Okay, the reason y'all getting this chapter today and not on Saturday is that I will be away for the weekend, helping my brother move into a place 9 hours away, not near my computer and you can't upload on FF from mobile. So, you get this early, as a gift. Therefore, there will not be a second chapter this Saturday.

Tales of Royalty will be receiving its next chapter (8) right after this. Otherwise, enjoy this early gift! As Always:

"Speaking"

Individual thoughts/Mindscape talk with the twins

*Ability/Spell*

...

That night, the Loki Familia had a meeting. Loki herself had wanted to update what the situation was. Since most of Orario has heard from secondary sources, the rumors are completely unfounded. That didn't mean a certain elven princess was sitting idly by. She wanted to know, since the twins haven't been seen in over two days, their home has been repaired, with a lowered fee from Goibnui, paid for by Apollo as 'a show of good faith' as he put it. The God knew that this wasn't their fault.

As for Dia Familia, they were on the streets, closer to the Hestia Familia home. The twins had business with Bell, actually, Isaac did. Since they were informed of the War Game and the conditions, they devised a plan. This plan was two parts, but it would require peace, quiet, and separation. Only then could this be fulfilled.

Upon arriving at the broken-down church, they entered. The twins were dressed in armor, Isaac more so. Irene simply had her chest plate and greaves on. Of course, her weapons were on her, but she needs to get more shurikens, and Isaac needs more throwing knives. Normally, no one uses throwing weapons because of how expensive they can be. However, that blacksmith that was outside of Orario, had a plethora of them, having made them before their arrival. They used some mid-level ore, a few steps below mythril but they didn't need to be strong.

Anyway, once in the middle of the church hall, did a side door open, and out came Lady Hestia, "Oh good, you're here! I assume that you've informed them of the conditions?"

Dia nodded, "I have, but we need to prepare, and my children have a plan that they would like to share. I would like Bell to be present."

"I hope that you can include us as well!" a familiar smith's voice chimed in.

Both Isaac and Irene cast a glance over their shoulders, seeing Welf and Mikoto. A smile came to Isaac's face as he saw her. The image of her in her dress was one he wanted to remember, but she looked much more fierce in her attire. However, that dropped when the look on Welf's face became somber.

"That bad, huh?" Isaac asked.

"Worse, Lili was taken back by the Soma Familia captain during a couple of scuffles on the street. Not every Apollo Familia member was out there, but it was pretty bad."

This news made everyone steel themselves. "Do not tell Bell, at all. I need him focused," Isaac said. "I need him to be in fighting shape and I plan on using this week to train his body and hone his skills. He's too used to fighting monsters and not people. I need to change that."

Everyone reluctantly agreed since if they lost the War Game, then the three of them would be in Apollo Familia, and then they wouldn't be free for two years; even though they would probably do everything in their power to upset the Familia.

At that moment, Bell came up the stairs dressed in his armor, "Oh, everyone's here."

"Morning, Bell," Irene greeted.

"Hello. So, what's the plan?" The young boy got right into it. Isaac nodded with his eyes closed. "I assume that's why you're here."

"You'd be correct, Bell. Get your weapons prepped. For now, we need to explain the plan for the next week."

Everyone gathered on the pews of the church, while Hestia and Dia sat on the alter, their legs dangling over the side. They were so short that they couldn't touch the floor. An adorable sight, if Irene was being honest.

"First things first, are there any questions about this War Game?" Dia asked. Even though the children it concerned knew, this was more for Welf and Mikoto's understanding.

Mikoto cleared her throat before answering, "No Lady Dia, the Guild had posted the rules and conditions of the Game, so we are caught up. Sir Isaac, what is this plan you have?"

Isaac grinned, "Well, I need Bell to train with me so I can help him become better and stronger. We need to train day in and day out to blow everyone's expectations out of the water. Do you have a spot in mind, Bell?"

The young boy clasped his hands together as he thought about it. Of course, he had his own plan for this, but with an olive branch extended, he knew he had to take this, "I know of a spot on the wall where we won't be disturbed." He hoped that she would show up. "Continue with your plan."

"You and I are going to be up there all week, no breaks, only to take short naps. You'll hate me by the time I'm done, but if it makes you stronger, then I'll accept your ire." I'm going to have to use the method that we were taught.

Irene grimaced off to the side, That may hurt him more than you think. Dia had a knowing look in her eyes. She knew what her child was thinking. "Anyway, with that said, it comes down to me as well, since the both of us are not participating in the Game, I will be heading to Twilight Manor and asking my Godmother for some magic training and spellbooks. Since my spell allows me to use any spell possible, I can learn and memorize any chant. Of course, I cannot memorize them all as there are an infinite number of them, but important ones like the Living Shield and Shadow Concealment are beneficial. Not to mention my Orb of Divine Healing. I have no doubt that I will support you as much as possible, but I will be doing my job. Overmore, if he tries to attack me, Bell, I will lay him out. If my impression of him from the bar was an indicator, he will be smart to not mess with me. Hyakinthos is clever, but he's also prideful. He won't want to lift a finger, to then become a glory seeker. 'The man who brought down the Titans' or some level of debauchery."

"This training will not last until we have to leave. Once we have three days before we have to leave, since it's two days out, I will be training Irene as well. Since I took to our teachings a tad better," Isaac started, looking to his sister, who nodded in agreement, "I will be trying to refine her as well. You can never be too prepared because something unexpected will always come up." The quarter elf stood, going to Bell, "So, are you ready, Bell Cranel? Five or so days on the Wall, then three with my sister and then we depart, is that clear?"

Bell looked into Isaac's eyes, seeing the resolve and seeing the determination to help him. A true friend, having only known him for a few short months. The Goddess watched this moment in reverence. They like watching their children bond. Dia for reasons that Isaac was growing, even if he didn't know it. Hestia was just glad that he had another male friend.

"Let's go, Isaac," Bell said, smiling at him.

"Alright, lead the way to the wall," he said before turning to Irene, hugging her. "I'll see you in a week. Tell Mama Riveria that I'll visit when it's time for your training."

Irene scoffed, "I'll just tell her that you called her 'Mama' then she'll get upset and find you."

"Please don't, but you can't deny she frets over us a lot… Dia, any word on that alliance with Lady Loki?"

"You know as well as I that it is not easy. Hestia and Loki don't like each other as much, and the only way it could work is that you and her work out your differences," Dia looked to Hestia with that statement. The Goddess of the Hearth grumbled under her breath.

Releasing himself from the hug, he went over to Welf, "I hope you aren't going to be busy one of these days. With the way we've planned this, three days before the Game, you'll have to sharpen our weapons. Is that alright?"

Welf laughed, "Sure thing. I'm your smith, right? I'll always make time for you guys! Plus, it gives me opportunities to improve my craft, after all."

Dia decided to tease him, "Isn't that right, Ignis?"

Welf blushed and stammered a shade that could match his hair. "Wha- but… I…"

"Relax, Welf, I'm only teasing, because I think it's adorable that you love Hephaistos. She feels the same way if her blushing every time you're brought up in conversation," Dia continued. She actually found this information out second-hand, but it's not uncommon for a deity to take a mortal lover. After all, time passes quickly for them, but for mortals, it means the world.

Gods and Goddesses cannot have children, otherwise, there would be tons of demi-gods running amuck Orario. Still, if there was one who deserved it, it would be Hephaistos.

Welf quickly gained his composure and nodded, secretly pumped up, "Thank you, now. I'll take my leave."

Meaning he's going to see Hephaistos, Irene commented to Isaac privately.

Then, someone clashed with Isaac's chest, and when the elf looked down, he saw Mikoto clutching to him, "I was going to get to you, Mikoto," Isaac said as he wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her head.

"I will be wishing you luck on your training. Lord Take allowed me to come to see you before I go and train my skills as well," Mikoto said, before releasing the hug, and in a bold move, kissed Isaac's cheek.

Everyone present watched Harpe morph into a blushing schoolboy with a crush. His face turned bright red, as did his ears. Mikoto smiled at the effect she has on him, even though her cheeks were flushed as well—not as much as Isaac's though. With that out of the way, Mikoto left the church before anyone could question why she needed to train.

Bell laughed at Isaac's stunned expression, but no one missed the way he looked at the door with longing, "I really need to take her out on a date…"

"So, I'll become an aunt?" Irene teased, nudging his side.

"I'll make you an aunt when she becomes the mother…" Isaac said. A bold claim, but his heart was set. Irene smiled at him. "That way, they can call you 'Aunty Princess Irene,' when they can speak." I still remember it, you know.

Irene was now the one stunned, much to the amusement of the Goddess. "Well, with that said," Hestia started, "You two go start training, you're wasting daylight." She shooed Bell and Isaac out the door. Hestia then disappeared to the church's lower level, saying she had to get ready for her job.

"May I escort you, Lady Dia?" Irene asked when Hesita disappeared.

"Let's go to Twilight Manor, after all, I don't think Goibnui is done yet and if he is, he was told that I'll be at the Manor anyway and that the bill was for my eyes only. Even though I know Apollo actually paid for it, I want to see it and rub it in his face."

Irene giggled, "Of course, you thought ahead."

Dia held out an arm, "Shall we?"

Irene linked arms with her Goddess, "We shall. I wonder what Riveria is going to say when I tell her the plan."

The emerald-eyed Goddess chuckled, "Most likely pull her hair out in annoyance."

"Are you saying that I'm a nuisance?!" Irene shrieked as they left the church.

Some could say that they heard Dia's laughter for a good while.

Within the walls of Twilight Manor, an elven princess was sitting at the main library table. The central point of the library extended out like how Babel does to Orario. In each section, there are many different genres, and it would take too long to go through all of them, but there was one section that dealt with magic and magic spells. A request from Sofia that Riveria carried out. Which leads Riveria to the question of did she know? This was easily twenty years ago, so the twins weren't even born yet, not even a twinkle in their father's eye.

The High Elf's conversation with Loki comes back to her about letting Irene in to learn magic. A family favor, not a familia favor. She wants her Godchild to be prepared and what better way to be prepared than to learn spells from a powerful sorceress. Notice the lack of the in the statement. She may be recognized as the most powerful, currently, but that right belonged to Sofia Vlahos; if Irene becomes as powerful as her, then there is hope for the next generation.

Hope.

Something that was almost lost following the One-Eyed Black Dragon's triumph over the Zeus and Hera Familias. When Sofia disappeared, a piece of Riveria was lost that day. Of course, Elves form attachments to someone they hold dear. While the twins don't suffer as much, it feels like a piece of Riveria's soul left with Sofia. Furthermore, she doesn't believe that Sofia is dead, but she believes that she's in hiding, which leads to the next question: Where are you, teacher?

However, with that logic, most of the aforementioned familias could say the same, there were no bodies, so they could be alive, but that was a vain hope. She couldn't just move on. That woman was the one who taught Riveria what it meant to be a mage. The one that got through her shell of a stereotypical elf.

Riveria set down the book she was reading to massage her temples. Then, there is the stress of the War Game. Of course, everyone is super excited about it because it has her Grandchildren. Riveria cannot believe that they would get involved with it, but if the claims from other deities are true, they were going to get involved anyway. After all, the Apollo Familia suffered a serious ego check after the twins laid out their members on their front lawn—something that Riveria found hilarious, but she would never admit it aloud. All that because Irene cast a spell she had learned from this very library. The book still remained on the table, the page still open. Riveria gained a motherly smile as she saw the young girl's eye light up and wrote down the spell. The chant, however, was a little difficult to obtain. However, to Irene, it was just like it clicked. She just knew the spell. When asked how, Irene responded with, "Sometimes, I just dream of doing a certain spell, like how to turn invisible, to reflect light or defend those that I care for… it's like she's trying to teach me, yet she's not here…" a great deal of pain entered her eyes the longer she spoke.

Riveria remembers caring for Irene that day, the two never left the library while Irene cried about how she wished to really know her Grandmother. Everyone seemed to know her, but not the grandchildren themselves. That would put a damper on anyone. Riveria felt a little guilty knowing that she was also the one who was hurting her.

When she brought that up, Irene disregarded that claim and said she was relieved that she learned about her from someone close to her. That was the key difference. After all, they still had many of those letters to go through. They had all sorts of ones to go through, up until the days that Saumouth Grove burned. Maybe they should go back one day. Irene mentioned that the idea wasn't off the table and she knew Isaac wasn't as keen to go back. Riveria recalled that he had experienced a little bit more, and the fact that he had killed someone that day was more than enough to not want to go back. This seemed to be a conversation that she needed to have with the Vlahos twins. Actually, I need to have a lot of conversations with them. After all, what Loki said about Freya, the Ball, and the incident makes me even more worried. Was I ever this worried about Ais? "No, I was, but I never showed it as much. Ha! What would you say if you were here, Finn, Gareth?" Riveria said as she called out her other executives. They would probably tease her first, then help her out and speak with her plainly.

Still, Apollo wants them in his Familia, and then those conditions… and the fact that no one has seen them… it just adds on to the stress as their Godmother. How did parents do it? Then again, most parents aren't adventuring. Those that are reside within Orario's walls.

Riveria was brought out of her thoughts as someone knocked on the door, "Lady Riveria?" Lefiya.

"What is it, Lefiya?" Riveria asked, her tone slightly more exhausted than normal, and probably noticeable to her student.

"Oh, you're actually here!" Lefiya squeaked. "I've been looking for you and no one's seen you since the meeting and I-"

"The point, Lefiya?"

The elf fidgeted with her fingers, "Right, well, Loki wanted me to tell you that she is coming."

Riveria turned towards the northern door, "She?"

"Yes, and… the guards noticed that he is not with her, but she said that she will explain once she talks to you," Lefiya relayed.

A large sigh escaped Nine Hell, "Thank you, Lefiya."

Lefiya beamed, but only to say, "You're welcome." She paused, "Are you… alright, Lady Riveria?"

A moment of silence passed between teacher and student. Her words were merely a whisper, just barely breaking the silence, "Truthfully… I don't think I have been alright for almost twenty years."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" She asked, the tone somewhat matching her teacher.

Riveria stood from the table and made her way to the door, "Maybe one day, Lefiya. Maybe one day."

Riveria found herself in front of the main entrance as the doors swung open. Lefiya stood at her side, utterly concerned for her mentor. I mean, who wouldn't be? When worded like that, how can she not be worried? Off to the side were Ais, Tione, Tiona, and Bete, surprisingly. Finn and Gareth stood off on the other side of the stairs, Loki with them as well.

"Hello, Lady Riveria, Lefiya," Irene Vlahos said as she entered through the doors. "I didn't expect to see the upper echelon of Loki Familia as well."

"Do you know how worried I was?" Everyone present immediately eyed Riveria warily. She was going into 'Mama' mode.

Irene nodded, giving her direct eye contact. "I imagine you were, but I had other important matters to attend to, like scraping the trash off the front yard." Irene was still very much unimpressed with the Apollo Familia and no one could blame her. Bete snorted at her dismissal of the so-called 'trash' of people. A few looks made Bete simmer, but he was hiding a grin. "Not to mention that Isaac and I came up with a plan for the War Game. I cannot ask you for help to train me, but I can ask you as a family member to help me with research. You are my Godmother, yes?"

That reveal made Bete turn to Riveria, "Is what she sayin' true?" It sounded like disbelief, but it came off as indifferent. Everyone present who didn't know this, which seemed to only be Bete and Lefiya, looked to Riveria in shock.

"Yes, when they were born, I was given the title of 'Godmother' to them," Riveria replied, massaging her temple again. "Not one word out of you, Finn. That goes for you too, Gareth, Loki."

The called-out trio held back their mischievous grins, except Loki… because Loki. "Wouldn't dream of it, Riveria," Finn said, clearly amused. Lefiya looked between Irene and Riveria, before accepting it. She knew arguing would be pointless.

"So, what is this plan, and what do you have to tell me?"

Irene looked around, "Can we discuss this over coffee or tea?"

"Plan first, then we'll talk," Riveria descended the stairs and put her hands on the young girl's shoulders. "What convoluted plan have you two come up with?"

Irene smirked, "Isaac is training Bell privately. We'll keep in contact, don't worry. He told me to tell you that he said 'Hello'. But our plan is to get him in fighting shape, and for me to learn a lot of spells in a very short time. I'm going to utilize the Keys as much as I can, and days before we leave, Isaac will arrive and train me in a blitz. I'm confident that we're going to win, but I want to prepare myself for the possibility. If we did lose, then the Apollo Familia wouldn't survive."

"How sure of that are you?"

"If the Freya Familia gets involved, then positive, without a shred of doubt," Irene responded instantly. "We would then be forced to join under the guise of having those we care about threatened and the fact that she would play the 'savior' card." Little do they know, we have a contingency for that.

"Are there any more facets to this plan?" Riveria asked, dropping her hands from her shoulders. The Familia watched on as they conversed, the offer for coffee forgotten.

"The way we were trained was dubious. For that, I blame Lady Nike," Irene revealed. The young girl noticed the way Finn and Gareth grimaced, while everyone else looked at them in confusion.

"Lady Nike?" Tione asked, trying to remember where she's heard that before.

Gareth answered the elder Hiryute twin, "Lady Nike has an arena that she uses to train anyone who is willing. It's grueling, unforgiving, and can have mortal consequences. Tell me, lass, you and him both trained in the arena?"

"We did, and we almost died multiple times, but we needed to be able to defend ourselves, Isaac took to the lessons more since I had more of an affinity to magic. He most likely could match Ais in a spar, briefly. If endurance was a factor, she would win," Irene confirmed.

"You've hardened yourselves over the years," Riveria noted with a hint of sadness. The young Vlahos twin smiled sadly.

"So, what happens to Bell?" Ais asked softly. She was worried about him, something that the familia picked up on. Loki watched with interest. She could see why Freya wants them, especially if she learned about this. Oh, Dia, your children are special, battle-hardened by Nike herself. Loki has heard of this arena and knows what it can do to people.

"Bell is going to go through a crash course combined with a trial by fire, and will most likely hate Isaac by the time that he's done, but thankful when the training saves him."

"What about the times when you were attacked?" Bete piped up, gaining a few glares, but it didn't matter as he made direct eye contact with Irene.

She returned the stare, "Caught unprepared, a blunder on my part, and I don't plan on it happening again. If it does, then I'll already be dead," Irene replied unflinchingly. Her hand went to her side, where her new scar lied. "The only condition that I dislike is the fact that he gets to choose one of us. Is he too scared to take us both on? He's got literally over one hundred members. There are three of us…"

Irene took a deep breath because as she explained, she felt angry. Anger wasn't something she needed right now. A lot of things were piling on her and she needed time to sift through it all. Freya being a looming threat, Apollo trying to poach her and her brother, and trying to not think about the attacks she's suffered. The Loki Familia certainly didn't expect her to be angry, but her intent had risen unknowingly. She may be level three… but she didn't feel like one. A common theme between these two.

"Do you know where he's training?" Tiona asked.

"Bell knows, and I'm not asking Isaac because he told me on my way here to not ask where he is… I guess I should clarify what our plan is for the upcoming days, the schedule. Train until the last three days before we depart, then I go to train with him, and then the game. Eating and sleepi-" Irene was cut off as a look of recognition passed on Ais's face. Heads up, you may have the Princess show up. She knows. It must have been their go-to spot.

Noted, at least I'll be able to push him long enough and probably knock him out before she gets here, Isaac replied, a little miffed by the sounds of it.

"I will force you to sleep," Riveria knew where Irene's logic was going. "I'm not going to let you run yourself ragged."

Irene looked up at her Godmother, "I should be offended that you think I'd do that, but I understand. I plan to take breaks, to nap, to shower, to literally be functioning. It's Isaac I'm more worried about."

Lefiya gently interjected, "I can help you with spells if you would like."

Tiona smiled, "I could go with Ais and see them both. I've actually been wanting to fight your brother for a while now."

Irene smiled at Lefiya, "That would be nice, thank you. Tiona, watch it, he's courting Mikoto, so don't push it. Lady Loki, I hope you don't mind me being here."

Loki snorted, "It's fine, as long as I get to see Riveria be all doting, it's worth the head slap I'll get later. That, and you look like-"

"Try and peep, you'll lose a hand," Irene replied swiftly, smiling deviously all the while.

"Yikes, just like Ais," Loki commented, clearly not offended.

After answering a few more questions, Riveria gently guided Irene aside, "Are you okay?"

Such a simple question, but that isn't answered so easily. "Will I ever be?"

The High Elf looked at her Godchild, "One day you will, and I hope that I'm there to see it." Riveria then gathered Irene in her arms and let her just hug. Riveria stroked Irene's hair as she melted into the embrace. A hug that felt motherly. Irene was going to call her out on it, but then the moment would be ruined.

She didn't want the moment to end.

Bell and Isaac arrived at the wall quickly. Once they did, Isaac had Bell set down their weapons. "Alright, I want you to come at me with only your fists. The first thing you should know about fighting, nothing is off-limits as long as you win…" I'm just channeling Lady Nike, aren't I?

"Are you sure? I mean, I don't want to hurt my friends," Bell said, rubbing behind his head.

Isaac sighed, you will hate me… but… The elder Vlahos twin rushed forward and socked Bell right in the chest, sending him backward. "In a solo fight, there are no friends. There are only enemies. Lady Nike made this lesson clear. I know this will hurt, trust me. I mean it, you will wish I wasn't training you."

Bell stood up and saw the sharp look in Isaac's eyes, and clenched his fists. All that mattered was trying to win. Bell rushed right at Isaac, who used the boy's momentum and pushed him to the dirt, before putting a knee on his back. "You lack strategy. You need to observe your opponent. Not just their eyes, but their whole body, even if it is a woman. In a fight, getting embarrassed could mean your demise. I know how it can feel, but I am going to beat you down until you can fight back. That's the second lesson."

Releasing his knee from Bell's back, he stood a few meders away. Bell stood up, rolled his shoulders before looking determined, "Alright, let's go until I drop."

Isaac grinned maliciously at his student now, "Okay, then you'll regret those words… come at me." He raised his hand in a 'come hither' motion, and Bell obliged.

They went at this for hours, even past the mid-morning sun. Bell himself had bruises lining his whole body, but he refused to give up. The two of them forgoed their shirts, Isaac had his scars on display. Some of them came from the arena, others came from recent events. In contrast, Bell had no scars, his skin flawless, and beginning to tone up as well. Whoever gets their hands on Bell will be blessed a second time.

Throughout these few hours, Bell has started to learn how to read Isaac, but of course, Isaac wasn't going to let him have this easily. With every time Bell got knocked down, he got back up. Their knuckles were bloody and bruised, but they still worked, which meant they could still fight.

"That's better," Isaac said, grabbing Bell, maneuvering out of the way, and exploiting Bell's center of gravity, grabbing him by the waist, turning, and slamming him into the floor once more. Well, rock in this case, but the wall is sturdy enough to tank the force. This time though, it knocked him out. "Well, that took a lot longer for that to happen. I was worried that I was going to seriously hurt him before this…" Isaac groaned as he moved to his discarded gear, aiming for a potion for the two of them. Isaac didn't escape from injuries either, but they weren't as severe. Sure, a few bruises here and there, but nothing compared to Allen beating him. The mere thought of that housecat angered Isaac. He hurt Irene, almost killed her…

Shaking his head, he noticed movement from the tower and reached for his dagger. "Come on out."

Golden eyes peeked around the corner, following by a head of long blonde hair. Behind her was a very excited Amazon. The Sword Princess and Amazon. Isaac knew she was bound to come—he didn't expect Tiona to come—but he didn't know how long they've been there. When he was in teaching mode, his attention to his surroundings went down considerably. She was fiddling with her hands, but her eyes flicked from Isaac to Bell and stayed there. Isaac smiled… he could see it even if she couldn't. Tiona walked out onto the wall, beaming. "Look at you go, Mr. Harpe! Showing off your scars now? I know Aspis said that you were courting someone, but don't tempt me."

Isaac took a step back from her, knowing that she was serious and could easily take him, especially in this state. Instead, he looked to Ais, "Hey, Princess? How about you help me with Bell?"

"Oh?" Her interest was piqued.

"Come here," he waved her over. His pride was telling him to throw on a shirt so that she doesn't stare at his bare chest. After all, Mikoto was going to be the one looking at it. "Give him a lap pillow." Isaac listened to his pride and threw on his shirt, much to his discomfort and relief. Tiona, however, watched with interest.

"You see it too, don't you?" Tiona whispered to Isaac.

"Hundred percent, but it seems she doesn't know it yet…" Isaac responded just as quietly.

Ais's eyes flicked with an emotion that Isaac could only describe as glee. She quickly got down on her knees and gently raised his head and put it on her thighs. Her small smile was definitely breathtaking, and Isaac could see how Bell fell for her. Ais began stroking his hair, murmuring about how soft it was, even though the sweat was lightly mixed in. Tiona eventually got to pet the rabbit's hair and found out why Ais likes doing it so much.

The elder twin quickly downed a potion to heal his knuckles before walking over to their side, holding out another potion, "For when he wakes up."

Ais nodded, putting the potion to her side. "You learned how to fight in Lady Nike's arena?"

"Irene told you?" Isaac asked, not surprised. The blonde nodded. "She just happened to be out there in the Far West. I saw it as an opportunity, and it has saved me on at least one occasion. Do you know what I'm trying to teach him?"

"How to fight," she answered confidently, still stroking his hair.

"Close. How to fight people," Isaac said. "There will be a time where he has to fight another person and this could be his saving grace, even if he loses. The only difficultly I foresee is how to distinguish when to fight monsters and when to fight humans. There could be a humanoid monster somewhere in the world."

He was looking away, so he didn't notice the Loki Familia members wince at that statement. That was a story for another time.

"My point is, I'm trying to prepare him for anything. Anyone can fight monsters if they are brave or stupid enough. Fighting humans is another story entirely," Isaac said.

Ais was about to respond, but a groan stopped her. Looking down at her thighs, Bell's eyes opened, and for a moment, time stopped. Wow, that's a hypocritical statement. Isaac covered his mouth to hide the smirk that was forming. Tiona cheered, "Look at you, Mr. Argonaut!"

"Wha…?" Bell's ruby red eyes shot open and his face flushed as Ais continued to pet his hair before trying to get up.

"Do you enjoy your nap, sleeping prince?" Isaac teased.

Ais held Bell down on her legs; it was easy because he hurt all over, "No, stay… I wanna pet you…"

"Miss Ais, I-"

He was cut off by the sound of Isaac laughing, "I-I'm sorry, but this is j-just t-too precious!" He sucked in a deep breath, "Ais, give him the potion. If he moves, he'll probably feel the full extent of his bruises."

Bell easily gulped down the potion that Ais made him drink. The Sword Princess liked giving him the potion. It felt as if she was caring for her little rabbit.

Her mind was ecstatic though. If a miniature Ais could be seen, she would be jumping for joy. Unfortunately, that did not happen. She did, however, smile at Bell and the young rabbit flushed bright red. Ais was unknowingly pleased to see that she brings out this reaction.

"Alright, Bell?" Isaac asked. "Are you up for another round, or do you want to pause for the day, go eat and come back? I'm telling you that I do not plan on leaving this spot unless I call for a break or someone else provides us with food and water."

Tiona piped up, "I can volunteer, just as long as I can spar with you."

Isaac nodded at Tiona's statement, "Perfect. If you see Irene on your way back, tell her I said thanks for the heads up." Confused, Ais nodded and stood up, helping Bell in the process.

"Sure, I'll go a few more, then we'll see where I'm at."

Isaac eyed Bell, "You seem to not be upset that I'm beating you into submission."

"If this helps me get stronger so I can catch up to my idol, then I'll endure," Bell said with a smile. Ais tilted her head. Who was his idol? Who does he want to catch up to? The same questions echoed in her mind as the two got into a fighting stance.

Under his breath, Isaac muttered, "Alright, let's go, you masochist."

With that statement, the two boys launched themselves at each other with a gusto that made Tiona squirm.

Somewhere outside of Orario.

"Are you sure you want to go?" the old man asked the other figure present in the room.

A sigh escaped them, "You know I've been away long enough, sir."

A snort, "Enough with that 'sir' talk, girl! You are literally royalty!" the man stood from his chair with ease, yet his appearance showed his frailness.

The figure, identified as a woman stood, "Lord Zeus, you know I denounced my title when I joined your Familia."

"And look at you now! An accomplished adventurer, a mother, and you still have other people out there who need you. Hermes's last report gave troubling news."

"I'm aware of the news, and she better think twice before laying a hand on them. I will crush her familia under my heel if I find out she tried to meddle with them," the woman said, her features hidden beneath a hood. The only skin visible was her fingers. Her weapon laid beside her on the coffee table. "This War Game has everyone hopped up and they are ignorant to the scheming happening right under their noses. You know that he would never allow that."

Zeus sighed, "You know she has thought of how this was going to go. Also, shouldn't you be happy that your family will potentially be expanding?"

"The thought has crossed my mind, but knowing him, he'd make sure that they are both ready for that step," Even though it wasn't seen, there was a smile on her lips.

"And how would you know? You haven't been sneaking out, have you?" Zeus questioned his familia member.

This time, Zeus felt the grin being thrown his way, "A spell. Even someone such as myself still has a lot to learn. I do highly doubt I'll use it ever again after this though."

A moment of silence passed between the deity and mortal. The deity is the one who broke said silence.

"When do you plan to leave?"

"As soon as the War Game finishes, I do want to watch it too. I have to cheer on my family like you want to cheer your grandson on," she replied with a cheeky tone.

Zeus furrowed his brow, eyeing her critically, "The same could be said for you, my dear."