Hey everyone. It was supposed to come out a little earlier, but headaches and a number of other things I had to change from what I originally had and move stuff around, as a lot of events happened on Lilli being rescued.

Hope you all enjoy it.

Disclaimer: I don't own Danmachi nor the characters.

Chapter 19: Calm Before the Storm

Bell was picking up one more person as he waited outside of the Lord Take's place. Thus far, Lilli, Ais, and Lefiya were up, early in the morning. Both Lefiya and Lilli are trying to keep themselves awake, while Ais looks relaxed.

The door opened and Mikoto got out and was holding four wooden weapons. "Sorry for the small delay. I had to get these out. It will help us with our training."

Ais smiled a little seeing this. She went and grabbed the wooden sword as Bell grabbed the short sword. Lilli grabbed a dagger as Mikoto held a kendo stick.

Mikoto looked at Bell and said "Lead the way, Bell."

He nodded and they followed him. It was a long walk from the location Bell had in mind, until they reached the wall of the city. After reaching up the stairs, they found no guards, surprising Mikoto, Lilli, and Lefiya.

"Now then, we have to figure out a way we can rotate training each other." Bell then began to think for a moment, until he continued "I will spar with Ais, while Lilli, Lefiya and Mikoto train with each other in unarmed combat."

"Wait! Why am I training unarmed combat?" Lefiya asked.

Bell answered "If you were to face off against someone without a staff, you need to have the element of surprise. Plus, it might protect you from assault."

Lefiya nodded. She saw it as a way to protect herself and might surprise someone. He went over to Mikoto. "After the first hour, I will be with Lefiya learning about magics, while Lilli, Ais and Mikoto will spar a bit. Then in the last hour, I will train with Mikoto, while Lilli, Ais and Lefiya. Sounds good?"

They nodded. It will be strange arrangement, but it will benefit them in the long run.

Bell then went over to Ais as both stared one another.

"May I see your knife?"

He nodded and gave it to her "Hmmm….do you at least use kicks and punches with your knife?"

"I do."

She nodded and swung the knife a bit. "Then you will handle the knife, like this." She got into a pose, raising her arm. "Like this" Then another pose "Like this."

Bell smiled softly, "Such a cute airhead."

Then in a surprise, she went for a kick, but Bell barely ducked it. Ais smiled, "Impressive."

She threw the knife back at him, as he caught it. He places it away and both get their wooden weapons out. Bell went right after her, but she blocked the move. She toned down to at least near level 2, just to see how he is.

She was impressed when he was trying to hit her, and parrying the attack. She moved a little faster and stronger this time.

Meanwhile, Lilli punched in the air as Lefiya copied the punch as well. "Another"

Both went for another punch. She checked to make sure the punch had force on it. "Now kick!"

They went for a straight kick. Lilli was able to do it, but Lefiya nearly fell. She caught herself and got into a stance as well.

Mikoto knew they had a long way to go, but they had potential. It might take time, but they can learn.

She then noticed how Bell and Ais were a little more aggressive on their spar. She was impressed with his form, as if he is used to it. Ais still had form and was able to block and counter attack.

As Bell barely managed to tap Ais, on the bicep of Ais, he never saw the punch on time. His body spun around and was knocked out.

"Oops" was all Ais said.

Ais went to check up on him as the others stopped training. The Sword Princess checked his pulse and was relieved "I knocked him out…"

Mikoto blinked at how fast she moved, then again she was at a higher level. It is a bit of a complication to control a person's strength to even out the level in sparring, but it is doable.

Ais placed Bell's head on her lap and began to pet him.

This caused Lefiya to gawk at what she saw, Lilli wanted to laugh, and Mikoto just stood there in disbelief.

"W-what are you doing to him, Ais?!"

"Riveria taught me how to take care of someone who is knocked out hard." She kept caressing his hair. Lefiya went over and saw how much of a rabbit Bell looked. Innocent and sleeping. She wanted to…..

"What am I doing?! I want Ais to stop but….." She felt conflicted about it.

Lilli went over and caressed his hair. "When do you think he will wake up?"

Ais shrugged.

Then they heard him groan as he was barely opening his eyes. "Whoa….did somebody got the number on that Minotaur?"

Lilli began to giggle, Ais looked confused, Lefiya and Mikoto just stared at him.

He shook his head and saw Ais was petting him.

"Ummm….what happened?"

"I caught you off guard and punched you."

"Ah….that makes sense…." He then got up and shook his head. He grabbed his wooden weapon and was ready for another round. "Come on Ais, I am not done yet."

Both began to spar again as Bell tried to get a hit again. Ais was impressed how determined he is on getting faster and stronger.

The others then began to spar against each other and began to see a difference. Lilli was quick in dodging attacks and is able to land some hits, but still needs work on getting stronger. Lefiya, despite having no power, is able to counter each attack and is able to block it. Mikoto had an idea what she was going to work on.

As time passed, the sparring ended and Bell went to Lefiya, and the others went to Ais. The two grew nervous as they saw how he knocked Bell out those times.

"Are you sure you can continue, Mr. Cranel?" Lefiya looked a little concerned after that beatdown.

"Yes, I can. Trust me."

"Very well, let's begin. Magic is not only given to the blessings of the gods, born within based on the race, magic is every living thing. In order to tap on the magic from within, it requires 'speak' to the Tree."

"The Tree?" This is something that Asfi never mentioned at all.

She nodded "Although known more as the Alfheim Tree, it 'speaks' to us within and allows us to tap within our magic. The more we meditate, the more we are able to improve our reserves in magic, mind and spirit."

Bell nodded.

"Now, close your eyes."

He closes his eyes.

"Now try to relax. Try to feel your magic. Try to follow the magic. Try to visualize the Tree. Try to…."

The white haired teen was then gone and didn't hear anything from Lefiya. He felt at peace, warmth and safe. As if nothing can hurt him. He then felt the warmth moving and he followed it. He kept following it, until he saw a giant tree. He was awed how green the leaves are and filled with life.

He felt great power at it. However, he wasn't interested in the power of it, just the peaceful feeling of it. He concentrated on it and felt relief for himself. He noticed the tree was growing a little bit more, making him smile.

Bell….

Bell…

Bell….

His eyes fluttered open "Bell." He looked around and Lefiya was smiling. "You found it?"

Bell smiled, "It was Beautiful."

"Good. People get it on the first try, when they know what they are looking for. Our time is up. And it is now Ms. Yamato."

He nodded, surprised an hour passed. "Thank you Lefiya, for teaching me."

She nodded as both got up.

Lilli and Ais look worn out, but Bell giving them a smile, got them to get ready for more training.

Once Bell was in front of Mikoto, she smirked "Alright. No weapons here." She got into a fighting position "Let's see what you got."

Bell nodded and he went for a punch, but she blocked it.

Then he went for an open palm with his fingers making a claw-like move, and went for a strike. She blocked it easily with "Tiger claw."

Bell went for a few jabs, but she blocked it and saw an opening. He went to try to throw her.

"Judo."

She countered it and threw him on the side with his momentum. This surprised the white haired teen and went for a lifting knee strike.

"Muay Thai." She moves to the side and punches his back, taking him down. He was barely getting up.

"It seems you mix it up there, Bell. You might need to do better in form though."

He went for a roundhouse kick but caught it. She throws it on the side and punches his stomach. He crumbled on the ground "Damn…."

"Not bad. Still, your technique is a bit rusty, but it can be sharpened." She helped him up. "Ready to learn?"

He nodded "Yes."

"Good. First posture."

She showed him a position that had their guard and balance. He admitted it, it looked well balanced and copied her look.

"Good. Now let me see your punch."

He punches.

"Again."

Punches again.

"Punch and hold."

He punches and holds the punch. Mikoto checked on it and looked around. "Not bad. Alright, kick."

It was a routine of punches and kicks, she then showed him ways to counter one move to another move. He was surprised at the many ways a person could get thrown, many ways that he wasn't taught enough. In a way, this is a blessing for him.

He kept going and going, learning to be a better fighter.

After an hour, Bell felt his body aching a bit. He looked to the side and noticed Lilli looked more calmer, along with Ais and Lefiya.

"Well….that is that I suppose. Meet again tomorrow here?"

They all nodded in agreement. Bell then went over to Mikoto "Thank you very much."

"Anytime." She grabbed the wooden weapons and she left first.

Ais went over to him and patted his head "See you tomorrow."

He nodded "Will do."

Lefiya shook her head just watching it, but made no comment. She approached him and said "Mr. Cranel, just continue your meditation. Tomorrow, we will see more of your magic."

"Got it, thank you Lefiya." He stood back and bowed.

She nodded and left as well.

Bell sat down on the ground as Lilli sat on his lap. She places her head on his chest and sighs happily. She felt her hand held by Bell's own hand.

"Rough training, Lilli?"

"Yes, but Lilli knows Lilli will be more effective." she looked at their hands.

"I know you will get stronger Lilli."

She looked up at him. "Master Bell."

"Yes?"

"Can you kiss Lilli?" her face was a bit red.

He chuckled as he began to kiss her lips. She began to kiss back, as she caressed his hand.

He caresses her back, enjoying it.

The kiss ended. Lilli sighed happily. "Wow….Lilli will never get tired of kissing."

"Me neither." He kisses her forehead and pats her head.

Both then got up and got ready to head to the Dungeon.

Market Area

Jose was walking around, looking to find a specific rope for their expedition tomorrow on the lower floors.

"Wonder where it would be. I know the shop is here…"

Then a white hooded person tapped his arm and he turned to see the person in question.

"Jose of the Hermes Familia?" a woman's voice said it.

He nodded.

She then handed him a small bag. "Use this for your expedition. The instructions are inside the bag. You will need it."

"Who are you?"

"Just an oracle passing through."

He blinked and placed it on his side. He will check it out after shopping is over. He wanted to thank her, but she was gone.

"Huh. Strange." He looked around, but he found the store he was looking for.

The white hooded woman walked on an alleyway and removed the hood. She sighed as she focused on herself, turning her red hair into black hair.

"I hope it works."

Bell told Hestia about an expedition that Hermes familia took and it slaughtered 5 members of his own familia. Five lives were taken away by the Evilus and from what he heard, a member of a familia left because of that.

Bell promised himself that he would do his best to help out Hermes. For all of his flaws and questionable moves, he is someone that does care.

She then walked toward the Blue Pharmacy and opened the door. She was greeted by two women.

"Oh, hello Lady Hestia. Picking up Eli?"

She nodded. The girl pointed at a door as she went there.

She smiled seeing her son with Naaza, making a simple potion.

"And….done. Good job Eli."

"Thank you Auntie Naaza."

He got a nice head pat as he giggled.

"I see my son is learning well from you."

She smiled as she corked the potion on its vial. "Yes, he is a fast learner. Had to label the ingredients due to the lack of color he could see."

"I am glad that he is learning. So what kind of potion did he make?"

"A standard sleep potion. Very easy to make for beginners and the ingredients are all stable."

"Interesting." Eli took his gloves off and apron, then went to hug Naaza before heading toward Hestia.

"I have to ask you Naaza."

"Mmm?"

"What do you think of Bell?"

She smiled softly "He's a kind person and cute. And he helped me finish paying my arm off." She then sighed "Wish he had time, just so I can get to know him. I am busy too and he does visit from time to time, and chats a little."

She began to become thoughtful. And then smiled "If you are free in a few days, maybe I could rope him for both of you to hang out."

She looked over and wagged her tail "I would like that."

"Good. Plus, we should chat maybe in two days about another proposal, but just the two of us."

She tilted her head in curiosity, but answered "Uhh, sure."

"Excellent. I will see you later Naaza and thank you!"

She nodded as Hestia had a smirk on her face "Well, it seems that she is interested in Bell as well. It might be interesting as Naaza is a nice girl, albeit she tricked him in the past timeline. However, she hasn't and has been pretty fair."

Miach appeared and said "So, when is the wedding?"

Her face went red and looked away. "Miach!"

They left the store as laughter was heard in the store.

Few hours later, Twilight Manor

"Yeah, the Soma familia has been acting pretty weird, especially going to a rejected drink from Soma boy." Loki took a drink from the Soma alcohol and sighed "Yep, one of the rejects."

Eina was surprised hearing all of this. It seems that Soma isn't keeping an eye out on his own children. She grew more worried if Bell were to get hurt.

"You seem troubled. Here, take a drink."

"Oh, no I am fine."

She shrugged as Riveria shook her head "Really Loki, offering her a rejected drink?"

"Either way, it does have a bit of the side effects of his own drinks, but doesn't have the same kick."

The door open and saw Ais entering the room. "Ummm….Loki, could you check my status please?"

She smiled and nodded "Sure! Excuse me ladies, but I have to get Aisi Poo her update!"

Once they were in the room, she asked Ais "So, how was your day?"

She smiled softly "It was great. I spared with Bell and we trained with others."

This surprised Loki hearing this as she pricked her finger "Shirt up, Ais. Go on."

She lifted her shirt off and covered her breasts "He seems skilled, but something is off about it. I just don't know what it is."

"Anything else?"

"Well…..he knows magic and Lefiya told me he was able to find The Tree."

"Heh….so Mr. Rabbit is a Jack of All Trades. I like that."

She kept updating until she was shocked to what happened. "A-Ais!"

"What?"

"YOU LEVELED UP!"

The whole Manor heard it as Eina was surprised hearing this "Wow….level 6."

Riveria looked pleased.

Back with Loki and Ais, she gave her the paper and wrapped her arms around her "Impressive, right?"

She looked at it and she was happy about it, but felt that Bell should have been with her to see this moment. "Wish he was here…"

"I know, but you can tell him yourself." She patted her head "Time for a celebratory drink!"

Ais placed her shirt on and looked at the paper "Just need to get stronger faster….then I can save my mother."

Hours later, Soma's Warehouse Wine

A number of men entered the room. One of them, Gad, was in the room as well; they waited patiently for someone to come in.

The door opened and in came a man with a thin face, grey hair and glasses. Next to him was Canoe who looked serious.

"Gentlemen. It seems we do have a problem in our hands. From what Canoe tells me, a young brat decided to show disrespect to all of us."

The others kept silent as he continued.

"Although our little thief hasn't returned for us for a while, I do believe it is time we make her….disappear."

Gad then asked "Oh, what do you propose we do?"

The man smiled "We trap them on the tenth floor. Well four of you will and if they do try to escape, we will wait for them on the 9th floor."

Canoe then said "A simple plan, we ambush the kid and our little Lillie, we take what they have and then leave them to the Dungeon."

Gad smirked "Sounds like a good plan. I want to make that piece of shit kid beg for his life."

"Oh, we will get our opportunity."

Unknown to them, one of the members there had a small pin on them, while the conversation went on.

Babel Tower

Freya was watching her hand mirror, hearing the conversation going on and her hand trembled. She was furious about what they wanted to do with her Odr and his lover.

She wanted to chuck the hand mirror but stopped herself.

She continued hearing it "Tomorrow we will surprise them. Just be there."

"Where do we meet back?"

"Here would be perfect."

"Mirror Mirror, I have seen what I have seen."

The mirror then became normal and she placed it on the side.

Ottarl knew she was upset about this. He knew she was thinking of doing something irrational.

"If I may, my Lady." She turned her head to see him "What if we told him about it? He might come up with a better plan."

She looked at the large window, took one last drink. "Ottarl, prepare my clothes, we have to see him and warn him about it."

He nodded.

Hestia's Church

Lilli was asleep a bit early in her own room, tuckered out from everything that had happened. Eli yawned while reading a book in his room. Lastly, Bell and Hestia were on the chapel floor and were just holding on to each other.

"What a day."

She nodded "But we managed to get what we needed."

"Yeah. At least in two days, I will see if I can get the second chest in. Might need an extra hand again."

"Sure, no pro-"

A knock is heard. Both looked at each other as Bell got his Hestia Knife ready.

Hestia went toward the door and used a peephole to check.

"Freya?"

She opened the door as Bell placed his knife away. Once the door is open, they see Freya with Ottarl.

Both noticed Freya had a concern look "Freya. What's wrong?"

"Can….can I talk to Bell in private?"

She nodded, "Use the attic."

Bell gestured to follow her as Ottarl went inside of the door as well and closed it behind. He leaned up on a wall and crossed his arms.

Once both were upstairs, Bell allowed Freya to sit down on a chair and he sat close to her.

"Alright, what's going on?"

She took her hood off and began to explain what she saw in her mirror. He listened to the plan that some members of the Soma Familia are going to try to do. He frowned hearing how they were going to assault him and Lilli on the 9th and 10th floor.

"Great….well at least we might counter our plans."

He gestured to look into the big table with the map of Orario. "From what you are telling me, it seems that they will head back after my assault, so from my map, Soma's Warehouse Wine is here." He pointed at the map. "The only way to go through there is within an alleyway, here."

He pointed. "I might have an idea how to deal with this."

She nodded "I could send my familia to-"

He held her hand and shook his head "I rather not let the people of Orario think you are playing favorites right now with me. Plus…." He places his arm around her, making her blush "I already have an idea how to take care of this problem, and free Lilli."

She looked at him and nodded "I trust you, my Odr. Just...be careful."

He smiled softly, "Freya, I will be careful." He caresses her cheek. She enjoyed his touch and she took off her gloves and held his hand where he was caressing her.

She then asked "Odr. Kiss me."

He smiled and she leaned down a little and their lips met. Bell held her close as Freya caressed his back.

"Ohh….your lips….we kissed before, but this is better. Is he going to have his way with me on that table? Please, make me yours…."

The kiss ended as he placed his forehead with hers. Their eyes closed as Bell said "Love you Freya."

"I love you too….my Odr."

"He said it! He said it!" She was joyful just hearing those words.

He kissed her forehead and caressed her back. "I do want to take you out to dinner, maybe even holding you close out in the moonlight."

She smiled at the ideal date together. She didn't care if it sounded corney, but she loved it.

"I do, however, have to gain respect on your familia that I am worthy for you."

She sighed sadly. He was right: At his level, he will be trounced by her executives. Plus, it might take years at least before even a dinner night could happen.

"That doesn't mean we could sneak out in secret to see each other."

She liked that idea more. A secret relationship. It's like those forbidden romance books, oh she loves that.

"One day, we will be open about our relationship. And maybe, we could marry."

She is beginning to imagine herself in a white dress, wedding reception and the honeymoon. Oh it will be amazing!

She giggled "I can't wait."

"Me neither."

Both parted away from the hug. She grabbed her gloves and looked a little sad. "I have to go. The last thing I need is taking too long here."

"Freya." She looked at him as he smiled "Thank you for coming here. Maybe we could meet up here more, if you want."

She nodded, "I would love too."

He nodded and both left the attic. She placed her hood back on and both got downstairs. He looked at Hestia, as she was sitting down on the bench. She looked at them and smiled.

He came up to Ottarl and said "Ottarl, I know Lady Freya likes me and I do like her too. I will, however, work hard to earn your respect."

Ottarl looked at the young man's eyes and noticed something about them. The youthfulness was gone and was seeing as someone who has been in battles before. Strange.

He nodded and looked at Freya "My lady."

She nodded, "Take care, love."

"I will. Take care of yourself."

Both left.

Bell looked at Hestia and said "It seems that we might have problems tomorrow."

She turned into Vesta "Let's go upstairs."

He nodded and both began to plan out.

24th Floor

A white haired man had a smile on him as a large green caterpillar began to eat at a large pantry.

"That's it….eat…..eat, so I can see your stone…"

The man stared in awe at what he saw was beautiful.

To be continued….

A/N: It seems I am moving at a faster pace, due to getting this part over with. Then again, I do wanted to get a foundation on the training for them.

I had changed the name of the tree from Yggdrasil to Alfheim, just for the sake of how magic is visualized. It is something new for me, as the magic of that world is different than any other world.

I know I almost forgot the conversation with Loki and the level up on Ais. Thankfully, I remembered and now we added it.

Next Chapter: Bell and Lilli reach the 10th floor, the trap is triggered, the aftermath of it, and Ais meets Fels for a mission. Don't miss it!