War
The world was in a state of near war. What was supposed to be a time for peace quickly turned into one of war. With the Zeus and Hera familia killing the one-eyed black dragon, celebrations around the world were heard.
But after those first few months, the nature of every living thing bared its fangs. Bloodlust and war quickly broke out.
The Empire. A location west of Orario had invaded its border and ravaged its lands. In retaliation, Zeus and Hera went with their Familia's to put a stop to this.
But the battle was bloody and costly. But in the end, they achieved their goal. They pushed the Empire and their dark Jedi back. But peace was never made, and only a ceasefire remained in effect. One that would surely be broken soon by the warmongering nation.
However, Zeus would have to leave and go back to Orario as news of Meteria's child being born reached them, but also news of her death reached them as well.
Leaving Bell an orphan as his father had died in the war. He was a Jedi as well and died holding a strategic mountain pass by himself. He held on just long enough for reinforcements to arrive, but his body wasn't able to be recovered because of the mountain of corpses that littered the battlefield.
So Zeus transferred all of his followers except one to Hera. She agreed to stay and hold the line while Zeus raised Bell. However, Meteria's sister Alfia decided to go along with them. She wasn't going to let Zeus corrupt what was her sister's legacy. So she transferred over to Zeus's familia, and she, Zeus, and Zald left for Orario.
The journey was long but easy. Since Zald and Alfia were both highly skilled Jedi, they encountered no problems on the road. After a week, they arrived at Orario and quickly made their way to the Wheat manor.
Before leaving, Hera had asked Demeter to watch over Meteria while she was preoccupied with the war. Demeter, of course, agreed, not able to bear the thought of leaving a child to suffer if she knew she could help.
So when they arrived at the Wheat Manor, Demeter stood at the entrance holding a baby Bell in her hands. When Alfia saw the boy, she wept as it meant her sister was truly dead. Her sister had died, and Alfia was on the other side of the world.
She wasn't by her sister in her final moments. She was off fighting, fighting like she always did.
Demeter handed the child to Alfia, and when she saw those innocent red rubies staring back at her, she vowed to protect this child with her life.
Demeter offered them a place to stay in her Manor, and the three agreed. None of them wanted to go back to the Olympian manor. It was a big place with no people. The silence would get to them, and despite the fact Alfia liked silence, she knew it wouldn't be fair for the other two.
So they lived with Demeter, and Bell grew up in a loving environment. Alfia, at first, didn't know what she was doing when taking care of baby Bell. It was Zeus who had to show her how to take care of him.
Something Zald found very amusing. So, as the years passed and Bell grew older, he began to help out around Demeter's farm. It was small tasks at first. Like taking a cabbage to a basket or fetching some water.
But as he grew older, he was given more ways to help out. Such as now when he and his Grandpa were making a delivery to a village not too far from Orario.
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Bell and his Grandpa sat in a wagon being drawn by a horse. It was full of food, mostly vegetables and fruit. They were heading to the village of Jelkala, 20 miles north of Orario.
Bell was around seven years old and looked at the scenery around them. He had only known the Wheat Manor and Orario, so exploring the world, even if it was close to Orario, was cool for him.
His Grandpa, who was driving the wagon, smiled and patted him on the head.
"You enjoying your first time out of Orario Bell?" Zeus asked.
Bell nodded. "Yes, Grandpa. But how come Alfia didn't come with us?"
"She had some business to deal with in the city. Don't worry. She should be finished by the time we get back."
Bell nodded and continued looking around. However, the two heard a noise coming from the back of the wagon. Zeus turned and lifted the tarp up, seeing a small blue-haired girl hiding.
Zeus sighed as he knew the girl and picked her up by her collar. He placed her next to Bell and began questioning her.
"Ardee, what are you doing here? Does Shakti know?" Zeus asked.
"I heard Bell was going somewhere and wanted to tag along."
Ardee was a girl a year older than Bell. But despite this, the two were best friends even if they were apart of different familia's. Well, Bell wasn't part of a familia in a normal sense because the force blocked the falna.
The same is the situation for Alfia and Zald. With Jedi, they just choose a god to follow and, therefore, become a part of their familia. Of course, the god had to agree to this, but most did, as having a Jedi within your familia meant you had an ace up your sleeve.
"So you snuck into the wagon? How did you even do that without anyone noticing?" Zeus asked, exasperated.
"Well, you're old. Your eyes don't work like they used to." Ardee said, tilting her head.
Bell laughed while Zeus frowned. He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.
"Alright, well, you're the one dealing with your sister when we get back."
Ardee paled as she remembered she didn't tell her sister where she was going. Or that she was going somewhere.
"I knew you didn't tell her," Zeus muttered.
Ardee was now regretting her actions, but Bell poking her made that regret go away.
"So why are you here?" Bell asked.
"Well, I heard you were going somewhere, and I wanted to join. Where are we going?"
"Jelkala village. We're selling them some produce 'cause their harvest was short." Bell answered.
Ardee nodded before looking ahead. "Are we there yet."
"Don't you even start?" Zeus grumbled.
"So, Bell, how is your training going? You get your lightsaber yet?" Ardee asked.
Bell shook his head. "I haven't gotten my lightsaber yet. I have my trial for that next year. But I can now lift up big boxes with the force."
"That's so cool. Man, I wish I had the force." Ardee grumbled.
"Yeah, but I have a lot of training with Alfia and Zald. They're really cool with the force 'cause they can lift up buildings and other really heavy things."
"Mhmm, stop rubbing it in. I can't do things like you can." Ardee grumbled.
"But didn't you just reach level two? That's pretty cool. I wish my body could accept a falna."
Zeus, seeing the souring mood, decided to lighten it. "You're both good in your own way. Ardee, one day, you'll be an amazing adventurer, and Bell, you'll be an amazing Jedi. Now, if you two work together, nothing will stop you."
The two kids looked at each other. One with red eyes, the other with cerulean.
"Promise we'll always be together no matter what," Ardee asked.
Bell stuck up his pinky. "Pinky promise."
The two crossed their pinkies, and Zeus smiled. He was glad Bell had a friend. He'd soon make another one.
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An hour later, they arrived at Jelkala village. It was a medium-sized village that was known as the northern entrance to Orario. Everyone had to pass through here to arrive at Orario's north gate.
Zeus was guided through the village to their storehouse, where workers were waiting. He got off the wagon, threw the tarp off, and began unloading the food with the others.
"Bell, Ardee. Go explore, but don't wander too far. Be back at the wagon before noon."
"Ok, Grandpa. Come on, Ardee, let's go."
Bell and Ardee then ran off as another carriage came into the village. It was nothing fancy, but what was odd was that there were bars on the window.
Bell and Ardee didn't see this weird carriage as they continued to explore the village. They saw horses, cows, and all other types of animals they usually didn't see.
After saying hi to the animals, the two went and played in the woods. The sun shone high in the sky, lighting up the woods for Ardee and Bell to see all the leaves on the ground.
"Ooh, let's make a leaf pile and jump in them," Ardee said.
"Ok."
Bell used the force and gathered up a bunch of leaves in a pile. Once it was gathered, the two ran and jumped into it, laughing as they did so.
They played in the woods for about an hour before Bell and Ardee sensed danger. They sat up and looked around the woods, seeing a couple of goblins coming toward them.
Bell stuck out his hand and got in front of Ardee. "Don't worry, I'll protect you."
Ardee giggled and picked up a rock. "Bell, I'm level two, remember? These surface goblins won't hurt me."
Bell relaxed a little. "Oh, right. Well, do your thing then."
Ardee smiled before flicking the rock and bouncing it off a tree. It flew and pierced a goblin's skull before killing the one behind it as well. There was only one goblin left who looked terrified.
"Alright, last ones yours. Show me your new and improved abilities." Ardee teased.
Bell used the force and raised a rock into the air. He aimed it at the goblin and gave it a push, causing it to tear the monster's head off.
"Woah! All that power behind a tiny push?!" Ardee yelled.
"Uh yeah." Bell nervously answered.
"Scary. Remind me never to get on your bad side."
"But I'd never hurt you. Even if you have cooties."
Ardee grabbed Bell and ruffled his hair. "I do not have cooties."
"Ah, you do, too. Get off me you'll give them to me."
Bell pushed her off and began running away with Ardee close behind him.
"I'm gonna get you!"
"Get away from me!"
"You can't escape from me!"
Bell kept running until he exited the woods and came across a carriage with a cage on its window. It was abandoned with the horses hitched and the owners nowhere to be seen.
Ardee grabbed onto Bell and held him.
"Gotcha."
When Bell didn't respond, Ardee looked down at him, confused.
"Ardee, what's that?" Bell asked.
Ardee looked up and saw the same abandoned carriage. She was puzzled as well.
"I don't know. But it looks like we're behind the inn." Ardee answered.
Ardee let go of Bell, and the two took a closer look at the weird carriage. When they got to the window, they had to stand on the tiptoes to see inside it.
When they did, they were filled with shock and confusion seeing a renard girl as old as Ardee inside. The inside was dark, with the only source of light going from the window the two were looking in.
There were scraps of food on the floor and a bucket. The girl herself looked dirty and unkept, with grime sticking to her face.
The two kids were confused. Why was she inside here? But knew a person shouldn't be living like this.
"We should break her out," Bell said.
"But how?" Ardee asked.
"Stand back. I want to try something."
Bell and Ardee stepped back, and Bell looked at the padlock, keeping the door shut. He closed his eyes and waved his hand. He heard a click, and the lock fell to the ground.
Ardee quickly went to the door and threw it open. The renard girl backed up and pressed herself against the wall.
"It's ok. I'm not going to hurt you. My name's Ardee, and this is Bell. What's yours." Ardee said.
Ardee cringed as a foul smell invaded her nostrils. But she continued on.
"H-Haruhime." The girl answered.
"That's a pretty name Haruhime. Mind telling me why you're in here." Ardee asked.
"I'm being taken to Orario to be sold. I don't know who's buying me, though."
Ardee nodded. "Do you want that to happen?"
Ardee moved closer while Haruhime stayed where she was. Bell remained outside and kept watch.
"No. But I don't have a choice. I brought shame to my family for something I never did."
"Alright, but you do have a choice. The carriage is open. You can run away with me and Bell. Bell has people that can take care of you."
Ardee stuck out her hand to Haruhime. Haruhime didn't even think twice and took it. Ardee pulled her out of the carriage, and once she did, the three kids ran.
They ran through the village as fast as they could. Ardee had Haruhime on her back as she wouldn't be able to keep up with the level two. Bell was easily doing so thanks to his force speed.
The two quickly reached the storehouse where Zeus was waiting.
"There you two are. I was just about to- who is that?"
"Some girl trapped in a cage. We gotta go now, Grandpa." Bell urgently said.
"Alright, put her in the back. Little girl, keep quiet, and I'll get you out of here." Zeus ordered.
Ardee quickly laid Haruhime down in the back while Zeus covered the back with the tarp again. Zeus then hopped on and told the horses to go.
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After escaping the village, Zeus didn't stop the carriage until the Wheat manor came into view. Once arriving home, he threw the tarp back and looked at the scared renard.
"It's alright. You're safe now. Nobody will harm you here," Zeus softly said.
Haruhime nervously peeked her head up and looked around. What filled her vision was a giant wall with a looming tower in the distance. To her right were massive fields used for farming and crop rotation.
Haruhime was shocked at the sheer size of everything.
"Come on, let's get you inside. Lunoire will take care of you." Zeus added.
The group hopped off the cart, with Zeus helping Haruhime down. Ardee froze, seeing her sister standing there with an angry look on her face.
"Ooooh, you're in trouble." Bell mocked.
"Shut up." Ardee hissed.
Shakti slowly marched over to Ardee, who was shaking in fear. Bell stood next to her with a smug smile on his face.
"I had a feeling she'd be with you. Run along now, Bell." Shakti ordered.
"And miss this? No way." Bell answered.
Shakti ignored him and crouched down. She pinched her sister's ear and pulled her close. Ardee winced in pain as Shakti spoke.
"Do you have any idea how worried I was? I almost tore the whole city apart, looking for you. I thought I lost you."
Ardee frowned and looked at the ground. Her sister's tight grip still on her ear. "I'm sorry. But I heard Bell was going somewhere, and I wanted to go."
Shakti sighed and let go of Ardee's ear. "Ardee, you can't just run off like that. What if something bad happened to you? I'd never know."
Ardee looked further away from her sister. "I'm sorry."
Shakti pulled her sister into a hug. "I'm still mad. Just next time, tell me when you're doing something like this. I can't lose you. Not like the others."
Ardee nodded and hugged her sister back. After hugging her sister, Shakti turned to Bell.
"And you."
"Me! I didn't do anything."
Shakti walked over to Bell, who was confused on why he was in trouble. But a smile from Shakti made him even more confused.
"Thank you for keeping an eye on my sister."
Bell rubbed the back of his head and looked away. Despite him being seven, Shakti was still very beautiful to Bell.
"Oh well, it's no problem. I mean, she almost gave me cooties in the process, but I'll still look out for her."
"I don't have cooties!"
"Yes, you do!"
Ardee started running after Bell, who ran away from her into the fields. Shakti sighed and walked over to Zeus. The god had a smile on his face as Lunoire escorted Haruhime inside.
"Can I play with them?" Haruhime asked.
"Maybe later. Let's get you cleaned up and fed first." Lunoire answered.
Lunoire led Haruhime inside while Shakti talked with Zeus.
"So where'd you find her?" Shakti asked.
"Jelkala. Bell and Ardee broke her out of a carriage that was more like a cage. Then ran like hell to me."
Shakti sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "Those two. I swear trouble always seems to find them wherever they go."
Zeus chuckled. "Eh, they're just kids. I've gotten into way worse mischief than those two when I was growing up."
"You're a god. A childhood to you is their entire life."
Zeus chuckled. "You make a fair point. But my childhood wasn't peaceful like theirs. I only wish for this peace to last for a few more years."
"How goes his training?"
"Slow. He only really knows how to use force push, force pull, and force speed. I'm also worried he'll tap into the dark side for more power."
Shakti quirked an eyebrow. "Why do you think that."
"He holds a deep hatred for the Empire for killing his dad. I'm worried if left unchecked, it can fester."
"Well, what's stopping him from tapping into the dark side now?"
"Two things. One, he's scared of what Alfia and Zald will do to him if he does."
"And the second?"
"Your sister. She's Bell's first friend, so he cares a lot for her. You know he tried to protect her from surface goblins today."
Shakti chuckled. "Did she have to remind him she's a level two?"
"Yeah. But it just shows he cares for Ardee a lot."
"Well, let's hope he doesn't go down that path. Bell's a sweet kid, and it'd be a shame if he fell."
Zeus looked out into the field, seeing his Grandson running from Ardee in the fields. "Yes, it would be."
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A few days later, Bell was sitting with Haruhime in the living room. They were sitting on the ground while Lunoire sat in a chair. The living room was big and had multiple couches and chairs. Dozens of bookshelves littered the walls, and board games were strewn about.
Lunoire had a book in her hands. It was a book on the Jedi and their history. How they were keepers of the peace for thousands of years. Keeping the monsters at bay while also keeping the peace between nations.
Jedi were technically a sub-class of all races, as any of them could become a Jedi. But only a few ever could. Out of the millions of people that lived in Gekai, only a few thousand could ever be Jedi. At their peak, there was only 10,000 of them.
But people listened to them because of their wisdom, superior weapons, and fighting capabilities. But when the gods descended and the calamities arose, the Jedi were caught off guard and nearly snuffed out.
Seeing that the Jedi were on the brink of extinction, the Jedi split and formed small conclaves with no central headquarters. Cashing their teachings to be vastly different depending on which conclave you're a part of.
Their enemies, seeing the weakened state the Jedi were left in, began research into materials resistant to their lightsabers. They found said materials, but the quantity was few and so only a few thousand of them exist.
"Woah, the Jedi are so cool. You're a Jedi, aren't you, Bell?" Haruhime asked.
Bell nodded. "I am. But most of my conclave isn't here."
Haruhime titled her head. "Why's that?"
"They're at the border with the Empire. They have to safeguard it."
Haruhime nodded, not really knowing what that meant. Lunoire smiled and put the book away.
"Well, Haruhime, how are you liking it here?" Lunoire asked.
"I like it a lot. Lady Demeter is very nice to me, and so are you. Bell and Ardee also play with me a lot, so I have friends again."
Lunoire ruffled her hair before a pigeon landed at the window. It pecked it, and Lunoire went to open it. Once she did, she saw a letter attached to its leg.
She untied it, and the pigeon flew away. Lunoire sighed as she closed the window and walked back over to the kids.
"Well, it looks like I need to head out for a bit. I'll be back in a few days." Lunoire said.
"Aw, you're leaving again. You've barely been back a week." Bell complained.
Lunoire crouched down and ruffled Bell's hair. "I know, but I have to do this. Don't worry, I'll come back. I always do."
Bell pouted while Haruhime was confused.
"Wait, where are you going?"
"Just have some business to take care of. It's nothing you need to worry about."
"Oh, ok."
Lunoire then bid farewell and walked out of the living room right as Alfia walked in.
"Bell, it's time for training. Haruhime, you're welcome to watch."
Bell grumbled and followed Alfia with Haruhime doing the same.
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A year later, Bell, Alfia, and Zald were standing in front of an ice cave. It was Bell's trial for him to acquire his kyber crystal. He wouldn't be able to have a lightsaber if he didn't have one.
"Alright, Bell, are you ready?" Alfia asked, worried for her nephew.
Bell, who was now eight, looked at the giant icicles covering the cave entrance. He was nervous. Very nervous. He only had a limited amount of time to go inside and find his kyber crystal. Or else he would be trapped in the cave and likely freeze to death.
"I'm ready, Alifa," Bell said, his voice shaky.
Zald crouched down next to him and ruffled his head. "Don't be so nervous. It's not as bad as you think. Just let the force guide you, and you'll find your crystal easily."
Bell nodded and took a deep breath. "Ok, I'm ready."
Zald nodded to Alfia, who used the force on a mirror and sent the rays of the sun to the ice cave. The ice quickly melted under the heat, leaving the entrance open.
"We'll wait for you here," Alfia said.
Bell nodded and took another deep breath before heading inside. Despite the cave receiving no sunlight, it was well-lit. Bell didn't know how, as there weren't any torches either.
But he pushed that to the back of his mind. He had limited time and needed to be quick. He kept walking through the cave using the force as his guide.
However, Bell felt the cave was bigger on the inside than it looked out on the outside. He felt like he hadn't made any progress. Like he was going in circles. He took another deep breath to calm his nerves.
"Trust in the force."
Bell closed his eyes and let go of himself. He could feel his surroundings. They were ice cold but calming at the same time. He felt a strange sense of peace in the cave.
He opened his eyes, and the cave had changed. He was no longer in a walkway but next to a crevice. Ahead of him was a giant icicle hanging from the ceiling and nearly touching the floor.
He walked over to the icicle, seeing a strange glow coming from the tip. When he reached it, he felt as if the tip of the icicle was calling to him.
He placed his gloved hand on the icicle and pulled. He felt something break off and land in his hand. He opened his palm and saw a purple crystal which he felt a connection with.
But he was confused. Why was it purple? Why not blue, green, or even yellow? He would have to ask Alfia and Zald when he left the cave.
Turning around, he began walking back, and before he knew it, he was back at the entrance. Which felt odd cause he hadn't walked for that long. But when he arrived, the ice almost covered the cave entrance.
"Took you long enough. Few more minutes, and the ice would've frozen over." Zald joked.
Alfia quickly rushed to Bell and hugged him. "I was so worried you would be trapped. Please tell me you found your crystal.
Bell nodded. "I found it, but it's weird."
Alfia pulled back and quirked an eyebrow. "How is it weird?"
"Mine's purple."
Zald got closer as Bell opened his hand. Alfia and Zald were surprised to see a purple crystal in Bell's hand. Especially with what it meant. But they couldn't tell him about that now.
"We'll talk about it when we get home," Alfia ordered.
Bell nodded and proceeded to walk with Alfia while Zald was in his thoughts.
"Haven't seen a purple crystal since his dad. Is Bell's hatred for the empire so vast that he's already balancing the light and dark side at such a young age?"
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Bell's friends and family waited in the living room as he constructed his lightsaber. Everyone was excited, but Alfia, Zald, and Zeus were a little weary about the purple crystal. But all they could really do was keep a closer eye on Bell.
After another couple of minutes, Bell exited his room, his newly crafted lightsaber in his hands. It was black with a silver outline on the top. It was a single-bladed lightsaber with only one emitter. It was made from adamantine, giving the hilt good durability. It had lines going down the hilt as well that were yellow. It was also more rounded than most lightsabers.
"Woah, I didn't know you were artistic." Ardee teased.
"It looks so pretty," Haruhime added.
"Go on. Turn it on, Bell." Demeter cooed.
Everyone else watched with bated breath as Bell's thumb reached the button. He pressed it, and a bright purple blade shot forth from the emitter and lit up the room.
Bell had a happy smile on his face while Ardee shrieked.
"Ah! That's so cool!"
"So pretty."
Bell, on the other hand. Laughed.
"Haha, I have a sword now."
"Bell, it's not a toy!" Alfia warned.
"I know, but look how cool this is. I mean, I have a unique lightsaber. It's purple."
"You sure it was a good idea for him to have this?" Lunoire asked.
"He passed the trials. The force seems to think so," Zald answered.
"Yes, Bell! Now you'll pick up all the women with your Jedi skills!" Zeus cheered.
Alfia was quick to smack him in the back of the head. "He will do no such thing! Bell, you better not use your Jedi tricks in that manner!"
Bell didn't seem to hear her as he and his friends were marveling over his lightsaber. Alfia pinched the bridge of her nose and shook her head.
"You can't stop what's coming! The harem will be realized!" Zeus cheered.
"Yeah, harem!" Ardee cheered as well.
"Ardee!" Shakti yelled.
Safe to say Zeus got a few more smacks. But it was a happy moment for Bell. He'd finally got his Lightsaber, something he had been wanting since he saw Alfia's.
Which also meant his training would be amped up tenfold. But he didn't have to think about that now.
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A few more years passed, and Bell was now 12. He had been coming along nicely as a Jedi. He had further mastered his force capabilities, able to lift large piles of rubble easily.
He could also push heavier things as well. Like dozens of trees with just a wave of his hand. He was also faster, with force speed now appearing like a blip.
His lightsaber skills were up to par as well, and he was on his way to becoming a fantastic Jedi. But he knew he was different from other Jedi.
He was told what his lightsaber color meant. He had unknowingly been balancing both the light and dark side his whole life. He was able to keep the darkness in check and live a somewhat normal life.
But he could still feel it calling to him. Like a tiny little whisper in the back of his brain. Just begging to be used.
But Bell ignored the call and continued his training with Alfia and Zald.
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Bell, Alfia, and Zald stood in a field, their lightsabers drawn. Alfia's was a green double-bladed lightsaber with a silvery design. While Zald's was a blue one with a cross guard. His was golden and resembled a longsword.
Zald ran forward and swung at Bell, with the latter quickly parrying. He kicked Zald in the knee before jumping back and avoiding Alfia's attack.
Alfia launched forward, her blade spinning, which Bell quickly blocked. Zald was already on his right. He swung down, but Bell jumped back and used a force push.
Zald skidded back a little, but Alfia kept up her attacks. She pulled a box toward Bell from behind him. He ducked, and the box harmlessly flew over him.
Zald kicked him in the face, and Bell fell to the ground. He rolled away from Alfia's foot aimed at his head. He got back to his feet and was engaged in a saberlock with Zald.
But was stopped when a green blade was at his throat. Bell sighed and turned his lightsaber off as Zald pulled back.
"How long did I last that time?" Bell asked.
"Two minutes. At least you're getting better." Zald joked.
Bell sighed. "Well, it's not fair fighting the two of you."
"War isn't fair, Bell. If your father could hold off multiple dark Jedi, you should be able to as well." Alfia chided.
Bell frowned and looked to the ground. Alfia sighed and walked over to Bell. She hugged him and spoke.
"Look, I didn't mean it like that. It's just you'll have to be able to fight multiple people at once. They're not going to wait for you to finish up your first fight."
Bell didn't respond but nodded. Alfia sighed and pulled back. Bell kept his gaze on the ground.
"Look, why don't you go and join Ardee and the others in the dungeon? Training's done for the day."
Bell nodded and clipped his lightsaber to his belt. He left without a word and headed into the city.
Zald turned to Alfia, his arms crossed. "You could've handled that better."
Alfia frowned and looked at the ground. "I know. But he should know a fight won't always be a one-on-one. He'll have to fight against multiple people at once."
"I get that, but you didn't have to bring up his dad. You know how he feels about that."
"I know. But we told him he could go to the front once he turned 17. That's five years away, Zald. We don't have much longer before he goes running off to war."
"Then we'll prepare him as best we can and go with him. He's not going alone despite his protests. Ardee is most definitely going with him, same as Haruhime. Lunoire might go to if she decides to stop hiding from Demeter."
"It's just. Why is he so hellbent on going to war? Why can't he just stay here and live a peaceful life?"
"We know why. He's angry at the Empire for what they did to his dad, and the best way he sees to channel that is to go to and fight them."
Alfia let out a tired sigh and looked at the ground. "He's such a handful."
Zald chuckled. "Yeah, but he's our handful. Starting to regret looking after him?"
"Never!"
"Thought so."
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Bell walked down the halls of the dungeon. Since he was a Jedi, he could go down pretty far on his own, as most monsters weren't a match for him. By himself, he was able to get to floor 36 but went no further. Alfia and Zald could both go to floor 60, but after that, the monsters became too many in number and smarter.
Bell could sense Ardee and the others down on floor 18. After hitting level three, she was allowed on expeditions, and she dragged Haruhime down with her.
Haruhime had been granted Demeter's falna shortly after arriving, and Alfia taught the girl how to use a bow, and she has gotten quite good at it.
Bell continued his journey downward. A few goblins wanted to test their luck. But with a flick of Bell's wrist, their necks snapped, and they dropped to the ground dead.
After an hour or so, Bell arrived at the 18th floor. When he first came down here, he marveled at the beauty. Vast forests and lakes with waterfalls littered the floor. But this wasn't his first time down here, so he didn't stop to take in the sights.
He made his way to the camp and arrived a short while later. Ardee and Haruhime, who were now 13 years old, sat around a fire pit reading another hero story.
Bell didn't say anything and smacked Ardee upside the head. She quickly whirled around and smiled, seeing it was Bell.
"Nice to see you too. Wanna join us?" Ardee asked.
"Wouldn't have come if I didn't want to," Bell responded, taking a seat next to her.
"Something wrong, Bell?" Haruhime asked.
"I failed in training again."
"Oh well, you always fail. But that never seems to bother you." Ardee said.
"Alfia brought up my dad."
Both Ardee and Haruhime cringed as they knew his father was a touchy subject.
"Yeah, that would do it," Haruhime said.
"Well, Shakti isn't here, but we can still go down to the 19th floor and kill some monsters," Ardee suggested.
"Yeah, I'd like that. Maybe I can bring some rare drops back for Demeter. Hopefully, that can cheer her up a bit."
"Lunoire still not coming back?" Haruhime asked.
Bell shook his head. "No. She's decided to stay away from us. Says we'll be safer."
"But aren't Zald and Alfia there all the time?" Ardee asked.
Bell shrugged. "That's what I said, but she seems hellbent on staying away."
"Maybe she'll come around eventually," Haruhime said.
"Doubt it."
Ardee, seeing the mood souring, closed the book and stood up. "Alright, enough moping around. Let's go kill some monsters and blow off some steam."
Bell cracked a small smile and stood up. He wore his black Jedi robes with his lightsaber clipped to the left side of his belt.
Haruhime went inside her tent and grabbed her bow and quiver while also putting on her shoulder guards. Ardee already had her Mythril sword on her hip.
"Alright, I'll go tell big sis what we're doing, and then we'll go." Ardee cheered before running off.
Bell looked over to Haruhime and nervously wagged her tail.
"So, how was Ardee able to convince Shakti to bring you down here?" Bell asked.
"She said I was a level two and could hit a goblin in the eye from 50 meters away," Haruhime responded.
"That's cool. It's always awesome seeing you use your bow."
Haruhime lightly blushed as her tail wagged faster. "Thank you, Bell. I always like seeing you fight monsters as well."
"Well, it's always nice knowing you're watching my back." Bell complimented.
Before Haruhime could respond, Ardee returned.
"Ok, big sis says we can only go down to the 19th floor and no further."
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Bell cheered.
"Last one to the entrance is a rotten egg!" Bell yelled.
Ardee and Haruhime quickly took off after him. Shakti saw the three running away and smiled. She was glad Ardee had friends.
But in the pit of her stomach was worry. She was worried that her sister would follow Bell to war. No, she wasn't worried that she would. She knew Ardee would. Shakti just prayed Bell would keep her safe.
Bell did. But at a cost.
Well, I think this is a good stopping point. Now, I know most of you might not like this because these two universes don't really mix well. That's fair; I get that. But then again, it can if you give it a chance.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed and I'll see you later.