky at best.
Lady Falcon wasn't impressed."You can't even stand a little kick like that? Who would be afraid of an infant like you?"
It growled at the approaching adventurer.
"Oh, a backbone?" Her sword wove an intricate pattern, little jabs and feints despite the monster still too far out of its range. "Here, allow me to ripped it out of you."
The last juggernaut looked back to what was left of the first dead juggernaut, only to see a monster crystal before it. The juggernaut seemed to realize something in that moment, as if something had spoken to it? Instead of making a charge at the woman in armor, it made a desperate rush for the crystal, grabbing it to engulf in its large mouth.
The woman watched the beast swallow the cyrstal whole; difficult, with such a large object. The bulge passed its shoulders, vanishing into the cavity that had to exist for food. Seconds passed, but nothing happened. Then, it lurched, dark matter misting out of its injuries, twisting its form; it was evolving into something much worse than a juggernaut.
I sat up not wanting to be lying on the ground any longer. An explosion of wind almost made me regret that decision.
I was quick to cover my face as the gale stung my flesh. Lady Falcon stood her ground, as if unaffected by the winds blasting at her. Once the black aura died I could see a twisted looking monster. It had four legs, much like the juggernaut, but two more arms had grown on the upper portion of its body, now standing straight up. Bony armor covered its flanks now, long nasty spikes on its back. Topping the gruesome amalgamation were four yellow glowing eyes, set in a physique twice the size of a towering juggernaut. Its head shook once, quartet of eyes blinking in rotation, then gave a powerful bellow. The sheer volume shook the cliffside. If no one knew a battle was happening, then they would now.
"That won't do you any good. You barely raised your power."
I blinked. This wasn't powerful!? What in hell had she faced to be this strong? There had to be many monsters this strong, but to treat something like this as inconsequential took training that bordered on inhuman. The creature seemed to disregard her attitude though, dashing towards her at a slower pace than before.
"You traded speed for power?" Lady Falcon's blade twirled, a mocking salute. "Allow me to show why that was a mistake."
It slammed its massive fist, clearly missing her. It did however shake the cliffside though, and put a dent in the ground. But where had …?
Lady Falcon stood atop of its big hand. Holy Hell she was fast! I hadn't even see her move. From my position, I could see her crossed blades angle at the mutated juggernaut's wrist, then move apart. Their lengths sliced clear through the thick bony armor, then on through flesh and bones.
The monster wailed in agony, yanking back its arm, sans the hand. Its head snapped back down at her, black flames surging from between its teeth. Her cloak flashed for a second and wrapped around her. The massive monster's mouth open unleashing a jet of black heat, completely covering her in flames. Once the flames stopped nothing remained, not a pile of ashes, or melted metal. I searched everywhere, seeking some sign of her presence. There was no way she'd been killed by that. But without its target, the monsters gaze turned towards me.
Well, crap.
It started its slow, menacing approach towards me. 'I swear to Zeus! If you are doing this for dramatic effect, it's working and you can stop now!'
Then a Falcon cried out. The sky, I realized when I heard it. The monster looked towards the sun crystal the source of the sound. It looked far too late. Lady Falcon had used the light to cover herself, and was already swooping down. In bird form she attacked the creature's left eyes, goring them out before retreating to the sky. The enhanced juggernaut cried out in pain as blood poured down its face. It took aim with its mouth and fired black balls of fire into the sky/ceiling, knocking crystals to fall around us. The bird gracefully dodged each one. I was rolling on the ground, doing my best too! After surviving this far, I better not die by getting crushed!
What skill in flight! Once again she used the crystal to hide herself, employing its light to blind the monster momentarily. That fraction of a second cost the creature dearly.
Once again she soared downwards. This time she only managed to get one eye on the right side, but that meant only one eye left. The bird quickly changed back to Lady Falcon mid-air, who dropped from her former position. Her sword was drawn, raised high as she fell. The blade slammed into the creature's neck, causing the creature to drop to its knees. The blow cut right through the spikes on its back, shearing off the protrusions. She brought the blade down again, cutting into bone armor and on a bit into its flesh. It seemed the armor here was the toughest, actually proving a challenge.
It rose again and moved to stomp her with its large foot. She spun on one knee as it came down, unaffected by the impact. Her blade rose just a fraction as the foot finished its descent, stabbing into the sole of the beast's appendage. I watched as the blade came through the other side; the juggernaut reacted violently, shaking the limb in fury. Lady Falcon was forced to abandon her weapon as she leaped back. She landed in front of me.
"Boy, that thing is tough," I commented lightly.
"No," she gave a shrug of one shoulder, "I'm just trying to make the most out of this little scuffle. It has been a while since I got to stretch my legs."
Just what level was this woman on?! How in the name of the Dungeon was this battle a scuffle?! Behind her, the creature lowered its head to the ground and black flames rose once more.
"Koma at." She whispered, raising her arm. To my surprise, her sword still inside the monster's leg started to vibrate. The fire attack forming was launched prematurely, scattered across the ground, burning its own foot at the same time. The juggernaut screamed in pain as its own fire burned and the blade kept moving.
Lady Falcon started to move but froze. I stretched to see around her and saw the spikes on the juggernaut's back shaking oddly. She turned to me in a heartbeat, throwing an arm around me and bringing me close. I was hit with both her smell and the aura that surrounded her. Her smell was nice and welcoming, almost making you want to take constant sniffs. It was quite addicting, to be honest; I had no idea why, but her aura had this comforting power about it. Her arm tightened as she put her sword up. "Don't move." She told me in a commanding voice.
"Skjöldr," once again her sword transformed. Just who was this Lady Falcon? I didn't have long to think about that as I saw a spike fly past us. Enhanced juggernauts shot spikes like a porcupine?! I heard multiple pings against the shield as what had to be spikes flew into it. There wasn't even a dent in the damn thing either. To make matters even crazier were the shattered spikes below the shield.
"Now is the time to strike." She shot up from protecting me and rushed forward. It fired a jet of black fire at her from its spot on the ground.
She kept up her charge, her shield up blocking the dark fires. "That simply won't do. This is what happens when you get in my way!"
Lady Falcon jumped straight up, transforming into the bird once more. She flew as high as the cave allowed, far overhead. That was when she transformed back, metal wings wrapped around her as she fell faster and faster. "Embrace death!"
The super juggernaut tried fireballs again, missing, due to near blindness. Her sword was pointing forward, cutting the air before her. Her blade landed first, propelled by the rest of her body, right through its back. The creature's head snapped upward suddenly as pain shot through it. The woman was quick to leap off off of its unspiked back, she quickly swung down on the weak spot made earlier, cutting into its neck once again. The juggernaut still managed to try biting her in half, but the damage was done. It couldn't move again, and Lady Falcon was too fast for its almost dead state to defend against.
She grabbed hold of one of its horns on its big ugly head, flipping herself on its neck. Her sword rose high, then was brought down.
I could see the blade poking out of the lower part of its upper mouth, an instant before its head fell to the ground, bringing a wave of dust into the air. The woman strode out into the light, holding her bloody sword.
"Koma at." She raised her right hand, her second sword shooting from corpse making a bloody trail until she snatched it mid-air. I was starting to feel completely minuscule, compared to her power. How was it possible to get so strong, that a juggernaut could flee? Not that this one had, but the principle was the same.
While the fight had been quite one sided, it was still epic in scale and power. This adventurer was simply amazing. This was what I wanted to be. This was the power I both wanted and needed, to defeat the major reason I was here in the dungeon city. I wanted to get revenge on that bastard dragon that had killed my family. It was what I had to do - well, there was also my initial purpose, some romantic reasons as well….
What? Is it wrong to try to pick up girls in a dungeon? I don't think so!
Yet something happened to me in this fight. I'd wanted to accomplish my dreams; saving a pretty girl from a scary monster and have her fall in love with me. Who would have thought I'd become a damsel in distress instead?! That and looking at her… My savior… Was also someone I could highly respect for being such a high class adventurer. If it had been a guy, this would have been much easier to deal with. My luck however, had other ideas, and reversed the situation.
I was saved by a woman. This hurt my pride a bit, what with the teachings of Zeus; the long list started running through my head. I had to be manly and not a wimp. I had to be able to save a women in order to make them fall in love with me. I had to become rich, in order to let them know I could care for them. I had to have a home, allowing them to stay with me. I had to be able to love them to the fullest. I had to make them feel safe when with me. I had to make them know that I wanted them for who they are. That was my teachings with Zeus.
Well, that was great and all. Really it was! It was easy if I were fighting Goblins or something like that! Oh but low and behold, I had three juggernauts on me! Three of them! Before that I had almost died to another one, which I only managed to kill because it was practically dead!
To think that I… She was getting closer to me and that smell of her was sauntering by my nose. Her smell was playing with my senses, making my mind buzz like a hive of bees. I could feel myself heating up as she moved closer to me. I felt frightened by this new feeling, it made my heart beat ever-faster as she got closer. I wanted to run, but that's what an idiot and a fool would do. No! Zeus's teachings would not fail me here! I was not a weakling Bell Cranel that ran away!
That confidence died almost immediately when I saw her lips. God, I was ensnared in her like a lamb in a thicket. She was enchanting and she hadn't even done anything!
No, that was lie. She'd saved me. That, and she'd awoken something I hadn't felt. I believe this is what the teens my age called 'infatuation.' She'd amazed me. She was strong. She was mysterious. She was one of a kind. All that made my stomach come alive with butterflies.
"You are unharmed?" she asked in a knowning tone. She knew I was still fine, yet asked the question anyway. In reality I was harmed to the point that I couldn't speak, and she was the cause. Even now, her voice was deeper, and held a mature quality to it. It was oddly soothing for me.
"I'm fine." I answered quietly, managing to not stutter on those two words, "Thank you."
That had come out much quieter than my first two words! To make matters worse, she'd heard them, and the smile she flashed made me sink even more.
"Oh, have you become shy now, little rabbit?" she crooned, a flirtatious smile on her lips.
I felt as if set afire! I felt so hot, flustered at her words and the tone she'd used. She had to have put a spell on on me. I swear. I gulped down the air caught in my throat and noticed that she'd moved closer to me. I was losing focus to boot? "What is your name?" It was the only thing I could think of that could possible knock her off balance. I would be damned if she continued to take control of this conversation. I don't think she knew just what I was thinking or how I felt just yet; If she found out… she might play me like a fiddle. Zeus had warned me about that. You could not let the woman know the power they held, or they would run all over you.
She seemed to consider my question. In fact she looked very pleased, which wasn't good, knowing how she might act. "Are you that curious of my name?"
"Yes." I answered almost instantly after she spoke. That may have been too quick!
The vision of beauty laughed a deep, throaty contralto, sounding happier than should be possible. "Very well, Bell. I will tell you who I am. But first, allow me to say this,"
She paused for a moment before starting again, "I have been watching your progress since the beginning. I have never seen anyone like you before. Watching you struggle your way through the dungeon reminded me of something, I'd long forgotten. There are things that I still don't know. You had knowledge that even I lacked. You use your intellect to help beat monsters that should have killed you. Your struggles have only made you stronger and more mature. You remind me of an older time of man. Where man had to fight for everything they got or needed. Those were the times of real men and warriors. You are beautiful in my eyes."
I had never been complimented like this before, it felt almost shamefully good. I knew my ploy had been thrown right back at my face when she reached up to remove her helmet. I already knew of those dazzling purple eyes of royalty, hiding behind the steel helm. One deep look into those eyes and you might be lost forever in a sea of lavender. Bells rang a desperate warning in my head, telling me of the danger. I failed to heed their warnings though. No, I remained firm and watched as those purple orbs stared right back into my red ones. They were filled with something I could only describe as want, or desire. The look a little girl got when she found a toy that she had to have and 'no' was nowhere to be found. That made me euphoric. My heart was going to explode due to the rate it was beating.
The helmet rose, and I watched as her straight silver hair fell across her forehead. The rest was pulled back, and swept to be over the right of her forehead. It was the hairstyle that a warrior would wear. Now that I saw everything about this woman, I realized that I'd found the most beautiful woman in the world. Even if I said the word perfectly, it would somehow lessen her beauty. No one could compare with this woman. I don't think my mind could take it if I saw the body that was locked away under her armor. No, I would fall to my knees. This woman's looks could start a war all on their own. She could start a war on her own if her wisdom was all that was asked. Then win it by herself. There was no hope for me getting this conversation back into my hands.
I was too far gone for that now. Zeus had warned me there might come a time when one girl that would blow you right out of the water. Someone that you could never forget, once you met them. Their name would stick in your head once you learned it; he had called it a 'crush.' He'd said they could fade away, but it would take time, and only if seperated for a while, or if she chose someone else right in front of you. He warned me about them, and how destructive they were for harems.
Thinking about it, I found myself growing to disbelieve I'd been saved by her. I mean, a beautiful woman like this had been my savior? She was someone that I respected, someone I admired, someone I might be in love with. Huh, that was funny. A fourteen year old in love with an older woman. Could it be love? Or was this just a crush? Only time could give me the answer. All I knew was that this woman was on my list of things that I had to think about. Hard.
"Bell Cranel," The way she had said my name made me weak. "I need you to be able to keep a secret for me."
"I can do that." I told her earnestly. Right now I was under her powerful aura; my mental state had almost literally checked out. I could almost feel the bellhop carrying its baggage out the door.
"I am Freya, and I want you to join my Familia." She reached her hand out, grabbing my hands. "Will you join me?"
'Whoa!? Huh?! What?! How?! Huh?! Oh my God?! Or would it be my goddess? Huh?!' This was a dream. This had to be a dream. There is no way that Freya had followed me down here. Nope. Yet she did! Zeus this your fault! I don't know how but damn you! I don't know what to think about this.
Actually, I did. I was amazed at her involvement in my life. She'd done so many things for me since I'd arrived here. She was the key factor behind my growth as an adventurer, had been giving me pushes in the right direction. Sometimes very forcefully, true, but it was all done with me in mind. I had become a small city hero, just for beating the Silverback, because of her. She had done all this for me. Now, to add to the list, she had saved me too.
She was just like Zeus as well it would seem. They'd both had their time in the dungeon, and had traveled amongst the first adventurers down here. Lady Falcon was just an alias she went by. All of her accomplishments were Freya's. This really shouldn't have shocked me once I found out about Zeus, but I guess I was still amazed that there were gods that broke their own rules.
Oh, and I had fallen for a goddess! I had done it before, I'd even seen her face! I didn't think it was possible to like someone because they saved your life, but here I was doing exactly that. It had to be a goddess. I'd fallen for a goddess, the most powerful one in the city too! That title wasn't just for show either. I'd seen just what she was capable of, and in all honesty, I had to be a little fearful of her. I attracted her attention to me, and now she had come to make me a part of her Familia. I could finally be in a familia! Thank the Goddess!
Oh, she was hold… my hands? Hands… ! She was waiting for an answer. There was only one to give. I put all the conviction I could muster into my next words. "I would be honored to accept."
It would be foolish not to join her. Hers was the strongest Familia and their goddess had literally saved me and stolen my heart in the process. I could be as close to her as I wanted. That, and I would have powerful comrades to help me in battles too.
She let go of my hands and the warmness left. She put her right hand on my forehead, "You have made me extremely happy, minn lítill bjalla." I couldn't describe the power she had over me in this moment. Then I felt it. There was a powerful little burst of magic that poured through me. It felt like a hot blanket, making me shake on my spot. It was as if her power chained itself to me. I could feel her power and it felt… strong. I could feel the lustfulness, the warmongering, and death. I wondered if all the adventurers had to go through this? Could they feel the power of their god or goddess like this? Then as fast as it came, it was gone. Her hand slowly dropped from my forehead to my cheeks. It lingered there for a second before she pulled away. "You are now mine."
I didn't know how to feel about her claiming me like that. It felt bad, but good at the same time. Oh, how this was going to bring me trouble down the road if I let her get too much control over me. Ugh, why did crushes change your behavior around people you liked?
"Thank you for taking me in." I thanked my Goddess giving her a bow of my head. In that moment I was hit with a realization: Freya could help me with this mess! She could possibly pull a lot of strings in helping me get theses monster rabbits out of here without causing a war.
I was about to pop the question, but she beat me to the punch. "You will find everything you desire within my Familia. Ask, and it will be yours. Don't take this opportunity lightly, I recruited you because I see a warrior of old in you. You will grow strong under my wisdom, strength, and love."
I could honestly say I shut down as the love part. I think I might have just reached the clouds somewhere. Well, she did just say I could ask her anything. Might as well do it now. "I'm humbled by your words, my goddess. I do have a request to ask, if I may?"
"Oh, are you so bold as to already make a request?" She giggled at me, the sound growing louder as my face reddened. Then her eyes narrowed at me, in a seductive manner. "You may entertain my inquisitiveness."
I managed a half-grin. Perhaps I could regain some control of the situation. "You see, I think you may not understand the situation here quite yet, so please allow me to explain."
She looked at me with interest now, "Yes, I don't know the full details of your little escapade but I believe I have a understanding. Please enlighten me." Her smile faded, the rest of her face contorting with displeasure, as if she saw someone she hated appear. "However, you must make it quick. It would seem that your companions are on their way here now."
I nodded at her, "To make a long story short, while my group was attacked by a horde of Hellhounds and Battle Boars, we were saved by the Almiraj. That was when I learned that I am their leader and protector. That also extends to other Rabbits species as well."
The more I talked, the more glazed over my goddess's eyes became. Those beautiful purple eyes were sparkling with a lustful joy I'd never seen before. "That was when I found out that the dungeon will kick them out for attacking other monsters. That's why the the Juggernauts were after us. I, more or less, have to lead the Almiraj and the Needle Rabbits out of the dungeon. I was planning on taking them to Siberia; it's a place far enough out of the way that people wouldn't dare give chase."
"I was hoping you could help us get out ofdungeon without causing a panic."
POV Change: Freya
She could read his body language just fine. She'd been able to read it all since the moment she had beaten that fool of a beast. It was the same look of a boy with a crush. He had fallen for her, once she'd beaten the beast and saved him. That disgusting creature might have actually needed a vote of thanks for that; it would only make it easier for him to come to her. If Bell wanted power, she would grant it. If he wanted love, she could give that and so much more. She was a Goddess of Love after all. There was nothing about love she could not see. She had him, but he didn't seem to quite realize that he had her as well. He just kept on impressing her with his skills and abilities. He brought so much to the table. He would grow into a perfect candidate... she was growing warm just at the thought.
The way he grabbed his right arm as he asked his important question; it was just so cute! It was as if he hesitated in asking something, that it might be too much for her to handle. What he forgot to realize was that this would only add to her power. While his face may have lost most of its color, there was still a little red left on his cheeks. Then it got better.
Freya could not believe this little teen. How could she? He was always doing something or saying something that made her go mad with excitement; stunning her more like. Bell Cranel was about to make her, and her Familia so much more powerful. She would be just like that little Goddess Kali or that other God of War. She could have own nation, while maintaining her power in the dungeon city. Oh, it was so hard for her not to reward him like she wanted! There was always later though. It was just so damn bad they were being interrupted a second time.
She would most definitely help her Bell with his journey. A monster army, incredible! While she wished it could have been a more powerful group of monsters, she most definitely saw what they could bring to the table: Population. They could breed incredibly fast. In a single month they could have a full litter and be ready to have sex again. In a year alone they could cover a sixteenth of their intended homeland. That brought another realm of thought, yet another dimension little Bell unintentionally gifted her.
Siberia was such a cold and unforgiving place; unconquerable, unlivable, and wild. This was going to be an epic tale, one that rivaled anything she'd witnessed in her younger days. Freya had no idea that Bell had this much on his shoulders. Oh yes, she had not been wrong to come down here today. There would have been no way any god or goddess could have resisted him as soon as he walked out with this army of monster following his heels. Now he was all hers. She would never let go, she would always have him. She would embrace him soon enough, and then he would never want to leave her side. Bell Cranel. She wanted to scream that name. The possibilities excited her.
She had to calm down, reduce the desire to have him right then and there. That was a skill within reach, and excusable in her falcon form, as those Loki and Kali Familias members were almost there. "Leave it to me. I will make it so all of Orario knows that Bell Cranel and his rabbits will march."
It made her shiver in delight; he didn't realize that he was going to be considered a legend the moment people got word of this. This would go down as the biggest taming event in history. It would give Bell a pretty target on his back as well, a delectable source of envy to all whom had failed to see his potential. She grinned at the thought of poor fools that would dare attack him.
Then she saw it. The cutest look she had seen him make. There were tears in the corner of his eyes, tears of happiness. She'd made him overjoyed by a simple acceptance of his request. Unexpectedly, he threw his arms around her and giving her an extraordinarily tight hug, all the more remarkable considering her armor prevented the action from being more enjoyable!
"Thank you Goddess." he murmured softly into her ear. She was euphoric at that moment. All that waiting and testing was finally bearing blissful fruit. Freya hugged the boy back, just barely managing to restrain all of her lustful feelings… for now.
"We will talk about this later. I must go," she looked past his shoulder, still tucked under her chin. "Regretfully."
The boy had no idea just how much she wanted to stay with him. She knew that once he left the city, she would have to wait a long, agonizing time before he returned. She would have to find some way to communicate with him. She did not want to lose contact with him so quickly after just getting him. They were going to have to do this much more often.
Bell let go of her. "I look forward to our next meeting, my Goddess."
Hearing him say that made her realize that it would be even more painful to let him go than she'd thought. When he came back, they would be spending a long time together. She gave him a last once-over look, licking her lips when he wasn't watching. A very long time, she amended the thought.
Freya wrapped her cloak around herself and turned back into a falcon. She took to the skies flying out of the burrow. She had a march to arrange, and needed to mobilize the whole Freya Familia. She would make them see their new brother. She already knew that most didn't like poor little Bell, what with all the attention she gave him. Some had been very vocal about it. What they forget was that she had been this way with all of them.
A Goddess of love is one of the curelest. Nobody really understood what it meant.
POV Change: Ais Wallenstein
Ais Wallenstein ran as if her life depended on it. She had to get there before it was too late. There was so many things wrong with what she'd heard. How could one of those Juggernauts have made it out alive? The whole cave fell in on top of them.
They were after Bell, she knew it. She couldn't allow it to kill him. No, she had to save him because he knew what it was like, to lose your whole family to that dragon. She wanted revenge, she wanted her family back, or at least her mother. Her father was long gone and there was no way to bring him back. Her mother though, was still an unknown. Bell, while currently weak, had grown in leaps and bounds since she'd first looked him up. When he disappeared for a month, she'd felt saddened. Loki had taken it a lot worse.
Now that he was known to be alive, she would make sure he stayed that way. Bell was unique in the fact that he reacted at her in a very curious way: no one had ever ran away from her. They were far too busy running to her. She didn't have the time for them; she had to keep getting stronger, and they would only slow her down. If she'd ever accepted a marriage proposal, they wouldn't want her to keep going down into the dungeon. That could not happen. Her mother might still be down there, right now!
Bell on the other hand, was different. He was always running from her. He'd recently managed to stop for now, but she was growing more and more curious about him. He was making her feel weird for some reason. She'd never had those feelings before. Just what magic was he using on her? No, Riveria has said that he had no magic. Then why did she feel weird around him? 'Riveria might know what this is.' She thought looking at the High Elf keeping pace with her and the Amazon.
Riveria had woken up about thirty minutes after the roar had torn through the burrow. She, herself, and a small army on their heels, were rushing to the spot it came from. To think that all these monsters were loyal to Bell was mind blowing. He was growing far to rapidly because of his Jackalope abilities. The more she thought about it, the more Bell looked like a rabbit himself. Ais liked rabbits. They were cute, and you could cuddle with their soft fur. Now she was surrounded by monster rabbits that no longer wanted to kill her, which made her a little happy; she didn't have to fight through them any longer. It would make things easier. And they were cute.
Ais turned her head to stare at the Amazon. The woman had been with Bell for a whole month down in the dungeon. She'd been training him, and he had taught her common language skills … and perhaps something more. It was amazing how Bell handled himself in every situation thrown at him. He was alway overcoming, adapting, and surviving. He'd survived encountering the Amazon, whom had already proven to be a deadly foe back when she'd fought Tiona and Tione. She had grown much stronger since she had last saw her.
She looked back in front; they were almost there. There was no sound, in fact it was quiet. The fight was over. Did that mean? She bolted around the bend, and could finally see the boy sitting on the ground, large crystals beside him. He looked up at them with a knowing smile, "Hey guys," he said with a causal wave of his hand like nothing had happened. "Oh, Riveria you're up! That's great!"
Riveria stepped forward since she'd been the first one addressed by the white haired teen, "Yes I'm fine but the question I have is: what happened?" It was clear that she wanted an explanation.
"I was saved by a falcon."
Riveria looked at him, puzzled. Ais was on the same line of thinking as well. "Bird that was with you?" Bache asked. It would seem the tall woman was putting the pieces together faster than she was.
"Yep," the boy confirmed her question, "It turns out that it was Lady Falcon from the Freya Familia."
That put both Bache and Riveria on guard. Ais looked at Riveria questioningly. She had no idea why she'd acted like that. Then she thought of it too. 'Lady Falcon is a first-class adventurer from the Freya Famillia which means…! Ah, now I get it. The Freya familia wants Bell too.' She concluded. Well, that wasn't going to happen. Bell would join the Loki Familia. She was sure of it. Loki had torn the Twilight House apart looking for his form. Ais wasn't sure why Loki hadn't just given him a new one to fill out.
She had brought that up to Loki after the goddess had finished beating up Bete. The suggestion had made her a little too happy with Ais, and tried to grope her again. Loki had never had the chance to offer though, due to Bell's disappearance. Now there would be no stopping her attempt to get Bell to join. Good. Bell would like the Loki Familia, because he could grow and became a high class adventurer faster.
"Yeah, she beat like three of them by herself. It was ridiculous how one-sided it was." Bell continued with his story. He went into detail about the battle and how Lady Falcon could basically turn herself into a falcon at will. Ais had heard about the woman, had never really thought too much about her, since she was so elusive. People would rarely talk about her any more.
"Are you unharmed?" She bent down to look him over. He seemed fine.
He scratched the back of head, giving her a light smile. "Oh I'm fine! Don't worry about good ol' Bell here. If anything, I'm tired from today's events."
"You should get some rest before we head out." Riveria told him walking up from behind, "Where did she go?"
Bell nodded, "Right, anyhow…" He stood up, stretching kinks out of his back. "We don't have anything to worry about. Miss Falcon went on ahead to have Freya arrange for something. Said something about a taming event?" He shrugged, walking past them. "Now where the heck is Helix?"
"I'm here Jackalope!" The black rabbit monster called out from the crowd.
"How long until they are able to move?" he asked, looking over the needle rabbits gathering before him.
"At least three hours sir!" the smaller being reported quickly, as if he knew Bell was going to ask him that sooner or later.
"Excellent! I can get three hours of sleep until then."
"We will be ready when you awake Jackalope!"
"Good to hear! The battle to leave the dungeon is over. The march to Siberia is about to begin."
Ais watched as he moved amongst the horde of rabbits with ease. They made room for him like he was some kind of king. He might as well have been. It made her he see- She shook her head.
"Hmm, I never seen that look on you before." Riveria spoke up at her side. Ais looked at her, noting the knowing look on her face. Was she teasing her?
Ais pouted, "What look?
The older woman chuckled, "I guess it doesn't matter."
The High Elf watched as Bell started to disappear over the drop. "He's different isn't he. He is definitely not what I had been envisioning." She looked back at Ais, "What do you think?"
"I concur," Ais nodded. Ais felt the same however she decided to say more about it. "He keeps running from me... I wonder: why? Will I ever learn what makes him so strong so fast? I need to know, so I can get stronger myself. He reminds me of a rabbit, quick to startle. So fearful and nervous, but quiet, so soft, and cute – F-forget I said anything!"
The elf was laughing hard now at her! She had tricked her. "It's not funny, you old woman."
Elf stopped laughing, anger replacing all that mirth, "What was that Ais? Do you really want to play this little game now?"
"No, I just didn't want you to break a rib since your bones are so old."
The Elf narrowed her eyes, "Remember you brought this upon yourself!"
POV Change: Bell Cranel
I had no idea what those two were doing up there. I just know that after fifteen minutes, they still had not come down to the small hole I'd been resting in. Bache and I had been talking for a bit. It seemed that she'd learned more about the Needle Rabbits in her solitude. I had also been teaching her more about common, and how she didn't have to keep referring to herself in the third person. It could become confusing for some people.
That was, until I heard the stomping of something angry come around the corner. I learned one thing though, watching Riveria stroll in with a whining Ais over her shoulder: Riveria was scary strong. What the Hell happened up there to cause this? I blinked at the two as I stood from my chair, "What happened?" I cast a confused look at the sight of a beaten Ais. She looked like a toddler that had received a whipping by her mother.
"I am not old! Now go to bed!" I was blown backwards by the force of her words as she brought Ais into a room out of sight.
My mouth hung for a second shocked that she'd snapped at me. I looked over at Bache who was just as confused as I, if her narrowed eyebrows were something to go on, "What was that about?" I asked her. I, of course knew that Ais had put her foot in her mouth and it had to do with something being old.
"Bache does not know?" She even sounded confused.
"CRANEL! BED! NOW!"
"YES!" I yelled jumping up from my spot. Running to my room seemed like a good idea, even with the Amazon following after me. I opened the door and jumped in. "I still have no idea why she is mad at me! What did I do?" I muttered fearfully, my back against the door.
"Maybe the girl said something?"
"You're right. That has to be it." I nodded at Bache's answer. Wait a minute. Why was she here… Sure enough, she was sitting cross-legged in a bed of hay. "Bache, why are you here?"
"Bache doesn't understand?" The tall woman said in a confused manner.
"You know what? It doesn't matter." I gave up, falling on my bed of hay. I'd better get some rest. It was going to be a long trip, needing every every ounce of energy I could get. With that thought in mind I closed my eyes and hoped for the best, happy thoughts dancing around my mind. I was in a Familia now. It just so happened to be the strongest one in the Dungeon City ofOrario.
End of Chapter Twelve
I hope you all enjoyed the 12 chapter. Also, a big thanks to V-rcingetorix for being the beta of this story! He has some stories that you might like. Once again there is a poll on my page that will affect this story so please check it out! Have a wonderful day and keep reading.
