Chereads / danmachi: class of heroes / Chapter 2 - chp:1 reincarnation

Chapter 2 - chp:1 reincarnation

The bus sunk deeper and deeper into the icy depths of the river. The water rushed in with relentless force, filling the bus with a bone-chilling cold that clung to the skin. The students' desperate cries echoed through the enclosed space, a cacophony of terror that drowned out any rational thought. The water was at neck level now, and panic set in as they struggled to keep their heads above the rising flood.

Bell stood frozen, his breath hitching as he took in the scene. His mind was a whirlwind of fear and disbelief. He could hear his classmates screaming, see the terror in their eyes, but it all felt distant, like a nightmare he couldn't wake up from.

"Don't worry, Bell! We'll be alright!" Yuji's voice cut through the chaos, his words laced with forced optimism as he clung to any hope he could find. He was always the positive one, always trying to lift others even in the darkest of times.

But there was nothing alright about this.

"What the hell, someone help us!" Itsuki's voice was shrill with panic, his usual arrogance stripped away by the sheer terror of the moment.

But there was no help coming.

"We've got to do something!" Ren shouted, his usual confidence and superior demeanor slipping gradually.

But there was nothing to do.

The bus had become a metal tomb, sinking ever deeper into the black abyss. Bell could feel the cold water inching higher, wrapping around his chest, his neck, until it was at his chin. His heart pounded in his chest, a frantic drumbeat that echoed in his ears. His lungs burned as he tried to keep the water out, his mind screaming for air that wasn't there.

The water finally overtook them, filling the bus completely. The screams turned to gurgles as the students fought against the inevitable, their limbs flailing in the murky water. Bell's vision began to blur as the lack of oxygen set in, dark spots dancing before his eyes. The cold seeped into his bones, pulling him into unconsciousness. His last thought was a silent prayer, not for himself, but for his classmates, his friends.

And then, everything went black.

But it wasn't the end.

In a moment that defied explanation, Bell felt warmth spreading through his body, a gentle heat that chased away the cold that had gripped him. His lungs expanded as air filled them, and his vision slowly returned, not to the darkness of the river's depths, but to a place bathed in soft light.

Bell found himself standing on solid ground, but it wasn't the muddy riverbed he expected. Instead, he was surrounded by an otherworldly landscape, a place of light with clouds of mist that reached up to his ankles. The light was soothing, almost surreal, and the air was thick with an unearthly calm.

He wasn't alone.

One by one, figures began to emerge from the mist, their outlines gradually becoming clear. Bell watched in stunned silence as his classmates appeared, each one as confused and disoriented as he was. Yuji, Itsuki, Ren, and all the others stood around him, their faces a mirror of his own bewilderment.

"Where are we?" someone whispered, their voice trembling with fear.

"Are we… dead?" Yuji asked, his voice trembling as the question hung heavy in the misty air.

"Yes," a stern female voice responded from behind them, its tone sharp and unyielding.

"Well, not yet, at least," added another voice, this one playful and teasing.

"Hello, champions," came a third voice, filled with confidence and warmth.

Everyone turned to see three figures emerging from the mist, each one breathtakingly beautiful, their presence exuding an aura that felt almost divine—goddess-like, even.

And that assumption wasn't far off.

"Who are you three? Where are we?" Ren demanded, his voice cracking slightly as he tried to mask his unease.

"I am Clotho, one of the goddesses of fate," announced the leftmost figure, her voice light and joyful. She was the youngest of the three, her youthful, vibrant appearance further accentuated by her long, flowing golden hair, which shimmered with subtle highlights that changed color as they caught the light. Her eyes sparkled like emeralds, full of curiosity and mischief. Clotho's gown was a spectacle in itself, made of shimmering, multicolored threads that refused to settle on a single hue, constantly shifting and changing like the threads of fate she weaved. The gown hugged her figure snugly, emphasizing her lithe form while leaving her shoulders bare, the fabric flowing down to caress her curves. Her bracelets and anklets, crafted from the same mystical threads, seemed to weave and unweave themselves as she moved, drawing attention to her graceful limbs.

"I am Lachesis, another of the goddesses of fate," spoke the middle figure, her voice calm and confident. She exuded serenity and grace, her shoulder-length hair a deep, rich shade of midnight blue, falling gently around her face. Her lavender eyes were soothing, offering a sense of peace and balance. Lachesis wore a long, flowing gown of deep indigo and silver, the fabric as elegant as the night sky, embroidered with intricate patterns resembling constellations. The dress had long sleeves that flared slightly at the wrists, with a fitted bodice that accentuated her gentle curves without being overt. The gown's neckline was modest, yet the way the fabric moved was hypnotic, almost as if the constellations themselves were subtly drawing the eye to her every movement.

"And I am Atropos, the eldest of the goddesses of fate," declared the third figure, her voice cold and commanding. Atropos cut an imposing figure, tall and regal, with sharp features that conveyed authority and finality. Her jet-black hair was pulled back into a severe, elegant bun, strands of silver woven through to symbolize the inevitability of death. Her icy blue eyes pierced through the mist with a gaze that brooked no argument. Atropos's gown was the most austere, yet it had an undeniable allure. The black fabric was sleek, clinging to her form in a way that accentuated her powerful frame. The high collar and the severe cut of the dress only served to enhance her imposing presence, while the subtle hints of silver at the seams added an air of sophistication to her otherwise stern appearance. Despite the coldness she exuded, there was an undeniable sensuality in the way she carried herself, a dangerous beauty that both captivated and intimidated.

"Goddesses?" Ren stammered, his bravado faltering as he took in their otherworldly beauty.

"Yes, that's right!" Clotho responded joyfully, her smile brightening the mist around them.

"We have chosen all of you to be reincarnated into another world," Lachesis continued, her voice steady and filled with purpose.

"Reincarnated? Why us?" Itsuki asked, his skepticism clear as he narrowed his eyes at the goddesses. His mind raced, trying to piece together what had happened and why they were here.

"It's because we've chosen all of you to become our children in a world where other gods and goddesses reside," Clotho explained, her tone slightly more serious but still carrying that underlying warmth.

"Wait, there are more gods and goddesses? And they live in another world?" Yuji interjected, his earlier panic giving way to a mix of curiosity and awe.

"Yes, there are many more than just the three of us. Half of the gods and goddesses reside in Tenkei, while the others dwell in Genkai," Lachesis elaborated, her lavender eyes shimmering with the knowledge of eons.

"Tenkei and Genkai? What do those mean?" a random student asked, his voice shaky as he tried to grasp the enormity of the situation.

"Tenkei is heaven, where we and many other gods reside," Clotho explained, her eyes twinkling as she gestured towards the sky, "and Genkai is the world were others gods and goddesses seek entertainment and is were we are going to reincarnate all of you into."

"But why? Why us?" Itsuki pressed, his voice rising slightly as he sought answers. "It's not like we were randomly selected. There has to be a reason."

Clotho hesitated, her joyful demeanor faltering for just a moment as she fumbled for the right words. "Um, well… it's because, um—"

"It's because Clotho felt it wasn't fair for all of you to die when it wasn't your time," Atropos interjected, her icy gaze softening ever so slightly as she glanced at her younger sister. "She may be a goddess of fate, but she has a soft spot for those whose lives are unjustly cut short."

"Yep, that sums it up!" Clotho chimed in, her smile returning full force. She clasped her hands together, the multicolored threads of her gown shimmering with her excitement.

"So, because we died in that bus accident, you're giving us a second chance?" Yuji asked, still trying to wrap his head around the idea. His voice carried a mix of disbelief and curiosity, a stark contrast to the fear that had gripped him just moments before.

"Exactly," Lachesis confirmed, her voice soothing and filled with a calm authority. "But there's a condition—if you want this second chance, you'll need to agree to our terms."

"What are the terms?" Itsuki asked, his tone wary. He was skeptical, his logical mind racing to understand what these goddesses wanted in return.

"We're offering you a second life in another world, but only if you agree to become part of our familia in Genkai," Lachesis explained, her lavender eyes meeting each of theirs with a steady gaze.

"What's a familia?" one of the students asked, his voice trembling with a mixture of fear and hope.

"A familia is what we call it when someone joins us," Lachesis continued, her tone patient as she explained. "When you become our children, you'll receive our falna

"What's a falna?" another student chimed in, the term foreign and strange on their tongue.

"A falna is a blessing that bestows power and strength upon our children," Clotho interjected, her voice bright and eager. "It's what will allow you to embark on grand adventures, to grow stronger, and to achieve things you never thought possible."

"So, we have to join you to get this second chance?" Itsuki pressed, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered the offer. It sounded too good to be true, and he wasn't one to accept things at face value.

"Yes," Lachesis confirmed with a nod. "And if you don't want to, you can always choose to go to Tenkei—heaven—and be reincarnated back into your old world."

"The choice is yours!" Clotho added, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she looked around at the students.

"So, who wants to be reincarnated?" Atropos asked, her voice cutting through the mist like a blade. Her tone was less inviting, more a demand for a decision.

The students exchanged glances, the weight of the decision heavy in the air. But the allure of a new life, of power and adventure, was too strong to resist. Almost everyone spoke up at the same time, voices overlapping in a chorus of agreement.

"Okay then!" Clotho cheered, clapping her hands together. The multicolored threads of her gown shimmered brighter as she looked around the group. "Now, we're going to choose the captains for our familias."

The three goddesses began to move through the group, their eyes scanning each student with an appraising gaze. They were looking for something—potential, strength, a spark that set certain individuals apart.

"I… choose… you!" Clotho exclaimed, her voice sing-song and cheerful as she pointed directly at Ren. Her emerald eyes sparkled with joy as she singled him out. "You've got something special, I can tell!"

Ren blinked in surprise, his usual cocky demeanor faltering for a moment. But he quickly recovered, nodding in acceptance. "Hm, okay."

"You seem like you'd make a good leader," Lachesis said, her voice calm and measured as she pointed at Itsuki. Her gaze was steady, like she had seen something in him that others might have overlooked.

Itsuki straightened, his mind already whirring with the possibilities. "Alright," he agreed, though his tone suggested he was still processing the weight of the responsibility he had just accepted.

"And you," Atropos said with a hint of impatience, pointing at Yuji. Her icy blue eyes met his, and for a moment, there was an unspoken challenge in her gaze. "Get over here."

"Woo!" Yuji exclaimed, grinning widely as he confidently walked over to his goddess. Despite the gravity of their situation, a thrill of excitement coursed through him, making his heart race. This was the start of something extraordinary—he could feel it deep in his bones, like a fire igniting within him.

Clotho, ever cheerful and lively, clapped her hands together, her multicolored gown shimmering as she addressed the group. "By the way, each of you, since you're all from a different world, will have some special abilities. I don't really know how it works—something about different souls or something something—but anyways, now we'll choose the rest!" She waved her hand dismissively, as if these unique powers were merely a trivial detail, though in reality, they held immense importance. But with no one asking for now, the matter was swiftly passed over.

After a few moments of consideration, Clotho's eyes sparkled with decision. "I choose you!" she declared, pointing at a random student with a bright smile.

It was now Lachesis turn to pick

Itsuki, always strategic and calculating, quickly leaned in, "I suggest you take Owen." His tone was firm, as if he was used to making decisions for others.

Lachesis blinked and then nodded. "Alright then, you there" she called out, gesturing to Owen.

"Yes, goddess!" Owen replied eagerly, stepping forward with a mixture of nervousness and excitement.

Atropos was next.

Yuji, ever the friendly one, was about to make his own suggestion. "Oo, oh, I suggest you go for—"

But before he could finish, Atropos cut him off with a dismissive wave. Her icy blue eyes landed on another student. "You, get over here," she commanded, her tone leaving no room for discussion.

Yuji paused, slightly deflated but still cheerful. "Okay then…" he mumbled under his breath, shrugging it off as he watched the selection continue.

Clotho continued with her playful picking, scanning the group with a mischievous glint in her eye. "You, right there!" she called out again, pointing to another student with enthusiasm.

Itsuki, never one to miss an opportunity, suggested once more, "Him," he said, his voice carrying authority.

Lachesis nodded again, seemingly trusting Itsuki's judgment. "Alright," she agreed, motioning the student forward.

Yuji, still eager to help Bell, tried once more to speak up, "Choose—"

But again, Atropos cut him off, not interested in hearing his thoughts. "You, get over here," she ordered another student, her tone sharp and final.

One by one, the students were chosen by the goddesses. Each selection was met with varying degrees of excitement, fear, and anticipation, but all fifteen students were eventually chosen—except for Bell, who still stood in the same spot, watching as his classmates were claimed by their respective goddesses.

Bell felt a strange mix of emotions swirling within him—confusion, uncertainty, and a creeping sense of isolation. As the final student was chosen, he couldn't help but wonder if they had forgotten about him.

"Now then," Lachesis said, clapping her hands together as she took a step forward. Her serene voice carried through the mist, signaling that the ritual was nearing its end. "I believe it's time for all of you to be reincarnated into the new world."

"Umm, wait! What about Bell—" Yuji's voice rang out, desperate and concerned, but before he could finish, Atropos's cold, cutting voice echoed through the mist, "Farewell." Her words held the finality of a door slamming shut, leaving no room for debate. The ground beneath the students began to tremble and shift, signaling the beginning of their descent into the unknown.

Starting with Yuji, the chosen students began to sink into the mist, their bodies slowly dissolving into the ethereal fog as they were pulled downward, one by one. Bell watched in stunned silence, his heart pounding as the realization set in—he was being left behind.

The once solemn atmosphere was abruptly shattered by Clotho's triumphant voice. "Haha, my familia is going to be the best!" she declared with a playful smirk, her youthful energy evident as she basked in her own confidence.

"You wish," Lachesis retorted, her voice calm but carrying a hint of competitive edge. "Mine will be the best."

"Both of you are dreaming," Atropos declared, her tone icy and resolute. "Mine will succeed."

The three goddesses quickly devolved into a heated argument, each passionately defending the superiority of their soon-to-be familia. Their voices overlapped, growing louder and more animated, while Bell stood there, feeling increasingly invisible.

"Umm, excuse me, goddesses…" Bell's tentative voice cut through the clamor, bringing the argument to a sudden halt. The goddesses turned to him, momentarily stunned as they realized they had overlooked him.

"Huh, oh, we must have missed one," Lachesis remarked, tilting her head as she examined Bell more closely. "Strange… your presence is quite peculiar. I can't seem to detect it fully."

"Weird," Atropos added, narrowing her eyes. Her icy blue gaze bore into him, as though she were trying to unravel a mystery. "It's like you're… different."

Clotho's eyes brightened with curiosity. "So, who is he going to be with?" she asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Lachesis quickly did a mental tally. "I've got five," she said, her voice laced with a hint of satisfaction.

"Me too!" Clotho chimed in, practically bouncing with enthusiasm.

"Same here," Atropos confirmed, her voice colder, but no less certain.

"It seems we have an uneven number," Lachesis noted, her brow furrowing slightly in contemplation.

"Well, he can join mine," Clotho offered with a carefree smile, already imagining the possibilities.

"Hah! So you just expect me to let you have more members than me?!" Lachesis retorted, her tone sharp as she crossed her arms.

"One member difference isn't that much," Clotho said, waving off the concern with a dismissive hand. Her expression remained playful, but there was a stubborn glint in her eyes.

"So let me have him," Lachesis insisted, her voice firm as she stood her ground.

"No, I said him first," Clotho shot back, her tone now edging into frustration. The two of them locked eyes, their playful banter turning into a more serious standoff.

While the argument escalated, Atropos's gaze remained fixed on Bell. She scrutinized him, her eyes narrowing as she tried to pierce the veil that seemed to obscure him from her usual foresight. "I see no future… why is that?" she mused silently to herself, a rare hint of uncertainty creeping into her mind.

Finally, unable to tolerate the bickering any longer, Atropos spoke up, her voice sharp and commanding. "Enough!" The single word echoed through the mist, cutting through the tension like a blade. Both Clotho and Lachesis flinched, instantly silenced by their elder sister's authority. Even Bell couldn't help but flinch at the sudden intensity in her voice.

Atropos's gaze was unyielding as she addressed Bell directly. "Since it will be an uneven number, and it wouldn't be fair to the others, you will need to go solo, without a familia."

Bell's eyes widened in surprise. "Huh?" was all he could manage, his mind racing to catch up with the unexpected turn of events.

"There are many gods who may choose you in due time," Atropos continued, her tone leaving no room for argument. "But for now, you must go alone. Farewell."

Before Bell could respond, the mist beneath him began to swirl, wrapping around his feet and pulling him down into the unknown just as it had with his classmates. The world around him vanished into a haze of white, and Bell felt his stomach lurch as he was plunged into the abyss. As Bell drifted down through the swirling mist, his consciousness began to fade, leaving him in a strange, half-aware state. He was wrapped tightly in a soft, warm cloth, his body becoming small and barely able to move. The world around him felt distant, like a dream he couldn't quite grasp, and his mind was foggy, half-unconscious as he descended.

The mist seemed to cradle him as he fell, its cold tendrils brushing against his face and body, but Bell felt no fear, only a deep, overwhelming sense of tiredness. He tried to open his eyes, but his vision was blurry, the world around him a swirl of pale colors and shapes.

Then, everything grew bright—too bright. Bell squinted, his small eyelids fluttering in the intense light as his surroundings shifted. The mist had transformed into a realm of endless strings, each leading to vibrant, colorful circles. They stretched out in all directions, like a web of fate itself. Bell's tiny form began to unravel, his body turning into a single, delicate string that connected him to this mysterious place.

Before he could comprehend what was happening, the string that was Bell was pulled toward a dark spot below him, a swirling blackness that resembled storm clouds. As he neared it, his body stretched even further, becoming a line that connected the mist to the portal below.

In an instant, everything changed. The bright mist and colorful strings vanished, replaced by the soft sound of rain. Bell's consciousness flickered as he felt droplets of water land on his tiny face. He was now lying on a doorstep, wrapped in a cloth that was slowly becoming damp from the falling rain.

A beautiful woman with blue eyes and long, white hair appeared above him, her face a mixture of sadness and love. She gazed down at Bell, her tears mingling with the raindrops as she spoke softly, her voice full of sorrow.

"I'm sorry, Bell," she whispered, her words gentle yet heartbreaking. "But I can't take care of you." She leaned down, pressing a tender kiss on his small forehead. "I hope one day you can forgive me," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

With a final, lingering look, the woman knocked on the door of the house where Bell now lay and turned to leave, disappearing into the rainy night. Bell, still half-unconscious and unaware of his surroundings, felt a sense of warmth and safety as he drifted into more deep, unconscious state, the memory of the woman's voice and touch fading into the recesses of his mind.

The door of the house he was left on opened, and A man, grizzled with age and experience, his gray hair matted against his head from the moisture in the air, stepped out onto his doorstep. His beard and mustache, equally gray. The light from his home cast a soft glow onto the puddle-filled path in front of him, revealing something unexpected—a small bundle wrapped tightly in cloth, lying on the ground.

"Huh?" the man muttered, his voice a deep rumble as he squinted down at the bundle. It took a moment for him to process what he was seeing. There, on his doorstep, was a baby, left in the cold and rain. The man's eyes widened, and he quickly bent down, scooping the child up into his arms with surprising gentleness for someone of his stature.

As he cradled the tiny figure, he felt a strange warmth spread through his chest, a sensation that he hadn't felt in years. He brought the baby inside, the warmth of his home a stark contrast to the chill outside. He settled the baby on a soft mattress, carefully tucking the cloth around the small body to keep him warm.

The man's gaze fell upon a piece of paper tucked into the folds of the cloth. Frowning, he picked it up and began to read in silence. The words were brief but clear—just a name: Bell Nightsong. The man's eyes lingered on the name for a moment, the corners of his mouth twitching in thought.

"Bell… Nightsong," he repeated softly, as if testing the name on his tongue. It was familiar in a way that stirred something deep within him, a memory long buried under layers of time and experiences. He looked down at the baby, his mind racing as he tried to connect the dots.

For a solid five minutes, the man stood there, looking at the baby as if the child might somehow offer an explanation. He began to pace back and forth, the wooden floor creaking under his heavy steps. His thoughts were a jumble of memories, questions, and doubts.

"Raise you? I don't know," he murmured to himself, his voice low and contemplative. "I'm a god… would it not be better to have a mortal raise you?" He stopped pacing for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he considered the implications. The child had been left on his doorstep, but why? Why him, of all people? Surely there were others more suited to care for a baby—a mortal family, perhaps, one that could offer the child a normal life.

"I was chosen randomly," he continued, the words a mixture of frustration and confusion. "So I could find someone else to raise you…" He trailed off, his thoughts interrupted by the tiniest of sounds—a soft grumble from the baby.

Bell, still wrapped in his cloth, shifted slightly on the mattress, his tiny face scrunching up as if in discomfort. A second later, a small, pitiful cry escaped his lips, growing louder with each passing moment.

The man—Zeus, once the head of the mighty Zeus Familia—felt a rush of panic. It had been centuries since he'd had to care for a child, and the sound of the baby's cry was enough to shake him from his thoughts. He hurried over to Bell, lifting him gently into his arms and rocking him back and forth in an attempt to soothe him.

"Shh, shh, it's alright, little one," Zeus murmured, his deep voice surprisingly tender. The baby's cries continued for a few more moments, but gradually, as Zeus rocked him and whispered soothing words, Bell began to calm down. His tiny fists unclenched, and his cries faded into soft whimpers. Eventually, his eyelids grew heavy, and he drifted back into a light, peaceful sleep.

Zeus let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He looked down at the now-sleeping baby in his arms, his eyes taking in the delicate features, the soft white hair that crowned his head, and the faint hint of blue in the child's closed eyes.

"White hair and blue eyes," Zeus said quietly, a note of recognition in his voice. "You do look like her…" His mind drifted back to a time long past, to a pair of two children from different familias. A member of his familia who had once been dear to him and his beloved lover that always wanted a child, but her body had been too frail, too sick to bring life into the world.

A pang of sorrow and nostalgia swept over Zeus as he remembered her. She had been a bright light, a beacon of hope during darker days. But her light had been extinguished far too soon, leaving behind only memories and unfulfilled dreams.

"I, Zeus, once the god of the powerful Zeus Familia," he began, his voice filled with determination and a hint of pride, "will raise you, Bell Nightsong." The words felt right, as if they had been destined to be spoken. Zeus looked down at the baby again, feeling a sense of purpose begin to take root in his heart.

As he continued to rock Bell gently in his arms, Zeus's mind began to wander, thinking about all the things he would need to prepare. The baby would need to be well-fed and hydrated, of course, but that was easier said than done. Bell was an infant, after all, and that meant he would need to be breastfed…

A vivid image of a well-endowed woman's breast suddenly flashed through Zeus's mind, causing him to pause mid-thought. He could almost feel the softness, the warmth… but then he quickly shook his head, scolding himself for letting his thoughts wander in such a direction at a time like this.

"Damn it, stop that," Zeus muttered to himself, his cheeks tinged with embarrassment. "This is no time to get pent up." He chuckled slightly, though there was a hint of frustration in his tone. "I wonder if you'll end up like a pervert like me," he mused aloud, his gaze returning to the sleeping baby.

In response, Bell made a tiny, unconscious sound—almost like a soft "un." The timing was so perfect, so in sync with Zeus's words, that the old god couldn't help but burst into hearty laughter. The sound filled the small room, rich and full of life, echoing off the walls like a joyous melody.

"Don't worry about a thing, Bell," Zeus said with a wide grin, his laughter fading into a warm smile. "Your grandpa here will teach you the way to pick up any girl you like. That way, you can live out your wildest dreams—even if you have to do it in a dungeon."

Zeus gently rocked Bell a little more, watching as the baby's breathing grew even and steady in his sleep. "I wonder," Zeus mused aloud again, "if you'll grow up to be like me—strong, confident, maybe a little too fond of the ladies…" He chuckled again, the thought of Bell becoming a mini version of himself both amusing and endearing.

But then his expression softened, and he felt a deeper, more profound hope take hold. "Or maybe… you'll be something even greater," Zeus whispered, his voice barely audible. "Someone who can change the world, who can bring light to the darkness…"

The old god sighed, a sense of peace settling over him. He would do everything in his power to raise Bell right, to give him the life he deserved—a life full of adventure, love, and perhaps even a bit of mischief.

With one last glance at the sleeping baby, Zeus carefully laid him back down on the mattress, tucking the cloth around him once more. He then sat down beside the makeshift crib, his mind already planning the next steps he would take. There was much to do, but for now, he would let Bell rest, let him dream of whatever it was that babies dreamed of.

"Sleep well, little Bell," Zeus murmured softly, his voice filled with affection. "We have a long journey ahead of us, you and I. But don't worry—I'll be with you every step of the way for now."

As the rain continued to fall outside, a gentle lullaby in the quiet night, Zeus closed his eyes, leaning back in his chair. The house was warm, the fire crackling softly in the hearth, and for the first time in a long while, Zeus felt a sense of contentment. He had been given a new purpose, a new reason to keep going, and it filled him with a hope he hadn't felt in years.

And so, as the night wore on, Zeus kept a watchful eye over Bell.

(Author note)

I'll edit stuff tomorrow… I'm to tired to do it now, I just wanted to release something at least.