Bell sighed as he got up despite expecting a nice sunny day. He found himself looking at dark clouds. 'Nghhh thats not good...' He thought as he walked outside the gate. He felt a drop hit his face. Bell sighed as waited a moment to see if the skys would open up.
"Good morning Bell-sama..." He turned to see Haruhime bringing in the washing.
"Good morning Hime... Do you need any help?" He asked wanting to repay her for help last evening.
"Thank you but I've already finished. Are you heading out? You might want to take a cloak?" She said putting down the basket and turning to grab his cloak for him.
"Ahhh thanks..." He took the cloak from the reinard as she smiled. She was always there to help him. "I never got to thankyou for yesterday..."
Haruhime rubbed her head. "Ahhh it was nothing... Lady Hestia and Lili can be selfish sometimes..." Her tail wagged behind her.
Bell laughed lightly. "I guess we should get going. Would you like to read a new book with me?" He asked hoping she would agree. She always looked so happy when they read together.
"Ahhh w-well if your not busy...I would love to." She smiled her tail and ears twitching happily. "Mmm I'll ask Mikoto if she will bake some of her famous biscuits!" She bowed. "Have a good day."
Bell watched the girl turn and rush off, her blonde hair fluttering in the wind. "See you soon." He said as he pulled his cloak on. He walked to the guild where he saw Eina running about frantically. As were most workers now the he thought about it.
"Oh Bell." She looked up at him and smiled.
"Eina-san." He smiled as he walked over to her. "Everyone seems busier then normal did something happen?" He asked.
The half elf went quiet... "Yes but...I'm not allowed to talk about it at this moment..." She pushed up her glasses as she forced a smile. "How can i help you today did everything go well on your last expedition?"
Bell laughed rubbing the back of his head. "Y-yes it went well I'll be sure to give you the report as soon as we've finished writing it..." He smiled. "I'm just doing the rounds I was passing and thought I'd pop in. How are you?"
"Ahhh I'm fine..." She let out a small sigh. "I'd like to sit and chat Bell but unfortunately I've got some paperwork to deal with. Though if your free later in the week maybe we could go out for a drink?"
"Oh sure i'll be sure to let you know when im free." Bell smiled. "I'll see you later Eina." He turned and left the guild hall.
As he exited the building he noticed two guild workers smoking clearly exhausted. "i heard the seal's been broken?"
"Idiot your not supposed to know that and keep your mouth shut!" The man sighed as he scolded him.
'Seal?' Bell wondered if it had something to do with what Eina said.
He didn't ponder it for long as he headed off in the direction of the hostess. "I wonder if Ryuu is free to meet up..."
The Pub came into view but to his attention was distracted by the sudden appearance of a certain waitress.
"Mmmm Hiiiii Bellll" The voice was almost like a sirens song. A warning as much as an invitation. He looked up to see Syr running over to see him quickly pulling him into a hug.
"Ahhh S-Syr." He said trying to keep calm as she pulled his head into her chest.
"mmm I was sad that you didn't come and say Hi yesterday?" Syr said with a pouting face she always had a way to make him feel guilty.
"Sorry something came up and I wasn't able to stay very long." He said trying to push her away without being rude.
"Hmmm." She pouted but let him go. "So what brings you here?"
"I was hoping to see Ryuu." He said politely.
"Ohhh you were huh?" Shes currently running erands for Mama but if you'd like I can keep you company till she returns?"
"Ahhh well... "Her silver eyes looked into his here face like a needy puppy wanting attention. "S-Sure Syr..." He tried to smile.
"Ohhh Bell I knew you loved me!" She wrapped her arms around his neck.
Bell had to hold in a sigh. 'Well maybe she'll stop being so clingy if I play along for a bit.' He thought.
He followed Syr inside the pub and she sat him down. "Can i get you a drink?" She asked.
"A lemon water please." He said with a smile.
Syr smiled. "Sure." She turned and walked back to the bar.
Bell took out his book and started reading where he left off. "Ohhh hello Cranel..." He looked up to see Riveria and Aiz entering the hostess.
"Good morning." Bell smiled.
"mmmm Morning Bell." Riveria smiled.
Aiz nodded. "Morning..." The sword princess rubbing her arm as she looked at him then back at her companion.
"Are you here alone?" Riveria asked.
Bell shook his head. "No...well I mean yes but no I'm waiting for Ryuu..." He explained.
"Ohh I see..." Riveria laughed lightly. "Well we won't keep you. We're just to collect some supplies, Aiz why don't you keep him company while we wait?"
Aiz nodded with a small smile as she sat next to him Riveria heading over toward Mia who was cleaning mugs.
Bell closed his book and smiled. "Long time no see Aiz... Are you heading into the dungeon or out on a job?"
"No... Finn and a few others are going on a mission to Melen... I didn't want to go so me and Riveria are gathering their supplies."
"Ohh I see." Bell smiled. "I'm just doing the rounds." He looked at her golden eyes and felt a sense of peace. Her eyes always had this way of calming him down. "W-When are you next free? I promised we'd train together after i got back from the dungeon?"
Aiz blinked her head tilting to one side. "Hmmm I'm not sure...Though I'd like to train with you again too."
Bell nodded. "Alright. Well whenever your free just let me know." He said with a smile.
Syr looked up to see Aiz and Bell happily chatting together her eyes narrowing as she attempted to keep the tray steady.
'Gruuuhhh first Ryu now Aiz... I'm starting to think I should dye my hair blond!' She resolved herself as she walked over and placed down the tray
"Here's you drink..." She said with a smile.
Bell smiled. "Thank you." He picked up the glass and took a sip.
Aiz blinked. "Syr...can I have the same please?"
"Mmmm yes of course." The waitress forced a smile as she turned and walked back to the bar. 'Damn airhead!' She thought.
"So have you been well?" Aiz asked.
"Ahhh yes just busy with the guild and dungeon runs." Bell said as he took a sip of his drink.
"I see." She noticed he had a few more scars then when they last met. 'I wonder if he's gotten even stronger?' She smiled slightly.
She couldn't think of what to talk about but she knew Bell was knowledgeable on certain legends and myths.
"Have you heard of the leviathans Seal Bell?" She asked.
Bell nodded. "Yes it's one of the marvels left by Poseidon familia. It's supposed to be made from the remains of the leviathan itself."
Aiz looked over at Riveria she knew she shouldn't be asking to many questions but she also was worried about everyone. "What would happen if it was accidently broken?"
Bell thought for a moment. "Well it seals one of the few entrances to the lower floors of the dungeon. I suppose powerful monster would have a way out. Why do you ask?"
Aiz shook her head "No reason..." She quietened down as Syr returned.
"Here you are Aiz." She put the drink down.
"Thank you." Aiz took a sip.
"So Bell I was wondering..." Syr was about to ask him something.
"Syr..."
"What!" The waitresses finally tuned personality cracked as she turned to see who interrupted her.
Mia narrowed her eyes making the girl gulp. "Back now!" She pointed toward the kitchen.
"B-But!" She tried to argue.
"Now!" Mia shouted.
Syr let out a small growl as she turned and headed back to work. 'It's not fair!'
Riveria watched the girl head into the back. "Ahh thankyou Mia." She grabbed the bags of food and drink before turning to Aiz. "Come on Aiz we need to go now."
Aiz stood up and nodded. "Bye Bell." She waved.
"Bye Aiz, bye Riveria." Bell waved goodbye as the two left.
"Bye bye..." The waitress glared as she watched the two leave. 'I should have waited to ask him out!' She pouted heading out back to vent her frustration.
It was then that Ryu returned. "I'm back... Ohhh hello Bell." She smiled.
Bell gave her his signature smile. "Hi Ryu." She placed down the large shopping bags and she went over to him. "Are you waiting for me?"
"Yes, I thought I'd come see you."
"Ohhh well I'm still on the clock and..."
Mia looked up. "Don't worry take the rest of the day off... At least you did your work unlike some others!"
She looked over at Anya and Chloe who had been cleaning the outside but had just been slacking.
Ryuu giggled. "Well I'll go get changed." She walked off.
Bell nodded finishing his drink while he waited. When Ryu returned it was in her combat gear. "Shall we get going?" She asked.
"Ahhh yes." He stood up and followed her.
"Have a good day Mia." Ryuu waved as they left.
"Yeah yeah." She said finishing the glass in her hand placing it on the bar.
"Right you three! I want this place cleaned top to bottom!" She yelled at the two girls.
The two girls sighed as they went back to work.
...
Meanwhile Outside Melen.
"Captain is it me or does it seem... Quieter then normal?" Tione asked as they entered the port city.
"Murdock has placed the town in lock down until the severity or the situation can be ascertained." They looked ahead to see Njord coming towards them.
"Ahhh Njord." Finn smiled. "What can you tell us?"
"As far as I can tell a few hundred monster have escaped from the dungeon. Though the seal may have been broken it would seem there is something more going on."
"Do we know which direction they've gone in?" Tiona asked. Slapping her fist.
"Yes, we've spotted them moving toward the south east to the sea..."
Finn rubbed his chin. "Wait why? Surely they would be heading this way? Why would they be heading out of sea?"
Njord shook his head. "I'm not sure."
Tione frowned. "Then they aren't really a problem? It's more effort trying to find them..."
Bete growled "what a pain. We came all this way and for what?"
"It's not as simple as that." The captain said with a frown. "If they were just monster there wouldn't be a problem but..." He turned to Njord.
"Our main mission is surveying the seal and stopping any more monsters from escaping the dungeon."
Njord nodded. "Yes though as far as I'm aware there is no way to fix it. The magic it was made from is long forgotten.
"Well just have to block it by other means." Finn turned to look at the group. Tione, Tiona come with me. Bete you scout and make sure no monsters have reached land yet."
"Alright." Bete said.
"We're on it!" Tione and Tiona said at once.
"Right then let's get moving." The captain said before they headed off.
...
Njord handed them a small vial. "Here we uses these to help breath underwater. It doesn't last long but it should help."
Tione and Tiona took the vials and swallowed the potion.
"Thanks Njord." Tiona said with a smile.
"Yeah thanks." Tione said.
"Just be careful and good luck." The god said before he vanished.
"Let's get moving." Finn said as they dived into the water. Swimming down towards the seal.
"Damn its so dark!" Tione groaned as they inspected the large hole. The shards of the seal floating in place.
"Okay we should be able to cave it in for now. It will buy us time for a more permanent solution."
The two girls nodded as they started pulling at the stone. Slowly but surely making a makeshift wall.
...
Meanwhile.
Bete found himself running along the beach.
"Hmmm still no sign of them." He stopped as he sniffed the air. "Somethings not right... but what?" He could smell the salt from the sea and the sand but there was a smell that didn't belong.
His ears twitched before he winced in pain. "Fuck what the hell!" He wasn't sure where the high pitched noise came from but he was certain no monsters he knew of could do it.
He looked out over the sea and gulped. "What the hell is that!" The monster was huge! He'd never seen anything like it. "I need to let the others know." He turned to head back.
The sound came again. This time he managed to cover his ears in time. "Fuck!" He growled as he looked behind him to see the monster heading toward the seal. 'I don't have time.'
...
"Captain were finished!" Tiona said with a smile.
"Good job you two. Now we need to head back and..." Finn froze as he felt the water tremble.
"The hell was that!" Tione shouted.
"I don't know." Finn looked around but saw nothing.
Tiona noticed something moving in the darkness. "Ughh captain..." She pointed out into the darkness.
Finn narrowed his eyes as he saw the large form moving in the shadows.
"I think it's best we leave now."
The three turned and headed back to the surface. Finn was sure they weren't seen or followed as he climbed back onto the ship.
"Is it done?" Njord asked as he handed them towels to dry off.
Finn nodded. "For now. But we've got another problem. Something big escaped." He took a deep breath. "Me might need to fight."
Njord frowned. "I'm not sure I can help with this, despite my familia bejng formidable in the water we arent that strong..."
Finn nodded. "It's alright... for now let's get back to port."
"I understand..." Njord nodded.
Finn turned to Tione and Tiona. "We're going to need all the help we can get. I just hope it's not a floor boss!"
...
Finn and Njord meet with murdock.
"Well need every able bodied adventurer and battle ready ships."
"You saw a shadow? I'm throwing alot of resources on what could have been your imagination." The old man scoffed at the idea.
"I'm sorry but it's the only way. If that thing comes ashore there will be no stopping it."
"Fine fine, but if this is a waste of time I expect reparations."
"I'll be sure to offer it myself if it is a waste." Finn said.
"Very well." Murdock stood up and walked out of the room.
"Your sure about what you saw Bete." Finn asked.
"Yeah no doubt about it." Bete replied.
"If it is a floor boss then Posidens notes might have your answer. They were the only famila to explore the entrance and the dungeon floors below."
"Ughhh that means going back to Orario?" Finn crossed his arms. "Do we have that kind of time?"
"Whatever it is, it hasn't made a move yet. It might be safe to assume it won't attack until provoked." Njord said.
"Either way we need to be prepared." Finn said as he stood up. "Okay I'll head back to Orario. You three help anyway you can."
As they all left the main building Bete clutched his ears. "Nghhh not again!"
"Hey what's wrong?" Tiona asked.
"Nghh it's this stupid sound... ahhh fuck it's like somethings piercing my brain!"
"What sound?" Tione asked.
"I don't know it's like a high pitched sound it hurts!"
"Can't you cover your ears?" Tiona asked.
"It's not working!" It's louder then... before"
Finn turned and looked out at the water. It rippled constantly. "That's not good."
Tione looked at the captain. "What's not good?"
Finn frowned. "We've got company."
"What!" The two girls turned to see what he was talking about. There eyes widening as several ships seemed to sink one by one.
"Is that even possible?" Tiona whispered.
"Those are defense ships. They protect the harbor. Their built to with stand everything from cannon fire to high level magic!" Njord looked on in horror.
Finn closed his eyes. As two more ships were destroyed with out warning and whatever did it was hidden under the water.
"Damn it!" Bete growled as he struggled to keep his balance. The sound becoming almost unbearable. Only to suddenly stop.
"Ahhh why?" Bete groaned as looked out at the water. His eyes widening. "Fuck run!" He yelled as one of the wrecks was thrown towards them. The mixture of wood and metal raining down destroying buildings and ships.
"Everyone get back!" Finn commanded as he the four of them tired to block any wreckage from hitting the towns people.
One after another the ships came flying destroying large parts of Melen and its defences. Screams could be heard for miles as the people panicked.
"Fuck this is bad. We need to evaluate the civilians!" Finn said as he watched the destruction.
"What about the monster?" Tiona asked.
"It's can wait. We have no way to fight it right now!" Finn said.
Bete stood up his ears bleeding. "Captain... I'm sorry." Bete said as he collapsed.
Finn shook his head. "Shit Tiona grab him. There nothing we could do. Now go! I want every able bodied person helping with the evacuation!"
There was a moments of calm as everyone worked to evaluate the city. The guild and adventures working in tandem to make sure the women and children were safe before making sure the men and any able body would help with rescue efforts.
The waters near the port began to swirl rapidly. Forming a large whirlpool at the center of the lake.
"What the hell!" Murdock shouted as he watched the water begin to spiral.
"This is bad!" Njord gulped as he watched on.
The sea began to sink inwards sucking in everything from wreckage to full intact ships smashing them together. The waters seemed to shake as it collapsed I'm sending a large shock wave of air outward.
Everyone was suddenly pushed back. "Ughh lord Murdock the civilians are safe!" One of his men reported.
"Good, now what the hell is that thing!"
"I don't know sir..."
They all watched as the waters parted and a large black creature appeared from the water.
"Ughhh captain. That docent look like any floor boss." Tiona whispered.
"No it doesn't... but I think I've seen it before..." Finn rubbed his chin as he thought. 'But where?'
"Well I can tell you this. It's not good." Njord gulped as he looked at the creature.
The creature rose out of the water revealing its massive form. The black scales shinning in the sunlight Its large mouth opening revealing its terrifying rows of teeth as it roared loudly.
It's tail smashed into the remaining ships sinking them once and for all. Its eyes looked over to the large grouping of people.
"Fools!"
Everyone went wide eyed. "I-it spoke!" Tiona said in shock. Though it wasn't the first time something like this happened.
Finn remembered the incident with talking monsters back in Orario. Despite them being monster they were intelligent enough of higher thinking
"If it speaks it can be reasoned with..." Finn groaned. "Get everyone as far as possible. I'm going to try and talk with it."
Njord and the others looked at him. "Are you insane! Its a damn monster!"
Finn sighed looking at the beast. "It hasn't killed us yet... Which means it wants something..."
Finn remembered the fight with the black minatour and the rest. He had learned from Xenos like Ray that violence wasn't always the answer.
"It's fine... I've got a plan." Finn said as he headed toward the creature.
The large black scaled monster turned its head looking at the small pallum. It lowered its head till it was mere meters from the captain.
"You dare face me alone!" It snarled. Its teeth like large swords compared to the pallum.
Finn shook his head. "No. Your clearly more intelligent then the average monster."
"Humph and what does that matter?" The creature growled but made no attempt to strike.
"Well if your intelligent we can come to a peaceful agreement..." Finn said calmly.
"Peaceful?" The creature narrowed his eyes. "Your not as stupid as the rest of these fools!"
"Ahhh I've never seen a monster like that before." Finn heard someone whisper.
"I thought they only came out of the dungeon?" Another whispered.
Finn ignored the whispers and focused on the beast. "What are you?"
The monster smirked. "The fact you haven't already guessed makes you more stupid then you let on."
"I am leviathan! Bane of the seas!" He roared. The remaining ships shaking in his wake.
"That's impossible! You died! Your corpse used as a seal!" Murdock yelled.
Leviathans eyes narrowed. "I will have your tongue old man!"
"Wait! What do you want Leviathan? We didn't come here to fight." Finn said calmly.
"When did you all become so weak!" He roared. "When did you start believing that monsters could be reasoned with!"
Finn clenched his fist. 'We're no match for the leviathan I need to ensure the towns folk get far enough away.' He slammed his spear and resolved himself. "I've meet monsters, monsters that didn't want to fight. Even against my better judgment I've come to accept there's always a peaceful option."
Leviathan narrowed his eyes. "Fine you want peace? There's only one thing I want! The ones that killed me. I want the death of witch that delt the final blow!"
Finn narrowed his eyes "that's...not possible... Zeus and Hera familia died fighting the black dragon. Alfia... She died years ago..."
Leviathan growled, though Finn couldn't tell if it was in anger or frustration.
'Dead? I refuse to believe she died not after such a feat! And yet...' Leviathan rose up.
"Then you have nothing to bargin with..." He raised his fin before slashing at the small pallum.
"Finn!" Tione and Tiona both screamed.
Finn was ready for the eventuality as he quickly dodged out the way. Only to knocked down by the resulting shockwave.
"Run!" Finn shouted as they rushed to the city gate. Leviathan diving beneath the sea. "Fools. You thought you could bargin with a god Let me show you what your fate awaits you!" He shot up into the air releasing a large beam of water which cut through metal and stone with ease. Building collapsing under their own weight as men became trapped and paths blocked.
"This is bad! Were losing people!" Njord said.
Finn gritted his teeth. "There's nothing we can do now! The beast wont be satisfied until everyone in this town is dead!"
"What!" Njord looked at him in shock. "But this is my home!"
"It's too late for that just run it can't follow us on land. We need to get to Orario and inform them. They might have a better chance of defeating it!"
"Damn it!" Njord growled as he ran.
Those who remained gathered on a nearby hill overlooking Melen. Cries could be heard from everyone. Women, children, men and adventures who watched the place they called home destroyed in a matter of minutes.
Leviathan need only flick his tail to create a wave large enough to swallow parts of the city. It raised its fins which glowed as small orbs of water formed in their hundreds. Each thrown forward at astonishing speed smashing everything into rubble as Melen was leveled to the ground.
"It's all gone..." Murdock collapsed slamming his hand into the ground "why is this happening! Why now!"
The leviathan looked to the heavens It's body disappearing into the water. Though he quickly began to move forming another whirlpool but more so the very skies themselves darkened as a magic circle formed in the water. Everyone watched in horror as a thunderstorm appeared out of nowhere and a huge vortex formed. Ripping the very land away as the seas began to rise.
"We need to hurry..." Finn said. 'If this continues... Even Orario won't be safe!"
...
On that day the port city of Melen was whipped from the map. The great monster reborn. His power on fill display.
"Mmm if my killers really are dead... Haha then there's no one who can stop me!" He closed his eyes. As the magic set in. "Let this be my warning to all! Let the waters of heaven flood the earth and give way to new seas!"
The leviathan roared as the heavens opened. The rain coming down harder than any storm. Soon the ground turned to mud as it became more like a swamp. "Let my path to Orario finally take shape!"
...
Bell and Ryu were training in the park until the clouds opened up.
"This isn't good..." Ryu whispered as they nodded taking cover under a nearby tree.
Bell sighed as they huddled up closer to one another. "Are you cold?"
She blushed and looked away. "A-A little."
Bell found himself hugging her. She didn't move away. And unlike before in the dungeon they were still wearing clothes.
"Better?" He asked.
she blushed but relaxed into him. "Yeah..." 'Nghhh I'm sorry Syr I can't deny my heart any longer...'
"It doesn't look like it's going to stop any time soon." He said realising they couldn't stay like this all night.
The elf nodded. "W-we should head back before we get to wet." She smiled as she got to her feet and grabbed his hand and blushed
Bell blushed as she pulled him along the two quickly going into a sprint as the rushed back to the mansion.
"Ahhh that was close..." Ryuu sighed as they managed to get inside.
"M-Master Bell. Miss Ryu..." Haruhime dashed over to them with towels in hand.
"Thankyou Haruhime." Bell said as he rubbed his hair dry. As he watched Ryu the same.
Haruhime looked at her. "Ahh I'll do my best to try and get them dry for you. In the mean time would you like to get a bath?"
"Ahhh yes that sounds lovely thank you!" Ryuu said with a smile accepting the Reinards offer.
Haruhime showed her to the bathroom taking her clothes as she head back downstairs Bell was next to the fire trying to warm up. "I've ran a bath for you too master bell."
"Ohhh thank you. Hime..." He smiled only to find the fox tugging at his clothes.
"You should hurry... you'll catch a cold if you stay on your clothes for to long."
Bell nodded as he rushed upstairs. "Ohh and Bell-sama dinner will be ready shortly. Please make sure you are back down before then."
Bell nodded as he quickly got undressed and sunk into the bath. "Mmmmm ahhhhh." He relaxed.
He looked out the window the sky was dark but the rain hadn't stopped. "I wonder if it's just a passing storm?" He wondered out loud.
He got dried and headed downstairs to eat with everyone. Ryu thanked them before leaving not wanting to impose. She blushed as she and Bell touched hands before saying goodbye.
Bell settled in for the night. As promised Haruhime joined him with tea and biscuits. She insisted she brush his hair as he read to her. Her tail keeping him warm on the cold night.
"Mmm this is nice..." He whispered relaxing back into the foxes warm body.
"It's nice to just relax sometimes..." Haruhime whispered.
"Yeah.." He went quiet.
Haruhime cuddled him "Have the nightmares been bothering you?"
Bell shook his head. "No they recently stopped." He yawned, finding it difficult to stay awake slowly finding himself drifting off.
"Mmm I'm glad... " She giggled as she closed the book. Her tail brushing his cheek as he fell asleep. She slowly laid him down on the sofa placing a blanket over him as she returned to her own room.
"Goodnight Bell. Sweet dreams" this had become a daily ritual to wish him a goodnight.
...
Authors notes.
Hello Yep I waisted no time in getting the official first chapter out. I hope you all enjoyed it. I know its a little fast passing wise especially with the Loki familia, but I didn't really see any reason to beat around the bush. Leviathans back and he wants destruction. How can he talk? Why is he alive? I think we all no that answer but if not wait and sea (Bad pun I know i can't help myself). But yes Melen is gone, I thought it fitting that he should make no attempts to spare them destroying Orario's foot hold to the sea and their only way to effectively fight him. Why didn't they fight back? Finn's no idiot. He knows they can't win. It took Poseidon, Hera and Zeus Familia to take it down and they were in their prime! They were caught of guard and their first priority was to protect and evacuate at which point it was to late. Make no mistakes this isn't a simple monster and i won't hold back writing it as a force of nature.
But anyways let me know what you think. Follow for more and leave a like if you want me to priorities this story. Thanks for take the time to read and comment and as always have a wonderful day!