As the new day rose on the fields of Orario the group finally arose to make the final leg of the journey however someone was missing from the rest of the group. Bell was in the tent getting ready, Lili and Welf were bickering over something, Asfi and Ryuu were packing up the last of the supplies. Which is just one person.
Hey has anyone seen Lord Hermes? Hestia asked but got the reaction she expected.
"No, I haven't seen him since last night probably gone to do something ungodly.
Asfi replied however even though she seemed to show curiosity on the matter she hadn't seen him this morning and that was out of character for her god. Ryuu shook her head while Lili and Welf just shrugged.
"Where could he have gotten off to?
Just as Bell made his appearance to the group their minds soon turned their attention to him. To his surprise, he walked out to find them all looking at him, at first he looked himself over to make sure he hadn't forgotten to put anything on. However, a small chuckle from them soon gave him his answer.
"Well, at least he notices us now".
Asfi commented getting a nod from the rest. It was a good sign something was on his mind or bothering him. He'd block out all other thoughts and surroundings meaning he wouldn't catch on when someone was looking at him or a bunch of them in this case. Bell stood in confusion as to why everyone gave him the same look.
"Umm is something wrong, did I forget something?
They all shared a sigh before making their way towards him, everyone shook it off and acted like nothing was wrong, everyone but Hestia that was. She knew he wasn't OK and that something was up. But she kept face, smiled and greeted Bell like she always would and when they returned she'd get him to open up.
"So where is lord Hermes I assumed he'd be with you all ready to leave?
The moment Bell mentioned Hermes they soon realised that they had no idea where he'd gone. However, like his tendency to disappear he always shows up at the weirdest of times.
"Good morning everyone how are we all this morning?"
Everyone bar Bell gave him the 'really' look however it didn't take long for him to realise this.
"What it's just a question what's up with everyone this morning? Did you not get any sleep last night?"
He soon found himself getting hit over the head while getting an earful from Hestia and Asfi. Surprise it to say he took it like a champ he didn't even look like it bothered him.
"By the way where did you go at this time in the morning, there's nothing for another hour from her and the forest has been known to be full of unsavoury individuals. What if something happened to you could have gotten hurt?"
"Asfi relax I'm OK, I just went for a morning walk is all just within view of the camp believe me if something were to happen I'm sure you'd know."
Asfi was not satisfied with his reply but she couldn't care less at this point. He was safe and there was still a lot of journey left to cover if they plan on getting back before sundown. After everyone had packed their things and confirmed they were ready then they began there long final ride to Orario.
They had been flying for a few hours now most were discussing their plans about when they got back. Other just wanted to relax and return to normality. Hestia knew she was going to have to ask Bell some tough questions but would he answer them? This entire quest had changed him and she didn't know the full extent of his current state of mind.
"Bell about last night are you OK?
Bell turned around, he pulled a fake smile and nodded hoping she would be satisfied with the answer.
"Bell please you promised if anything was wrong you'd tell me."
She was trying to get to Bell's honest side but Bell didn't let up.
"Goddess-Sama do you not believe me? I'm sorry I worried you before but I give you my word I'm okay."
Part of him hated lying to her it wasn't something he would ever think of doing but it was necessary to keep her calm. She can be unpredictable at times and he didn't want the thought of something going wrong.
Meanwhile, a few minutes in front of them Welf and Lili were discussing Bell and his recent actions over the last few days, discussing things to do to take his mind away.
"Seriously Lili sometimes you don't know when to leave him alone."
Lili shook her head unlike Hestia she worked with Bell in the dungeons, watched him for hours doing what he did best. She knew he was not being himself and that he needed to do something.
"Look all I'm just saying that getting him back into the swing of things might be the best course of action. Its been over a week now since the last fight and even longer since he last went in the dungeon. Think about it, get him in there let him kill a few monsters and blow off some steam. The more he gets back into normality the sooner he'll be comfortable talking about it."
Welf looked at her. True it was a good idea, but there's a difference between a good idea and a good plan.
"Look I'm not saying its not a good idea but look at it from Bells perspective he's been through so much the last few days perhaps it's uncalled for us to assume what's best for him, that's his call."
He looked back trying to make sure they were out of earshot of everyone.
"Bell might not be the most stable at this moment I'm not sure what happened with him and Artemis but I've got my theories. Just keep in mind he killed a god and that's not something anyone wants on there conscience."
Lili just nodded in agreement sometimes she believed she knew the answers but Welf always found faults with her logic. But she was thankful for that she didn't want to do something that could jeopardise their relationship.
"Give it a few days who knows maybe he'll surprise us".
Lili nodded in agreement.
"Master Welf what do you think Bell and Artemis relationship was?
"Like I said Lili I have my theories."
He turned to look towards her face looked disappointed but her eyes were a different story.
"And I have mine what I'm asking is what do you believe Welf?
He sighed in defeat he knew why Lili was asking it was pretty obvious she had a thing for Bell and its the question that was on everyone's lips.
"I don't even think Bell knows but I can say this for sure. Given more time I'm sure those to would have become something more."
His voice was calmed and collected, he was telling the truth and Lili knew he was. She didn't want to believe it but it was the truth. Somehow she dared not think of the outcome if they had a few more days. Not because of her personal feelings but if Bell was like this and didn't fall for her. What would have happened if he did?
"Its gonna take time Lili and we've got to be there to support him especially in the next few weeks. Remember were his friends and we need to be there for him like he has been for us."
They had been travelling for most of the day and were about three hours from Orario however Hermes decide they needed to make a quick stop in the next town. Despite not giving a real reason they all agreed and followed behind.
"Hermes why are we stopping here Orario is a few hours away and don't say its to take a break it wasn't long ago since the last one."
Hermes covered his face under his hat and mumbled something under his breath. This pissed a few people off however it got even weirder when members of the Ganesha Familia turned up.
"Ahh lord Hermes. Its good to see you again. Our God sends his apologize's about this but we thank you for complying on such short notice.
They all turned to Hermes their eyes were like daggers, threatening to cut if they didn't get answers.
"Hermes is there something you want to tell us?"
Hermes put on a brave face but he knew they weren't going to like the next part.
"Soo I may have agreed to give the dragons back earlier then I said we would."
Everyone at that moment had the same thought if they weren't flying back how in gods name did he expect them to make it back before nightfall?
"You can't really expect us to walk back, can you? It'd take another day just on foot alone."
Hestia really didn't want to walk and Hermes was already in her bad books and he might not survive the rest of the trip.
"Its OK everyone in exchange for returning them early Ganesha has sent us some horses to get us the rest of the way."
"And as a thank you for saving everyone from a near world-ending event, he's gifted his prized Steed".
Bell seemed taken aback by the gesture of kindness bestowed upon him by the god.
"Have I really done that much?" Bell asked doubt slowly working its way back in his head but Hermes nodded.
"Yes Bell you may not know it but you stopped a far worse threat then you realised so expect to be welcomed back as a hero."
Hermes continued to spout proverbs, however the mere mention of the word Hero sent Bell into a mental spiral down.
"No, I'm not!
Hermes stopped the instant he heard this and turned around in confusion he saw Bell looking to the floor he couldn't see his face but his words said it all.
"Bell is something wrong?
Bell clenched his fists and turned around. Before anyone could get a grip on the situation he made a run for it.
"Bell! Bell come back!"
Hestia chased after him she knew it he was hiding something from her but why? What caused him to be like this? Despite her best efforts, she lost him in a crowd of people. She fell to her knees in defeat. Soon the rest of the group caught up.
"Where is he where did he go?"
Hestia could do nothing but shake her head. She failed him, she failed to help him. Hermes looked to everyone before stepping forward.
"Listen up were on a tight schedule so pay close attention. We're each going to split into teams. Asfi and Ryuu will take the one side of town, Welf, Lili you take the other Hestia and I will watch the Perimeter. If you can't find him within the hour meet back here OK? And if you do find him just give a signal."
They all nodded and split into their teams and quickly spread out.
"Damn that Cranel why did he have to do this now?"
Despite the harsh words from Asfi, Ryuu was worried more for Bells safety this town was known to be full of rough types looking for a fight and despite him being fully capable his current mindset could prove detrimental.
Bell stopped in one of the back alleys. Why did he run away? He looked around didn't seem like anyone was able to follow him. He collapsed to knees resting his back against the nearby wall he took a moment to breathe. Damn it why did I do that I shouldn't have run now they're all going to be worried about me."
He got to his feet however he stopped and remember what Hermes called him. A hero. It was like a bitter taste in his mouth.
"I'm no Hero".
"Well lucky what we have here boys. Looks like someone's got lost?
Bell turned around to find three very badly dressed men, however, he soon noticed that two of them were carrying knives.
'This is bad I need to get out of this situation.'
As he was thinking this, the men moved slowly towards him the first acting calm trying to talk to him like an old friend would. But it was obvious from the two behind him that wasn't going to be the case.
"Don't worry kid we're not going to hurt you, just give us your money or my nice side might turn angry."
Bell instinctively reached for his knife.
'Shit where is it Bell thought remembering back to this morning, he had placed it in his bag which he left with the others.
He thought about making a run for it but soon found his only exit blocked. Two more joined them these two were more equipped. One carrying a sword the other a mace.
"So what's it going to be boy? Are you going to give us what we want or are we going to have to beat it out of you?"
"I'm warning you to stay away I don't want to hurt you."
Bells face was serious but it didn't deter the muggers.
"Ha-ha-ha listen to this boys! This one is threatening us! I'm going to enjoy beating you into the dirt. Come on kid are you going to fight or is your weak ass to afraid?"
Without warning or hesitation, Bell had swung for him. Hitting him in the jaw and knocking him to the ground. The two with knives lunged at him. But bell quickly dodged the two nearly missing the second knife swing. He made swift work of the first knocking him to the side of the wall. However, he soon found himself surrounded by the rest. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't foresee the leader grabbing his leg stopping his movement long enough to get a good whack to the head. He tried to keep on his feet however he soon found himself being held against the wall by two of the men.
"Damn you, you little shit".
The leader made a straight punch to bells stomach. knocking the wind out of him. He struggled to breathe still slightly dizzy from the blow to the head.
"Look at you, what you thought this was going to end well for you. Well, guess what?"
He took another swing at him this time Bell coughed up blood and was brought down to his knees. Still being held down he found himself at the mercy of these three.
"I'm going to enjoy breaking every bone in your body.
He kicked bell in the face causing Bell to go head first into the dirt. He could barely move his vision was fading and the entire time all he could hear was the voice in his head.
"Weak, Weak your weak!"
"No, no don't fall asleep now you haven't suffered enough."
The leader was about to bring his foot down on Bell's head. But stopped when he heard a scream behind him.
"Ahhhhhh"
"What's going on back there I told you guys to stand watch while I. I...
The men turned to face a new arrival.
"And just who the hell are you?!"