Artemis P.o.v.
Artemis awoke from her unnaturally long sleep only to find herself sleeping on an unfamiliar bed and a hurting head.
"Hmmm OK think what's the last thing I can remember..."
She thought for a moment. Nope her mind was a blur, strange. She continued only to remember the moments before she was killed by Antares.
"I suppose this is my fate for being so careless". She brought her legs closer to her body a curled into a ball as she wept for her lost children.
"I'm so sorry you didn't deserve this fate."
Artemis sat for a good few minutes reciting the names of her children, that died and gave a prayer. Once that was done she promised to avenge them.
"I will avenge you all I promise."
She got up to her feet. Hmm, that's odd I'm not wearing my usual clothes. She examined her attire. While simplistic in nature it fitted her quite well. The top was a light brown not her colour of choice be she didn't mind. It was somewhat loose in parts but not by much. 'Sorry boys imagination only'
The bottom half consisted of a long grey skirt which went to just below her knees. Blow that a pair of black leggings.
'Hmm defiantly not my choice in clothes but considering I'm not in heaven that must mean I'm it the company of another god.'
'I hope'.
She attempted to look around however with such dim light coming through she could only just make out certain things. One of which was a small lamp to the side of a sofa.
Making her way over to the lamps she stumbles. Causing her to fall luckily she grabbed the nearby sofa. It was almost like her legs were still asleep.
"Take it steady no need to rush."
She moved her arms to push herself up however she suddenly felt a soft sensation in her hands.
"Wait what is this hair? Why is it so soft?"
She got to her feet and looked to the owner. She was quietly surprised.
"Ohh".
She looked down at the sleeping Bell it was strange she had seen a great many people and a great many men but something about him seemed familiar but also distant.
"No doubt another pervert!"
She didn't hesitate to brand the mark on him why shouldn't she? She was a virgin goddess of chastity. All men were the same in her eyes. At least that's what she wanted to believe.
"Love is a wonderful thing. I wonder can I change. Can I fell what she felt?"
Again her eyes remained fixed on the man below her. This wasn't normal behaviour for her she'd normally turn her head and be none the wiser.
"Strange."
She moved her hand back to his hair it was oddly satisfying. So soft, so full and yet wild and untamed. She could play with it for hours.
'Wait what am I doing?' Her mind clicked off auto. And yet she felt sad as she moved her hand away. Holding it behind her back she forced her view to the corner of the room.
"What is wrong with me? I've been awake for mere minutes and I'm already mesmerised by this boys appearance."
Despite her best efforts, she found herself curious for the first time about a man.
'He seems sound asleep I suppose it won't hurt anyone. He should feel lucky that a goddess like me would take interest in a boy like him.'
She found a small stool in the corner of the room. She placed it in front of the sofa so she could get a good view. She moved her skirt to the side a sat down.
She took a moment to examine him in full. Despite first appearances, there was nothing that stood out about his physical attributes. Heck, his only note worth feature was his white hair and the fact he was cute...
'Wait did I think he was cute?'
Artemis shook the thought out her head.
'Definitely over thinking things.'
She looked at his hair thinking it needed to be tidied up somewhat. However, she couldn't help but think it suited him. It made him look wild and free. If she had seen him in the wild he'd resemble a rabbit. In more ways than one.
'Back then I'd have shot you on sight.'
Her eyes wandered back to his face. It was a calm face. His breathing was subtle but present. He looked so peaceful at that moment.
She placed a hand on his cheek. His skin was a mixture of rough and smooth as if strain had been put on it.
She moved a finger over his lips so soft yet different from hers. I wonder what it would be like to...
While in deep thought the boy's body jerked causing Artemis to stand up in shook.
Her eyes widened as she looked back at the man.
'I don't understand he looked so calm, so peaceful and now. Now it just looks like he's in pain.'
"I'm so sorry. Forgive me".
Artemis took a step back at the man he obviously having a nightmare. Still, Artemis knew that look. She had seen it time and time again.
"You poor thing."
She placed a hand on his heart and it was no surprise it was beating rapidly, and yet the longer she held her hand then calmer it became.
"I suppose we're similar in one respect we've both failed someone we cared about."
She shed a single tear before wiping it with her other hand.
"Well, you've surprised me twice today once for my attention the other for making me cry."
She moved away from the boy hoping that this was the end of his nightmare. She turned to what looked like the exit. Deciding to disappear before he woke up she made her way to the door.
'Hmmm, my heartbeat seems faster than normal. I suppose it was just the shock.'
She opened the door and headed up the stairs.
"He probably lives alone judging by the state of his living arrangements. Probably not that we'll off either."
She reached the top of the stairs leading to a small door. Opening it led to what remained of the abandoned church.
'Well, I wasn't wrong. But something seems familiar like I've been here before.'
Before she could take the time to think the doors of the church opened. In a split decision, she hid behind the broken alter.
"Damn that Bell when I find him he's gonna get it!"
'Hmm, a girls voice probably his girlfriend shame...'
Her face heated up as she realised just what she said.
'Why do I care its not like he means anything to me.'
She looked round the corner to see who had entered. It didn't help that it had turned night outside. Meaning there was very little she could see. If only the moon would shine some light.
"I swear if he wasn't so nice to look at I'd punch his face in."
'She's not wrong' she thought with a smile on her face.
'Again what is wrong with me today?'
'I need to get out of her and cool my head he's had more of an effect on me then I thought he would.'
"Bell!"
Just as she was about to sneak past her, she caught his name again.
'Bell its a nice name it suits him I wonder if we'll meet again?'
'Wait now that I think about it I'm sure I've heard that voice?' She peeked back round the corner and could just make out the outline of her.
That voice, slightly childish but far too familiar to be a random person. As well as short stature and a pair of large breasts far too big for a girl her size.
"H-Hestia!"
The young-looking goddess stopped in her tracks. Taking a second to turn around but when she did, a face of pure shock and confusion greeted her.
Artemis's eyes lit up as she lunged towards her friend with great force and speed.
"Long time no see Hestia".
A few moments earlier
" I can't believe this I spend all day trying to find him and not one of six people could find him the dungeon."
(Flashback)
"We're sorry Hestia we've looked all over for him no doubt he already left way before we arrived."
Hestia sighed it was getting far too late they had been searching for hours and not a single sign of him.
"Well I best be getting off Hephaestus will probably be wondering were I am."
"I've got my own business to deal with I was supposed to do it today but thanks to Bell I'm going to have to run."
Welf and Lili both head off leaving Hestia, Syr, Ryu and Aiz.
"We need to get back to the Hostess no doubt mama will lock us out if we're too late." Ryu nodded in agreement and the three of them started to head for the hostess.
However, Ryu stopped for a moment.
"I'll catch up with you I've to think I've dropped something".
Syr turned a nodded.
"Don't take to long".
Ryu hurried back to the guild entrance and quickly caught up to Hestia.
"Goddess Hestia my I speak with you for a moment?"
"Hmmm, of course, Ryu what is it?"
Ryu couldn't help but feel conflicted for what she was about to say knowing full well the trouble it just caused.
"I know what I'm about to say is going to sound far fetched but its been bugging me for the last couple of days."
"Go on"
Hestia was a little confused but it wasn't like she was doing anything better.
"It's about Artemis." Ryu dared not say her name. But this was her closest friend and she had the right to know.
Hestia on the other hand just raised an eyebrow.
"What about her?"
She was confused about why she would bring up her dead friend and at this time and place. It was so random.
"She maybe alive."
'And with that, I'm out of here.' Hestia thought to turn around while waking away.
"Umm Hestia"
Ryu was shocked she took it well she wanted to think but no, she didn't believe her.
"Look Ryu I know your not the type of person to lie but please just tell me this why should I believe you?"
Ryu just stood there she didn't have an answer it was just like Bell except Bell wouldn't let her explain. Hestia was the same except she was being composed about it.
"I can't prove what I saw was her. Nor did I believe it at first. But I know what I saw, it was no mistake, it was her."
She stopped to take a breath but Hestia had heard enough.
"Fine good night."
"Please I'm not asking you to, believe me, I know you'll see her too. Just know that there's something different about her something's off."
Hestia tried to pass her words off but simply nodded before taking her leave.
(End of flashback)
'Why would she come up with such a lie it makes no sense?'
She reached the front door and remembered why she was feeling so tired.
"Damn that Bell when I find him he's gonna get it"
She entered the church leaving the door open she didn't care any more she was tired and pissed of.
"I swear if he wasn't so nice to look at I'd smash his face in."
She reached made it to the secret door that leads downstairs however she was surprised to see it was open.
"Bell?"
No reply however she heard movement behind her and she froze.
"H-Hestia!"
Hestia knew that voice what made it worse was it was far to chummy and happy. She took a second before turning around and her eyes told her everything she needed to know.
'Artemis.' She couldn't believe it how could she? She watched her die, she shouldn't be here.
Hestia was soon tackled to the ground by her friend who she was still quite confused by.
"Long time no see Hestia."
Ryu wasn't lying something was off with her. But what?
"Hey, Hestia I take it that's your Familia downstairs?"
'She's not making any sense why would she think Bell as a Familia member and not as an acquaintance? She knows who he is.'
"Umm Artemis why are you here?"
Probably not the best question Hestia thought but right now she needed a concrete answer.
Artemis expression, on the other hand, was something much much different. It was sad and equally confusing
"To tell you the truth I'm not sure myself. I just woke up here I'm not sure why."
'This means Bell Brought her but Bell was in dungeons by all accounts why would she be the dungeons?'
Hestia would have to ask Bell about this. But something was still bothering her.
"Artemis tell me what's the last thing you remember before waking up?"
I was with my Familia before we were attacked and killed.
Hestia's eyes widened.
'No way that's got to be a joke?'
Artemis decided that since she was in the company of her best friend she'd make herself comfy.
"So enough about me, I have to ask that white-haired boy downstairs what's your relationship?"
Hestia just stood in disbelief.
'She doesn't remember. How can she not remember? How can she not remember him?'
"Look Artemis why don't you wait here and I'll go get him and introduce you properly. Sound good"?
Artemis nodded no idea why she had to wait here but she didn't mind too much. Deciding to take a seat on one of the bench.
Bell was just slowly coming to when he heard the door close.
"Goddess is that you?"
Hestia turned seeing her trusted child asleep on the sofa. How on earth was she going to tell him?
"Bell I have a question I know you Artemis is alive I know you found her."
Bell stood to attention. He looked behind him to see that Artemis had gone missing.
"Wait goddess were is she?"
Hestia walked towards him resting an arm on her shoulder.
"Bell it's OK she upstairs but there's a slight complication."
Bell looked a little confused. It was one thing that Hestia was being very calm about the whole situation but that didn't explain this complication.
"What's wrong?"
"OK don't freak out. Promise me you won't freak out?"
Bell nodded he was sure he could handle it.
"She doesn't remember anything from the past two weeks."
Bell just looked confused did he hear that wrong?
"Can you repeat that?"
Hestia turned her head a small tear ran down her face.
"I'm so sorry Bell. She has no memory of anything that took place. Not the quest, Not the outcome. She doesn't even know how you are."
Bell didn't know what to think his mind was still processing the information. He needed to sit down.
"Bell, please I know it's hard to take in but we have to take this carefully."
"Bell I know it's hard but please act as you normally would. Just until I get someone to look at her please."
"You want me to lie?" Bell looked at his goddess he had no other words finally a shred of happiness and its was ripped from his arms.
"No I'm sure there's a valid explanation but the last thing I need is her freaking out".
Bell clenched his fist he wanted to tell her the truth he wanted to tell her how sorry he was. But he couldn't not now.
"Fine".
Hestia wasn't confident Bell was stable for this. But she wasted enough time already Artemis would get suspicious if they took much longer.
"Bell I know it's hard but it is still her."
Bell took a deep breath. Several in fact before getting to his feat. He put on a brave face.
"OK what's the plan?"
"Sorry about that had to discuss something with him first."
Hestia came up first. She knew full well she could read her like an open book which made things difficult.
Artemis was still sat on the bench. Waiting patiently for her return.
"It's fine I'm sure you weren't expecting company I hope I'm not being intrusive?"
Hestia shook her head.
"Not at all I've missed you I'm glad your here and I'm sure Bell will be glad to meet you."
Hestia heard Bell coming up the stairs. She hoped he could keep a cool head for this?
"Artemis I'd like you to meet my dearest Bell. He might be the only one in my Familia but he's all I need."
Bell stepped forward it was strange, to say the least, but he had to do his part.
Despite her actually meeting him before this was the first time she got a look at him in some proper light.
'Wow I couldn't tell before but he is quite the man.'
She looked him over taking in all the information she wasn't able to downstairs.
'He looks about the same size as me, judging from his clothes he's probably in great shape.'
She tore her eyes away from his body just in case she looked weird deciding to look him straight in the eyes. However, she soon found herself getting lost in his gaze.
'Focus Artemis this is no time to be impressed.'
"Hestia are you not going to introduce me?"
Hestia who in her own state of mind had forgotten that she hadn't yet finished the introduction.
"Ohh sorry forgive me Bell this is an old and dear friend of mine while we was back in heaven. The goddess Artemis."
Hestia moved aside allowing the two of them properly greet.
"A pleasure to meet you Bell"
Artemis gave a light bow and warm smile to her friends Familia.
Bell did the same he found it difficult to keep composed but he only had to look at her to smile.
"A pleasure to meet you as well."
Artemis couldn't help but be impressed.
'Nice to look at, polite perhaps I could find someone like this.'
Artemis was still unsure about the whole love thing and besides, she had been distant from them for so long. But if Hestia was able to change then it sure as hell was possible.
"Well, it's nice to see you finally found someone Hestia he seems like a nice person."
Artemis was prying her friend for information it had been too long since they last met.
"Bell is simply my child, nothing more."
It had been hard for her to give a Bell up the first time. It was still sad but she accepted he loved another and she wouldn't destroy that.
'I know that look she's not telling the whole truth there's something else to this.'
Bell was finding it hard to stand there while they talked about him, he needed to get out at least for the time and clear his head.
"Umm goddess I'm going to go collect some thing's from the Hostess if you don't mind?"
Hestia didn't expect Bell to have to leave so quickly he must be finding it hard she thought.
"Ohh one moment." Hestia rushed downstairs. Coming back minutes later holding a letter.
"Do you mind dropping this off to Miach its important."
Bell nodded he wasn't sure why Hestia wanted him to deliver a letter but he was sure she had her reasons.
"Good be safe. I'll be here with Artemis waiting for your return."
Bell nodded before leaving the two alone.
"Sooo Hestia what did you say yours and Bell's relationship was again?"
Bell decided to head towards Miach's shop first. No doubt Hestia had her reasons for sending him. It didn't take him long to get there and luckily the store was still open.
"Ahh if it isn't the young Cranel tell me what can I do for you?"
Bell closed the door behind him. He had visited the store many times and had a good relationship with the Miach Familia.
"Sorry to bother you at a late hour. I have a letter from Hestia".
Miach took the letter from Bell. He carefully opened it and read the letter carefully.
"Hmm OK, it seems she wants some potions made. Luckily its nothing super lengthy do you think you could come back in an hour?"
Bell nodded he still needed to get the rest of his gear from the hostess and he needs some time to get his mind together.
He left the shop and headed for the hostess. Miach waited till he was out of sight.
"Naaza I need you to prepare me a few things Hestia set me a huge challenge."
He quickly reached into the envelope and pulled a thin small glass veil out containing a single strand of blue hair.
Despite what Bell thought would be a quick grab and dash turned into hell on earth.
Apparently more people then just Hestia were looking for him. And while Hestia was the kind of person to forgive. Ryu, Syr and Aiz weren't.
He didn't know how long they kept him but he was sure it was more than an hour. Which meant he had to hurry.
Getting back to the store he found Miach and Naaza waiting for him.
"I'm so sorry please forgive me."
Bell bowed his head he still wasn't sure how long he had been.
"Don't worry it took longer then I thought but here."
He handed Bell two red vials which Bell safely stored away.
"Thank you again I apologise for the inconvenience."
Bell bowed.
"Not at all oh by the way Hestia mentioned you had some trouble keeping calm".
He held out a clear vial however Bell found it had to make out the clear liquid inside.
"Its a stimulant, it should do the trick. However, it takes some time to take effect properly."
Bell nodded removing the cork from the top he knocked back the potion. Strange he didn't feel any different, but he did say it takes time.
"Thank you Miach I owe you."
He did another big bow before taking his leave.
When Bell had left the shop Naaza stepped forward.
"What exactly did you just give him? If you wanted to calm him down we have plenty of potions why make one?"
Miach turned to her and then back at the letter Hestia sent.
"She didn't need him to be calm she needs him to forget".
Naaza was curious now she wasn't told what was going on and as far as she knew it was a ploy to trick Bell.
"Forget what exactly"?
"The potions we made is rare, very rare. By no means is it hard to make but it's knowing how to perfect it."
"And all this too?"
"The potion or should I say poison more like is designed to target a specific part of the brain. While not harmless its effect is quite potent."
He sat back and looked at the letter for the third time.
"Memory loss."
(Letter)
Dear Miach
Sorry to ask this but I have a high favour to ask I'm sending Bell to you. I need you to give him a temporary memory loss.
I know you mentioned it was possible while we were drinking one time. Act as if its no big deal and send him on his way. I've provided the item required.
Also, give him something as decoys and make him drink it. Say its for his nerves or something.
Thanks, I owe you one
Hestia.
Miach placed the letter down, he did exactly as she asked.
"So how does this poison actually work?"
"Simply put my child given a sample of someone it targets all memories of them and blocks them. In other words, given a sample of hair and you'll be meeting a new person for the second time."
Naaza was impressed that such a thing was possible, normally magic was needed for this kind of thing.
"How long does it last?"
Miach looked away a turned towards the shop window.
"I'm not sure."
"Are you sure it's OK for me to sleep here tonight?"
Hestia wasn't going to let Artemis leave it would cause no end of problems, she needed to keep her here at least till she could find Hermes.
"Come now I've told you its fine. Now make yourself comfortable."
Hestia was glad Artemis was fine with sharing a bed however she couldn't let Bell sleep downstairs so he have to make do upstairs for now.
"I'm sorry Bell please ill explain when you get back."
She paced back and forth no doubt he was gone longer than expected.
Luckily she heard him arrive back and rushed upstairs.
"I'm back goddess here are the potions you requested."
Bell handed over the two potions which Hestia quickly accepted.
"Thank you, Bell. By the way, Artemis is going to be staying with us. So I've had to move you up here I hope you don't mind."
Bell nodded he understood however he didn't get one thing.
"Who's Artemis?"