Keeping the promise (BellxArtemis)

chapter-26

Aiz pov

"Hmm, should I head back?"

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

"I did even buy anything..."

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

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

'Not worry? Easier said than done.'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Lord Hermes..."

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

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

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

"Tell me, How are you holding up?"

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