How are we doing, everyone? In the end, I managed to find the motivation to write a fanfic with the intention of making it long.
In this case, Bell as a Lycan.
To be honest, I took great inspiration from a story called "The Bunny Renard," having elements that I disliked and others that I liked, and I thought, "Why not create something of my own?"
And well... here we are. In any case, I hope you enjoy the reading, as I'm putting in the effort to create something of quality for those who decide to read it. Good luck!
A sturdy-looking man was plowing the fields on a small farm. It was a sweltering day, and sweat dripped down his face as he wiped his forehead with a handkerchief draped over his shoulders. Sighing and glancing to the side for a moment, he felt the weight of the labor, but his gaze was fixed on something in the distance.
In view was a boy with hair as white as snow, long ears that were slightly furry, and a fluffy tail, rushing over after finishing the plowing for the harvest. His eyes sparkled like two rubies under the sun. Noticing the pensive expression on the elder's face, the boy covered his ears slightly; the hot wind bothered him around his hair and that sensitive area.
"Is something the matter, Grandpa?" he asked in a gentle, yet weary voice. The work in the field had pushed his body to its limits.
The elder, with hair gray like silver, shook his head. "Nothing, little one, but it's time for lunch."
With bright eyes, the white-haired boy dropped the shovel and dashed toward his grandfather, smiling. His name was Bell Cranel. He had been discovered by his grandfather just five years ago, five years after a fateful day that still weighed heavily on the man's mind.
Although he didn't like to revisit that memory, the grandfather often did so, a shadow of regret crossing his face as he wished he had not undertaken that "mission." Still, Bell, observing his grandfather so lost in thought, pondered for a moment… he knew! This was probably just another one of those instances of "spacing out" to reflect on his misguided plans. After all, this was the man who always taught him about the "romances of a man" and how having a harem was the best thing for a hero, which, evidently, a pure-hearted child like him completely rejected.
Speaking of heroes, that was Bell's favorite topic. Rescuing princesses, aiding the needy, engaging in epic battles, and destined encounters. But what captivated him the most, what he cherished above all, was the story of heroes who fought for a greater good, those who risked their lives not for glory, not for women, not for power or riches, but for kindness, for integrity; because they believed it was right.
He also admired the ferocity of other heroes, like the ancient tales of the Einherjar. Oh, unbeatable champions! Those who rose again, "living dead" or "immortal" were the nicknames those warriors of indomitable spirit constantly received.
Bell dreamed of being like them after reading and hearing so many stories thanks to his grandfather. He had finally resolved it; he longed for it! He wanted to be an adventurer, although perhaps… he wished to meet pretty girls due to his grandfather's influence or to gain great power and earn respect; those were secondary desires. Delving into such inspirations from those ancient tales, those legends and myths… After all, Bell was a pure and innocent child, somewhat aware that not everyone was kind in those stories; he wished not to shrink back in the face of terrifying monsters, he wanted to be an Einherjar…
"Grandpa."
"Hmm?"
"I want to be a hero. I want to be an adventurer!"
The only sound that could be heard in the field while they had lunch was the laughter of the elder, which made Bell blush. Was it just a childish wish…?
"You will be, not today, nor tomorrow. But I believe that a grandson as determined as you will someday become one. Make me proud, Bell."
"I will, Grandpa!"
But that promise would remain unfulfilled for a few more years. That wolf-like half-human was a child, a pup, as the members of his kind often referred to him. His physique was not strong enough or suitable for combat, so the boy trained day after day.
He practiced alone, and his skills were rather lacking, attempting to wield a sword and learn hand-to-hand combat.
Maybe... magic! Why not give it a shot?
Although he frequently forgot that he was a Lycan, not an elf or a Renard; "silly me," he mused to himself.
Without a mentor, with no one to instruct him, his movements and drills were clumsy. However, they helped him forge his character and maintain his resolve, sweating under the sun or getting drenched in the rain that sometimes fell on that small village. Only his lineage and blood saved him from embarrassing himself; still, the white-haired boy had to admit that getting his tail wet was not the most pleasant experience... drying it was a true ordeal!
He was irritated that his grandfather always chuckled when he arrived soaked, with his long ears pressed against his hair that obscured his vision, and his tail dragging on the ground due to the weight of the water.
However, after a laugh accompanied by a slight cough, the old man always offered him a towel and dried his hair. It was comforting… it reminded him that, despite having lost his parents, he was not alone in this vast world.
"REMEMBER BELL, A MAN'S ROMANCE IS—" Though we all knew how that was going to conclude.
He knew they didn't have a blood connection, but the laughter, the enjoyable moments, or, to his lesser liking, the old man's attempts to corrupt his grandson and turn him into what they called "the enemy of women," were things he treasured. After all, it was proof that he had a bond with someone, one stronger than mere blood ties.
Sometimes, memories filled his mind; like when his grandfather took him to the village's public restroom, only to leave him stranded and make it seem like he was spying on women... how he detested that! But at least fleeing from those furious women assured him that his agility would increase… even if just a little.
Or that time they were upset with each other during noon because Bell burned his lewd drawings; he was proud of that, his grandfather not so much, and he repeated to him for weeks that it was not the behavior of a hero.
Then there was the day he attempted to help him train… only to knock him out and try to take him to the local tavern, which he didn't succeed in, as the Lycan recovered quickly. It was impossible to forget that time the village mayor scolded them both because of the grandfather, who had stolen women's underwear. Damn that perverted old man! It was something he couldn't help but blame himself for; not stopping him in time had led them both into the same predicament.
But what the white-haired boy cherished the most were those tranquil moments at night when his grandfather would narrate time and again his favorite stories... about the grand dungeon of Orario and the brave adventurers who dared to enter it; the floors, the monsters, and the secrets they guarded were terrifying.
However, one day… his grandfather vanished, leaving no trace, saying no farewell, not even leaving a note. Bell felt betrayed, his sharp teeth grinding against each other in frustration; however, that feeling would soon be replaced by a deep sadness, an empty sensation. The silence in the house in the morning was more devastating than ever. Something that used to feel comforting was now despairing.
The sound of birds chirping and the warmth of summer were no longer pleasant memories; they served as reminders of the loss of something important to him: his grandfather. But, like a light illuminating his mind, a fleeting memory crossed his thoughts: "Orario."
The city of brave adventurers, the city of powerful warriors, the city of future heroes!
Though sorrow consumed him, perhaps it was a sign from fate to leave this place behind, to fulfill the promise he made three years ago to his beloved relative: to become a hero and make him proud. Without a second thought, the white-haired Lycan would grab his backpack, don his best clothes, and wield a small, worn-out short sword, but enough for him, and embark on his journey to greatness...
Though... perhaps it wouldn't be as filled with hope and happiness as his innocent mind imagined.
And well... that would be the end of the first chapter. I hope you like the premise and what I have planned as well. It will be a story different from the canon, obviously, and with original elements, but I still want it to be a good progression, something worth reading. The next chapter won't take long to arrive, so I hope you enjoy that too. Remember to leave your feedback! I really appreciate it.