Aiz pov

"Hmm, should I head back?"

It was later than expected. Ryu and Syr had already head back. They were afraid that Mia would have their heads if not. I didn't mind. I enjoyed their company, but I just wanted such time to think.

"I did even buy anything..."

I walked down the street. It was quiet. Peaceful. Some merchants hung around for the odd wandering adventurer, but besides that, a lot called it quits.

'The city is just getting back to normal. Not surprised the guild was ever vigilant. They reassured the cities populace that it was under control and that they shouldn't worry.'

'Not worry? Easier said than done.'

Do they have to be somewhere? Even if they were attacked, we had fall backs in place. Finn and Riveria are keen and services worse. Both Tiona and Tione went to the dungeon, and I'm sure Lefiya went with them. I'm not sure about the rest but they can handle themselves.

"If Loki had been killed, then I would have seen a pillar of light. So she must be alive."

"They must be remaining quiet for a reason? But what should I do?"

'Loki ordered me to keep an eye on Bell and Hestia. She was certain they were up to something...'

I stopped for a moment. All this time, I had been wondering why nobody had contacted me when I should have been doing my orders.

'Is Bell connected? No, he can't be he's...'

I thought back. He had just lost someone he loved. He was down and couldn't even protect himself. Suddenly this Artemis shows up, and I've not seen him since.

'She was supposed to be dead. Ryu said as much... So why? What happened to change that?'

I decided to sit on one of the benches that dawned the streets. I had some time to kill. Besides I'd only sit in my room. I took a moment to think.

'Bell... Did you have something to do with this? I don't want to believe you have but...'

'She wasn't with them when we meet them. But Hermes had already gone away by that point. I know Hermes was with Loki and asked about something. But both are sworn to secrecy. So I cant get the answers from him. But that begs the question of why Hestia and Bell? Did they put him up to it?'

My head was full of questions. When Loki told me to keep a close eye on him, I was happy. I could spend time with him without being reprimanded.

"I want to see him. I'm sure if I do I'll know for sure..."

It had been two days since then. The last time I saw him was when he collected his equipment.

"I didn't speak to you, so I wasn't sure what's been going on..."

I sighed. Kicking a stone at my feet. It was hard to think...

"Ahh if it isn't the lovely Ais."

I looked up to see Hermes and Asfi walking my way.

"Lord Hermes..."

He looked as careful and crafty as ever. He had a way with words. A snakes tongue so to speak. You never knew if he was telling the truth.

"My apologies for what happened to your Familia. If I were here, I would have helped as best I could."

'Yeah I'm sure you would. Why should I believe a word you say.'

"Tell me, How are you holding up?"

I thought for a moment. Did it matter? The fact remained the closet thing I have to a family has all but disappeared.

"Fine thanks!"

I didn't intend for it to come out so snappish. He was still a god even if he was an untrustworthy one.

"Ahh, my bad touchy subject. I do apologise."

'Ugh getting pissed off at him isn't gonna make me feel better, I suppose Asfi is with him she is likeable enough.'

I looked behind him; she was in her usual mode. Not impressed. Must be a pain in the ass to deal with a god-like hers.

"Hmm tell me Aiz have you seen young Bell anywhere?"

'If I had I'd be spending my time with him and not on my own.'

"No I'm afraid I haven't."

I had calmed myself down. I was speaking as generally as I could. Hopefully, I'd learn something.

"A shame, I was hoping to find him. You see he's had a bit of a mix up on some potions."

'Hmm?'

"What kind of mix up?"

He raised his hands and shook his head.

"It would seem he's drank a very potent memory loss potion. I've been told that its nothing to worry about but I'd like to check to make sure."

'Memory loss?'

"If I might ask how this mix up came to be?"

Hermes looked to Asfi. She gave him a look but he just waved it off.

"Can you keep a secret?"

'You sure can't!'

I just nodded. The more I know the easier it will be to make a call in what to do.

"Good, well a certain goddess has arrived in town. You might remember her, Artemis?"

'I have only seen her once but her name was one I found hard to forget.'

"Yes, Bell spoke about her. But I thought she was dead?"

I tried to act surprised but that was easier said than done. But I put on as best an act as I could.

"Yes, that was true at the time. However, things have changed. I'm looking into the matter personally."

He paused for a moment but quickly continued.

"Any ways Hestia had ordered a portion for Bell. Something to help with his grief. However, what she ordered was far more potent then she had anticipated as such the last couple weeks are a blank for him."

My eyes widened. If this were true, he would have no memories of the quest. Her death. He wouldn't know who she was!

"He doesn't remember any of it?"

My personal feelings were starting to show. But I didn't care.

"Well no. I won't get into details but all memories retaining to Artemis have been removed for simplicity's sake."

'I wanted to jump in joy. I was worried about his mental state but also his will. Perhaps I can get close to him again.'

"Hopefully I can find Artemis with him, Hestia said she left her with him?"

Just like that my moment of joy turned sour.

'She already back into his life after everything that happened...'

I wanted to get more information but Asfi had decided to kick him.

"Oww!"

He turned around. To look at her she only needs to glare for him to nod.

"Ahh well, I'm in a bit of a rush. One last thing if you do see ever of them don't mention anything?"

"Why not?"

He smiled. It was that mischievous look.

"Oh, she doesn't remember anything either... Ow would you stop that!"

Asfi nodded and waved to me before pushing her god forward. I couldn't care, I learned a valuable bit of information.

"He doesn't remember her. She doesn't remember him... I still have a chance."

My heart was filled with hope and joy. However, I knew this goddess was going to be a problem.

'I have nothing against you... But I want him!'

General pov

"Lord Hermes was that really necessary?"

He walked ahead, his hands in his pockets. A smug grin on his face.

"Hmm I thought she might like to know is all. Nothing wrong with that."

Asfi stopped getting a look from her god.

"You know she has a crush on that boy. Telling her about his memory loss wasn't necessary."

"On the contrary its quite necessary."

Asfi didn't look pleased but more angry than anything.

"What's your game. I go along with a lot but what does this server to do? You want Bell and Artemis to rekindle their relationship so why are you leading her on!?"

Hermes returned to walking. He didn't answer her. But she persisted. Until he gave in.

"You don't get it, do you? I did it as a gesture of goodwill. I forced Bell into the predicament with Artemis. I plan to let things play out differently this time. By not getting involved."

Asfi had caught back up to him. She quickly overtook him and stopped him from walking any further.

"You're saying that wasn't getting involved?"

He just sighed.

"Asfi, what I've done is given Bell an option. An option I'll remind you he didn't have before. Aiz was his first crush. He can decide for himself with an unbiased opinion."

He finished discussing the mater moving around Asfi.

'You're pitting the two against one another... This isn't gonna end well.'

Ais pov

I was still sat on the bench. It hadn't been long since Hermes left. My mind was wondering a few things. Firstly what to do with the Bell situation?

'Perhaps if I could get some time alone. Perhaps I could get him to join me in the dungeon. Training perhaps?'

He was always an enigma but one thing was crystal clear. He always wanted to get stronger.

"He didn't even know your growing at a rate like none other..."

I dwelled on the thought. I liked him from the moment I meet him. True he was cowering in the corner, but he bounced back.

Before long I became curious you were growing faster and faster every day. Then suddenly you managed to surpass nearly everyone's expectations. I'll admit seeing Bete lose that smug grin of his was worth it alone.

'I can't say when my curiosity turned to a crush? I found you interesting but more than that? I wanted to help you. At first, it was to push myself but I slowly forgot that goal.'

I chuckled. Her I was rambling to myself. Perhaps if Riveria was here I'd talk to her. Nah, she'd probably just tease me.

I got to my feet. The day was growing old and a new night would soon arrive. I made my way back to the hostess but it seemed fate had a card to play.

'Hmm, that voice?'

It was unmistakeably Bells but who was he talking to?

I followed it and soon noticed the white hair moving down the street. But that wasn't what caught my eye. No, it was the blue-haired girl he was with.

'Ugh, why did she have to be with him?'

I had a choice to make. Ignore it and carry on back to the hostess or make myself known.

"Bell!"

I shouted his name. I had waited for two days to speak with him I wasn't gonna let someone else get in my way.

Bell turned around looking in my direction I waved and made my way over to him. He smiled and waved back.

"Ohh Aiz, it been a while."

'Its been a couple of days or was he just saying that because she was with him'.

"Indeed it has, apologises I'm not interrupting something?"

I looked in the direction of the blue-haired girl. Now that I got a look at her I became a little jealous. She definitely had divine beauty. Bell noticed I was looking at her and looked over his shoulder before looking back at me.

"Ohh forgive me you two don't know each other. Ais meet Artemis. Artemis meets Ais."

'So it was her. I had to admit when Ryu pointed her out I wasn't sure what to believe. Now however it was different.'

"A pleasure to meet you Aiz."

She smiled at me. I smiled back. I had nothing to worry about the two don't remember each other and besides I've known Bell longer.

"She's a friend of the goddess. She's visiting from another town."

Was that the lie he was led to believe?

"I hope the city is to your liking. It can be a bit much at first but I think you'll come to like it."

I went along with the little conversation. She was friendly enough so I had no reason to be anything another than friendly towards her.

"Ohh I must admit it's been an interesting few days. Still, I'm thankful Bell was willing to show me around."

He rubbed his cheek. He looked a little embarrassed her comment. But he's always like that.

"Tell me Bell have you been keeping up with your training recently?"

A little small talk wouldn't hurt.

"Ohh well... No I've been a little tied up recently."

He didn't say his reasons but I could guess it was standing right behind him.

"A shame, you'll never get stronger if you start slacking off."

I intended to use this as an excuse to get him to come train with me. Hopefully, he takes the bait.

"Yeah, I have been a little behind these last few days. Still what about you? I mean your Familia...'

He trailed off, he switched the topic of discussion back to me. Still, I'll take it a blessing in disguise.

"I'm not worried. True the first few days have been tough but I know my Familia. They aren't weak, whatever the reasons I know they're out there."

"Let's hope so..."

He was about to say something else but stopped. He looked behind him.

'Why is he doing that? Is he worried about saying something in front of her?'

"Listen Bell, I was wondering if you'd like to train with me at some point? With everything that's been going on I'd like to do something to take my mind off things."

I really just wanted to spend some time with him more than anything. His face seemed to light up. My guess was he wanted to ask the same thing.

"Id love to, however I'm not sure when I can..."

'Not to matter, I can wait...'

"I'm sure we can agree on a time and place later. I'm staying at the Hostess so just let me know?"

I gave him a little wink, the light blush was a good sign. Still it was late and with a little luck it wouldn't be long till we next meet.

"Well Bell, Artemis I wish you a goodnight."

I bowed to both of them before leaving. A light skip in my step. Today had turned out better than I expected.

Artemis pov

Bell and I had been walking in silence for some time now. I didn't mind it at first but I was hoping it would have broken by now.

'Ugh, this is also new. What am I supposed to do? I want to get to know you more but its hard.'

We got a few stares from passers by, I disliked men looking at me. But it wasn't just me. But Bell as well.

'Ohh why do they have to stare? Don't people know it's rude...'

Bell must have been used to it. He didn't bat an eye at the obvious looks he was getting.

"Hey, you okay?"

He suddenly spoke up. I was waiting for him to start talking. But I was preoccupied with other matters.

He looked around now noticing the looks people were giving. However, they soon seemed to stop when he caught them.

"Is it to do with people looking?"

I nodded. I didn't mind I was used to getting a lot of perverts but this was different.

He grabbed my hand and pulled me along a different path. The sudden action shocked me and I froze up.

'He's holding my hand, what do I do, why is he?'

It took a moment for me to relax. My mind was quick to judge him. Still, he had his reasons.

"Here it's a little longer but fewer people come this way."

After I had recomposed myself a looked around. It wasn't the main street but a side one. Like he said it was much quieter than the rest.

'Ahh, I suppose a little extra walking won't hurt.'

"Thank you, Bell".

I thanked him with a smile.

'Hmm'

I looked down. To my shock or surprise, we were still holding hands. My first thought was to let go. My second was to wait for him to realise.

'His hand is so strong... And warm. This feels... Nice.

Nice, never thought I'd use that word to describe the situation. However, the fact I was still holding on said a great many things.

"Ohh sorry I didn't realise."

He suddenly let go. The warmth leaving and the bitterly cold wind hitting it instead.

'He must have seen me looking...'

I felt a little disappointed. Not that I was enjoying it or anything. I could feel my cheeks heat up at the thought.

"Bell I didn't.."

I was about to say something before a voice shouted out to Bell.

"Bell!"

I turned around to see a woman heading in our direction.

"Oh Aiz, it's been a while".

'He knows her personally it seems. Are they friends?'

Now she got closer I had to admit she was very pretty and by the way, she moved confidently too.

"Indeed it has, apologises am I interupting something?"

'No...'

I hid my face. I was glad she came now and not sooner. Even if it would have been easy to explain...

"Oh forgive me, you two don't know each other. Aiz meet Artemis. Artemis meet Aiz."

'She had a lovely name. I'm sure I've heard it before... Still I'm always glad to meet a new face.'

"A pleasure to meet you Aiz."

"I hope the city is to your liking. It can be a bit much to take in at first but you'll get used to it."

'That's what everyone tells me. I glad Bells here to show me around. Otherwise, I'm sure id get lost.'

"Ohh its been an interesting few days. I'm just glad I've had Bell to show me around."

I smiled at him.

With pleasantries over the two started to chat about training. I got the impression that Bell was strict when it came to his training... Yet he hasn't once these last few days kicked up a fuss...

'I hope it's not because of me...'

The twos talk continued. I felt sorry for her recent loss. But she seemed to take it well. She was certain they were alive but too much optimism can be a bad thing.

"Let's hope soo..."

I only just noticed Bell was looking at me. He looked like he was about to say something beforehand but stopped.

'Is it something personal? Does he not want me to hear it.'

"Listen Bell. I was wondering if you'd like to train with me again at some point. With everything, that's been going on it will be a nice distraction for me."

The moment she mentioned that Bell seemed to light up. It was the most expressive he's been since I meet him...

'I guess he just isn't that comfortable around me.'

"I'd love to, but I'm not sure when I can..."

That comment just seemed to dwindle far too long...

'Does this have something to do with what he refused to talk about? That begs the question what's their relationship... Were they just friends, really good friends or... Something more...'

My mind seemed to block out the rest of the conversation. I didn't feel I needed to listen. I looked at Bell and at her. They seemed so friendly but the way he smiles when he talks. It obvious he enjoys her company.

My gaze drifted to the golden-haired girl. She was an adventurer, I'm guessing a good one at that. Her confidence and beauty just seemed to radiate from her. The result of which.

'Bell is completely drawn in. Does... Does he like her?'

I looked at her. The way she smiled when he spoke. It seemed their conversation was finished. She gave him a wink. I regret not listening to the conversation.

'Does she like him?'

'Again why do I care? It none of my business to care about other peoples personal lives.'

'So why does it rub me the wrong way?'

She bowed wishing us well before disappearing onto another street. The silence set back in. But this time I didn't want to talk...

"Let's head back before goddess has my head..."

He leads the way. I just followed. I feel bad now. It was becoming obvious that my being here was causing him to alter his daily routine and apparently cancel plans as well.

'Hestia is off tomorrow. I'm sure shell let him have the day to himself...'

'I wonder if he'll go see her.'

Again I don't know why I cared so much. I mean I wanted to get to know him better but I had plenty of time to do that...

We walked in silence back to the church. He was still smiling cheerfully. Guess he hasn't noticed the silence between us.

When we got back Hestia was waiting for us. She gave us a smile and wave.

"Well you to look to have had a packed day. Seems you went shopping without me!"

She didn't seem all that upset that I left her out. Which was strange, she used to do it all the time.

"Bell I told you that I was going to sort Artemis out. I hope you haven't spent your hard-earned savings?"

Once again I had to feel bad. Not only was I taking away his free time, but also a financial burden.

'I owe him for this... I'll have to see how I can make it up to him.'

"No, no goddess it's no big deal. Besides, it wasn't that much..."

He went quiet which I didn't like. I hope he was telling the truth?

He didn't seem like the sort that would lie though...

"Well, Bell I've got a day off now so you have the entirety of tomorrow to yourself. Oh and before I forget Hephaestus says that she sent Welf and Lili on a delivery run and they won't be back for a week or so."

'Are they more of his friends? I wonder if I'll get to meet them at some point?'

"Its okay goddess I've got something to do tomorrow anyway so I wouldn't have seen them anyway."

'I bet he's gonna go see Aiz tomorrow. Still can't expect him to be my personal guide all the time.'

"Well, I'm gonna get an early night. Goodnight goddess, Artemis."

"Goodnight Bell again thank you for today."

Hestia and I wished him a good night. We went downstairs and I collapsed on the couch.

"Ahh, what a day..."

Hestia sat next to me.

"You sound like you had a good day, anything you want to tell me?"

She leaned in as she asked. She used to do it when she wanted to get all the juicy details.

"It was nice. He took the time to show me around the city I might not have seen everything but I got a feel for it. Afterwards, we went to look at some new clothes for me. In truth, I didn't expect it to take as long as it did. Saying that Bell was quite the gentlemen."

"Gentlemen, ha hearing that from you is a rarity. I thought all men were perverts in your eyes or is he an exception to the rule?"

She said it sarcastically but in truth, I used to believe deep down all men were perverts but after dealing with Bell I'm not so sure any more.

"Most are but that doesn't mean they can't be a gentlemen from time to time."

Hestia smiled at that comment. However, it wasn't a friendly smile. No, it's the kind that comes before a question.

"Don't tell me that my Bell is causing you to rethink that iron-clad mentality of yours?"

She knew me better than anyone. She also knew what my personality was like before. We might have not seen each other for a while but she still had that annoying curiosity...

"Come now Hestia I'm still the same as I've always been. I'm just trying to keep an open mind."

Wanting nothing more than to move away from this stupid conversation didn't help me, in fact, I think I made it worse.

"Ohh an open mind huh? Tell me why start now? You never have in the past and you certainly hadn't before yesterday so what's changed?"

I was digging myself deeper again. This wasn't gonna happen a second time. I just needed to compose myself. or turn it against her.

"If I remember you weren't much better. Remember when you got that nickname?"

Loki gave her the nickname loli big boobs after the two had a falling out and it stuck. Afterwards she basically swore of anyone that called her it.

"Hmm, I hated that nickname. Besides that at least I had a reason for disliking people unlike you. One wrong look and you didn't speak to them for an eternity. Oh, and another thing? Tell me when did you and Bell start speaking on a first name base?"

'What it's his name isn't it? What else am I supposed to call him?'

"Yeah, so what does it matter. It's easier than dealing with formalities all the time besides what else am I supposed to call him?"

Hestia just shrugged her shoulders before getting to her feet. My thoughts were she finally given up on this little back and forth.

"This coming after you and he had a fight yes? You can't seriously believe I wouldn't notice the injuries."

I looked at her as she moved behind me. I forgot that she had seen him this morning, still its not like she knew what happened that night so she can think what she likes.

"If you've got something to say Hestia say it?"

She got herself a glass of water. She was deliberately taking her time

"Well, you know what I think? I think whatever happened last night opened your eyes. I think he managed to chip away enough that you finally forgave him."

'She always had a way of deducing things.'

"I also believe your starting to like his company"

I jumped to my feet.

"What?!"

"Ohh come on Artemis. I've never seen you forgive someone as fast as you have with Bell. Heck I've never seen you forgive a man ever. On top of that you said it yourself you had an enjoyable time with him."

"Yes but..."

"Admit it you enjoy his company. You wouldn't have spent the day with him otherwise?"

She was my friend but she knew how to rub me the wrong way when it comes to things I tried to avoid.

"Maybe I'm just getting along with him for your sake. Maybe he annoys me and I'm just doing it keep the peace!"

She didn't look satisfied by that response.

"If that were the truth you wouldn't have been around him. You certainly wouldn't go shopping with him and that another thing."

She was getting on my nerves with this. I had to put a stop to it.

"Hestia, will you just drop it, please what does this even accomplish?

"Artemis let me just say I'm not gonna tease you. I'm glad you and Bell are getting along. But I know when your lying so come on. What do you think of Bell?"

"I barely know him."

I said this as a fleeting hope she drops the topic. I knew she wasn't but I had to try.

"But you want to right? Don't lie to yourself it's not helping."

I remained quiet. But that infernal look she gave was too much.

"Fine, I admit it. I'm curious about the boy. The more time I spend with him the more he keeps making me question what I think of men. I thought he was just another pervert but he's kind and honest. Yeah, I want to know more about him. Happy?"

She nodded before placing her water down and making her way back over to me.

"Yeah. To tell you the truth I'm glad. I was worried you wouldn't give him a chance. He may make mistakes from time to time but he's a good person. In truth, I knew you'd come to like him, you may not like men but your starting to see that it's not the case."

She wrapped her hands around me. Resting her head on my head.

'She never does this. The only time she does is when I get upset.'

"Artemis!"

Her tone changed to be more serious... Why the sudden change?

"Do you trust me?"

'What does she mean? We've been friends for longer then I can remember. She one of the few people I can trust outright.'

"That's a stupid question of course I do."

"Please I'm gonna tell you something I need you to be calm when I tell you."

Hestia gave me a serious look. But it was the worried look behind it that worried me a little.

"Yeah, I promise I'll remain calm what is it?"

She took a deep breath. Several in fact. Her grip around me tightened.

"You have lost your divinity. I'm sorry but your not immortal."

I wanted to laugh. How could I not? It came out of nowhere, it was a stupid impossibility.

"Ha-ha good one Hestia, you had me worried there..."

She didn't say anything. But I stopped anyway. Something had made me stop. It was something running down my neck and back. It was cold and wet?.

I looked at her face and I got my answer. She was crying.

'Why is she crying. She can't be serious can she?'

"I'm sorry. I spent the day confirming it. Every god I've asked cant pick up your divine aura. Even I someone so close to you cant even lightly feel it."

'She joking this is just one big joke... Please tell me she's not right!'

I was trying to keep calm. I was finding it hard to believe. But Hestia never cried unless it was serious.

"No no, it can't be true!"

I was starting to panic. I couldn't calm my body which was starting to go manic. My mind was panicking.

'Deep breath Artemis deep breath.'

My breathing became more and more sporadic. I thought there must be a way to prove it. And it hit me. I'm a goddess I can easily sense other gods auras.

'Ugh, it should be second nature to me. But I can't feel it. I can't feel Hestia's aura.'

I panicked my body jerked trying to get out of Hestia's hold.

"No, no it can't be true! It just can't be true!"

"Artemis you need to stay calm. Please we can talk about this. Just stay calm."

I started to scream as I lost all control of the situation. I couldn't even respond to my brain was finding it hard to process information. Before I could say anything. I felt myself going faint.

General pov

Artemis went still her head laid on Hestia's arms. She looked down to see she had fainted.

'I should have suspected this would happen.'

Hestia laid her down the coach. However she looked as she heard Bell running downstairs.

"Goddess is something wrong I heard a scream?"

Bell looked at Artemis laid out, he looked worried looking at me.

"It's okay Bell. I'll explain tomorrow go back to sleep."

I tried to ease his worries, but he didn't seem convinced.

"Goddess what happened it sounded like she was in pain?"

'Bell I don't know if this is the best time to tell you?'

"Bell please you have to understand. What just happened... It's..."

She knew he'd find out sooner or later. But was now the right time.

"Bell I learned something today that I didn't want to believe. But more than that it has huge implications."

Bell looked at his goddess. He was confused. She wasn't making any sense.

"What's going on Hestia? Please if it involves her I want to know?"

Hestia sighed.

'You're a kind person Bell. You may not love her but you care about her safety. You deserve to know.'

"Bell I trust you. I'm telling you this with that trust in mind."

Bell nodded.

"Hermes and a few other gods came together for a meeting. Artemis sudden appearance has been on my mind for a while."

Bell was confused. He knew little about her and her appearance did come out of nowhere but he didn't make a big deal about it.

"Bell I told you she was a goddess. But that's not entirely the case."

'What does she mean? She's a goddess, they been friends forever.'

"I don't follow."

"Bell, Hermes and I have come to understand that she no longer has her divinity. In other words, she is just a regular girl..."

"Wait is that even possible? I mean your gods how can you not be gods?"

Bell had a thousand questions. What did this mean?

"But that's not all of it? You have to promise to keep this quiet until the end of tomorrow okay?"

"I promise what is it?" Bell was both concerned and curious. He knew it was serious but the more he knew the more he could help.

"Okay Bell, part of the discussion was her current safety. In truth, she is vulnerable without her protection. So an agreement has been agreed by the gods that know."

She took a moment to breathe. She was going through a lot of information.

"Because she is mortal she bypasses the laws we gods agreed to follow. One is the rule that she cant enter the dungeon."

Bell was now completely lost in this conversation.

"What does that have to do with this agreement? Only adventures go into the dungeons."

Like a lightning bolt, it hit him. His eyes widened at the sudden realisation.

"As I'm sure you just realised yes. we believe the best cause of action is to make her join a Familia..."

Bell worried. He knew the dangers of being an adventurer. He knew she hunted monster outside the walls but this was different.

"Are you sure that's a wise goddess? I believe her when she says she fought monster but I'm worried about her safety..."

"Bell I understand your worries. Believe me, I don't want to put her in any danger but I also understand we can't just leave her alone."

"But..."

Hestia shook her head. She knew Bell would react this way. It the reason she wasn't gonna tell him right away.

"Bell there's a reason I'm telling you this. It's the reason I've asked you to be quiet until tomorrow night."

Bell looked at her. Then to the sleeping Artemis.

"Bell I've agreed to take her into my Familia. She's my friend, I won't take risks with her life in anyone else's hands. More to the point I know you won't take risks with it."

Bell took a moment to process the news. Artemis was going to become part of the Familia. She no doubt becomes a part of his team. He would become responsible for her safety.

"I know its a lot to take in Bell. Please know I don't want to force you to accept responsibility. However, I also can't leave her in the hands of just anyone, I trust you more then anyone Bell I trust you'll keep her safe."

"I'll do it. I promise I'll keep her safe!"

Bell exclaimed causing his goddess to look up in surprise.

"Bell..."

"I may only be just getting to know her but I promise to keep her safe for you."

Hestia started to cry tears of joy. She knew he wouldn't deny her if she made him but she was glad it didn't come to that. He wanted to protect her even without being forced.

"Thank you Bell I know she will be in safe hands."

The night grew older and the two of them grew tired. They agreed to give Artemis the day to come to terms with her situation.

Bell rested his head on the bench. He had a day to himself before he would have to adapt to the new normality.

'Training with Aiz tomorrow should take my mind of the matter. Hopefully, Artemis understands it's for the best. Even if I don't."

'I promise ill keep you safe... Artemis.'

Authors notes.

That's the chapter. Ive had an itching to write recently so I blasted through this chapter. But what a chapter. Aiz and Artemis finally meet officially. Let's hope they become great friend xD. Hestia has dropped the bomb on Artemis and Bell I wonder who they'll take it moving forward? Also before anyone mentions that Aiz is a little aggressive when it comes to Bell. Guess what? Don't care, my reasons for doing so is for the fact she has no one else, she clinging to the last person she cares about.

So let me know what you think. As always comments help me get an idea of what people like and don't like. Feedback is great and helps me improve. Thanks for taking the time to read and look forward to the next chapter. Again discord like at the end for anyone wanting to join. Thanks again and have a nice day.

/pCGVwnWNgA