The sun soon rose over the horizon while the Loki familia were sleeping one person had found it much harder.

Ais. She couldn't help but remember the tragedy that bell had told her about it bright back painful memories. She remembered the deaths of her parents the pain she felt but it was nothing compared to what he must be going through. Having to kill someone you promised to protect and not only that but the regret of killing a goddess of heaven no one should have to carry such a burden.

She had been laying her bed, eyes open wishing she could help him but that was the problem how could she.
They were both in different families and the rivalry between their two goddesses made it that much more difficult. If Loki found out she was meeting with one of the Hestia familia she'd have an earache for the next month.

"Stills, wouldn't be the first time I've gone the goddess back." she smiled at her own words remembering when she agreed to train him in secret.

It was a risk she had taken of her own back Heck the only person besides her that knew was Lefia and she had a way of keeping her quiet.

'Hmmm well, we're all planning to head back today perhaps I could convince the others to let them travel with us.'

She pondered on her thoughts for a moment she has no doubt that Tiona would agree outright and Tione would probably have no opinion. Rivera was probably going to be the only problem but she doubts that she'd argue if she got the other two on her side.

No doubt there would be some objection from the other side as well but this might be the last time she'll see him for a while and she still had a lot she wanted to ask him.

Deciding that it was the best time to get out of bed she moved to get changed. It didn't take her long, despite the thought of not wearing her usual attire and armour she opted out. They may be close to Orario but she knew better than to think it would be a smooth journey. There may not be that many monsters, but Bandits, thugs and a verity other low lives were all but commonplace outside the walls. Best to be safe she thought.

She gave her face a quick wash and finished packing her things, despite knowing they were going to be here for a few days she didn't think to pack for a long trip which she was now thankful for. Once she was certain all her things were packed away she made her way into the main lounge.

To her surprise she was awake much earlier then she thought, A few hours earlier than planned she looked towards Bells room. She pondered on waking him or not she decided to leave him to rest. If all goes to plan she can spend the rest of the day with him. This thought made her smile, turning to the exit she decides it was best to get some fresh air.

Upon exiting the building she took the opportunity to do some stretches. Nobody was around and it was still early so she didn't mind getting it out the way.

After a few minutes of stretches, she decided to take a final walk around the town. Despite her best intentions to see the town she had been sidetracked and only really got to see a small part of it but she had some time to kill.

Setting off down the main street she soon found her way into the centre of town. Unlike last night it was completely empty besides the odd local cleaning up that was. Looking around she noticed there was a central statue. It showed a young man slaying a dragon on the base it read.

'Fate is a funny thing, to some its constant from the moment they're born to the moment they die.

To others its something that can be manipulated and controlled.

I believe everyone's fate is the same and it's the choices we make while walking its fine line that decides our future. Fate has only true certainty and that is death.

Aiz looked up at the statue seeing this unknown adventure slaying she knew full well the meaning of the words but she knew there was a fatal error in its logic. And that was the gods, Those that could manipulate fate, those that made the choice that affected everyone. Even now as they lived amongst us.

"Ironic isn't it, A statue from a time before the gods cared, were man's choices decide who they are and who they were."

Ais turned around to see a hooded figure dressed completely dressed in black. By the sound of their voice, he was a man, mid-twenties. His hight was similar to her's however something was off and it wasn't his appearance. There was something familiar about his presence like she knew it well but from were?

Ais decide to take the time to humour the strange man knowing her reputation it was probably someone about confess their undying love for her. But this situation was so off and she would find out exactly how this person was.

"You say this yet knowing something and assuming are two different things" she didn't want to get into any real long drawn out conversation on the topic of fate, she prefered to put her trust in it and it would lead her down the right path.

The man smiled at her reply putting his hands in his pockets he merely shrugged at it. "And yet in our every waking moment we hope to grab hold of our own fate and forge our own paths, that is everyone's dreams". He moved his head in the direction of the statue and rose one his pocketed hands towards the stature.

"Its the reason that statue stands there, as a reminder, that people can manipulate fate and forge their own path." He brought his hand back down to his side and placing it on his side. "Deny, accept heck even try to ignore it but fate is always a constant".

Ais cared little for the man's topic however the more he talked, the more certain she was that she heard that voice before. The locals had seemed to disappear into the streets surrounding them. The situation was a strange one but she would get to the bottom of it.

"I dont care for this stupid topic. Why dont you just tell me what you want". Ais decided that a more direct approach would speed things along.

"Ohh I merely saw what looked to be a lost woman standing before me and couldn't help but admire her beauty. His voice was slick and smooth which to Aiz meant he was another admirer.

"When I look at you my heart flutters and yet I dont know why this be soo, maybe it is fate that we should meet today". The man soon broke out into a dramatic speech his gestures were as over the top as his speech.

'Who is this clown!? Ais was growing more and more annoyed by the second at this point she had blocked out his voice but it did little to help.

"Uhhhhh I dont have time for this leave me alone. Go find someone else to bother, I'm not interested! Her voice was as cold as ice and cut deeper than any sword. Turning away she made her way back towards the Inn assuming that enough time had passed since she left.

"Please wait there something I have to ask yo... he had found his way behind her, however, this caught Aiz by surprise and as if by instinct she made gone in for a strike.

However, this person was they had tremendous speed and reflexes and had moved out the way before getting punched. However, in the act of doing so, Aiz caught a glimpse under the man's hood. Despite this fact, his face was covered by a mask, which hid his face. The only thing she had seen was his hair which looked to be a light grey colour maybe something else. She couldn't tell due to the direction he was facing was away from the light.

The more she was around him, the more she would sware shes heard his voice. However the masked muffled it in such a way that made it somewhat distorted. An enchantment perhaps. She was getting annoyed at this charade.

"Hmm if you wanted to see my face so badly, you could have asked. But I'm afraid that you'll have to wait, my dear." Without warning, he disappeared. Aiz stood back in shock. She quickly started looking around to she were he had gone. It didn't take long.

Turning around to see the figure stood atop the rooftops of the nearby houses, she made ready to give chase. However, He turned a gave a wave of his hand.

"I'm afraid I must take my leave, however, know that we will see each other again soon, that I promise." He turned and moved behind the buildings and out of sight and just like that he was gone.

Aiz was left standing, confused and unsure of what just happened. However, one thing was clear, the next time they meet she'll find out how that man was. Shaking away a thousand thoughts that were running through her head, she started to notice that a lot more people had made there way into the streets. As a sign that she should be getting back to meet the others, as they would be waking up by now.

She soon returned to Inn to find just like before everyone was still asleep.'good' she thought to herself. Turning towards Bell's room she moved towards its vicinity.

'Perhaps I could speak to him before everyone else wakes up' She soon found herself at the base of the door, She knocked three times. No reply. She knocked another three times. Still no reply. With a disappointed sigh, she was about to return to her room. However, to her surprise, the door opened slightly and bells face soon popped out.

"Hmmm oh, it's you Aiz what can I do for you? Bell was still half asleep it was by luck that he was just waking up that he heard someone knocking. However, in his sleepy state, he could hardly reply.

"Forgive me Bell if I knew you were asleep I wouldn't have bothered". Ais turned her head slightly ashamed that she woke him up.

Bell just stood there confused 'Why is she apologizing I was getting up anyway, though I suppose she didn't know that.

"It's ok I was getting up anyway what is it you wanted? Bell was still half asleep however he could always make time for her.

She turned back to face him her face was now had a bright smile and somehow it was contagious as Bell soon returned the smile.

'Damn she's so cute when she smiles... wait what am I thinking. He looked at her face and couldn't help but smile back. He would admit that he did have a little bit of a crush on her when they first met. However with time that soon faded and he felt mostly admiration for her and soon saw her as a good friend. But part of him knew that she still had an effect on him even now.

"Well you see, I was wondering if you would like to join us on our trip back to Orario?"

It took him a moment to fully comprehend the request she made, he was confused. Why was she going out of her way to ask him to join them? He knew full well what Hestia would say to all this and he didn't want to cause any trouble between the two familias.

"Hmmm I dont want to slow you guys down and besides, I'm sure you'll want to get off as soon as possible" He made a good point however Ais wasn't going to take no for an answer.

"I doubt any of us are in a rush to leave, as for slowing us down. I'm sure Your goddess said you were travelling by horseback the same as us." She was fully prepared for any comeback or excuse he could possibly use against her. "and besides it would be safe if we travel in a larger group".

Bell stood in silence. 'Damn it how did she know that. still, I suppose she does make a good point'. Bell looked up, to see Aiz giving him a chilling stare. As if denying her request was even an option at this point.

Part of bell didn't mind having the extra company, however, the other half remembered that Hestia, wasn't too fond of Aiz or the Loki familiar in general. However, he soon caved under the pressure from Aiz. He merely nodded in defeat, knowing that this was going to be more hassle then it was worth.

'Still, it'd be nice to spend a little more time with her'. Bell smiled at his thought. He closed the door to his room and prepared for the departure. He was sure that Hestia would come searching for him. He just prayed she was in a good mood.

.....

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