Bell's pov
I awoke to a brand new day. However, after the night before I couldn't just leave without checking on Artemis.
'After Hestia and I agreed to leave the matter till later tonight I was just gonna leave as early as possible. However, I don't feel comfortable if I don't.'
I walked down the stairs until I reached the door. I placed my ear towards the door. I listened for them talking but it was quiet so I assumed they were still asleep.
'It must still be early...'
I thought for a moment. I wanted to speak to her just to be sure she'd calmed down. After the last time something like this happened she ended up running off.
'Still worth checking just in case?'
I pulled the handle and slowly opened the door. Luckily it didn't creak and I was able to enter quietly.
The first thing that came to mind was the silence in the room. It wasn't a bad silence but it was noticeable.
'Guess there both still asleep after all. No point sticking around.'
As I was about to leave my eyes caught the edge of light blue. I knew what it was. I turned to look at the bed. Hestia was stretched out like normal but Artemis was not with her. Which means...
'Did she leave her to sleep on the sofa?'
I admitted it made sense if she was simply asleep. But she was knocked completely out. Surely Hestia wanted her to be comfy at least?
I knew from experience that it wasn't comfy of beds but it sure beat the benches upstairs.
'Ugh, my back still aches. Good for posture my ass.'
I soon found myself walking again. But not to the door. To my own surprise, I had made my way over to Artemis.
'I'm gonna hear about it if she wakes up...'
When she finally came into view my heart skipped a beat. She unlike Hestia slept so neatly. Her hair cascaded over the armrest but besides that, her body was tucked in close.
She had a blanket but at some point, she must have been restless and it had come off of her.
'She looks so cute when she's sleeping.'
I took the moment to admire her. She's beautiful, gorgeous even. Little details such as her slightly pale lips or random locks of hair that spread amongst her face.
'She looks so peaceful...'
I hated the thought that someone like her could be sad or angry. When we were out she seemed to admire everything and she seemed so nice and patient when it came to something.
'Even when your angry I must admit you still kept up appearances.'
'It must have taken a lot to get her to that point. Shame I had to see it... But I suppose it makes it that much better seeing her happy.'
She suddenly let out a light sneeze.
'Damn that was cute.'
I couldn't help but smile. When she was awake I felt bad for looking at her. Now that she was asleep I could take my time. Even if was a bit weird.
'Still, she must be cold. Don't want her to get sick.'
I grabbed the blanket and pulled it over her. Making sure that it wouldn't fall off if she moved. Her body must have reacted to the sudden warmth as her arms brought it closer and she snuggled into it.
The sheer adorableness was not helping me. My heart rate was slowly increasing.
"I wonder what it is like to be that blanket right now?"
My sudden embarrassment as I said it out loud. Luckily the only other people were asleep.
"Got to stop speaking my thoughts out loud."
As I took a moment to compost my self another strand of hair fell. I don't know why but my hand moved on my own.
'Wait what am I doing?!'
I momentarily stopped only to continue. A gently moved her hair back behind her ear and as I did my finger lightly glided along with her cheeky.
'If she wakes up now I'm dead!'
But she didn't, instead she remained peacefully unaware of my presence.
'Is this worth losing my arm for?'
My answer at that moment was yes. I realised I had leaned in slightly and was perched on the end of the sofa. My hand was still holding her silky smooth hair. So soft and full I enjoyed how it felt against my skin.
'Still. I wonder?'
I don't know why I did what I did. Perhaps I was just curious? Whatever the reason I moved without hesitation.
'Ohhh.'
I moved my hand over her cheek. Her smooth skin felt just as nice to touch. I smiled again. My touch must have caused a reaction she moved her head slightly resting in the palm of my hand. I held it there for what seemed like an eternity.
'I never thought I'd be doing something like this. I once hoped that Aiz would lower her guard. Instead, it's a Goddess... Well kind of.'
"I promise... It doesn't matter how powerful the monster is. I'll defeat it! I'll protect you!"
I swore to myself I would uphold this promise until my dying breath. Not because Hestia asked me... Not because of its expected of me...
"Because I don't want to see you hurt. I don't want to see you cry again..."
I forced my hand apart from her cheek. Her head seemed to follow. I felt sad at the sudden loss but knew I was playing on borrowed time.
'I best make a move!'
I quietly left the room. I wished Hestia luck and knew when I returned things would never be the same again.
I slowly closed the door and headed back upstairs. Grabbing the Hestia knife and heading towards the Hostess.
However, I was unaware that my actions had been observed.
"Ohh Bell, it's a shame she didn't wake up... I'm, sure she'd have enjoyed it as much as you."
General pov
The day was still young. The market stalls were still being set up. The shop keeps swept the entrances to their stores ready for another hectic day of buying and selling.
The Hostess was in a similar situation. After a night of drunks partying the hostess was always in a state. Dishes needed to be washed, floors cleaned and seating rearranged.
The girls had it down to a T with very them swapping roles daily. One would clean the dishes while the others got to cleaning the main floor. It just so happened to be Ryu and Syr out front this morning. It was Syr that spotted Bell walking their way.
"Ahh, Bell good morning!"
She shouted alerting a golden-haired beauty upstairs of his arrival.
Aiz poked her head out the window quickly as spotting the boy. She waved to him.
"Bell! I'll be down in a moment."
She quickly retreated behind the window. Leaving Syr to entertain Bell for a period of time.
"So Bell what's your plans for the day? Anything special?"
Bell thought about it. No doubt he and Aiz would go training but it was a question of what they'd do after.
"Oh well no I haven't really got anything planned to be honest."
Syr gave him her usual look. The that said (really okay then) before she went back to her work.
Bell poked his head in and waved hello to Ryu she gave him a small wave back before returning to her work as well.
At this point, Aiz Arrived she must have seen he was coming minimalistic. She was in a white top and purple skirt. Carrying her sword.
"Ready to go Bell?"
"Yeah, let's go?"
The two of them made their way to the usual training spot. Ryu and Syr waved them off. Ryu turned to Syr
"Something's up. I know Aiz said Bell was dealing with memory loss but this..."
Syr looked to her Elf-friend. She heard the story about Artemis and Bell even she admitted it wasn't something you could forget.
"Hestia is likely involved but to think Artemis doesn't remember either. I can't believe it just a coincidence."
Syr shook her head.
"Ryu sometimes things happen for a reason. Right now Bell has to forge his own path. He cant do that with regret and suffering."
Syr turned and entered the Hostess leaving Ryu to think.
'Something's afoot... Bell I can understand but Artemis returning shocked everyone. It cant be Hestia, it could be Hermes but why...someone else must be pulling the strings and I bet they were involved with the attack on Loki!'
She turned to enter but looked back at Bell and Aiz before they disappear into the distance.
'Please. Be careful Bell...'
Aiz pov
'Seems he's more eager then I thought. Now I know what he was going to say last night... I hope that goddess isn't gonna become a problem.'
I had no reason to dislike her. Other then her relationship with Bell but that was up in the air. Loki would never condone a relationship with another Familia. Especially not Hestia of all.
'I suppose we could have it in secret...'
The thought of secretly being in a relationship with Bell was both exciting and worrying.
'What if we were found out... We'd never be allowed to see each other!'
That one thought worried me. As much as I wanted to be closer with him I can't risk losing him altogether.
"Hey Aiz you okay? You've been quiet for a while now."
Bell had must have gotten worried. Normally we'd chat on the way but my head was filled with a mountain of questions.
"Ohh sorry Bell, I guess it's still a little early for me."
I laughed it was a lie, of course, I enjoyed the early mornings.
Bell was giving me an odd look.
'Did I say something wrong? Surely not!'
"You sure you okay? You don't seem yourself at all?"
I composed myself, giving a smile and shaking my head.
"Honest I'm fine, come on let's pick up the pace I wanna see if you've improved since last time."
With that I sprinted off, Bell quickly on my tail it was a good thing nobody was around. I'm sure one or two comments would be made.
We soon arrived at the training spot. The weather was warm and gentle breeze passed by. I took a moment to breathe in the fresh air and stretch.
"Ahh what nice day. Wouldn't you agree Bell?"
He nodded before doing a few stretches himself.
'I'm gonna enjoy this.'
"I hope your ready Bell. I'm not gonna hold back!"
I proclaimed as he took a defensive stance. I prefer it this way. I lunged forward drawing Desperate.
General pov
"I must say Hephaestus this I beautiful craftsmanship."
"Are you trying to say that my other work isn't?"
Hermes laughed. Shacking his head.
"No no I'm just impressed is all. Besides, I have a special order for you."
Hermes dropped a large sack onto the workbench, before stepping back.
"Go on open it I'm sure you'll be quite surprised."
Hephaestus opened the bag and eyed its contents. Her eyes widened.
"I'm not even gonna ask how you recovered these!"
Like I said it's a special order. He placed a sheet of paper down on the table. Hephaestus looked it over and nodded.
"Hmm, interesting. Yes, this should be easy I'll be able to get this done in no time."
Hermes nodded.
"Good good I'll be happy to pay for whatever materials you use and of course I owe you."
"Ohh please Hermes at least you have the means to pay... Unlike Hestia. Besides this will be a nice challenge for me."
Hermes looked to the table. Then the bag and finally the plans.
"Tell me will it retain the original effects?"
Hephaestus just shrugged.
"It's not like I'm the one that initially made it. I'm more wondering how you were able to recover these in the first place wasn't it part..."
"Now now your jobs not to ask questions its to forge, now chop-chop I've got to see about a bow!"
He quickly left as he had arrived. Without a seconds thought she got to work.
Artemis pov
"I'll protect you..."
I flung myself up as I awoke with burning pain in my chest.
"Ugh what is this feeling why is my heart beating like this? Better yet who's voice did I just imagine?"
My head pounded with a terrible pain as memories of the night before rushed back to me. The sudden realisation soon dawned on me as I tried again to disprove her suggestion.
"She's was right after all. I cant feel the presence of any gods..."
I didn't know what to do. What could I, this situation was like none other I doubt anything like it has happened?
"What do I do? What do I do?!"
I suddenly started to get angry as my brain failed to comprehend the situation. I was no longer a goddess...
"Perhaps you need to talk about it with a friend?"
I turned to find Hestia looking over me. Her friendly smile put me to ease at least for the moment.
"What's there to talk about. It's a straightforward fact. Unless you have a plan to fix it this?"
Hestia shook her head.
"I'm sorry I don't it's not like I can openly discuss it with other gods if word spreads around then we have a serious problem."
I wasn't aware of the dangers in this city, or its politics but I did know the other gods when they wanted something they got it.
"I suppose your right about that. But still sooner or later someone is gonna find out. Hermes the one that told me and I'm certain he'll tell another."
I didn't like Hermes he was a swine and a liar. He also had a tendency to run his mouth so the fact he knows is bad enough.
"What can I do? Leaving is out the option without my divine protection I'll be left defenceless?"
Hestia shrugged.
"I could get Bell to protect you. Though I don't know if he will be too happy when he realises it means little to no adventuring."
"I couldn't ask him to do that. Ive already caused him enough trouble as it is...'
My heart seemed to grow sad as I thought about the boy. However, a small tingle of excitement lingered at the idea of spending more time with him.
'He's kind, funny and knowledgeable. It has been a treat these last few days...'
I blushed a little, I was too busy thinking about him and less on the problem at hand.
"Please given time I'm sure he'll come round besides I think he likes you."
"Likes!?"
Hestia smirked but quickly shook her head.
"No not like that... You're not Wallenstein."
"Wallenstein?"
The name was unfamiliar to me but she made it sound like Bell liked this girl... Hestia smirked again.
"Ohh someone looks a little unhappy, did you want Bell to think of you like that?"
"No, no, no!"
My reaction was pure instinct but this was Hestia and not the shy girl I knew in my past. She'd sooner tease me about this then accept my answer.
"He's at best a friend and that's the end of it. Now, who is this Wallenstein you mentioned?"
Hestia seemed to drop the other matter quite quickly. In fact, her face seemed to shiver at the name.
"Ughh Aiz Wallenstein. I'm surprised Bell hasn't mentioned her yet she always on that boy's mind!"
She seemed to dislike this girl, for what reason I didn't know. However, what did catch my interest was the name Aiz...
'Aiz, Aiz where have I heard that name?'
*Artemis id like you to meet Aiz*
"Ohh so that's her."
I said aloud getting a questioned look from her.
"What do you mean that's her?"
"Bell already introduced me to her. We meet her last night actually."
She seemed to sigh with displeasure as I mentioned that little fact. Now I'm curious.
"What's wrong, you seem to dislike her."
Hestia nodded. She wasn't gonna lie about the fact she disliked Aiz. Or Bells obsession with her in the past.
"Personal reasons and she's one of Loki's."
That fact alone would have been enough. She had a terrible rivalry with Loki.
"Bell could do so much better. I kind of wish that he did have a crush on you."
My brain seemed to hone on the Bell comment. A flurry of thoughts filled my head. The idea that he'd even notice me like that seemed so far fetched.
'So why am I thinking about it?'
"Hello, earth to Artemis, less daydreaming more problem-solving."
I broke my train of thought and quickly returned to the original problem.
"So we're agreed that the Bell protection is off the table."
I assumed that we'd have to come up with another option. Even if it did take all day.
"Well not exactly." She said rubbing her head.
"What do you mean?"
She worryingly looked at me
"Well, let's just say you're not gonna like it..."
'Can't be anything worse than my current predicament.'
"What is it?"
'She looks nervous maybe even a little scared was she worried about how I would react?'
"Come on Hestia any suggestion is better than none at this point."
Hestia looked at me.
"Even if it means you joining my Familia?"
'Wait what!'
'I must have misheard. That or I wasn't processing the information. Did she just say join her Familia... That's crazy no its impossible I'm an l...'
I stood silently still. I wanted to tell her it's stupid and it would never work. But somehow it made some sense.
"I-I OK let's say for a second that this isn't a joke... You know what you're asking right?"
"Artemis I'm not joking! Seriously you worked alongside your children danger is second nature for you."
She was right. I enjoyed the hunt the thrill that came with it. But this was different.
"Look we've been friends forever all I want is for you to be safe."
"And throwing me into the dungeon is safe? Hestia think about what you're saying."
She shook her head. Her eyes were filled with determination.
"Tell me what happens if another Familia takes you hostage? Torture you and force you to join them? What protection against that do you have?"
Again her logic was sound. I was a mortal all my powers were gone as was my divine protection...
"B-but..."
I was at a loss for words... She was right it was a safer option. I just wasn't sure. My mind kept doubting everything.
"I-I need to take a walk..."
I got to my feet and throw on the first set of clothes I could see. Hestia didn't stop me. She probably expected it.
'Just got to clear my head...'
I quickly left the room. My first thought was to go somewhere quiet... I knew of only one place.
Bells pov
I had finally got my bearings. She was relentless. I thought I had gotten a little bit better but she still seemed to school me.
"Oww!"
She had got me with a spinning kick to my right side with enough force I fought my ribs might shatter.
'She really doesn't get holding back. Still, I suppose I get the picture. The harder she is on me the easier I will be to adapt in the long run.'
As I thought for a moment she sheathed desperate and moved to my side.
"You need to work more on your guard. You leave yourself too open, quick opponents will take advantage."
She was right as always. Me breathless and in pain was a clear sign of that.
'I was so worried about a forward and head on attack that I guard too soon. I gave her to much time to react...'
The pain in my side started to ease. If only slightly. I managed to sit up but Aiz stopped me from getting to my feet.
"Nope stay were you are!"
She didn't give me an option. Her stern and powerful voice scared me, Amongst other things...
She sat down next to me. She was close. Closer then I expected her to be.
Normally she would help me up. Shed scold me for any mistakes I'd make and we would go get something to eat.
Instead, she seemed to move closer towards me.
'She getting really close...'
Before I knew it we were shoulder to shoulder. I could feel the warmth radiate off her. It was nice.
"You look tired?"
She was looking at me as she spoke... Her eyes looked at my face. It was hard to look away. I knew I was blushing a little.
"O-ohh ugh do I?"
'I wasn't up late... Still guess my sleeping pattern has been a bit off recently.'
I was feeling unsure if I was or wasn't, besides the events of last night. My body ached a little bit more so from the beating I had just received.
"You can take the time to rest if you want? We've got all day."
Her words seemed to bring sudden tiredness to me. Before I knew what was happening I found myself resting on her lap. This sudden realisation caused me to blush.
"Better?"
She asked me before I could answer she started to move her hand through my hair. This continued till I found myself drifting off. The light faded and I found myself asleep.
General Pov
Ais looked down at the sleeping boy. She checked to make sure he was asleep before moving to get comfy.
"Even if its only for a short time, I'm content to enjoy this..."
A smile formed on her face as she took in the boys features.
A light wind blew over them, Aiz moved her hand to stop her hair blowing in her face. But more importantly her line of sight.
Aiz found herself growing tired.
'Well, I was awake all night... No thanks to that damn racket downstairs.'
She didn't mind rooms at the hostess. They were spacious and comfy but being above the bar wasn't the best selling point.
'I suppose I can't complain. They're doing it out of the kindness of their hearts. But I suppose I get to sleep next to him.'
She moved and rested her head against the wall. Happy it wasn't uncomfortable she let the sleep overtake her.
"Well well looks like the little Rabbit is getting cosy with the sword princess. That or she's getting really worried about the goddess?"
The figure turned around and looked in the far distance.
"Ohh my what a surprising turn of events. Seems said goddess is out on a walk... I wonder how he's gonna explain this one."
The figure sat on one of the nearby stones and watched Artemis as she moved slowly towards the two.
"No point leaving when it's just getting good."
Artemis pov.
"What should I do?"
'I came here to get think alone... But it's not like this is something I can consider on my own..."
I moved along the stoney pathway along the wall. The cool wind blew over me as I looked over the city.
"If I agree to this situation I'm gonna have to get used to this place."
'Ive only been here a couple of days. I'm still not sure why I'm here but now I've found out I've lost my power... Just what the hell is going on!'
Without thinking I kicked a nearby stone off the edge of the side. I felt somewhat similar. I now find myself being kicked into a new reality. It saddened me but at the same time. Deep down I looked forward to it, even if it was only a little.
I spent my life hiding away with my Familia and ignoring the rules that limited me to my freedom. Hunting monster wasn't new to me. Far from it, I did it on a daily bases. Me and my Familia enjoyed the hunts...
'I suppose that's the hardest part of all this... Him.'
Bell.
"Ha, I should have expected it to involve him in some way. I hope fate isn't gonna make a habit of this."
A man, no Bell, seemed to just keep popping up in every situation these last few days... I find myself in waking up to him. Hestia has him look after me while she's working. I ended up spending the entire day with him. What I didn't want to admit to Hestia or myself was I enjoyed it.
"Ugh just thinking that give me chills, I wonder if this is all because of my current situation?"
I thought for a moment. Before I put up with men. Only for appearances but I despised the very thought of getting close to them. It was second nature. Now, however...
"Do I just keep letting this happen? I'd be spending a large amount of time if I join Hestia."
I wondered for a moment what he'd say about all this. Me joining his and Hestia's Familia. Would he be open to the idea?
I went from worry to curiosity. A variety of new emotions started to crop up as I thought about each response. I held my hand to my chest as a voice enter my head.
"You should try falling in love goddess..."
As quickly as my former child's words entered my head had I shaken the very thought out my head. The very thought would have angered her. But the idea of loving someone intrigued her.
'Perhaps one day... Especially if I'm stuck like this... I only get one life...'
Reincarnation was a thing but she wouldn't be who she knows... She'd be a completely different person with a different life and values.
"I wonder if I could ever love a man."
I closed my eyes. I wondered what it is like to grow close to someone. To grow old with them. Becoming I-intimate with them...
"I suppose this isn't me deciding if its a good idea or not. I guess it's me choosing if I should accept this new life or live in ignorance?"
I found myself walking and thinking. I went from thought to thought. Before I came to the final most important question.
"I wonder if Bell would be okay with this? With me joining him, he's got his team..."
I wanted to see him in action. Fighting monsters in the dungeon. I wondered what it is like to fight alongside him?
"Ohh why do I keep thinking about him. He's nothing special. But I keep worrying about him what he thinks about me!"
I wasn't angry but confused. I was past being angry at him.
"Hestia why did you have to choose a male child?"
I entered the stairwell but continued on. It was a nice day and it was still early. Hestia didn't seem to stop me so I shouldn't worry about her trying to find me. I'm sure shell just send Bell anyway!
I was just about to exit before I looked up. I stopped dead in my tracks. The sight in front of me left me speechless.
Bell was laying down on the lap of a golden haired female. She looked familiar. It took me a moment but I realised she was the girl form the night before.
"What's was her name again? Aiz. Guess those to really are close."
I was unsure why but it made me sad. He was his own person why should I care about his relationships. My gaze was set on the girl. She seemed to be asleep but a smile seemed to dawn her face.
"Ugh this is none of my business and I'm not gonna gain anything from assuming things."
Yet I didn't leave. I found myself watching the two sleep. All the while a certain feeling built up inside me. It was foreign to me. But my gaze shifted from Bell to her. The more I looked the more I disliked it.
Bell started to shift in his sleep. He started to fidget from side to side which woke girl from her sleep. I hid myself worrying that I might be seen but kept peeking from time to time.
"Ahhh."
He shot up in an instant. He was sweating and taking constant deep breathes. A worried look plastered his face.
I kept myself hidden but I wanted to reveal myself and ask if he was okay.
I waited to see what happens next.
Bells dream.
I found myself in a Familia scene. I sat at the edge of a lake. It sat still a perfect image of the moon sat at its centre. It was something straight out of a painting. So beautiful, so calm so right. However, this wasn't to last.
I looked as the waters rippled and moved. Before I could only assume the movements but as I continued to dream about it the more certain I was. They were dancing. Footsteps appeared in the water two pairs and they were followed by the silhouette of two people. At first, they were blurry and lacked detail. Now however he could make them out. If only a little.
A man and women. There feature were still hidden but the actions weren't. They glided on the water's edge. Arm in arm. Glowing insects lit up the area around them. As the dance came to an end the two grew closer. As they stood hand in hand the white light turned to red and I felt the fear enter me.
The moon bleed and the lake filled with its blood. It was the best way I could describe the situation. The figures disappeared but unlike in previous dreams, something new appeared.
Rising from the centre of the lake. A silhouette of a huge creature. I stepped back in fear. I knew it was a dream but this was different. The creature towered above me it's many legs filled the lake.
I wanted to run. But I couldn't. I wanted to hide but I was out in the open.
It turned its head towards me. I could only assume that it was looking at me. But the very thought terrified me.
"What's wrong. It's just another monster nothing you can't handle."
I dared not turn my gaze away. But a figure came into view.
"Surely a hero like you can defeat the monster and save the girl?"
The voice was mocking me. It was both questioning and chuckling as it spoke.
"What's wrong hero!? Afraid!"
The figure disappeared. But continued to speak to.
"Little rookie and Argonaut. What little they say about you. Heroes are fearless and defeat all foes. But you cower in fear at the sight of a foe."
I wanted to deny the voices claim. I wanted to defend my dream which it seemed to mock.
"But you can't can you Bell?"
It was my voice. But I didn't speak the words. I looked up at the creature and saw the silhouette of the man. But it was now me. Standing atop the creature.
"Hey everyone looks at me. Look at the fool that thinks he's a hero!'
It danced and shouted all the while appearing as myself. It angered me.
"Shut up! Shut up!"
"No Bell I won't. You seem to think your dream is one you can obtain. But face reality it hopeless."
The figure appeared to my side the action cause me to jump and look away. As I did the creature moved to strike.
An arm slammed the ground beside me the shock wave that followed knocked me back.
"Hmm, pathetic. Weak. These all can be ways to describe us Bell. Yes, as much as you want to deny it I'm you and you are me."
I looked up. I was still down on the ground. Unable to move my body all I could do was watch.
"No comment? No denial? Come on what would she think?"
I wasn't sure who he meant. Aiz? The goddess?
"Ohh that's right you forgot. Which has got to be the best part? The Hero forgot."
He raised his hand. The creature lifted it as well.
"No hero should forget the people they failed. No hero should forget the one they love!"
I couldn't understand the situation. But his words hurt. He wasn't mocking. He wasn't trying to play a fool. His eyes. No, my eyes filled with tears and anger.
"You may have forgotten. But I haven't!"
He flung his hand down seconds later the creatures did too. Time slowed and I watched my impending doom slowly come closer and closer. A voice spoke but it wasn't mine. No, it was a girl. It was familiar but I couldn't picture who.
"Orion."
She spoke a name and it filled me with sadness. The figure turned away.
"Forgive me."
Time speed up and the creature swung down in full force.
*Dream end*
I shot up. A cold sweat ran down my back and my face. I struggled to control my breathing as my heart ran rampant.
"Bell. Bell!"
I looked to my side. Aiz placed a hand on my back her gold eyes looked into mine. I could tell I scared her.
"Its okay Bell, your okay, deep breaths."
I slowly got a hold of my breathing but I was replaced with a deep pain in my chest. Aiz moved in front of me. She placed both hands on my shoulders.
"It was just a dream Bell. Whatever happened it wasn't real!"
It may not have been real but it sure felt it. I shook my head. I didn't want to worry about her any more than I already had.
"It's okay Aiz I'm fine. I didn't mean to worry you."
I eased her worries. She smiled a pulled me into a hug. We didn't speak but bit her warmth helped bring me back to reality. I went to move but noticed something in the distance.
Squinting I made out a faint shade of blue. Which seemed to get further and further away.
'I can't be her... Can it?'
Authors notes
Well well, another chapter down. I was I. Two minds with this chapter. One I was just going to have it solely Bell and Aiz. But I found that it was shorter then I wanted even with the extended fight scene I had planned. Im unsure exactly how far im gonna takes the relationship of the two early on. I've gone from good friends to mutual attraction. I don't want to get to in detail for fear of going off the rails. As much as a few of you'd would like to see another BellxAiz fanfiction I dont... Well, at least not right now.
However, I can't ignore the fact about her and Bells relationship. I could have left it at Bell and her being friends. But a little conflict never hurts anyone. Before someone asks no I will not make it into a harem. That wasn't the point of the movie and I doubt it would make sense with the promise.
Personally, I don't Artemis will be up for sharing ;P
Now that that's out the way let's move on. Let me know what you think is happening in Bells recurring dream and what Hermes is up to. I'll be interested to hear what people think. Also, do you think Artemis will accept or reject Hestias offer to join her familia?
As always comment on what you like or hated as well as anything I can improve on. If you find mistakes let me know it all helps me improve. Forgive me in advance if I don't improve straight away. Nobodys perfect. Haha. Discord link will be at the bottom for those wanting to join.
Have a nice day or night. Be safe and see you next chapter.
/pCGVwnWNgA
