Hey everyone.

I know some of you have been waiting for this next chapter. Well, I have been trying to figure out what to add to this chapter. After a while, I decided to write what I could cover, before the big fight. Considering Bell warns them at the last moment, we will see how the Loki familia would fare this time.

By the way, check out the Forum section "Danmachi and Brighter Future", where I will answer all your questions or if you need any ideas or suggestions, I will put them into consideration. No promises.

Until then, enjoy.

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

Chapter 24: Entering the Knossos

Finn looked at Aki and sighed "I see. You were deceived by this man, who turned out to be a member of Evilus and may have known when we were coming to the Knossos?"

Aki nodded and looked in disappointment at herself more.

He looked at her and knew she felt guilty of what happened. "We will still head over there, but you will be in Bete's squad. You will make sure you do your best to keep the team alive."

She nodded in determination. "I won't fail you."

He smiled "Good. We are heading out tomorrow."

In a way, Aki will do everything in her power to make sure Bete's team stays alive at all cost.

For Finn, he knew that pulling Aki out of the team would not help things. Nor her leading it, would indicate how to keep her team there. A few re-arrangements would force the enemy back off or be taken out.

He looked back at the map and made a few circles and was all set up.

Unknown Location
Revis was twirling her knife for a bit and had a boring look. She wanted some action, and knew she would get it tomorrow. She wondered how she would deal with Ais. She had some idea, and remembered her orders on how to take care of her and then deal with the Demi-Spirit in the room.

She heard footsteps and saw a familiar cloak. "Revis."

She nodded "Yes, Ein?"

"Vittereux is dead."

Revis snorted "Sooner or later, his big mouth would end up putting him down. Who did it?"

"Bell Cranel did."

She said nothing. "I see." She places her knife away. "And the plan?"

"It seems that he was feeding off info from one of Loki's familia members and well….I had to somehow give these people a last minute change. Although I did what I could to dispel concern with members of Evilius to keep with the last plan."

She got up from where she was sitting "Make sure Ais reaches me. I will keep her distracted for a while."

"I know. I will make sure of it."

Ein saw Revis heading to her room.

"I will try to make sure Lefiya is alive, and my clone alive as well." she then looked at her hands "Maybe I will tell her the truth….but will she accept me?"

She took off her hood, showing much longer dark hair, her eyes dark blue, with the areas of what were whites were pale red. Her skin turned into blue-like white. She lifted a bit of her chest, showing a little bit of the magic stone.

"Will she still see me as her friend?" she then thought of Bell "Will he still care for me, even as a monster?"

She closed her eyes, remembering the harsh words coming from other elves and non-elves after she survived that day. She felt like she deserved to die.

And yet, two people in her life saved her; that wasn't her god who treated her better. Bell and Lefiya.

She is forever grateful, but she wondered if she could do it or not. She places her hood on and mask, praying that Lefiya is able to survive this.

She has to survive.

In the infirmary in Dian Cecht Familia
Airmid opened his shirt and saw the scar where he was stabbed. Even though it was cleaned out, it seems that a small residue is still there.

She grabbed a salve and began to mutter some words, and her hands were glowing. She saw the purple glow and was on her hands. She then went over and placed her hands on a water basin. She cleansed her hands and checked anywhere else.

She then looked into his face and touched his scar. "I can't do much about it….I can ease it off though…" She caresses his face and the trace of purple residue is gone. He moved a bit where she was touching and he moaned "Mmmm….." She watched his nuzzle his cheek to her hand, nearly making her giggle. She admits that he looks like a rabbit, really cute.

"Wait, cute? Okay, maybe he is handsome and cute, but….." She looked to her left and right for anyone else. She indulged herself some more caressing. She smiled to herself, as she rarely indulged in doing this. She wishes she had a pet to pat, but this will do better.

She stopped and went to see her patient's familia. As she went out, she was surprised by the amount of people outside.

Hestia went up to Airmid and asked "How is he?"

She had a stoic expression and replied "I was able to remove a curse that has been on his body. He is recovering, but some of his scars will stay there. I would recommend no dungeon diving for a few days."

They were relieved to hear this.

An older gentleman, a god, walked over to the unconscious young man and smiled "Thank you for bringing justice for Mord. Thank you. Although we are in alliance with your familia, we will be there if you need anything."

He then looked at Hestia and bowed respectfully "Take care."

She nodded and she saw him leave. She went to see her Bell, looking better. She sighed seeing the scar, but he was still handsome in her eyes. She kisses his forehead "Get well, Bell."

Ryuu went over and smiled softly. She held his hand "I am happy you are still alive. You scared me back there. Rest well, my beloved."

Eli went over and patted his dad's hand. He didn't say anything, as he knew his father wouldn't respond to him. He saw Noelle going over to Bell and touching his hand.

"Sleep good, papa."

Aura looked at Bell and smiled, "Sleep well."

They each gave them a get well message, and they left, knowing he won't wake up anytime soon.

Next Day
The Loki and Hermes Familia were heading to one of the entrances of the Knossos. They knew getting into Daedalus Street would have been expected, until they received the last minute message where to head to.

They split up into the Entertainment District and were focused on their task, despite a number of prostitutes trying to entice them.

"This is pretty uncomfortable."

"Don't worry, Lefiya, we just have to keep walking until we reach the location."

Her ears droop a bit.

She then felt a pat on her shoulder and saw the stoic look of Filvis and felt comforted that things went well.

"Remember, stay close to me Lefiya and just keep my back covered."

She nodded, determined to be ready.

They arrived and felt nervous. Finn took out the orb and the place opened. He got the signal and the others immediately got in. He waited until the last one was in. Once the last group got in. He went in and closed it behind him.

In the Dian Cecht Recovery Room
Loki went to visit Bell. She learned of what happened to him, and wanted to check up on how he was holding up. She saw him, still resting and was glad that they allowed her in to check up on him.

She sat right at the chair next to him and held his hand.

"I heard what happened to you. It was pretty risky to get yourself into the fight, but….thank you."

She gave a gentle squeeze on the hand.

"My familia went in and I do hope they are able to deal with Evilus." She kept caressing his hand, when she was pulled off the chair and was on top of him.

Bell was awake, but saw Loki with her hair loose. His mind is somewhat foggy, wondering if all what happened to him was just a dream. "Loki…."

"Welcome back." She smiled.

She noticed tears were coming out of his eyes. "Loki…."

"That's me, don't wear it-hmph!" She was surprised when she was pulled to a kiss. A kiss that felt of need and full of….love? She began to kiss back. She recalled the last time she kissed someone this way and it was a long time ago. She felt his hands roaming to her back, caressing it, feeling it.

Bell then moved his hands down to her lower back. He desired her. Wanted her. He moved to kiss her neck, making her moan.

Loki was losing control from his touches and kisses. She wanted more of it.

"Ahem!"

He stopped and looked over. He saw Airmid was there, not looking happy. He looked up to see Loki and realized where he was.

For Loki, her face was a little red and looked a bit shy. She was known to be loud and perverted, yet at this point, she felt shy.

"I see you are awake, Mr. Cranel, and looking strong."

He turned a bit red. "Sorry…."

"If you don't mind, Lady Loki, I have to check on my patient."

She got off of him and she allowed Airmid to do her work. She watched her move her hands as they glowed. She looked around and nodded. "Looks like there is no residue left, but you are not allowed to do any Dungeon diving for a while."

Bell nodded "Understood. And….sorry about that."

She nodded and left.

Loki looked at Bell and smiled softly. "So, Mr. Rabbit, I am a little lonely and well…" she giggled as she went to touch him.

Bell smiled and groaned a bit "Easy there Loki."

"Oh? Why is that? Can't handle me?~"

He then turned her around and pinned her on the bed, making her blush. He then whispered in her ear "I won't be able to control myself."

She then looked into his eyes, filled with love and lust. She smiled softly "Can I get another kiss?"

He nodded and kissed her. He has been waiting to kiss her for a while. He missed kissing her and holding her close. After the kiss, he just held her and sighed "I hope they follow the plan." He then remembered something. "Loki, could you grab my pants and check on the right pocket?"

"I don't want to." She pouted.

He smirked and began to move his fingers on her ribs, making her giggle. "Alright, alright!"

She got up and checked on the pocket. She pulled out a paper and checked it out. She had a confused look "Huh?" She walked toward him and gave it to them "It contains nothing but dots and dashes."

Bell got a good look at it and sat up. He placed it on the light and noticed the paper allowed some transparency. He then smirked "So, he had it with him. Loki, head over to the Church and asked Hestia to hand me the number paper."

She nodded "Alrighty." She got up and left.

Bell smirked, "Well, I suppose I should thank you for giving me your good friends on a silver platter now." He knew if he can plan a big move, then this would solve most of their problems that are coming their way in years from now.

He just now had to confirm the suspicion with the numbers.

In a safehome
Haruhime laid in bed and sighed. "I wonder what is going on out there. The last thing I heard was a fight occurred and it left one dead. Something that hasn't happened in a while." She knew Aisha and herself were unable to leave the place for a good reason.

She wondered if Bell had a plan or anything to make a permanent freedom.

A knock was heard and went over to check carefully. She saw it was Lilli. She opened the door and let the pallum in.

She looked at her and said "Master Bell needs you to relocate for now, and would get Lady Aisha after he figures out where though."

"Are you sure?" She asked.

"Yes." They turned to see Aisha "I will be fine on my own. Just go for now." She was then hugged by Haruhime. "Take care, nerd."

She nodded and placed the hood on and she disappeared. They left as Aisha stepped out and watched them go. "Good luck."

Unknown to them, two women saw this on the rooftop and left immediately "Found you."

Knossos
They were walking toward the tunnels. They saw how the walls looked smooth and had various symbols on them.

"This place gives me the creeps." Aki thought. She had kept unclutching and clutching her fists, trying to look for any danger.

The others just wondered where it would take them.

They saw that it split into various tunnels. Finn looked at the group "This is the part where we have to split up." Finn pointed each group where to go and each was given a paper on how to handle each area.

Bete saw it and had a more serious look. "Alright. Let's move our asses!" They headed to their route on the left.

Riviera, with Ais and a few others, went to the right.

Gareth and Tiona were heading in another direction to the near left center.
Finn took the last tunnel with Tione, along with the others.

In another location of the Knossos, an older man with a 'D' on his left eye saw them coming in, via his orb. "They are here. A large number of them…."

Valletta smiled wickedly "Good. Let's put an end to them."

The older man sighed. He cared less about Thanatos plans, he just wanted to finish the Knossos. Don't they understand that it is unfinished? He left for an area to see if he can work on it.

Valletta signaled to trap the leaders. "And now for a nice vengeance, Finn."

Revis looked bored and walked elsewhere.

Valletta noticed it and said "Where are you going?"

"I have to take care of someone."

"Didn't you plan to put Finn down with me?"

"No. I have a bigger fish to fry."

She walked away.

"Tsk, you're no fun." She then saw a man with a cloak and spear with him. "What about you?"

"Let's do this."

She smirked "Yes, lets.~"

She skipped over to find Finn and put an end to him, while the other man was going to enjoy torturing them.

In another part of the Dungeon
"Meow, I wonder if White Hair is awake? I do want to wake him and cuddle with him, meow." Anya said as they were running toward the next floor.

"If he is, I am going to have my fun with him, meow~" Chloe said.

"Keep your sex life to yourself! I don't want to hear it!" Lunor exasperated it. She is wondering how it is that this white haired teen ended up with nearly all of her co-workers.

"Come now. If you slept with him, you would be more relaxed, meow. He does have a nice butt, meow!" She had a sly smirk, thinking of grabbing his butt.

"Enough. Our task is to head to the 16th floor and find a wall that he talked about. Then, he wants us to bring the dormant creature to Lord Ganesha." Ryuu looked focused.

"Why him?" Lunor asked.

"He told me, he tends to understand creatures better than others. He hopes he may be able to pull a miracle on this creature though."

"Have we ever faced it, meow?" Anya looked at the elf.

She shook her head "He said it is called a Demi-Spirit."

They looked at each other in confusion.

"Let's just go after it, while it is still sleeping."

They nodded and kept moving, wondering what it would look like and how they would take it to Lord Ganesha.

In the infirmary room in Dian Cecht's place
Hestia was checking on Bell's stats. "Eh?!"

"What is it?" He looked at her

"You just leveled up!"

He was surprised as was Loki in the room, with Eli.

"I leveled up?" He blinked.

"Yeah….I think the last fight pushed you to level up. I mean, we were waiting for it, but didn't know it was going to take until beating him up to do it."

"I guess so?"

"You also can get a chance in getting that Abnormal Resistance."

"Sure, let's do that." He knew it was an essential skill.

She finishes it off and closes it. She sighed "Well….I know Eina would be shocked this happened."

Loki went over and placed her arm around him and said "So, I assume this growth involves a skill, right?"

Bell nodded "But you have to keep it a secret. The last thing we need is other gods to hunt me down and such."

She frowned "But Mr. Rabbit, you are already loved by others here."

He shook his head "Not really. Some are obsessed with me more than others, and would use me."

A sneeze from Apollo was given and wondered who talked about him.

Loki nodded "You got a point there."

He looked at the paper and raised it up in the light, and added the paper with nothing but numbers. He made a small adjustment and he saw what he needed.

"I need a map to confirm something."

Aura gave him a map and he looked at it "Thanks." He looked at one of the coordinates and it was a building he was familiar with. "Huh….we got a hit." He then looked at each one. Each building he was familiar with and some he needed to head back.
"Once Lilli returns, we will start investigating each one and find out who is who."

"Right."

Loki looked at Bell and smirked, "Causing trouble?"

"Well, for the enemy only."

She kisses his cheek "Good boy. I love it when trouble is there~"

Hestia rolled her eyes playfully.

To be continued.

A/N: Boy, this took me a while, as I had no idea what else to add. I originally wanted to have more filler to it, but I do believe that should be enough of it.

I do wonder though, with all that leveling up that Bell went through in canon, would have any connections with his mother's side of the disease? I mean, look at his aunt, she was healthier than her, but she managed to level up to 7. Could it be a heredity that awakens a skill of sorts? Or the father? It's tough to say, as the story is getting close to the end. I would assume the author will now focus on who will have Bell's heart or something like that. Would be fun watching Ryuu and Ais trying to go after his love.

That is one LN that I can't wait to check out. Until then, take care.

Next Chapter: Knossos battle, Finn faces the darkness, Ais confronts Revis, and Ishtar orders. Don't miss it.