Danmachi: Obligations To The Past

"Haaah haaah haah," heavy breathing broke the tranquility of the open field. A boy could be seen running himself ragged in circles. The villagers who passed by thought the boy crazy.

"He's been coming here everyday for a week just running and other things that leave him fainted," said an old bearded man.

"Yeah, I think that hit to the head really changed him. He used to be so down to earth and social. Now he spends most of his time alone doing this training of his," replied the younger man next to him.

This kind of talk has been prevalent throughout the village for the past few days. They didn't know whether he was the same Bell from before. The most worried of all was the boys grandfather. Even if it wasn't voiced out, the actions of the child were running the old man ragged himself.

Within visual distance of his grandson, Zeus was contemplating all that had happened. 'Was I too quick to decline the boy. His father would be proud to know he was so determined, but I can't imagine his mother would would be so willing to put him in harms way,' he thought. "Haaaah," Zeus sighed. He had been having this inner dialogue ever since their spat.

Zeus stood up from the log he was resting on and walked back to his cabin. He was preparing dinner for the two of them before Bell came home. 'We can't go on like this. I guess I'll teach him the basics so he can defend himself," finally bringing all his contemplating to an end.

As he did so, Bell dragged his tired body through the door and sat on the nearest chair. Looking at him trying so hard brought a source of pride to Zeus, but also an aching pain that reminded him of the past he lost. Getting up the courage for the coming conversation, he finally spoke, "Bell, I see that no matter what I say, you already made up your mind..?" Not knowing whether he was questioning him or speaking certainties.

"Yes grandpa. I aim to become strong so that I can set off on an adventure of my own," said Bell.

Zeus raised his eyebrows to his response. "Perhaps all those fairytales rubbed off on you. Very well, I will train you to defend yourself starting tomorrow. Prepare Bell for I will by no means go easy on you. This is for your survival. You must learn."

With that the dinner was finished and placed at the table. "Eat well. Your going to need it.." said Zeus. Bell looked up at his grandpa, but what he saw made him shiver. His face was over cast with shadows from the candle on the table. The only visible part of his face was his deep blew eyes shining through the darkness like a demon waiting for prey.

At this moment Bell regretted backing his grandfather into a corner. 'Damn, I should of known that strong arming someone to get what I wanted wouldn't be that easy. Especially with something this important,' he thought while sweat dropped off his chin.

The future was looking rather bleak for our young budding hero.