Danmachi: Bell Gojo through the fictional Multiverse

The clinking of credits echoed in Watto's junk shop, louder than the dry whir of the fans barely holding off Tatooine's oppressive heat. Bell, casual as ever, leaned on the counter, his shimmering silver attire catching the dim light as he handed over the payment for the hyperdrive.

"There. That should cover it," Bell said, his voice calm yet firm, causing Watto's wings to flutter nervously.

Watto inspected the credits, grumbling under his breath. "Big spender, eh? Don't see that every day 'round here."

Bell ignored the comment, turning to Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. "You're heading to Coruscant, right?"

Qui-Gon raised a brow, intrigued by Bell's calm assumption. "We are."

"Perfect," Bell replied with a faint smile. "I'd like to come along. And I'll be bringing Anakin and his mother, Shmi. It's time they left this dustball of a planet."

The Jedi exchanged glances, and even Padmé, standing behind them, appeared intrigued. After a moment, Qui-Gon nodded. "We could use the help. Repairs must be swift if we're to leave before drawing more attention."

Bell nodded back, his expression unreadable. "Good. Let's get moving."

The repairs were completed with remarkable efficiency, the Naboo engineers working tirelessly under the Jedi's watchful eyes. The Royal Naboo Cruiser, once grounded and vulnerable, now gleamed with potential, ready to take to the stars.

As the last of the cargo was loaded, Bell, Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan stood at the base of the ramp, observing the final preparations. Anakin and Shmi were already aboard, their awe evident as they explored the ship with Padmé.

"You're full of surprises," Obi-Wan said, glancing at Bell.

Bell smirked faintly. "I get that a lot."

Before more could be said, the air shifted. A chilling wave rippled through the Force, causing both Jedi to stiffen. Bell's six eyes glowed faintly as he tilted his head, sensing it too.

"He's here," Qui-Gon murmured, turning toward the shadows cast by the setting twin suns.

From the darkened sands emerged a figure cloaked in black, his presence radiating malice. Darth Maul, the Sith assassin, ignited his double-bladed lightsaber with a menacing hiss, its crimson blades casting an eerie glow.

Without hesitation, he lunged—straight at Bell.

Bell sidestepped the slash effortlessly, his movements as fluid as water. A resounding boom cracked through the air as Bell countered with a single devastating punch, sending Maul skidding across the sand.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan ignited their lightsabers, flanking Bell.

"Go," Bell said telepathically to Anakin aboard the ship. "Fly. Trust me. I'll catch up in a moment."

Anakin hesitated, but Shmi's voice and Padmé's reassurance spurred him into action. The engines roared to life as the ship began its ascent, leaving the three combatants behind.

Maul struggled to his feet, rage contorting his tattooed face. He spun his lightsaber and rushed at Bell again, aiming to cleave him in two.

This time, Bell didn't move aside. He weaved through the attack with supernatural speed, his body a blur. As Maul overextended, Bell delivered another blow—this time to the Sith's abdomen. The impact was cataclysmic, creating a shockwave that knocked Maul to his knees, his lightsaber clattering to the ground.

Maul gasped, clutching his wound, his breath ragged. The hole in his torso was severe, and the despair in his yellow eyes made it clear he knew he wouldn't survive without intervention.

Qui-Gon stepped forward, his face grim. "Who sent you?"

The Sith's voice was a hoarse rasp. "The... Dark Lord... Sidious. He... controls everything..."

Obi-Wan's grip on his lightsaber tightened. "The Sith have returned."

Bell, his expression unreadable, picked up Maul's fallen lightsaber. He studied it briefly before setting it aside. "We've heard enough."

Before Qui-Gon or Obi-Wan could protest, Bell raised his hand and unleashed a scarlet energy that severed Maul's head with brutal finality.

The Jedi stared in stunned silence as Bell dusted his hands.

"You can't interrogate someone who's already dead inside," Bell said simply.

With a flick of his wrist, Bell placed his hands on the Jedi's shoulders. The world shifted in an instant, the sands of Tatooine replaced by the sleek interior of the Royal Naboo Cruiser.

Anakin was the first to rush over, his face alight with curiosity. "What happened? I saw a little through my projection, but not all of it!"

Bell crouched slightly, ruffling the boy's hair. "Just some warm-up moves. Nothing you won't be able to handle someday."

Anakin's eyes sparkled, and Shmi offered a grateful smile from nearby. Padmé watched the scene unfold, her expression thoughtful.

Qui-Gon, however, remained silent, his gaze fixed on Bell. "You've done what few could, and in ways the Jedi cannot explain."

Bell met his gaze, his icy blue eyes calm yet piercing. "Maybe the Force has a sense of humor. Or maybe it's just balance."

The ship surged forward, leaving Tatooine behind as it shot into hyperspace.

For the first time in years, Qui-Gon felt the winds of destiny blowing in a direction he could neither predict nor control.