DanMachi: The Final Showdown

Chapter 2: Nightmares and Dreams

It was a grim story. A fate that seemed bleaker than when our party was nearly eliminated facing the Amphisbaena and the 37th floor. A fate that seemed harder to overcome than when we faced the Freya Familia. A fate that I held with utmost certainty. It came to me so vividly and attacked my mind over and over again. Even now, simply thinking about it, my body wouldn't stop trembling.

"A great calamity cometh.

The one that lurks in the depths cannot be stopped. 

The greatest in the city of hope bow before it. It is might incarnate. 

The Gods will return to divinity. The mother will feed on their blood. It calls.

Walking upon roads of flesh, it approaches. 

The Hero's White Flames burn. 

It is Hero's final battle, for it will be his grave. The white walls run red with his blood. His flesh becomes the mother's. And the Rabbit is thus slain by the Herald of Might.

The city of hope, having lost its light, despairs. The Calamitous Black Dragon descends upon the world once more, and such is the end.

Take heed, such is the World's last breath."

It felt like I was possessed, speaking such words. As soon as I finished, I fell out of the trance I was in and promptly collapsed onto the floor.

"Cassandra!"

"I'm okay. I just feel a bit drained."

Daphne knelt next to me and placed her hand on my forehead.

"You're burning up!"

"Miach!"

"I'll get a cool towel. Naaza, is there anything else?"

"No, it just appears to be a fever."

"I'm fine... I need to tell Goddess Hestia... and Bell..."

I pictured his innocent face. His kind eyes and soul. He was the first to listen to me. To believe in me. Even though he would probably want to face it and save them, even though there was only a slight chance... I needed to tell him. And...

I could feel my face flush. 

Have I... fallen for him? 

"Cassandra?"

"I'm fine now! I need to go!"

I rushed out of the room, not even Naaza or Daphne was able to catch me.

"Seriously, that girl..."

I could hear Daphne sigh.

"I can tell that I won't be able to stop you, so I'm coming with you!"

I ran with all of my strength. I tore through the halls, hardly caring about anything else.

I need to see him.

"Oh, Cassandra. I have a cool towel-"

"Not now!"

I opened the door and bumped into someone. I fell back onto the floor and slowly got back up.

"I'm sorry! I was rushing and wasn't looking, so-"

"Cassandra! Nice to see that you're feeling better."

Before I even looked at the person I bumped into, I knew who they were from their voice.

"Ah, Bell. What brings you here?"

"Lord Miach! We just got back from the dungeon, so I came to see if Cassandra was alright."

"You look pretty beat."