The streets of Orario had finally calmed somewhat after the most recent events. New rumours of an attack on the Freya Familia soon started to spread, but they were quickly debunked.

"Hmmm, Freya this time, huh?"

The hostesses staff were a buzz as the information reached them not only moments before.

"I heard Ottar got into a fight with one of them. No surprise that they didn't last long against him."

Chloe and Anya were setting up for the evening rush but had slowed down due to the juicy topic.

"You two best not be slacking!" Mama Mia shouted from the backroom, she might not be able to see them, but she knew when work wasn't getting done.

"What that's the second attack this week, not to mention on the two biggest Familia's. At least let us take a moment to discuss it?"

The two knew better than to push their luck, but any excuse to stop working was better than none.

Between the current conversation of the two cats, another was taking place at the main bar.

Syr and Ryuu were trying to entertain a less than enthusiastic Aiz that sat pushing around the food they brought her.

"It's okay Aiz cheer up. You should know better than anyone that they're a resilient bunch. They'll turn up in no time." Syr's optimism wasn't helping the situation.

"Syr perhaps we should try a different approach she hasn't left the Hostess since the incident with Bell. Perhaps a walk or something?"

Ryu understood losing an entire Familia, but she took out her rage, and it put her in this situation.

'She's holding all that stress back, and it's affecting her.'

"Perhaps what do you say Aiz?"

Aiz wasn't paying any attention to them. Her mind was ablaze with questions.

'Surely someone should have been spotted? Finn, Riveria, Tione or Tiona they were either in the dungeon or out of Orario but nothing.'

She finally gave up playing with her food, pushing it to the side.

'Also this happened because I was too worried about him...'

Aiz pictured the small white-haired boy.

'What if I had stayed? Would things have gone differently? Would I have met a similar fate?'

"Hey, Aiz?"

'But I couldn't have any idea and besides Loki said I should...'

A sudden shock went through her as she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned only to see Syr with a concerning look.

"You were spacing out just now. Are you sure your okay?"

Aiz was still taken aback. But she couldn't deny that she wasn't herself and it was showing. She took a deep breath and nodded.

"I'm fine... it's just... there's a lot on my mind." Her response was less than convincing.

"Well, perhaps a change in scenery will do you some good. You haven't left the Hostess in a few days."

Syr pointed this out, and she wasn't wrong. Ryu gave the nod in agreement.

"Perhaps I could get out."

The words barely left her mouth before Syr clapped her hands together and turned for the back room.

"Great, come on Ryu. Mama were taking Aiz for a walk. We'll be back before it gets busy!"

Syr shouted as the two workers pulled the sword princess towards the door.

"Hey, I didn't say you could leave!" Mama shouted from the back room.

"But her sorry face has been bad for business. At least this way it can start to be more lively."

The three quickly made there escape leaving a less than happy Mia.

"Ughh sometimes I..."

She turned to look at the other workers giving them a stern look before going to the back.

"Get back to work!"

Artemis was still waiting on Bell; however, she took time to read the note Hestia had left for him. She quickly read it and chuckled at the ending.

"Ha-ha, so that's why he was acting like he was. Hestia still has a humorous side, I see."

She had once again been left with no other choice but to wear some of Hestia clothing. It soon became apparent that Hestia didn't have a great deal she could wear.

"Ugh, seriously she's earned her nickname. Every top is far too baggy on me."

She removed her fifth top now. She only put up with the last one because she hadn't intended to leave, but she was already sick of looking at the same stone walls.

"Such a big city and she expects me to sit here until she comes back. Not going to happen!"

Artemis was on the thin line and was running out of options.

"It's no use. I'm going to have to go shopping."

Just as she said, this Bell re-entered the room. In a moment of desperation, Artemis quickly threw on the shirt she had in her hand.

'Damn I didn't realise how long I was taking.'

She was still out of sight of Bell, so it wasn't like she needed to have hurried. However, considering the situations she kept getting in with the young adventurer, she decided to play it safe.

"Umm Goddess are you okay?"

Bell exited the bathroom looking around surprised not to see the goddess. He became a little confused.

"I'm fine Bell, just trying to find something ill be out in a second."

She didn't give details, she wasn't painting a picture for him. But she also didn't want him to search for her.

Bell, on the other hand, just continued to dry himself. He did, however, have one question on his mind.

"Hmm was I always like this?"

He looked down at his body. It was strange. It was more toned then last he remembered.

'Ha-ha not like I look at my body every day.'

He chalked it up to all the work he had been putting in the dungeon with Lili and Welf.

He made a start on his hair with the spare towel, and he took a seat waiting for the Goddess to finish so he could get a shirt.

'I wonder if it is okay to go and visit her today?' Bell had been wondering about that question since this he woke up but didn't want to mention it to the Goddess in case he seemed like a rude host.

"No, she'll have to wait maybe I can sneak off when Hestia gets back from her job?"

Just as he was contemplating his plans, Artemis entered the room.

He didn't take notice due to his current thought process.

"Bell I'm..."

Artemis looked at the boy sitting deep in thought. She remained quiet waiting for him to catch on.

'No point in disturbing him he's got something on his mind.'

She thought as she observed him from a distance. He wasn't anything special, not some grand adventurer or man of significant influence. But that's what made him interesting, he gave off an aura pulling in those around him. As if to say 'Watch me'.

'Ugh not this again, I need to get out, I can't stop seeing his face in my head.'

In an attempt to divert her gaze, she looked down; however, she was meet with quite the view.

'Wow for a boy his age he sure is in good shape... I understand why Hestia enjoys having him around.'

She was about to retract that thought, but her presence became apparent to Bell.

Bell turned around, feeling something was off only to see Artemis in the corner. She hadn't spoken up, and she seemed to be staring in his direction.

"Umm is everything okay goddess?"

Artemis looked up only to find a pair of red eyes staring at her. It took her a moment to think up a response.

"Ohh sorry Bell, you looked so deep in thought I didn't want to disturb you. It seems I ended up doing the same thing."

She looked away, a wave of embarresment came over her as she realised she might enjoy the thought of looking at him.

"Ohh sorry I just..." Bell didn't have an excuse.

'Guess I'm just gonna have to play it off.'

Artemis finally got a hold of her racing thoughts and decided to join him.

"It's obvious something is bothering you, Bell? Don't feel you have to keep quiet because I'm here."

She tried to console him into dropping his guard. He didn't seem like the type of person that hid their problems.

"It's nothing goddess. If you excuse me, I'm going to get changed."

Artemis was taken aback by the nature of his words. He was usually happy at least that's what she had come to expect these last few days.

"I'd hardly call it nothing? What is wrong with just telling others what's on your mind? It doesn't matter if it's brief but don't try and hide what you obviously can't."

Her words were not wrong. She was right; he couldn't hide the reason forever. But he also didn't want to bother her with it. She wasn't his goddess, and he barely knew her.

"It's personal, please just leave it at that."

His words were colder than before. He didn't wait before he disappeared around the corner.

Artemis just stood quietly in place. It wasn't his words or what they meant no...

It was his tone...

'Why do I feel I should care?'

"Hmmm, perhaps we should take a different approach?"

"Just because you can't follow orders does not mean we have to change anything."

Three masked individuals sat. Void, Whisper and Seer the last of which sat listening to the other two bicker.

"That's enough, you two! Have either of you got anything to report?"

Void nodded.

"I believe that Ishtar is planning something, perhaps it would be best to stop whatever it is."

Seer looked at Void. His recent attack on Freya had left him on the side of caution.

"We're a man down for the time being, besides Freya hasn't decided whether to make peace. So don't start this talk last thing we need is to be hit from three sides."

Void leaned in.

"Three? I thought we had only stepped on Freya's toes, Ishtar dislikes anyone that gets involved in her business. So who's the third?"

"Apollo."

Void seemed confused by the addition of Apollo.

"Apollo? From what I understand he's little more than a pompous fool, why should we worry?"

"He may not seem like it, but he's never one to pass up an opportunity. Besides I'm certain he's got eyes on a bigger prize. One I very much intend to keep out of his hands."

Whisper remained quite as they spoke. Up until Seer looked her way.

"Whisper what do you know about Ishtar?"

Seer spoke up, his voice was calm, but it demanded authority.

"Sir I see little point in this..."

"Whisper! What do you know?"

"My apologies from what I gathered, it looks like their planning a ritual of some kind. My guess a sacrifice."

Seer rested back in his chair. He placed his hand to his chin while looking around the room.

"Perhaps we should clip this thorn bush before it grows to troublesome."

He turned to void.

"Void I have a new task for you. Find out what Ishtar is planning, evaluate the risk and if needed, put a stop to it. I'll leave the details up to you."

Void remained quiet. But kept tapping the side of his chair. Seer took notice of this.

"Is there a problem?"

"No, but I do have one request?"

Seer waved an open hand allowing Void to speak his mind.

"I did my own investigation into Ishtar's Familia. A while back, I learned something interesting. They have a girl. A Renard."

Seer raised an eyebrow but made no visible signs of this.

"When may I ask, did you find the time to do this?"

He folded his arms and sat back in his chair. Even though he couldn't see the others face, he knew it was a stare down.

"Does it matter? What I do in my spare time is my own no business to anyone."

"Then I advise you that it should remain your business, now if you have nothing further to say."

Void stood to his feet, his fists were clenched, but he reframed from any other outbursts.

"When I agreed to join you, we made an agreement. Part of that agreement was that we'd help those that needed it. We are doing this for the betterment of everyone!"

Seer stood this time an oppressive aura started to form as the two became angrier and angrier.

"I did but theres a difference between risking everything for the sake of one girl. Should I remind you of the bigger goal or have you forgotten?"

Seer and Void were locked in a stare down. Void, however, didn't wait to speak.

"No I haven't, but that doesn't mean I can leave the matter alone and do nothing? Is that truly a better option? Your personal vendetta has cost us greatly, and you don't even know if it will bare fruit!"

Void paused but didn't wait long before continuing.

"Meanwhile, I spend most of my time keeping an eye on a boy. A boy that has no memories of the agreement you made with him. but I still have to keep an eye out why?"

"That doesn't concern you Void!"

"Then why have us follow him around!"

The two were beginning to shout back and forth; it wasn't unusual for this to happen. Still, Whisper continued to watch the argument in silence.

'This isn't unusual, but I can't help but feel this is getting far too personal. If this goes on who knows what might happen.'

"Listen to me, Void! I'm going to make this clear I brought you back because you understand the bigger picture."

He closed his eyes to remember.

"You wanted to make the world a better place. Then help me do the same."

He opened his eyes and looked in his direction.

Void didn't back down he put his fist on the table and leaned forward.

"I've trusted you from the moment we met. I understand your vision, but I can't condone your methods. Were causing more chaos day by day and we lose more then we gain."

He took a deep breath. He felt the tension in the room.

"We have an opportunity to bolster our ranks. If what I believe is true, then this girl will be of great use to us. Would it not be better for us to recruit her rather than let some other Familia take her instead?"

Seer didn't move from his position he looked past the mask and at the man. He saw the same stare of determination as the day he agreed to join.

"Fine! Consider this a reward for your loyalty. Deal with Ishtar and her familiar. If the girl will join us then bring here I will see her worth for myself. However, until then, she will be under your supervision."

Void for the first time that day relaxed and nodded.

"I suppose we shall wait till your finished to conduct the next meeting."

He turned his head to the quiet girl sitting in the corner.

"Whisper continue watching the boy. I permit you to interact with him if you'd like."

Whisper turned her head. She knew she would be on watch duty, but the last part seemed odd to her.

"I'm sorry I don't think I understand? Why would I need to interact with him?"

Seer shrugged his shoulders which left Whisper more then a little confused.

"Think of it as insurance, besides I heard the female kind particularly likes him."

Void chuckled to himself getting a glare from her.

"What's that supposed to mean!"

She jumped up looking to Seer, but he once again shrugged his shoulders. But it was Void that spoke up.

"Well, let's see. Between the sword princess, two goddess, a pallum, a half-elf and if my information is correct two girls at the local tavern. So yeah he's a got a lot of female admirers."

Whisper was more than confused at this point. She looked back and forth between the two.

"What's the worse that could happen?"

Void smiled cheekily.

"Perhaps he may catch you in his ever growing net."

She was about to say something, but Seers sudden movement towards the door stopped her.

"We're done for the day. I trust you two know what your doing?"

The two nodded, getting to there feet. Seer clicked his fingers, and the marking around Whispers mask disappeared.

"Whisper, for now, you're going to act on your own. Considering this, you don't need to wear the mask. I suggest you come up with a good cover story in case you're asked too many questions."

Whisper nodded.

"Void you have the right to reveal your face to the one we spoke about. But under no condition should it come off before then. I can still tell when you take it off and it better just be once."

Void nodded as well.

"As of this moment, we shall be going our separate ways. None of us should have any contact with anyone until the next meeting. I'll use the usual method to get a hold of you in this case."

"Might I ask? What your plans are?"

Seer was about to leave but looked back at Void.

"Hmm, I'm going to see an old friend, I think its time we had a discussion about the past and the future."

No more words were spoken as they disappeared into the streets that were now swarmed with people.

Back at the church.

Bell had been bideing his time. He was supposed to be finding a shirt, but in reality, he was just thinking.

'Should I tell her...'

Bell kept getting the same answer as before. She didn't need to know? She barely knew him, but the same could be said both ways.

'She has her own problems'

He remembered back to the night he chased after her.

'It's strange, at that moment all I could really feel was... loneliness.'

Bell continued to stare at his shirt. He had friends he could console, but he hadn't heard from them for a while.

'I wonder if she lost someone she cares about?'

Bell quickly shook his head.

'No no that's none of my business.'

He got to his feet, pulling the black shirt over his head.

'I'll just bide my time till Hestia returns and go to the hostess tonight.'

He got to his feet. He took a deep breath and returned to the main room.

As he entered, he found the goddess sitting at the table reading. He took notice of her attire and couldn't help but chuckle.

'You can tell it wasn't meant to fit her.'

He made his way over.

"Sorry, it took so long."

She turned, giving a small smile before returning to her book.

"It's okay I wasn't keeping track of time."

Bell took a seat at the table he looked at the little window above them, the bright light shining down.

'Hmm it's still early, suppose I should think of something to pass the time.'

Artemis contained to flip the pages of the book. The tales of the Argonaut. She seemed glued to its pages, but from time to time, she looked up.

'Uhhh I can't sit here all day.'

She placed the book down after making note of the page she was on.

"Bell I have a request?"

Bell quickly exited his thoughts, turning his head to give his attention.

"Would it be possible to go into town? It's a fine day, and I would like to pick a few things up if possible?"

Bell took a moment to think. It wasn't that they couldn't go out; it was the risk of her getting spotted.

"Umm well..."

Bells tried to avoid it, knowing that Hestia was probably a safer bet than him.

"Come now Bell I've read the letter. Hestia worries too much. In fact, she may have overplayed my situation."

Bell looked at her. He wasn't convinced.

"Bell I'll be fine. Besides, I'm barely known in this city besides the gods who's going to recognise me?"

Bell was still on edge. Hestia clearly stated that people were after her. Deep down, he didn't want to risk putting her in any danger.

'I've lived longer than this boy could even imagine, killed creatures far more cruel and dangerous than anything he could have, so why does he have to be so difficult!'

"Fine but promise to stay close to me at all times."

'It's only for the morning so it should be okay.'

Artemis gave him a quick smile before getting to her feet.

"Great well I'm ready let's get going."

She made her way towards the stairs. Bell sighed at her enthusiasm.

"She's full of energy this morning. I wonder what she wants?"

He got to his feet and followed behind her.

They soon left the church. Bell had to chuckle as he saw the blue-haired Goddess fight with the cloak.

'Ha-ha, she really doesn't want to be seen in Hestia clothes.'

She wrapped the cloak around her. However, her face was just visible, but by the look of embarrassment on her face, she would have probably hidden it as well.

"You look fine."

Bell spoke up he was trying to settle her nerves. However, he thought he could have said it better.

Artemis smiled and stopped trying to adjust her cloak.

"I'll trust in your judgement Bell shall we be off?"

She took off with her guide as they walked the many streets of Orario.

The city was in full swing. Stalls left and right that were filled with exotic goods, foods and equipment, along with a bargain for anyone looking to look or barter hard enough. Stall owners shouted daily deals left and right trying to get a reaction from onlookers and passers-by.

"It's so full of life."

Bell turned to his blue-haired companion. He'd forgotten the thrill of walking these streets. Every day when he arrived, he examined every stall taking everything new in for the first time. Now, however, that was a different story. He knew most of the stores and stalls. What they offered, who'd give him a good deal as well who would scam him first chance they got.

"Yeah, it sure is..."

He had become used to it. He grew tired of hearing the same rehearsed pitches over and over. But he took the time to admire her face. She looked like she stepped into a new world and couldn't wait to explore it.

'She just like me back then.'

He stopped allowing her to continue walking as he watched her. She was unaware of his disappearance. She stopped from time to time looking at a stall that interested her. However, once she realised he wasn't next to her, she began to worry, looking around for him.

He had blended in with a crowd so she couldn't spot him, easily sneaking back to her side when she wasn't looking.

"So what do you think?"

She jumped in shock, turning around to see her guide reappear out of thin air. She gave a less than pleased look before turning away from him.

'Someone's not happy.'

He chuckled to himself. She wasn't like Hestia she was sterner and less playful, but she was still kind. He was getting to know her more.

'Seeing her like that reminds me of a time when this seemed all so scary and confusing. She's so used to living in the outdoors having minimal experience with cites is probably the reason.'

"Sorry I spotted something on one of the stalls when I looked back, you had wandered off when I looked back you seemed to be enjoying yourself, so I left you to look."

She let out a sigh, the happy smile she had before was gone. Instead, she looked a little disappointed.

"Don't worry, I had you in my line of sight at all times, besides you reminded me of my younger years."

"How so?"

She remained facing away from him. But Bell heard the question and looked around.

"This was my first time in a city like this, I was used to living in the countryside with my grandfather. He told me stories of this place, the different streets and landmarks. In my head, it all seemed so small."

He turned back to her. She was now looking at him with curious eyes. He smiled and continued.

"Imagine my shook from seeing it for the first time. It was amazing, and everywhere I walked something new awaited me. It was scary knowing I was alone, wandering this strange place. But I enjoyed it passing the stalls and watching adventures haggle. I knew one day I'd be just like them."

He rubbed the back of his head.

'Best not mention the time I nearly got talked into spending all my money.'

"So what's it like hmm? Being another face in the crowd, I mean."

She looked genuinely curious. They lived two different lives, and to her, this seemed to foreign.

"It's kind of hassle, once you get used to it hearing the same things over and over. Don't get me wrong you'll never know what you'll find but... you stop caring after a while."

'I make it sound like a chore.'

"Well if nothing else you soon learn who gives a good deal and who to stay away from."

She let out a small laugh at the thought of him personally experiencing it even if he didn't expressly say it.

"Good, then I trust you to guide me away from any bad deals."

Bell nodded with a smile, and the two continued on their walk.

"So you said you wanted to pick something's up, do you mind me asking what they are?"

He didn't give it much thought before, he just wanted to keep her happy for a while, he offered her what he could while they were in the church, but it was little, and he needs an excuse to get some food in.

"Well, in truth, I may have been telling a small lie."

Bell stopped.

'Did I just hear her correctly?'

"What do you mean? Wasn't that the reason for..."

She shook her head, placing her hands behind her back, she looked up, taking a deep breath.

"In truth, I just wanted to get out, don't get me wrong I'm grateful and all but I'm too used to the outdoors. Being cooped up inside just isn't me. It feels wrong in a way."

Bell felt guilty hearing that.

'I suppose it was wrong of me to hope that she'd stay hidden until the goddess got back. I never believed that it would get to her that much. I guess I owe her this at least."

Bell was unsure how to proceed he had planned to show her the best places to find what she needed but know he didn't know what they should do. Artemis could see his look of confusion.

'I suppose I should say something.'

"Well even though I'm supposed to be looking for new clothes with Hestia I suppose it won't hurt to have a quick look first. If you don't mind that is?"

Bell laughed nervously he knew nothing about clothing or where they should even start looking.

"Yeah sure but I might not be that much help...ha-ha-ha".

He rubbed the back of his head, a little his honesty on the subject needed to be stated.

"Don't worry I'm just looking not expecting you to advise me or anything. Afterwards, I'd like to find a bow. I seem to have left mine somewhere, but I just don't feel right without one."

'At least that I can help with.' He thought remembering a few stores inside the tower that had a good selection.

"I'd prefer to make my own, but for now ill make do."

The two made their way done the main street.

Meanwhile, not too far from them.

"Well isn't that interesting I wonder what those two are up to?"

"Does it matter?"

"Come on Ryu surely your curious. What about you, Aiz?"

Authors notes

Soo Yeah I may have lied about putting this story on hold... Certain changes to my schedule make it hard for me to know when I'm gonna have time to write. My choice was to ever spend all my free time rewriting older chapters which seemed to be happening at a snail's pace. Or carry on writing new chapters and waiting for my time to get back to normal. I choose the second option. Yes, the older chapters do need to be updated for new readers but I also think it's unfair to stop new chapters altogether. Long story short I will be continuing to write new chapters and for the time being, fixing any issues that come up.

Besides that let me know what you think of the chapter did you hate it? Like it? Do you think I'm doing anything wrong? Let me know I do try to reply to questions. PM me if you have anything to discuss or join the discord. I'm usually in there and its the fastest way to get a reply. The link will be at the end. I hope everyone is well and I'll see you in the next chapter.

Thanks for reading

/pCGVwnWNgA