Keeping the promise (BellxArtemis)

by Kingship98

After the events with Antares and Artemis, Bell is left emotionally broken, However, as he finally starts to move on until he is given a choice one that will change everything. The question is what will he do? Set in AU. Mainly BellxArtemis. Semi one-sided BellxAis. Rated M... For later. Spoilers to the Movie.

47. Chapter 47

'When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a hero. A hero the people could look up to in the hard times, like those of old… To be able to fight injustice and heal the wounds of those affected by it. This was my dream, a dream I hoped one day would come true…'

"Okay all done!"

'Even after I thought I'd have given up on achieving my dreams… Even after seeing all the death and destruction the world could bring, I had never truly given up hope.'

Her eyes fluttered open the once dark a cold room now radiated with light and warmth. Like a fire started to burn inside her and radiate throughout her body into the surrounding room. Icy breeze seemed to melt against her skin.

'So this is what it feels to own a Falna? I see, no wonder you were so calm back then…'

"Hey Luna are you okay? You seem to be spacing out…"

Hestia leaned forward to cheek the girl's temperature after she didn't respond. She quickly deduced she wasn't sick so waited for her to come back to the real world. Luna on the other hand was adapting to the new feeling inside her. She felt calmer, stronger and prepared for the challenges ahead. A tearful smile erupted on her face.

"Is everything alright?" Hestia asked placing a hand on her shoulder.

Luna turned a nodded.

"Yes, very much so… It's just strange. All my life I wanted to be a hero and now I finally have a chance to make that dream a reality."

She swung her legs off of the bed and climbing to her feet. In one swift motion she turned her momentum into a bow.

"I promise I won't let you down my Goddess!"

Hestia blushed a little at the girl's enthusiasm. She would be a good addition to the Familia and hopeful that enthusiasm would rub off a little.

"I have high hopes I look forward to seeing your progress."

With that the two head back downstairs into the main restaurant, now that all the patrons had gone about their business it seemed almost dead in comparison, however, this was the hostess of fertility and nothing ever stayed the same for too long.

"Well well well this is a surprise!"

As they exited the stairwell someone seemed to call out to them but Hestia just assumed the it was her imagination and that it was just one of the staff.

"HEY BIG TITS, STOP IGNORING ME!"

Hestia stopped and felt a vein pop in her forehead, she knew that voice and its needy attention-seeking owner. She slowly turned in the direction it came from, her face forcing a smile as her mouth and eyes twitched.

"Aphroditeee… Why the hel… I mean what a lovely surprise?

She clenched her fists behind her back as she looked at the girl at the bar. Her long flowing golden locks cascaded down her back. Her face could only be described as being a work of art as all goddess of beauty were. Then there was her smile. Hestia hated it, the smug grin she pulled when men gathered around her or she'd pick a fight with one of them and get the higher ground.

"I know right! How long has it been? Ten, a hundred perhaps a thousand years? Time does pass quickly when you're immortal after all."

'Shame you haven't fixed that attitude of yours in that time!'

"Umm I'm sorry would you like me to give you two a minute?"

Luna looked to her goddess but Hestia just shook her head.

"Ohh and who do we have here. Hestia are you finally coming out of your shell. When I heard you had a Familia I thought it was a joke. But considering the rumours surrounding you and Apollo well…"

Hestia tapped her foot against the floor. She hated getting into a conversation with Aphrodite of all people. She was glad to get away from her but it seemed that nothing was ever set in stone.

"Yes, I have a Familia, unlike the band of brainwashed fools you'd like to call your own. Now, do you mind telling me what you're doing here? Last time I checked you and Freya had a falling out and you swore never to come within a thousand miles of her?"

Aphrodite's expression seemed to change at the mention of the other goddess of beauty. Her smug charming smile turned sour and bitter. She crossed her arms murmured something under her breath.

"Don't remind me, to think she's still as perfect as ever. I still laughed the day Hera put her in her place. Though that bitch sure does know how to hold a grudge!"

She sighed and somewhat relaxed her expression.

"Now enough about her, the thought of that whore being within the same city as me makes me sick. As for why I'm here there are two reasons. It should come as no surprise that your little wargame with Apollo is something worth paying to see so I decided to make a trip and cheer you on."

Hestia wanted to burst out laughing.

"Cheer me on, Never known you to care about anyone but yourself?"

"Ohh come now Hestia don't be like that, I've got good money on you to win?"

Hestia didn't think the other goddess's smile could glow with so much glee but the moment money was mentioned she seemed to practically glow. She held her head knowing there was a reason and she wasn't being kind.

'Typical Aphrodite always wanting more…'

"And the second reason?"

Aphrodite just seemed to look over Hestia's shoulder towards Luna and then shifted her eyes to Hestia. She thought about charming her but knew it was rude to do so when it came to other Familia's.

"Excuse me, dear, would you give us a moment? This is a private matter."

Luna didn't need to be asked twice as bowed to the two of them.

"I'll be waiting outside lady Hestia."

With that she headed for the exit. With Luna out the way she seemed to turn her attention back to Hestia how was now a little more curious.

"Go on then why such secrecy?"

"You know full well, don't think I haven't seen her walking around."

Hestia knew instantly who she was referring to it was hard not to think she'd have a bone to pick with Artemis. The two were after all rivals of opposing ideology. To Hestia the memories are of the two arguing back and forth neither one giving any ground.

'Well something's never change I guess.'

"Leave her out of this, she's changed more then you and been through hell last thing she needs is you pestering her!"

Aphrodite looked confused at first but simply brushed the other goddess's comment off. Her eyes fell to the floor as she leaned into her hand. She looked to be deep in thought for a moment.

"Believe me, Hestia, I know what she went through. Not a day goes by that I don't. The last time I saw her was when she went on that stupid quest, If I had known I would have told her to leave it, but she'd have probably ignored me anyway, she was always a stubborn girl…"
Hestia was shocked. This was the first time she didn't hear the goddess of beauty bicker about how much of an idiot her friend was but this was one of these rare moments she never thought she'd get to hear so she chose to remain quiet and listen.

"I didn't think about it and went about my own business. However, when I returned to the village and asked about her they explained she had just disappeared, both her and her Familia. I decided to find out what happened to her… I used connections to ask Ouranos to send someone to look into it no surprise he sent Hermes. I supplied Hermes the funds needed and in exchange he keeps me up to date."

She smiled a little as Hestia knew full well what happened next.

"Ha-ha to think she'd take my advice and embrace love. I had finally won our battle and yet… I felt no joy all I could feel was regret and sadness. I felt sorry for her that she would find love and yet, in the end, she had to die. Fate was cruel to her…"

For the first time, Hestia saw Aphrodite start to cry. Despite the twos past she genuinely did feel bad for what happened to her. But not only that she went out of her way to help even if at the time she didn't know it.

"Indeed it was… But as you've seen that's not entirely the case."

Aphrodite took a handkerchief out and wiped away her tears, she took a quick deep breath and nodded.

"To think she could be brought back in such a state. Though the laws of the world won't affect her as they do us. She has no responsibilities its the perfect opportunity for her to fall in love. But you already knew that didn't you?"

'She knows more then I thought.'

"Hermes told you didn't he? Yeah for once we're of the same mind. Though I didn't really have to do much"

"Indeed, he did... Bell Cranel… such an interesting boy. When I learned he was the one to pull the spear out I wanted to meet him for myself and see if he was worthy of her… I'll admit if nothing else he was easy on the eyes."

Aphrodite let out a little giggle but dropped it when she saw Hestia's dagger eyes.

"Well he is, but more than that, he's a kind soul and I can't argue with Artemis she knows what she wanted. To think he'd keep his eyes focused on her when a goddess such as myself tried to grab his attention. In another life, I'd have stolen such a catch for myself but I suppose I'm getting soft-hearted nowadays."

Hestia sighed relief but didn't put it past her, she might try to charm him anyway.

"So what you wanted to see the two together or something?"

Aphrodite smiled brightly but her eyes said a different story.

"We both know it was never gonna be so simple. The fact they both don't remember anything means there back to square one. Yeah, I noticed remind me to kick Hermes up the backside when I see him. To think he'd leave such an important detail out ugh!"

Hestia sighed with relief, she had gotten used to the fact that the two had forgotten plus the fact the guilds hush order made it so nobody openly talked about. All in all she was gold nothing had been said.

"I thought about leaving them to it and watching it blossom. However, I found out that Artemis is quite the jealous type. Never thought I'd see it. It was quite adorable seeing her crush so hard on the boy. But its a double edge sword."

Hestia leaned forward.

"What do you mean?"

Aphrodite sighed her smile faded slightly as she seemed to be in deep thought

for a moment. But quickly came out of her thought.

"Well up until last night I was of the mindset that they were well interested in each other. However, it seems your child is conflicted about his feelings for her and another…"

'Aiz!'

"Wait how do you even know about that?"

Aphrodite sighed and pointed upstairs as if to imply something but Hestia didn't get it at first.

"I was here last night. I happened to over here them, both sides were at fault. Even if she did want to help him not all conversations can be discussed so easily. Especially matters of the heart. However, that's not to say he shouldn't have… What worries me is Artemis. She doesn't understand these feelings or what it means to be jealous she'd sooner shut them and throw away the key to her heart."

Hestia agreed with her deduction this morning was proof enough she was slowly going back to her old ways.

"I don't know much about this Aiz girl bar what I've been told. Nor do I understand her relationship with your child, however if its enough for Artemis to feel threatened well…"

"Well?"

Hestia looked to the other goddess that just stared with worried eyes.

"If Artemis does shut away these feelings it will only eat away at her and worse she'll get worked up. No hunter likes their pray being stolen out from under them and a jealous woman is something to be feared!"

"Your worried she'll do something..."

"Something stupid or rash ever or though a small part of me would like to see Orario's sword princess take on little huntress."

'Believe me it may be closer then you think… I just hope it isn't!'

"Well I have a plan but there won't be much point if you lose this wargame. Apollo is reckless but he is still a fool. I have no doubt you'll win and when you do I'll have to do a celebration party!"

She almost shouted the last part with pride but held herself back. But the thought was still there and it gave Hestia a small boost in confidence.

"Thank you, I won't let you down."

With that Aphrodite got to her feet and smiled.

"Ha-ha, you really have changed Hestia. Now if you excuse me I'm going shopping it's not often I get to come to this city. I'll no doubt be seeing you later tonight so spare a moment when you can I'd love to continue this little chat of ours."

With a wave, she walked off and Hestia soon followed in her footsteps. Luna had been waiting patiently outside. Hestia was quick to apologise but she didn't seem bothered in the slightest. With that, they wandered off to the guild.

---

"So here I stand alone. As I did all those many years ago...Ha-ha except I hold all the cards in my hand while you can only watch. While I only sought to help you make the right choices you seek to hinder me at every corner but no more…"

The room was filled with a lifeless gloom only pierced by a small cradle of light from the fire which burned faintly. The three armchairs which sat beside it were now moved aside and the lone chair sat squarely in the line of light. The faint light illuminating its owner. Regis sighed into his hand as he opened his eyes.

"Another dream? How many has it been now?"

With a weary gaze he shook his head trying to dissipate his tiredness. When he felt himself more awake he looked around seeing both chairs distant from him. He let out a sad sigh as he reached over to a small side table. Atop which a battered black book sat. He reached over and ran his hand over the cracked leather which broke away with the lightest of touches. He retrieved it and as he carefully opened it, his eyes skimmed the pages its contents barely legible.

"A hero's journal huh… To think you'd write such a thing? Though time does change most things."

As he reached the end of the book he let out a small smile. He looked the book over before placing it back down on the table.

"To think that such a simple object could hold such a place in one's heart. He might have considered it a way to cope with his failures or perhaps a false hope of greatness…"

He stood up and stared into the fire its flame slowly dying as the light retracted back as the darkness slowly encompassed the room. A faint crackle from the wood sounded the arrival of another. He smiled and turned to greet the new person.

"How goes the search?"

The shadowy figure took to the shadows before throwing something at his feet. A small pendent lay there, the light from the fire was reflected off it however it still managed to shine, even in places where the rust had taken hold. He knelt down and took it in his hand. The metal casing seemed to flake away due to the rust, it had been what he was looking for.

"To think after all this time…"

A small tear escaped him as a moment of joy filled his heart. He took his time examining the small object but quickly brought himself back turning back to thank the person.

"Thank You… I apologize for sending you on such a meaningless errand. In truth I needed you away for the time being. Despite their usefulness those two don't follow orders very well… Though I suppose that's not a bad thing."

He moved over to the corner and pulled one of the armchairs over to the fire, placing it beside him. He looked to the dying flame and smiled as he grabbed another log from the store throwing it on. With a little help the flame soon grew the fire rekindled with new life. Once he was satisfied he returned to his seat. The light finally over taking the darkness.

"Come sit… We haven't had a chance to talk yet."

The person stepped out from the shadows. A woman of average height stepped out. Her extremely long dark brown hair tied back with the help of two golden rings. Her skin was tanned and fair, she walked with a sense of pride and confidence taking a seat in the chair next to him. Her face didn't smile and remind stoic her dull green eyes being its most defining feature.

"You're allowed to speak, you know? Despite what you may think I enjoy a good chat. Besides it's not often one gets to talk with history. Knowledge is a wonderful thing wouldn't you say? It can teach much about the world. Enlighten and inspire those to seek a better life and remind us of things we have done. I'm fond of history, the actions of all races and their heroes born to protect them. Yet even now the world seeks the next hero to bring peace and prosperity to the world…"

She remained quiet choosing to listen instead of speaking. He sighed as he saw this.

"He did always say you weren't the easiest to talk to, but don't think you have to keep quiet your unfamiliarity with this land and while I sent you out for personal reasons I did so in hope you would see the world for what it was."

She turned to him and shook her head.

"War still rages on, people still hate one another… Discrimination and violence to those that are different hasn't changed… The threat of monsters still looms over us even after all this time. The gods who only watched from above yet now walk among us but little has changed…"

He smiled as he believed he was finally getting somewhere.

"I didn't say it was any better, I just wanted you to see it. Time changes many things but deep down those changes can only be made when people choose to accept them. The gods coming down did nothing but halt our natural progression and in some cases put us back. Age of the gods haa! More like the age of fools!"

He leaned back into his chair as he stared into the fire the conversation taking another turn back into silence.

"But I suppose you're still new to this world and have much to learn. But back to the topic at hand… I have a question for you?"

She turned to him briefly and sighed waiting for the question he had. Seeing this he smiled and reached over to the table retrieving the book he had moment ago been reading.

"The hero's journal… Or I suppose it was more of a diary of sorts. It strange the legends that are written about him seem to be in stark contrast to what's written in here… But as the person that wrote that legend you know that all to well?"

The girl eyes glanced at the book, she focused on its ruined cover, her hand seemed to reach out but she resisted pulling it back. He found this strange but held it out a moment longer before returning it to his side.

"The journal is barely legible and I've only been able to get certain details out of it but I'm curious to hear the tale in full. The true tale and not the one used to honour him. This journal is proof of that and as one of the people closest to him you know the story well."

He leaned forward his hands clamped together his eyes watching her patiently waiting for her to speak. She hesitated as she turned away but Regis could only sigh.

"Please…. I only wish to know the truth. The secrets you share with me today will die with me. The legend has already been set in stone and one man's opinion isn't going to change that. So I ask you Olna Garof. Will you tell me the story of Argonaut and how he became the hero of his time?"

---

Hestia and Luna reached the guild and had her registered, strangely the guild seemed busier then normal but that wasn't a surprise in the slightest. However now that she was officially registered and she would be able to enter the dungeon though because of the mornings events and the time it took that probably wasn't the best idea even though she need the experience. However when they were done Hestia gave it some thought.

"Finally finished up?"

Luna nodded and joined her in the seating area. While the time had passed slowly she managed to pick up some information from members of the guild and adventures but nothing that would be of importance to her. However she got an idea for what she would be seeing down there.

"So what would you like to do now? I would have liked you to at least see the dungeon but perhaps it would be best to wait till tomorrow?"

"Why? I'm certain I can handle myself besides its not like we have time to spare."

Hestia couldn't deny her logic but there was times when patience paid of and this might just be one of them.

'She's just like Bell… She's trying to prove herself but if she's not careful she might end up getting hurt and then she's not gonna be much help at all.'

"At best we have a few days it's true but one day isn't gonna do much good, at least with the others you'll be making better progress in the dungeon then on your own… Still I'll leave the decision up to you."

She understood the goddess's point a larger group would be more beneficial but deep down she was worried.

'I want to be useful, I want to prove to them what I can do… But most of all I don't want to fail him…'

"Hey? Hey Luna? Hey are you okay?"

She shook her head and looked up. Without realising it she had blocked out all outside voices while she was thinking. It was a bad habit she picked up when working with Void.

"Ohh sorry, I was just thinking… You're right I think I'll hold off for today. I'm still not used to this city so I should probably continue getting my bearings. But what will you be doing now goddess?"

Hestia shrugged.

"Who knows… perhaps I'll head back to the hostess or even go see Hephaestus and thank her for the support."

However before she could confirm her plans for herself and loud voice called out to them.

"Ahh Hestia there you are!"

Hestia and Luna both looked over towards the voice had called out. Hestia sighed when she saw the stupid feathered hat knowing only one person was so fond of. Hermes. However to her surprise he seemed out of breath.

'Had he been running?'

"Hello Hermes what can I…"

Hermes bolted over to them, with little care if he had caught his breath. He ignore Luna completely and for Hermes to complete ignore a girl meant this was a serious.

"Hestia, its been called, we have to go. Now! Your expected at any minute!"

His outburst was warranted if what he was saying was the truth and when a messenger god brings you a message that usually means there's consequences if you ignore it.

"Figures… Luna I have to go will you be okay on your own?"

She just nodded and watched as the two sprint off into the distance, the brief commotion caused by lord Hermes caused the entire hall to watch but when the gods left everyone seemed to get back with their business like nothing had happened. She wanted to laugh at how seamless people in Orario were.

'Still beats life in that damn forest… Guess I should go do something maybe I'll relax these next few days are gonna be super busy.'

She smiled to herself before pushing herself to her feet pushing past an onslaught of adventures making it to the exit.

"Ugh something's are definitely gonna take longer to get used to then others…"

She looked to the sky and thought for a moment, something about this city had been putting her on edge ever since she arrived. Having to hide in plain sight didn't help it was one of the few times she hadn't agreed with him.

'I still don't know why you did it… Loki… What did you do to invoke his wrath?'

As she wandered the streets she tried to understand her role in his grand plan. While she never questioned it before she still couldn't understand why she had been given such a strange task.

'What does he think will learn? All this time I've been watching the boy and I see nothing evil about him. Does he hope to make Bell an ally? Or does he still consider him a threat? Maybe one day he'll tell me but for now I'll keep an open mind.'

She didn't know what to think about Bell. On her first observation he seemed like an emotional wreck. Broken and tired, he had lost someone dear to him. She even watched as he was set to take his own life. Though she had not been instructed to stop him she thought about stepping in. Luckily she didn't have to but that begged the question how he managed to bounce back from it so quickly.

"Artemis. Bell. One is an enigma that needs to be watched. The other is someone we need to protect. Void and Regis seem to know the plan yet I'm the last to be told… Why after all I've done for him. Why does he keep me so distant?"

All these questions had no answers or at least none at that moment. She had a role to play and while she wasn't sure why, she accepted it nonetheless. Deciding that she had nothing better to do then relax she went to the one place she felt most comfortable. The wall surrounding Orario was a striking sight and an overbearing presence. No doubt invading armies would find themselves stuck in a constant struggle to get through it. Yet she felt safe and while one could spend hours wandering round it the views from atop it could span for miles in every direction.

She enjoyed just sitting and looking out at the view. It was a strange feeling she had always been one to observe the finer details and yet she couldn't quite understand why. As she sat and pondered she noticed a familiar face.

"Ohh It's Bell and Aiz I guess their training…"

She watched from atop her perch as Bell tried his best to hold off the sword princess. He was doing well until another girl entered the mix. Her tanned skin and strong physique were tell tale signs of her being an amazon. It was the worst possible outcome for the poor boy. He had to be swift and fast in order to dodge the elegant sword princess yet he need to stand strong for the onslaught of attack that would break even the staunchest of stances. When he got the grip of one of them the other would swiftly step in and break down all his hard work swiftly knocking him to the ground.

"Poor fool, he really is trying his hardest. He's facing two masters of their preferred fighting styles and he's trying to adapt to both at the same time. Yet he failing but he still keeps going. Idiot…"

She smiled and made herself comfortable as she decided to watch him dance about.

---

Bell had been at this for hours now and no matter what he did he found himself with an uphill battle. He was used to Aiz and her hard stance towards training at this point. After all their secret training sessions had been a big boon for him in the past. Now however he felt that all his progress was just a taste.

'I can barely keep up she's adapting her speed on the fly and parrying him like he was child holding a knife for the first time. This would have been bearable if there wasn't one other problem he had to deal with.

"MY TURN ARGONAUT-KUN!"

Tiona the happy go lucky amazon. If Aiz was the elegant princess then Tiona was the mountain chiefess who's wild and stonewalled approach to fighting was a challenge in itself. She could throw a punch that would break all his bones all while she smiled and teased him and boy, could she tease him.

"Ugh!"

He hardly had time to react if it wasn't for his momentum carrying his arms she would have hit him head on. Luckily his arms took most of the force but that was the least of his worries. Tiona was relentless in a fight, no matter if it was just a spar. It was like a switch was flipped and it was all she focused on.

She was a master at hand to hand and it showed as she effortlessly broke down his attempts at defence. When he went to block she used brute strength to break it and when he was on the back foot she pounced on her prey. However this time she literally did pounce on him throwing her entire body forward.

"W-Wait miss Tionaaaa!"

But it was too late she knocked him down to the ground before he could even finish. His back hit the stony floor with a great deal of force and momentarily stunned him. He was luckily his head didn't meet a similar fate. Though he was still in shock and hadn't realised the full extent of his position.

'Ughh why do I feel so heavy all of a sudden?'

He got his answer when his view of the sky was replaced by the confused look of the very person that caused this situation to happen.

"Geez Argo-kun you didn't even try to counter me, I purposefully dropped my guard so you could counter attack instead you just let me knock you to the ground. You seemed so responsive to Aiz's attacks how could you not notice…"

She briefly stopped and after a moment of silence she smiled and leaned forward towards him, getting closer to his face which promptly lit up like a Christmas tree. Her little giggle didn't help as he found himself unable to move.

"Argo-kun did you perhaps let me tackle you to the ground? You didn't even put up a fight perhaps you like the idea of me being on top of you?"

Bell shock his head furiously, his first and only reaction was to get her off of him. He moved his hands onto her hips and tried to push her off.

"Huhhh Argo-kun?"

She looked down and quickly saw were his hands were in relation to her body. The usually bold girl seemed to be momentarily stunned with different questions as she sat atop him. Her face became a light shade of pink as her playful smile returned.

"You know Argonaut-kun if you wanted to be brave you could move a little lower…"

At first he was confused by her suggestion. Though considering the mixture of pain and teasing he wasn't in the greatest position to think straight. Not fully understanding the situation he followed her suggestion and quickly regretted it.

'HUH? Wait this feeling it's oddly familiar but whyyyy OH GODS NO!'

Before he realised his terrible mistake it was too late. His hand was firmly placed on the girls ass. However unlike Artemis's who's was soft and moulded to his hands, Tiona's was firm and resistive. He retracted his hand with blinding speed his face crimson red with embarrassment. However even the bold girl was left somewhat speech less.

"A-Argo…"

'Oh crap oh crap what did I just do! I'm dead I'm soo dead!'

While the two quietly looked at one another they hadn't noticed the hawk like glare coming from the other girl who was watching the scene unfold from a distance. This disapproving look was solely focused on her team member as she blushed with embarrassment from the boys actions.

Tiona meanwhile felt this and shivered but it was hard not to enjoy herself. What started out as a little teasing was getting a little more hands on and she decided to see how far she could go with it. She turned her head slightly and meet the sword princess gaze. Aiz was never the type to show emotions but seeing her so blatantly annoyed was kind of rewarding. With a cheeky smile Tiona broke the gaze and started to slowly move her body up and down his own..

"Umm Tiona what a-are you.. Ugh!"

The girl's actions were an unexpected action. Her splendid build was starting to rub him in places he'd rather be left alone. But his hormones seemed to awaken to the girls obvious teasing and he was unable to stop them. His eye's widened with horror as he felt his lower region become turned on.

'NO NO NO!'

Tiona stopped briefly after she felt a hard rod pressing against her lower region. Her face soon became as bright red as Bell, she didn't know what to expect but she was happy this was it.

"Say Argo-kun are does this feel good? Don't worry about answering your body has already confirmed that."

Bell felt like he was going to die of embarrassment, the fact that he was getting hard was bad enough but she was actively aware she was the reason. He prayed for someone to save him as he felt he her pushing back.

"So Argonaut do you like. Huh HEY WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

Tiona felt a strong grip on her shoulder before she was dragged of her prey. The one responsible was none other then the sword princess herself. Her stern face and overbearing stance were tell tale signs she was pissed.

"Hey why did you do that I was just getting to the good part!"

Aiz gave her a death glare dead in the eyes.

"Mine!"

The word was a declaration, a warning to her comprised into one word. Tiona was well aware of Aiz's underlying competitive nature and that she secretly had a crush on the boy. But this was her making her claim and when the sword princess wanted something you shouldn't get in her way.

'Like I'll just let you have him! Don't think I'll go easy on you just because we're in the same Familia, he's fair game as far as I'm concerned.'

Aiz quickly made her way over to Bell who was eternally grateful to be saved. She watched as he tried to get back up but she had no intentions of letting him go so easily. Quickly sitting down next to him and grabbing his arm before he could get to his feet. He was surprised but not as surprised as the moment she pulled his head into her chest.

Despite not having the biggest of assets they were still quite noticeable, especially when his face was being forced into them. His head was turned to his side and allowing his face to press into the somewhat squishy flesh.

'I'm dreaming right, I must be dreaming!'

*"Trust me kid, you're not dreaming. You're just a stupidly lucky bastard!"*

'I didn't want this!"

*"You worry me sometimes Bell! You have two girls, one practically giving you the thumbs up to become a true man and you prayed to be saved! DID MY LESSON MEAN NOTHING TO YOU!"

'Shut up you perverted bastard! Your lessons have caused me more trouble than good!"

*"You're saying this while your head is pressed between a beauty's breasts? You should be a little more grateful I taught you to grasp opportunity with your hands. So stop bitching to me and use them!"*

He sighed knowing the old man wouldn't let him have the last word. But that didn't mean he was going to listen to him. It had been a minute or so and Aiz didn't show any signs she was gonna let up. While Bell couldn't see her face Tiona could. There was an old saying never get between an Amazon and a man, but the tales didn't account for Aiz. The two locked in a battle of wills never one giving ground.

"Umm Aiz shouldn't we get back to training?"

"No. you need to rest."

As usual she was a woman of few words, he couldn't deny they had been training non stop for hours now, probably even longer considering he wasn't sure at the current time. While he understood that sufficient rest was key to any train regime he didn't feel he had the luxury of time.

'I'm grateful these two are taking the time to help me but…'

"Ugh then let him rest Aiz your practically suffocating him!"

Tiona chirped up as she took a seat against the edge of the wall. Her arms crossed as she looked over at the two.

Aiz looked down and noticed Bell struggling deciding to ease her grip before lowering his head onto her lap. Part of him was happy and sad to be out of Aiz's embrace. Happy he could actually relax but upset that he didn't get to enjoy one of his dream situations longer.

Having been a similar situation his head wandered back to when he was sick and Artemis had looked after him. While at the time he found himself in a great deal of pain, yet he still found enjoyment in the situation. He got to see a more of her gentle side not that he didn't see it before but this was the first time he got to receive it first hand.

'Guess something's are better given the situation…'
He sighed thinking about the events of that particular trip. They went from being friendly acquaintances to… Well he wasn't sure.

'Friends? There was never a point I didn't think of her as such…Ugh! Is this really the time to be thinking about this?'

He had hoped training would take his mind off of her, but even little things seemed to bring her back into his head. Even the idea of a lap nap of Aiz of all people something he hoped to have whenever they were together he finally gets it and its not what he hoped.

*"Ugh this again! I swear you're the most uncertain person I've ever known."*

'Yeah well you're the most intrusive person I've ever known! Go on give me the usual talk. I don't know what I want! I should just accept any situation and embrace it! That I should just go for the Harem…'

His head was briefly quiet but this was perhaps the one person that he could talk to even if it was a ghost of his past.

*"Well I did try the fatherly talk but guess I'm not good at that, yet still it's been a day and you managed to fuck it up. Why because you had a dream that you wished was real?"*

This seemed like a common occurrence, He would argue with himself then his dead grandfather would make a joke give some useless or none related advice and he'd kind of feel better only for the same shit to happen the next day. He was growing tired of it and it didn't help him anyway.

'Fine you want to know what's been annoying me? Everything! I think I'm finally getting on track with something and its just pulled out from under me. Me and goddess finally get a new member and then we're forced into a fight! I try to relax and I get sick! I try to help someone and I end up starting a proxy war! I..'

*'Well that is life.'*

Bell tired not to get annoyed or hell even angry, the fact that he was even arguing with a ghost was showing the strain he was under. He was just trying to focus on one thing and pushing everything to the side. But their was only so much he could put off at one time.

'I… I didn't want to shout at her, I was so unsure at the time I just needed to think. It's not that I didn't want to talk to her about it. I did, I just wasn't in the right mindset to talk with her. Hestia tells me to leave it and focus on training, but it's just distracting me.'

Zeus listened carefully, despite being far away he could understand the boys troubles. He was confused, upset and worried. His Familia could be one loss away from disappearing and while he was trying to keep himself strong there was only so much strain one person could take. His argument with Artemis had been the tipping point. His uncertain feelings for her and his already established feelings for Aiz were fighting and that conflict was just adding to his troubles.

*'Hestia had the right idea to try and distract him, but then again she doesn't fully understand his troubles. But what can I even say to help. Jokes won't help, telling him to relax is just gonna get him more worked up.'*

Zeus thought long and hard, His adoptive grandson was certainly different now then he was when he was young. He was starting to see the cruel side of the world and how nothing was ever simple.

*"Look I may not be your father, Hell if I was we'd probably wouldn't be having this conversation. Life is going to be unfair at times, sometimes more sometimes less. My advice is don't focus on one thing… If something is bothering you, fix it. Clear your mind of all problems, conflict will only bring more conflict. Doesn't matter how much you train if your mind is filled with other problems you're gonna be put off your game."*

For once the old man had said something wise. Having tried all he can for the boy he decided that he should leave him for now.

*"Given your current situation I'd say get this Artemis business out the way. It's obviously the thing bothering you the most. Take the rest of the day to think about it and then go and apologize, you think yourself a gentleman then act like one!"*

Bell sighed inside, the thing he said he wasn't going to do he was now being told to do. The question was should he listen to his goddess or his grandfather.

*"Screw Hestia Grandpa knows Best"*

He ignored that last comment.

"Hey Bell are you okay?"

He opened his eyes and looked up to see Aiz looking down at him, a worried look on her face. He just remained quiet for the time being.

"You looked unsettled, is something the matter?"

He thought about it, he wasn't and perhaps he did need the time to think about it more.

"A little, if its alright can we call it a day? I-I have something's I need to think about."

Aiz nodded, after all they were their to help him, and she would seem selfish if she said no. She looked over to Tiona how just nodded in agreement. She let go of Bell as he climbed to his feet. All the while she watched his face. His expression not changing.

"If it's not too much to ask can we continue this tomorrow? I know its a lot but….."

Both them smiled in unison.

"It would be a pleasure, besides not like we're doing anything any ways, Though I suppose we need to make a good excuse up to Riveria."

Aiz nodded but would worry about that when the time came, for now she was curious about Bell's mindset.

"Is something bothering you Bell? If you'd like I'm free to talk to if you'd like?"

Bell shook his head and smiled.

"Thank you Aiz but don't worry its nothing to important. Thank you again for helping me, Ill see you both tomorrow."

He bowed to them both before heading for the stairs, Tiona had finally gotten to her feet and waved him off.

"See you tomorrow Argonaut-kun."

When he disappeared out of sight the two girls looked at one another.

"Sooo what do you thinks bothering him?"

Tiona asked looking over at her team mate who shrugged in response. She just sighed at the usual response looking back at the boys previous location.

"You noticed it too right. He wasn't thinking straight will we sparred, even a rookie would notice half the mistake we were making yet he didn't even attempt to counter! Rule one about combat be focused at all times!"

Aiz knew this, she knew when Bell wasn't paying attention, he was sluggish and easier to predict, where as when they trained previously he was always focused and sharp not letting her get easy hits of on him.

"If he's the same tomorrow we'll talk to him about it, if not we can chalk it up to being a bad day."

"Yeah I suppose that's for the best…"

The two went quiet but there was something Tiona wanted to ask before they headed back.

"Soo when did you start liking him?"

Aiz gave her a small glare. However Tiona persisted.

"I'm just curious about him."

"Curious, is that what you call it? Come on Aiz you've been trying to hang around him whenever you get a chance not to mention your dislike of that Artemis girl."

Again she glared at her but this time it was unintentional and gave away her true feelings something you should never do around Tiona.

"I don't dislike her what would give you that…"

"Idea? I don't know the dislike of Bell-kun being called Orion, the fact that the mere mention of her name cause you to glare like you are now, oh and the fact that when she was sharing her food with him you looked SUPER Jealous."

Tiona was walking a very thin road. But hey she ruined her fun so she was gonna have some pay back.

"I'm not jealous!"

She said it and she sprung the trap.

"No? So your telling me that little scene earlier wasn't jealousy? What was it you said again? Hmm oh yeah Mine"

Aiz blushed forgetting that in her annoyance she may have let her true feelings out. What was worse that Tiona now knew. It was one thing for Riveria to tease her but now she had another potential rival.

"Ha I knew it, to think Loki's precious sword princess fell in love with the little rookie, I don't think you could have picked a worse person in her eyes to fall for."

"Shut up, Its not love I just enjoy being around him!"

Having her secret known was one thing. Being teased about it was another.

"Whatever, you have your fun and I'll have mine. Ohh and next time in the middle of something like that, don't ruin it, If you do I'll spill the beans to everyone!"

Tiona's threat was duly noted. But she wasn't just gonna let her have her way not after what she witnessed today.

"His training comes first, no funny business!"

The two agreed to keep there private affection away from training. With that they headed back to the house expecting an earful from Riveria for disappearing with no word.

---

Having finally gotten back to surface, the newly formed party looked to one another, they had made great progress and Artemis had gotten some good training in all thanks to her scarily good skills with a bow.

Lili and Welf looked at one another then back at the two new additions to there party. Mikoto was just like them she was used to the idea of the dungeon. The one that surprised them most was the goddess turned girl.

"I know there are monsters outside Orario… But I never expected her to be that good."

Lili's comment made him chuckle. While she couldn't remember the goddess's actions he sure could, but even he had to admit it was scary watching her. She showed no remorse swiftly removing any and all monsters that dared step out into her line of sight.

'I kind of felt sorry for them at one point… I can see why men didn't openly flirt with her. I don't know if Bell is really lucky or really screwed?'

"Glad she's on our side, to say she's level one I wonder what she'll be like when she levels up?"

Lili nodded she may have gotten of on the wrong foot with the girl but after a while she reminded her of Hestia, which was a good and bad thing. But unlike Hestia she was actually useful to them or at least in the dungeon. While the three of them could only focus on one at a time, she could deal with enemies at a distance and quickly thin out their numbers, something that they had been sorely liking.

"We managed to make better progress then usual, getting down to the sixth floor, we could have gone further but for her second time probably best to take things easy."

Mikoto looked back at them, curious at their conversation. However she decided to start one with Artemis instead. After all the two weren't that well acquainted.

"Umm excuse me umm…"

She was unsure as to her title, she didn't have a last name and she was formerly a goddess. Should she still be referred to as such?

Artemis noticed her confusion and smiled.

"Artemis, don't worry It is my name after all."

Mikoto nodded.

"Artemis… I'm sorry its just… I'm still a little unsure as to the reason for your current circumstance I hope you don't mind me asking?"

"Not at all. To be honest I'm still unsure myself, all I know is waking up like I am now. No powers, or memory of how I got here. It was a little scary but I'm starting to get used to it."

The other girl seemed to understand, going quiet for a moment, but decided that she seemed nice and had been open with her.

"So what's it like being mortal I mean? Forgive my prying but its not something that happens everyday."

Artemis laughed the girl was being far to formal, she was after all just like them now. Just a simple adventurer going about life day by day.

"Please no need to be so formal with me, I'm just like you, a normal girl. As for what its like? Besides the fear of actually dying not much… I mean as a goddess life was sooo boring… I used to love the thought of chasing danger and living a little. But being immortal I just had the mindset of well.. I'd get around to it."

Mikoto listened quietly getting to understand her a little more.

"I mean, having a Familia was nice.. But I suppose in the end I lost my freedom. Not that I didn't mind having them around. We were a big family but…"

Mikoto understood.

"You were craving a little excitement?"

Artemis nodded the girl had gotten it spot on.

"Yep, Being a hunting Familia had its benefits, I still got to join them when we went on quests for local towns. But I was still kept safe at all times, after a while it was just the same thing over and over again."

She could hear the disappointment in her words, the idea of not being able to live a little was well, saddening. Even when she was able to it was just another goddess being protected by her Familia. While as the girl they saw in the dungeon was enjoying herself, but she understood the dangers around her.

'So much potential and yet she wasn't able to do what she loved. At least not to the extent she wanted.'

"Well your skills far exceed that of most lower and higher adventures, though I suppose living for numerous lifetimes while following the way of the bow is the true meaning of mastering a weapon."

Artemis never agreed nor denied her logic, she gave it some thought.

'I've held a bow as long as I can remember, As long as I've been in existence I've hunted with it, trained with and gathered a following under it. My emblem was my bow, my Familia and my way.'

"Hmm maybe you're right, though to say I've mastered it is true and false, this bow is an extension of me, and thus all hunters. But yes you are right in a way I have mastered the bow."

Mikoto listened closely, while she was proficient in the way of the sword she always thought about dabbling in bowmen-ship. Though such luxuries weren't open to her. However her hawk like eyes spotted a small dagger sheathed on her belt. While it wasn't uncommon amongst range class adventures she hadn't once used it while fighting.

"Out of curiosity how are you with close quarters? Its undeniable your unbeatable with a bow but…"

Mikoto went quiet.

'Depending on the situation Artemis might be required to fight without the use of her bow. My lord told me that things such as sieges and open field fights weren't uncommon. In those situations Artemis has every advantage.'

Artemis looked down. Her first run in the dungeon was a stark reality for her. While she was capable she wasn't confident and that lack of confidence resulted in her becoming unfocused and easy to predict. She also lowered her guard too much focusing on the one opponent.

"Besides skinning and the rare occasion of a surprise attack I barely used it, I mean I trained a little but only to a certain extent. I got used to knowing enemies' weak spots and thus they'd die in a shot or two…"

It was a strange question but a question none the less. She just assumed it was small talk but seeing the uncertain look on Mikoto's face didn't fill her with much confidence.

"Is something wrong?"

She nodded.

"Please don't take this the wrong way.. But if you were forced into a situation without your bow, against another person, do you believe you could win?"

Her silence was a bad sign.

"I see, you don't have to answer that. I apologize but my worry is that maybe a situation you could be forced into…

"Forced?"

She nodded, they had finally reached the exit of the dungeon, however before they did they stopped and she looked to Welf.

"Well meet you guys outside."

Welf and Lili looked to each other but shrugged and headed out while Mikoto returned to her conversation with Artemis.

"I can tell your not used to this situation, but… How much do you know about a wargame?"

It was a straightforward question, with a hundred different answers. However for Artemis who distanced herself from the other gods wasn't used to the concept.

"Truly not a lot, besides the rumours or ramblings from travelling merchants and gods I know little to nothing besides the concept."

"I see… Well I'll make this brief, even though its considered a war the form it takes can be anything. Should the gods agree it could be anything from a one on one or a full blown battle of Familia members. However if they can't agree then its randomly pulled from a selection of gods ideas."

Artemis understood where this was going.

"I see, given that we could end up with anything… Hmm perhaps your right, In that case I have a favour of you Mikoto?"

"A favour?"

Artemis nodded.

"Would you perhaps be willing to train me? At least a little, I watched you before it was quite impressive, I mean if its not much trouble…"

Mikoto was taken a back. But her heart swelled with joy at the kind words of praise.

"It would be an honour!"

She bowed a strange response, causing the Artemis to giggle as she wondered why she was bowing.

"I think I should be the one that's honoured. Far eastern combat is quite the sight I've been told. I look forward to learning from you Mikoto."

The two of them smiled with their agreement finalised they headed out to join Lili and Welf. However when they did they were greeted by only one of them. Welf was leaning against the wall, and upon their arrival he made his way over to them.

"Where is Lili?"

Welf looked to Mikoto who was looking around for the small girl but Welf quickly explained.

"She's gone to sell the loot, that girl and money are like two peas in a pod. She said to meet her back at the hostess in a few hours."

The question was what were the rest going to do while they waited? Mikoto had a flash of inspiration.

"Why don't we get something to eat and celebrate. I know its not fair on Lili but we can do something with her when we get back to the hostess. What do you both think?"

They both nodded in agreement to her suggestion.

"I could definitely uses a bite to eat after all that running about we did. Besides I'm sure Lili will be happier doing her own thing, she normally is."

Mikoto clapped her hands together with joy, though it was short lived as she reached for her coin pouch.

"Ohhh urghhh…"

She blushed with embarrassment before looking to Artemis. Who had the same expression, the two girls looked to Welf with sad puppy dog eyes. He let out a large sigh.

"Really?"

He said with a disappointed tone. He looked at what he had on him before dropping his head to the floor. He quickly put what little money had on him back in his pockets.

"Guess I'm buying then… Kind of wish Lili didn't run off now."

The two girls while sorry for him were thinking with their stomachs thus the sad looks quickly replaced with a ones of joy.

"Thank you Welf, I promise on my honour to pay you back!"

Mikoto bowed to him and he simply waved them off.

"Don't worry about it. I lent Bell some coin a while back and he still hasn't paid me back. So as far as I'm concerned he's paying for your meal."

While they didn't argue with him, Artemis was surprised.

"Out of curiosity what did Bell borrow the money for?"

Welf looked back to the girls. It was a strange question to ask but it was an innocent one nonetheless.

"He needed to buy some supplies. Why do you ask?"

Mikoto shrugged.

"No reason. He just didn't strike me as the kind to borrow money?"

Artemis agreed with her statement.

'Though now that I think about it... He and Hestia must have been scraping by. I mean the church was kind of homely in its own way but it wasn't in the greatest of shapes…'

Welf rubbed his cheek. While Bell was careful with his money that didn't always mean it was safe.

"Well… Bell well he's easy to use. The amount of times I've seen him buy a potion at twice its value is stupid. He just accepts things as they are without arguing it. Hell even after we tell him he just looks sad for a minute then waves it off."

"Yes he is very forgiving, even after the unforgivable actions of me and my Familia. He never once held it against us. It's one of the reasons I agreed to help."

Artemis couldn't hide her smile. Hearing about his kind and caring personality remind her of the time she spent with him. She couldn't agree more with them. Though a small part of her felt hurt for hurting him so quickly. Her smile slowly faded as the regret set in.

"Artemis is something wrong?"

She quickly came back to reality and noticed Mikoto's hand on her shoulder. She had stopped to think and hadn't noticed. No doubt they were confused as to why.

"Ohh sorry, just something on my mind…"

Mikoto looked to Welf who just shrugged.

"Anything you want to talk about?"

She was quick to shake her head waving her hands about.

"No no it's fine. Really its nothing come on lets go."

She almost went into a sprint as she went on a head leaving the others behind. They looked at each other. Welf letting out a small chuckle. Mikoto noticed this and decided to pry.

"Something you want to say?"

"Ill tell you on the way, don't want her getting to far ahead."

They set of after her making sure they could see her at all time. Once they were happy with the distance Mikoto decided to restart the conversation.

"Soo what's so funny?"

He put his hands in his pockets. Mikoto was sharp but she also didn't understand the bigger picture.

"Isn't it obvious? You mentioning Bell, her being happy but quickly she looks upset. Don't you think its connected in some way?"

She thought about it. Up until that moment she did seem in a good mood. Hell she didn't even notice untill she stopped Welf and he pointed it out.

'Soo it has something to do with Bell then…"

"Remember what Lili said. She seemed to get the idea that Artemis was upset over Bell's feelings for someone else. Considering when they were together before she never really had much opposition."

Mikoto could understand that but there was something else to the matter.

"I think were missing something… What's caused this? They seemed so close last night and yet this morning they were so distant…"

He gave it some thought.

'She's not wrong. Hell last night I'd have been fooled into believing they were a couple.'

"Well I have an idea as to how we can find out. Oh we're here. Just act normal and leave it to me."

She nodded. The three of them were quick to find a table, and ate their food in silence. Mikoto gave a questioning look to Welf wondering exactly what he had planned.

'He sure is taking his time… D-did he change his mind without letting me know.'

Welf just have her a little smile letting her know he was still going through with it and was waiting for the right moment. At least that what she hoped it meant. When the plates were cleared from the table, Welf finally made his move.

"Well we still got a bit of time, so why don't we get to know one another? Depending on what happens with the wargame this maybe the only chance we get."

Mikoto agreed. Though it wasn't like she had a choice.

'Still I suppose it would be nice to learn more about them. Especially Artemis."

Speaking of which now that the girl had finally calmed down from earlier she was most open to the idea.

"Yes, I still don't know much about you all. So who's going to start?"

Welf smiled.

"I will, its only fair as I was the one that suggested it. Well my name is Welf Crozzo, and yes before you ask it is that Crozzo. No I won't make you a magic sword."

Artemis had heard stories of the Crozzo's and their magic swords. She also knew about the terrible curse that haunted them, still she could understand why he didn't say his last name much.

'Such a name carries both a heavy burden and a lot of hate. It wasn't something anyone should shoulder.'

Artemis decided to change the conversation. It was obviously a topic he hated talking about.

"I understand but if you don't mind me asking how is it you came to know Bell, I know about Lili but I never got the finer details?"

He laughed but deep down he felt a little disappointed that Bell didn't talk about him a lot.

"Ha-ha figures he wouldn't talk about other guys. Well, long story short I came into contact with Bell by chance. He just so happened to be buying some armour I had made. He asked who made it. I was quite surprised that someone even wanted my work that wasn't a stupid magic sword."

He relaxed as he began to retell the tale of their adventures. It surprised her to realise that they had only really known each other a few months and yet he recalled the tales as if they were old memories.

'Bell… Listening to these two helps me understand you more. To unite people with such troubled pasts your kindness knows no bounds.'

She leaned into her hands and continued to admire the tale her smile growing more and more.

'Didn't think it would be possible for me to admire him more… Admire…'

Deep inside her her heart beat slowly increased, thinking about him sent a warm feeling through her. Similar to when he held her in his arms. It wasn't the easiest thing to ignore now, she craved it something she never thought she'd want. But deep down she wanted more.

'Is this what she meant by love? No…'

"I know I'll become a better smith under him and be able to for fill my dream!"

He pumped his fist into the air a show of his determination. Mikoto meanwhile was still

interested in learning more about the former goddess.

"Soo Artemis I've been wondering how did you meet Bell?"

With story time over she turned her attention to the other female. She took a moment to think back not to remember anything it hadn't been that long. No, she just wanted to reminisce a little.

"I still ask myself the same question. To tell the truth I'm still not sure how I even got here, for the last two weeks I've been trying to remember… When I came to Bell was already there at first I didn't know what to think about him…"

'More like I didn't trust him one bit… ohhh what a fool I was.'

"Funny if it had been any other man I'd have shot him dead, glad I didn't…"

Welf let out a nervous laugh.

"Yeahh I'm glad you didn't…'

'Damn Hestia wasn't joking before, Bell must be one lucky fool and in more ways then one.'

"Mhhm I suppose these last couple weeks have been eye opening for me, I feel different somehow and not just becoming mortal. It's almost like his kindness rubbed off on me."

The two others nodded.

"It is infectious, Soo what was it like with you other Familia… D-do you know where they are?"

Welf looked at Mikoto, she knew the circumstance but she really didn't know as much as the rest of them. He just remained quite. Meanwhile Artemis looked a little sad but she quickly brushed it off.

"I'm afraid I don't but I'll be happy to tell you about them."

She spent a decent chunk of time reminiscing about her adventures with them, Monsters they killed, quests they took and the funny times they shared. Welf felt even worse knowing their fate. But like everything else he bit his tongue knowing that even slipping up would mean a world of trouble.

"I'm so sorry you unable to find them, though maybe one day you'll be reunited… I have a friend who… Well lets just say her circumstances are complicated I hope one day we can be reunited like the old times."

Artemis placed a hand on the girls shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile.

"I'm certain you will and while I don't know the fate of my Familia I can only hope and pray for them... Even if the worse did come to pass, I hope they didn't suffer."

The day was growing short and night was approaching, Welf wondered how long they had been talking for but they had yet to find out the issues with Bell. She seemed to hold him in high regard but…

'If she really is starting to fall in love with him then no doubt she's had to run into Aiz… Bell may be kind but he doesn't understand a girl's feelings…'

"Sooo Artemis what's your opinion of Bell?"

The redhead spoke up, Mikoto realised that was the sign she prepared herself to back him up if need be. Though she wasn't sure what she could do. Artemis meanwhile took the question at face value.

"He's a kind and strong person… Why do you ask?"

Welf shrugged. He was kind of hoping for a different response but that's what he gets for taking the subtle approach.

'Not like I can ask her. Hey do you have a crush on Bell? Come on you can tell us. No if Hestia's stories are anything to go by she'll break my arm!'

He looked to Mikoto hoping she might have a better go at it.

'Ugh okay here I go…'

"I mean yes but we want to know what you think of him. Personally?"

Its was definitely a more direct question without being too forward. However this was a virgin goddess they were talking too, If anyone was oblivious to love talk it would be her.

"Well... I don't know, I mean he's kind, compassionate, funny he's saved me twice now and I haven't found a way to thank him properly…"

"Sounds like you've taken quite the liking to him? A little more than most?"

His suggestive tone seemed to be doing the trick. Her face started blushing a faint pink, her eyes avoiding contact. Her body shifted slightly before returning to normal. No doubt a result of composing herself.

"W-well I w-wouldn't say that… I-I mean we barely know each other…"

The red haired man was finally setting up the perfect trap, While it wasn't his business to pry into others person relationships this was one exception.

"But you HAVE been spending a lot of time with him yes? I mean whenever I've seen you both you're always around each other."

'Half the time he's been carrying you in his arms.'

Artemis meanwhile was left picking up the piece of her story. In truth Hestia was the reason for Bell being around her in the first place.

"Its merely coincidence, Hestia told him to keep an eye on me. I had little say in the matter."

She was becoming more blunt and angry with her answers hoping it would be enough to put an end to this conversation. Her embarrassment was starting to reach uncomfortable levels.

Mikoto sat quietly, not getting involved, simply listening to the back and forth.

"Yet you admit he's a joy to be around?"

"I-I never said that! W-why does this even matter any ways its not like I like him or anything!"

Her composure had gone to the wind. Her perfectly perfected story in shatters she was desperate and that's what he was waiting for.

"Forgive me, I must have been mistaken. I mean who wouldn't after seeing that happy look on your face as he carried you into the hostess last night?"

He said it. Her eyes went wide in horror. She had forgotten. Or more specifically she had been too worn out to remember. The faint memory returned to her. At the time she was having such a wonderful dream and at the end she had…

'Ohh gods please don't tell me'

"W-we I-I I-Its…"

Watching the poor girl try to give a reasonable explanation was both adorable and painful. Simply because she was doing everything to avoid the truth. Though it looked like Welf had enough teasing.

"Look It was obvious from your actions last night you like him and more than just a friend. Casually giving a kiss last night was kind of a dead give away. Knowing what we know about you, that was a surprise."

Artemis wasn't sure what to say. She was still coming to terms with what she did.

'It wasn't a dream! Ohh gods how could I have been so careless!'

With nowhere left to run she would have to admit it, their logic was spotless. Aphrodite was right. She couldn't hide the fact much longer.

"Y-yes your right I have started t-to… To develop…. Feelings… For him."

'Finally she admits it. Well that gives her enough reason to feel jealous, even if she doesn't realise it… Still figures the virgin goddess how never loved realises she's in love while Bell can't even get a hint.'

"I'm sorry but, when we saw you last night compared to this morning we knew something had happened. Though it wasn't till Lili deduced it had something to do with Bell that things started to click…"

She looked down, her anger and jealousy got the better of her. To anyone else it probably looked like she was annoyed about something.

"I suppose it won't hurt to tell you all… B-but promise me you won't say anything?"

The two nodded and allowed her to tell her side of the story.

"T-thank you… The truth is I've been unsure of my relationship with Bell… At first it was admiration, but as I got to know him, I don't know something inside me seemed to awaken and before I knew it I wanted to be around him all the time…"

"I-I ran into an old acquaintance the other day… S-she saw us and decided to question me just like you two… Though she was a little more forward. She got her point across. The moment she tried to get close to him. I-I got angry and before I knew it I…"

She paused, to them this probably seemed like some random blabbering. But to her she was coming to terms with what happened.

"She knew what she was doing, and pointed out the one thing I had worried about since I started to get closer to him… I was starting to fall for him."

"Of course it was right, I didn't know how to respond at the time, but I couldn't deny the fact. It's funny really I've been a mortal for two weeks now and in my entire existence I never wanted to know love. I never thought about it more than a heinous act. So when I started having these feelings I didn't know what to do…"

Her faint smile faded as she leaned onto the table. Her hands the only thing holding her head up.

"Figures I fell for someone that already has eyes for another…"

'Soo she knows about his crush on Aiz… Still with how they were yesterday one would be hard pressed to find a reason for the scene this morning…'

"Can't blame him like so many others, the sword princess has an aura around her. She attracts men as much as she attracts danger. Artemis, do you know the situation between them?"

His question was a genuine one. He knew what happened and why Bell ended up falling for her but he also knew it wasn't the be all and end all. The very exception was sitting before them. He just need to get that over to her.

"A little, though I seem to ignore anything involving her, I'm sure she is a nice person but I just can't look at her knowing he loves her."

He nodded but still decided to tell it anyway.

"Perhaps you should. You see up until a few months ago Bell was by all accounts a fool playing adventurer. It's hard to believe but you don't get a reputation like that for no reason. I remember him telling me the hard time he had and situation he found himself in."

He took a sip of water and continued.

"One day he was attacked by a Minotaur. For a level 1 newbie that might have well been a death scentence. But he didn't die, he was saved by Aiz Wallenstein, the sword princess. From that moment he swore to become stronger so he could stand by her side."

Artemis and Mikoto both had the same reaction. However they were for different reasons. Mikoto was amazed there was a time when Bell was just some random kid trying too hard. She heard rumours about a boy like that but never believed it was him. Meanwhile Artemis was starting to understand why Bell saw her in such a shining light.

"I see… I suppose it makes sense I felt totally different about him when he saved me. I suppose were the same in that way."

Welf nodded though he wasn't finished.

"What you might not know is the rocky nature of his admiration. While one might mistake it for love, others will see it as a dream one he clings to so he can get stronger. Loki would never allow her prized girl to fall in love, the same with Hestia and Bell. It's that wall which makes them want to get closer."

'Trying so hard to get what you can't have. That mentality can affect people in odd ways.'

"Perhaps something is there, we may never know, but I know Bell. When he reaches his goal and he will. The thing he thought he wanted for so long might turn out to be something else. Hmm as someone that's aiming for the impossible I know what it's like to do something for the one you love."

Mikoto also nodded though it wasn't entirely the same for her. Her feelings for her god had always motivated her moving forward. Even now she wants to get stronger so she can one day return to him.

"But you say your situations are similar but you contradict Bell's while reinforcing your own? I may be new to all this but surely that contradiction applies to you too."

He shook his head in response.

"No, the difference is the very nature of what he wants. I said I do what I do for the one I love, a way to express my love for her while improving myself. The problem with Bell is his goal is to be stronger and his reason and means is for Aiz. His goal and his wants are separate and thus once one is complete the other would be useless."

Artemis had to think about it but couldn't get the reasoning.

"Please explain further?"

He sighed there was nothing to explain. The fact was his goal was something that was constantly changing. Nothing was set in stone. Damn he made this more complicated then he needed.

"Okay bad example… Look in all seriousness, if you're worried about Bell never loving you or accepting you feelings don't. Bell isn't that kind of person, even if nothing was there he'd accept that you have feelings for him. He might not return them but he would never deny them."

She looked up from her semi depressed state a glimpse of hope in her eyes. Though the idea was easier said than done and it was brief.

"All the more reasons not to try… Perhaps I should give up now and save myself the heartbreak. I should just lock my heart, I've done it for my entire existence what's one lifetime."

Welf could rip out his hair in frustration. No wonder Hestia was surprised she fell in love, the girl was stubborn even more then most people and gods he knew. If he knew she never fell in love with Bell he wouldn't be bothering. But they did and it was hard to see him with anyone else.

"If you believe that perhaps you don't deserve love!"

His words hit hard. Hell something about them rang true. She didn't want to be loved for so long, why should she expect it now.

"Maybe I don't…"

Mikoto looked at Welf, but he ignored her, so she decided to comfort her hoping to salvage whatever there was.

"Hey it's okay things aren't so black and white…"

"Mikoto don't, she said it best, she doesn't know what she wants."

'Welf why have you decided to swap your stance so quickly? I thought you wanted to help her not make things worse.'

Welf just let out a heavy sigh.

'This is why I agreed not to get involved."

"I'm sorry, that was rude of me. It's just... I want you to understand nothing is always so simple. You're new to these feelings, yes?"

She nodded though it was very sluggish.

"Okay let me just say one thing. Out of everyone I know you're the first that has had such an effect on him…"

"Effect?"

He nodded.

"Where do I begin. When you were kidnapped and Bell saved you. I noticed him by chance hell if I hadn't called out when I did he would have just ignored me. That's how focused he was on finding you."

Artemis shook her head.

"Hestia told him to protect me, he was only following her orders!"

Welf wanted to laugh at her, knowing Bell that was the last thing on his mind.

"Let me finish, what was surprising wasn't his reasoning, it was his actions. You said it yourself, he's a kind and caring person, he doesn't pick fights and tries to avoid them at all cost. Yet the look in his eye, the anger in his voice. I've never seen that in my entire time of knowing him and I doubt Hestia has ever. He was worried to death about you and when we finally did he seemed so relieved, yet he never stopped worrying about you."

'Bell… No! It's just natural of him to be worried that's the kind of person he is.'

Welf could see she was still unconvinced.

"What about last night? Normally Bell would have sat and chatted with the rest of us especially if it concerned the Familia. When you kissed his cheek he seemed genuinely happy and just seemed to ignore us."

She blushed the very thought about them seeing that was embarrassing. But it did get her thinking. The times they were alone, when she felt her heart melt it was hard to deny a connection. But something told her it was just something in the moment and it meant nothing.

"He could have been going along with it…"

"Really does that sound like Bell to you?"

"No but…"

'Ugh guess I've got no choice. Time to use the trump card!'

"Look you weren't there this morning, when Bell came downstairs he looked like he hadn't gotten a wink of sleep. But he just seemed to be looking for someone. He ever blanked Aiz who was sitting like a few feet away from him. The only person that wasn't there was you, and he was going to head back upstairs no doubt to find you."

She sat up and seemed genuinely surprised.

"H-he did?"

Both he and Mikoto nodded. The later of which decided to speak for the first time.

"Yeah, I didn't understand it at first but it makes sense. If it wasn't for Hestia stopping him I'm certain he would have gone up to find you."

'W-why didn't Hestia tell me… I know she said he needed to focus on training but…'

"Look it's none of our business but what happened last night?"

Artemis wondered if there was much point telling them, though she had already explained everything else so it seemed petty not to.

"It… It was a stupid argument…"

"Argument?"

She nodded.

"Yes, you see I ended up falling asleep in his room and."

"Wait wait wait, why were you sleeping in his room?"

Mikoto blurted out the idea, it seemed so foreign meanwhile, Welf was smiling internally.

'Bell you lucky git. Though I'm glad Lili isn't here if she knew this we'd have a small war on our hands.'

Artemis meanwhile was blushing furiously. Besides Hestia nobody else knew about her little habit. Just saying it made it seem wrong.

"I-It was probably a simple mistake h-he was tired as well after all…"

Mikoto didn't care about the reasoning as more the outcome as was Welf both had the same question.

"Sooo that means he…"

She hid her face but nodded confirming her suspicions.

"You're telling me this entire time you were worried about him not having feelings and yet you're casually sleeping with him. Hestia and Lili don't even get that honour!"

'I know she mentioned that…'

"Like I said he was tired, it meant nothing. When I woke he was sitting on the chair contemplating something. When I tried to ask him if he was okay he just tried to play it off."

Welf seemed to raise an eyebrow to this. It was strange for Bell to be contemplating anything though it was still a possibility.

"Then what happened?"

"It was my fault… I just wanted to help him but he just seemed so reluctant to open up. Before I realised I was shouting, and he just wanted to think. In my anger I couldn't see that and he shouted. I was so shocked and confused. I hit him and ran out…"

Welf looked in disbelief.

"Okay.. Let me get this straight, Your telling me Bell was what confused about something? You tried to find out what and it got into a heated conversation. You shouted, he shouted you hit him and that was it?"

She looked to her feet ashamed but nodded as confirmation waiting for a long telling off.

Welf still looked in disbelief.

'What the hell caused Bell to get angry? He doesn't have it in him to argue he just takes it? I'm going to have to ask him and if he doesn't tell me I'll make him!'

"It's getting late… We'll finish this up when we get back to the hostess. Come on."

---

When they got back they were greeted by Luna who was relaxing at the bar. She waved them over to her pointing to some spare seats. With little where else to sit they happily went over.

"Hello Luna, how was your day?"

She thought about it but just shrugged in response. Smiling as she to a sip of her drink.

"It was okay, not a lot happened though I can say I'm officially a member now."

They all lit up at the news.

"That's great, ohh before I forget has Lili returned and where is the goddess?"

"Lili is upstairs changing she said she'll be down in a minute, as for the goddess she was called to some sort of meeting. I didn't get the details but it seemed important."

Mikoto and Welf looked at each other. Both knew it could only mean one thing.

"No doubt it's to do with the wargame. They are probably agreeing on the finer details. We probably only have a few days left."

This shouldn't have come as a surprise to anyone. The fact they joined was in case things went bad fast. Now it was actually happening nobody knew what to think. Welf decided to break the silence.

"All we can do now is hope for the best. With any luck we won't some stupidly impossible situation."

They all nodded in agreement. Though there was a few things they need to do before it starts. The big one being the rift that need to be healed between Bell and Artemis. Which wasn't so difficult if they knew the full story.

He walked over to Mikoto and whispered something into her ear.

"When Bell gets back I'm going to have a talk with him. Keep Artemis busy till I finish."

She was a little confused.

"Okay… But what are you planning?"

"If I know Bell and I do he'll be eating himself over this. I want to find out what's bothering him so much."

She nodded and went to sit next to Luna, Artemis had already taken a seat as well. They began talking about their days when Artemis realised her and Luna hadn't been introduced yet. By the time greetings were over Lili had finally arrived. Her face didn't seem to pleased as she glared at them all.

"Lili's not even going to ask were you've all been. What part of I'll be done in an hour don't you understand?"

Welf rubbed the back of his head unsure about what to say. Though she didn't seem to care with an explanation walking past him and taking a seat next to Artemis. So long as they didn't mention the topic of Bell things should remain civil. Though as the night went on he wondered where the hell Bell was in the first place.

Only Luna had some idea of where he was. Thinking back on the events before she returned to the hostess.

*Flashback*

She had been watching him train for a short while though after being knocked down by the Amazon. Things seemed to die down. What looked to be a small argument kicked off between the two girls and for whatever reason he left soon after. She decided to follow him. She had nothing better to do and hoped to finally speak to him. After an hour of walking about he finally stopped at a bench. He looked to be murmuring to himself though that didn't stop her from approaching him.

"Long time no see Bell."

Bell looked up to see a familiar-looking girl. Though at first, he couldn't quite pinpoint where he had seen her. Her appearance was certainly one he had seen recently but the name eluded him.

"Ohh Hello Ummm… Sorry I've forgotten your name?"

She didn't seem to take offence instead, cheerfully accepting it.

"It's okay we have only spoken once. It's Luna, by the way, we met in the market."

It hit him quickly who she was remembering their brief exchange when he accidentally bumped into her while watching Artemis. While it was a brief exchange he did remember promising to meet her again.

"Ohh forgive me, I've had a lot on my plate recently. A lot on my mind and such. How have you been did you find what you were looking for in Orario?"

"Yes I did and I'm not surprised your stressed what with the wargame and all. Do you mind if I sit with you?"

He looked to his side and nodded, moving over to make so she could sit down. She didn't waste time taking a seat and relaxing. Her feet aching from all the walking he made her do.

"Ahhh that's nice. So tell me what's on your mind?"

"Huh?"

Bell turned his head to see her staring at him waiting for him to say something but he wasn't sure why she was asking him.

"Ohhh its ugh nothing, just some personal issues…"

Luna shook her head in response not happy with his answer.

"Come now, you can trust me, besides you helped me a little so its the least I can do. Trust me sometimes it's good to let your problems out."

'I barely know her…. Though if my memory is correct she did say she wasn't from Orario. I guess it's not the worst person to talk to in the world she'll probably just forget it afterwards anyways.'

With a defeated sigh he leaned forward with his hands clamped together.

"Ughh where to begin? I suppose to start with this whole wargame business has left me on edge. I have so much I want to protect and the thought of losing just worries me…"

"..."

"I mean I'm sure the same could be said for everyone in your situation. I know I would, All you can really do is believe in yourself and the others with you. In my opinion if the rumours I've heard about you are true I'm sure you'll be fine."

Her response came almost instantly but it was spot on, he had been so worried about losing he hadn't put much faith in himself or the others. He nodded in agreement.

"I suppose your right… Guess I was just being down about the whole thing."

She flicked her hand in response.

"If that was all that was bothering you then you wouldn't be in such a down mood. Something is bothering you and its not to do with the wargame?"

Bell nodded though he was still reluctant to say what it was. Mainly because he didn't fully understand it himself. He hummed and hared about it for a moment.

"Perhaps an outside view might give me a different view…"

"Ughh It's… It's to do with a girl. Or to be specific two girls."

Luna laid back her hands behind her head as she kicked her feet back and forth.

"Ohh boy don't tell me. Conflict of interest? No? Sister troubles? No that's not it…. Hmm? I'll say conflict of the heart?"

"Ughh yeah how did you k…"

She cut in.

"Know? I'm a girl. I know these things… Besides I have a good idea who one of them is. Blue hair, a friend of a friend. Made you drool once or twice?"

She burst out laughing when she saw his face when she said the last one.

"Ha-ha I'm sorry just trying to lighten the mood. But I am right aren't I?"

He sighed and nodded.

"Y-yeah, it's hard to explain…"

"..."

"Take your time, I'm here to listen."

He thanked her and thought for a moment thinking the best way to explain it. But the more he tried the more confused he got. In the end he decided to take a different approach to it.

"This is a little embarrassing but… I suppose I don't know how to feel about them. Like I thought I liked one of them but now I feel different whenever I'm around her."

Luna nodded.

"And the other?"

"I… W-we have been getting a lot closer recently… But I promised I wasn't going to get close to her and given her circumstances it would be difficult. Now however that's well I can't deny it any more…"

She nodded and thought for a moment, She already knew about his little problem from watching him.

'The first has got to be the sword Princess. Aiz Wallenstein. Figures he'd have feelings for her. Half the men in this city do. That leaves the second one to be Artemis. Yeah a little hard to believe he wouldn't have some feelings for her. I still can't get that lovey dovey camping trip out my head!'

"Well first off you are a scumbag."

"HUH!"

She shook her head before flicking her wrist.

"I was joking, in all seriousness you overthinking this in my opinion."

She pushed herself of the bench and stood in front of him. Her hands crossed as she looked down at the confused man.

"Ugh this is the problem with men, they don't even get their own feelings! I can stand here and call you an idiot or a fool but that's not going to help you is it? All I'll ask is why did you fall for them?"

"I-I guess I developed feelings for the first through admiration, she saved my life and I wanted to become strong to stand by her side."

"Okay and the second?"

He thought. The fact he had been asking himself this question all day and still didn't have an answer didn't help.

"I don't know. When I first met her I wanted to protect her, I didn't know why I just did. Even before my goddess asked me. But as I got to know her we got closer and I just started to get these feelings…"

She smiled understanding him and his trouble a bit better.

"Okay I think I can help. Only because I went through something similar though this only helps with one the other is for you to figure out."

He was surprised at her so he listened closely to what she had to say.

"When I was younger I was saved by a man, I was eternally grateful and wanted to help him in any way I could. After following him for a month or so I began to hold deeper feelings for him. At the time I was young and naive so I hid my feelings."

She raised her hand to her eyes quickly, it was obvious to Bell this was an emotional memory for her.

"After a while, he started to change and well my perception of him did too. The man that saved me that day wasn't the man I know now. My feelings for him had all but died but I never stopped thanking him for saving me."

She wiped her tears away shaking her head and taking a deep breath. She started to laugh Bell assumed she did it to calm her emotions.

"He-he I guess it still hurts after all this time. What I'm trying to say is don't always dwell on past emotions. When the spark starts to fades its hard to get it back. If your unsure about your feelings ask yourself this."

"If you want to stand beside them or help them. Your feelings are admiration and while slowly fading… If you feel you can't live without them and want to protect them at all cost no matter the risk to yourself that is a love worth holding onto."

Bell dwelled on her words.

"You've given me a lot to think about… Maybe I'll finally find the answer for myself. Thank you, Luna"

She smiled.

"Your welcome Bell, Well if you excuse me I'm going to head off. Though I must ask what you're planning to do now?"

He shrugged.

"I'm gonna take sometimes to think things over though I think I owe my Familia an explanation… Especially her…"

"Well I wish you luck Bell and I hope you find the answer to you dilemma though in my opinion its kind of obvious."

She said the last part as she ran of down the street. To him she disappeared as quickly as she came.

*flashback end*

'It's been a few hours since then… Though I suppose for him it is a lot to think about.'

As she thought that, she noticed the familiar white hair out the corner of her eye. Deciding not to make herself known she headed upstairs telling the rest she was going for a quick wash.

Bell meanwhile entered the Hostess and instantly spied the rest of his Familia. They hadn't noticed him right away so he made his way over to them slowly. He happened to spy Artemis talking with Lili. He stopped instantly and thought about what to do. He had spent the last couple hours coming up with a way to apologize to her. It dawned on him that he wasn't emotionally prepared for it.

'What am I going to say, how the hell do I even go about it? It would be too embarrassing to say it out loud… But then what else ask her to go somewhere private she may just ignore me! I could wait till she heads up but that could take hours! URGHHH WHY IS IT SO HARD TO TALK TO HER!'

Luckily for him the first person to notice him was Welf and thankfully he wasn't going to announce his presence. He quickly looked over to Mikoto and nodded letting her know Bell was there. She quickly grabbed Artemis attention giving Welf a moment to grab Bell. He made his way over to him though before the man could speak he covered his mouth.

"No talking, come on we're gonna have a little chat."

He put his arm round his shoulder and walked him towards the stairs. Bell was left confused and unable to speak, his eyes watched as the blue hair faded into the distance. He then found Welf pushing him up the stairs and into his room. Which he promptly slammed the door shut.

"Right take a seat."

Welf pointed to the floor and promptly sat on the floor, making himself comfortable. He waited a minute before pointing again making sure he got the point. Not even sure what was going on he reluctantly sat.

"Soo ugh what's going on Welf?"

Welf crossed his arms and legs his face somewhat stern giving bell an uneasy aura.

"What's going on between you and Artemis?"

Bell was about to open his mouth to say something but he stopped when he realised what the question was asking. He was left hanging mouth open as he tried to comprehend it.

"U-ughh what?!"

Welf didn't budge of his stern look.

"You heard me come on something's going on between you two. Come on you can't hide it from me."

"N-nothing I don't understand why your even asking this ques…"

Welf slammed his hand on the floor causing bell to stop talking.

"Don't give me that. How could you develop feelings for a girl and not even tell your best friend!"

"HUH?"

Bell was left even more confused as the red haired blacksmiths expression changed from one of sternness to shame.

"Come on you can tell me? Admit it you like her?"

"I mean of course I like her she's friendly and…"

Welf slammed his hand to the floor again.

"Not like that, seriously you have the nerve to carry a girl back get a kiss and deny there's nothing going on? Just who the hell do you think I am!"

Bell was past the point of confusion he was starting to wonder if this was actually Welf.

"Welf ugh are you okay? You seem a little weird."

Both went quiet as Welf remained silent.

'Maybe I went a little over board…'

"Ughh sorry…"

He calmed down and relaxed a little, Bell sighed with relief but it only lasted a few moments as Welf returned to the question at hand.

"So ugh yeah you and Artemis what's going on and before you ask I mean are you two a well thing?"

Hearing his friend ask such a thing was embarrassing, what was more embarrassing was how the hell does he go about replying to it?

"N-no, we're just close is all."

"Close as in friendly close or…"

He swallowed hard, not sure himself.

"I… I don't know.."

Welf leaned in.

"So you're not denying there's something there?"

Bell wanted to jump out the window rather then have this conversation with Welf. It wasn't that he didn't trust him. Hell he was going to have this conversation originally but he wasn't sure right now was the best time.

"W-we're not on speaking terms at the moment…"

"Is there a reason for that?"

Welf decided to get straight to the point, leaving to long and Bell would come up with a way out of it, at least this way he could get an honest response.

"I-I got into an argument with her. I had a lot on my mind and well… I couldn't think straight, I got angry and I regret what I said. But I'm more annoyed at myself for making her cry…"

'So it's just like she said and they both think they are responsible. Well at least none of them have any bad feelings. Doubt Bell could ever hold a grudge.'

"So that's why you were acting so strangely this morning, well if you feel so bad about it why don't you go apologize? She's downstairs right now come on we'll go now."

Bell nearly jumped through the wall as he went to block the door.

"NO… It's not that easy, I don't even know what I'm going to say!"

Welf laughed loudly at his friends reaction and response.

"Haha Okay, I know what will help, come on out the way, I'll go get us something to drink and we'll discuss it."

"D-Drink?"

"Yeah if your worried nothing like a little liquid courage to loosen you up. Come on even if you don't want a drink I do. Come on sit down I'll be back in a second."

He just did as he was asked moving back over to the middle of the floor watching the door close.

Welf headed down stairs with a big smile on his face as he went over to Mikoto, Artemis and Lili. He was careful to make sure Lili and Artemis were listening as he handed Mikoto the key to his room.

"Room four left side."

He then turned to Lili to distract her long enough for Mikoto to get Artemis upstairs.

"I guess I owe you a drink for leaving you out of the evening's festivities go on you can have whatever you want."

"What do you mean festivities! What did you leave Lili out of this time!"

With Lili arguing with Welf Mikoto turned to Artemis.

"I hate to ask but can you help me with something. Its kind of embarrassing to say aloud."

Artemis nodded and followed the girl upstairs. As they reached the door Mikoto stopped and waited for her to close the distance.

"Soo what's the problem?"

She laughed nervously.

"Ugh you'll see when you get inside. I ugh hope you don't mind but my room is kind of a mess."

Artemis shook her head, as she walked into the room,

"I'm certain its not that bad… Wait!"

She stopped in her tracks as she came face to face with the familiar white hair she so loved to play with it and the face that was looking just as confused as she was. Before she could even ask Mikoto what was going on the door closed and the lock clicked into place.

"Huh Mikoto, what's going on!"

She turned around so quickly that she almost tripped over herself as she tried to open the door. When she was unable to she could have dropped to the floor. However, a voice called out to them.

"Sorry Artemis… It was Welf's idea, Bell he says good luck? Ohh one more thing… The doors are not going to be open till morning… Have a nice night."

"Wait I…!"

There was no response. She was locked in a room with the one person she had hoped to avoid out of sheer embarrassment. As the silence set in the fact remained they were gonna have to talk to one another at some point the question was when? Both were embarrassed and worried what the other might say but the one thing they both knew was its going to be a long night.

---

Authors notes

Well, here we are again another chapter another chunk of the plot. Kind of. In all serious though besides the beginning of the next chapter we'll be having a time skip and heading straight into the wargame. Now some people are gonna say why this choice and the answer is... Well, I don't want to be writing another 13 chapters on this arc. I have a lot more stuff ive got to cover and want to get to. In that vein, I tried to give everyone set up before the time skip and the result will be part of the beginning. The wargame chapters as well will be fairly long and yes there are multiple. I ask you to trust me and keep an open mind.

Now, this is my longest chapter so far and probably isn't going to remain like that for long. Like I said I tried to cover a few different areas and just couldn't fit everything in without getting confusing so I split it up. If you have any questions I ask you to wait till next chapter if that doesn't answer them then feel free to question me all you want.

Comment time!

Pix25- Well thats all I can ask for.

Ashkar-No in my defence this was the first time I pulled this shit... I think. Most of the dream scenes in this story are to reflect the mindset of the characters at the time. This is after all a slow story and the relationship is a slow one. Though in regards to "real" development you'll be glad to hear that that will be coming soon. and no I don't mean next chapter but soon. As for my writing style can't help that im a tease. Maybe I will write a game of thrones fic one day if I ever finish this one first.

Cookie-4IS Well it may not be this chapter but the "make up" session is in sight... Or is it... Nah it is unfortunately as people have pointed out I'm too soft. Besides if you think Bell can hold a grudge with one of his friends for more then a day then they don't know Bell. Haha anyways thanks for commenting.

Buggs-More Jeaslous Aiz coming up!

Minilobster- Many of the things I set up are long terms of when I used them. Some are closer then you may think while others are further into the future. I've kept note about everything I set up so don't worry nothing has been dropped and if any is I'll make it clear. And hey you wanna Ship Luna x Bell you do that but remember this isn't a Harem though I'm not saying nothing will happen nor am I saying something will.

Random guest- Good I'm glad you're enjoying it.

Thanks to Web for editing and his suggestions... Even if I don't use them, haha, But I do appreciate his help.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter as always any questions do feel free to PM or Join the discord... the more the merrier I'm always in there for a chat. As always leave a comment on what you liked. Hated or otherwise other. Link to Discord at the end.

I hope you're all staying safe in these next few months and look forward to the next chapter. Have a nice day or evening and take care.

Discord Link- /TH3gFGjmTz