Oh yeah, quick warning to those who didn't read the original there's gonna be spoilers for Danmachi and Tbate
Also, those who have read the original, please keep from spoiling in the comments.
Zeus relaxed his posture once he saw Alfia. Regis still kept his guard up as he didn't trust her. This woman abandoned her own nephew to go and become a terrorist. Now, she was back when she was supposed to be dead. No, he didn't trust her one bit.
"Alfia? How are you alive?" Zeus asked.
Alfia glanced her mismatched iris at the boy whom Regis stood in front of. He bared a single fang while Bell peered over the dog. He looked at the strange woman in confusion.
Alfia then turned her gaze back to Zeus. "I was given a second chance at life. I was given more time."
Zeus narrowed his eyes at the cryptic answer. But Alfia's gaze told him now was not the time to talk about these things.
"Alright, well, since you're here. Bell, come here." Zeus gestured.
Bell looked to Regis, who still bared his fang at Alfia. But he let Bell pass nonetheless. The young boy glanced up at Alfia. His red eyes filled with wonder.
Alfia's gaze softened considerably when she laid eyes upon Bell. He was the spitting image of her sister, minus his eyes. Gods, how she hated his father.
"Who are you?" Bell asked.
Alfia crouched down and placed her hand on his shoulder. She looked Bell directly in his eyes and felt guilty. Guilty for leaving him alone with his only two caretakers being, Zeus and a dog.
Bell tilted his head in confusion while Zeus and Regis remained silent. Alfia took another long look at Bell before answering.
"I'm your mom's sister. Do you know what that makes me?" She softly asked.
"My aunt?" Bell answered.
Alfia nodded her head. "That's right, but don't call me your aunt ok. It makes me feel old."
Bell nodded, a little confused. "But if I can't call you Aunt Alfia, what do I call you?"
"Just Alfia is fine."
Bell looked up to Zeus, who just simply nodded. Bell looked to Alfia and nodded.
"Ok, Alfia, I'm glad you're here," Bell responded.
Alfia smiled and hugged Bell, catching the boy off guard. But once he got over his shock, he hugged Alfia back.
Zeus and Regis meanwhile looked at Alfia with suspicion. Alfia was supposed to be dead. She had a deadly illness with no cure, and she was trying to kill herself to help Orario rise up for the trying times.
So why was she here and not dead somewhere in the labyrinth city? What did she have planned for Bell?
Alfia picked Bell up as she stood. She looked to Zeus and gestured to the door. "May I come in?" She asked.
"Yeah, sure, make yourself at home. You have a room here, remember." Zeus replied. His tone sounded more snarky than he meant.
Alfia had a look of guilt in her eyes but remained quiet. Bell was leaning into her shoulder as she held him.
The group headed inside and took their seats in the living room. An awkward silence filled the room as Zeus gave Alfia a level glare while Regis was still ready to attack.
She didn't protest to this treatment. She did abandon Bell when he needed her the most. She understood the anger these two held.
Especially Regis. Bell was the son of his best friend. Regis had been in this family for so long that Alfia sometimes forgot he was over 200 years old.
Bell pulled back from Alfia slightly to look at her. He didn't seem to pick up on the tension in the air. Which was good for everyone there.
"Hey, Alfia, wanna read hero stories with me?" Bell asked.
It was an innocent question, but it was one that made Alfia's heart race. She was nervous, she didn't know how to respond to such an innocent question.
She saw Zeus nod out of the corner of her eye. So she looked back to Bell and nodded.
"Sure, why don't you pick you out for us." She softly responded.
Bell happily nodded as he crawled out of her lap and landed on the floor. He picked up Sword Oratoria and crawled back into her lap.
"Which one do you want to read?" Alfia asked.
Bell looked to the sky and thought for a second. Then, his eyes widened in excitement.
"I wanna read the one where the Silence took down the Leviathan. Grandpa said that one was legendary."
Alfia looked to Zeus, who shook his head. Bell didn't know anything about who Zeus truly was. Nor did he know that Alfia was the Silence. His eyes told her to keep quiet.
"Alright, tell me that one. I don't think I've heard it before."
Bell nodded in excitement. "Ok, so in this story, what happens is there's this big bad monster named the Leviathan, and it caused a lot of trouble on the seas."
The tension slowly broke as Bell rambled on and on about Alfia's and the Hera familia's exploits. Alfia herself already knew the ending of that story.
As time went on, Bell continued to read hero stories to Alfia. She sat quietly and listened while Bell kept talking and talking. Eventually, he had to stop for dinner.
Bell sat next to Alfia at the dinner table, and Zeus sat across from her. Bell kept talking to her about heroes. But one thing he said made her heart race in panic.
"Oh, and one day, I want to become a hero. I want to save people and defeat monsters. Like the Silence did in her story." Bell happily said.
Alfia's face paled as she looked at the last vestige of her sister. Alfia knew her time was limited. But she wanted to spend her last years with Bell. Everything she had done in Orario was to make sure he didn't have to fight.
But now she hears that her work might amount to nothing. Well, she knew it amounted to mostly nothing. The only ones she had hope for were the Astraea familia brats, which she had saved.
Alfia cleared her throat before speaking. "Oh, really, Bell? You want to be a hero?"
Bell nodded. "Yup, I wanna be the best hero the world has ever seen."
Alfia gulped. She had to convince him otherwise. She didn't want him to fight. She wanted him to grow old and be happy.
"Well, why don't you stay here? Live a quiet life?" Alfia asked.
"Because that's boring. I wanna help people with my magic!"
Alfia's eyes widened in shock. She was unaware Bell had magic. She cleared her throat again.
"That's very impressive, Bell. What type of magic do you have?"
Bell placed his finger on his chin as he thought. "Hmm, I have light, sound, illusion, and fire."
Alfia was surprised Bell had access to four magics at his age. She looked over to Zeus, who shook his head. He'll talk about this with her later.
So Alfia gave Bell a smile. "That's very impressive, Bell."
Bell gave her a bright smile. "Thanks, Alfia, Grandpa also says I'm on track to have more magics as I get older."
"Well, that's very impressive, Bell. I doubt anyone your age possesses magic like you do." Alfia praised.
Bell smiled and continued eating his dinner. Once he was done, Zeus told him to go wash up and get ready for bed.
"Ok, Grandpa. Good night, Alfia. I'll see you tomorrow." Bell said.
He got out of his chair and hugged her leg before running off to the bathroom. Alfia looked back over to Zeus, who was collecting the dishes.
"I'll clean up and put him to bed. Then you have some explaining to do." Zeus told her.
Alfia nodded and remained seated at the table.
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Alfia sat on the couch while Zeus sat on his recliner next to the fireplace. There was a small round table next to him where a bottle of whiskey rested along with a glass.
He stared at Alfia while he held the glass. Alfia started back, and silence filled the room. Zeus wasn't glaring, but his eyes were full of disappointment.
"Alright, kid's fast asleep," Regis said, phasing through the door.
Regis sat down on the rug in front of the fireplace and glared at Alfia. He wasn't going to hide his anger from her.
"It's good to see you again, Regis. You as well, Zeus." Alfia started.
Regis scoffed. "Yeah, sure, I guess."
Zeus finished his glass before refilling it. "You know I'm surprised to see you here. Last time I saw you, you were pretty much knocking at death's door. You look better now. What's changed?"
Alfia sighed before speaking. "When I was in Orario, I jumped into a tornado of fire intent on dying. I landed on the ground covered in burns, fully intent on scumming to my fate. But it seems life isn't done with me yet. I don't know who saved me, but I know someone called Fels healed me and gave me more time. I have about ten years left to live now."
Zeus was silent as he nodded. He took another sip from his glass as he was lost in thought. Regis wasn't and spoke his mind.
"So what, now that you have more time, you decide to visit? I mean, what's your plan here? You're gonna play mom to Bell with your remaining years?"
Regis's tone was one of slight anger. But underneath the surface was a bubbling rage.
"I have no intent in talking Meteria's place. I'm not worthy of such an honor. But I do want to spend my remaining years watching him grow up." Alfia answered.
"Yeah, now that you don't have to deal with the constant crying of an infant. Works out well for you, doesn't it? The woman who loves silence."
Regis scoffed. "Gods, you fucking piss me off. You up and leave to go and become a terrorist for the sake of making sure Bell doesn't have to fight. Tell me, Alfia, how did that go?"
Alfia looked away from Regis. "The only ones who I have hope for is the Astraea familia. But that hope has waned slightly after saving them from an irregular monster."
Regis rolled his eyes. "Fucking great, so you and Zald's whole mission meant jack shit in the end. You know he needed you, and Zald. All the time, he'd ask where's mom? Where's Dad? How come they left me? Do they not love me?"
Alfia felt her heart hurt and tears well up. But Regis kept going.
"Ever since he learned how to talk, it was where's mom? Where's Dad? Every time, we had to explain to him that they were gone. Hell, he didn't even know you existed until today. You made your decision. You chose to leave him. Now that you got more time, you decide to come waltzing back in like you didn't up and leave him."
Alfia sniffled and tried to keep her tears at bay.
"Regis, that's enough, she understands what you're saying," Zeus said, raising his hand.
Regis scoffed. "Yeah, whatever, I'm done anyway. But know this, Alfia. Whatever hatred or dislike you have for Silver, you shut that shit down. Don't badmouth Bell's dad around him. He doesn't need you making him hate his dad. Silver's already dead, so at least give his memory peace."
Alfia swallowed a lump in her throat and nodded. Regis then looked to Zeus to see if he had anything else to say.
Zeus sighed and set his glass down on the table. "Alfia, you are allowed to stay in my house. I won't kick you out. Even if Bell didn't like you, I'd still allow you to stay. But we keep our lives from Orario back there. Out here, you're not the Silence, and I'm not Zeus. We also keep everything away from Bell for the time being."
Alfia nodded and wiped her eyes. "I find that agreeable."
"Secondly, when Bell turns seven, some Asuras will show up to take him to Epheotus. But reading Arthur's journal, I don't know if we should."
Alfia quirked an eyebrow. "Why's that? Won't they teach him all that he needs to know?"
"Because the Asura's betrayed Arthur and his side during the war. Left them out to dry as Dicathen was easily taken over." Regis responded.
"But what about the other Leywins that went? They came back fine." Alfia pointed out.
"Yeah, but they were different when they came back. Silver especially, I can't quite describe it, but it's like a little part of him died that day." Regis explained.
Alfia nodded, absorbing the information. "I see, but if you don't trust the Asura's Regis, why did you let Silver go?"
"Because his dad made him. Arthur was already dead by the time Silver's father went, and Tessia went missing shortly after. So Silver's dad was already in Epheotus by the time his parents were gone. Then Silver's dad disappeared, and his mom died after he went."
"Yes, that's why I'm hesitant to send Bell with them. There's something suspicious about them. Leywin's either die or go missing after their child is taken to Ephetous. I can't put my finger on what their goals are."
Alfia nodded as she digested the information. "Well, it's not like I can fight them off if they want to take Bell. They're practically minor gods."
Zeus nodded. "I'm aware, just leave that to me. But as it stands right now, I want Bell nowhere near an Asura."
"I agree, when Silver got back, he was a different person. Mostly because his parents were dead or missing by the time he got back. But he was also taken at such a young age that they could've tried to indoctrinate him. Into what I don't know." Regis said.
It was evident he cared a lot for Bell's safety in this matter. Something he and Alfia agreed on.
"Alright, enough about this subject. We're all in agreement. Now Alfia, how did Ournaus take the news you survived? Fels does work for him, after all." Zeus asked.
"It was him who ordered my rescue. As I was healing, he said he knew what our plan was. How it was commendable, we were willing to become the villains to make rise to new heroes. Just a bunch of buzzwords and political nonsense. But he also told me to leave the city and never come back." Alfia explained.
Zeus chuckled. "Yeah, sounds like him. Was this before you saved the Astraea familia?"
Alfia nodded. "Yes, after I was healed, he sent me on a small task to wipe out the Rudra familia on the 30th floor. When I got there, they were already killed by that irregular monster I mentioned earlier. I killed it before it killed the Astraea familia, however."
"Hmm, I see, and what did Ouranus call this monster?" Zeus asked.
"The dungeon's defender. Juggernaut." Alfia answered.
Zeus fidgeted in his seat. "Oh, that thing, yeah, it was good you were there. If you weren't, they would've been wiped out."
Alfia then stretched and yawned. "Well, I think I'll head to bed. Goodnight, you two."
Zeus and Regis bid her goodnight, and Alfia left the room. Once the door to her room shut, Zeus looked at Regis.
"So why the sudden mind change about Bell leaving for Epheotus?" Zeus asked.
Regis looked down the hallway Alfia had just left. He was looking toward Bell's room.
"Because I think that's the happiest I've seen Bell. With Alfia of all people. I don't want that taken away from him, and you brought up good points about not trusting them. I feel like an idiot for not seeing it sooner."
Zeus sighed before picking up his glass of whiskey and finishing it. "Yeah, well, what can ya do? Don't blame yourself for past mistakes. Accept they happened and move on."
"When the fuck did you become wise?" Regis questioned.
Zeus picked up the whiskey bottle and took it to the kitchen. He placed it in a cabinet and put his glass in the sink.
"I'm a god, I've always been wise." Zeus cheekily answered.
Regis rolled his eyes. "Yeah, right, anyway, I'll see you tomorrow, old man."
Regis stood up and walked back to Bell's room. He turned into a Will-O-Wisp and passed through the door, leaving Zeus's sight. The old god let out a tired sigh.
"Ugh, what to do now?" Zeus wondered.
He then retired to his room for the night and let himself drift off to sleep. His mind wandering to the empty spot of his bed next to him.
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Two years passed, and Bell was now seven years old. Like Zeus has predicted, Bell had gotten access to more magic as he grew older.
Like all Leywin's, he had awakened his ability for lightning like his forefathers before him. As well as water magic. Zeus laughed when he used his magic to shock Regis.
Alfia, of course, chastised him for his use of it. All the while trying to hide the smirk that was on her face.
Bell's mama core was alright, a light red now, thanks to tips and some training Alfia gave him. However, Zeus did warn him that his progress would slow down the more pure his mana core became.
However, happy times came to an end as one day, there was a knock on the door. Alfia and Zeus both looked at it while Regis got on guard.
A simple look from Regis was all the two needed to know. Alfia was quick to crouch down to Bell's level.
"Hey, Bell, let's go play in the backyard." She said.
"Who's at the door?" Bell asked.
"Never mind that, let's go." She said, picking him up.
Bell didn't protest and let Alfia carry him outside. Zeus and Regis meanwhile prepared themselves.
"Welp, time to face the music," Zeus muttered.
He walked up to the door and opened it. Standing outside was a man with a sculpted face with platinum blond hair on top of it, neatly swept to the side. His eyes looked like stars in space. He was dressed in a military uniform and Zeus could feel the sheer power radiating off him.
"Hello, my name is Windsom. I'm here to collect the Leywin." He greeted.
Zeus looked at the man in suspicion. "Well, Windsom, as Bell's guardian, I have decided he will remain here. He will not be going to Epehotus."
Windsom's gaze remained impassive as he slightly tilted his head. He could see Regis behind Zeus, ready to attack.
"Hmm, I see, my lord will be very disappointed in this development. But since you are the Leywin's guardian, your word on this matter is final. I bid you farewell."
Windsom then took a few steps back before touching the ground. A rainbow gate appeared before him, and he stepped through it. He vanished into the gate, and a few seconds later, it was gone.
Zeus shut the door and looked at Regis. "That was easy?"
Regis nodded. "It was, I expected him to protest."
"You think they'll try underhanded tactics to get him?" Zeus asked.
"I don't know, but those bastards are gonna have to get through me before they get him." Regis declared.
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A few more years passed in relative peace for the small family. Shortly after Windsom left, Zeus sat Bell down and explained everything to him. Who he and Alfia were, and who Bell was related to.
He explained everything to Bell, and on that day, the boy's life changed forever. This was the day he started training. It was also the day Zeus had given Bell his knife. It was a black blade with runes on it.
Zeus had it made when Bell was born. Taking a little bit of Bell's blood and some material he had saved up. Plus, Hephaestus owing him a favor, and Bell's knife was created.
"Now remember, Bell, only use this knife for training. I find out you're playing with it, I'll take it away."
Bell looked at the knife with excited eyes. "Ok, Grandpa! I promise not to play with it."
Alfia stood off to the side. A smile on her face as Bell took the knife into his hands. The boy closely examined it, watching in awe as the runes glowed a faint white for a second.
"Now, another interesting thing about this knife, Bell, is that only you and those of your blood can use it. If anyone else touches it, the blade becomes dull."
Bell looked up at his grandfather. "Does that mean Alfia can use it?"
Zeus chuckled. "No, Bell, I mean your kids. See that knife as a family heirloom."
Bell nodded as Alfia spoke.
"That also means we're going to start training you now, Bell. If you want to be a hero, you need to know how to fight."
Bell's eyes widened even more in excitement. "Does this mean I get Grandpa's falna?!"
Zeus and Alfia were a little taken aback by Bell's excitement. But Zeus nodded all the same.
"Yes, Bell, now take your shirt off so I can give it to you," Zeus said.
Bell quickly put his knife down on the couch and took his shirt off. He turned his back to Zeus as the old god, bit his thumb, allowing his blood to drip on his back.
"Alfia, can you get me a piece of paper, please?" Zeus asked.
Alfia did as he asked and grabbed a discarded piece of paper from the counter. She handed it to Zeus, who copied Bell's stats down. All the while, a smile was plastered on his face.
"Well, Bell, you're a one-of-a-kind. Here, take a look."
Bell Cranel
Zeus familia
Level 1
Strength- I0
Endurance- I0
Dexterity- I0
Agility- I0
Magic- I0
Skills:
Heroic desire: accelerated growth based on the user's desire to become a hero
Magic:
Mana core light red: Allows user to use many types of magic.
Draconic beast will: Inherited from the user's bloodline as the Asuran blood in them is too diluted.
Bell furrowed his brow. "I have Asuran blood?"
Zeus chuckled. "Yes, Bell, we told you this. Sylvie gave Arthur some of her Asuran body to stop him from dying after shattering his mana core. Oh, and don't use the third phase of your beast will. Ever."
"Ok, Grandpa, I promise I won't."
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A woman with light red hair was running through the woods. The roar of a bear sounded behind her as she heard it getting closer. She looked behind her and saw the bear right behind her.
But since her attention was on the bear and not in front of her, a root tripped her, causing her to fall forward and land face first.
The woman was covered in dirt and leaves, and the black bear stopped in its tracks and stood on its hind legs. It roared at her once more and was about to pounce.
It was stopped, however, by arrows of burning white. The woman could tell that it was mana taken form but wondered who shot it.
The bear roared in pain, feeling the burning sensation. It quickly whirled around as another two arrows struck its side. The bear saw a boy with white hair loosing another arrow.
It struck the bear in the eye, causing it to shake its head. It recklessly charged at the boy, who rolled out of the way and quickly loosed another arrow.
This time, the arrow pierced the bear's heart, and the ferocious animal finally dropped dead. Bell let out a breath before turning to the cowering woman.
He placed his bow on his back and offered his hand to her with a smile. "You're lucky I was tracking that thing."
The woman shakily took his hand, and Bell helped her up. The smile was still present on his face. Once the woman was on her feet, Bell brushed some of the leaves out of her hair.
"Well, my name's Bell. What's yours?" He asked.
The woman took a calming breath and answered. "Heith, Heith Velvet."
"Well, Heith, you're a long ways from, well, anywhere, really. You in some kind of trouble to be running through these woods like that?" Bell asked.
Heith looked nervously at Bell as she examined him. He couldn't be more than 12 years old at the most. He was dressed in a poncho that Alfia had woven for him. Unknown to Heith, it had magic-negating properties. Along with brown pants, and she couldn't tell the shirt underneath.
Bell held his hand up. "I mean you no harm. But if you don't want to talk about it, that's ok. But I do ask that you follow me back to my cabin. So you can get some food and rest."
"Hey, Bell, what should we do with this bear?" Regis called out.
Bell turned back around. "Bring it home, it'd be a waste to leave all that meat to rot."
"Alright, also, who's your girlfriend?"
Bell rolled his eyes and flicked Regis off while the dog chuckled.
"Did that dog just talk?" Heith asked.
Bell nodded. "Yes, it's a magic dog. Now, shall I escort you?"
Heith looked into Bell's eyes while the boy remained calm and friendly. Heith didn't trust Bell that much, but he seemed like the only person out here.
"Alright, lead the way. But hands to yourself, mister." Heith said.
Bell held his hands up in mock surrender. "Wouldn't dream of doing something like that."
"Yeah, he's too much of a little bitch to think of a girl like that." Regis chuckled. The bear floating above him like it was nothing.
"Shut up, dog."
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Bell and Heith walked through the woods. Leaves crunching beneath their feet with Regis right behind them. Heith was still trying to wrap her head around how Regis was holding the bear up.
"So, do you live out here alone?" Heith asked.
Bell shook his head. "No, I live with my Grandpa and Aunt. In a little cabin away from everything."
"No parents?" Heith asked.
"No, it's only us three, and my magic dog."
"Wolf."
"I'm still having trouble grasping him talking," Heith muttered.
"You'll get used to it."
The three then arrived back at the cabin. Smoke blew out of the chimney as the sun began to set.
"Well, looks like we made it back in time for dinner. Please come in and make yourself at home." Bell said, opening the door.
He held it open for Heith, who walked in while Regis set the bear down and used Aether to keep it preserved. Bell followed in after Heith, shutting the door behind him once Regis walked in.
"Ah, welcome back, Bell, and I see you've brought a friend as well." Zeus warmly greeted.
Bell gestured, "Grandpa, this is Heith. She was being chased by that bear earlier today."
"Oh, I see, you've been tracking that bear for a few days now. Did you kill it?" Zeus asked.
Bell nodded. "Yeah, it's dead outside. Anyway, Heith was running from it for some reason, so she's staying for dinner tonight."
"Hmm, I see, and Heith, what are your plans? Where were you traveling to before that bear attacked you?"
"Orario, sir," Heith answered.
Zeus chuckled. "Course you are, well, if you wait here for a few days, I can arrange safe transport for you. If not well, you could always take your chances with another bear." Zeus joked.
Heith nervously laughed. "Thank you, that's very kind. Now, is there a bathroom around here? I'd like to clean myself up."
"It's that door right there," Zeus said, pointing to the bathroom.
Heith hurriedly scurried off to the bathroom while Zeus looked at Bell. Bell was looking out the kitchen window to the backyard where Alfia stood.
"She's still out there, huh?" Bell asked.
"You know she spends a lot of time out there when she's not training you. But she'll be glad to know you're back."
Bell glanced outside once more as he took his bow off his shoulder. It was made of two types of wood. One being redwood, while the other he didn't know about. But it was tiny green flecks that paraded around his bow.
He propped it up against the counter and took his poncho off, revealing a black shirt that was underneath. He hung the poncho up on a coat rack and sat on the couch.
"Tired?" Zeus asked.
Bell nodded. "A little bit. That bear was a pain in the ass to track."
Zeus smiled. "Well, you killed it in the end, so congratulations on a successful hunt, and since it was your first bear, this calls for a drink."
Bell quirked an eyebrow as Zeus stood up and walked to a cabinet. He grabbed a bottle of whiskey and two glasses before heading back into the living room.
He handed a glass to Bell before filling it up a little bit. Then, sitting down on his recliner. He poured himself a glass as well and raised it in the air.
"Alright, boy, have a drink. To your first successful bear hunt!" Zeus cheered.
"Alfia's gonna kill you," Regis said.
Zeus waved the dog off. "Ah, who cares? Alright, Bell, now drink."
Bell hesitantly looked at the drink. He looked back up to Zeus, who gave him an encouraging nod.
Bell pressed the glass to his lips and took a sip. His throat burned, and he immediately started coughing, nearly dropping his glass.
Zeus just laughed, watching his Grandson choke. Regis laughed as well because he found Bell's face hilarious.
Once Bell stopped coughing, he looked at Zeus with watery eyes.
"That burned." He rasped.
"It's whiskey, my boy. Of course, it burns."
"So I'm guessing you don't like for a first drink?" Regis mocked.
Bell stuck his tongue out and shook his head. "No, tastes awful."
"Keep drinking you'll grow to like it." Zeus goaded.
Bell did as his Grandfather said. Still hating the taste of his whiskey.
"You know if Demeter finds out about this, she's going to beat your ass as well." Regis pointed out.
"Eh, I've been dealing with Demeter for eons now. I know how to handle her."
"Well, you know how she gets when it comes to Bell."
"Yeah, clingy," Bell added, setting his glass down.
"It's because she loves you." Regis teased.
"Oh, come on, Bell, what have I taught you about clingy women."
"That they'll never want to leave your side and constantly snuggle against you for warmth. Gods, that reminds me of Anya."
"You remember her?" Zeus asked.
"Course I do. I almost got nabbed by slavers myself, remember."
"Oh, yeah, you're still a dumbass, by the way."
"And whose fault is that? You're the one who raised me." Bell pointed out.
"Eh, tomato, tomato, now time for dinner."
Zeus stood up and walked to the kitchen as Alfia entered the back door. Heith also took this time to step out of the bathroom wrapped up in only a towel.
Alfia narrowed her eyes. "Who are you, and where are your clothes? Bell close your eyes."
"Huh, oh. Hey Regis, this ceiling is really cool."
"Smooth playboy, smooth."
Heith nervously swallowed as she held the towel up. "Um, m-my name is H-Heith Velvet, and I didn't have any other clothes."
Alfia sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. "And where did you come from?"
"I saved her from that bear I've been tracking for the past few days. She took a tumble in the dirt, so Grandpa said to go clean up."
Alfia nodded. "I see, wait where. Bell, don't look, you too, old man."
Alfia walked into her room and grabbed an extra pair of clothes. It was a simple green tank top and jeans. Something she would never wear as she had her gothic dress she loved. It was a gift from Meteria, after all.
Walking back into the hallway, she could see Bell still looking at the ceiling while Heith hid behind the door. Zeus was too busy making dinner while Regis was trying to goad Bell into looking.
"Come on, do it."
"No."
"What are you scared?"
"Shut up, dog."
"Pussy."
Bell shocked Regis with his lightning. His gaze still on the ceiling.
"Ignore the dog. Here, put these on and join us for dinner. Welcome to our humble abode."
"Thank you," Heith said, her face a tiny bit red.
Heith closed the door to the bathroom as Alfia walked into the living room. When she did, she noticed the empty whiskey glass next to him.
"Bell, what is this?" She sweetly asked, holding the glass in front of him.
Bell felt a chill go down his spine, and his eyes widened. "Uh, Grandpa and I shared a drink for my first successful bear hunt."
"Oh, I see, old man. Did you give Bell alcohol?" Alfia asked, strutting to the kitchen.
Zeus continued cooking dinner. "Yup, boy's becoming a man. He needs to drink like a man."
Alfia placed the glass on the counter as Heith exited the bathroom. She looked at Bell, who still looked at the ceiling.
"Uh, you can look down now," Heith said.
Bell did and looked back over to Heith. "Wow, you pull those clothes off well," Bell said.
"Ah, shit, he's drunk," Regis said.
Heith blushed slightly. "Oh, thank you. They fit perfectly as well."
Bell nodded. "That's good, so headed to Orario, huh? Must be nice."
Heith nodded as she took a seat next to Bell. Alfia continued to interrogate Zeus, who answered her questions without a care in the world.
"So, what do you plan to do once you reach the labyrinth city?" Bell asked, his words slurred a little.
"Become an adventurer. I don't know what I'll do as one, though. I know how to use a dagger, but that's pretty much it." Heith explained.
"Well, I can sense a Mana Core in you. Your level's higher than mine, though." Bell said.
"Ah yes, I'm in the light yellow core stage," Heith answered.
Bell looked down and glanced at her. "If you're in light yellow core, how come you didn't take out that bear? Should've been light work for you."
Heith blushed in embarrassment once more. "I, uh, only know healing magic. I wasn't able to attain any attack magic."
"Huh interesting. Oh, why not become a healer in Orario, then? You might be good at it with your magic."
"Huh, maybe you're right. But I want to see what other options I have. Being a healer sounds tiring."
Bell chuckled. "Maybe, but you'd be pretty useful. Healers are pretty cool, too. Being able to heal stuff."
It was clear to everyone around that Bell was drunk. But he wasn't a mean drunk, so everyone was fine with it. Alfia was a little irritated he was drunk in the first place.
"Hey Heith, how old are you? You don't seem much older than me."
"I'm 16, Bell."
"Oh, that's cool. I think it's pretty impressive you're a light yellow core at 16. I'm only light orange core."
"You mean to tell me you're 12, and you've almost caught up to me?"
Bell nodded. Heith just laughed.
"You must be a pretty cool kid then."
Bell nodded. "Yeah, I'm a prodigy. Also, your laugh is really nice. I like it."
"O-oh, thank you, that's nice of you to say."
Bell and Heith continued their conversation, talking about nothing at all. Zeus meanwhile watched with a smile.
"They're getting along well."
"Yes, they are. Seems like he'll have another friend once he reaches Orario."
Alfia and Zeus watched the scene as Zeus finished cooking dinner. Once dinner was ready, the group ate, and Bell eventually went to bed.
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It had been a few days, and Hermes was once again at the cabin. Asfi, like always, was in tow with him as she was the captain of his familia.
She had grown as an adventurer and was now a level three. She was also making a name for herself in Orario as a genius inventor.
"Well, Bell, I guess this is goodbye?" Heith said.
Bell shrugged. "Eh, more like a see you later. I'll be heading to that fabled city sooner or later."
Heith smiled. "Well, in that case, I hope our paths cross once more. But before I go, I need to do something. To thank your heroics and hospitality."
"Oh, she's not gonna do what I think she is?" Regis thought.
Alfia narrowed her eyes at Heith, but the redhead didn't care. She placed her hands on Bell's shoulders and kissed him on the cheek.
Bell's face turned red, and a goofy grin appeared on his face. Heith pulled back and smiled.
"Holy shit, he made her swoon!" Regis yelled.
Zeus placed his hand on Alfia's shoulder and held her back.
"Calm down, it was just a peck on the cheek," Zeus said.
"Cool," Bell said.
Heith smiled and began walking away, waving goodbye to Bell as she left. Bell waved goodbye as well, the goofy grin still on his face.
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Another year passed, and Bell was now 13. But all was not well in the household. Bell was currently sick, very sick.
It all started one day when Bell had a coughing fit and started coughing up blood. Soon after that, he collapsed in the living room, scaring Alfia half to death.
Regis was quick to go into his Will-O-Wisp form and go inside Bell's body to see what was wrong. What he found filled him with a deep sadness.
Bell's mana core was poisoning him, and for some reason, Regis couldn't heal Bell using his Aether.
Regis exited Bell's body. The boy was currently lying in his bed. Covered in sweat and passed out.
"So what's wrong with him, Regis?" Alfia asked as she paced back and forth.
Regis sat down on Bell's bed. His head looking down in sadness.
"Bell's mana core is poisoning him, and there's nothing I can do," Regis explained.
Alfia held her tears back as she looked at the unlocking body of her nephew. This wasn't what she wanted for him at all. Now, there was a chance that Bell would die before her.
"But you're made up of the building block of reality! There has to be something you can do, Regis!" Alfia begged.
"I tried, but whoever did this made sure I couldn't do anything to help," Regis said in a defeated tone.
Zeus looked at his Grandson while Alfia punched a hole in the wall. The old god watched as the boy's chest rose and fell. How it seemed to hurt for him to breathe.
"Regis, you know what this means, right?"
"That Agrona is making his move. Yeah, I know."
Zeus closed his eyes and let out a sigh. "That means another invasion is coming. Looks like we made the wrong choice of not having Bell go to Epehotus."
"There has to be something we can do, Zeus?" Alfia pleaded.
"There is, but Bell won't like it. But he doesn't really have a choice in the matter. Oh, he's going to hate me for this."
Zeus took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Alfia looked at the old god worriedly.
"Zeus, what are you planning on doing?" She asked.
"The one thing Agrona wants me to do. He wants me out of the way, so he poisoned Bell with something we can't cure by normal means. I'm going to use my Arcanum to save Bell."
"But you'll go back to heaven," Alfia said.
"I know, that's what Agrona wants. Me out of the way so he can make his move. He might be targeting Hera as well."
"But Bell isn't ready for Argona. He's still a level one, and he's just barely reached the mid-yellow stage."
"I know, but he'll have to get stronger fast. I don't know how, but he'll have to. There isn't much time left."
Alfia watched as Zeus held his hand over Bell. Her thoughts racing at a million miles a second. Bell wouldn't be ready for Argona. He wouldn't be prepared for the villain he'd have to face.
Unless he already fought a villain beforehand.
"Zeus, heal me as well. I know how to make Bell ready." Alfia stated.
Zeus looked to Alfia. "What are you planning?"
"Bell wants to be a hero. A good hero needs a good villain. Heal me, and I'll become his villain." Alfia stated.
Zeus's eyes widened in shock. "Alifa, no, I can't do that. Bell will hate you if that happened. You've already suffered enough. Don't inflict more on yourself."
"Zeus, the Alacryians will chew him up and spit him back out. I can't do anything in my weakened state. Not with the time I have left. Please let me do this. Let me make sure he's ready for the horrors he'll face." Alfia begged.
Zeus looked into the woman's eyes and saw nothing but begging. They were on a timetable now, and since they had no way to contact the Asuras to train Bell, they'd have to rely on this plan.
"Are you sure? Because once you do this, there is no going back. There's a good chance Bell will hate you if you're his villain. Especially after you said, you weren't going to play that role again."
"Zeus, Bell is the only thing I have left of Meteria. If him hating me means he's alive, I'll take that anytime. He needs to be ready for what's to come. I'm ready to make that sacrifice."
Zeus sighed and raised his hand again. "Very well, I leave Bell in your care. See you on the other side, Alfia, and may you find peace after your death."
Alfia smiled. "Thank you, Zeus, and say hi to Meteria for me when you get there."
"I will."
Zeus then raised his hand, and a purplish-pink glow filled the room. Particles surrounded Bell as Zeus unsealed his Arcanum to save Bell. Particles surrounded Alfia as well as she felt her sickness being driven away. Regis also felt something mess with his head. Like a memory was taken away.
Once the glow died down, Zeus was gone, and Bell opened his eyes.
"Alfia? Where's Grandpa?"
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Bell was alone.
Fourteen years old, and all he had left was Regis. He was sitting in front of Alfia's grave. The one that had been freshly dug not even an hour ago.
He just sat there in silence with Regis sitting next to him. Said dog was leaning against him to offer some form of comfort. Bell had just lost the last of his family due to her sickness.
"How ya feeling, kid?" Regis asked, breaking the silence.
"Sad, sad, and alone," Bell replied, tears streaming down his face.
His body shook with sobs as he realized his family was gone now. He was the last man standing, and at only 14 years old.
So Bell and Regis stayed at Alfia's grave for another hour. Until Bell wiped his tears and stood up. Bell looked back over to his cabin. It was his now that Zeus was gone.
He walked down the hill where his mother and Alfia were buried. Zeus had a grave next to his dad's oak tree. There was no body to bury, but it was the sentiment that mattered to Bell.
He entered the cabin. Memories of times now gone ran through his mind. He pushed those away as he walked to his room.
It was a simple room with a bed, nightstand, and dresser. On top of his nightstand was a lamp and a few pictures. Two were paintings of his parents, another was a painting of Alfia. The last was a self-portrait of Zeus himself.
Bell picked up the photos and smashed the panes holding them. Once the glass was broken, he took the pictures out and folded them into his pocket.
After he did that, he grabbed his knife and attached it to his belt. Then he grabbed his poncho, slipping it on, and slinging his bow across his back.
After retrieving everything from his room, he went to Zeus's old room. He remembered Alfia telling him Zeus had left him a few letters and some money for when he went to Orario.
Once Bell found the letters, he read the names on them.
"Astraea and Miach. Grandpa always spoke highly about you two." Bell thought. Bell had always asked Zeus about other gods in Orario.
His Grandpa's words rang through his mind.
"Ah Miach, he's a kind man that sells medicine to those in need at a good price. He'll also help out anyone in need, as is his nature. If you had to choose a god, choose him."
"Oh Astraea, yeah, she's a goddess of justice through and through. Someone I highly respect. She's also very pretty, but she's kind of weird with her familia. Only girls are allowed in. I mean a goddess of justice that discriminates. Kind of hypocritical, but she's very kind. Even if her methods are backwards, in my opinion."
His flashbacks over Bell found his Grandpa's old traveling back. He grabbed it and picked it up, putting the letter inside along with the money Zeus had left him.
"Hey, don't forget Alfia's vault key. She would want you to have it." Regis said.
Bell snapped out of his thoughts and looked to his guardian. "Thanks for reminding me. I kind of just want to get out of this place."
Regis sighed. "Alright, I'll go grab it. Make sure to pack some food for the road. Oh, and pack some clothes too."
Bell nodded and, grabbed Zeus's traveling bag, and took it back to his room. He packed a few shirts and pants, along with underwear and socks. Once these were packed, Bell headed to the kitchen and packed non perishable foods and a few canteens filled with water.
He put those in the pack as Regis came back with Alfia's vault keep floating in the air. Bell grabbed it and placed it in the back as well before closing it and throwing it over his back.
"You don't want to stay the night?" Regis asked.
Bell shook his head. "No, there's nothing left for me here, Regis. Only memories of happier times that are long gone."
Regis sighed. "Alright, kid, off to Orario then?"
Bell nodded. "Yeah, it's about time we headed there. It's time for me to start my adventure. To be the hero Alfia and I never had."
Regis smiled. "She'd be proud of you, ya know. She loved you very much."
Bell looked to the ground. "I know, I just wish there was some way we could've cured her. That way, she'd still be here."
Regis chuckled. "Maybe if I wasn't just a weapon, I could use Aether to heal better. But alas, I'm only meant for destruction."
"You're not a weapon! You're my friend, and your lack of healing abilities doesn't matter to me. You're still my dog." Bell stated.
Regis chucked again. "Heh, look at you, becoming all sentimental before our journey. But I'm a wolf, not a dog."
"Same thing. Both got domesticated by humans feeding them."
Regis clicked his tongue. "Alright, fair point. But shut up, and let's go. We're losing daylight here."
Bell chuckled and walked to the front door. He opened it and stepped outside Regis, following him. Once outside, Bell began walking down the dirt road as Regis once again spoke.
"Now remember, Bell, once we make it to Orario, keep your name a secret. If Loki or Freya find out who you are, they'll make your life annoying. Worry about revenge on them later."
"Alright, Regis, but let's get the city first before we decide anything else."
"Alright, but just know I'm going to let you fight your own battles. Unless you're about to die, I won't intervene. You can't grow if I'm holding your hand."
Bell nodded. "That's agreeable, now onwards on our adventure."
Regis smiled, and the two headed in the direction of Orario. The story about a boy and his dog truly began.
Well that's the end of another chapter and it's off to Orario. Also this chapter is 8k words biggest one I've written so W.