Hestia couldn't believe it. She had been running around for hours trying to find Hermes. No one, not even his Familia has seen him or Asfi for days and now the one time she needed him he couldn't be found.

"Damn even if I wanted to keep her locked in the church she'd probably escape. No without caution I could send the entire city in chaos."

Hestia made a last-ditch effort to look at the Hostess it was a long shot but no doubt if Hermes had wanted to leave town or go somewhere he would have taken the time to recruit Ryu.

"Loki's Familia is all but ruin, that flat Bitch has gone missing, I hate to admit it, but one more outburst and the whole of Orario could go off."

Hestia arrived at the Hostess, but to her surprise, Ryu was sweeping the area outside.

'Damn it not here' Hestia sighed it was useless if he didn't want to be found then it was near impossible to try. However, Ryu soon took notice of the Tired Hestia.

"Goddess, are you alright? You look like you ran the whole city".

'She's not wrong' Hestia took a moment to rest up, it wasn't like her to overdo herself, but this was an exception.

"It's okay, sorry I'm in a bit of a rush. I don't suppose you've seen Hermes around?" Hestia thought she'd ask who knows perhaps she'd get lucky.

Ryu shook her head in response.

"I'm afraid not, the last time we had talked was before we all departed, however, your not the only person asking after him."

"Not to intrude but what do you mean I'm not the only one?"

Hestia was more curious, but by the look on Ryu's face, it was more of a passing comment.

"Well I didn't think much at the time, but Asfi was asking around. It is not too much of a surprise she does so often, but she did seem a little on edge."

'Asfi's not with him?'

"I am surprised, she said she was going to find you at the church no more than an hour ago."

Hestia soon filled with joy, a lead finally. However, that soon turned sour at the realisation.

'Crap Bell and Artemis.'

Hestia quickly shot off in a flash. Ryu just stood confused; however, she thought nothing more of the situation and continued with her work.

Despite the current ordeal, Asfi was determined to find her wandering god. He had been gone for days now, and no matter where she looked, or who she asked she came up empty, the only person she hadn't yet asked was Hestia.

'Hermes where have you gone? It's one thing going missing for a few hours, but a couple of days it's unlike you.'

She made her way towards the church. She wasn't sure if she'd find her here, but it was better to place to start then many.

"ASFI!"

She stopped just before the church upon hearing her name. She looked behind her to find Hestia running towards her.

'Lucky me.' Asfi turned and made her way to the approaching goddess.

"Greetings Hestia I was just on my way to see you, but as luck would have it you had the same idea."

Hestia now on her last legs collapsed to the ground out of breath. 'Curse these limitations'.

Asfi offered a hand to the goddess. However, she found her offer denied.

"I'm okay, but we have more pressing matters to speak of." Hestia got to her feet, still shaking but was able to stand.

Asfi already had an idea on what she wanted to talk about.

"This is about Hermes isn't it? Well if you come to me as you are I'll take it you're looking for him too?" She still just nodded.

"I'm afraid so unfortunately, I haven't been able to find him, I hoped to find him with you however I see the what I've heard is true."

Asfi lowered her head. Her face showed her distress.

"He left a couple of days back, said he'd return in a few hours. I didn't pay it much mind he normally goes wandering but this time was different he just seemed to have vanished."

'She's really worried about him.' Hestia rested a hand on her shoulder, giving her a calm smile.

"It's okay I'm sure he'll turn up."

Asfi tried to pull a brave face. But part of her just didn't like the situation, she sighed and recomposed herself.

"I suppose I should return to the others. They're probably worried to death. I suppose I should let them know and besides, maybe a couple of extra eyes and ears will help turn up his location."

Asfi was about to take her leave before Hestia grabbed her arm. She turned only to find the confused look on her face.

"Is something wrong?"

Hestia pondered for a moment she had unknowingly grabbed onto Asfi's arm. However, she remembered her predicament, remembering the other reason she wanted to find Hermes so bad.

"Listen Asfi I have a favour to ask, but before I say it, I need you to swear to secrecy do you understand."

Asfi now more confused than ever wasn't one to reject the gods however she a little taken back by Hestia's need for secrecy.

"I'm not gonna refuse, but I need to know why the need for secrecy?"

Hestia once again pondered but it didn't take her long to conclude.

"Okay I'll show you, but after that, you won't ask any questions until you agree to my terms."

Asfi was happy with the agreement and accepted the terms. The two moved to one of the windows of the church, Hestia peered inside to check they wouldn't be seen.

"What is she doing? This is her home what would she need to speak about?" Asfi looked at the strange sight unfolding waiting for Hestia to move over and show her this big secret.

"Okay," Hestia moved and motioned her for her to come closer.

"Is this necessary I mean, what could possibly be... Oh"

Asfi just went silent she didn't need to look very hard, it was quite obvious what Hestia wanted her to see.

'It can't be Artemis.' Asfi just looked on in pure disbelief she was alive, well, the fact that she was even here was mind-boggling.

"Okay goddess you've made your point I agree to keep my mouth shut now tell me what the hell is going on."

"Why do you think I've been trying to find Hermes? Look right now the fewer people that know, the better however that is why I need to ask you for a favour?"

Asfi now more confused and very very curious as to what she could do at this point simply agreed to do whatever she could.

"Okay, Hestia tell me what it is you want however if you hear anything about Hermes you let me know okay." She dropped the titles preferring to stand on equal ground until their business had been complete.

"That's fine, first let's go somewhere else I'd prefer them to be alone, I'll explain what I want from you on the way."

It had been a while since Hestia had left Bell that morning however Bell didn't pay much mind he found himself rather enjoying the alone time with their new guest. Surprised to say his morning was going far better now the two of them had made up and was surprised to find the blue-haired goddess quite charming if not quite scary at times.

"Hmm something smells nice, I have to say I wasn't expecting much, but my nose doesn't lie."

Bell, by her request, had tried to throw something together with what little food he could find. He knew he wasn't the best at cooking and what little he knew came from his grandfather; however, he knew enough to make something edible.

Thankfully he managed to find enough vegetables and other random herbs to make a basic soup. While it wasn't the most substantial meal, it would be filling enough till the goddess returned and he could go and get more ingredients.

"Where did you learn to cook?"

Artemis sat on the table to the side of him; she wasn't expecting him actually to cook anything. But to her surprise, he didn't hesitate. She wasn't going to reject his offer. She was surprised she usually didn't let herself get to the point of needing to eat. But this was one of those rare occasions.

"I learned from my grandfather, well he wasn't the greatest with the advice he did show me the basics of how to cook and survive in the wild. You could say everything I know came from him."

Bell left the soup to boil for a bit allowing time for the harder veg to soften. He placed the lid on the pot and sat down at the table.

"Your grandfather sounds like a good person".

Bell nodded in response. Remembering his grandfather's words was a blessing and a curse at times.

"Yeah he was."

Artemis quickly picked up on the phrasing of his words.

"I'm sorry I didn't realise..." She drifted off she didn't know if it was a hard topic for him not knowing if it was wise to keep bringing it up.

"It's okay it was a while ago I came to terms with it. So I can look back at the fond memories we shared. Still hear his old words of wisdom in my head, even when I'd wish I'd rather hadn't."

Bell laughed, remembering his encounter with her this morning and how she cursed him.

Artemis smiled at his response part of her was glad he wasn't upset by the ordeal, and the other part wondered why she even felt bothered by it.

"Well at least he wasn't a pervert I remember catching an old coot spying on me while I was bathing glad to know that all men aren't like that."

Bell, who no more than a few minutes nearly got caught in a similar situation, laughed nervously at her comment, however, he also remembers a story that his Grandfather mentioned.

"So I suppose it goes without saying but what's it like for goddess to live outside Orario?"

Artemis looked at him.

"I suppose it would be rare to see a god outside these walls. It's hard to say. To tell you the truth, This is new for me I've spent so long outside its hard to compare."

"Why did you come to visit then?" Bells question was one of genuine curiosity if she was so content to stay where she was that she paid it no mind then why come back?

Artemis looked into the boy's eyes trying to see if she could find some ulteria motive to his question. However, she realised that he was just curious.

"To be honest, I'm not sure why I'm here. My memory is turning blank, and I hoped Hestia would help me, but so far she's been avoided giving me any real answers. If it comes to it, I hope to find the answers while I'm here."

Bell was confused. It was so vague that he didn't know if she was trying to avoid answering him or if she genuinely can't remember. But he took the answer to heart, besides if she didn't want to answer, then he wouldn't pry. He just nodded and got up to check up on the soup, leaving Artemis with her thoughts.

'It is weird, but hopefully ill remember at a later date. Besides it's not often I treat myself. I should just enjoy my time here.' She drifted her gaze to Bell, if for no other reason, then there was nothing else to do. She found herself watching him. She was surprised by herself. This boy was able to grab her attention no matter what he did. Something about him just screamed, watch me. She found him curious he didn't boast of his achievements like other men he was modest. He talked about himself and his adventures in the dungeons, knowing his limitations and when to run. Yet the more she heard and the more she watched him she wondered what it would be like to see him in action.

'I suppose there's a first for everything' she smiled to herself letting the thought drift to the back of her head.

"Well, it looks about done" Bell spoke up after tasting the soup. He was happy with the flavour and that the veg had softened enough.

Artemis, who had been so focused on their past conversation, had forgotten that she was hungry and was soon reminded why he was cooking.

"I hope it's to your liking." Bell placed a bowl in front of her steam rising from its content. She took a moment to let it cool before taking in her spoon.

She made sure it wasn't too hot before taking a mouth full.

Bell just sat and watched, waiting to see what she thought of it.

'I hope it's to her liking I'm not sure what she does and doesn't like so I don't know what to do if she doesn't like it.'

Artemis surprised by the flavour looked up to thank him however she soon found his face staring at his bowl.

'Is he not hungry? But why would he prepare himself something if he wasn't going to eat it?

"It's delicious."

Bell broke out from his trance to be greeted by a heartfelt smile. Bell just looked in silence at least for a minute before he realised he was staring.

"I'm glad you like it." Bell smiled and started to eat his food the two going silent while they ate.

The two of them soon finished their food and Bell took their bowls to wash up. Luckily there was still some soup left which he left for Hestia when she returned. It was only fair.

Artemis took a moment to relax. She began to wonder how someone like him ended up in Hestia's Familia. She never had the best reputation.

She knew her friend had a kind heart, but not everyone could see that. He was the only one that joined her.

"If you want to know more, just ask Bell."

'Should have said see for yourself.' She smiled to herself her friend must have wanted her to see what kind of person he was.

"Hestia must have a great deal of trust towards you?"

Bell turned his head he was about to dry the dishes, but he turned his attention back to Artemis.

"What makes you say that?"

Artemis looked up to see Bell staring at her. She didn't realise she was speaking allowed, and a wave of embarrassment came over.

"Ohh well umm has she ever spoken about me?"

Bell turned back around and continued to dry while they talked.

"Don't take this personally but yesterday was the first time I've ever heard about you."

Artemis knew Hestia, she kept her personal life just that. Personal she was the kind of person that lived in the moment.

"That doesn't surprise me. My sudden appearance would have been quite a shock." She looked to the ceiling and closed her eyes, resting back on her chair.

"It's probably best she didn't mention me, I have a reputation and haven't been known to be the most friendly to the opposite sex."

Bell couldn't understand why. She seemed friendly enough with him.

"Nothing I've seen has given me that impression."

Bell spoke his mind still turned away from her, unable to see her confused reaction.

'You are too kind Bell.'

She once again wondered why this situation was so different. At this point, she'd have felt uncomfortable around him found a thousand reasons to go on a rant or start a fight. However, when it came to Bell, she felt relaxed. Nothing about him made her feel uncomfortable to be around. She barley knew him and yet he felt like an old friend she hadn't seen in years. It just wasn't right.

'Now here I am for the first time sat eating, chatting and enjoying the company of someone I should despise.'

'Your the first man to pinch my curiosity.'

She smiled to herself, wondering what else was in store for her.

Bell, on the other hand, had finished cleaning, he continued to stand were he was taking the time to admire her from a distance.

'Keep your eyes to yourself'. A little voice popped in his head to remind him what he was doing. He ignored it.

Something similar happened when he found himself alone with Aiz and he hated it. Between Hermes and his personal curiosity made for a lousy pair. One that was someday going to get him with broken bones. Thankfully his limited time around her helped this problem. However, it was a different story for Artemis. Not only had his first encounter with her imprinted an image he'd never forget. He felt like he was starting at forbidden fruit. Something so beautiful to look at but deadly in every other word. He found himself unable to control his eyes as the drifted down from her face.

Artemis soon caught on to him staring at her. She hadn't noticed earlier due to her being deep in thought.

'He's staring at me again. I suppose I have been quiet for a while but still. I wonder what he's thinking.'

She took a moment to follow his line of sight. Best to say she wasn't impressed.

"Eyes up." She spoke out, causing a somewhat entranced Bell to snap back to his senses.

"ohhh errr I..."

Artemis felt herself growing more angrier and slightly disappointed in him.

"I'm sorry." Bell tried to apologise but found she was ignoring him.

She turned her chair, so her back was facing him and crossed her arms.

'I've done it now.' Bell sighed part of him hoped she'd just forgive him, but the longer he waited. The more he realised that wasn't going to happen and he worried his presence was going to make things worse.

"I'm sorry, I'll be upstairs."

Bell made his way to the stairs closing the door behind him.

"Idiot."

"It's strange Hermes had me make this a while back but never found a use for it I suppose he wanted it just in case."

She brought out a grey hood and cloak. It was nothing out of the ordinary something you'd see adventures or locals wearing every day.

"And this does what exactly?" Hestia spoke at first glance she couldn't think about how this could help her.

Asfi couldn't believe Hestia lack of attention.

"You asked me to give you a way to conceal Artemis will she was out. This hood is a prototype instead of hiding her; it alters peoples perception of her."

Hestia was confused; it would help if she could see it in action.

"I'll explain this hood works in two ways the first is true concealment. No one will be able to deduce who she is just by looking at her. Second, it radiates, and aura, which to most cause them to want to ignore her. Like I said it's a prototype so don't expecting it to work on the gods, I'm not even sure it will work on higher-level adventures."

Hestia just nodded getting the idea of what it does and its limitations.

"And the cloak?"

"Just a styling choice." Asfi spoke seeing the disappointment on Hestia's face.

"What you want is for it to turn the person invisible. Sorry but I don't have that much time on my hands."

Hestia chuckled at her comment she was just glad she was even able to get a hold of something like this.

"Thank you Asfi as promised if I hear anything on Hermes ill let you be the first to know right away."

Asfi smiled and showed her to the exit.

"Ohh and once you're done with the hood, please return it. like I said it's a prototype and I intend to finish it."

Hestia just nodded in acknowledgement of her.

"Well this will keep most people from recognising her, and I have a list of people I need to tell, but hopefully this should do for the time being."

Hestia slowly made her way back to the church, and while she did so, she couldn't help but think about how Bell was getting on.

"Maybe I should have warned him about her hatred towards perverts."

'You've gotten her to fall for you once Bell I'm sure you'll be fine.'

She smiled and continued to make her ways through the street. However, one little detail was eating away at her, and it was something she hoped wouldn't get involved. And that something was someone.

"Aiz" that name became a sour grape to Hestia, she admitted to herself that she helped Bell to grow and strive to better himself. However, she also knew Bell's deeper feelings for her, something that she had thought had disappeared when he had fallen for Artemis.

"What's it going to be like now he's forgotten everything?"

There was no longer that distraction Bell might not even see Artemis as anything more than a goddess.

"Even while he was mourning her death she still found a way to sink her claws into him."

Hestia dreaded that thought.

'I suppose as a friend and goddess, I should provide them with situations to be alone.'

'Besides, Bell will realise what he wants in due time, and so will Artemis she may have forgotten him, but those two share a bond that will continue to draw them together.'

Hestia soon arrived back at the church she was surprised to see it was growing darker, she may not have done what she set out to do, but at least it wasn't all bad news. She opened the doors to the church and made her way inside.

"I'm back".

Authors notes.

A new chapter, more bonding between Bell and Artemis what could be better. (Lot's of things). So yeah not a lot going on in this one dont be surprised if I post these from time to time, besides the longer more story-driven chapters it's nice to have the odd slow chapter. Like I said these will pop up from time to time nothing like a bit of bonding to build a relationship on. Do let me know if you like these slower bonding chapters. They are a joy to write and ive plenty of ideas on what I can do. (Note the Hestia part of this story was written first and as such anything with Bell and Artemis was an afterthought and as such future chapters like this will be primarily focused on the main pairing and nothing else.)

So yeah comment on what you liked. What you didn't like. Thoughts and opinions on the chapter. Any questions you have ill try and reply to as and when I can. If you haven't already followed the story to keep up to date on when I post new chapters. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and the story thus far and hope you look forward to the next chapter.

/pCGVwnWNgA