A/N: Here we go chapter 2. This is going to be shorter than the last but things are going to pick up within the next four chapters especially between Bell and Haruhime.

This is the first chapter I've written in first person and I think it turned out pretty well.

As I finished with my training in the courtyard I sheathed the jet black blade of the Hestia Knife back into its holster. I looked up to the sky and judging by the sun it was already around 11 o'clock. I could feel the warmth of the sun and there was a cool breeze dancing through the air.

Everything felt peaceful and it was a nice change for once. The past few days have been filled with chaos between having to fight the Apollo Familia in a Wargame and having to fight the Ishtar Familia to save Haruhime.

I'm glad that we were able to save her. When I first met her she seemed like such a nice person and the fate that she was given was one that she didn't deserve. I wanted to make her happy and to see her smile once again and now I have the chances to do that.

As I was lost in thought about Haruhime I failed to notice a frantic and panicked Mikoto run towards me.

"Master Bell!"

She put a hand on my shoulder that broke me out of my daze.

"Oh Mikoto? Sorry I was kinda lost in thought. What's wrong?"

I turned to face her. Her breathing was rather uneven and heavy as if she had been running for hours. Tears were starting to form on the edges of her eyes.

"It's Haruhime! I can't find her anywhere."

"Haurhime's missing?"

When I heard Mikoto say those words my heart dropped to my stomach. Now I started to share the same panic as Mikoto. Haruhime wasn't the type to just go off without telling anyone. Something was wrong.

"Alright, I'll help you look for her."

"Thank you Master Bell."

I smiled at the swordswoman in front of me. She seemed to have calmed down slightly after I spoke.

We split up from the backyard and I ran towards the center of Orario where the dungeon was located. Mikoto said that we would check the perimeter of Orario and the areas around the walls. I rushed past citizens, merchants, and adventurer's but to them I was probably just a white blur. I kept scanning the various figures in the sea of people. I could feel my heart beat faster and faster with every second that passed.

Then through the crowds of people, I saw her. The unmistakable golden hair, those beautiful emerald green eyes, her two fox like ears, and that red eastern style kimono. When my eyes landed on her it felt as if time had stopped.

Time quickly resumed itself and I ran to where she was walking.

"Haruhime!"

I called out. Her ears twitched slightly, her tail started to move from side to side and then she jolted her head in my direction. She had a slightly shocked look on her face.

"Master Bell? What brings you out here?"

"You, Haruhime."

I said while gasping for air. I looked up to meet her eyes.

"Mikoto said that you were missing so I headed out to look for you. You had both of us worried."

Haruhime's ears started to droop and her tail slowed itself.

"I'm sorry Master Bell. I didn't mean to worry you like that."

"Don't worry about me. I was more worried about Haruhime. To be honest I think if I didn't find you I would have had a heart attack. So why did you leave without telling anyone?"

"I just needed to think was all, nothing more. Now, how about we head back to the Manor? It's almost lunch time."

"Sure Haruhime."

I smiled at her and she returned a smile. In that moment a wave of relief rushed over me knowing that she was safe.

When we finally returned to Hearth Manor, Mikoto was waiting for us outside of the gate. When she saw us walking towards the Manor, she quickly got up and ran towards us and I don't think I've ever seen her smile like the way she did. She ran up to Haurhime and hugged her so tight so she wouldn't leave her again. Haruhime just smiled and returned her friend's embrace.

The day continued as it usually would with the exception that Mikoto went everywhere Haruhime did. But who could blame her after what happened earlier.

The next morning was one of unexpected events. After I finished up my morning training in the courtyard, Haruhime called for me from the door of Hearth Manor.

"Master Bell, Goddess Hestia said that she wants to speak to all of us!"

"Alright, I'll be right there!"

I called back to her. I then quickly sheathed the Hestia knife away and ran to where she was waiting for me. Without saying a word we both entered the Manor as she led the way in front of me. We entered the common area of the Familia where Goddess Hestia was sitting on one of the couches holding a letter. Standing near the other couch was Welf, Mikoto and Lili.

"Good the two of you are here. Now we can get onto business. According to this letter all of you have been tasked to take on a quest."

"A quest? What does it ask us to do?"

Lili questioned with crossed arms and a suspisous look.

"I'm getting to that. The quest tasks you to investigate the city of Melen. Apparently they have been seeing freak storms."

"Freak storms?"

Mikoto asked next, sharing the same expression as Lili.

"Apparently one second the skies would be clear and then the next the weather will get so bad that the ships can't sail in or out. Your job is to find out what is causing these storms and put a stop to them. You are also instructed to meet up with another team who have been in Melen and they'll update you on the situation."

Everyone remained quiet. It was as if the weather had a mind of its own. Finally, out of the silence someone called.

"Master Bell? Is everything alright?"

I looked over to see Haruhime with her face just a few inches from mine. Her emerald eyes stared deep into my ruby eyes. I could feel the heat in my face.

"Y-yeah, everything is alright. I'm fine."

I stuttered out.

"Hey, hey, hey, not so close now! Can't you see you're bothering Master Bell!"

Lili almost shouted as she pushed herself between Haruhime and I. Personally it didn't really bother me. When I was near Haruhime there was a feeling in the air that I never felt with anyone else, it was a somewhat relaxing feeling yet it made my heart race slightly and with her face so close to mine I started to panic slightly.

"Well you seemed to be pretty lost there. So what's your take on this Bell?"

Welf asked me, ignoring Lili's actions.

"I'm not sure. I feel that I've heard something about this before but I just can't remember what exactly."

Goddess Hestia then got up from her seat and proceeded to speak once more.

"Well I'm sure you'll remember soon enough. But for now just focus on the quest Bell. You're the captain of my Familia and its your job to keep everyone safe and make sure you all come back in one piece."

Hestia announced to everyone but it was clear that it was more directed at me. All of us looked towards Goddess Hestia. It was obvious that she was trying to put up a strong front but I know her better than that. Deep down she was scared, she didn't want to see us hurt or worse, we are all her children after all and we were going into the quest with little information on what we could be facing.

I looked towards her and smiled.

"Don't worry Goddess Hestia. You have my word as an adventurer and as the captain of this Familia that I will keep everyone here safe."

Goddess Hestia looked slightly relieved and slouches back in the couch.

"Thank you Bell. I want all of you to be careful and listen to what Bell says. Who knows what we'll be facing so please just be careful, that is the only thing I ask of you."

All of us just smiled. This was the first quest for the new Hestia Familia.