DanMachi Fanfiction: Prologue
Orario was quiet that evening, a rare contrast to its usual bustle. Under a starry sky, Bell Cranel walked slowly down the cobblestone road leading to the Hestia Familia mansion. The glow of the magic crystals softly illuminated the streets, casting a light subdued on his face still marked by the recent events of the Dungeon.
The memories of their perilous expedition to the 37th floor refused to leave his mind. The faces of his companions, the incessant dangers, and especially the sacrifices they had had to make, weighed heavily on his shoulders. Yet, despite everything, he felt more determined than ever to become stronger.
It was then that a familiar, cheerful voice pierced the silence of the night.
"Hey, Aiz, we could have cut through there, it would have been faster! But no, you had to insist on going through this street!"
Bell froze. That voice… He looked up and saw two figures walking nearby. One of them was a young woman with an imposing appearance, her golden blonde hair floating slightly in the night breeze. Beside her, a smaller, mischievous figure with red hair and a mischievous smile was chatting animatedly.
It was Aiz Wallenstein and Loki.
Bell felt his heart race. He hadn't seen Aiz since he came back from the Dungeon. Their last training session together came flooding back to him, and with it, a mixture of respect, admiration, and that indefinable feeling he felt every time he met her gaze.
Aiz stopped suddenly, as if she had sensed his presence. Her golden eyes fell on him, and a flash of surprise crossed her face.
"Bell…?"
Before Bell could answer, she quickly walked towards him, leaving Loki behind.
"Bell," she said, her voice quiet but sincere, "I heard about your last expedition into the Dungeon. Everyone's talking about it. You went really far, and it was… dangerous." She paused, her gaze searching his face. "Are you okay?"
Bell, taken aback by her attention, stammered slightly. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. I mean, it was tough, but everyone got home safe. Well… thanks to a lot of luck and teamwork."
Aiz nodded, visibly relieved. She seemed to want to say more, but kept silent.
Loki joined them, walking casually. She glanced at Aiz, then at Bell, amused. "Well, if it wasn't the little bunny who's making so much noise in town. You're all over the rumor mill, kid. You're going to end up rivaling my dear Aiz!"
Bell blushed at the backhanded compliment, not knowing how to respond.
Aiz, as if sensing his embarrassment, turned the conversation away. "Bell… you seem more confident than before. That's a good thing. But… you're still looking to improve, aren't you?"
"Yes!" he answered immediately, his voice full of conviction. "And that's why… I wanted to ask you… if you could train me again."
Aiz was silent for a moment, her eyes thinking. "I'd like to. But..."
Loki interjected with a mocking smile. "She won't be able to, kid. We're going on a big expedition in a few days. Something big, and way down in the Dungeon. You should be glad we had enough time to walk around here."
Bell looked down slightly, disappointed. However, he quickly looked up, an idea taking shape in his mind.
"So… if you're going on an expedition, why not let me accompany you?"
The two women stared at him, surprised by his proposition. Loki burst out laughing.
"You? Accompanying the Loki Familia? You're brave, I'll grant you that, but you know that this kind of expedition is no walk in the park, right?"
Bell clenched his fists. "I know that. But… if I want to become stronger, I have to face bigger challenges. And besides… I know I can be useful."
Aiz exchanged a look with Loki. His expression was unreadable, but something in his eyes betrayed a certain respect for Bell's determination.
"Loki-sama," she said softly, "perhaps he could be of use to us. He's proven himself many times. And… he has a lot of potential."
Loki looked at her, surprised. Then she shrugged. "Well, if you say so, my dear Aiz, then why not. But kid, don't come crying if you get crushed over there."
Bell felt his heart leap with joy. He turned to Aiz, a bright smile on his face. "Thank you, Aiz-san! I promise not to be a burden to you."
Aiz gave a thin smile, rare but sincere. "Then prepare yourself. This expedition will be unlike anything you've ever experienced."
As they continued their march, Bell felt a mixture of apprehension and excitement. A new adventure was opening up before him, and this time, he would have the chance to fight alongside Aiz and the Loki Familia.
And deep down, he knew it would be a test that would change everything.