Chapter 2:

Abandoned Church, Orario.

Bells POV

I woke up to the sound of birds chirping softly and the warm morning light hitting my face. The sun is now beginning to rise in Orario. I open my eyes slowly and stare at the hole in the ceiling. I'd say it's around 5 in the morning. I should probably wake up now. I sit up and let out a long yawn. I didn't get much sleep last night, mainly because of Diane and Hestia. In the middle of the night, I woke up to the sound of Diane and Hestia screaming at the top of their lungs. Apparently they saw a cockroach on their bed and they refused to go back to sleep unless we killed it. So, we spent most of the night killing every single bug that we could find, but even after all that, Diane and Hestia still refused to go back to sleep. I need to find a home for us as soon as possible. I sigh and rub the bridge of my nose. My head begins to ache. I should probably get ready now before everyone else wakes up. I don't want another fight to break out because they all have to stay in the church today.

I put on my clothes. I decide to wear a plain black and long sleeved shirt, and some black pants and boots. I strap my sword on my back and my knife at the back of my waist. My primary weapon is my sword, my sacred treasure, the Demon Sword Lostvayne. However, I've planned not to use it for the time being, unless it's an emergency. I don't plan on destroying half of Orario because of a kobold. So I opt for my dagger, the dagger isn't of low quality but it certainly doesn't compare to my sword. I plan on buying a new one soon, since it will be the weapon I will use from now on. My stomach begins to growl. I should probably make some breakfast. I then hear a sluggish voice call out to me. I stop dead in my tracts, not making a sound.

''Cap'n…take me with you…'' It's Ban. He's talking in his sleep, I should probably leave now before he wakes up and throws a tantrum. Merlin is probably awake by now, so she can hold down the fort while I'm gone. I then quickly tip toe to the exit, making as little noise as possible and step outside. As I'm about to close the door I hear a groggy voice call out to me,

''Your so mean cap'n…'' Ban then begins to snore loudly. Phew. I let out a sigh of relief and then begin to make my way to Main Street.

I begin to walk down Main Street, it's practically unrecognizable compared to last night. The streets are almost empty, with a few shop owners getting ready to open their doors. However, it is really early in the morning and I hear this street is where most adventurers go to buy weapons and armor and have a drink after a long day in the dungeon. It should get packed in a few hours. Right now I'm heading to the guild to gather some information on how they operate, it also gives me an opportunity to look around the city. My stomach begins to growl. I should probably buy something to eat on my way there. As I continue to walk, I feel a powerful gaze on me. I stop dead in my tracks. This strong gaze feels strange. It feels almost predatory and lustful, but I feel no killing intent. However, that's certainly not a good thing. Someone's watching me, but who. I begin to look around and scan my surroundings, but I see nobody who looks suspicious. Everyone around me is busy getting ready for today, no one is even looking in my direction. I then close my eyes and try to pinpoint where this aura is coming from. I'm almost there, just a bit longer and I'll find you. Just as I was about to pinpoint where this intense gaze was coming from, it abruptly stopped. Did they sense that I was looking for them? I being to observe my surroundings once more. Its completely disappeared. I then feel a gentle tap on my shoulder. I immediately turn around and unsheathe my dagger and hold it up to the person's neck.

A woman? She's looking at me with wide eyes, she must have been surprised by my sudden action. We both stand there for a few seconds, staring at each other. I begin to observe her. She is wearing a cute looking waitress uniform and has light blue-grey hair. She doesn't seem to be the one who was watching me but I feel as though I should be wary of her. I then notice that onlookers were staring at us. I should apologize before I attract too much attention. I then remove my dagger from her neck and then bend down in a light bow.

''I apologize for my sudden action. I hope I didn't scare you.'' I said in a calm tone. She seems to have woken up from her stupor at the sound of my voice, she then bent down into a low bow and apologized.

''N-no, I should be the one apologizing. I didn't mean to startle you. Please, accept my apology.'' She looks to be around 19 years old. She looks human, so I'd say that's about right. I notice that the onlookers were still staring at us with worried expressions on their face. I should end this soon before people start getting the wrong idea.

''Can I help you?'' she immediately shot up and looked at me, she seemed to have just remembered why she stopped me.

''Y-yes. I saw this magic stone on the floor, I looked around and saw you walking down the street, so I assumed it was yours.'' She then showed me a small looking magic stone and extended her arm. Every monster has a magic stone, it's like their heart or core. Once it is killed, the monster turns into ash and all that is left is the stone. I hear the guild buys them from adventurers.

I narrow my eyes.

''Sorry but I'm not an adventurer, that stone is not mine.'' I said in a blunt tone.

''Oh! Really. Well I'm sorry for bothering you then.'' She looks down in embarrassment, she seems really upset. I look around and notice that the onlookers are still looking. They probably think I upset her. Dammit.

''It's alright, please don't be upset.'' She looks up at me and smiles at me brightly, almost immediately after I finish my sentence. It seems like she wasn't really upset. I see, she's pretty cunning. How interesting. Then my stomach lets out a loud growl. My cheeks turn a slight reddish color and we stand in silence for a few moments. Dammit, why now. She lightly giggles.

''Wait here please.'' She then turns around and enters a café. I look up and notice a sign hanging above the door. The Hostess of Fertility. I guess she works there. I decide to wait for her to come back, she's managed to pique my interest. She comes back after a few minutes with a small bento box. I raise an eyebrow.

''Here. Take this, you probably need it more than me.'' She extends her arm and looks at me with wide and innocent eyes. It looks like she got me some breakfast. I cross my arms, feeling a little embarrassed. I feel like a child. I frown at her and slightly turn my head to the side, avoiding her gaze.

''I'm sorry, but I can't accept this.'' I say in a stubborn tone. She frowns and bites her lip. She then opens her mouth in protest.

''The café hasn't opened yet, so I can offer you my morning rations. I would be very worried if you went about your day on an empty stomach.'' She responded to me with an equally stubborn tone and frowned back at me. It's clear that she has no intention of backing down. I was a little taken aback by her demanding words and stern face. I mean, she does only reach the height of my chest. I let out a small sigh and then uncross my arms.

''Fine, I'll accept it. Thank you for the kind gesture.'' I give her a small bow and accept the bento box reluctantly. She then gives me a mischievous and cunning smile.

''Sir, I have sacrificed my morning rations for you. So, in exchange…'' I raise another eyebrow and give her an annoyed look. I fell into her trap. She pauses.

''In exchange…?'' I ask, slightly irritated.

''You have to eat dinner at the bar I work at tonight.''

''...''

Dinner? I let out a light chuckle. You managed to make me owe you a favor and all you ask for is to have dinner. How naïve. I smirk and give her an amused look. I then lean in close, our foreheads almost touching and our lips mere inches apart. I then speak in a low and seductive voice.

''..How cunning, but why do I find it so oddly attractive in women... '' She immediately turns bright red and takes a step back. I let out another light chuckle, satisfied by her reaction. So, she likes to tease but can't handle being teased herself, how amusing. I then cross my arms and sigh lightly. ''Fine, I'll make sure to come, is it alright if I bring some friends?'' I may have not seen this coming but I did promise Ban that I would treat him to dinner. She seemed to have recovered quickly after taking a moment to calm down and her face was no longer red. She then turned to face me again.

''Yes, that's fine. The more the merrier, can I ask how many are coming.'' She asked tilting her head. She may be a fully grown woman but she's kind of cute.

''Seven. Including me.'' Hestia said that she's going to meet up with two of her friends from heaven for dinner, so she won't be joining us.

''Ok. I'll make sure to reserve a table for all of you!'' She then gives me a puzzled look. ''You said you weren't an adventurer right? Are you a mercenary then?'' I am carrying weapons, it wouldn't be odd to assume I kill monsters for a living.

''I'm heading to the guild now to find out how to register as an adventurer, I just moved recently to Orario.''

''Well then, since your heading to the guild, here.'' She then gave me the magic stone she picked up from earlier. I gave her a confused look. ''I doubt I will be able to find the owner of this stone, so I might as well give it to you, since you're going to the guild. I also don't have the time to visit the guild to cash it in myself and I really don't need to, my boss pays me well anyway. '' I guess that makes sense. If I exchange the stone at the guild, it will give me some extra valis (currency), so I might as well. I accept the stone and she gives me an even brighter smile.

''Well then, I'll see you tonight. Make sure you spend a lot of money!'' I can already hear my wallet crying. I nod and then begin to walk away. I take a few steps, but then stop. I then turn back around to look at the waitress. She gives me a confused look.

''I'm Bell Cranel. What's your name?'' Her eyes widen in surprise but then gives me a light smile.

''I'm Syr Flover, Bell.'' I nod and then turn around and begin walking towards the guild, whilst she waves me goodbye.

Syr Flover...It appears that I have to keep my eye on you…

Guild Headquarters, Orario.

Eina's POV

Why did I have to be put on the front desk? Everyone knows I have a lot of paperwork still left to do. Well, I ask why but I already know the answer. I sigh. I'm half human and half elf, a half elf or what some may choose to call me, a 'half breed'. My boss is a pure blooded elf and although he doesn't outright criticize me for my race, he still makes it very clear that he doesn't like me. I don't see why he always gives me a hard time, it's not like I'm a slacker like some of the other employees here. I sigh. I decide to just suck it up, it's not like I have any authority to argue with the guild head. It's still quite early in the morning, so I decide to do some paperwork before the adventurers start to come in.

The doors creak open, signaling that someone is entering the guild's headquarters. It's around 6am, most of the time adventurers start coming in at around 7-8am. I wonder who's visiting the guild so early in the morning. As I look up I see a tall human man, around 18 years old, approach me. He has snow white colored hair and piercing deep red eyes. They seem almost menacing, like he's been through countless battles. I subconsciously raise my guard and stare at him. He has an unreadable expression on his face, almost like he's wearing a mask. He also looks to be quite muscular. Not overly buff but not too small either, like a perfect balance. I believe most people would describe him as a handsome man. He also has a few weapons on him, but that's not an unusual thing to see here in the guild. Adventurers do come and visit the guild every day.

I put down my quill and move the stack of paperwork that I was working on, to the side. I then stand up straight and wait for the man to reach me. I don't think I've seen him around before, he seems quite young so he's probably come here to register. Then the man reaches my desk, I bow politely and then greet him.

''Hello and welcome to the guild. I am Eina Tulle an advisor and employee here, how may I help you.'' He meets my eyes with a penetrating stare. I manage to hold back the urge to recoil at his gaze.

''Hello, I have come here to ask you a few questions about the guild.'' He replied to me in a calm and almost blunt tone. What surprised me was that his voice was quite deep, not overly deep but I would have expected him to have a higher pitched voice, considering how delicate his features are.

''Of course, what is it you would like to know.'' I asked. He nods and then opens his mouth to speak once again.

''I wanted to know if adventurers have to be registered to the guild and if the guild regulates who is allowed to enter the dungeon. Also, is having a falna a requirement to enter the dungeon?'' I was slightly taken aback by his questions. Is he planning on entering the dungeon without a falna? He may look strong but that's practically suicide. I keep myself composed and open my mouth to answer.

''Well, people who are part of a famillia have to be registered to the guild. The famillia they join also has to be registered to the guild. The guild does not check to see who goes in and out of the dungeon, the guild also does not restrict anyone from entering the dungeon, no matter their age, race or gender.'' I pause and look up at the man. He has his undivided attention on me and is listening intently to what I'm saying. I decide to continue. ''Gods are the only beings that are not allowed to enter the dungeon. Adventurers also don't require a falna to enter the dungeon but it is heavily frowned upon and dangerous not to have one. Adventures without a falna don't need to be registered to the guild.'' I stare at the man in front of me, he puts his hand on his chin and nods lightly.

''I see. That makes sense. There wouldn't be a point in registering unblessed adventurers, since they would most likely end up dead.'' I mean… he isn't wrong. Personally, I think that we should regulate who comes in and out of the dungeon, it would definitely save a lot of lives if we did. But I guess that would be considered a waste of time and money for the guild.

''Is there anything else you would like to ask. Are you perhaps here to register to the guild.'' He stares at me for a few seconds, his expression still blank, then he speaks.

''No. I'm still looking for a famillia to join but I'd still like to know how you register''

''You'll just need to ask a guild employee for the registration papers and fill them out. We typically ask you what your name, age, famillia and level are when you fill in the form. New adventurers can get an advisor assigned to them, to help them learn about the dungeon and how to survive. It's really easy to register, so I recommend registering as soon as you join a famillia.'' I smile at him. Hopefully that encourages him to register first and not go into the dungeon unblessed.

''Thank you, I'll keep that in mind.'' He gave me a light smile. His smile suits him. Wait, what are you thinking Eina. How unprofessional! I expel my inappropriate thoughts out of my head and let out an awkward cough.

''I-is there anything else that you would like to know.'' He then looked like he remembered something and then took something out of his pocket.

''I found a magic stone while I was walking down Main Street. I was wondering where the exchange box is.'' I nod and point to the exchange box.

''It's over there, you can exchange all undamaged magic stones and drop items there for valis.''

''Thank you.'' He looked like he was about to leave until he stopped and turned to look back at me. ''I'm sorry, I didn't get to introduce myself to you. My name is Bell, Bell Cranel.'' I was a bit shocked about how polite he was being. Most people who come here just come here to get what they came for and then leave. I smile.

''It's nice to meet you, Bell.'' He nods at me and then leaves to go exchange his magic stone, then exits the guild. I then feel someone creep up from behind me. Unsurprisingly, the person behind me is Misha Flott, my nosy and carefree co-worker and friend.

''He looks to be a new face 'round here…a handsome one at that.'' She said with a smirk. I shake my head in disapproval. How unprofessional. I decide not to comment on the last part of Misha's sentence.

''He seems to be new to Orario, he said that he will be registering soon to the guild.''

''Really now, well I hope I can be his advisor.'' She then turns to look at me. ''Unless your hoping for the same thing, Eina~''

''What!'' I exclaim, trying not to blush. Misha narrowed her eyes and looked at me mischievously.

''I saw the way you smiled at him all cute. You clearly were up to no good.'' I begin to get a little too flustered at Misha's words and I give her an annoyed look.

''I wasn't smiling at him cutely, I was being polite! And to even insinuate such vulgar—'' before I could finish my sentence Royman Mardeel, our boss and guild head, came out of his office and shouted from across the room.

''Stop slacking and get back to work, before I dock your pay!'' We both responded with a 'Yes Sir' and then he returned to his office. He's always so grumpy but I'm pretty sure that's due to how stressed he is. Misha goes back to her desk, whilst I sit down and continue with my paperwork. I sigh.

Why is she always getting me into trouble?

Bells POV

I exit the guilds headquarters. That guild employee Eina was very helpful and gave me a very detailed explanation about the guild. I wouldn't mind having someone like her as my advisor. I did have to lie to her though, but it's better if she thinks I'm a beginner struggling to find a famillia, at least for the time being. I also managed to cash in the magic stone that I got from Syr, it only gave me 100 valis. Granted, it was only slightly bigger than my finger nail. I put the coins in my bag and then turn to look at Babel. I guess it's time to head down to the dungeon then.

Eina said that entry to the dungeon is not regulated and they don't check if you're blessed or not. That makes it a lot easier for me to come in and out of the dungeon and still cash in my stones without attracting suspicion. Of course, the amount and quality of the stones I cash in can't be too high, that would definitely raise some eyebrows, even if I have Ouranos' support. As a matter of fact, the only reason I asked for Ouranos' help was to make sure no information is spread about us and that if we're ever in a pinch, he will intervene and help us. Basically, I'm using him as insurance. If anything happens that jeopardizes our identities, Ouranos will make sure that everyone's mouths are sealed. Having a guy like Ouranos owing you a favor is pretty convenient.

I begin to make my way to the Tower of Babel. The dungeon is directly below Babel, there's a massive staircase that leads down to the dungeon, which is the only entrance down. I then notice that a lot of adventurers are now starting to either head to the guild or go down to the dungeon, it seems that the streets will get packed soon. I decide to hurry and get down to the dungeon before the morning rush comes.

I then arrive on the 1st floor of the dungeon. Eina was right. It was really easy entering the dungeon. I begin to walk down the halls of the dungeon, this is meant to be the easiest floor and is used by beginners. So, the monsters here shouldn't be too hard to deal with. I then notice that the walls are beginning to crumble. Suddenly I see monsters come out of the walls, kobolds. I heard that the dungeon is actually alive. It births the monsters from its walls when it detects intruders and when it is damaged, it repairs itself. Almost like a living breathing organism.

I then take out my dagger. I feel myself beginning to shake with excitement and my pulse begins to dramatically increase. I smile and let out a low chuckle.

''Haha, I'm just as bad as Ban. Really. I'm shaking with joy because of a mere kobold. I'm so excited that it almost makes me want to conquer half of the dungeon in one day.'' I take a step forward and then I'm instantly in front of the kobold. The kobold takes a step back, giving me both a confused and startled expression. I grin sadistically and tighten my grip on my dagger. ''Almost.''. I then lift up my dagger and dispatch the kobold with one swing, leaving the magic stone behind. My sadistic laughter begins to ring throughout the empty halls of the dungeon. I should really learn to have more self control...

I kind of got carried away and travelled to the 5th floor. Really, I was just planning on going for a quick visit to the dungeon, but I guess I got a bit overwhelmed by the excitement. I should probably stop now and head back to the church. I yawn. That's when I realized that I've been running on 3 hours of sleep, and still haven't had any proper rest after traveling for a week straight. I turn to look back at the exit. If I go back now I'll have to deal with everyone nagging me. I then had an Idea. Why can't I just sleep here? I've cleared out the entire floor, it'll take a while for the dungeon to replenish its numbers. Besides, I'll notice someone coming from a mile away, so there shouldn't be a problem. I am an experienced adventurer after all. I make up my mind to sleep in the dungeon and I start to search for a place to rest. I find a dead end and sit down and lean my back against the wall. Most people would call me a fool for sleeping in the dungeon of all places, without anyone to keep watch. But what do they know. I close my eyes. I drift into a deep sleep in only a minute. I must have been really tired…

I slowly open my eyes. I feel a refreshing breeze hit my face. I look around and realize that I'm sat against a tree in a golden field. I scan the area and look up and take in the beautiful glassy sky. I then look down and pluck a dandelion from the ground. I examine it and bring it up to my nose, taking in its sweet scent. The flowers are really pretty. I smile, taking in the calm and peaceful scenery and inhaling the cold air. I look around once more and realize that I've been here before. Wait. This place is—

''Bell!'' A golden haired girl called out to me. ''Come on. Mama said that its time to eat.'' I stare at the golden eyed girl with a blank and dazed expression. I then realize that she's waiting for me to stand up and that's when I snap out of my stupor. I stand up and walk towards the little girl, staring intently at her. She stretches her arm out and offers her hand. I take it and grab a hold of her hand. She smiles at me brightly and tugs at me to follow her. We then both start running through the field of dandelions, the little girl let out a light giggle as we ran. I smile and then tighten my grip around her hand. This is fun. I then begin to feel the warm wind hitting my face and flowing through my hair. We ran down a small hill and I spot everyone waiting for me at a picnic, they're all smiling brightly at me. The little girl then calls out to them. ''Mama! Papa! I found him! He was sleeping against a tree!'' The others laughed at the little girls words.

''Well done sweetheart, let's eat now.'' The blond haired woman responded, she looked a lot like the little girl.

''He's so care free, he's definitely your son Meliodas.'' A brown haired man said with a warm smile.

''I guess I taught the shorty well.'' A blond haired man said with a mischievous grin. They all laughed and then a white haired woman called out to me.

''Bell, I made your favorite today. I made sure to make plenty, so eat as much as you want!'' She said with a warm and loving smile. We continue to run down the hill, towards them. It's been a while since we had a picnic together. I wish we could have one everyday!

We were only a few meters away from them, still running through the field. Until everything around me turned pitch black. The little girl was no longer holding my hand and the people at the picnic were gone. I can't see anything. I begin to walk through the darkness and then I spot something in the distance. I walk towards, trying to make out what it was. I get close to it and then stop. My heart dropped. I then realize what it was. Blood. That's when everything started to make sense. Albert, Aria, Mom, Dad. Ha. I had almost forgotten about what happened all those years ago, how foolish of me.

This isn't the first time that I've had this dream. Whenever I do, I always see them dead and ripped to shreds in front of me. Just like before. But this time, there was an extra body....

''Welcome back, Bell.'' I hear a voice from behind and then I start to shake uncontrollably. The voice is a deep and evil one, one that I've heard before. Tears begin to form in my eyes, the emotions and memories from 1000 years ago resurfacing. It's him.

''NO! GET AWAY FROM ME!'' I begin to run away from him with all my might, desperately trying to escape. He then uses his tail to block my path and then he leans in close to whisper in my ear. He speaks in a mocking and tantalizing tone, one that sends a shiver down my spine.

''It seems you have forgotten your place, little one. Don't you remember…'' He makes his voice low and hoarse,

''You belong to me…'' He then laughs maniacally. His laugh echoing in my ears. The last thing I remember is being engulfed in darkness and feeling a void in my chest.

Please…I want it…to end…

I slowly open my eyes. I look around and then register where I am. I'm back in the dungeon. I click my tongue. Dammit, I completely blacked out. I cursed under my breath. I wouldn't have noticed anyone approach me. I scold myself for acting so carelessly, I guess I really am a fool. I pause and rub the bridge of my nose.

It's been a while since I had that dream. I let out a small and light laugh and then stare at the ceiling. I frown. How irritating.

After a few moments, I let out a small yawn. I wonder how long I've been sleeping for. I'm guessing a few hours maybe. Then, I should probably head back home now. I stand up and stretch my muscles and turn to the exit. Just as I was about to make my way to the exit, I hear a loud roar echo down the hall. What the—

Suddenly, a Minotaur appears around the corner and is charging straight at me. My eyes widen. A Minotaur, I thought they only appeared on the 15th floor. I click my tongue and grab the handle of my dagger. There's no one around, so I should kill it now. As I was just about to kill the minotaur, I see a bright golden flash appear in front of me. It's a woman, with long flowing golden hair and a slim figure. She held a sword in her right hand with blood still dripping down from her last kill. She wore blue light armor that protected and covered all of her weak spots, but with her back showing. She stood in front of me in a protective stance, completely unfazed by the bull-like beast charging at her. She raised her sword and pointed it at the monster. She then charged at it and then effortlessly cut through the beasts thick muscles, like a hot knife cutting butter. In a matter of seconds, the Minotaur fell to its knees and then fell forward. Before it could reach the floor, it turned to ash. The magic stone then fell on to the ground, completely untouched. The woman had expertly avoided the stone and killed the beast in a single strike in seconds.

She then flicked her sword, causing all of the blood on it to fall and splatter onto the ground. She then sheathed it and turned to look at me. In that moment when our eyes met, time stopped. I stared blankly, as her golden eyes met my ruby ones and her hair perfectly fell down past her shoulders. I was left awe struck at the sheer beauty of this woman standing in front of me. My heart skipped a beat as I immediately recognized who it was. Her name danced on the tip of my tongue, but I didn't dare say it. It's her, I've found you…

Ais…

AN: They've finally reunited yayyy, I'm so happyyy! So anyways lol, I changed all the under aged characters ages to be at least 18. I don't like working with under aged characters, so that's why. As always please leave a review on what you thought of the chapter. I have a lot of ideas in mind, so please be patient with me and I hope you enjoyed. Have a nice day and see you in the next chapter!