I want to apologize for taking so long to upload. I was up earlier than normal, and then I wasn't home until one, then Scarlet Nexus came out... I may have played it, and I'm loving it. So this slipped away from me, but I am here now.
I will no longer be doing the text identifiers since we're 22 chapters in and they've repeated all until now.
Again sorry, today was crazy.
...
Books upon books could be seen stacked higher than a person. They surrounded the table in a half-circle, almost making the workstation be encompassed in darkness. Inside this makeshift shelter was one Irene Vlahos. She was busy reading up on all the possible spells she could use. Every time she found one she liked, she wrote it down on a separate sheet. This would be her practice sheet.
As for the chants, the books had them hidden within, allowing for someone like Irene a good test of her mental power. Today was only the second day of preparation, and Irene had a long way to go. She needed to be able to have as many spells memorized as possible. Of course, she was not going to throw herself into it with zero regard for her well-being. As she told Riveria yesterday, she was going to be a functional human being.
Already she had three more spells written down, a fourth in the midst of being found. One was a wind spell, a swift strike spell, said to be more powerful than normal winds. An earth-based spell, one that could cause problems if mishandled, but this War Game is going to be in a castle outside of Orario. No one should mind if it gets a little destroyed, right? The final written spell was an ice spell, similar to the one on her Grandmother's status sheet. She did a mental callback to that and while she liked the ice aspect, slowing down the already slow reaction times of her opponents wasn't that appealing. This spell sent out little doves, at least, that's the idea. It was vague to what it was representing, but she took it nonetheless.
The door to the library opened, but Irene did not pay them any mind. That was until the smell of food caught Irene's nostrils. "You didn't…"
"Of course I did," Riveria's voice said, sounding a tad smug.
Irene was on a good groove and she didn't want to stop, but Riveria suggested that if she got Mama Mia to cook a meal for her, she would take an hour break to eat and take a quick nap. "I love you right now," Irene said, and her stomach agreed. But before she started eating, she looked to Riveria, "What about Isaac?" They've already talked yesterday, but she hasn't contacted him yet today. So, she was unaware of his situation.
"Tiona has offered to get them food and water while they train nonstop. Which, you now need to uphold our deal. Eat, then rest, please?" Riveria resorted to saying 'please' to make Irene go through with it. Knowing how stubborn Sofia was, Riveria figured that Irene inherited that trait from her parents, who inherited it from her.
Irene sighed, putting down the pen, and turned to accept the food. However, once she stood up, her legs failed her. "Irene!" Riveria shouted.
"Well… I deserve that for sitting here all this time," the girl on the floor laughed.
Riveria, however, was not laughing this off. "Did you even take a break when I told you the first time?"
The girl continued to laugh, "Nope!" She also may be a little bit exhausted. "You're not the one with their entire future on the line. You're not the one who has to worry about possibly being taken away from the only Goddess who saved us…" the laughing turned to cackles and tears began to flow down her face.
The stress must be getting to her. Putting the food down, the High Elf gently scooped up her godchild, "The world has been cruel to you, but you want to know something?" Riveria petted Irene's head, and if anyone walked in on the scene, they would find a mother consoling their child, not a Godmother consoling their Godchild. A distinction was to be made. "You have people who you can rely on. I would even go to war with Apollo himself if I had to. You have me, Tiona, Tione, Finn, and many more. Most importantly, you have Isaac. You know that he'd do anything for you."
The young girl's laughs turned to sobs, "That's what worries me. He'll do it for me, but does he understand what it will do to me?"
"Have you tried talking to him about this concern?" Riveria chose to look at this objectively. "Your worry will only grow if you choose to hide it."
Irene shook her head, "I haven't dared to bring it up. I don't think I'll like the outcome of that conversation. Especially now, we have a War Game to win."
"Which reminds me, you need to eat and rest. Don't make me have Lefiya cast a sleeping spell," Riveria attempted to joke around, but with her serious demeanor most of the time, Irene took it as a threat and appeased her.
"Yeah, I'd like to sleep on my own terms," Looking around the library, "Speaking of, where's Lefiya anyway?" A look from Riveria told her everything. "Okay, okay, I'll go, after I eat." Like it was listening to her, Irene's stomach growled and demanded food. She had to admit, it smelled amazing. Hey, Isaac, I'm taking a nap, don't let me distract you.
Within the next hour, Irene ate, and took a nap, dreaming of a time where she could have learned from her Grandma. At that thought, it turned to Riveria, Thanks… Mom. The High Elf turned to Irene like she felt the disturbance in the Parental Universe, but instead of being upset or agitated… she was happy and partially relieved and partially blessed.
"Rest well, because when you wake up, I'll have more books than you'll know what to do with."
As for the elder twin, he was still up on the wall, but instead of sparring with Bell, he was sparring with Tiona. The latter was enjoying herself immensely. She was throwing fisticuffs with a Titan, and to his credit, he was doing well on the defensive. On the offensive, he was above average. Tiona also honed in her times from Telskyura as she fought, landing a solid punch to Isaac's solar plexus, which winded him and allowed the momentum to back him up to gain his breath.
Tiona was about to launch herself at him when he held up a hand, taking a deep breath. Turning to the side, he spat out some blood, "Well, you know the human body well. I'm pretty sure that's some internal bleeding."
"You're not so bad yourself. Lady Nike must have drilled in these lessons," Tiona commented as the sounds of fighting continued in the background.
Downing another potion, Isaac nodded, "Yeah, she noticed that I had taken to them a tad better and put me through even tougher training. That's where some of my scars come from. Just because I'm part elf, doesn't mean I wasn't willing to throw down. I mean, there were some tough opponents in the arena, but I never wanted to kill any of them. We were all there to get stronger."
"So, when are we going for another round?" Tiona asked, now bouncing on the balls of her feet, her fists underneath her chin, looking at him with those brown eyes.
Taking one step away, "Later, for now, I wanna see how Bell's doing."
"Oh no," a soft voice said.
Turning towards the once active wall, Isaac and Tiona were seeing Bell knocked out, Ais standing over him. Her expression made her far more innocent than she seemed. One finger was placed on her lip, akin to a child making an oopsie, and Desperate in its sheath. "Well, another lap pillow for him," she whispered.
"How do you think he's doing?" Tiona asked, now speaking in an objective tone.
Isaac took a moment to respond, "Well, he still needs to work on hand-eye coordination, and right now, he's high level two in terms of that. His hand-to-hand, a fresh level two. His work with his daggers, level three. Overall, I'd say Bell is at the upper echelon of level two. Given one or two good days, he can hit 'level three' in terms of fighting capability."
"What level were you when you in the arena?" Ais asked, remembering that detail.
Isaac looked away, not really keen to answer, but by his silence, they were able to figure it out. "Not my proudest moment. Anyway, when he wakes up, he's with me as I continue to beat him and teach him how to properly fight. Since he already knew how to kick, as his style allows him to, he needs to have a fallback."
"That's how you learned, right?" Tiona asked.
Isaac snorted, "That was the first thing Lady Nike said to us. 'No weapons, fight like a man—or woman—the old-fashioned way. Fists,' and let me tell you, I don't think I've ever heard a lesson taught that way."
"So what happened?" Ais asked, while mindlessly petting Bell's hair.
"At first, we stood there blankly, and then she asked me—singling me out—to make up a sentence that can start fights. So, I walked to the front of them all, cleared my throat, and said, 'You guys wanna fight?' It went downhill from there," Isaac recalled with a smug smile.
"Who won?"
"Both of us refused to fight each other, which made it more entertaining for Lady Nike," Isaac said.
Thankfully, he did not have to elaborate anymore as Bell stirred on Ais's lap. Right now, Isaac wishes he was with Mikoto so he could do this, lay on her lap, not fight her. With the way he's seen her fight, as limited as it was, she's versatile. She probably learned a lot from Takemikazuchi.
Hey Isaac, I'm taking a nap, don't let me distract you, Irene's mental voice reached his ears. A gentle smile appeared on his face.
Did you actually sleep before, or did Riveria hound you? Isaac asked back, going for a fifty-fifty shot if she responded.
She hounded on me, now, I sleep.
Rest well.
"Alright Bell, this is the point where I think you'll think less of me. Taunting people. Someone as kind-hearted as you will struggle with this. Insults, personal attacks, threats are all par for the course. I am not going to make you do this to me, as I learned what happens when you let it get to you. Know that what I'm about to say is not meant to harm you, nor do I intend to go through with anything I say, is that clear?" Isaac said, but his tone was worried. Both Ais and Tiona knew that he didn't want to do this, but he had to do this.
Apprehensive was the emotion that gripped Bell's heart. He knew it wasn't personal and he was trying to look after him, but Bell knew he had to go through with it, "Bring it on. I won't think less of you."
With a nod, Isaac stood a few paces away from Bell, "I'd also appreciate it if you two do not intervene, no matter what. I won't settle for less than your word as adventurers. However, if I am going too far, interrupt." The two females noticed the switch. It was no longer Isaac, it was Harpe. The two gave their word. "Are you ready?" It was Bell's last chance to back out.
"I'm ready?"
Releasing a breath, the change was immediate. The warmth in Isaac's gaze was gone, replaced with malice and scorn, "Look at you, you worthless rabbit? Do you think you can possibly catch up to your idol looking like this? They can do so much better than you. Look me in the eyes and say you can catch them."
"I will catch up, I swear it!" Bell growled as he attempted to launch himself headlong at Isaac. Harpe countered easily, sidestepping him, shoving a hand at his back, propelling him forward. Bell slid across Orario's wall for a few meders.
"You can't even lay a finger on me, short stack! I can continue kicking your ass all over this wall for the next few days! Even if you tried to run, it'd be open season!" Harpe's eyes were narrowed, almost reflecting the light. "What is your idol going to think when they see how utterly weak and pathetic you are, huh?" Irony? I got another one for the collection.
Having not expected the switch so soon, Bell was clenching his fists. I'm starting to see what he meant.
"What if I went after Lili hmm? You wouldn't be able to stop me, I can do a lot of things to her before you even realize what happened," with that, Harpe lunged forward, hitting Bell on the shoulder, then a knee to the stomach, sending him backward. It was faster than normal. "Look at you! At this rate, we'll lose the War Game, and then our lives as free people will be over and you wanna know whose fault it will be? Yours!"
Bell felt his own emotions rising up, and he responded, "It'll be yours-"
"Did I say you could speak, bunny?" Harpe sneered, tripping Bell's legs out from under him, then slamming a fist into his stomach. The wall held, fortunately, except Harpe wasn't done. "Give me a break, you want to be a hero?" he spat the word like it was poison, "News flash, the world won't get a hero. You're naive, easily manipulated, and soft. People take advantage of you, Lili is a prime example, didn't she leave you for dead on floor ten? What would Lady Hestia think if she knew the real you?"
Ais and Tiona had wide eyes at the information. Isaac noticed this and gave them a glare that said not to bother asking or pursuing that line of thought.
Tink tink.
Three sets of eyes widened, and Harpe lost his persona momentarily. Perhaps I've gone too far with him.
"Take it back," Bell mumbled.
"Not on your life, buddy," Harpe casually dismissed him, pushing him even further.
Gong!
Ais and Tiona sat off to the side, watching the light particles float around his left hand. "Has he gone too far?"
Ais did not respond, but her hand was on Desperate's sheath, ready to strike. Worst case, he'll be out for a little longer.
"Take. It. Back."
Harpe grinned, "Make me, bunny boy."
Before Bell could even counter-attack, he was hit from behind, making him lose his Argonaut charge and fall limply into Ais's arms. "Did you have to push that hard on the first try?" Tiona asked, not exactly chiding, but close enough.
Harpe melted into Isaac and he put his head in his hand. The other was clenching so hard that blood leaked in between his fingers. "I know I said he'd hate me, but that was so gods-damned far from the truth."
He looked them dead in the eyes.
"I hate myself far more than anyone ever could."
Hestia was dealing with a problem of her own. Right now, Lili was trapped within the Soma Familia's walls. Having extracted the story from Welf, who offered his help, had a plan to get Lili back. They needed some help, so they went to Takemikazuchi Familia and Miach Familia to ask for assistance. "Welf, what did Hephaistos say?"
"She allowed it, and she asked me why she should let me, wondering if I still had the passion to create weapons better than magic swords, and ya know what I told her?" Hestia inclined her head, gesturing for him to continue, "I told her that as long as that passion is inside me, I can forge weapons anywhere. I learned it from her, after all. I'm doing this for Bell. For Isaac and Irene because honestly? I don't want to see them be ripped apart from someone that genuinely cares for them like Lady Dia."
That was before they all met in Miach Familia's home, Blue Pharmacy, to discuss the plans to get Lili out of the Soma Familia. "So, on the southern side of the canal is where Miss Supporter to being held. If we can create a distraction, one of you will be able to get inside and deal with any resistance. As much as I would love to have the twins here, they need to prepare."
"I wouldn't count one of them out yet," Welf said, smirking as the door opened, revealing Irene.
"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be busy preparing?" Hestia admonished the quarter-elf.
"Well, I've heard a friend is in need, and I kinda snuck out of Twilight Manor to get here. Even Lady Dia doesn't know," Irene replied flippantly. "And since Isaac is nowhere to be found, training Bell, he obviously can't be here, and then there's the fact that I literally have a stealth spell that can get us inside."
Even though that explanation was simple, Irene wasn't lying, and there were three Deities in the room. Instead of asking the obvious, Welf grinned, "Glad you could make it to the party, Lil' Rene."
"Where's the closest cliff?" she asked, smiling, but her intent rose. "I told you what would happen if you called me that."
"You know I mean it endearingly?" Welf said, suddenly fearful for his life.
"Nevertheless, can we do this in the span of an hour? That's about the time I have before M-Riveria or Lady Dia see that I'm gone," Irene scratched the back of her head. If anyone caught onto her stutter, no one commented on it. Nahza had a small knowing grin on her face but said nothing. She was wondering when the quarter elf was going to admit that relationship.
"Then how did you sneak out?"
"The same way that you're getting in," Irene said. "I just deactivated the spell before I entered. You only knew I was there because I let you know I was there."
"Well, the best time to strike would be now, since most of them are likely asleep," Ouka said, giving his opinion, and most found themselves agreeing. He turned to Irene, "And with your spell, we definitely can catch them by surprise."
"Perfect, so would you rather I cast it here, or when we're in position before we break in? I can cast it on everyone but the Gods since I assume you have a plan to speak to Lord Soma?" Irene asked, thankful that her blushing cheeks from her slip-up have subsided.
"Yes, I plan to at least have a conversation with him, to hopefully open his eyes to see what his 'familia' has done. The Soma Familia is well-documented for being rowdy, disrespectful, and most likely to turn on anyone if it means getting some Soma. That wine… it scares me that it can have this much control over people," Hestia said with a shiver.
"With that being said," Nahza added in, "should we go?"
Everyone nodded in agreement as they continued to discuss the plan's finer points before putting it into action.
The march on Soma Familia began tonight.
Back on the wall, there were minor explosions that could be seen. "Looks like they're at it again," Isaac commented as he dodged a punch from Bell. Without looking, he sent a kick to his center. Irene updated him and explained the situation, they needed to get Lili back. It was crucial that it happens.
"What's happening?" Bell asked, wheezing.
"Nothing too major, focus on me," Isaac said, following his own advice. He dodged another strike before going to counter, but Bell has learned in his time of ass-kicking. He feinted the blow, which Isaac smirked as Bell landed his first solid punch to Isaac's chest. It didn't send him backward, but it did let him know that he was ready for the next step. "Congrats. We can now move on to weapons."
Bell was on his knees, panting, "B-But I only hit you once."
"Once you successfully countered me, I knew you had it all down. You're absorbing this like a sponge. I'd hate to have fought you in the arena. People who learn quickly are often the scary ones, but the ones who observe are even more so," Isaac said with a small barb to the two observers.
Ais and Tiona were watching closely to see where they could further improve the male duo. "Hey, it's just entertaining to see two alpha males duking it out," Tiona shrugged.
"Well, to give me a break, how about you two spar against Bell, since he'll need a crash course on fighting multiple opponents. He can use his weapons, and you as well, but try to ease up. With your level difference, it's damn near impossible for him to 'win'. It's more plausible for him to win against me," Isaac said, tossing Bell a towel and using one himself. This was the time that they called for a break, to eat, hydrate, and even get quick naps in. Since it was near dusk, the nap might stretch a little longer.
"Ouuu, I get to fight Mr. Argonaut? Don't mind if I do!" Tiona cheered as she went to retrieve Urga, her prized blade. Ais just nodded and prepared herself.
"Word of warning, I may pop in the middle of the fight and see where we go. If I get picked then it will be useful for me to see where my own weak points are," Isaac said, finally getting his heart to rest. Secretly, he hasn't fought such a tenacious opponent in so long. His own sister doesn't count. Both could lay each other out on any given day. Obviously, higher-leveled people can easily kick their asses, but that doesn't mean he can't give a level four a hard time.
With that being said, the trio got into position after their break. Isaac got his own gear ready in case he jumped in, "Go!"
The mock battle began with gusto.
Meanwhile, in the Apollo Familia Manor, there were two members that were sitting in their room. Of course, they would be participating in the War Game. However, one was exasperated with the other. The reason is really simple…
"Why don't you believe me?" a voice cried. The woman in question had dark navy hair that went down to her waist, and navy eyes to match. "Two imposing figures will march into our home and take us down from the inside, like a Trojan! It will happen under our noses."
"Give it a rest, will you? We have more preparations to make," another female answered the first.
"Daphne, you don't understand. A white rabbit who is perceived to be innocent will come and reap us of our flesh, and then an unknown figure will help them conquer us." The reason that it was unknown was that Lord Apollo hasn't picked either one yet.
"Cassandra, come on, focus on getting ready," Daphne said. Her lighter red hair and honey-gold eyes looked to the mage of the Familia. "These visions or whatever aren't going to come true."
...yes, Cassandra has visions, and in some form or another, they always come true. Every. Single. Time. No one believes her, which is the downside. Sometimes, the meanings don't come until later, sometimes they come instantly. To Daphne's credit, she's tried to understand her friend, but her mind could not wrap around the things she says. It was no wonder that the Familia chose not to listen to her.
It's their loss. Someone is literally telling the future for them and they choose to not even utilize it. Cassandra clutched her staff close to her and murmured under her breath, "The rabbit obviously represents him, but this figure, it could mean anything. What could it really mean?" From what I knew, neither Titan seemed anxious or worried, but could that be a façade they put up in order to not show their nerves. If so, they have nerves of steel. I just wish someone would believe me!
Daphne noticed that Cassandra was thinking of something and her eyes were unfocused. So, the light-haired girl gave her a quick slap upside the head, "Come on, don't worry about it, Cass, now get some sleep."
While Cassandra was thinking, she didn't even realize that she was back in her own room. With that, she got changed and clutched her pillow. The Game was up and coming. With her dreams starting now, she wondered what potential paths this vision can have.
Let's check in with the Goddess, shall we?
Dia was, of course, busy. She and Loki enjoyed one another's company as they worked, but the Trickster noticed the fidgeting that the petite Goddess was doing, "If you're this worried, you won't see the paths in front of you."
"Something tells me that one of these paths is going to lead to me being upset at one of my children," Dia said as the door opened.
Irene came in with a self-satisfied smile, "Hello, Lady Dia, Lady Loki." Her clothes looked scratched and slightly torn, her armor had a couple of nicks in it.
"And what have you been doing all night?" Dia asked with a raised eyebrow whilst shooting a concealed look at Loki, who was trying not to laugh. It certainly looked like she did something.
"Freeing Lili from the Soma Familia base because they decided to capture her when the Apollo Familia was attacking us and don't worry, everyone is alive and Lili in Lady Hestia's Familia now. So, it won't be just me and Bell going to fight. I think Lady Hestia also had a plan for how Lili can be used. As for Isaac, he hasn't and wasn't a part of this. However, Riveria may be upset that I left the Manor when I should have been sleeping," Irene explained in one big breath.
Loki interjected, "You snuck out under Mama's nose?"
"We'll see how she responds when she finds out, which I hope isn't until after the War Game because wherever we end up, her opinion may change," Irene said as both Goddesses stopped. "She's… standing right behind me, isn't she?" They nodded mutely. A curse rang out in Elvish mentally before turning around like a poorly-oiled machine. Riveria's jade eyes were glaring into Irene's hazel. "So… I can explain."
Thunk!
"You can explain why you were outside the Manor, at Soma Familia's home, and why you decided to risk yourself!" Riveria's tone was stern, like a mother scolding a child.
"Well, I didn't think I needed a reason to go help my friends free another from a sociopathic captain who used the familia for his own gain!" Irene's tone matched Riveria's and the two spectators simultaneously sweatdropped. Ignoring the pain in her skull, she continued, "So sorry that I wanted to help when I had the chance! If it wasn't clear, you're not the one at risk of being converted, so you don't get to lecture me on how I spend my time." Her presence had grown in the room, matching Riveria. "If I was forced to leave Dia, Orario would hear about it, and I'd make sure of it. And we all know that a certain Goddess is literally waiting to pluck us like diamonds in the rough as soon as that happens! So, what makes you think I'm just going to sit around and wait for that? There was a reason I left, and there was a reason I didn't tell you. Why can't my mother understand that I nor Isaac are to be coddled like children anymore! We never had that chance since we were discriminated against literally our entire lives, we had to learn the hardships of the world at the ripe age of seven. Need I go on, Riveria?"
The High Elf was stunned but not for the reason one would think. "Did she just call her…" Loki was completely perplexed. One, she wasn't denying it. Two, Irene didn't realize it and if she hasn't yet, then she will soon. Three, Dia looked oddly impressed, if the smirk was any consolation.
"You… You just…" Riveria was still reeling from it. Irene herself was confused as to why she didn't have a retort or a counter-argument.
Loki decided to enlighten the room, "Glad to know that you've solidified your relationship, Irene. It's about time she finally accepted it. I think this is the first time I've seen Nine Hell blush like this."
Irene thought back to the words that she had just spoken. My reason for going out, explaining why I went out, saying the plan, reminding her of mine and Isaac's past, Lady Freya's plan if we lose, saying that she was my… she paled… mother. Did I just call Riveria MOM?! Irene shouted a spell in a panic, another swift strike spell, but it was an illusion.
*Smokescreen!*
A puff of smoke appeared in the office and Irene slipped out of the door, hiding her blushing cheeks. ISAAC, I DID A THING!
Her brother's voice filtered into her head a moment later, What did you do, call Riveria 'Mom?'
HOW DID YOU KNOW?!
Wait, you actually did?! Isaac's voice carried on incredulously. How and why? Irene explained how she went to help save Lili, updating him on the situation that to which he commented, That explained the explosion we saw earlier.
So, then she got upset I left and I explained why I had to help and I guess while I was ranting, the word 'Mother' slipped out and I'm so embarrassed! I should be lucky that no one else has seen me yet, Irene said, looking around, holding her heart, which was thumping in her ribcage violently. Isaac's response was as typical of a sibling. He was laughing at her.
Besides the fact that Tiona, Bell, and Ais are looking at me funny, I got to tell them.
Don't you dare! I won't be able to show my face around them, and then Tiona will tell Tione and I just want to let this blow over! Irene desperately shouted back mentally.
In other news, I hate myself, Isaac said casually, but Irene caught the self-deprecating note with it. Pushed Bell to learn to take taunts, and apparently, I'm good at getting under his skin.
She didn't get a chance to respond...
"What about something blowing over?" someone said to Irene's left. Anakitty Autumn, Alchat, level four, was standing close by. She was in her traditional garb of a black and white outfit, tan straps across her stomach, a frilly white skirt along with dark brown boots. On her arms were gloves that extended to her elbows and had a gold ring on the end. On her neck was a white-collar—ignoring the irony—that had what looked like a white handkerchief attached to it. She happened to hear some commotion and went to check it out. Her cat ears allowed her to hear this before most of the other familia members, even those with other demi-human traits. Her being recognized as one of the top-level fours in Orario, she knew how to adjust very easily. She also wanted to see if she can get any gossip out of the young quarter elf.
"Aki!" Irene jumped in her skin. "Don't sneak up on me like that!" Then, she realized she spoke her last thought aloud.
Anakitty giggled, her tail swishing behind her, "Fufu, I think it's adorable how you're blushing after running away from Loki's office. If I'm not mistaken, Riveria was headed that way, grumbling about lecturing you."
Irene was about to ask how she heard that, then Anakitty's ears flickered. "I really don't want to talk about it." Her flushed cheeks got darker as Aki's eyes gained a glint, similar to Loki when she had a perverted thought. Except that Aki did not have perverted thoughts. She had a woman's intuition.
"You called Riveria 'Mom' didn't you?" Aki guessed with a knowing smile.
"Eep!" Help.
Sorry, no can do, Isaac responded instantly. Looks like Irene forgot to block him out. Right now, Tiona is laughing her ass off. Bell and Ais, meanwhile, are not exactly laughing, but Ais finds it somewhat amusing if I'm reading her expression right.
Anakitty just cornered me and guessed! Irene thought back.
"Y-Yeah, but when she's…"
"She's what?" Aki leaned in, close enough to make Irene blush scarlet.
"She's my Godmother…" Irene whispered, barely loud enough to her own ears. When Irene made eye contact with Aki again, her ears and tail were straight up.
"Oh… that's… major news," Aki said. "No wonder why she never said anything."
Irene immediately grabbed Anakitty's hand, "You can't say anything about this!" Her pleading expression should have been hilarious if it was anything else, but this was Riveria they were talking about.
The elder Cat Person inwardly preened at having an elf grab her hand, but hid her reaction. "I won't, but how many people do you think know about this?"
"Half a dozen or so?" Irene shrugged.
They didn't get to continue their conversation as Dia came by holding a sealed letter from Apollo. "As much as I want to discuss what just happened, we have more important business to attend to. Come on back, you left Riveria in a shock. I think your words are finally starting to kick in, so come on, daughter," Dia teased. Irene gulped then nervously chuckled. Aki then gave Irene a good push in the Goddess' direction.
Following along, "He's given you an answer already?"
Dia nodded, "Uh-huh, and let me say, I trust you, but you should apologize to Riveria for speaking up like that. You could have handled that better."
"I know, but she assumed that I'm incapable of handling myself. Isaac and I handled ourselves pretty well after you came along," Irene pouted, feeling slightly remorseful at the way she handled it.
Dia patted Irene's head affectionately and with a killer smile that made Irene smiled back. "Good, because she's inside."
Ice flooded her veins, "Wait wait wait, it's too soon, if you said she was in shock t-then now may n-not be a great idea right now."
As soon as the door opened, a flash of green flooded Irene's vision before arms were wrapped around her. Her own arms were pinned to her sides, restricting her movement. At first, it seemed fine, but the more she thought about it, the more her mind thought back to when Allen pinned her to the wall. Her breathing started to pick up.
A fact that wasn't missed by Dia, "Uhm, Riveria? You may want to let go, I think you're giving her a panic attack."
The arms dropped and she could move. Her own eyes were unfocused and staring at nothing. Her face turned into a grimace as she recalled the incident, her hand went to her side, shivering, sweating, and hyperventilating all at once.
Irene?! Isaac screamed, trying to get her attention.
"What?"she said and thought.
Panic attack? Do I need to come to the Manor? His mental voice was frantic, borderline pleading, a far cry from mere minutes ago.
No, I just… I'll explain when we see one another, for now… thank you.
She could almost feel the relieved smile on his face but there was a tad bit of hesitation as he responded, See you soon, sis. Love you.
"Well, her eyes are coming back into view, so that's good," Loki's voice caught Irene's ear.
"S-Sorry, I just… the confined space reminded me of…"
"I see…" Riveria's voice carried on with a hint of sorrow.
Looking up, Irene saw the unshed tears from her Godm… her mother now, and gently reached out for a hug of her own. Whispering into her robes, "Sorry, Mom, I just… I'm not incompetent." Irene heard a sniffle, and then arms encircled her, gently.
"I think I can let it slide that you two can call me 'Mom', but not a word out of you, Loki, or I'll freeze you," Riveria said softly before sharply looking at her patron goddess.
"Aw come on!" Loki shouted. What Irene didn't see were the happy tears running down the High Elf's face.
Dia cleared her throat, "Well, touching reunion aside, this letter contains an interesting note."
Irene detached from the hug, and she thinks Riveria's look was a fluke but steeled herself. Picking up the letter and reading aloud, "'Dear My Beautiful Dia… I'm hitting him for that…. 'I know I said my decision would be four days prior to the Game, but I found myself unable to wait. So I, the glorious Apollo, have spent the last two days crafting this very letter to inform you of my choice. The Titan I choose to represent your Familia is Aspis. My familia could use another mage, especially since the rumors show that she is very versatile. Best wishes, Apollo.'"
"Wow, his arrogance knows no bounds," Loki reacted with a tense expression.
Tersely, Riveria added, "Indeed."
"Uhm, Irene, are you alright?" Dia asked, feeling the intent rise in the room.
With a plastered smile, she asked, "Are there any training dummies that I can shape to look like Lord Apollo?"
The other three occupants of the room felt a bead of sweat roll down their faces.
"Oh please Ryuu! You gotta help them!" Hermes said, currently pleading with one Gale Wind to join the War Game. As it stands, they only have two people, as Hermes was unaware of Lili joining the familia.
"I don't see why I should," the elven waitress replied stoically.
"You're the only one who fits Apollo's criteria. I'll do whatever it takes to hide your identity, but if they lose, I don't even want to know what she's got planned for them. Orario would not survive if she acted. So, if you want Orario to stand another day, then please help them!" Hermes was not below begging, as shown.
Bearing witness to the info-broking God was Syr Flova. She didn't want Bell to lose either. From what Ryuu had said about the Titans, they were her kin; it didn't matter if they were quarter-elves, they were still elves. Not to mention, they are of High Elf blood, so of course, Ryuu was going to help.
The aforementioned elf sighed, "Fine, but I need your absolute word that my identity will be safe." The glare she levied against him meant if he didn't, there would be hell to pay.
"Deal!" Hermes shouted excitedly.
Ryuu sighed yet again, "Now, I need to tell Mama Mia about this."
Syr gained a glint in her silver eyes, "Or we could get Master Hermes to tell her."
"I like the way you think," Ryuu agreed with her closest friend. Hermes realized the looks he was getting from them and tried to run away, but there was one thing he forgot about.
One of them was an adventurer and a sharp one at that.