"Awaken, Whisper. I require your assistance one more!"
Inside her own mind Luna felt herself falling through an endless void, while a faint voice called out to her.
"Luna?"
It was a womens voice. It was familiar to her, comforting and soothing. Yet it brought her to pain.
"Luna… it's time."
As the voice continued to speak she found herself trying to block it out more and more…
'No… leave me alone!'
She screamed her thoughts, yet her voice failed her. All the while failing to block out the other voice.
"What's wrong? Do you have a fever?"
'Please... Don't…'
She felt her heart drop she reached out her arm into the nothingness…
"Poor dear. You just stay in bed okay. We'll be back soon. I promise.."
Luna continued to reach out even though nothing but darkness stretched before her. Her tears didn't exist, yet the pain in her heart was real.
"Please don't go… Don't leave me!"
A bitter cold reached around her. Though she didn't know why. Her sadness faded. Her vision faded and she felt herself slowly floating away.
"Shush it's okay… remember the reason we survived. Why nothing else in this world matters. Remember…"
Regis let go of her head. His face was stoic and unfazed as he waited for her to awaken.
'Hmm, the transition must still be unstable. No matter it's only for a short time…'
He noticed her beginning to stir awake. Her eyes opened up revealing a purplish glow around them. Though it soon faded away.
"Arughh my head!"
She looked up to see her master standing before her arms and a smile crossed his face.
"Nice to see you again Whisper… How was your little nap?"
The girl scowled reaching round to the back of her head. With a quick pull, she felt it crack.
"Ahhh that's better."
She got to her feet and looked towards the smiling man.
"You! You Bastard! Asshole! Lying piece of shit"
Regis stood silently nodding slowly as the girl spouted her anger towards him.
"Yeah yeah get it out your system…" He said flicking his hand gesturing he didn't really care.
Rage overtook her as she spun around grabbing one of the helmets sitting on the side table.
"We had a deal! And putting me back inside that cry babies head wasn't part of it!"
With great effort, she threw the hunk of metal towards him though he barely flinched as he stepped to the side easily dodging it.
With a disappointed sigh, he turned around to pick up the helmet. He gave it a quick look over and smiled before throwing it back. As he did the helmet flew out of his hands and smashed into the wall behind her. Her body quivered in fear as she slowly turned to see it embedded in the wall.
"No offence but that temper of yours is exactly the reason I sealed you away in the first place. Secondly, I would have rather left you sulking away for all eternity...
Whisper eyed him up…
"But you can't can you? Or rather you need me as much as you need her. After all we're just two sides of the same coin. The better question is why just me? Did you two have a falling out?"
She said with a fake smile.
"No. It's like you said, I need both sides of the coin sometimes. But while most of the time it's easier to keep you both combined this case requires a more… Headstrong approach."
Whisper's smile only grew.
"What the little girl couldn't handle the pressure or something. Seriously If she wasn't a part of me I'd have killed her!"
He cracked his fist quickly grabbing her attention, she just closed her mouth and waited patiently.
"I'd rather not have to do this at all. But, given the circumstance, I don't have any other options. So… here's the deal. I'm giving you an opportunity to do what you do best and fight. Win and you'll have your freedom. Lose... well... let's just say your usefulness will have run out!"
Whisper scowled angrily at him
"That last part sounds like a threat!"
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a familiar-looking grey metal mask. With a cold smile, he threw it at her feet it clanged at her feet.
"That's because it is. Now do we have a deal or not?"
She nodded and kneeling down to retrieve her old mask. She placed it to one side as she began to run her hands through her long black purple-tinted hair. With one hand she gathered it up and pulled it back while she manoeuvred her pockets trying to find a small hair tie and wrapped it around. Once it was secured she took the mask in hand and smiled as a small hit of nostalgia washed over her.
"It's good to be awake again"
Her smile soon faded away, as she looked towards the silent man.
"You should be leaving! I need to get ready!"
She didn't wait for a response as she began removing her clothing.
Regis didn't respond, instead quickly headed straight for the door letting himself out and closing it behind him. Once he heard it click, he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Urghh that girl sure is a piece of work..."
Artemis finally returned and took her seat between Bell and Hestia who both looked at her with anticipation. Hestia most of all as she pulled her friend's arms leaning in close to whisper in her ear.
"So how did it go? Is she okay?"
The loli goddess was concerned when saw her friend pulling Luna aside. Though her concern was quelled the moment she noticed Artemis's smile and all worries faded.
"She's fine. To be honest I think she just needed to talk to someone and get her worries of her chest."
Hestia smiled.
"Good I'm glad to hear that. By the way, you did remind her she can forfeit at any time yeah?"
Artemis nodded.
"Of course."
"Good I wouldn't want her to feel forced. I'm already regretting putting her in just for her safety…"
It was at this point that Bell popped his head forward and chimed into the conversation.
"Don't worry goddess, I'm sure she'll be fine! She may not look it but she's very skilled and strong in her own way."
Welf patted him on the back.
"I can testify to that. Though she may have been cautious at first she has quickly adapted to it all. That much I can confirm. But let's not forget depending on who she's up against it might be a hard fight."
They all nodded in unison.
Artemis smiled looking down into her lap and clenching her hands together.
"All we can do is cheer her on and pray she succeeds."
The rest looked to her and smiled. Hestia most of all.
"Yeah, we'll owe her big time if she wins…"
Hestia said quietly to herself though everyone seemed to hear it clearly anyways.
Bell smile gleefully.
"Ohh we haven't had her official welcome party yet? We've been so busy I totally forgot about it!"
Hestia looked surprised as the fact also hit her.
"Ohh how could I forget that! It's a tradition.. Well, now it's a tradition at least!"
The small goddess quickly became lost in thought and Welf returned his gaze to the arena. Leaving Bell to deal with a confused Artemis.
"Wait. I don't remember any welcoming party?"
Bell rubbed his cheek as her big green eyes began staring him down.
"S-sorry I forgot…"
At this point, she had been leaning closer to him. Her cheeks puffed out to show her annoyance at him.
Though he suddenly felt a tap on his shoulder turning his attention away as he looked back to see Welf. "Don't forget about me, Lili and Mikoto we're also technically new members."
Bell was becoming cornered and unable to give a reasonable response his only option was to look to his goddess for support. Hestia smiled and quickly entered to defuse the situation.
"Okay, you've all made your point. Don't worry I haven't forgotten, just you wait it will be the biggest welcome party Orario has ever seen!"
This calmed the two and they eased off Bell. Though Hestia wasn't done, as she pulled her friend's side getting her attention. Once she did she leaned into her ear.
"By the way that doesn't include you. I believe Bell already treated you to a hunting trip… Which in my opinion is far better than a little party wouldn't you agree?"
Artemis began to blush a deep red as she felt her mouth drop open.
Hestia giggled at her friend's embarrassment.
"Relax, I'm only teasing you. What you two did in your own time is your own."
Though as she tried to sit back she felt something touching her back. At first, she thought about grabbing it but as she turned she realised she had been leaning against Bell's arm.
She thought about apologising but he hadn't spoken up about it. She took a quick peek out the corner of her eye. He didn't seem to be looking.
'I suppose it wouldn't hurt…'
She carefully moved her body back into her own seat however as she did she leaned back into him allowing her head to rest against his shoulder.
'Huh?'
Bell felt something fall onto his shoulder and he quickly turned to find out what. Seeing Artemis resting on his side made him jolt which in turn caused her to pull away.
"S-sorry"
She instantly went red as she turned away. Though Bell quickly felt bad.
"N-no its…"
He found himself unable to finish the sentence… instead choosing to focus on something else.
Hestia sighed quietly to herself.
'Ugh, those two… Sometimes I hate the fact they look so cute together.'
With a devilish smile, she knocked into her pushing her back into him.
"Ahh."
She felt her body move to one side. Her brain wasn't entirely caught up and when she realised what happened she found herself once again leaning against him. Though her first reaction was to pull back something was stopping her. It was Bell.
His arm was behind her back will his hand softly began pulling her closer. Trying his best to avoid eyesight contact. It didn't take long for her to give in as she rested her head on his shoulder. The two not saying anything instead, waiting patiently for the next fight to start.
Back at the Hostess things had started to become even more lively than before. With a win and loss for both teams, everyone was getting into it more than ever. This did however leave little time for the staff to watch like everyone else.
"Hey what fight we on?" Chloe asked while clearing one of the many tables.
One of the men faced her. "Third. Ohh and can we get another round?"
Anya perked up a little and nodded. Though it soon fades as she looked at the mountain of work still ahead of them.
"Gurr sometimes I hate this job!" Her sentiment was shared by her fellow worker however she remained quiet towards the situation.
"Anya take these to tables four and eight! Chloe clear faster were running out of plates! Ryu, you help Syr take orders!" Mia was shouting orders out to everyone and everyone followed them. However, unlike the rest, she had been secretly keeping an eye on the matches.
'Little rookie… Let's just hope he's willing to go all out.'
She dropped her head and turned to Ryu who ran over with another order which Mia quickly noted. However, she stopped the elf girl from pulling her back which was surprising. "Ryu a moment if you would?"
"Of course what is it? Did I do something wrong?"
Mia shook her head. "No, nothing like that. I'd like to know if given the circumstance had the boy asked for your help would you have given it?"
Ryu didn't even hesitate to nod, though Mia was expecting more of an explanation but made do with what she got.
"I see, well it's not like you didn't help right? You did some training with that Luna girl yes?"
Ryu looked to her side and made sure the two's conversation wasn't being listened in on.
"Yes, Bell asked me to help her on the last day. Though…"
Mia raised an eyebrow. "Though what?"
Ryu shook her head. "It's nothing… She just seemed different when she fought."
"I see what do you think of her chances?"
Ryu worryingly looked to the screen. Her face said it all, as her worried eyes looked at the faces of the Hestia Familia.
"I don't know… She didn't seem to have any combat effectiveness at all, she seemed more like a supporter than anything else…"
"Maybe it's a good thing she's up against another supporter then…"
Ryu eyes left the screen and returned to Mia.
"Perhaps… Still, I wish I could have done more to help them…"
"You did what you could Ryu. Now go on get back to it."
Ryu nodded and once again headed back to her work. Mia Began pouring for the next order and occasionally peeked at the screen.
Below the Apollo Area.
'Why did Lord Apollo chose me over some of the others? Was it to do with my level? No surely there was another reason…?'
"Cassandra!"
"HuH! She jumped before quickly standing to attention. "C-captain!"
Hyakinthos turned the corner running into just the person he was looking for. His lack of emotion kept her on edge as she stood silently.
"I don't care what lord Apollo said to you. Whatever thoughts your having drop them. I want you to lose the next match!"
The girl almost dropped her staff upon hearing his request. "W-wait what!"
His eyes glared at her.
"You heard me. Your gonna lose the match. I don't care how just stand and take the hits, play dead or hell just forfeit for all I care just lose!"
Cassandra took a step back clenching her staff in her arms and shaking her head.
"B-but why? Are these lord Apollos orders? Why on earth would he want to…"
"Quiet! Lord Apollo knows nothing about this I simply want to prove a point to him and his one-sided plan!"
Cassandra went silent and nodded. She wasn't in any position to comment. Instead she nodded and stood to the side.
"Remember keep your mouth shut about this. Mention this to anyone and you'll be sharing a bed next to Daphne and Lissos. Do I make myself clear!"
"Y-yes, sir…"
Hyakinthos growled under his breath before slowly walking away, leaving her trembling in fear.
'What should I do? I can't lose on purpose Lord Apollo would be furious, but Hyakinthos isn't one to make idle threats ever… Ohh Daphne I wish you were awake you always knew the right thing to do in these situations…'
'Maybe Lord Apollo always intended for me to lose… I mean I barely know any offensive magic…'
"Cassandra please head to the field. I repeat will Cassandra of the Apollo Familia please head for the field. Thank you."
She sunk to her knees just as her breathing became sporadic.
'Okay, calm down, calm thoughts, calm thoughts. J-just go out there and do your best. Yes, that's it just do your best.'
Even thought she tried her hardest to motivate herself her legs wouldn't stop shaking. Even as she forced them to take a single step it felt like she was going to collapse at any moment. With her staff being the only thing preventing such a fate.
The walk was long and thought provoking. With each step she tried to see if her fate would be shown to her but like always it wasn't and thus her thoughts drifted to the other fights.
'Even though Daphne won, she's still bed ridden and unconscious from her fight. Lissos lost his fight and was hurt gravely. Even lady Riveria had to step in to ease his pain. Could I end up like both of them…'
The crowds thunderous cheers pierced into her head causing her to stop thinking altogether and look up. She was standing just at the edge of the Arena. One more step and she would certainly be entering a dangerous situation.
"If I'm meant to win or lose today then so be it. I will accept my fate but I will not cower and forfeit even if it means invoking Hyakinthos's wrath!"
She took one step forward listening to the crowds and her own Familia above her.
"Everyone wish me luck."
At the same time.
"Ahh, finished. I swear this would have been easier if I hadn't been required to split it into multiple pieces." Hephaestus put down her hammer and wiped her head of any sweat. She looked over to the blue-haired girl watching closely.
"I must say it's the first time I've gotten to see a smith god's work first hand. I dare say they're fantastic!"
"Well, even I must admit I'm impressed with myself. Not often I get given a challenge but I've got to hand it to Hermes he sure does know how to provide one."
The redhead smiled as she headed over to her desk and taking a seat.
"It's not surprising of my lord Hermes he is after all one to come up with the strangest plans. Though they always seem to work out. I suppose this is just another one in its own way."
Hephaestus nodded.
"Yes. Though it still surprises me that he lets you speak so openly about him. Surely you have a better thing to say about him?"
Asfi shook her head.
"Better? No. Worse most certainly. That man is nothing more than a pervert and a nuisance. I swear I'm less of a captain and more of a babysitter!"
The goddess chuckled at the poor adventures life. Though she did see her point and took pity on her if only in thought.
"Well as I told him before they're all yours. Hopefully, I'll get to see them in action."
"Hopefully, though he's instructed me to bring them to him first. No doubt he has some strange plan for them. That or he just wants to be overdramatic about it. Sometimes he just needs to keep things simple."
The goddess nodded.
"Agreed."
She watched as Asfi pulled out a large carry case opening it and placing the items inside. With a loud click the box was sealed and she took hold of the handle. It was just as she bowed and was about to take her leave that Hephaestus said something.
"Hmmm Asfi one more thing."
She opened the draw and pulled out a small black box with her Familia's logo on it. Asfi looked at it perplexed unsure of what it was.
The redhead smiled as she stood up to hand it to her.
"I had a few shards and metal leftover from the forging so I took the liberty of making a little something for the two of them. I suggest you give it to Hestia first. I'm sure she'll know the best time to give it."
Asfi nodded and bowed once again. "I most certainly will. Though might I inquire as to what it is?"
"Ohh, I'm sure you'll find out soon enough. Now go I'm sure you don't want to miss the festivities. It's not often we get a wargame."
Asfi bowed and left the room leaving Hephaestus to her business. The smith goddess rested back in her chair looking up at the screen in front of her. She could see Hestia and the others smiling and cheering. It didn't even look like they were worried.
"Just two more wins…"
"He-he I can hear it. All these people…All these fools. I couldn't care what they think. I live for the fight and the frill of the moment."
"I hope your watching Regis. I don't care about your schemes or dreams! I'll win this and earn my freedom!"
She took a step into the stadium and the crowd roared to life as the two combatants entered the field. "I wonder how this ones going to go down!" The question was echoed by many of the people watching. They looked at them both with surveying eyes trying to gauge the two.
On the other hand Team Hestia found themselves a little shocked.
"I-Is that Luna?"
Bell asked confused to see the girl walking out so confidently.
Artemis lifted her head of his shoulder and looked down onto the field. She noticed Luna though it was strange. She was wearing a totally different outfit than before. Firstly the black cloak which was draped over her hiding her entire body. The only part they could make out was her head. Even then it was strange. She tied her hair into a ponytail and that black mask…
"She looks so… Different."
Even Hestia had to double take…
"So confident… It's like she not even the same person. Her outfit is just screaming bring it!"
Bell and Welf looked down in surprise and admiration.
"Wow. You'd never think with the way she acted, she'd stride so boldly. Guess we're gonna be in for a show."
Bell nodded at his friend's comment.
"This will be my first time seeing what she can do. I can't wait!"
Meanwhile, in the reserved section, Freya was now leaning forward, with a perplexed look on her face. She tuned to see Regis returning.
"What did you do?"
Regis merely shrugged as he took his seat.
"I have no idea what your referring to. I just went for a walk was all."
"Is that so…"
She looked back at one of her attendants who bowed before her.
"T-the members we had guarding the Hestia section have been incapacitated, my lady…"
She glares at him again and he smiles.
"They weren't really much of a challenge, admittedly that cat boy was a bit of a nuisance…"
He waved his hand.
"If you're not going to intervene when cheating is taking place then it falls to me to balance the scales."
He rested his head on his fist and scowled.
Freya smiled.
"I thought you weren't a man that cared about such things? Though I don't want you to answer that, now I'm more interested in that girl…"
Regis sighed. "Which one?"
Freya shrugged just a small smile poking through.
"Why don't we start with the one were dealing with now? She's strong I can tell that just by looking at her. Yet her soul is…"
"Split…"
"Yes.. Its not the first I've seen nor the last but… It's different somehow."
Her eyes glowed and quickly faded.
"Even her status is?"
Regis bit his lip.
"Yes Luna and whisper are for the better part two different people. Body, abilities and mind…"
"And yet they are the same."
A new person entered grabbing the two's attention. Freya most especially as her eyes and smile grew.
"Ahh, you're finally here. I take it your training with Ottar has finished?"
She asked clicking her fingers. One of the attendants nodded and left the room.
"N-no goddess. I kind of left around the end. Forgive me I didn't want to miss any more of the matches."
She giggled at his apologetic nature.
"It's not me you should be apologising to Argo…"
The boy lowered his hood. His once pure white hair was cut back and dyed a reddish-brown with only the tips remaining white. It was styled to be combed back and less spiky but still it persisted returning back to the way it was in places.
Regis scratched the back of his head.
"Wow when you said you'd deal with the appearance problem you meant it…"
Freya smiled happily at the man's comment.
"Of course, I did it personally. It was like having a doll. I even helped him choose his new outfit."
Regis looked to his former companion with a raised eyebrow. To which he got a long nod back. He smiled nodding as well. It was then however that the attendant returned carrying a wooded chair.
"Thank you now leave us."
Freya ordered and the woman bowed taking her to leave. The three all sat and waited for the match to start.
"So Whispers fighting huh? This should be a short match…"
Freya took interest in Argos observation.
"What makes you say that?"
Argo smiled.
"We'll she is a level 3 after all, she even kicked my ass on multiple occasions…"
Freya looked towards a now smiling Regis who was chuckling to himself. Though he didn't say anything merely keeping his eyes on the battlefield. Freya realising she wasn't gonna get any information out of him sat back and watched now mildly interested.
Cassandra and Whisper met in the middle of the arena. Whisper stood with her hand on her hip as she twisted her head trying to crack her neck. Her smile never faded as she stared down at the poor girl, all the while observing her shy nature.
'She reminds me of my other half… He-he, it's gonna be fun kicking the snot out of her!'
Despite the mask and it's soulless eyes, Cassandra could still feel the women's stare and it terrified her.
'Her eyes… I've never felt anything so lifeless. Even murderers have some compassion left…' She gulped taking a step back.
'This pressure. This feeling! I-I can't f-fight her… Even Hyakinthos isn't this intense this scary!'
"Are you both ready?" The referee asked looking at both of them.
Cassandra didn't say anything she could barely move her head she was just frozen with fear at the sight of the women before her. Meanwhile, Whisper could only smile as she watched the poor girl cower in fear.
"READY!"
Cassandra's eyes went wide. Her breathing became unstable rapidly breathing in and out as she hung on to her staff. Her vision started to fade as she felt her legs begin to wobble.
'Forgive me… Everyone… I-I don't want to die!'
"BEGIN!"
The referee dropped his hand. The crowd roared with cheers shouting and wowing however they suddenly fell silent. Whisper's face lit up and she took a step forward her body curved to make a quick kick. But she stopped and her face filled with disbelief as did everyone in the stands.
"W-Wait what!" Apollo shouted.
Everyone watched as Cassandra slowly fell to the floor. Her body went limp as she hit the floor bouncing off it, before remaining still. The entire Arena went silent and the referee looked to his superior for clarification.
"What the Hell! Is this some kind of joke?"
Whisper clenched her fist as she looked at the girl lying on the ground. The referee stopped the match and checked her vital signs. He raised his hand in the corner of Hestia.
"The Winner is Luna!"
Whispers eyes went wide upon hearing this her face filled with disbelief.
"No… NO NO NO! NO WAY IS THIS HAPPENING! NOT WHEN I FINALLY GET A CHANCE TO LET OF SOME STEAM!"
Apollo got to his feet slamming the side of the balcony.
"CASSANDRA YOU USELESS PIECE OF TRASH! GET UP! I DEMAND THE MATCH BE RESTARTED!"
Everyone looked to Royman who was as equally surprised as everyone else by this sudden twist of events. Though he could only sigh and shake his head.
"The match has already been called Apollo! The match had already started and the referee made his decision!"
Apollo was furious.
"NO!"
It was then Lourus came up behind him and began whispering in his ear. Apollo was furious, but his rage soon subsided as he looked over at Hyakinthos. The glance was brief, he got up and walked out Lourus following him. Hyakinthos watched them but merely smiled at himself.
'Good Cassandra. I'll be sure to keep our gods back of your back for this.'
Inside Cassandra's head
"W-What is…"
She found herself staring at a most peculiar scene.
A man and a women.
Both laughing.
Both crying.
Then it faded another scene took its place and then another and another.
Her eyes filled with every emotion as she watched the scenes unfold.
Though through it all the faint sound of shouting could be heard outside her consciousness.
Her mind seemed to search for it only when it got louder and clearer did she finally come to.
Her eyes opened to the sun shining down on her face and two officials standing over her.
"Ahh she's awake. Good we won't need the healers after all."
She was quiet as she looked over to her side.
Lord Apollo had disappeared and the rest of her Familia looked at her with disgust all except Hyakinthos, who smiled at her. She turned away from them ashamed and felt herself remembering something about her dream or vision. She looked to girl known as Whisper and tried to speak.
"Y-you?"
Whisper was watching her the entire time with a glare of annoyance though she heard her she didn't say anything just watching.
"I saw it... Darkness. A hand and a coin. The hand-spun the coin and watched, the faces spun constantly changing. Sometimes the hand would reach to stop it... but waited. As the coin slowed it fluttered, both sides fighting to stay up. In the end, one fell and then the only one remained. The hand retrieved the coin only to flick it away..."
Whisper eyes narrowed in on her, "What the hell are you talking about?!"
Cassandra went silent for a moment. She knew no one would believe her prophesies yet still she tried to explain them.
"Don't trust the hand that spins the coin… Neither side is safe…"
"Huh?!"
Though it was then that Cassandra was carried off the field and into the medical area. Whisper remained standing there. Confused and unsure of what to make of the strange girls warning. Though she felt it, the strange presence that filled her mind as it fought to take back control.
"Ugh no not now…. Stay Asleep damnit."
The pounding in her head started, like drums, she couldn't contain her other-self.
"Arghhhh!"
All the Hestia Familia jumped in celebration. Though they weren't sure as to why they were filled with joy at the win. Lili and Welf clapped each others hands and Hestia jumped up and down her breasts bouncing with every jump. Artemis was thrilled for the girl and instinctively hugged Bell who was standing next to her.
"HUH!"
He turned the moment her felt her body press against his. She was ecstatic that Luna had won listening to her muffled. "She won Hestia she did it!" Though it soon dawned onto her that it wasn't Hestia but Bell she was hugging. Her face went as red as Bell eyes which happened to be looking into her own. She quickly let go. The both of them looked away.
"S-sorry."
Both blurted out. Everyone could see this and tried not to laugh at the two's embarrassing scene. Lili just sighed and turned her head back to the field only to see Luna slowly making her way of the field. But she was paying close attention to her and her moments.
Her eyes narrowed before she disappeared. "Why did she seem so tense… She walked off almost angrily?"
Inside
"Damn it… Why Why did this have to happen!"
She slammed the door to the staging room and screamed! "ARGHHH!"
"Calm yourself Whisper!"
Her eyes went wide as she looked over to see Regis already in the room. She threw her mask of and grabbed a knife.
"You bastard don't even think of…"
He glared at her yet he remained calm and collected keeping his hands in his pockets.
"What? Sealing you again.. Ha-ha I don't have to do anything Luna is already taking care of that."
He smiled as he leaned his head onto the wall smugly grinning at her as she winced in pain.
"Arghhh w-we had a deal I won now…"
She went on one knee as she tried to bring her head to meet his, but when she did she saw he hadn't even moved an inch.
He scoffed at her.
"Yes you did however you weren't the reason for that win. Luna could have been in your place and done more. All you did was put a target on your back!"
He pushed of the wall and took a step forward glaring down at her.
"I said. You will fight and win. If you do I would release your bonds. However though you won you didn't fight there fore you didn't actually for fill your end of the bargain!"
She slammed her fist into the ground, she was still clenching the knife as she tried to get to her feet.
"YOU BASTARD! YOU LIED TO ME!"
Regis sighed. "No you were just unlucky… Maybe next time."
She was furious and filled with anger. The moment he tried to walk past her she grabbed the knife and tried to stab him. However her merely grabbed her arm and dragged her up.
"You still haven't learned! Fine if you want to fight!"
He threw her up, quickly pulling his left arm back and punching her side. She winced with pain as she felt her body be flung into the corner.
"Then stand and fight! All you have to do is hit me and I'll honour our agreement."
She got to her feet still clenching her head trying to remain conscious. Regis took a relaxed but prepared stance as he watched her eyes
"You have until Luna wakes up."
She clenched her fist and charged towards him. She threw a punch only to have it stopped by his palm, though he made no attempt to grab it. He merely stood and watched. Next came a kick, again he effortlessly blocked it with his right arm. She got furious she started to swing and kick as fast as she could grabbing knives and swords from every corner off every table. Each one as useless as the last. Regis just seemed to grab them and crush them with his bare hands. Even yawning at her useless attempts which only fuelled her anger.
"Times running out Whisper... And I'm still not impressed."
She bit her lip as he swung his arm. She just narrowly avoided it taking a step back.
"Strike, like lighting and destroy all in my wake."
Her arm started to zap with sparks until it began to surge. She swung back her arm and pushed her fist forward connecting with his chest. A roar of thunder filled the room as the area around her was forced away with the shock-wave.
"Haha how was tha!"
She felt, looked down and saw her attack had annihilated part of his shirt but there were no signs of damage to his body. Her eyes went wide with fear as she looked up and saw his disappointed and lifeless eyes.
"I take it that's all you got… Very well. I suppose you've earned a portion of my attention…"
He grabbed her arm clenching down on it. She struggled in vein to get out of his grip. He closed his eyes and began to chant.
"Ohh gods of old, hear my prayer. Let the winds of fate carry my dream. May they guide me to my goal and protect me on my quest. Formless and free, invisible blades that destroy with time!"
He let go of her and she barely had time to react.
As his eyes opened.
"Killer winds."
His body became surrounded by an extremely heavy and ferocious wind which began pushing back everything around him. Even Whisper felt herself getting pushed back as she tried to keep herself, though she watched in horror as he raised his arm.
"Sleep now Whisper"
Her eyes went wide, the winds became visible and in an instant they pushed out everything nearby seemed to disintegrate and before she knew it her body hit the wall blood pouring out of her as she became indented constantly getting pushed back more and more. Her body became filled with cuts as the winds slashed her skin.
Regis sighed and the winds disappeared.
He watched her body fall forward and flat onto the floor.
"Guess you failed after all… Huh Whisper. I suggest next time you do as I say and get stronger!"
He looked around the now destroyed room.
'Guess I did go a little overboard there…' He sighed and raised his right hand out.
"Life and death are but cycles, constantly spinning never stopping never fading."
A small cloak appeared in his hand.
"Life is just moment in our existence and that of the world."
The room glowed a palish blue and he sighed.
"Let this moment be forgotten."
The cloak above his hands stopped and the hand slowly turned back and as it did, so did the room. Slowly the dust and rubbled reformed itself, slowly returning to the way it once was. Once he was satisfied that it was all okay he turned to his opponent who was still bleeding out on the floor.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small potion, pouring it over her. He wounds instantly began to close and the blood slowly disappeared into nothing.
"Awaken Luna."
The girl began to breath as her eyes widened.
Regis smiled and headed for the door.
"You did well I'm proud of you."
He opened it, putting on foot out the door.
"Get some rest. This stupid excuse for a wargame will be over soon."
And with that he left her as she slowly came to.
"Urgh I feel like bag of bricks... and my head is killing me…"
She sighed. And got to her feet.
"I guess she won... "
With a heavy sigh, she struggled to the door. With another heavy sigh, she yawned.
"I think..Yawn I'll just rest for a while.."
As she did leaned against the door someone walked in.
"Ughhh I wish I brought Welf or master Bell with me… Ugh come on Luna lets get you back upstairs…" She looked up to see a small girl in front of her. Her ears and unhappy face were a dead give away as to who she was. "L-Lili…"
"Yeah yeah come on. You can talk after you've had some rest."
Back with the Hestia Familia.
"One more fight and we WIN!"
Hestia shouted clapping her hands together as she bounced up and down on her seat.
Everyone had huge smiles on there faces as they turned to Artemis.
"Your fighting next Artemis! Bring it, homegirl!"
Welf shouted sticking his thumb up. Hestia hugged her back tightly.
"We know you can do this. Just be yourself and you can win this!"
It was then Lili walked back in with Luna.
"Don't think about doing anything stupid or I'll never forgive you."
Artemis nodded to the pallum girl and moved to help with Luna.
"I won't, here let me help you."
While the two helped her onto the seats. Bell found himself looking in the direction of the Apollo Familia. He noticed the strange god and another man staring at them. He shivered as he recognised the man next to the god.
'I-Its him!'
Bell felt a fire inside him. A feeling he normally never had for anyone. Rage, anger and hatred. He clenched his fist as he watched him. He was certain they had seen the last of him but there he was.
"Artemis and Lurous Please head to your respective areas and prepare. Thank you!"
She turned around to say something to Bell, though he was staring off into the distance. She waited a moment her heart started to beat faster and faster. Her mind was racing with worries. She bit her lip and reached out.
"Huh?"
Bell looked at his arm only to see her tugging at it. She didn't say anything only staring into her eyes to display her emotions. Bell understood and followed leaving the rest unaware that he had disappeared.
Meanwhile, Welf smiled as he looked out over the arena spotting some members of his Familia and those of the Loki Familia. However, his mood changed when he spotted the Apollo Familia. He found himself staring at the god talking to one of his children. Though he recoiled when they looked over at them.
"Wait… No i-it can't be!"
Welf looked at the man next to him and became worried. He recognised that face. It was the reason they were even in this mess in the first place. Though he calmed himself and shook his head. However, that changed as he watched the rest. Only he was the one that was standing and as he walked for the exit, Welf went white.
"Welf what's wrong?" Lili and Hestia both asked looking at him worryingly.
Welf tuned to them... "We've got a problem!"
...
Authors notes
surprise Chapter 53. Yep, it's here. I didn't forget I just took a small break to work on cough cough other things with Web. Yes, My time is now going to be slipt between Miss Artemis and Keeping the promise I know it's terrible but hey if your reading both then it won't feel so bad... Assuming your into that kind of thing... Anyways it's been a good month. Danmemo 4th Anniversary has lit a fire in me and I've reminded why I love this pairing. Plus were getting some adaptation of the One love Novel in the game which I can't wait for. Yes, I based Aphrodite off that but considering her depiction in the game I don't think I was to far off. As for anything else Involving the new lore added such as cough cough AphroditexHephaestus that will be handled diffrenetly... But If nothing else BEST GODDESS IS BACK IN SOME FORM LETS GO!
Reviews
Again keeping it brief because it's late.
Guest 1 Yes nice to see you to guest 1.
Pix25. Well, I hope you get an understanding of what the two think of one another.
Minilobster- Glad you're enjoying it and yes, Aphrodite is giving Hephaestus more reasons to be pissed with her.
Baymaksu- Yes it truly is a great pairing and when you look at the events of the story so far with it in mind its paints a much better reason for Bells reasoning. Instead of it being about some crush on a girl that saved him. It's about his failures and how it impacted his decisions. Saving Haruhime a girl in trouble on the verge of death. Of course hes not gonna turn her back on her. His reasoning for being stronger is because of his inability to do anything other than throw the arrow. The Xenos was about not choosing the path everyone set for him with one outcome. Hell even after he lost to Asterius it's the moment he realises that yeah hes still not there yet. Obviously, the movie isn't canon.. Not yet but it does shine a new light on Bell's story. The Aphrodite relationship stuff I've already mentioned so won't go other it. And I'll be interested to see if your prediction was correct or not. Glad your enjoying it.
Final thoughts.
Its been a strange one for me. Being back at work and working on another project. This will always be my cherished story and my first work. And it's not ending anytime soon thats for sure Web is sure to keep reminding me of that fact. I ask that you keep an open mind when its not being updated. Unlike a new story, I have to spend lots of time fact-checking and sometimes that becomes a time killer especially after ive been working. But I'll update it as soon as I can. Thank you for reading and stay safe. See you all next chapter.
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