Hey everyone.

I will admit, I did a hiccup on the aspect of Curse and the reviewer is correct about what the Curse is. So thanks for the correction I will make a small edit on it.

I always wondered why Freya got herself involved and did anything to Evilus during the whole Sword Oratoria, but then I am reminded that she did take out Ishtar. Then again, she did so because Ishtar grabbed her hands on Bell, so… there is that. And I do believe (spoiler) she did send her familia in the big battle that occurred at the end of Oratoria (as far as the Light Novel is concerned) and Evilius is gone.

And one more thing: I will see if sometime in the future, I will do an omake. Can't decide what it would be about, but it would be fun to work on it.

Until then, let's head to the chapter.

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

Chapter 7: Night One Date
Hestia then placed a faulna on Welf's back and traced a paper on his back. Once that was finished, she gave the paper to him.

He looked at it and blinked:

Name: Welf Crozzo
Str: C 617
End: D 521
Dex: C 645
Agi: D509
Mag: I 70
Skill:
Crozzo Blood: The user can create Magic Swords. Can raise the power of Magic Swords during creation

Magic:
Will-O-Whisp: Anti magic fire. If timed correctly it can cause an Ignis Fatuus and cause damage
Burn Out, Illegal Work!

Ignis Opus: Creates fire weapons held by past heroes.
I Am the Creator of Weapons
Let the Fire Burn Me
Let the Blades Come to Me
I Beseech Every Weapon to Me

"Huh….I am curious about this ability now."

Hestia nodded "I am surprised you are the third person who actually gained an ability, transferring from one Familia to another."

Aura added "I can testify that having a new fire spell to my repotiare. It's pretty strong as well."

The blacksmith then puts the paper away "Well, I will start to work on some new armor for the others. If you will excuse me."

He then left, while Aura said "Lady Hestia, I will head to do some more research."

"Just don't be out for too long."

"I will keep that in mind." She then left as well.

Hestia then went to retrieve a letter she received earlier today and headed upstairs.

Bell was sitting on a chair, looking at the map of the floors. He crossed out a few sections and wrote a few notes on it.

Bell then saw the door open and Hestia came in, holding a letter. "It's from Freya."

He looked at the letter and read it:

My Odr:

I sent Allen and a few others to sweep floor 20 and went up to floor 30. They looked every nook and cranny. In this letter, there are a few notes on what they found. We are doing what we can, looking around within the Dungeon, while I sent some of them to look all over Orario, in discretion. I do hope we find something, considering they tried to kill me.

Do stay safe.

Freya, your soon-to-be-wife

He chuckled and looked inside. He unfolded the paper and it was sections of each floor with notes. He placed it on the larger map and wrote it down. "It seems that they found 4 locations but they are long abandoned."

"Spots you suggested to check out?"

He nodded, "Timeline is getting slowly distorted and maybe because of what happened back at the 18th floor, we triggered a big butterfly effect." He sighed and then pulled a paper out with the numbers. "This also seems to be new. I am uncertain if I can crack it or what it means."

Hestia went over and hugged him. She could see that he is trying to stop them, but they seem to be one step ahead. "Bell….I know you will find them. I know you will."

He caresses her back "I know…just wish it would be easy."

After the hug, she then continued "Bell, time to visit them."

He nodded and got up to head to see his two people he rescued.

Ishtar's palace
A slap was heard and Phrynne stumbled back. She was holding her cheek and felt it.

"How can you lose both of them?! How could you lose my weapon and my second in command?! You better answer me, or help me."

For once, the large woman was afraid. Sure she disrespected her, but this side of Ishtar is scaring her the most. Something about her angry look, her eyes of near craze, made her fear for her life. She got on her knees and replied "Someone brought chaos and is what caused both Haruhime and Aisha to disappear. B…but we will look for them now!"

"Go." She said it in a near whisper.

She grabbed a few amazoness and left the place.

Ishtar had an annoyed look "I can't believe someone got them both under my nose. I already investigated the two of the amazoness and gave me a description of one of them. A woman in a cloak with fire magic. That doesn't help at all…."

She had someone send over to look into someone that specializes in fire magic. However, she hit a dead-end as only a handful do. And looking into the information, both women shook their heads at the description.

She then grabbed amazoness. "Come with me, you will relieve my stress." Their faces went pale, knowing they were in trouble.

Daedalus Street
Bell and Hestia arrived at one of the many remodeled homes.

It is one of the abandoned properties that they bought as a way to put supplies, but now it is used to house two people.

He took his key out and opened it. He entered and took a simple smell of food being cooked.

"Haruhime, we arrived!"

He heard some footsteps and saw Haruhime arriving. She changed her red kimono to a blue one. She gave a bow "Hello Master Bell and Mistress Hestia."

Hestia smirked "None of this master stuff. We are friends here to help out, one another, right?"

She nodded and blushed "Sorry."

Bell decided to continue with a different subject "How are you doing here?"

She smiled softly "This place feels nice and cozy. The books here are keeping me busy with other things."

"That's good to hear. How is Aisha doing?"

Her ears dropped down and had a sad look. "She doesn't look so well."

Bell knew the why. "Let me see her."

She nodded and they followed her. They kept walking until they went downstairs. Once reaching there, in one of the jail cells, was Aisha. She was writhing and she just arched her back, moaning. The cell she was kept in was meant to hold anyone that is a level 4 or higher to protect them from harming others, vice versa.

Bell was saddened to see this "Poor Aisha…."

Hestia didn't like what she was seeing. She knew that Ishtar did something to her body and now she is going through some then took out a vial that had a colorless liquid inside of it. She placed it on a table "Half the vial with water and it should flush it out."

Haruhime went over and grabbed a cup. She went to place some water on it and then half of the liquid was placed. She waited until Aisha was panting and noticed she was sweating. "Drink this….please."

She placed the cup in a small hole for the drink. She grabbed it and drank it. For a moment she was panting and then her eyes got heavy. She was breathing evenly.

"She will be out for a while. Just make sure she is still hydrated. May take a few days before she is more sober minded." He placed a hand on the cell.

She nodded. The rennard wished there was some way to help her 'sister' out more; sadly, she would have to deal with what she has. She then asked "Would you both like to stay for lunch?"

"Sure! We would like to."

Her tail wagged a little "Great!"

They were led to the dining room and they sat down. She then served some chicken stew with rice on the side. She served them and began to eat and enjoy it.

For Bell it felt like any comfort food he enjoys. "This is pretty good."

She smiled and blushed "T-thank you."

Hestia nodded in agreement "This is pretty tasty. So, when you are officially free, what will you do?"

She thought for a moment and responded "Maybe find some of my friends back from the East." She drank and continued "I've met Lord Takemikazuchi back in the East with a number of orphan children. I would play with them from time to time years ago. Since then I am uncertain."

Hestia smiled, "Well, what a coincidence, I know Take and his familia is in Orario."

She perked up hearing this "Really?"

Bell nodded "Yeah. I tend to train with Mikoto. Do you want to see them?"

She nodded enthusiastically "Yes!"

"We will send them to see you tomorrow."

"Great!"

She was excited to see her old friends again.

Then she looked at Hestia "Lady Hestia, I wanted to ask if you were interested in learning more massage points."

Hestia nearly dropped her spoon as Bell looked at Hestia oddly.

"Wait a minute. Did you head to the Entertainment District?"

She gave a nervous chuckle.

Unknown Location, Dungeon
"Sir, we moved our inventory to the new location as instructed." one of the white robed men looked at the fox masked man.

"Good. Dismissed."

He saw the man leave, while he went back to a large table with a map of the Dungeon.

"This is the fourth time we have changed location."

He looked at the god and replied "I know Lord Thanatos, but if we stayed longer, they would have found us. We have to keep on the move for our plans."

"I can't tolerate another failure from Ishtar. She is becoming more of a liability."

"Ishtar cares nothing more than her petty fight against Freya. I, on the other hand, care more about what I would do with Orario." He took out a small crystal and it gave a small pulse "And my package is getting close to Orario."

"This package of yours, you obsessively talk about, what is it?"

Underneath the mask, he smiled "Oh, something that will quake and tremble the people up in Orario and the world. Once she arrives, then we can begin our process in merging her with our experimental project."

"For your sake, you better not fail."

As the Lord of the Dead left, the man thought "Once I am done with the people of Orario, I will exterminate every god in this world, and I will personally hunt you down, for your betrayal."

Evening
Bell began to put on a new black jacket with blue trims on it. He then looked at the mirror and nodded. He saw Hestia looking at Bell "So, what do you think, Hestia?"

Hestia went over and kisses his lips "If it wasn't for the date, I would have my way with you~"

He chuckled nervously, "Same."

She then had a sly smirk "Now go get her~"

He shook his head and noticed she was dressed for the occasion of the first night of the festival. Wearing more of a green dress, that showed a bit of her cleavage and dark sandals.

"I will be with Lilli and Eli. Aura said she will be with some few elves she knows."

He nodded as he saw Lilli not far off. Wearing a summer green dress with sandals as well, he had to admit, she looks tempting.

Lilli saw Bell and went over to him. "Hey, Bell."

"You look beautiful, Lilli."

She blushed and giggled as she jumped right at him to give him a kiss. He kisses back, caressing her back. As the kiss ended, she looked at him "Hope Lilli hears how the date went."

"Heh. It will be somewhat difficult how elves date, but it is doable."

She patted his head "Good luck."

He got her down and replied. "Thanks."

One hour later
Bell was waiting at the large tree, where Ryuu asked him to meet up. He knew elves were different when it comes to dating and customs. But that doesn't mean he could give it an entertaining manner.

"Bell?"

He turned and was surprised how she looked. Her hair has grown a bit more, the green she had was gone and now blonde hair done in a braid. Wearing a white blouse that exposes her shoulders and along with a light green skirt that reaches as far as passing the knee caps. He noticed she was wearing a flower bracelet on her left hand.

"Wow…."

She blushed a little as she never felt being stared that way before.

"You look beautiful, Ryuu."

She looked down as her face is red "T-thank you."

He then remembered what his next step was. He got on one knee and presented a small corset that he placed on her right hand. She looked at it and gave a small smile "Thank you."

He got up and smiled "Now, let's head over to the festivities."

She nodded and both were heading to the various stalls that are open.

They walked for a while and noticed some were selling various sweets to grilled food. They even saw various trinkets and jewelry on display. "How are you doing, Ryuu?"

She looked at him and responded "It has been better. Although I wonder if Lady Astrea is doing well."

"Have you sent her a letter?"

"I have, but it seems she hasn't answered lately. I suppose she is on a mission. In her last letter, she told me she had a new member."

"That's good to hear."

She then looked ahead "I just wish the others were alive."

He held her hand and gave a gentle squeeze. "I keep telling myself for my grandfather. Sadly, life is never easy. But we could make the most of what we have and live for their memory."

She smiled hearing that and gave a gentle squeeze back "Thank you."

They walked a bit more until he spotted something appealing. He saw a glass flower that is in full bloom. "Excuse me, could I purchase that flower there?"

The seller got a look at it and nodded "Of course. That is a unique glass that I made with my hard work. It costs about 2000."

Bell smiled and noticed his hands had a bit of bandages and a burnt mark. He then took out his money and gave it to him. As the man counted he was surprised "Sir…this is too much."

"Keep it sir. You earned it."

"Thank you, sir!"

He gave it to Ryuu and she got a good look at it. "I'm amazed how well shaped it looks."

He agreed. "It does."

She placed the gift on a bag she brought herself and moved a bit. As they walked, she saw an elf vendor, selling grilled fruit. "Want to try it?"

"Sure."

She went and bought for both of them. He took a bite and was surprised how good it was. It wasn't too sweet for him. "Wow!"

"Glad you like it" She took a bite of hers as they found a place to sit down. They were eating and enjoying it.

"So Bell."

"Hmm?"

"I wanted to thank you. Thank you for everything you have done for me, for clearing my name out and trying to help me in any way. I just…I just don't feel I deserve it."

He placed his hand on her shoulder and looked at her "Ryuu, you are worth every coin, every jewel, every possession I could give to free you. You are far more valuable though, more….priceless than an imperfect diamond."

She gave a shy smile.

"Ryuu. Let's head to the forest."

She nodded and she felt her hand being held and left the area.

Not far off, a god saw this and had a sly smirk. He decided to follow them, and placed a helmet on. He vanished.

Not far off from Orario, in a forest.
Bell and Ryuu found a perfect spot as the moonlight showed on them.

Both stared at each other's eyes.

"Ryuu. My beautiful elf. The first time I saw you, I saw an elf who is strong, courageous, and selfless. I also saw something else than just that." He stepped closer and still held one hand, but then grabbed her other hand, holding them. "A vulnerable, beautiful woman that needed help. I had to rescue you."

A few tears escaped in her eyes.

"Ryuu." He got then on one knee, as her breath hitched. He took out a silver ring. "I know you would wait for the day of the wedding, but this is my half of the ring. I pledge my life to you, to love you, to care for you, to bond with you when the day comes. So let it be done."

More tears escaped as she smiled. She got on her knees as well, dug into her small bag and found it. She was saving it for the day that will come. She took out her own silver ring and said "Bell. Here is half of my ring, and I will pledge my life to you, to love you, to care for you, and to bond with you when the day comes. So let it be done."

They each placed a ring on them and both then kissed.

In the distance, the god of messenger, saw it all and he left immediately "Bell is amazing! Zeus will be overjoyed he has a beautiful elf on him!"

He had a gleeful look on him as he left the place, while the couple were oblivious to what happened.

To be continued.

A/N: I know some are confused by the comment Hestia made. Well, check out the first four chapters of Brighter Future. I made changes on it. I will make more scenes and details in the coming time.

I had to figure out a new magic attack, which will play out later on for Welf. He will play his role in this story, but in the coming sequel, he will play a somewhat larger role for a good reason.

And lastly, my next few chapters may take a while, due to work, so updates may get erratic, so bear with me. I will do what I can to release each chapter to the best of my abilities. So until then.

Next chapter: Bellerophon meeting the Loki Familia, Finn running, and Bell taking Eli inside of the Dungeon with the whole Familia. Don't miss it.