Hello people of Fanfiction. Yes, Writers United Crew is back….kind of….sort of.
I am here presenting this new story. Yes, I know Ketchum is an unfinished story, but the old crew isn't around much. Unless I am able to find any of them again, I am the only one that is left. However, I had help on this story.
Until then, enjoy this story.
Disclaimer: I don't own Danmachi, nor Kuroinu.
Chapter One: A letter of help
As the tale goes, the gods came down from the Heavens to find entertainment. For some gods, they found it by hanging out with mortals forming familias, while others ruling on lands to conquer it, a few have come to explore the world.
For one small goddess, she found a young man who was looking to join a familia, while she too was looking for someone to join. Since then, her life changed for the better and watched her child grow stronger each and everyday.
It has been a week after the 18th floor incident, she has been trying to find something to help out Bell in some way.
That is when she returned from the Guild.
The Goddess of Hearth held an envelope in hand, asking herself why did she even accept receiving it and accepting the quest —Maybe it was the reward that came with it: A large sum of Valis which would be able to partially pay the debts she owed while also leave them enough leftover to repair the church...
Enough to make it far more homely for Bell, or so Hestia desired. And maybe getting new equipment for him. The letter seemed to have come from a far away country and roused Hestia's interest in the world outside of Orario; Eostia sounded intriguing, especially when word of mouth mentioned the country equaling Orario -save for the Dungeon.
A country with strong fighters and gifted people, Bell would enjoy exploring that kind of place...Maybe to help out a reincarnated goddess? Something that surprised her a bit. The aspect of a reincarnated goddess. Was she even a goddess? A Spirit that she has read in books when she stayed with Hephaestus for that time? Or maybe a title that the people placed on her? She grew more curious and interested in it.
After all, she read books on her stay with her best friend Hephaestus and learned as much as she could, enjoying it. Of course, not before mooching, being lazy, and wasting money left and right, that wasn't hers at all. She sighed and knew she had a long way before getting herself out of debt.
Either way, she took it while she went to the Guild for an update on her familia's income. After that she saw something that caught her eye and asked for the quest, only to be given a letter.
She waited until her whole familia is assembled. Well, kind of her familia, considering that Lilli and Welf were not part of the familia, yet they are with Bell during the expedition in the Dungeon.
The door opened and he saw Bell, Lilli and Welf coming in. It seems that their mission was accomplished based on their smiles, and a bag they have with them.
"Ah good you all arrived. Can you all have a seat?"
They did so as Bell asked "What's going on?"
"Well, I headed to the Guild to see if there might be any quest that we could actually handle. It took me a while, looking at each one, until I spotted this."
She placed the letter on the table. Lilli was a bit surprised seeing this "Lady Hestia took a quest?"
She looked at the pallum and nodded "Yes."
She then opened it and read it out loud:
"To anyone that answers this quest.
We have called upon help from a group of mercenaries to help us in the war we have been at for many years in the country called Eostia, but I believe it won't be enough. We have heard rumors of the people of Orario having strong and capable warriors. We are imploring in our time of need to help us end this war and stop the Dark Elf Queen Olga Discordia and her demons to end the war. We placed a large reward for anyone to take it. The Guild is holding the finances for your trip to Eostia and if the mission is successful, then a greater reward is waiting. Please respond.
Queen Celestine Lucullus
Leader of the Princess Knights
Goddess Reincarnate"
She then showed the second letter at how much is the reward, surprising them.
Lilli's eyes widened "T-that's a lot of valis!" "Part of the payment would help me leave my familia for good."
Hestia had a big smile on her face "I know! I took it because it can solve a number of problems!"
"Wait a moment, how strong are the enemies there though?" Lilli felt somewhat skeptical about all of it.
"I would say, it might be something we could handle. Nothing but orcs and creatures that are found in the Dungeon, but seem to adapt on the surface world. The assumption is that they might be weaker, but I believe it has to do with their numbers." She smirked.
"That is true, but Lilli believes we may need a much stronger person to go with us."
"I could see if we could get a volunteer or two." Hestia said. "It still would be good to assist in our trip."
Bell then said "Goddess reincarnate? How is that possible? I thought gods can't reincarnate."
"I am trying to figure that out. I may have to ask the two gods about it, when I ask for their assistance."
Welf was more or less hearing this and added "I have heard of Eostia, but I never visited there. Rakia has been there and seems to have a hard time invading there, due to dealing with monsters and capable warriors there."
Bell perked up hearing this "Really?"
"Yeah. Oddly enough, the only thing I have heard was that they had these strong warrior women who managed to drive them back. Plus, they were these dark elves who forced them to drive back. We lost men during the battles, and some of the women went missing."
"Missing?"
He nodded "We aren't certain what happened, but we assume they are captured by them or some of the monsters ate them there. Few would claim to have seen creatures call demons, due to how they are too difficult to be killed." He shrugged "I am theorizing it could be just enhanced monsters."
"My grandfather would agree to some degree. He believes that the demons might have either been monsters that were killed in other means, or just enhanced monsters. He did also say some monsters tended to be more adaptable against people on the surface once they are out of the Dungeon. It's uncertain what to expect out there."
"Correct. It would be great to see what materials they have there, for me to make weapons!"
Bell chuckled hearing that. He began to get excited about going to another kingdom. However, the aspect of war is something he wasn't familiar with. He has read books about the war and his grandfather told of wars, but wondered how accurate the depiction is.
He also thought of another person that could go with them. He did wonder if she could go with them, but he would have to meet up with her tomorrow and see what she would say.
He knew they would need all the help they could get.
Next day
"So, you will be heading out of Orario to save another kingdom far away, and you want me to go with you?"
He nodded excitedly "Yes, Ryuu. After seeing you fighting with us, you would be great to tag along with us."
She felt conflicted. She would like to help out a nation in need, but she is still wary of her duties with the restaurant as well. The waitress elf was contemplating what to do.
"Go with him, Ryuu."
She turned to Syr. She was smiling at the elf.
"But, Syr-" She tried to protest.
"I need you to keep an eye open on him, for me. Do take care of him." She smiled softly, "I trust you will do well."
Ryuu thought for a moment, and she then nodded in agreement. "Let me ask Mama Mia though."
"Go Ryuu." She was surprised to hear that from the owner of the place, considering she doesn't give out any of those free days like that at all. "It will do good for you to head out."
"Thank you, let me get prepared."
Ryuu left to pack her things.
Bell smiled until he heard "So, are mew going to order something, meow?" He saw Chloe, giving that look that made him shiver down his spine. "Or do you need a nice butt massage, mew~"
One hit in the head and two cat girls fighting each other later, left Bell looking at the situation that came down.
"I will have to remember to speak privately."
Abandoned Church
"Thank you both for coming." She gave a respectful bow.
"You already know how much I don't mind coming to see you." The East God of War said with a gentle smile.
"I would agree with that sentiment, but you peak my curiosity." The familiar God of Messenger said.
"You see, I need a volunteer or two from one of your Familia members. I took a quest, but it's in another country, far away from here." She gave the letter to them. "I am just waiting for Hephaestus to arrive."
They looked at the letter and read it. This surprised me of a war from here.
"I suppose not one familia took it." Take had an intriguing look. "Maybe the distance isn't worth it for some. Yet the sum of it is huge."
"I have no problem at all. I could, in fact, take two members but I will tag along."
Take looked at the letter again and thought who could go with Hestia. He knew he owed Hestia familia a debt, after what happened with her familia. He smiled "Mikoto and Asuka could go with you. I seem to recall how well Mikoto did with your team, and having Asuka go out would help her as well. Hardening herself in battle, of course."
She gave a low bow "Thank you, both."
"No problem."
Hermes looked at the letter again carefully "Zeus would be curious about this, once I tell him after all. Would be interesting meeting this ... .reincarnated goddess. If I do get a close look, I could try to see if she is a goddess of sorts…or a crazy loon."
"Thank you both for helping me out."
"I have to ask your thoughts about this goddess reincarnate. I have heard stories of people claiming to be gods. I am at a theory that she might either be one that lost memories or the people gave her that title."
Hestia thought about it "Sounds plausible, but then again, I can't form an opinion until I see it myself."
"Fair point. I will head back and see who I can bring. Until then." He then left.
Take smiled "Well, looks like we are getting a nice group."
Hestia nodded in agreement and was excited about it.
Few hours later
Bell was sitting down on the ground, on the wall where he met with the Sword Princess.
He then heard footsteps and turned to his left, seeing the familiar blonde haired warrior "Hey Ais."
Ais had a small smile, seeing him "Bell. How are you?"
"I'm good." He cleared his throat and got up. "I am here to let you know, I will be heading to another country. I might be gone for a while, and we will hold off on the training for now."
"Where?"
He answered quickly, "Eostia."
She had a blank look. "What is going on there?"
"A war is going on and they need assistance. My goddess Hestia accepted the quest after we agreed to help out."
She had a sad look. That means no training with him, it also means he may or may not come back. She felt conflicted if she should go with him or not, to protect him. However, what will her familia think of her heading far away?
He noticed her expression and remembered his father's advice: make them smile "D-don't worry about it. I promise I will come back to you and we can train as much as you want." he wanted to assure her that he will be back. He will be back at all costs.
This made her smile "Good." She then remembered something that she wanted to try out "Can...can I do something?"
"Uhh….sure…"
She got close and began to pat his head. She caresses his hair more and his cheek. "Please, stay safe…."
His face turned redder and nodded "Y…yes…Ais."
Bell was turning redder and couldn't move. He saw her leaning over and he felt her lips on his cheek.
She then backed away and said "See you soon." She then left, leaving a bewildered white rabbit questioning what just happened.
He touched his cheek and wondered if that was real or not.
Either way, he finally got his first kiss. He felt happy and motivated to survive.
Unknown to him, a goddess watched it all and began to ponder ways to make Ais suffer or Bell.
Or both.
Soma's Place
Soma, God of Wine, was making his unique batch of wine once more. He is hoping for something more potential on the wine in question. Out of all the gods that came down, he is the only one that barely made any changes. He assumes he may be able to make changes to his wine in the Lower World.
Thus far, very little success.
He heard the door open, but the footsteps were light as ever. He recognizes who it is. "Lilli."
"Lord Soma, Lilli will be gone for a while. Lilli doesn't know when Lilli will be back, as Lilli will be with Master Bell…." She was somewhat hesitant in what she had said.
He was quiet, yet a tiny part was curious. "I see. Where are you going?"
"Eostia."
He has heard of the place in a book. "That is far."
"Yes, but Lilli has to go with Master Bell to support him…."
He was silent once more and stirred a bit more and stopped. He then went over to her and placed the cup, filled with the familiar wine. "Drink."
Lilli grew frightened and ran away immediately, knowing what it caused her if she drank that. She hated the drink. She refused. It even caused her own parents nothing but trouble.
He saw her run away and made him frown "Disappointment." He then went back to work. He had high hopes for her, but it seems she isn't the one. One less member of a familia would not bother him. They come and go like his wine.
Nothing changes.
Later at Night, Abandoned Church
Hephaestus looked at the short goddess and said "So, let me get this straight. You are taking your only familia member and a number of people to a war that is far away to stop this enemy."
"Yes."
"And you are doing this for the reward?"
"That, and also to explore the world. Plus, by looking at the reward, I will forward it for the debt, getting closer to being debt free."
She sighed "Hestia, war here is different from the Heavens. They are worse things that can happen to anyone. I advise you to think about going there."
"I already have when I looked into the quest. I am going with Bell, and I am responsible for his well-being and making sure that his stats are updated against the opposition in that part of the world." She had a determined look.
"He has changed you more, Hestia…" she sighed "Very well, I will join you."
She was surprised to hear this "Huh? Are you sure?! What about your business and…"
"It's not the first time I left elsewhere for a reason. I will have my captain keep an eye on the store, and it is one way to keep an eye on Welf on his progress."
She smiled in a relieved look. "Alright, pack up, and we will head out!"
Following day
Bell was already on the gate earlier than the others. He decided to go on ahead, while Hestia went to check on Hephaestus and see if they are good to go.
"Bell!"
He turned to see a brunette short haired elf with a suit on "Ms. Eina?"
"Bell" She stopped and panted "I heard you took the quest in Eostia and I wanted to give you this!" She took out what looked like a book. He opened it and read the title 'The History of Eostia'
"Thank you Ms. Eina! I know this will help me out!" Then he felt a hug from her. He slowly, yet hesitantly wrapped his arms around her.
"Just...try to get back to me...please..." She backed off and noticed some tears on her eyes, upset at how Bell had to leave to another country far away. She learned what the quest was about and had to look into the information of the place. She only found one book about it and that was it. It may or may not have been updated for some time, considering how far it was. She grew worried as the land was on a war, and is uncertain what he will face. The half-elf wanted to make sure he was going to be okay.
Bell then remembered something from his grandfather, on how to deal with a woman who was upset. He wiped her tears and whispered in her ears "I promise you, I will be back. You have my word."
Eina smiled being hugged by him, and just the whisper made her ear tickled a little. Her face turned a little red, but shook it off. "Take care, Bell."
He nodded as he watched her leave.
Bell shook his head and went on to the meeting spot, that Hestia told him.
He arrived and was surprised to see carriages and large boar creatures reaching 6 feet tall. They looked tamed and docile.
"What is that?"
"That's a Battle Boar." he turned to see a near long blonde haired woman with green eyes and elven ears. "They are normally found past the 18th floor. They are tough to deal with, but I am surprised how well they are tamed."
Bell almost blushed "I see."
She then smiled "My name is Laurier Swall of the Hermes Familia."
"B-Bell Cranel of the Hestia Familia." He said a bit nervously.
Her eyes brightened recognizing the person "Ah! Little Rookie. I heard about you from Asfi. She said you were amazing! Can't wait to see how you are in battle!"
He smiled "Yeah. I will do my best."
The others arrived and Bell went to help his goddess with her luggage. She looked around and said "So, we are headed via carriage?"
"Yes. Ganesha loaned us these carriages and it will take us there in one piece. He did want to use dragons, but he heard reports of dragon poachers that are around in Eostia that might shoot us." Hermes said, heading to one of the carriages. "So, everybody ready to head out?"
They nodded and they each went to one of the carriages.
Hestia and Lilli fought on who would sit next to him, until he ended up being in the middle between Hestia and Lilli. Welf had an amused smile, while Hephaeustus shook her head.
Mikoto, Ryuu, and Asuka were with Hermes, Asfi and Laurier.
The driver then saw Ganesha not far off on a tree and waved at him.
Ganesha waved back "Go and take the winds! Think of Ganesha on the way!"
They gave a gentle tug and they were off. They were surprised how fast they were going.
"Vaya con Dios! For I am Ganesha!" He jumped off the tree and landed perfectly.
To be continued.
A/N:
This ends the first chapter. Yes, some information isn't there, but the speculation will play out as the story goes on.
I would like to thank Resitenz, Jas, Shmut, and others that I have yet mentioned for looking over the story and adding more into it.
As the story progresses, some parts of it will be pretty dark, due to the aspects of the world of Kuroinu. I won't reveal much, but just some implications of it. So, I will let you readers know what this chapter will contain to warnings ahead of it.
Until then take care.
