A.N: I don't have much to say here but that the IP's of DanMachi and Owari No Seraph belong to their respective companies. Feel free to DM me if you have some story ideas you want me to even attempt.
Enjoy!
Chapter 1: Into the Unknown
The cold, sterile air of Sanguinem clung to Yuuichiro's skin like a shroud as she ran, the sound of her own ragged breathing filling her ears. Blood stained her hands—she didn't even know if it was hers or her family's anymore. Everything was a blur: the screaming, the flash of fangs, and the sight of Mikaela's broken body being pulled away from her, lifeless and still.
She didn't look back. There was nothing to look back for. Sanguinem had taken everything from her, reducing her family—the only people she had ever truly loved—into cold, lifeless corpses. Her vision blurred with tears and exhaustion, but she forced her legs to keep moving, her mind too numb with grief and rage to register the sharp stones cutting into her bare feet.
Somehow, she escaped. Stumbling through Sanguinem's outer walls, she burst into the open air for the first time in years. She took a shaky breath, expecting it to be different, but the world outside was just as cold as the one she'd left behind. Alone, lost, and with her family stolen from her, she ran through the shadowed ruins that stretched beyond the vampire city's walls, her only purpose to put as much distance as possible between herself and that place of nightmares.
But suddenly, the ground beneath her seemed to tremble, as if the earth itself were reaching up to swallow her. A dizzying sensation overtook her, a vertigo so powerful that she fell to her knees, gasping for air. It felt as though some unseen force were pulling her, dragging her through a twisting, endless void. Darkness encased her, cold and unyielding, and her last thought before she lost consciousness was of Mikaela's face, his hand reaching out to her, and the familiar guilt clawing at her heart.
When Yuuichiro opened her eyes again, she was lying on her back, staring up at an unfamiliar sky. Gone were the dark, oppressive clouds of Sanguinem, replaced by an endless blue that seemed almost too bright, too free. For a moment, she thought it was a trick, a dream her mind had conjured up to distract her from the nightmare she had just escaped. But the soft murmur of voices around her, the distant hum of city life, and the distinct smell of fresh bread and spices told her otherwise.
Slowly, she sat up, blinking against the sunlight. Her body ached, muscles straining from the ordeal she'd just endured, but this… this was not Sanguinem. She was in a city, a bustling place with cobbled streets, towering buildings, and people milling about in strange clothes. The architecture was unlike anything she had ever seen, medieval but vibrant, and the atmosphere felt alive with a sort of energy she couldn't quite place.
A man in a cloak brushed past her, muttering an apology in a language that sounded familiar yet foreign. She barely registered his words, too overwhelmed by the shock of her surroundings. Where was she? How had she ended up here?
Her gaze traveled across the street, where shopkeepers were setting out their wares, children were chasing each other with carefree laughter, and adventurers clad in armor passed by with swords and spears at their sides. She watched, bewildered, feeling like she was caught in some strange dream.
The city was enormous, sprawling, with towering structures and a looming central tower that seemed to scrape the very heavens. The sensation of wonder was quickly overshadowed by confusion and fear. She had no idea where she was or how she had come to be here. She only knew that this place was worlds away from the horrors she had left behind.
Swallowing her unease, Yuuichiro stumbled to her feet, her hand instinctively going to the dagger at her side. It was the only weapon she had left, but it brought her a small measure of comfort. She couldn't let herself look vulnerable here, not in this strange world. She was used to survival, and whatever this city was, she would survive here too—just as she had before.
With no clear direction, she began walking, blending into the crowds as best she could. Her clothes were stained and torn, and she felt the eyes of strangers on her, curious and wary. She kept her gaze low, scanning her surroundings for anything that might give her a clue as to where she was.
She wandered for what felt like hours, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination. At one point, she passed by a large building with a symbol above the door—a crescent moon intertwined with a flame. She didn't know why, but something about that symbol tugged at her, a faint sense of familiarity that she couldn't explain.
Before she could dwell on it, a hand landed on her shoulder, pulling her roughly to a stop. She tensed, ready to fight, but as she spun around, she found herself face-to-face with a young girl with bright blue eyes and short black hair, dressed in a simple tunic and carrying a bag of groceries.
"You look lost," the girl said, her voice soft and concerned. "Are you… are you new here?"
Yuuichiro stared at her, unsure how to respond. Should she trust this stranger? But there was a warmth in the girl's eyes, a kindness that reminded her painfully of Akane, and against her better judgment, she found herself nodding.
The girl smiled, offering her hand. "I'm Hestia. I don't see many people in Orario who look as out of place as you do. Come on, you look like you could use some food and rest."
Yuuichiro hesitated, glancing at the girl's hand, then back at her face. She felt an odd sense of calm in her presence, as if this girl's kindness could somehow shield her from the nightmares that clung to her. With a shaky breath, she took Hestia's hand, allowing herself to be led through the bustling streets.
They ended up in a small, cozy home tucked away in one of the quieter parts of the city. Yuuichiro sat awkwardly at a table, her gaze darting around the room, taking in every detail. She felt out of place, a stray animal in a warm, inviting den. Hestia moved around the kitchen with practiced ease, her movements graceful and efficient as she prepared a simple meal.
As Yuuichiro watched her, she found herself relaxing, if only a little. The smell of food was comforting, a reminder of simpler times, before everything had fallen apart. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until Hestia placed a steaming bowl of stew in front of her, the rich aroma filling her senses.
"Eat," Hestia urged gently, sitting across from her. "You look like you haven't had a proper meal in days."
Yuuichiro didn't need to be told twice. She picked up the spoon, shoveling the food into her mouth with a ferocity born of desperation. The warmth of the stew spread through her body, easing some of the tension in her muscles, and for a brief moment, she allowed herself to feel safe.
Hestia watched her quietly, her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and sympathy. "You don't have to tell me everything," she said softly. "But if you need a place to stay… I'd be happy to help."
The words took Yuuichiro by surprise. She lowered her spoon, staring at Hestia in disbelief. Why would this girl, a complete stranger, offer her such kindness? She didn't understand it, but a part of her wanted to accept, to cling to this small piece of warmth and hope.
"I… I don't know where I am," Yuuichiro admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't even know how I got here. Everything just… changed."
Hestia's expression softened, and she reached across the table, placing a gentle hand on Yuuichiro's. "You're in Orario," she explained. "The city of adventurers. People come here from all over, seeking fame, fortune, or… a fresh start."
A fresh start. The words echoed in Yuuichiro's mind, filling her with a strange, bittersweet longing. A fresh start was something she had never thought possible, not after everything that had happened. But maybe… maybe this was her chance. A chance to leave the past behind, to find a new purpose.
Hestia's eyes sparkled with a gentle warmth, a quiet strength that made Yuuichiro feel safe for the first time in years. "If you want," Hestia continued, "you could join my familia. It's just me and one other member right now, but we're like family."
Family. The word struck Yuuichiro like a blow, and she felt a sharp pang of grief twist in her chest. She had lost her family once, and the pain of it was still fresh, still raw. But Hestia's offer was tempting, a chance to fill the empty void that had consumed her heart.
She didn't know if she could trust again, if she could ever truly move on from the horrors of Sanguinem. But looking into Hestia's kind eyes, she found herself nodding, a flicker of hope sparking in the darkness of her soul.
"Yes," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I… I'd like that."
Hestia smiled, a radiant expression that seemed to light up the entire room. "Welcome to the Hestia Familia, Yuuichiro."
As Yuuichiro sat there, a strange warmth settled over her, a glimmer of peace in a world that had been nothing but chaos. She didn't know what the future held, but for the first time in a long time, she felt like maybe—just maybe—she wasn't alone.
The heavy silence of Orario's early morning streets wrapped around Yuuichiro like a shroud. Though she hadn't slept, her gaze was sharp, flicking from shadow to shadow as she followed Hestia through narrow alleyways and cobbled streets. Dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and gold, casting long shadows that stretched ominously across the deserted streets. Somewhere in the distance, the sounds of the city stirring began—merchants setting up their stalls, early risers milling about—but here, in this quiet, dim-lit part of Orario, she felt like she was slipping through the cracks of reality.
Her body still ached from the night before, but her mind had dulled the pain, a survival mechanism she was all too familiar with. Just like back in Sanguinem, she was moving forward because she had no other choice. The horrors she'd seen lingered at the edge of her consciousness, threatening to consume her, but Yuuichiro had learned long ago to keep them at bay. Survival came first. Everything else was just…noise.
Ahead of her, Hestia glanced back, her face warm despite the coolness of the morning air. "Not far now," she murmured. "Our home isn't much, but it's cozy. And…well, it's safe."
Safe. The word echoed in Yuuichiro's mind, foreign and almost absurd. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt safe, if ever. But there was something about Hestia—something genuine—that made her want to believe. Yuuichiro had seen too much, lost too much, to place blind faith in anything anymore, but Hestia's kindness was a strange, small comfort, like the warmth of a candle in a pitch-dark room.
They turned a corner, and there it was: a small, humble building tucked away between larger structures, its exterior worn but clean. Vines crept along the walls, giving it a quaint, lived-in feel. It was nothing like the grand, looming architecture of Sanguinem, and for that, Yuuichiro was thankful. Here, there were no shadows lingering in the corners, no oppressive darkness that threatened to swallow her whole.
Hestia pushed open the door, gesturing for Yuuichiro to step inside. "Welcome to our home," she said with a gentle smile. "It's small, but we make do."
Yuuichiro hesitated, her instincts warning her to stay alert, but the exhaustion pressing down on her shoulders made her step forward, as if her body was finally giving in. The interior was warm, filled with the faint scent of spices and herbs. Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a soft glow across the room. A modest kitchen was tucked into one corner, and a set of stairs led up to what she assumed was the sleeping area. It was simple, but comfortable. A strange sensation twisted in her chest—something she might have called longing, if she weren't so determined to keep her heart hardened.
"Here, let me show you something." Hestia beckoned her over to a small table near the kitchen, where she pulled out a sheet of parchment and an inkpot. Yuuichiro watched in silence as Hestia motioned for her to sit down, then placed a hand on her shoulder with surprising firmness.
"What are you…?" Yuuichiro began, tensing at the unfamiliar touch.
"This is just a formality," Hestia reassured her, her eyes filled with that same gentle warmth. "I'm going to give you a falna—our way of marking those in our Familia. It's like…a bond. It will help me keep you safe and track your growth here."
Yuuichiro frowned, confused but too drained to question it. She allowed herself to relax, though every nerve was on edge, alert for any sign of danger. Hestia's hand moved to her back, and Yuuichiro felt a strange warmth seep into her skin, like a faint hum of energy that resonated deep within her bones. She felt the prickling sensation of something unseen taking root within her, wrapping around her like an invisible thread.
"It's done," Hestia murmured after a moment, removing her hand. "Welcome to the Hestia Familia, Yuuichiro."
Yuuichiro sat up, her hand brushing against her back where she could feel the lingering warmth of the mark. "That's it?" she asked, trying to keep the skepticism from her voice.
Hestia laughed, a sound that was surprisingly genuine. "That's it. The falna binds us, gives you a place in this city. And it'll help you grow stronger, in time."
Something stirred within Yuuichiro as she listened to Hestia's words. Stronger. The idea of strength was familiar—she had been fighting for survival her entire life. But here, in this strange world, strength seemed to hold a different meaning. She clenched her fists, feeling the remnants of that strange energy pulsing beneath her skin, and for the first time, she wondered what she might become here.
Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Yuuichiro sat alone by the small window, gazing out at the city bathed in the warm glow of dusk. Hestia had gone out to meet her other Familia member, leaving Yuuichiro with a brief moment of solitude. She welcomed the quiet, her mind slipping back to the events of Sanguinem despite herself. The memory of Mikaela's blood, his hand slipping from hers, was a wound that refused to heal, festering deep within her.
As she lost herself in thought, the door creaked open, and Hestia returned, accompanied by a boy with white hair and wide, crimson eyes. He looked young, maybe a year or two younger than her, but his gaze held a spark of determination that surprised her. He blinked when he saw her, his eyes widening slightly in surprise.
"Oh! You must be Yuuichiro," he stammered, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "I—I'm Bell. Bell Cranel. It's nice to meet you."
Yuuichiro looked him over, her expression unreadable. Bell seemed… innocent, in a way that made her heart ache with an emotion she couldn't name. He wasn't like the hardened fighters she had seen in Sanguinem, nor did he carry the weight of someone who had suffered the same horrors. There was something refreshing about it, yet she felt a strange urge to shield him from the darkness she carried within herself.
"Nice to meet you," she said simply, her voice soft. She didn't know what else to say—she had never been good at small talk, especially with someone so… sincere.
Hestia beamed, clearly pleased by the introduction. "I think you two will get along well," she said with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Bell's still new to adventuring, but he's got a lot of heart. And Yuuichiro, you're strong, too. I can tell."
Yuuichiro shifted uncomfortably, unused to the praise. "I'm not strong," she muttered, almost to herself. "I just… survived."
Hestia's gaze softened, and she reached out, placing a comforting hand on Yuuichiro's shoulder. "Sometimes, surviving is the strongest thing you can do," she murmured. "And maybe… maybe here, you'll find something worth living for."
Bell looked between them, his expression puzzled but empathetic. He seemed to sense that there was something deeper going on, but he didn't pry, simply offering Yuuichiro a small, encouraging smile.
"Hey, if you ever need a partner in the Dungeon, I'd be happy to help!" he offered brightly, his eyes shining with a hopeful enthusiasm that was almost contagious.
Yuuichiro raised an eyebrow. "Dungeon?"
Bell's face lit up, and he launched into an eager explanation about the Dungeon—a massive labyrinth beneath Orario, filled with monsters and untold dangers. He spoke with such passion, his eyes shining with excitement, that Yuuichiro found herself listening despite her initial reluctance.
"People go down there to fight monsters and collect magic stones," Bell explained, gesturing animatedly. "The stones can be exchanged for money, or used to strengthen weapons and gear. It's dangerous, but… it's also where adventurers prove themselves."
Yuuichiro felt a spark of interest flicker within her. The idea of fighting monsters, of testing her own strength, was strangely appealing. It reminded her of the battles she had faced back in Sanguinem, of the endless struggle for survival that had shaped her life. Here, perhaps, she could channel that drive into something tangible, something that would allow her to grow stronger.
"Maybe I'll join you sometime," she said finally, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth.
Bell's face lit up with a mixture of surprise and excitement. "Really? That'd be awesome! I—I mean, it's dangerous, but with you there, I think we'd be unstoppable!"
A warmth bloomed in her chest at his words, a strange, unfamiliar sensation that she quickly pushed aside. She had learned not to trust easily, not to let her guard down. But there was something about Bell's sincerity, his unguarded enthusiasm, that made her feel… almost normal.
Hestia watched them with a quiet smile, her eyes soft and knowing. "Then it's settled," she said, a note of pride in her voice. "The Hestia Familia is going to do amazing things. I justknow it."
That night, as Yuuichiro lay on a simple cot in the small sleeping area Hestia had set up for her, she stared up at the ceiling, her thoughts a tangled web of memories and emotions. She could still feel the weight of the falna on her back, a constant reminder of her bond to the Hestia Familia.
In the darkness, the faces of her lost family flickered through her mind—Akane, Mikaela, the others. She could still hear their voices, their laughter, the warmth of their presence lingering in her memory like ghosts. And now, in this strange new world, she found herself on the edge of something unfamiliar, something that both frightened and intrigued her.
As she drifted off to sleep, a single thought echoed through her mind: perhaps, here, she could start over.
The following morning, Yuuichiro awoke to the soft chatter of Orario coming to life outside. Sunlight streamed through the small, square window by her bed, illuminating the modest room with a golden glow. She blinked, disoriented for a moment, caught between the fog of memory and reality. Her hand drifted to her back, tracing the spot where Hestia's falna had been inscribed the previous night. The mark didn't hurt, but it pulsed faintly with a warmth that felt both foreign and… comforting.
She pushed herself up, stretching until her joints cracked. Despite the promise of the falna's power, her body was still sore from the run through Sanguinem and the brutal journey that had led her to this new world. Every bruise, every cut, was a reminder of her past, one she wore with grim determination. But she'd survived—again. It was a fact she clung to, the same way she clung to her memories of Mikaela, Akane, and the others who hadn't made it out.
She changed quickly, donning the simple tunic and trousers Hestia had found for her. They were plain, a little big on her, but comfortable. The kind of clothes a person could move in. She slipped her knife into her belt—a comforting weight at her side—and ran her fingers over its worn handle. It was her only physical connection to her old life, a small piece of the world she'd lost.
As she stepped into the main room, she found Hestia busy preparing a simple breakfast. The goddess looked up, her face lighting up with a smile.
"Good morning, Yuuichiro! Did you sleep well?" she asked cheerfully, waving a spatula in one hand.
Yuuichiro shrugged, a noncommittal noise escaping her lips. "Good enough," she said, though the truth was that her sleep had been filled with the usual nightmares, echoes of blood and betrayal. She wasn't about to share that, though—not with someone who seemed so eager to see the good in her.
Hestia either didn't notice or chose not to push. "Well, I've got eggs and some bread. It's not much, but it'll give you some energy for the day!" She placed a plate in front of Yuuichiro, who looked down at the simple meal. There was something almost… soothing about it. The smell of the eggs, the warmth of the freshly toasted bread—it was so mundane, so unlike the twisted luxury of Sanguinem. She found herself reaching for the bread before she even realized it, the warmth of it grounding her.
"Thanks," she muttered, keeping her gaze on her food.
As she ate, Hestia settled across from her, resting her chin in her hands. "I wanted to talk to you about the Dungeon," she began. "Bell's really excited to show you around, but it's dangerous in there. Even the first few floors are no joke for beginners, so you'll need to be careful."
Yuuichiro paused, glancing up. The thought of fighting monsters, of putting her strength to the test, stirred something restless inside her. She'd spent her whole life fighting for survival. She was no stranger to danger or pain. The idea of this "Dungeon" didn't frighten her; it intrigued her.
"I'm not afraid," she said, her voice laced with a quiet confidence. "I've fought before. I can handle myself."
Hestia's eyes softened, though a hint of worry lingered in her gaze. "I don't doubt that you're strong, Yuuichiro. But the Dungeon is…different. It doesn't follow any rules. The monsters there are fierce, relentless, and they don't stop until one of you is dead." She paused, her voice softening. "Just promise me you'll be careful. You're a part of my Familia now, and I can't lose another member."
The earnestness in Hestia's voice struck a chord within Yuuichiro. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to imagine what it would be like to truly belong somewhere—to have people who cared whether she lived or died. She pushed the thought aside almost immediately. Attachments were dangerous; she'd learned that the hard way. But still, she found herself nodding.
"I'll be careful," she promised, though a part of her knew that caution was a luxury she rarely afforded herself.
Bell was waiting outside, his eyes bright with excitement and nervous energy. He fidgeted as Yuuichiro approached, a hesitant smile forming on his lips.
"Ready for your first Dungeon dive?" he asked, his voice a mixture of enthusiasm and trepidation. "It's, uh, it's intense, but I'll be there to help!"
Yuuichiro raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly at his eagerness. "Just don't slow me down," she replied, though there was no malice in her tone. If anything, she felt a strange warmth at his willingness to help her. It was… refreshing, if a little strange, to see someone so open and unguarded.
Bell laughed, though he looked a bit nervous at her confidence. "Alright, let's do this!"
The two made their way through the bustling streets of Orario, weaving between vendors and adventurers preparing for their own Dungeon dives. The city was alive with energy, a far cry from the oppressive silence of Sanguinem. Yuuichiro kept close to Bell, her eyes scanning the crowd, noting the various faces—some eager, some hardened, others weary with the weight of battle. It reminded her of the soldiers she'd seen in Sanguinem, their faces twisted by the burden of endless conflict.
Eventually, they reached the massive stone structure that marked the entrance to the Dungeon. The tower loomed above them, its entrance a gaping maw that seemed to beckon, dark and foreboding. Yuuichiro felt a surge of adrenaline, her fingers twitching with anticipation.
Bell noticed her expression and grinned. "Exciting, right?" he asked, his voice tinged with excitement.
"Yeah," Yuuichiro replied, her voice barely a whisper. She wasn't sure if it was excitement or something darker, something deeper. She only knew that the thought of fighting, of testing herself, made her blood hum with anticipation.
They stepped inside, the light from the city fading as they descended into the Dungeon's depths. The walls were rough stone, the air thick with a musty scent that reminded Yuuichiro of damp cellars and hidden places. Every sound seemed amplified, every movement echoed back, creating a strange, disorienting symphony of noises.
"Stay close to me," Bell said, his voice barely above a whisper. "The first few floors are supposed to be easy, but you never know when a monster might appear."
Yuuichiro nodded, her hand drifting to her knife. She'd heard similar warnings in Sanguinem, and she knew better than to underestimate her surroundings. As they moved deeper into the Dungeon, the darkness seemed to press in around them, and Yuuichiro felt her senses sharpen, every nerve on edge.
They hadn't gone far when they heard the first rumble. A low, guttural growl echoed through the corridor, sending a shiver down Yuuichiro's spine. Bell tensed beside her, his hand hovering over the hilt of his dagger.
"Goblin," he whispered, his voice tense. "Just one. We can take it."
Yuuichiro nodded, her grip tightening on her knife. She'd fought before—faced horrors that would make most people break. But here, in this new world, she felt a strange thrill at the prospect of combat. This was different. Here, she wasn't fighting for survival alone. Here, she had… a purpose.
The goblin emerged from the shadows, its eyes gleaming with a feral hunger. It was small, hunched over, but its movements were quick, almost jittery. It snarled, brandishing a jagged blade as it charged toward them.
Bell moved to intercept it, his movements fluid and practiced. But Yuuichiro was faster. She lunged forward, her knife flashing in the dim light as she slashed at the goblin's neck. The creature stumbled, blood spurting from the wound, and she followed up with a swift, brutal kick that sent it sprawling to the ground. It lay there, twitching, before falling still.
Bell stared at her, wide-eyed. "That was… fast."
Yuuichiro shrugged, wiping her blade on the hem of her tunic. "I told you, I can handle myself."
Bell laughed, though there was a hint of awe in his gaze. "Yeah… I can see that."
They continued through the Dungeon, encountering more goblins and the occasional kobold. Yuuichiro took them down with ruthless efficiency, her movements precise and unyielding. Every battle was a reminder of her time in Sanguinem, the countless hours spent fighting for survival, honing her skills. But here, with Bell beside her, it felt… different. Less desperate, more controlled.
At one point, they paused to catch their breath in a small alcove. Bell leaned against the wall, wiping sweat from his brow. "You're incredible, Yuuichiro," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "I've never seen anyone fight like you."
She looked at him, surprised by the genuine praise in his voice. She wasn't used to compliments, especially not ones that felt so… sincere. She shifted uncomfortably, not sure how to respond.
"It's just… surviving," she muttered, her gaze dropping to the ground. "I've been fighting for as long as I can remember."
Bell's expression softened, a hint of sadness flickering in his eyes. "Well, you don't have to fight alone anymore," he said quietly. "You have a Familia now. You have us."
Yuuichiro looked away, her heart tightening at his words. She wanted to believe him, to let herself feel the warmth of belonging. But the memories of Sanguinem, of her family's blood on her hands, kept her walls firmly in place.
Still, as they prepared to continue deeper into the Dungeon, a part of her couldn't deny the faint hope that maybe—just maybe—she'd found something worth fighting for.
