Hey everyone

Well, we are now starting the next small arc, but it will also expand not only with what Bell is going to deal with, but with the Loki familia. I do believe they are in the timeline where they will head to the Knossos area.

So two stories will head simultaneously in order to see the cause and effects of it. Let's see how it goes.

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

Chapter 21: A Little Girl Found
A little girl was running within the city and felt frightened. She barely grabbed a small piece of bread she found and ate it. It was somewhat stale, but still good. She was then chased by a dog that frightened her. She abandoned any plans for her to eat something, and focused on escaping.

She ran through the area of the town, zig zagging from one place to another, until the dog lost interest in chasing her.

She managed to get away and hid in an abandoned building. She slept on the corner with a green sheet on her and covered herself.

To her, this was a very rough place she was in. Then again, it wasn't as bad as the forest, where she had to hide from large monsters and eat berries on her way.

"I am so lost….yet….I feel it…." She has been sensing something familiar to her, yet doesn't know what it is. She knows it is within the city, but she feels other senses that are muddling it up to her. It felt for her like she was swimming on something thick, and decided to put away that sensing ability for now.

She closed her eyes and curled up like a ball, hoping to find that feeling again somewhere in the city.

Next day
Bell was walking by to see Naaza. He missed seeing her and wanted to know what she has been up to. He arrived and entered the store.

He saw the changes that were done within the place. New potions lined up, ingredients were organized with price tags on them, and a few books on herbs and potion making. He also noticed a few customers were buying a few things on the check out table. Naaza just finished giving the customer her change, when she saw him. Miach smiled and waved at the next customers to buy their items, just to allow Naaza to be with her lover.

She went over and hugged him "Hey there."

"Hey."

The hug ended and she grabbed his hand, taking him to the backroom. Once there, she opened one of the doors and showed him something "Bell, I made some new batches of the potion you asked for."

He looked at the three of them. One of them was clear colored, the other was purple, and the last one was green. He pocketed and smiled "Thank you."

"And?"

"Ah yes. Well I wanted to see how you are doing." He held her hand.

She smiled and pulled him into a kiss. He kisses back, while caressing her back. Her tail wagged happily and still held one another, missing each other.

The kiss ended and she smiled "I feel like the wife is happy to see the husband is safe and sound."

"Yeah. I feel happy to see you here." He looked at her and said "Maybe one day, I could help you deal with your fear of going into the Dungeon."

She sighed "I have been trying to, but it's a lot harder than it looks. Plus" she caresses his cheek "I am needed here more than ever."

"Yes, but I do believe with you heading there to conquer it, it might help you out one day. Plus, you may never know if a new skill would help with your amazing potions."

She looked down and placed her head on his chest. "I don't know about that, love…."

He caresses her back and understands what fearing to face something that traumatized him feels like. He did also remember how facing that fear is what courage is about. He then had an idea "How about if we work on it, one of these days. We will start at the upper floors, and then work our way down slowly? I will be on your side, every step in the way."

She hugs him. "I could try. No promises."

He smiled and caressed her "Good." He was happy holding her closely. He still tried to forget the image of her dead body and….he shook his mind off of it. She as alive this time around, and he will make sure of it.

Naaza nuzzled his chest "I feel happy."

"Same here, Naaza." He will do everything he can to make sure his loved ones lived long enough to be old.

If he can do it.

In the Marketplace
Syr was sent to grab a few supplies that were short on the pub. She went place to place and managed to nearly complete the list.

"So far so good. Just need one more place to go and I will be all set."

Syr, or better yet Freya, loved going out around Orario. She is able to be herself and explore, hear the silly rumors and other stories. It helped her out, in comparison being up there.

It was just that, but her little rendezvous with her beloved helped out, particularly her little 'fun' on the alley way. She giggled on how they were nearly caught by someone, but felt someone watching them and gave the person a show. Oh, how her lover didn't mind doing it there, it felt different than being in the bed or couch.

Oh how their love lives are spiced up. She just wishes they could head out of the city and explore all over the world, and enjoy the thrills of the world. And maybe visit an old friend.

She walked around for a while, until she heard a small commotion in the alley way. She went over to see what was going on, until she saw a dog running away. She grew more curious until she saw a little girl. Gray hair like herself with gray eyes, and a maroon colored dress. She looked hungry and tired.

As she stared at her soul, she nearly gasped. This one was different. "Oh my."

The little girl looked at her with near fright and went behind one of the trash bins.

She smiled softly "Don't be scared little one. I won't hurt you." She then took out a piece of bread and gave it to her "Here you go."

She grabbed it and ate it quickly. The taste of it was better than the garbage she has been eating. She felt a hand go over her head and was patted. It didn't bother her much. She liked it in fact.

"Pretty good, huh?"

She nodded shyly and her stomach grumbled. "F….food…."

"Oh, you are still hungry? Well, then. Follow me, I just know the place where you can eat."

She then smiled at the idea of food. That sounded good, plus the lady seemed really nice to her. She took her hand and was led to the Hostess of Fertility.

Hostess of Fertility
Syr was given some soup and saw the girl was just finishing a sandwich. She saw the soup and she licked it, only for her to burn her mouth.

"Easy there. You have to eat that one slowly." She went over and placed it on the bowl. She then scooped a bit and blew it a bit. "Here you go." she gave it to her.

The little girl took a taste and she loved it. She gave a big smile. She wanted some more and had more soup.

"Meow, Syr! Can you-" Anya stopped mid-sentenced and saw a little girl, taking a bite on a piece of bread. "Who is that, meow?"

"Oh. This is my daughter that I found." she looked at the girl and said "This is your aunty Anya. She is a sweet girl. Say hi."

She looked at her and gave a small shy wave "...hi."

A part of Anya was remembering herself as a helpless little kitten. Memories of her brother and herself, losing everything at such a very young age. Being taken by Lady Freya, seeing potential at both. She then remembered that struggles she went through, and trying to keep up with her brother, and that day when-

She shook her head. That was the past, she wasn't part of that Familia anymore. This little girl has more potential to live on. She went over and smiled "Hello little girl, meow!"

The girl liked her. She looked different and looked nice. "Nice to meet you, aunty Anya."

The cat girl loved hearing that and giggled.

"Anya! We need your-mew?" Chloe came and saw Anya hugging a little girl. "What are you doing, mew?"

"I'm an aunt now, Chloe, meow!"

"Oh? Does that make me an aunt as well, meow?" She had a curious look.

Syr giggled "Yes."

She went to hug the girl and nuzzle her cheek with her, eliciting a purr. The little girl smiled happily.

"Such a precious gem, meow."

"That she is." Syr agreed. It is a nice and precious gem she is happy to keep.

Lunor entered and blinked for a moment. "Uhh….is that a girl?"

"Yep." Shen nodded

"Did you kidnap her?"

"Nope." She shook her head.

"She was found outside by herself?" She placed her hand on her hips.

"Yep."

"Okay. Well, I don't know what to say but-" she looked at the girl as she was somewhat nervous around her. Those eyes, those innocent eyes. Her heart melted and sighed "Very well. She could stick around, but we better let Mama know about it."

"About what?"

This got some of the girls nervous. The larger woman entered and saw the little girl "What's this little girl doing here?"

Syr answered "Well Mama, I found her on the street and she was alone."

"Oh? And I presume you will be responsible for her health?! And her lodging?"

"Yes. I will take responsibility for the child. Just look at her. She was all alone and scared."

She looked at the little girl and was shaken a bit. The older woman looked at Syr's eyes and noticed something about them. The same eyes that a mother would be to protect her child. She questioned herself why she would do this.

She knew why: she cared in reality. The little girl reminded her of another frightened child years ago, who was pretty much alone. She promised herself she would care for any innocents when she was older. Well, time to put that promise to work.

"Alright." The girls cheered hearing this, and Syr was happy to hear that.

"Great. Then I could help her train to work!"

"Eh?"

"Come on, Mama. Think about it, one look at this girl and the patrons wouldn't help but melt their hearts seeing an innocent child!"

She rubbed her face and replied "Very well. Get her a uniform of her size and teach her everything."

"Of course!"

She left muttering about how she is allowing it to happen.

Syr was overjoyed, or better yet Freya. She had a little girl that looked a bit like her. "Oh, I can't wait to show my Odr our daughter!"

Few hours later
Bell arrived with Eli, on the request of Syr, and noticed a little girl with the familiar hostess uniform with Syr.

"Hello, love~"

"Hey" he smiled at the little girl "And who is this?"

"Our daughter of course~"

"Daughter?"

She nodded and gave a small pat on the head to the girl "Go ahead, greet your papa."

She went over, a little shy and saw the man with white hair and red eyes, who looked friendly. "Hi papa."

He smiled and patted her head "Hey there. What's your name?"

She looked down shyly.

"Ah, no name yet. Hmmm…we would need to come up with a name for her."

"True. So what should we name here?"

They began to think about it. For Bell, he had an idea for the name, but preferred Syr to do it. He knew what her name would be, due to meeting her in the last timeline. He hopes she stays around more, this time.

Syr then smiled "I know, how about Noelle."

"Noelle?...Noelle….Noelle…"

"That's a wonderful name!"

The little girl smiled joyfully "Noelle!"

"Well Eli, meet your sister Noelle."

He went to put his hand out to handshake her, but Noelle went for a hug. Something she thought would be nice. Eli smiled and hugged her back. "Yay. I got a sister!"

They giggled.

Both stopped hugging and she noticed his blindfold. She pulled it off, and he blinked. "Umm…Noelle, I can't see without it."

"...blind?"

He nodded. He then felt her hands on his eyes and felt warmth on it.

Bell and the others watched on. The girls were awed, but Bell wondered if she would do the impossible.

The glow ended and the boy looked at the girl in front of her. He saw the outlines of her with the blindfold on, but now he saw something. He sees her in front and tilts his head "Dad….what that color on her hair?"

"Gray."

"It looks pretty on her."

He saw Eli turning to him and noticed his pupils. He had some on him. "Wow dad, your eyes are cool."

He went to hug his son. He could see. He then pulled Noelle and whispered "Thank you."

She was happy to see.

"What a miracle, meow."

Lunor looked at her curiously "She doesn't have a Faulna. Is she magical?"

"I don't know, meow. But we have to keep it a secret at all costs, meow."

Syr, or Freya, nodded in agreement. This child had a healing ability. As much as she wouldn't mind showing off the ability, the problem would be protecting her. She did have her familia, but a part of her didn't feel safe about it. She would wait until the child was older and would place the Faulna on her back, and would have Heith teach her. She could see that greater potential in time.

Plus, having a daughter around would be really nice.

For Bell, he knew what was going to play out.

Only this time, he won't leave alive.

Twilight Manor
Aki went downstairs and left the entrance. She then saw Vittreux just waiting outside. She grew a big smile "Hey!"

"Hello."

"What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see if you wanted to head to the Hostess of Fertility tomorrow and well…enjoy a nice drink and meal. I will be leaving in a few more days."

She had a sad smile "Are you sure I can't convince you to stay longer?"

He sighed "I could send a letter and try. No promises."

"Good. As for heading with you tomorrow, that's a date!"

"Excellent. Do dress casually."

She nodded and went back inside.

The man left, unknowingly Filvis watched from the distance and grew concerned on what transpired. "She doesn't know how much of a monster he is. But how do I prove it though?"

Filvis was then focused back with Lefiya on their sparring session. "Are you alright, Filvis?"

She sighed "Not really. I have a feeling one of your friends might be at risk."

"In what manner?"

"Let's say one of your friends is at risk, but the problem is that I need to find proof of it."

She looked at her and pondered about it "If you can find something that can help my friend, then I am willing to show the truth."

"Likewise. For now, let's continue working on your footing. I know tomorrow Bell wants to train some more."

She nodded and took out her wooden sword. Both began to spar.

To be continued

A/N: Well, I added a few more things, just getting it ready for the meet up. How Bell would react seeing him, you would have to wait for the next chapter. As for Knossos' event, well, I already have some idea how it will play out. So there is that.

After I am finished with this part, a nice hiatus would do. It will give me an idea what the next part of the story would be like, and also work on other projects I want to take care of. I like this story, but I do want to work on other ones that would push my interest. So, there is that. Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Next Chapter: Bell and Vittereux meet up, Loki Familia finalizes the plan, and Bete's plan. Don't miss it.