Hestia wasn't happy. Angry, disappointed and even betrayed came to mind.

It didn't take them long to put two and two together, he left with Aiz that night, and he hasn't returned. Granted nobody could be sure he knew where they were staying, but that didn't sit well with Hestia.

"Are you still angry?" Welf sighed at the sight of the goddess mood. "Look nobody told him where we were so you couldn't blame him for spending one night there.

Hestia just ignored the blacksmith's words. She had barely seen Bell since they arrived here and he ran off. Heck, in her mind, she was angry at herself for not being able to support him. But that wasn't what ticked her off.

'Damn you Wallenwasit' was the only thing in her head. She didn't hide the fact that she didn't approve of her, especially around Bell. She found that her effect on him was more than a bit strange.

Within a day she had managed to do more for him then any of them could have in a week. She didn't mind that. What bothered her was the look she gave him. It was subtle most wouldn't notice. But not Hestia, she knew that look well, she had seen it many a time. She even had it. She wanted to be alone with him.

"Hmmm oh, I know that look. Someone's a little jealous." It didn't take Hestia long to snap out of her thoughts. She knew who the culprit was. Welf wouldn't be that bold, and there was only one person left that I could be. Lili.

"I have no idea what you mean. I'm just worried about the safety of my child." Hestia turned her head to face Lili. However, she wasn't ready for the next part.

Lili stopped and looked up towards the sky. "Goddess-sama I know, I know the feeling you have. As much as you'll try to play it off as worry for him, we both know that isn't what this is really about."

Hestia came to a sudden halt. Welf could feel the rising tension in the air. He knew nothing he could say or do would stop what was about to happen. He looked on to see the two females facing one another.

"Why should you care what I say or think! Hestia's voice turned severe. It was a rare sight she got angry but not like this. Welf could tell Hestia's mere aura the aura of a god was starting to radiate from her.

"Let me make one thing clear. Bell is my Familia he's my child. So don't you dare make assumptions."

"Cut the crap, Hestia!" Lili had shouted at the top of her lungs. At this point she was leaning forwards, fist clenched. "Admit it you hate the fact that Bell is interested in someone else but you."

Hestia soon took up a similar position as Lili, she was standing her ground.

"Ohh I'm sorry that's ironic coming from the person who tries to spend every waking moment next to him." Hestia had soon brought Lili's feeling towards Bell into the conversation.

It was no secret that Lili had deep feelings for Bell. Ever since he saved her, she respected him, admired his bravery, his sense of adventure and for his care for others well being. These feelings soon grew into something more. She wanted to see him more, to be with him more and the more she did, the more it became apparent. She had fallen for him.

"You know what Ill be the first to admit that yes, I love Bell. I love being with him. I love to watch him fight, to see him risk his life for others." Hestia looked deep into Lili's face. Her demeanour was stoic, but her eyes told a different story.

They glistened in the light due to the formation of tears. Despite Lili's best efforts, tried her best to hold them back but it was no use. "Unlike you Hestia, I have no problem with admitting that yes I'm jealous of Aiz I'm suspicious of anyone that gets that kind of attention from him.

Hestia's face grew angrier and angrier. Did this girl have no respect, she was talking to a goddess of heaven not some random female on the streets. She had given her the blessing to join Bells party. If Bell hadn't asked her, she would have rejected the girls request on the spot.

"Now listen here!"

"No, you listen." Lili cut her off. Her face was full of anger and sadness while her eyes looked like they were about to burst.

"When will you stop acting like this is about helping Bell and ADMIT THAT THAT ITS YOUR SELFISH DESIRES!" Lili had moved forward and was now face to face with the goddess. "GO ON ADMIT IT. YOU HATE IT WHEN OTHER GIRLS GET CLOSE TO HIM, THAT YOU'D PREFER TO HAVE HIM JUST TO YOURSELF." Hestia was about to object; however, she didn't even have a moment to start.

"ADMIT THAT YOU HATE WHEN HE SHOWS INTEREST IN ANY FEMALE THAT ISN'T YOU. YOU CAN TRY TO DENY IT BUT IVE SEEN IT. ME, AIZ, HIS ADVISER AND..."

She paused for a moment before it flashed into her head. The events they had just endured. Hestia soon realised what was coming next.

"Even your best friend, Artemis." Lili didn't want to bring her into this. However, it was the only way to get the point across. Hestia just stood in silence. Her face said a thousand words. She had finally cracked her.

"Just like now with Aiz you couldn't stand the two of them getting close. You couldn't stand him slowly, starting to fall for her. You wanted to interrupt them at every opportunity because you wished she never entered in your little fantasy.

Hestia had snapped. Without a moments thought, she raised her and with all her might had slapped her across the face. This action and shocked Lili who at this point, had put her hand towards her face.

"Never, ever bring my friend into this I'd expect you to show some damn respect."

Lili looked to the floor, ashamed at what she had said. It may have been too active, but she had crossed a line she should have never crossed.

"Forgive me, goddess. It was wrong of me to bring her into this." She had regretted it the moment she said it. "In truth, I wished I could have experienced what those two had." At this point, she had lifted her head and looked the goddess in the eyes.

"When I looked at the two of them, I felt both joy and sadness. Sadness that the one I loved had fallen for someone else and joy to see him as happy as he was with her. At that moment, I knew it was never meant to be for the two of us."

Hestia just stood there in shook she wasn't expecting Lili to admit that. "Why, then? Why go through all this effort to get me to admit it if you had given up?" Hestia was confused and curious, after everything she had heard the last thing she was expecting for her to give up.

"Because at the end of the day it's not about me, it's about him. He wanted to be with her that was the truth, and there's no denying it. I love him I always will, however, I won't stomp on that little bit of happiness for my own."

Hestia stood still it hit her like lightning. 'Was I that self-centred?' She placed her hand on her head. She hadn't known her actions could have such effects. However, one question remained, why did it matter now she was gone?

"Before you say anything. Please wait. Wait till you see him, you'll get the answer your looking for."

Without another word, Lili moved to join Welf and continue their way towards the inn that the Loki familiar were staying at.

"What's got into you these last few days? First you ask us to take the Cranel boy in without a moment to discuss it, ever since he's been here you've been trying to get his attention and now after all of this, you want us to travel back with him to Orario?"

Riveria was sitting at a small table in her room, sipping some tea. Aiz had rudely awakened her. In a manner which could be only described as Aiz staring down at her with puppy dog eyes. 'Not creepy at all'. She quickly concluded that she wanted something she couldn't have.

She sighed in exhaustion, in truth she had no problem with what Aiz got up to in her free time. Heck, she'll even help her when she can — case in point last night. However, there is a difference between her free time and Familia time.

"Are you trying to cause trouble between Loki and Hestia? You know what will happen if the goddess gets wind of this." She studied the face of her friend and despite her best intentions to deter her from the request, she soon realised that it was a pointless battle. Aiz's face said it all, she was going to get what she wanted.

The green-haired elf chuckled to herself as she began thinking about the last few days. 'That boy has brought out a side to you I've never seen before. Riveria stood up and gave a 'forced' sigh of defeat. "Fine, I can see that there's no changing your mind, never seen you so interested in someone this much."

At this point, she had made her way to her friend's side and placed a hand on her shoulder. "By the way, if you have any intentions of being alone with you know who, know I've got you covered."

Aiz turned to see her friend smiling and knowing Riveria she'd known for a long while however she'd never openly acknowledged that fact, which for Aiz was a good thing? She was a private person and didn't like people knowing her business. Even those she trusted knew a portion of her life. However, if Riveria knew it means it's becoming more and more evident by the day.

"Come now Aiz don't give me that look. I think it's cute you have a crush." Riveria wasn't the type of person to tease others. However, Aiz was the exception.

"I don..." She paused she was about to shout in defence; however, she stopped herself. 'What if Tiona and Tione heard us?'

Riveria saw the girls hesitation and grabbed the opportunity.

"Go on, Aiz, Don't be shy." Her inner self was in tears of laughter at this point, and she found it hard to compose her outward expression. Aiz, on the other hand, wanted to get out of this conversation and quick.

Aiz quickly moved close towards Riveria and pulled her closer, making sure to have her ear and hers alone.

"Fine, I admit I may have a small crush on Bell, but that's it. Whatever you may think, that's how it's going to stay." With that, Aiz made her way to the door and left the room. Leaving Riveria somewhat shocked. She turned to the door and smiled, placing a hand to her chin.

'A shame, if you hadn't told me that it probably would have remained that way.'

Bell had finished packing his things. Surprising even himself at how quickly he had got sorted. He looked outside it was still pretty early, knowing Hestia would be arriving at some point he took the time to relax.

He made his way out into the living area. Tione and Tiona were in the corner sitting at a small table. They seemed to be playing a card game while having a heated discussion. Bell took that as a reason not to sit with them. He decided to find Aiz knowing she was awake and was much safer company than the two sisters.

Lucky for him, she seemed to be exiting from Riveria's room. She turned to see him walking towards her, giving him a welcoming smile. Bell's face grew a little red. He couldn't help but return the smile. The two of them moved over to a free table and ate breakfast, chatting while they ate. They discussed the recent goings on while Bell had been gone.

"Awww look at those two they look so cute together."

Tione had placed her cards down to look over at Bell and Aiz.

"Its a shame really if things were different they might have been more."

Tiona turned to her sister. She was sighing into her hands at the truth of those words.

"Yeah I feel bad for her, of all the people to take an interest in it had to be the Argonaut."

Tione nodded in agreement.

"Putting aside Loki's distaste for Hestia, I doubt she'd let our precious sword princes have any meaningful relationship."

"Same goes for Hestia."

Despite their brief observation of the two adventurers, the pair quickly returned to their game of cards.

Both Aiz and Bell had finished their breakfast. While it was apparent that Aiz wanted to chat before, their conversation was little more than an overhanging silence. Something that the two of them were well aware of.

"So... What are your plans when you get back?"

To the sudden surprise of Bell, Aiz was the one to break the silence. Taking a moment to process what she said.

"Umm, to be honest, I don't know exactly. I was probably going to go back to what I did normally."

Bell looked down to his feet despite what he just said part of him was still unsure what he wanted to do.

Aiz paid close attention to both his response and his reaction. Something was off, and yet she couldn't put her finger on it.

"Bell I have a request..."

She was about to ask him something but was interrupted by the sudden arrival of the Hestia Familia.

"Well well someone's getting along."

Meanwhile back in Orario

"Damn Hermes the more I think about his request, the more uneasy I feel."

Loki was sitting at her desk, pondering the previous day's events. Something didn't sit right.

'This couldn't have anything to do with Artemis. Could it?'

Loki pondered on the thought. She didn't want to get involved, but after giving him critical information, she couldn't help but worry.

'Doesn't he have any idea what chaos his actions could cause?'

*knock*knock*

Loki turned and looked up to the door.

"Enter."

The door opened, revealing Finn how was holding a sizeable stack of papers.

"Sorry to disturb you goddess however I have a report for you to look over."

Loki just gave a blank stare.

"To my knowledge, no one is currently undertaking anything, why would there be a report?"

Finn hesitated to answer. Deciding it was probably better to have Loki see for herself.

"I think you should look for yourself."

Loki took the report from him and looked it over. With the flip of each page, her face grew more and more shocked.

"Damage to property, disturbing the peace, resisting arrest what in heaven did they do?"

Finn merely sighed shaking his head.

"My guess, Tione or Tiona".

Loki sighed, throwing the report to the onto the desk. Leaning back into her chair, she looked up.

Finn just stood in silence. He didn't know if to leave or stay. However, it became obvious it didn't matter which he chose to do.

"If you would excuse me goddess but I've got something to take care of."

Loki merely waved a hand as if to say 'yeah, sure'. Finn bowed and turned to leave.

"One more thing, Finn."

Stopping in his tracks, he turned back around to see what she wanted.

"I want you to prepare to head out tomorrow."

This raised Finns curiosity, giving her his full attention.

"At once but may I ask what is it Ill be doing?"

"I want you to take Bete and anyone who's currently available to head out of Orario and investigate a specific location for me.

Finn wasn't satisfied by the vague answer he had been given.

"As you command, however, is there anything I should be aware of goddess? Not that I doubt your reasons, but I'd like to know what caused this sudden request."

Loki pondered for a moment before looking behind Finn.

"Close the door. What I'm about to tell you doesn't leave this room. No one and I mean no one is to know do you understand?

Finn nodded and turned to close the door. After making sure no one was listening, he returned to his position.

"I assume that you remember when Hermes came to see me?"

Finn nodded. He remembered the strange request involving the coin.

"While I can't disclose what was said, I can tell you that it's heavily involved with where I'm about to send you."

Finn once again didn't understand why he was being sent to this place or better why Loki ordered him to gather any able bodies to join him.

"Forgive me, goddess, but I don't follow."

Shaking her head, Loki looked to the face of her confused child.

"I wish I could tell you more. However, I'm sworn to remain silent. I couldn't tell you the truth even if I wanted to."

She places her head into the palms of her hands and gives a deep sigh.

"Make sure Hermes doesn't do anything stupid and take any action you deem necessary."

Finn nodded in agreement deciding that he wasn't going to get a better answer no matter how hard he tried.

"Where is it I'm heading?"

After being given his orders, Finn went about gathering both people and supplies for the trip. Despite Loki's rough estimate of the ruins being only a days ride from Orario, Finn couldn't help but assume that they'd be there for a few days.

Meanwhile, Loki was sitting back in her chair, looking to the ceiling.

'Why do I get this feeling something is wrong?'

Without a second thought, Loki turned her head to look out the window.

"What the?"

Loki turned to see what looked like a piece of cloth blowing across the window. Taking a moment, she rubbed her eyes only for the fabric to disappear.

"I must be seeing things."

She looked back towards the report Finn had given her moments ago.

"I wonder when they will return."

Having briefly exchanged death looks to everyone in the room Hestia ordered, yes ordered Bell to step outside.

"Care to explain to me what's going on here, Bell?"

Hestia wasn't in a subtle mood she was tired, worried and mostly annoyed that Bell had spent the night with the Loki Familia.

"Forgive me, goddess, if I've worried you I had all intentions of returning last night however I didn't know where you were staying."

Hestia knew this already, and that wasn't what was bothering her. What was is the fact that he chose to stay with them instead of finding somewhere else.

"But why with them Bell, I don't get why you want to spend so much time with the Loki Familia."

Hestia gave him a stern look not happy with his current silence.

She could guess what or rather who was responsible.

"Tell me what you and the sword princess's relationship is?"

Bell was both shocked and confused by her question.

"We're just acquaintances nothing more I assure you, goddess."

While Bell was kind of speaking the truth, he did see Aiz as more than just an acquaintance. But best not to annoy the goddess. Especially with what he was going to request.

"Bell."

Hestia looked towards her child the one she cared most for in this world.

She remembered the words Lili had told her.

**Wait till you see him, you'll get the answer your looking for.**

Perhaps Lili was right; it wasn't her choice to make. Bell knows what he wants. And she doesn't want to see him like he was before.

"Bell, I'm sorry."

"Wait for what?"

Bell was now really confused. Hestia was interrogating up until a second ago. Now she was apologising. Did he miss something?

"Goddess why are you apologising you've done nothing wrong..."

To his sudden surprise, Hestia had brought him into a sincere hug.

"Bell know that whatever I might say or do, I do because I care for you. Without you, I'd still be lonely. I wouldn't have a Familia; I wouldn't have the memories we share both good and bad."

Bell looked at his goddess as tears began to form. Bell instinctively brought her closer, returning her hug in an attempt to comfort her.

"It's OK; it's OK, I'm here."

Bell wasn't sure what brought on Hestia's sudden downpour.

'Does she think I'm going to abandon her?'

"Bell whatever you decide you want know that I won't hold it against you".

Bell tightened his hold on Hestia. Part of him wanted to laugh, but part of him knew there were two points.

Bell knew Hestia had feelings for him, and while he always played the oblivious card when she made any such attempts, he couldn't bring himself to deny her outright.

"Hestia, you are my goddess, you gave me hope when I was at my lowest. Took me in and gave something to fight for. You allowed me to meet those I'd later call teammates and friends."

Hestia looked into bells eyes. Filled with emotion, she soon found herself lost in them.

"I will never betray you, and I will always be your Familia. Because without you I'd never have gotten the chance."

At this point, Lili and Welf had appeared; however, upon seeing the emotional speech from Bell, chose to stay out of sight.

'Do I take my chance?'

Hestia pondered on the thought but quickly shook the thought from her head.

'Nah it wouldn't be right but still.'

Without warning, Hestia released her embrace from Bell. Before Bell could react, however, Hestia gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before moving away. Her face was a subtle shade of red.

"Thank you Bell, that means a lot."

Bell was still comprehending what just happened. Upon realising what she just did, he turned a little red.

"Goddess, I have a favour to ask?"

While Hestia could already guess what he was going to ask she wanted to humour him first.

"Go on."

"Is it OK for the Loki Familia to travel with us? I know I'm asking that..."

Hestia placed a finger to bells lips.

"Of course Bell."

Hestia could tell the moment she barged in that he was planning to leave with them.

"However if I so much as have to deal with Loki, I'll throw you to the wolves."

Bell gulped slightly and made a small chuckle.

'Still, the same old Hestia' Bell thought.

Soon after confirming that everything was packed and everyone was accounted for the two Familia's set off back to Orario.

Bell was quite surprised to find he'd be riding one of the prized horses of Ganesha. He had forgotten that it had been given to him as a gift.

Compared to the rest of the horses, it stood loud and proud. It's jet black colour stood out much in contrast to nearly everything around it. Despite only just meeting him it seemed to recognise Bell as it's rider instantly.

"Damn I've got to say. Ganesha sure has good taste."

Nearly all the group had the same reaction towards the horse.

They had been riding for a good hour, and with no signs of trouble, the two Familia's relaxed and started to chat with one another.

Bell had been talking with Welf and Lili about getting back into the dungeon when they got back.

Aiz and Riveria were sat riding in silence, taking in the surrounding landscape.

Hestia had ended up with the two Amazonian sisters, and despite their recent incident, the three were laughing and joking like nothing ever happened.

"So we're agreed when we get back we have days rest, and then we get back into the dungeon."

Both Welf and Lili nodded in agreement. With everything agreed, Bell turned his attention to the rest of the company.

He slowed his pace and soon found himself riding alongside Aiz and Riveria.

"Hello Bell."

Aiz turned to greet him. Giving him a warm smile. Bell could help but blush at the sight and turned his face to hide it.

'Damn why she so cute when she smiles.'

Aiz was about to grab his attention before getting a slight nudge in her side and turning to see Riveria smiling.

"Let me give you two some alone time."

Riveria turned her steed in the direction of the twins and Hestia. Turning her head around, she gave Aiz a wink and a thumbs up.

"Have fun."

Aiz felt herself blush in embarrassment.

Riveria had somehow managed to get Hestia and the twins to slow down and distract them long enough so they'd be out of sight. While Welf and Lili had gone on ahead, Bell soon found that he was alone with Aiz.

The two of them looked at one another before quickly looking always

'This is kinda awkward' they both thought.

"So Bell I hear your planning to head back into the dungeon when you get back?"

Bell nodded.

"Yeah were gonna give it a day to rest up, but we're looking to get back in as soon as possible."

Aiz nodded

"I suppose you have been away from it for a while."

Bell nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, I have."

Despite her best efforts, they couldn't seem to hold a conversation without a dead silence between the two of them.

'Why was he so open with me before and now he seems so self-contained.

Could it be that we were alone with no one around us.'

She blushed slightly at the thought, but despite her want to ride away from everyone, it would probably be a bit suspicious.

'I wonder.'

She had moved, so she was riding right beside Bell.

"Bell I have a favour to ask".

Bell was curious with what she wanted from him.

"Of course, what is it?"

"I was wondering if you'd meet me tomorrow at the usual spot."

It took a moment for him to realise where she meant. It wasn't very often they would meet, but it would always be the same spot.

"Yeah sure but why?"

Aiz looked away from him for a moment.

'I can't tell him it's because I want to talk to alone.'

"I thought we could train together. It's been a while since I've seen you last. I want to see how much you've grown and improved."

Bell saw no harm in her request, and he had to admit the practice would be good for him.

"Sure Aiz I'd love to."

Aiz smile grew as he accepted her request.

"Thank you, Bell; I'll try to get away as fast as I can without drawing suspicious." E.g. Lefiya

Aiz soon turned to see Riveria behind them followed the by the other three.

"If I'm not there when you arrive wait for me, OK."

With that Aiz returned to her friend leaving Bell somewhat speechless as he too decided to catch up to his teammates.