At the same time in the same town… A certain red-headed blacksmith was enjoying a light snack.
"Ahh I'm so glad Lili went on ahead. Does she ever shut up…"
He had been on a quest to gather some equipment and materials from a small village to the east, he didn't mind it too much it was a nice change of pace and given the previous events he needed it. What he didn't need was a whiny as girl moaning that it was boring and that she wanted Bell.
"Seriously how did that girl keep her mouth shut around Artemis… Well doesn't matter now, though I do wonder how Bell is holding up? Poor guys been through a lot…"
He felt bad for not being there to help his friend, while he wanted to, he did still have to follow orders and Hephaestus was clear that he had to go, due to them being worked to the bone. He only brought Lili because she could carry most the gear.
'I guess I should treat Bell to a night out... Maybe a girl or two will take his mind off what happened?'
He kicked back and relaxed in one of the chair's next to one of the stalls, watching the streets. He was about to get another skewer but as he stood up he noticed a certain white haired boy in one of the back alleys.
"Wa-wait no that can't possibly be Bell… I must be seeing things."
He was going to ignore it but something didn't sit right and he had to go check. He sprinted into one of the back streets and realised whoever it was were following tracks. He quickly followed behind and when he finally caught up he couldn't believe his eyes.
"HEY BELL!"
Bell heard someone calling his name.
'Wait that voice… Welf!?'
He stopped for a moment and turned to meet his friend, he was glad that he had followed him but he was worried and wanted to keep it brief.
"Listen Welf I cant talk right now. But please if you don't mind I could really use you help!"
Welf could see the worried look in Bells eyes, he wanted ask what was going on, but he knew better, he just nodded and let Bell lead the way. The two spent a good 5 minutes running around the town following the tracks.
'Damn he's worked up… I hope he's not working himself to the bone, its not healthy!'
He would wait till they had finished before he started consoling him but he could see one thing and it scared him a little.
'What's that look in his eye… Its not Bell!'
"We're back, boys bring some rope. Were just waiting on a couple more guys to show up and then we can get this party started."
Artemis was horrified as she was thrown to the ground and restrained. Two men had gagged her mouth and tied her arms behind her back. She was then dragged to a corner and tied to a pole. She tried everything to resist but it was useless. They were both too strong. She looked around the room and saw at least five or six men and they were all looking at her like she was a piece of meat. Drooling and licking their lips as they eyed her up.
'Gods no what are they planning!'
She was angry but that was nothing compared to how scared she was at that moment. This was even worse then her worst nightmare. All the time she struggled away trying to loosen her restraints even a little.
"Hey boss, what are we waiting for? Come on screw the others if they are late they're late fuck them they can have what's left!"
One of the rowdier men shouted over to the side of the room, they were all sat at tables waiting. Most of them were quite young and those that weren't were very bulky carrying large axes and swords. It was obvious that the room was turning into a powder keg waiting to go off.
"Can't you keep your dick in your pants for two minutes. Shut up or you'll be last everyone gets a go at the bitch."
One of the men that had kidnapped her leaned back into his chair waiting but he did well to talk down the taller man.
"Ive got a question?"
One of the smaller members called up.
"Not that I'm against a little fun but are you sure this is okay… If Hyakinthos finds out were slacking off then…"
"Don't forget it was Hyakinthos that was supposed to be doing this job, however he wasn't concerned and dropped it in our laps… Considering we're doing all the work I think we're allowed to have a little fun."
All the members in the room cheered in agreement. The ruffian then stood up and moved to were Artemis was tied up. He kneeled down and cupped her face pulling her closer.
Artemis shot him a death glare and would spit in his face if she could. She moved her head trying to avoid, trying stop him from touching her.
"Listen, you want to know what's great about being an adventurer? The perks. You want to know my favourite?"
She tried to kick him be felt him grab her leg. Forcing it to the ground. He smiled and leaned in next to her ear.
"People will believe anything we say."
He began to rub his hand along her leg, slowly as he made his way up her leg and then back down. Artemis eyes were filled with horror as he slowly worked his way up her leg and then back down. She felt sick, his hands were cold and were nothing like Bells.
"To tell you the truth, I don't know whats going to happen to you. Most of these guys are rough. No doubt they could go for hours, pounding your ass into the ground. By the end of it you'll be wanting more and more…"
Artemis grew frantic trying to with all her strength to get free. She was crying at the very thought that she could do nothing. She tried to scream but her gag muffled it to almost nothing.
"Since we have time to kill perhaps we should give these boys a taste of what they're about to ravish."
He grabbed hold of her skirt and with great force ripped it off. Leaving her bare to the world. The energy in the room changed as the men stood up to get a better look. Artemis continued to scream as loud as she could all the while she begged for them to stop but it was hope less.
"White, nice... Pure!"
'No! Stop! Someone! Help Me! Bell! Bell where are you!'
The man started to unbutton her shirt he kept his eyes on hers and the evil smile as he enjoyed watching her suffer.
"You've got a nice body, you know that? You put even some goddess to shame! Such a gift shouldn't be hidden behind all this clothing."
He pulled aback her shirt down her arms as far as it would go. Artemis couldn't take it. The stares looking at her, the touch of the man on her thighs and the thought that they were going to do the worse thing possible to her.
'Please Bell…. Save me.'
Bell was now frantically following tracks in ever directions, they had splintered off in many different directions and he and Welf had split up to follow them. The had both found nothing but dead ends and met back up to follow the final set of tracks.
"Fuck!"
Bell punched a nearby wall as they came to a stone path and the tracks disappeared. Welf was surprised by the boys action.
"Look its one street Bell I'm sure we can pick up the trail soon if not then…"
"Welf please not now!"
Bell went on ahead leaving Welf gobsmacked. In the time he'd known Bell he never saw him so angry. It was so unlike him.
"Bell what the hell is going on?"
Bell ignored him as he turned a corner, he was about to take another turn before he heard someone in the distance.
"Hey did you hear? Boss picked up that blue haired bitch that escaped the other day. Come on they're waiting on us. You don't want to miss this one!"
Bell stopped and turned to the two men who were two busy with their dirty thoughts to notice him walking up to them. Before they knew what was happening Bell slammed his fist into one of their faces knocking him to the ground. The other, shocked that his friend was so quickly taken out couldn't react fast enough. Bell latched onto his neck and forced him into the wall.
"Your Boss, where is he!"
The man looked at the white haired boy with horror as he realised who it was. He struggled to catch his breath as tried to pull Bells arm back.
"Y-your the little rookie! Y-ou argh!"
Bell squeezed harder as the man struggled to breath it was finally Welf that got him to drop his grip.
"BELL THAT'S ENOUGH!"
He pushed Bell causing him to turn to his friend with an angry glare.
"I'm not in the mood Welf, please they kidnapped a friend I'll be damned if I let anything happen to her!"
Welf knew better then to argue with Bells judgement but he was worried that the stress of everything was going to his head.
"Bell trust me we won't, but you have to cool yourself, your angry and upset, I get it but please take a moment and let me handle this!"
It was if a switch flipped in Bells head as he held his hand to his head.
"Ughhh yeah your right… sorry I didn't know what came over me I'm… I'm just worried I don't want her to be harmed."
Welf tapped the boys shoulder.
"Hey it's okay, take a moment, this won't take a minute."
He turned to the man clenching his throat and looked up at the taller man as he cracked his fists.
"So your going to tell us were this little meeting point is…"
After a minute he pulled back his arm and went in for the punch.
"W-Wait wait I'll tell you just not the face!"
Welf smiled
"Get talking, were in a rush."
"Two streets down take a left, you'll find a door with a crest of our Familia. Apollo, you can't miss it!"
Welf raised an eyebrow.
"Apollo…"
The man squirmed into the ground.
"Yes. yes I swear now please don't hurt me!"
Welf sighed and picked the man up by the collar dragging him along.
"Well in that case your gonna show us and don't think about lying to us, or else your face will be the least of your worries!"
The two followed the man as he lead them down the streets, they quickly came to a large door with a large emblem of a bow and sun etched into the door.
"Guess you weren't lying okay your free to go."
He let go of the man's collar and watched as he ran to the door, they watched as they opened the door for him and he entered as the two watched from a far.
"I'm seeing maybe 5-6 guys sitting near the door… Perhaps we should rethink our approach?"
He turned to look at Bell who had his eye shut and clenching his arm, he noticed the white glow of his hand and he knew exactly what Bell was planning.
"Or we could do it you way!"
"Hey boss Wiz has finally arrived does that mean we can finally start?"
With a smile on his face, he nodded.
"Yeah let him in and we can get started… guess his friend wussed out!"
He turned back to Artemis and licked his lips.
"Hear that? Its time. I hope your ready because we're going to be fucking you till we're all satisfied!"
He grabbed her legs and started to pull them open. Artemis tried to resist but she wasn't strong enough as her legs spread revealing her white panties which were the last line of defence and shield her most precious spot.
"I can't wait to have a taste, I wonder how long it will take to make you cum?"
"BOSS WE'VE GOT A PROBLEM!"
He stopped his slow approach and turned to look at the small adventurer with an angry glare.
"This best be fucking important Wiz!"
"THAT WHITE HAIRED GUY WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR, HE'S OUT SIDE AND HE'S PISSED!"
Artemis looked up and felt a joy like none other as she realised what was happening. She started to cry with joy.
'Bell you came to save me…'
"Can't you see I'm busy, go take a few guys and kick his head in and tie him up. Once your done you lot get next go with her."
A bunch of adventures stood up and went close to the door, huge smiles on there face at the thought of relieve some pent up stress. Their leader leaned in and moved closer to Artemis as he breathed in her sent.
"Now where were we?"
"Huh what's that kid doing?"
The men leaned to look through the spy hole to see Bell with his hand raised high and a white light surrounding his hand.
"FIREBOLT!"
A massive bolt of fire, shot from his hand and the sheer force pushed him back as the flames exploded against the door, shattering not only the door but the wall surrounding it. Fire, wood and brick flew in every direction as the shock wave knocked back everyone in close proximity to the door.
The leader stood up win a furious rage as for the second time his fun was interrupted.
"Right now I'm pissed… I'm gonna break every bone it that little shits body!"
Welf walked up behind Bell and let out a whistle from his lips.
"Wooo. Subtle. I think we got there attention."
They waited for the smoke to settle before the headed in. Welf cracked his fists again as he pulled his great sword off his back. Two guys came out, the first was holding a large war axe and the other two daggers.
Welf quickly met the war axe head on while Bell made quick work of the other. It took mere moment for Bell to get the upper hand as he blocked swing after swing. He bided his time till they overexerted a swing and swung with the back of his blade knocking him out.
He looked over to Bell who made his way towards the building and as the smoke cleared he finally found out the reason why he was so worked up. He spied an almost naked Artemis gagged and restrained in the corner and he could feel the rage emanating off Bell.
"Ohhh fuck! She's alive!"
He looked at Bell who had also noticed, he was angry and he knew there wasn't a damn thing he could say to calm him down now.
"Of all the people, why did it have to be her? They deserve what's coming… I just hope Bell doesn't go to overboard!"
Bell quickly parried and disarmed two more of the Apollo Familia. He was spying the man that had his hands on Artemis. He could feel the anger boiling over inside of him.
"Get your filthy hands off of HER!"
He clenched the Hestia knife in his hand and stared down the tall, grey haired adventurer. Who gave him a similar death glare.
"Listen you little brat! I don't care if your the record holder or what ever your known for, you interrupted me at the best moment! So here's what's going to happen, I'm gonna break you and your friends legs! Then I'm gonna make you watch as I fuck this girl!"
Welf gulped not because of the man's threat but because of who he just said it to.
'You just had to say it!'
Bell didn't speak, he just lunged forward and struck with all his might. His speed was enough to put the man on guard as he struggled to parry Bell's constant barrage of attacks.
'What the hell? Just how fast is this kid!'
He didn't have long to think as he just narrowly dodged a blades edge, he felt it just scrape his skin. Pushed Bell away as he ran and picked up as second sword, He put up a guard as he waited for Bell to push forward.
Bell didn't wait as he slowly walked forward. He anticipated he would try to strike while his guard was down, Swiftly dodging each blade as a flurry of swings came. With a well placed swing he managed to use the man's force against him disarming the first blade.
"Damn it!"
Bell didn't give him a chance to strike as he grabbed his right arm stabbing the knife into his left forcing him to drop his final blade in pain.
"Arughhhh!"
He tried to swing at him but Bell quickly stood back dodging the swing. He clenched his fist and closed his eyes, the man dropped to his knees as he clenched is rapidly bleeding hand.
"Arghh fuck you, you little shit, just you wait!"
Bell started to walk away as the white light surrounding his hand seemed to fade, Welf sighed with relief as he walked closer to his friend. But their mistake came when the man noticed Bell's guard was down.
"You made her cry… If you get back up I'll make you regret it!"
He quickly grabbed a nearby axe and ran for Bell.
"Die!"
Bell turned his head and looked at the man's eyes. As they meet the man's eyes grew fearful as they stared into the dark abyss. Bell turned while stepping to his left as the man's strike missed he looked to his right and saw it.
The look of a monster!
Bell with blinding speed swung his charged fist into the man's side. The sheer force sent a shock wave that pushed everything back. Tables and chairs flew into the air as his body was sent flying into a wall. It cracked and shattered as smashed into it. His body coughed up a large amount of blood as he went down before losing consciousness.
Bell's fist was still clenched as he walked away for the final time and moved towards Artemis. Meanwhile Welf finished of the bewildered and horrified members that had watched there boss get utterly annihilated. Even Welf was a little scared of Bell's strength.
'Note to self don't piss Bell off!'
He sighed with relief that it was over and he waited at the door in case more showed up. While he did, Bell went to free Artemis from her restraints. The moment he removed her gag and cut the rope restraining her arms. She looked at him with tearful eyes but the glint they had was one of joy as were the tears. The moment her arms were free she wrapped them round him and didn't let go, pulling him into a hug like none other.
Bell wrapped his hands around her head and pulled her into his shoulder.
"It's okay, its okay I'm here now"
The sound of his voice sent her over the edge and she burst into tears, her cries echoed for miles as she broke down, unable to speak, the relief of him holding her and knowing the nightmare was over.
"I'm sorry I couldn't get here sooner…"
Bell started to tear up, his guilt that he wasn't able to stop them sooner and that her reaction was one of pure emotion. Her whole body was shaking he dare not imagine how terrified she was.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!"
After five or so minutes Welf had called out saying they should make a move. Bell on the other hand didn't want to move her until she was ready but he knew this was no place for her at that moment.
"Yeah…"
He let go of her for just a second but the moment he did she latched onto him. Her body began shaking again and she shook her head into his shoulder.
"It's okay its okay were going somewhere safe."
"Don't leave me… Let me hold you… Please don't leave me alone…"
He tried again but found her pulling him back, and he realised that she didn't want him to let go. He nodded with new understanding.
"I won't but please just give me second."
He slowly pulled away and took of his jacket as her wrapped it round her to cover her bare chest, he looked down and saw the shreds that was her skirt on the ground. He moved away for just a moment as he looked to Welf.
Welf nodded and went in search of something for them to use. It didn't take long for him to find a store room and a crate with some clothes in it. He came back holding a skirt.
"Sorry best I could find hope it fits."
Bell shook his head.
"No no its fine can you give us a minute."
Welf nodded and headed back outside as Bell picked her up and moved her into a back room. Once he closed the door he placed her down and handed her the skirt. Artemis was shaking constantly and he was worried about her mental state.
"Ill just be outside okay".
He didn't even take a step forward before she grabbed his arm. She shook her head and pulled him back. She looked down and her face went bright red.
"C-could you help me...Please."
Bell gulped and nodded as he turned around, he tried to keep his eye away from her private area, but as she lifted her legs for him to move it up he couldn't help but get a glance at her white panties. He looked away quickly and pulled the skirt up. He let go and quickly turned back around as he let her button up.
"T-thank you…"
Bell turned back and nodded. Artemis moved her left hand and grabbed hold of his. She teared up again and Bell kneeled down in front of her. He squeezed her hand to reassure her.
"Its okay, your safe now… I promise I won't let anything else happen to you."
Her heart sped up as she stared into his big red eyes. The think shiny tint made them look like rubies in the sun. His touch was so warm and comforting she knew it was like none other and she didn't want any other.
"Bell…"
She leaned in and kissed his cheek, Bell's face went a bright red as it continued. He could feel her soft lips pushing against him and as she finally pulled back they had lightly stuck for a moment.
"Thank you for saving me"
Something in Bell had been lit, a fire in his stomach as his mind raced. A thought in his head as he held her hands. He didn't know why in that moment he did it but he went of instinct. He moved closer and kissed her cheek as well. It was a new feeling and one he was going to savour. Artemis cheeks heated up the moment his lips touched and she felt herself melt.
'Is...is this the feeling they talked about?'
After what seemed like an hour moved away and Artemis moved her hand to her cheek. A deep blush quickly appeared on both there cheeks.
"Come on lets get out of here."
Artemis was about to get to her feet but her biggest surprises came from Bell. He pulled her in and shifted his arms behind her picking her up and carrying her in her arms. She yelped as she was lifted off the ground. He was carrying her bridal style with a huge smile on his face, Artemis was very confused but he body seemed to curl up into his chest and she started smiling as well.
"Idiot I didn't give you permission…"
Her words had nothing backing them, her smile said it all, the fact she was curled up to him just reinforced that point. She moved her arms and wrapped around him as they exited the room.
Welf turned as he heard the door close and saw Bell with a large smile on his face carrying a blue-haired goddess in his arms. Welf was happy for the boy and was glad Artemis was okay.
"Ready to go?"
Bell nodded and followed behind. Artemis looked at the red haired man in the front of them and she pulled on Bells shirt to get his attention.
"Hmm something up?"
Artemis shook her head and pointed forward.
"I'm just curious who he is?"
Bell looked up and realised he hadn't introduced them yet.
Welf meanwhile had stopped as he raised an eye brow at her comment.
'Wait what does she mean who I am?"
He turned around with a confused look. And Bell cleared his throat.
"Sorry Welf you haven't met, This is Artemis a friend of the goddess. Artemis this is Welf he's a friend of mine we normally form a party for the dungeon"
'Wait what the Hell is going on?'
"Hello Welf it's nice to meet you."
Welf was left trying to work out what the hell was going on. But he knew one thing: this was no joke.
"Ummm yeah nice to meet you too…"
He carried on walking ahead as he rubbed his head.
'Okay Hestia must know something I don't!'
They finally made it back to the horses, after a short walk, Welf had ended up following them, he had noticed that the two were still quite close but it was obvious something was off. He didn't want to bring it up but he was glad about one thing.
'Thank the gods Lili isn't here… Gods knows how she'd react to this!'
Bell looked at Welf and then at his horse, finally looking down at Artemis. He was about to put her down but had a better idea. He turned to Welf.
"Hey Welf what are you doing right now?"
Welf leaned his head to one side and shrugged.
"I'm just hanging around for awhile got some supplies Ive got to take back to my goddess why do you ask?"
Bell felt the sweat drop on his head.
"Would you be willing to do me a favour?"
Artemis looked down at Bell as he placed her atop his horse. She was confused as he moved over to Welf.
"I'm gonna get her back quickly, do you mind taking her horse back for us… It just needs to go to the north gate…"
Welf let a small smile and leaned in with his arm on Bells shoulder.
"Ohh I see you just want to have her as close as possible to you… okay I've got you back bro."
Bell went red at his friends comment and he was about to correct him but he ignored him. Welf gave him a thumbs up and turned to Artemis and bowed.
"It was a pleasure meeting you Artemis. I hope we meet again soon."
With that he moved over to her horse and helped Bell move over a few of her things. Once that was done Bell climbed up and joined her. He wrapped his arms round her and grabbed hold of the reins. He reared the horse back before he set off waving Welf who stood and waved them off.
"See you back in Orario!"
Now that the two were alone Artemis felt more relaxed. She rested her head back against Bells chest and listened to his heart beat. She closed her eyes and focused on him and nothing else.
"Thank you Bell."
She thanked him again, Bell meanwhile tried to keep focused on the road. But he was still sure to keep the conversation going.
"You don't have to keep thanking me you know…"
"Maybe I want to… Or would you prefer it if I call you my hero?"
Bell felt a little part of him jump with joy by her comment, the rest of him felt a little embarrassed.
"I'm not really… I just did what I would have done for anyone else…"
*"Yeah because you'd go on a rampage and wreck a building for everyone."*
'SHUT IT OLD MAN!'
He noticed Artemis was leaning against him, he took a moment to look down at her. Her smiling face filled him with so much joy. Having her next to him was a drug to his body. Her voice was like music to his ears.
*"Sounds like someone's in love…"*
'I SAID SAID SHUT IT!'
"I never lost hope… I knew deep down you'd come, I had faith in you Bell… If I didn't have that I couldn't have stayed strong."
"Can I ask you something Bell?"
He looked down at her, her big emerald eyes looking at him.
"Yeah what is it?"
Artemis smiled and leaned back.
"I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do… to be honest I've come to a crossroads and for so long I couldn't decided."
*"Its time Bell, we had a deal now go on ask her."*
Bell felt his heart beat pick up as he slowed the horse down, he took a deep breath and readied himself.
"Actually Artemis I-I wanted to ask you something… W-w…."
He couldn't do it, he didn't know why but he just couldn't.
*"Chicken"*
It was bad enough his grandfather knew, but it didn't help when he started making chicken sounds.
"Is something wrong Bell?"
Artemis was waiting for what Bell was about to ask but she saw that he was conflicted look on his face. She moved her hand and placed it his. Bell noticed this and it seemed to take his mind of the issue for just a second.
*"DO IT"*
"Artemis w-will you join… Me...I mean H-Hestia and me… damn it."
"Yes"
He hadn't noticed as he was kicking himself for messing it up. He was about to apologise till she turned herself around to face him.
"Huh?"
He was all but confused as to why she had done this but with her emerald eyes staring at him he had to stop. The horse came to a slow stop and Artemis smiled at him.
"Now you were asking me something?"
Bell rubbed the back of his head and looked away to avoid getting to embarrassed.
"Y-yeah... I-I wanted to know if-if…"
She leaned in and hugged him.
"Yes Bell I'd love to join you and Hestia's Familia".
She interrupted him before he could even finish his sentence and it left him stuck for a moment. It took his brain a minute to catch up and his body even longer.
"Ughhh w-wait what?"
"He-he for the final time, yes, I will join the Familia… Gods how many times are you gonna make me say it,"
*"He-he told you… I'll leave you two alone… I'll be back when you ask her out on that date. Good luck Bell!"*
"A-are you sure? I mean what about…"
Artemis shook her head.
"I had all but made up my mind before we left for this trip… I was going to wait till we got back and give Hestia my answer… With everything that happened recently it's clear I'm not as safe as I thought. But more then that I found I was having fun, I enjoyed our time together and I wanted it to continue."
"A-Artemis…"
Bell was speechless but more then that he was happy. Really happy. It was something he had hoped she'd agree to. He wanted to protect her, wanted to be by her side. He was going to get his wish. With that he let go and joined in her hug.
"He-he you know, I've been really lenient with you touching me… Don't think you'll get to do this whenever you want."
"Then I'll be sure to enjoy it when I can!"
Afterwards the two got back to their trip. Artemis wrapped Bells coat round herself and quickly noticed his scent on it. She snuggled into it and then into him as she decided to take a small nap and Bell was focused on getting them back to Orario before nightfall. All the while he was sneaking glances down at the newest member of the Hestia family. And he couldn't be happier.
Meanwhile back at the church.
Lili had finally gotten back, she kicked the door of the church open only to be met with a couple of gods staring at her.
"Ohh sorry, is Lili interrupting something?"
She noticed that Hermes and Welf's goddess looking at her, before Hestia spoke up.
"No no come in miss supporter, I think you'll want to listen to this."
Lili cautiously walked forward before taking a seat next to Hestia. She leaned in close to ask a question.
"Where's Bell?"
Hestia shrugged.
"He's out at the moment he'll be back later. Where's Welf?"
Lili Shrugged.
"He said he was waiting for an order or something said he'd be back later today? Why do you ask?"
Hermes was the one to raise his hand.
"I'm sure this is a nice conversation your having but can we get back to the matter at hand. I think its time we tell her."
Hestia nodded.
"Lili what were about to tell you is top secret you can't tell anyone especially not Bell okay?"
Lili didn't like the idea that Hestia was keeping secrets from Bell of all people and even more annoyed that she was asking her to lie as well.
"Maybe Lili will maybe Lili won't, depends on what its about."
"Artemis."
Hermes chimed up and Hestia sighed.
'Well that was subtle.'
Lili was now intrigued the very name was a taboo subject since they left the ruins. And now they were using it like it was the newest thing.
"Soo Its come to our attention that Artemis may not be as dead as we thought…"
"W-wait wait what do you mean.. We watched her die we watched her go back to heaven."
Hestia nodded and nodded again.
"Y-yes but something happened…"
Lili was beyond curiosity she needed answer and she was going to demanded them.
"What happened? Where's Bell why shouldn't he be told?!"
Hestia looked to Hermes and Hermes looked to Lili.
"He's with her now… She doesn't remember anything about it… And neither does he."
Lili went quiet, to quiet… everyone was waiting for what they new was about to come.
"..."
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE DOESN'T REMEMBER!"
"Okay nighty night supporter."
Hestia whacked her over the head and she fell to the floor. And Both Hermes and Hephaestus looked at her.
"What I've been practising all week… Come on if we didn't she wouldn't have shut up."
Hermes hit is face with his hand and shook his head.
"Well at least we know she isn't gonna keep quiet about this. Did you get the potion off Miach?"
Hestia held up the small vial in her hand and smiled.
"I knew she wasn't going to agree. So I was prepared. Hephaestus do you mind helping me!"
It only took a matter of minutes to get her to drink the potion and because she was out cold their would be no way for he to know about it.
"Are you sure this will work?"
Hestia nodded to her friend and helped carry her onto the bench.
"Well I guess there's not a lot we can do now… but wait, hopefully Welf shows up soon and if not that Bell and Artemis turn up. I doubt they'll get into any trouble so we can rest easy until they get back.
"Yeah your right... I'll see you all later tonight…"
Hestia waved them off and went back to watching Lili. She knew she'd have to apologise to her but she needed to come up with a good excuse.
"Ahhh ill just say she was being loud!"
A good amount of time passed before Bell and Artemis got back to Orario. The sun was starting to set, and Bell wanted to get back and apologize to Hestia. He spent a few minutes explain the situation to the stable owner how seemed to understand but withheld his other payment till the other horse was returned.
Bell grabbed all their gear off the horse and quickly joined Artemis that seemed to be really cautious. She didn't wait for him to join her before she ran to his side. He didn't mind it. He knew she had just been through a terrible situation. She wasn't going to okay for awhile. He managed to free up one of his hands so he could hold hers.
She didn't seem to mind it and the two of them walked back towards the church. Bell was sure to keep an eye out for any unsavoury types, but thankfully that wasn't a problem. He even smiled a little when he noticed the jealous looks from some of the men that were watching her.
'Okay I shouldn't be enjoying this… Well maybe a little.'
The streets lit up with the luminous light from the lanterns and Artemis leaned in closer to Bell.
"This is nice."
Bell smiled and nodded.
"Yeah it is."
They slowed down a little and admired the beauty of the city, Bell knew Hestia wasn't going anywhere so he was happy to enjoy the moment.
'Yeah I could get used to this.'
It took them an extra hour to get back, but besides that they were enjoying it and that was more then enough reason for Bell. When they finally reached the church they both looked at each other and then at their hands.
Never wanted to let go but both knew it was necessary. Bell was the first to loosen his grip, he knew far too well what Hestia would say if she saw him hold her friends hand.
"..."
"..."
The two of them looked away as a faint blush crept up on there faces.
"W-we should get inside."
"Y-yeah…"
They opened the door and were met with an empty church. Bell looked up and noticed that the roof had been fixed and boy was he glad. He was pleased with the work and he slowly closed the doors behind them as they made their way to the downstairs.
It became even more clear that nobody was home when they got downstairs.
"Goddess… were back!"
He didn't get a reply and quickly realised she must still be working. The two looked at one another and shrugged. Bell went over to start a fire while Artemis shifted there gear to one side. Once Bell got the fire started. He let out a loud yawn.
"Tired Bell?"
He looked over to his female companion and nodded. Artemis looked outside. They had gotten back quite late and she herself was feeling a little tired but probably not as much as Bell how had been riding for ten hours.
"Are you tired Bell?"
He looked at her and nodded. It was a strange feeling being back but it his body seemed to instantly relax. She went over to him and pulled him to the sofa. He was a little shocked but went with it.
Once she got to the sofa she pointed.
"Lay down".
Her tone was quite demanding but Bell just nodded in and laid down on the sofa. He was confused but when Artemis pulled the blanket from the bag and laid it over him. He finally relaxed.
"Its okay I'll wait for Hestia now you get some sleep."
Bell nodded and closed his eyes. Meanwhile Artemis waited for Hestia as she moved over to the table and waited.
She waited and she waited but found no signs that the goddess was going to return. She sighed as she placed her book down and stretched her arms.
"Yawn".
She covered her mouth and knew it wouldn't be long till she to would be falling asleep. She decided that it was unlikely that Hestia would return before she passed out so she made her way over to the bed.
When she got there however something felt off. She laid down and tried to fall asleep but she couldn't and it was starting to annoy her. She felt cold and when she closed her eyes she felt the piercing stares of all the men from earlier that day. She'd open her eyes in a cold sweat.
"Damn it…"
She got up and moved to the only source of comfort she knew. She didn't want to, in fact she swore she wouldn't, yet here she was, relying on Bell again. She knew what she wanted, her body shook with anticipation. She shook Bell and was lucky he woke up quite easily.
"Hmmm ughh what time is it?"
Bell blinked a few times before realising it was still night and he saw a worried Artemis over him.
"Hey what's wrong?"
He said in a tired voice trying not to yawn as he spoke.
Artemis started to rub her knees together as she looked at him, a light blush on her face as she gulped.
"I-I w-was wondering if… If you'd l-let me…"
She looked away and Bell noticed her body shaking. He reached out to touch her and realised she was cold. Her worried look also told him she was having trouble sleeping.
"Can't sleep?"
She nodded and he nodded understanding her situation. He got up and moved to the side but Artemis didn't sit down instead she looked over to her bed.
"Hey it's okay, take as long as you need… You want to talk about it?"
She didn't answer, instead choosing to pull his arm. Bell noticed this and while confused got to his feet and followed. Before he knew it they were at Hestia's bed and Artemis was looking at him.
"I-I hate to ask… B-but would you mind...s-sleeping next to me...J-just for this o-one night…"
Bell was kind of taken aback by the girl's shy request. He was used to her being bold but not she was timid and afraid. How could he refuse her request.
"Yeah, guess I can be a pillow for one more night."
He pulled her down onto the bed with him. His smile reassuring her as she climbed in next to him. He rested his head onto of hers and pulled her in. With a smile on both there faces they closed their eyes and drifted off to sleep.
'Kind of hope this isn't the last time… I think I'm starting to get addicted to her…'
Authors notes
So yeah thing happened this chapter... The beginning was something... Never gonna do that again... But hey on the plus side Artemis is going to join the familia yay... Gods I hate myself... But yeah chapters over and we can all look forward to Bell curve stomping the rest of the Apollo familia into the ground. (Maybe)
AS always thanks to everyone that has commented its good motivation to get these chapters out. Thanks to Webweasel for editing the chapter for me.
I hope you all enjoyed and look forward to the next chapter to see what Bell plans to do next. I hope your all keeping well. thank you for reading and your continued support.
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