Greetings reader to those reading this I'll say it once more stop reading if you don't want to be spoiled by the ending of the arrow of Orion if you have or just don't care then please enjoy.

This story follows the events after the defeat of Antares and our heroes have saved the world from a terrible fate but at what cost. Follow Bell as he learns to deal with loss and comes to understand the strange feelings towards a certain goddess. Mainly BellxArtemis hints of Bellxhestia and BellxAis.

This is my first Danmachi fanfic so comment and feedback will be much appreciated.

Its been ten days since they returned from the ruin of Elsus. Ten days since they defeated Antares. Ten days since bell killed Artemis. It was a terrible situation and a lot of them felt that Bell had taken it harder then they had expected. A few of them hoped by trying to cheer him up he would open up and talk with them about it. Instead, he sat alone in silence hardly eating and avoiding any human interaction. They'd be arriving back in Orario in about a day or so, not knowing what awaited them upon their return both Hestia and Hermes came to the agreement that something had to be done.

"I knew this would happen Hermes and now look we've broken him"

Hestia and Hermes sat around an open fire staring into the flames reflecting on the events that had taken place over a week prior. Hermes continued to stare into the flames in silence not knowing what to say or do. For once he didn't have the answers to the questions or any way out of his current predicament.

"Please Hestia calm yourself remember we agreed to sort this out before we returned and yet were a day from Orario and were still in the same predicament.

He got to his feet, making his way to one of the trees beside her and settled against it. He knew if things turned bad he'd have to make a quick exit but this wasn't one of those times.

"We all knew this would happen, Hestia, it was the only way to save her from a much worse fate."

"But was it".

His head fell to his feet expecting the cold glare of Hestia to head his way but it didn't. Rather she sat in silence while tears started to form around her eyes and drip to the ground. Hermes knew she was in pain the loss of her closest friend would do that to anyone even the gods. He was never good at comforting people in times of grief but he did what he could.

"Please, Hestia understand there was no time I did everything in my power to find the best solution I couldn't predict that it would break the child in half."

Hestia knew what had to be done but she didn't understand why the one she treasured most had to be pushed into the situation to have his hole dream his ideology smashed because of it.

"Why-why bell why did it have to be him".

She looked to him her eyes watering no stop she couldn't hold it any longer.

"I never asked for it to be him the arrow chose him. I only played my role in this story and he played his you can't alter fate Hestia we maybe gods but even we have our limitations.

Hestia's face grew even angrier by the second she couldn't care less about fate or destiny she only knew one thing at this point.

"In on day I lost my best friend, the one person I treasure is broken and I'm supposed to carry on as if nothing happened".

"Hestia please don't take it the wrong wa..."

Hestia grabbed Hermes by his collar and slammed him against a tree.

"SHUT UP HERMES I DON'T CARE FOR YOUR EXCUSES. AS FAR AS IM CONCERNED YOUR AS MUCH TO BLAME AS ANYONE ELSE. YOU PUSHED THE TWO OF THEM CLOSER THEN IT NEEDED TO HAVE GONE. THE ONLY REASON BELL IS LIKE THIS NOW IS CAUSE YOU PUSHED HIM TO FAR!

Hermes knew the situation would only get worse the longer it went on and he knew a large part of the blame was on his shoulders. He knew that he pushed Bell and Artemis closer but what choice did he have there was no other way. Could it have been that they became to close did a deeper connection between the two really take place or was it just a coincidence?

"Hestia your right it the fault is with me and with me alone I pushed Cranel to far and I will work to fix this".

Hestia dropped him to the floor and walked away there was no emotion on her face.

"Do what you want Hermes but be warned do anything that ruins him further and you shall regret it till the very end".

Meanwhile, on the other side of camp, Bell Cranel laid on a bed of grass staring up at the moon taking in the sight and listening to the sounds. Honestly, it calmed him if only for a breath time however as if an ever sour reminder he'd picture her face and it brought him back to hell.

"Why me. Why me of all people. Why did you have to choose me?"

He slammed his fist to the ground in anger. Every moment he tried to forget and move on she would always come back to him. The image of her smiling face was like daggers being thrust into his heart. He missed her, he missed seeing her smiling face, he missed her touch. He brought his hand to his face touched his cheek remembering there last moment together. It brought tears but also a smile to his face. However the realisation that someone was approaching made him instantly return to his previous sad expression.

Hermes soon came into focus and Bell gave him a quick glance before returning to looking at the moon. Hermes took it as a go ahead but don't expect a reply. He sat slightly beside him keeping his distance but making sure he knew he was there.

"Bell its Hermes. I know it's a tough time for you but we need to talk".

Bell remained silent and made no attempt to show interest in the gods' conversations.

"I just want to say I'm sorry, I know I should have said this earlier but I didn't expect it to have had this much of an effect on you".

Hermes attempted to place a hand on the young adventures shoulder only for Bell to turn to his side his back facing the god. Knowing it wasn't a good idea to make another attempt he returned his hand to his side. He didn't want to say the next part but the silence didn't help the situation.

"I'm sorry I pushed you closer to Artemis I should have stopped it when I knew it got to far but I didn't and I feel responsible for the outcome i...

Bell finally turned to face the god his face was painted with grief and sadness a sight that shocked Hermes. He'd seen the faces of many adventures and many had the same look but he never once cared for the feelings but this time was different. He was partly responsible for this outcome and felt responsible for his actions.

"Lord Hermes please don't apologize I don't blame you for getting involved I don't blame anyone one for what happened I just blame myself for being weak...

His Answer shocked him. No, it was the answer he expected him to say. Asfi warned him that he'd take it personally. That he'd place all the blame on his own shoulders and lack of strength.

"Bell don't think like that. You weren't weak you did everything you could and saved Artemis from a much worse fate.

"BUT SHE ISNT HERE IS SHE, SHES NOT WITH US, SHES NOT WITH ME!".

Bell's emotions finally exploded and he couldn't care less. He didn't care that he was speaking with a God all he cared was someone he cared about someone he wanted to protect had died and it was by his hands.

"What do you know lord Hermes. Did you hold the spear, did you have to throw it, did you have to kill the one you promised to protect?"

The words dug deep into the god's mind he didn't have a response to give the boy it's true he just stood and watched the event playout but what over option did they was there even another option the could have chosen. Even if there was they had run out of time he had to be done. His mind was racing with questions and they all had the same answer. But it still didn't sit right with him.

"What was she to you Bell? Help me understand your pain let me help you move forward."

"It doesn't matter anymore".

"You know that's not the truth".

Hermes just wanted him to open up but he knew that he wasn't the one to get those answers. He stood up and pulled his hat down to cover his face before he made his way back to the camp. Bell, on the other hand, placed his hands against his heart. Confused.

"It's getting late and we've got a long ride tomorrow I suggest you get some sleep don't want Hestia moaning all the way back".

Bell didn't reply but it did leave a question in his head and a bit of regret as well. All this time he was drowning his sorrows he didn't once give a care for his goddess own well being. She knew her far longer, heck it was her best friend she just lost someone she's known for lifetimes she was probably taking it far worse then he was.

"Forgive me, Goddess".

Little did he know that Hermes was still close by paying close attention to him.

"Well I've done all I can Hestia it's up to you now"

Authors notes

A short start to a much longer story I hope you enjoyed it. I had originally planned for this to be a much longer chapter but I ended up redoing the chapter about 3 times before getting to a point were I was happy. Tbh I might end up adding some stuff before i upload the next chapter which will probably be in a few days. If you have any questions, suggestion or feedback please leave a comment or send me a message i'm looking to improve my writing and give the best story possible.