Argonaut rolled out of the Minotaur's way as the charging beast rammed into a wall. The beast grunted in annoyance as it pulled back.
Argonaut looked to his left and saw his magic sword Jupiter off to the side. The beast had knocked it out of his hand near the beginning of their battle.
"Crap I can't fight without my sword!" Argonaut thought.
The Minotaur charged again and Argonaut wasn't as lucky this time. The back of the Minotaur's fist clipped his side causing him to fall to the ground.
Argonaut groaned in pain as he tried to push himself up. Only to see the minotaur glaring right at him. In the corner of his vision, he could see the Princess Ariadne still being held hostage.
"At this rate, the Minotaur will kill me before I can do any lasting damage to it. If only I didn't lose my sword." Argonaut angrily thought.
He knew that if he didn't get Jupiter back he could kiss saving the princess goodbye. If only he had something else he could use to fight.
"Gods, if you really do exist. I could use some help right now." Argonaut dodged the Minotaur again. "I know I haven't really been behaved. But please, if you can hear me. Please give me a way to win."
Argonaut was under intense stress, and it was thanks to that his mutant gene awakened. Argonaut felt a rush of power flow through his body.
He felt faster and stronger in an instant easily dodging the Minotaur's next attack. Then as if it was second nature he lifted his arm up and shot a bolt of lightning out of his hand and through the Minotaur's chest.
The Minotaur let out a small dying breath before falling face-first to the ground. It didn't move, nor did it breathe. The monster was well and truly dead.
This event in history would become known for two reasons. One was because Argonaut had just started the age of heroes. The other is because Argonaut was the first mutant in history.
But to the gods, it would be for another reason. Because the mutant gene was not of this world. But that of the gods and their meddling.
The way it came to be was because of Zeus coming down to Gekai and wandering around. He had met a woman and the two got to know each other very well.
After their night together Zeus left and nine months later Argonaut was born.
So when Argonaut had awakened his mutant gene thanks to the minuscule amount of arcanum he possessed the other head gods came down and did the same as Zeus.
Thus more mutants were born.
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Albert's body slammed onto the ground bouncing slightly before coming to a stop. He raised his gaze seeing the black dragon gazing down at him with disinterest.
Albert pushed himself to his feet and looked around seeing himself as the last one standing. His friends were dead as well as his wife. But his daughter had escaped thanks to Celida.
He smiled as blood dripped down the corner of his mouth and onto the ground. He let out a few coughs as he got ready for a final attack.
"Well, looks like this is it. Why not give the gods a show." Albert thought.
He gripped his longsword and readied himself. He activated his speed and ran faster than a normal person could see. He jumped in the air and brought his longsword down aiming at the dragon's left eye.
But his blade was stopped by an invisible barrier causing his eyes to widen in shock.
"You're one too." Albert gasped.
The dragon didn't respond as its razor-sharp claws sliced the man in half. Albert's body fell to the ground and bounced before going still.
"Pathetic."
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Riveria stood at the gates of Orario her eyes wide in horror at what she saw. Dozens of high elves and elven refugees funneled into the city. Their faces were covered in ash and blood. Their eyes staring at nothing yet everything at the same time.
Many were injured and being carried by a person. The most injured were on carts covered in bandages. Riveria didn't know what happened but she had to find out.
She grabbed onto a leading elf who jumped slightly and looked at her. The man's glassy autumn eyes filled with relief at seeing Riveria alive and well.
Riveria knew this man. He had been a royal guard for her father as she grew up. Other than his autumn eyes no longer having a spark and the fact he was missing an arm. Riveria still recognized him.
"Corporal Barhorst. What happened? What put all of you in this state?" Riveria asked.
The man gulped and started to recall the events. "Rakia came without warning. One second we were going about our day. The next thing we knew the forest was on fire. Then as if a spell came over us everyone started to fight each other. The Rakain army didn't even advance. We just killed each other for them."
Riveria was horrified at the news. But she had to know one thing. "And my father? Is he still alive?"
The man shook his head. "I-I don't know my lady. Everything happened so fast I don't know what happened."
Rivieria sighed trying to calm her beating heart. She didn't know if her father was dead or not and that scared her.
"And who was leading this army? This attack sounds like mutants." Riviera asked.
"Garon Crozzo and Martinus Rakia." The elf spat.
Riveria felt a chill run up her spine hearing the names of those two Alpha-level mutants. Garon's ability being extreme pyrokinesis and Martinus being mind control.
A fire raged in her heart knowing these mutants had destroyed the Alf royal forest. Her home. So as she let go of the man and watched with a righteous fury as more and more refugees poured in.
She worried for her father's safety. Only for his death to be confirmed a few days later when Rakia sent her his head. The next day she was proclaimed as queen of the high elves.
With her hatred for mutants only burning hotter as time moved on.
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Many years passed and a small boy was jumping from log to log on a small obstacle course his Grandpa had built for him.
His mother sat in the grass nearby with a few border collies sitting with her. She had a smile on her face watching her son play. He always seemed to love acrobatics.
The mother was a woman with pale skin and white hair. Her eyes were ocean blue and she wore a white dress.
The cattle behind her seemed to watch the boy as well. Watching as unbridled youth and joy played to his heart's content.
This changed however when the boy didn't land on one of the logs correctly and fell. He scraped his knee and slammed into the ground.
"Bell!" His mother yelled getting to her feet. One of the dogs followed her while the others stayed to guard the cattle.
Meteria reached Bell's side as the boy stood up and smiled at his mother. "I'm ok mama."
Meteria sighed in relief as the dog licked Bell's face. The boy giggled while Meteria picked her son up.
"I think that's enough playing for now. It's time for lunch." She said.
"Aw ok," Bell grumbled.
Meteria smiled and booped his nose before kissing him on the forehead. She set him down and the two walked back to the farmhouse where his grandparents were.
The door opened to their house with Bell and Meteria entering in through the kitchen. The farmhouse had three bedrooms, a kitchen, and two bathrooms.
"Ah, there you two are. I was just getting ready to call you." Hera smiled.
Hera had fair skin with red hair and blue eyes. Her red hair was long and she had it braided into a ponytail that went down to her waist.
She wore a purple toga and was holding a plate of sandwiches in her hands. Three glasses of orange juice and one water were placed on the table. Bell and Meteria took their seats while Hera set the plate down.
"I made your favorite Bell. Peanut butter and jelly. I did the same for you as well Meteria." Hera explained.
"Where's Grandpa?" Bell asked.
"Still out in the field. I was just about to holler for him." Hera answered.
She walked over to another door and peeked her head outside. She could see her husband Zeus working the fields.
"Hey, you old pervert! Lunch is ready!" She yelled.
Zeus stopped and turned his head to her. He had gray hair and gray eyes with a bushy beard. He stood at around 6'7 of pure muscle thanks to his work in the fields. He was wearing blue overalls with a blue undershirt and a straw hat.
"Coming dear!" Zeus called back.
He placed the hoe on his shoulder and walked to the farmhouse as Hera sat down at the table.
"Hey, Grandma. How come you call Grandpa mean names?" Bell asked.
Hera gave the small boy a smile. "It's just how I show my love to him."
Bell tilted his head and looked at his mother who lightly giggled. "Just eat your lunch Bell."
Bell listened to his mother and ate his sandwich while Meteria looked at her son. Her eyes were full of love and warmth.
Zeus then walked inside and set his hat on the counter. "You're a loud woman."
"Oh shut up and eat."
Zeus kissed Hera's cheek before sitting down next to her. He looked over to his Grandson and smiled.
"So Bell how are you liking your new obstacle course?" He asked.
Bell finished eating his sandwich before answering. "I like it, Grandpa. I get to jump around and play. It's really fun."
Zeus chuckled as he took a sip of water. "That's good. Say after lunch why don't I teach you to ride a horse?"
Bell's head perked up and he looked toward his mother. Meteria smiled and shook her head.
"Yes, you can learn to ride a horse. Just make sure to listen to everything your Grandpa tells you." Meteria answered.
Bell nodded and continued eating his sandwich. Zeus chuckled while Hera side-eyed him.
"Just be careful with him. We don't need him getting bucked off the horse." She wanted.
"Don't worry I'll take the utmost care with him. Isn't that right Bell?"
Bell nodded and the family continued eating their lunch.
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After lunch Bell and Zeus went to the stables where two horses rested. These were used to help pull the cart to the city of Altena. The farm was only about an hour away from the city of magic.
Altena was a small city-state located in the east of Gekai. The city rested near a river that led to the Great Mountains in the north. And Santorio Vega in the south.
Nearby the city and resting on the lake was a fort known as the Bastille. It was used to guard the city from naval attacks from either Rakia or brigands.
It was thanks to this Great River that the fires from the Alf forest didn't reach the city of Altena. Yet if one squinted really hard they could see the damage from the great fire from nearly 17 years ago.
"Alright, Bell. Now you want to remain calm when near the horses. They can feel what you're feeling. So if you're scared, they're scared. Got it?"
Bell nodded and Zeus grabbed the reigns of the Gentle Giant horse. Its fur was brown with a small white stripe going down its head. Zeus led it outside and tied it to a hitching post before putting the saddle on it. He secured it before looking at Bell.
"You ready?" The old god asked.
Bell looked up at the horse and gulped. The thing was more than twice his size. Yet it just stood there still and calm as could be.
"I'm ready." The boy answered.
Zeus crouched down and picked Bell up and placed him atop the saddle. Bell felt nervous but put his brave face on so he didn't disappoint his Grandpa. Zeus untied the reins from the hitching post and started to walk the fields with Bell riding the horse.
Bell held onto the horn of the saddle to make sure he didn't fall off since Zeus had the reigns. He kept himself calm feeling himself move.
Bell of course was too small to put his feet in the stirrups. Which was why Zeus was leading him around.
"How are you doing up there buddy?" Zeus asked.
Bell gulped. "Doing fine."
"We can stop anytime you want." Zeus reminded.
"Ok."
Zeus continued to lead Bell throughout the farm. They even passed the farmhouse where Hera and his mother waved to him. Bell waved back while keeping his other hand on the horn of the saddle.
After they did a loop of the farm Zeus took him back to the stables. He tied the horse to the hitching post and helped Bell off it.
"So how'd you enjoy your first lesson?" Zeus asked.
"What was the lesson?"
"To remain calm. You did that pretty well and the horse didn't freak out." Zeus replied.
Bell nodded in understanding. Well as much as his seven-year-old brain could understand of course.
"Now come on. It's time to feed the chickens." Zeus ordered.
"Ok, Grandpa," Bell responded following the old man.
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The two arrived at the chicken coop located not too far from the stables. Bell and Zeus were both carrying a bucket of chicken feed. But Zeus wasn't surprised that Bell could lift it up.
Bell was a mutant whose ability hadn't awakened yet. But Zeus assumed it must be something that enhanced his strength. That was why Bell was able to pick things up no normal seven-year-old could.
The chickens clucked as they walked to the two waiting for their meal. Bell and Zeus grabbed handfuls of the chicken feed and tossed it on the ground.
The chickens leaned down and ate the feed causing Bell to giggle.
"They eat funny."
Zeus chuckled. "Yeah, I guess they do."
The two mindlessly threw more chicken feed. But since Bell was a seven-year-old child he got distracted real easily.
"Hey, Grandpa. When's Alfia coming back?" Bell asked.
Zeus froze slightly trying to think of an excuse. "Uh, I'm not sure kid. But just know she helping someone ok." Zeus lied.
"Ok," Bell said taking his word for it. There was no reason for his Grandpa to lie.
Bell then spent the rest of the day helping his Grandfather. Meteria watched from the porch letting out a few coughs here and there. Yet she hid them well.
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Bell sat in a grassy field as his Uncle Hermes taught him how to pick pockets. His big sister Asfi was the training dummy as she stood still with a coin pouch attached to her belt.
Hermes was a blonde god with brown eyes. He wore a green long-sleeve shirt with a brown vest over it along with dark green pants. His most noticeable feature was his brown fedora with a white feather.
Asfi on the other hand was a 15-year-old princess who had joined the Hermes familia due to succession issues. She had aqua blue hair with cyan eyes and wore glasses to help her see. She wore a light brown skirt which she covered with a white cape.
"Alright Bell, now pickpocketing is all about the sleight of hand." Hermes approached the unmoving Asfi to give Bell a demonstration.
He kept some distance between the two but stayed close to her nonetheless. Asfi kept her eyes forward as Hermes walked past her. Asfi felt nothing different til Hermes walked around her holding the pouch.
"All about the hands Bell." Hermes gloated before handing the pouch back to Asfi.
Bell's eyes were wide in excitement. "Woah that's so cool Uncle Hermes!"
"It's very useful too. Now you try it." Hermes gestured.
"Lord Hermes, should we really be teaching him this?" Asfi asked.
"Why of course. Skills in thievery can come in very useful. Even if Bell won't use them." Hermes explained.
"That's not the part I'm worried about," Asfi muttered.
She attached the coin pouch back to her belt and watched as the seven-year-old Bell approached her.
She had to hold back a giggle as Bell tried to sneakily approach her. But he was failing miserably. Bell bumped into her and took the pouch but Asfi was quick to grab him.
"You have to do it without the other person knowing Bell." She said taking the pouch back.
Bell frowned. "Uncle Hermes made it look easy."
Asfi found the sight of him pouting to be cute. She then crouched down and ruffled his hair. "That's because Lord Hermes is a god. He's had all of time to perfect his craft."
"So does that mean Uncle Hermes should be Grandpa Hermes instead?" Bell asked tilting his head.
Asfi giggled while Hermes shouted."Hey, I'm not as old as Zeus! I'm very young for a god!" He protested.
The two ignored him as Asfi put the pouch back on her belt. "Why don't you try again? This time keep a little more distance, and don't yank so hard."
Bell nodded and took a few steps back. He approached the still Asfi. The girl kept an eye on the boy and watched as he grabbed the pouch and tugged.
Asfi once again grabbed his wrist. "Still pulling too hard Bell." She teased.
Bell pouted. "Hmm, this is hard."
"You won't get it in a day young Bell. It'll take a lot of practice to become a master at pick pocketing. But maybe we should wait until you're a little bit taller." Hermes explained.
"Hey, I'm a big kid!" Bell protested.
Hermes laughed. "Oh, I have no doubt. But you only come up to Asfi's thigh."
Bell crossed his arms and grumbled. The sight of which Asfi once again found cute.
"Instead I'll teach you how to gamble!" Hermes exclaimed.
"Oh no," Asfi muttered.
When Meteria found the god and her son it was safe to say she wasn't happy. Meaning Bell's lessons in roguery had to be done in secret every time Hermes came to visit.
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Bell lay in his bed as his Grandpa held a storybook in his hands. He was reading the tale of the Argonaut and how the first mutant came to be.
Bell had heard this story a million times by this point. But it was still his favorite story. He found mutants to be very interesting.
He had only known one mutant in his life and this was his Aunt Alfia. Her mutation was the ability to use all sorts of magic.
It was how she cured herself and her sister of their illness. Now Meteria only had dizzy spells and coughing fits every now and then.
Not that Bell knew about the sicknesses, however. He just knew his Aunt was really cool when it came to magic. He missed her and hoped she'd be back soon.
He wanted to see her magic again.
"And so, raising his hand Argonaut shot a lightning bolt from his hand and felled the great Minotaur. Thus saving the princess and cementing his name throughout history as the world's first hero and mutant."
Zeus then closed the book and set it back on Bell's nightstand. Bell was tucked under his covers while Zeus smiled at him. Meteria stood in the doorway watching the two bond.
"Hey Grandpa, what happened to Argonaut after he saved the princess?" Bell asked.
Zeus smiled and patted his head. "Well, Bell after Argonaut rescued the princess he settled down and married her along with Orna and had four children. He lived a long life but he eventually fell sick and died surrounded by his loved ones."
Bell frowned. "Oh, what caused him to die Grandpa?"
"Well, you see when Argonaut first awakened his mutant abilities it changed something in his body. Now since this mutant stuff was so new at the time people's bodies didn't respond well at first. That's why Argonaut got sick and died."
"Oh, will that happen to Alfia?" Bell worriedly asked.
Zeus chuckled and patted his chest. "No Bell it won't. As times changed mutant's bodies started getting more and more used to their changed bodies. Now the sickness is all a thing of the past."
Bell smiled glad his Aunt was safe. "Mutants are so cool Grandpa. I hope I get to meet more someday."
"Maybe you will. But now it's time for bed." Zeus leaned forward and kissed his head before stepping back.
He walked out of the room while Meteria walked in. She crouched down next to Bell's bed and ran her hand through his hair.
"Did you brush your teeth and wash your face before bed?" She asked.
"Mhmm." Bell nodded.
"Are you lying to me?" She playfully asked.
Bell shook his head. "No mama."
Meteria smiled and kissed his cheek. "Alright, I believe you. Good night and sweet dreams Bell."
"Good night mama."
Meteria then left the room shutting the door behind her. Once the door was closed Bell shut his eyes and went to sleep.
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Nearby Altena in the Wishe forest a young girl sat in her bed while her father told her a story. It was a story she had heard multiple times beforehand. Yet her father was telling her again.
"And so, Argonaut using his tainted blood shot forth a lightning bolt from his hand and fell the Minotaur and saved the Princess. Thus ushering in the age of heroes. But also becoming the first of those with demon's blood."
Lefiya lay in her bed while her father told her the story. Mutants were those whose blood was even more tainted and impure than other mortal races.
All they caused was destruction and misery wherever they went. A single omega class could cause so much damage if left unchecked.
"It's because of those damn dirty bloods that our Lady Riviera is queen. Remember Lefiya, never trust a mutant. All they will bring you is pain and misery. Don't let them touch you either. Don't need your skill sullied by those muties." Her father spat.
Lefiya remained silent and nodded her head. Her father then stood up and kissed her on the forehead.
"Get some sleep. I'll see you in the morning for when they do the test."
Her father then walked away and Lefiya closed her eyes. Her mind racing with thoughts about mutants and their impure blood.
But Argonaut had used his power for good. So that meant all mutants weren't bad.
Right?
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A few years passed and Bell was now 11. Zeus had extended his training course allowing him to practice his acrobatics for farther distances.
Since Meteria's body was weak she couldn't do much physical labor even with her falna. So she was fully content watching Bell play around with his obstacle course.
The cattle mindlessly grazed behind her and the border collies sat guard around her and the cattle.
"Hey, Mom watch this!" Bell called out.
Meteria made sure she was paying attention as Bell landed on one of the logs and then did a front flip.
Meteria shot to her feet in fright but calmed down when she saw Bell safely land on his feet. He looked over to her smiling proud of what he had just done.
Meteria gave him a smile and a clap. Her face not portraying any of the fear she had just felt watching her son do a flip off a log.
She walked over to him still smiling and gave him a hug. "Oh, you did that so well baby. Is that what you've been practicing in secret?"
Bell nervously chuckled remembering Hermes' lessons. "Uh yeah."
Meteria felt as if he was hiding something but that thought was put aside. It was almost lunchtime and Meteria was about to tell Bell to go wash up.
But that's when the dogs started growling.
The two looked to where the dogs were growling. But the horn for monsters was sounded and it was then Meteria and Bell a few goblins and an orc.
They were holding makeshift weapons and let out chirps and roars when they saw the two humans.
"To the house now!" Meteria yelled. She put her hand on Bell's back and pushed him forward. The two took off running to the farmhouse.
The dogs ran forward to hold off the monsters as was their job. Three went to attack the goblins while the rest focused their efforts on the orcs.
The orc easily swatted them aside as it chased after the two humans. Hera was inside loading her crossbow and getting ready to fight. But in her hurry, she dropped the bolt.
"Shit!" She cursed reaching down for it.
Bell and Meteria kept running getting closer and closer to the farmhouse with each step. Meteria looked back and saw that the Orc was getting ready to catch up to them.
Without even thinking her hand pushed Bell to the side causing him to fall to the ground. Bell didn't even have time to process anything before he saw his mother slam onto the ground and roll a few feet away.
"M-mom?" Bell whimpered out.
His mother lay on the ground unmoving as the Orc approached her body. Bell felt fear and anger flow through his body as the Orc paid him no mind. It drew closer and closer to his mother intent on finishing her off.
His breathing quickened as adrenaline ran through his veins. His mom was about to die and he was helpless to do anything.
Bell quickly looked around him for anything he could use. Anything, anything at all to save his mother.
His eyes landed on a few rocks that were next to him. They were no bigger than a pebble. But they were better than nothing.
Bell quickly picked one up and scrambled to his feet. He reeled his arm back and aimed for the Orcs head. The rock started to glow purple in his palm as Bell yelled out.
"Stay away from my mom!"
He threw the pebble with all his might at the Orc's head. The pebble exploded on impact burning the Orcs's face.
The beast snorted in rage and turned its attention to Bell. The boy merely looked at his hand in shock. Did he just make that rock explode?
He didn't have any time to react as Hera threw the door open and took aim with her crossbow. She pulled the trigger and a bolt flew through the air and embedded itself in the Orcs skull.
The monster fell to the ground dead just a few feet away from Bell. But the boy wasn't concerned about that.
He quickly ran to his mother's side and knelt down. Her temple was bleeding and her breathing was short and shallow. Her eyes closed and unmoving.
Bell was afraid to touch her in fear of accidentally making her explode. So he knelt there shaking with tears rolling down his cheeks not knowing what to do.
"M-mom I-I-I don't know what to do!" Bell cried.
He looked around seeing the dogs finish off the rest of the Goblins and his Grandmother running over with a vial in her hand.
"Bell move!" She ordered.
Bell listened to his Grandma and Hera arrived at Meteria's side a second later. She uncorked the potion in her hand and brought it to Meteria's lips. She poured the liquid down her throat and Meteria coughed a little before opening her eyes.
The wounds on her head started to heal and the internal damage did so as well. She felt the pain dull and she looked over to her son in worry.
Bell still had tears streaming down his face as Meteria pushed herself up. She tried to give Bell a hug to comfort him but he moved away from her.
"Don't touch me!" He yelled.
Meteria was hurt by her son's words but listened to them. "What's wrong honey? Are you scared because I was hurt?" She softly asked.
Bell quickly shook his head. "N-no. I-I made a rock explode with my hand. I-I-I don't want to hurt you."
Meteria looked to Hera to see if he was telling the truth. The goddess nodded and the two women stayed where they were to try and calm Bell down.
"Alright, Bell just calm down. We're fine. I'm fine." Meteria cooed.
Bell sniffled and whimpered trying to calm himself down. He didn't know what was happening to him. He had made a rock explode by touching it.
Was he a mutant?
It was then Zeus appeared running across the field to the three. He quickly arrived by their side and went to calm the crying Bell.
"Don't!" Hera yelled.
Zeus stopped in his tracks and looked at his wife. "What why?" He asked slightly peeved. His Grandson was crying.
"His mutant ability awakened." Hera calmly replied.
Zeus nodded and slowly approached Bell. The boy scooted back to keep some distance but Zeus kept coming. He held his hands up to try and calm Bell down.
"Bell it's alright. You're alright, just take a deep breath and calm down." Zeus softly said.
"Stay back! I don't want to hurt you!"
"You won't Bell. But I need you to calm down."
"But if I touch you you'll explode!"
Zeus stopped in his tracks and knelt down. Based on what Bell had just said him touching things could make them explode. He had seen this power once before and knew how to calm Bell down.
"Bell listen to me. I'm not going to blow up if you touch me."
"How do you know?"
Zeus didn't answer right away. Instead, he grabbed another small rock and handed it to Bell.
"Hold this and see what happens," Zeus said.
Bell shakily reached out and grabbed the rock. He quickly closed his hand around it to soften the impact but nothing happened.
Zeus gave him a smile and hugged the shaking boy. "See you're fine. It'll only explode if you want it to explode. There's no need to be scared."
Bell let out shaky breaths as he shook his Zeus's arms. The god however used some of his Arcanum to seal most of Bell's powers.
"Don't want him accidentally blowing up the planet." Zeus thought.
This would be the day that forever changed Bell's life. His mutant abilities had awakened with the desire to protect his mother. He was now a full-blown mutant, and now he would have to deal with the consequences.
Anyway, I'm kind of burnt out on Sword Astraea so I was lucky I got another commission for this story so I could take a little break.
So I hope you enjoyed this chapter and there will be more to come with a lot more of the world to explore.
Later.