Last time on Danmachi: Not from this World.
"Sorry Bell, but at the moment I'm not accepting any children. Its not anything personal towards you, it's just the predicament I'm in. Hopefully you can understand."
"Don't worry about it Hestia, I understand. I'll make sure to keep an eye out for any potential gods/goddesses that would take me in. Believe it!" Giving her a signature foxy grin and a thumbs up.
What an odd occurrence. It was still difficult to believe gods were walking around like it was normal. Apparently it was, what a strange world indeed. Continuing onward, Bell found himself at an intersection crowded with civilians blocking his path.
Tapping on someone's shoulder, he asked them what was with all the commotion. "Hey, what's going on? Why is everyone cheering?"
"Huhh? You don't know?" The stranger questioned. "The Loki Familia just returned from their expedition!"
Bell stared at the man. He listened to everything he said, from the Familia being one of the best, reaching lower levels, to hearing something about Giant Slayers. The guy even went so far as to pointing out an adventurer.
'Man this guy is such a fan girl.' Bell thought. 'Reminds me of the academy days...' Without lingering any longer he decided to find a spot to settle down for a bit. 'Still haven't seen a ramen stand yet.' And maybe grab something to eat.
Walking into an alleyway, he scanned his surroundings before taking to the rooftops. The ninja removed his cloak to reveal an outfit similar to his sage of six paths sage mode within Kurama's chakra. However his sandals were black, the one piece matching but didn't include the circle on the stomach or the tomoe. His jacket was an atrocious orange, tagged with the infamous Uzumaki symbol on his backside. The finishing touches were a utility belt hanging from his waist with a medium sized scroll.
You probably pondering for where he got his gear from. How about a flashback. No?
Flashback no juts-
"No time for flashbacks narrator!"He throw his signature hand sign. "Tajū kage bunshin no jutsu!" Nearly a hundred clones appeared. "Alright everyone listen up! We need to find a Familia to take us in. We also need a place to stay for tonight and food. No revealing any abilities and no huddling together so space out, no need to draw attention. Am I clear!"
"YEAH!" The clones shouted before vanishing out of sight. Strange how seamlessly no one below noticed all that orange mess and shouting from above.
"Now..." Bell eyed the tower that towered towers. He bounced from rooftop to rooftop, every jump made Babel grow in length and width. 'Man imagine the view from up there.' It really was piercing the sky without consent, wouldn't even be a shocker if one could see the edge of the continent from standing at the top. Smirking slightly, he shook his head thinking back to standing on the hokage stone heads.
Leap after leap, he stopped on one of the final buildings before a massive clearing filled with adventurers. While many conversed others entered and exited Babel in groups of three or more. As awesome of a city it was, it was truly strange. He could literally see a little girl with huge ass book bag on, that would absolutely destroy his own back, pick pocket some adventures that were easily distracted.
Bell just shrugged it off with a sigh. Somethings never change no matter where you go. He knew for sure though that he'd be seeing more of her in the future. Call it a nagging feeling or hunch...
Dropping off the roof into an alley with ease, he casually walks out with his hands behind the head. Bell held his relaxed posture sliding past people in the way of his when he suddenly gained a new memories.
'Hostess of Fertility huh? No ramen but it won't hurt to give it a try.' Bell continued scaling the steps leading into the tower. 'Red light district is a no go. Ughh them hungry gazes... they would've torn me apart!'
Walking inside Babel, it wasn't busy as he thought it would be. Like outside everyone lively and some loitered, nothing too crazy, just the way he likes it. Walking up to a receptionist, she had pink hair with eyes the same color only a slightly different shade. The lady was leaning over the counter, focused on something out of his peripheral vision. As the young man closed in, she spared him glance.
"Rose! There's a boy at the counter that needs your assistance." She called out. "Sorry about that. Someone will be with you shortly." She said while getting back to a book the white haired teen could now see.
"Sure... it's no problem." A forced smile stretched across his face with a twitching eye. 'She's not even busy.' Bell thought.
"If you would do your job then they wouldn't have to wait." Another employee spoke up. This staff member had long red wavy hair with ears coming from the top of her cranium, ember eyes and a tail to boot. "I apologize on behalf of my colleagues carelessness." Her face held a stern expression. Bell could tell it wasn't directed towards him, but more of a natural look.
"It's fine. No need to apologize." Bell dismissed.
She nodded. "My name is Rose. How may I be of assistance."
"Name's Bell Cranel. Im looking to become an adventurer."
She gave him a once over and sighed. "May I ask what Familia you're apart of."
"Actually I'm not apart of any Familia at the moment." He said sheepishly, scratching his head.
She took a deep breath before speaking again. "Without a Falna, I'm afraid I must prohibit you from registering." She spoke calmly.
"A Falna? What's that and is it really that important?" He squinted.
"A Falna is a blessing from the gods. It allows you to combat and gain strength to survive in the dungeon." She explained.
"Im already pretty strong as it is. I don't think it's really necessary." With the same look on his face.
"Do you know how many before you have said those exact words?" She asked. "You don't look like you would survive an hour within there. So, I advise you to join a Familia and then return or give up on your foolish ambitions." Rose stated without missing a beat. She had no idea who she was talking to obviously. She just told the number 1 unpredictable, utterly gutsy, knucklehead ninja that never gives up, to give up.
"No way! I never give up." Bell stated. "So how bout a deal, huh?"
Rose gaze hardened. "Alright. If you managed find a god to take you in, then I'll allow you to register and enter." She paused for a minute. "When that is done we can continue to speak on this... deal."
Bell smirked. "Fine by me. Just be prepared to make good on our bet." He turned and walked away.
"Rose, don't you think you went a little too far." The pink haired guild employee asked.
Rose shook her head. "It's better for people to realize some things aren't worth chasing."
The other lady had a thoughtful look. "I don't know. This guy seemed different." She voiced. "Besides what if he does come back under a Familia."
"Then I'll have Eina take care of him." Rose replied.
"So you're just gonna hand over a cute boy, you're supposed to be advising."
"Enough Misha. We've been over this multiple times."
"Just saying." Misha claimed. "He is technically your problem."
"Hugh. Fine this is the last time then. My plate is already full enough." Rose stated. She had no clue how true her statement was. She was in for a treat definitely.
"See, I knew you would come around!" Misha claimed.
"Just get back to work Misha." She called out as she walked away.
"Yeah, yeah." Misha replied, turning a page of her book.
Bell was now walking to his next destination. Hostess of Fertility. He hoped that the food would be good.
Somewhere in a pub, a dwarf felt like she had to knock some sense into a fool that doubted her skills.
Meanwhile our white haired protagonist had obtained a new memory.
"The hell? Man there's no way he's not related to Kiba." A vein in his head was bulging. 'Bastard. I'll knock the smug smirk off his face. Just you wait, damn mutt!' He was certain this mutt served in the Loki Familia if his memory served correctly.
Proceeding to think of numerous insults, Bell was eventually able to locate the Hostess. Upon entering, an incredible aroma nearly caused the teen to levitate. The tantalizing smell, the mesmerizing scent, it was hypnotizing. Bell shook his head to shake off the effects. He scanned around and from what he could tell-
"Nya~ that's a new face." A black haired cat person said. This caused Bell to focus on the new voice. She stood next to him- if not a little too close- she watched him barely flinch, having not expecting her. Usually when she had done similar tricks, they'd be ready to jump out of their skin. "What can I get for you for today, white-haired nya~?"
Giving the cat person his full attention. "I'm kinda new around here and was looking to grab something to eat."
"Well you've chosen the right place nya~" She hooked onto his arm, dragging him to an open seat. "Nya~ white-hair, sit that nice looking butt of yours right here and I'll be right back with your food nya~"
Bell blushed. "N-n-nice butt?" But then he came to a realization. "Hey wait! I didn't- annnd she's gone..." He hadn't even placed his order. 'Hmm... harvest huh? Not my thing... don't have any smithing skills either... another person with a bad attitude... Ughh playing messenger, sounds like a D-rank mission.' He was so deep in thought he was surprised by the waitress.
"Here you are, white-haired nya~!" The waitress placed an huge plate of spaghetti and meatballs.
"Woah! Don't you think that's a bit too much?"
"Mama took one look at you nya~ and said "That boy needs some meat on his bones." but if you ask me, I'd say that good butt of yours doesn't need any nya~" A smile spread across her features. "Nya~ eat up! Don't want to wast food or make Mama angry."
"Uhh- well thanks..."
"Chloe!"
He scratched his cheek awkwardly while replying. "Yeah. Thanks for the food Chloe. Name's Bell by the way."
"Nya~ Bell, It was nice meeting that butt of yours but I have to get back to work." Her ears flattened to her head.
"Hey don't worry. I'll be here for a while anyway." Bell shot back.
"Really?" She requested with a puppy or in her case kitten eyes. Evidently little did she know, Bell was immune to these kind of tactics.
"Believe it!" He shouted before promptly delving into the spaghetti. *SLURP!* 'Damn, Chōji's missing out.' Bell thought somberly as he downed a fraction of the meal.
Chloe's mood flipped like a switch. "Nya~ need to rush white-hair. Someone will come by shortly with your drink." She walked away with a little pep in her step.
True to her words another waitress walked about, carrying a tray with quite a few mugs. One after another, she passed the mugs out to the patrons. She even managed to "accidentally" spill some on some drunken customers who were rude or tried to get handsy. Bell watch the blonde repeat the cycle as he continued to devour his food. There was a problem however. It's not the fact that she was clumsy. No, it's was just...
'Why is she trying so hard?' Bell pondered. 'Maybe it's a regular thing, but anybody could tell from a mile away— UNLESS... No there's no way they're into that type of stuff.' Seriously though, who the hell would have a fetish to a cute lady spill drinks on them? He waved his doubts away. To the eyes of a trained ninja he could tell something was up, not just with this waitress but Chloe as well.
The waitress had finally found her way over to Bell to give the young lad his mug. It just so happens that a chair was scooted out far enough for the waitress to trip over. The ninja watching the whole scene unfold, acted faster than anybody could blink. He sat his utensil down and stood upright, he slid around the table catching the tray with the mug, stabilizing it. He proceeded to rap his arm around the pointy eared waitress waist, preventing her from falling to the floor.
Unknown to the ninja during the time, there were two witnesses to the whole incident. The victim and the owner. From the waitress perspective the customer was consuming his food before vanishing and feeling something rap around her. The owner seen a bit more, from eating, to standing and then holding their employee.
Bell carefully placed the tray upon the table top and gave his full attention to the blonde in his arms. Gently lifting the blonde to her feet, he examined her face. "Are feeling alright? Your face is all red." He placed his hand on her forehead, causing the red to take a deeper tone and the waitress to stiffen up.
"Ryuu are you done serving drinks? Mama-" A grey haired waitress approached the two. Her words died in her throat due to what she was witnessing. The pointy eared waitress, now identified as Ryuu, head snapped to her coworker. "Oh, I'm sorry Ryuu! I didn't know you had a special someone you were meeting." She face displayed a smile. "I'll let Mama know." She said before speeding away. Ryuu gave chase to the gray haired waitress, trying to stop her from spreading misinformation.
All the while, Bell just stood there. He had no clue what just happened. He shrugged it off and branded the waitress, Ryuu, as weird due to her behavior being similar to Hinata's. He grabbed the mug off the tray before getting back to his meal. His clones were still searching for a place to stay. The prices weren't cheap and that wasn't even the problem. The problem lied within some of the places to rent out. The quality didn't match the quantity. Having filled his stomach, he pushed the plate and mug aside, creating room to lay his head down to rest.
-Some Time Later-
"Alright brat, times up."
"One more drink Mama~ then I'm gone!" A voice wined.
"You know the deal Loki. Out!"
"Ughhh! Fine..." Loki accepted her fate. "But before I go, how comes he gets to stay." She pointed towards the table where a young man could be seen napping.
"None of your business. Now—"
knock*
knock*
knock*
"Great, now what..." The head of the Hostess answered the door. Opening it, a jade haired elf stood.
"Pardon my intrusion, has goddess Loki been by lately?" She asked courtly.
Mama grunted. "You're right on time actually." Stepping aside, she allowed the elf to enter the establishment.
Upon entering, she examined the pub which was empty apart from the staff members and two patrons. One she recognized, the other not so much. Silently she stalked up to the goddess who was harassing the groggy young man.
"— and then I snuck up behind her and got a hand full." She held her hands out performing a squeezing motion. "Should have seen her face, looked like hell would freeze over."
"Think you're using the wrong p-word. I think you mean "perversion" not "prank". Bell rubbed his eyes. He was enjoying his nap and suddenly was woken by some redhead.
Loki held a mischievous smile. "What's the difference? They're both unexpected."
"Oh! How about when we return home, we can have a lesson together and figure it out?"
A sweet voice sounded from behind the god of mischief. Recognize that voice, Loki paled. She craned her head slowly to face the music. She locked eyes with her child and knew she was in for it.
"Mama Riveria! Hey, What are you doing here?"
Raveria face retained a neutral expression. "Bete's job apparently. However I'll deal with that matter another time." Voice still sounding sweet. It didn't exactly match the aura she was exuding, as if hell really would freeze over. "Let's go for a walk, shall we?" She proceeded to grab Loki by the ear, dragging her outside. Not before apologizing and paying for the drinks Loki had.
Loki could be heard whining throughout the whole district due to the displeasure.
"Mmmm *pop!*" Bell stretched out. "Man, what a nap."
"I'd say." The owner of the pub responded. "How long you been in the city kid?"
Giving the owner his undivided attention he answered. "If it hasn't passed midnight, then I've been here less than twenty-four hours."
'Less than a day huh?' She cleared her throat before speaking. "Ermm, that was some speed you displayed earlier."
"You saw that?" He asked sheepishly.
"I seen it alright..." She gave him a serious glance. "I also saw you put your hands on my clumsy elf."
"Look la—"
"Can it brat, I'm not finished." She halted Bell to stop him from rambling. "I appreciate it, however; since you're new, I'll let you in on a little bit of common knowledge. Never touch an elf, unless they allow you to."
Bell had a multitude of questions. Of course some people didn't like the contact of others. Hell even he wasn't the type to be all touchy/feely. But the way Mama said it, made it seem as if they down right loathed being touched by anyone.
So he settled with a nod.
"Good. Now on to business." She leaned on the table. "Your meal was already paid for, but that means you owe my worker."
"Chloe paid for it?"
"That's right. You also owe my other employee an apology as well." She finished waiting for Bell to respond.
"Hugh, how much do I owe Chloe?" He asked while reaching for the inside of his jacket.
"2,300 valis" Mama said looking at Bell with the straightest face ever.
"2,300..." He muttered to himself. "Is there any other way I could compensate for that?"
"What, don't have the valis for it?" She asked. "Hmm, hell there is one way..."
Bell had a weird feeling about this. But he still acknowledged the owner. "What can I do for you?"
"You have any experience in cooking, cleaning, taking orders or serving?"
"Cooking... not the best." Bell put a hand his chin. "Cleaning is easy, taking orders and serving shouldn't be too hard."
"Only need you to do one." Mama stated.
"Cleaning it is then..." Bell said low but loud enough for Mama to hear.
"Great. Now out of my store and I'll see tomorrow." She patted the young man on his shoulder, moving to retire for the night.
Or she would have if said young man didn't speak up. "Hang on! I was wondering if you had some place I could stay for the night."
Mama sighed, having momentarily forgotten the brat was new in Orario. "Alright listen up brat cause I'm only going to tell you once; if you try anything funny you're as good as dead."
Bell nodded his head. He knew it wasn't a promise, but a guarantee. Luckily Bell wasn't that type of guy... unless his luck played its dirty hands.
Having her answer, she gestured to follow her. Following, she lead him to the second floor, where she brought him to a room. She explained the common knowledge of how things worked like; you break it you buy it, keeping it clean, no outside company, what time he could use the shower/bath, etc.
'Ughh. This is gonna take some getting used to.' Bell thought, as he took a seat on the bed. 'Nothing I can't handle. This will probably be over before I know it...'
He sighed once more. The teen sat his belongings aside, ready to finally lay his head down. Thinking back, he still didn't know why he embarked on such a journey. Well he knew why, but it didn't feel like it was his responsibility, his role. If anything he felt compelled to do it. This- this nagging feeling of sorts, telling him this what he should be doing. Maybe it was because this body wasn't his own. It could be this body's natural instincts at play. Steadily guiding him. Who knows really. He'd figure it out as he went along, just like he always had done. For now sleep had his name written all over it.
-The Next Day-
Did I mention that this ninja in particular hated D-Ranked missions?
No?
Well you see, in the Hostess there was this white haired girl washing dishes. Strangely enough she looked stunningly like Bell. That's because she was in-fact Bell.
Confused? Let me do a little rewind for a moment.
-Earlier That Morning-
The morning played out as it usually had. However there was one minor exception.
"Telling me this is the only uniform available?" He questioned Mia, eyeing the same uniform Chloe and the other employees wear.
"The only type I have." Mia explained. "It's not as if I was expecting a man to work here. So either you put it on or you can pay me upfront."
"Fine..." he gritted his teeth. "Just... step out for a minute."
He stared at the clothing hoping it would burst into flames. To no avail he sighed and was engulfed in smoke. He performed the very first technique he created, the "Oiroke no Jutsu" or "Sexy Jutsu". The jutsu allowed the user to transform into very attractive female. However, in this case the woman was just a female version of himself.
He threw on the waitress uniform and slouched down. Why was he doing this again? Right, he didn't want to pay so much in such a short amount of time. Resuming, he proceeded to straighten his attire out before exiting the room.
Outside the room Mia stood face to face with the Bell. Mia raised an eyebrow, curious about the sudden change in gender. Bell just shook his head, refusing to answer the pending question he knew she wanted to ask. Her expression unchanging, she continued as if it were a normal occurrence.
"Just remember what we spoke about last night. No funny business." She reminded.
Bell sighed and nodded. It was surely gonna be a long day for the teen.
-Back To The Present-
Or that's what it had felt like during that moment. Time had flown by and Bell managed to apologize to Ryuu due to his past mistake. She had easily forgiven him. Mainly due to the fact that he didn't know of elven culture. Aside from that and Chloe wanting to see how he would look in the uniform as himself, he had gotten acquainted with the rest of the team. Syr wouldn't leave him alone, continuously trying to tease him about his ability and his incident with Ryuu. Luckily the others would fend her off for his sake and apologized on her behalf. They told him it was her normal behavior, "try to get used to it" they said.
Everyone else had been a lot more casual, which was nice. If he had to handle that kind of situation with all the works he wouldn't have any sanity left. He couldn't wait to be done with this whole ordeal, it would take only a week or two. Nothing he couldn't handle.
-1 Month Later-
Life just had a funny way of messing with people during the wrong time. Bell's luck had played its dirty hand. And not in good a way. He continued working at the Hostess Fertility for a whole month. Mia had even made a custom uniform for him so he could stop wearing the regular uniform. There was also the fact that she was sick and tired of seeing his transformation. He was a young man, so he should be just that, in her opinion at least.
Something was amiss. He didn't know when it began but someone was watching him. He could feel it every time he stepped outside of the Hostess. The culprit must've had one hell of an eye to follow him when he was walking around. He knew where it was coming from but he didn't need to confront them, he didn't feel any malevolent behavior directed towards him. So he needn't be worried about it for now.
Bell found himself roaming around the city, hands behind his head, walking at a steady pace, with his mind in the clouds,wondering if he'd ever find a god take him in. So engrossed in his thoughts, he once again in this life time, did Bell fail to notice he was ready to bump into someone.
"Oww! Hey, wat— Bell?"
Looking down, Bell looked upon a familiar face. "Hey, uhhh..."
"It's Hestia!" The loli goddess pouted.
He scratched his head, using an excuse. "Right. Hestia... sorry it's been awhile since we last bumped into each other."
Hestia picked herself up, dusting off anything that might have stained her dress. "How's it been? Find a Familia yet?
"Everything's great. I've been working at this place called Hostess Fertility, which has some awesome food."
"Really? Maybe I can stop by sometime?"
Bell grinned slightly. "Yeah that would be nice... but no, I still haven't found a Familia yet."
"Really?" She would've guessed that he had already found one.
Bell nodded his head. "Yup. They were either weird, massive jerks, or didn't suit what I'm looking for."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that..."
"Yeah, but I won't let this slow me down, you know!" He pumped him self up. "Anyways, I'll catch you later Hestia." He waved back to her, as he continued past her.
"Bell! Wait!" Hestia called out.
The yell managed to halt Bell in tracks. Hestia seeing this took the opportunity. "Would- would still be interested in forming a Familia together."
Bell turned around and stared at the goddess with an unreadable expression. Hestia fidgeted under the gaze of his lone red eye. It felt as if he was studying her. She wanted to say something to ease the uncomfortable atmosphere. However, Bell spoke first.
"Are you sure?"
And done. No escuses this time either. Like usual, let me know if there are any ways I can inprove this story.
Just remember, keep your head up and don't go hollow on me. Yeah? If not, who else would read my story?
Well anyways enjoy and I'll see you around.