Hello everyone. I know it is late, but Happy New Year! And yes, we are kick starting with the first chapter of the third series of Brighter Future. For those that have been following me from the start, thank you all.

For those are confused and have no idea what is going on, read the first and second one, to understand what is going on.

I do hope you all enjoy it

Disclaimer: I don't own Danmachi nor the characters

Chapter 1: Preparation for War

Bell blocked a front kick, before a forearm nearly struck his face. He countered with a punch, then spun with a roundhouse kick.

Bache blocked it. She grabs him by the neck for a hold.

"Bell, get out of the hold!" Mikoto shouted.

The white haired captain of the Hestia familia, moved back and flipped her on the front. This forced her to let go and she got into a fighting position. She smiled, her mate is getting stronger each time they fight. She was getting turned on watching him trying to dominate the fight and placing holds on each other. However, she knew that wasn't the time yet. Each time, it is harder for her to resist him, but he did promise her that they will mate one another.

For now, she will try to make sure he survives.

Bell knew that this won't be an easy fight. While the fight against Apollo Familia would have been very easy to him, had Apollo jumped in, the Ishtar Familia are more dangerous. He already had a plan on how to deal with them.

But the bigger plan is to take out a number of nobles, Dionysus, and Evilus in one move. It would be the perfect opportunity during the War Games. He already told various familia members to prepare themselves to head to the locations that he marked on the map, the moment when the War Games start. Once it starts, the start of either capture or death would happen.

This was their only chance to minimize larger casualties, and the start of them preparing for the worst of it to come.

He had an instant moment to focus back, and avoided the last hit. He jumped and flipped over her, landing right behind her. He went for a choke hold, while wrapping his legs around her hips. He holds on to her, while she is trying to get him off.

She then jumped high and slammed her back on the ground, taking the air off of Bell. She then did it again, until he let go. She got on top of him and held on to a hold.

Bell was losing his vision. He saw her stop and stayed on top of him. His vision was turning back to normal. "I thought I had you."

She shook her head.

Tiona said "Unfortunately, they will find a way to release themselves, even if they have to hurt themselves. But, knowing Bache is higher level than you, just let go."

"Got it."

Ais got up and added "Bell. While you may not take on the captain, do keep your guard up with their second in command. Her sword style is dangerous."

"I will."

He took a deep breath and thought "Loki…..are you okay?"

Since that day after the dance, from what Ais told him, she is locked away in her room more. Those that got in, were told to leave, as she wasn't feeling well.

Even with Riveria went to check up on her, she refused to say anything. She just said to leave.

Bell knew the reason for it, and his mind was made up: After the War Games, he will talk to Loki about this, no matter how much she yelled, kicked and screamed at him. He still loved her very much.

For now though, he got up and stretched his back. "Alrighty, let's continue. If I am going to have to survive, I might as well continue."

Bache smirked and got into a fighting position. She saw him going for a flying kick, and she sidestepped.

He avoided another hold and went for a kick.

Mikoto continued to coach on, and pointed out to move out of the way. She was seeing his improvements drastically. He was an ace with a weapon, but hand-to-hand combat left him more of an amateur. She watched how fast he picked up the Eastern Strike, the Divine Holds, and now the style of the Telsky.

She saw how dangerous those shin and elbow shots could put a fighter out. Not to mention they know how to hold an opponent in a clinch. She pointed out how to escape the moves, while he fought on.

As Mikoto watched on, she felt nervous about being involved in the War Games. She never had to fight another person, let alone to try to put them down for a while. Death isn't something she will do, but will fight to put the person out of the War Games.

She will do her best no matter what.

In the Twilight Manor
Riveria was sitting in her room, reading a book. No matter how much she stared at the same page she was for a while, her mind couldn't contemplate what was wrong with Loki.

Normally she shakes off these so-called mood swings, but this is different. She asked Ais what happened and was surprised to hear the story.

Bell was dancing with Loki and they seemed to be very happy. Then Lady Ishtar appeared and this whole War Games fiasco would happen in a few days. Since then, she has been locked in the room, refusing to leave.

"I don't understand it. I even had Lefiya hand her a strong drink, but she didn't want it." She placed her book on the side and grew frustrated. "What is going on with Loki?"

Finn walked up to Riveria and asked "Is Loki alright?"

"No…not yet."

He frowned upon hearing this and went to find a place to sit. "This isn't like her at all."

"You and I both agree."

"I wanted to drag her out" they turned to see Gareth and he sat down "but the gal is a lot stronger than she looks. She just wanted to be left alone. So I obliged her."

Finn had a sad smile "So, what of the War Games?" He decided to change the subject.

Riveria responded"Ais said that the group are strong enough to deal with them."

Gareth smirked "Knowing that kid, he will tear through them. Sure, them women are strong on their own right, but the kid is a lot smarter and stronger than he looks."

Riveria nodded "That I agree."

Finn smirked "I know they will do well." A knock is heard and saw it was Tione "Yes?"

"Umm…captain, are you busy?"

"Oh…no. Is something going on?"

"Well…I needed to speak to you privately."

"Sure. Excuse me." He hopped off the chair and went with her, leaving them alone. Much to their amusement.

In Loki's room, the goddess of trickster was hugging her legs.

"Why….why are my memories of him coming back….."

She began to remember a god, a man, who loved her for how she is. She recalled the moment they met one day, as he was playing a simple flute. She saw how handsome the man was, with his dark hair and gentle eyes. He had a boyish look….just like Bell.

His voice still rings in her mind and heart.

Flashback
She saw the man playing the flute, for the third time, and couldn't resist looking in the distance. Who was this man? This god, who is playing the flute so beautifully. She has never seen something so….cute. She saw him stop playing and spotted her. He gave a gentle smile.

"Wow….he's so gorgeous. He is amazing!"

"Hello."

She nearly jumped up, from being spotted. She couldn't move. She wanted to move, but couldn't. For some reason, she lost the ability to do anything, and that had to do with her own nervousness.

He looked at her with a smile, "My, what a beautiful red haired woman."

"Is he talking to me?!" His voice. It sounded great.

"You seem interested in the flute. I enjoy playing it, it helps me a lot in relaxing."

He came over and was in front of her. Making her eyes open.

"My name is Sigyn. And you are?"

She shook off her petrified emotion and responded "Loki."

"Loki. What a beautiful name, for a beautiful woman."

She began to giggle like a schoolgirl hearing her crush. Wait, crush? Sure, her heart beating fast and seeing that smile of his. "Umm…I'm not…"

"You are not beautiful? Who told you aren't beautiful? The gods must be blind. That red hair tells me you are fun to be around, your red eyes remind me of beautiful rubies. Your smile, gracious."

Her face turned red hearing all of those compliments "Ummm…thank you….Sigyn."

"How about you come with me, and let's have a small drink."

She nodded. She can handle it.

As they walked, she felt her right hand being held by his left hand. She couldn't believe this. This cute looking man was holding her hand. Her. Loki, the flat chested pervert, was being called a number of good things.

She had a goofy grin all the way, all while the other gods on her Pantheon were in shock.

Flashback ended.
She smiled at the memory of how they met. They drank, and they got to know each other. Heck, of all the gods and goddesses, he was the only one that calmed her crazy nature, and understood her.

She loved him.

Now….

Those other memories of that day.

Her failure.

"Sigyn!"

Tears were coming out and began to sob. "I'm so sorry Sigyn….I'm so sorry…."

He is being taken away.

She never loved another person again. Oh, she was a pervert, but most of the grabbing and groping was to test on the girl's reflexes if they are able to dodge on time or not. Just a way to see how well they are able to get away from immediate danger or not.

However, she never loved again. Never let her heart open to anyone. She had a fear of anyone trying to use her, hence she embarrassed her madness to keep up a step.

Until Bell Cranel came along.

So much about him reminded her of her Sigyn. His good personality, his bravery, and helping people out. She could remember that kiss, so much like him.

Could there be a possibility of what happens when gods….

Maybe….

Just maybe…

She was going to cheer for him to win, and maybe….maybe talk to him.

For now, she has to have her mind in a chaotic order, then get a drink and cheer him on during the War Games.

With Lilli
Lilli stayed in a specific area in the Entertainment District, just looking over the Amazoness. She was looking at their security, but it was still tight. While her abilities and other means would get her to hide, her orders were not to rescue Aisha.

As much as Bell wanted to rescue her, there is a high chance that they might have set up a way to detect invisible people. She did try to check it out, only for her to stop about a foot from where she might be locked up. She saw something shimmering and decided to pull back.

She hated leaving someone there, but Bell knew that once the War Games were over, Aisha would be recovering.

Everything will be fine.

For now, she got the information she observed and left immediately.

Time for their plan to start.

In Hestia's Church
Hestia brought some drinks and placed them on the table, filled with a map, figurines and a few writings on the map. Thus far, things are already planned out on how the War Games will go, but one goddess was somewhat skeptical.

Astraea is known as the goddess of justice. She saw how wrong it was with the whole Ishtar problem once she was told by Bell and the others. It also doesn't help that Evilus were still around, roaming underground and still have supporters that will help them.

However, the way Bell is presenting the plan with what will happen made her a little skeptical. The War Games would bring Evilus' guard down and would have a mass arrest in one stroke. She wondered if they would catch all of them or if a few would slip. But she saw how Bell assured her, the only place they can hide is in the Dungeon, trapping them without any resources they would need, unless they start to kill adventurers.

But even that would cause Evilus to deal with stronger monsters.

She decided to agree with the plan for now, and talked to Ryuu. She learns that Ryuu is getting married to Bell a week after the War Games are over. She is so happy to hear that. She always wanted to watch one of her own children being married, and it is happening.

She grew excited and began to help her plan on the traditional elven marriage. Something she always wanted to watch.

Hestia saw Astraea writing a few things on a piece of paper. "Thirsty, Astraea?"

She looked at her and nodded "Yes please."

She placed the tea set down and was given tea. "So, I would assume you are writing a few ideas for the wedding."

"More like a speech about Ryuu, and also about Bell." She then stopped writing "It has been a few days, and I see why Bell is well liked. Especially Ryuu."

"Oh of course, he is an amazing guy who got us up where we are. And after the War Games, we will move ourselves to a bigger place."

"Really?" She poured some herself "Where to?"

"Oh, it's this bigger mansion that Bell sent to do. It's almost done."

"A bigger mansion? More members?"

"He believes so, and considering that both Bell and Ryuu are talking about having children in the future, but are uncertain of when it will happen."

Astraea blushed a little. She knew how children are made in the lower world. Just the idea of knowing Ryuu would be doing that, is something she would never imagine.

A part of her wonders how would Alise and the others would have reacted on the wedding day, and seeing it happen? She wondered how much would Ryuu be helped out….or will be so much chaos.

Adding to learning Bell has other lovers made her confused. More than confused, it shocked her learning that Artemis and Hestia are involved. Sharing a man like that? Is there something about him that attracts them? She does admit he does look cute, like a rabbit. But what else? His kindness and honest nature helps out.

Maybe they like him, due to how oddly pure he looks.

"Astraea."

She wondered if his hair was soft like a rabbit.

"Astraea."

Or how well he could handle-

"Astraea!"

"Huh?"

"You spaced out. Are you alright?"

She shook it off and responded "I am just going through a thought process about Bell Cranel."

Hestia looked at her and had a sly smirk "I see. You want to get to know your future-in-law, right?"

"Huh?" She looked at Hestia oddly, until the realization of what she meant "Wait! Not like that."

The goddess of hearth sighed "It must be that rabbit charm working again."

"Rabbit charm?"

"Yeah. For some reason, it affects the people has met. For most, they like him for what he does. The girls, well….it varies as some would want to get to know him better, while others are uncertain. And of course, those with bad intentions will show who they really are."

"I see."

"It happens a lot. So….want to get to know him?"

"Umm…..maybe after the War Games and wedding."

"Understandable. For now though, you told me you are barely starting to rebuild your familia together. How is that working out?"

"Oh, I have one new person so far, and she is helpful. She is heading here to meet up with us before it starts."

"That's great to hear."

She nodded as she went on talking about recruiting more members to her familia, and hoped that more people would join. Particularly women.

For Hestia, she is excited on the move and things will be quiet.

To be continued.

A/N: Here is the first chapter. So, a few more chapters in preparation before we jump into the War Games which will extend a bit longer than anything with everything that will happen.

I know that lemons will be in galore, but that will happen after the War Games, among other things. I am uncertain how fast I will update the chapters, so bear with me on that.

Thank you all for checking it out.

Next Chapter: Ishtar checks on Aisha, Ouranos learns of a rumor of a beast by Fels, a woman's kidnapping. Don't miss it.