I'm so sorry for the, once again, two month wait! Please take this chapter as an apology ;w; I don't own Hetalia.


Lili stopped short as the magnificent sight of the Bellator temple rose above them. She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. She kept walking, taking on a determined gait.

As they got closer and closer, they were able to make out two figures, standing on guard in front.

"Is that your-" Gilbert started to ask, but was interrupted swiftly.

"Yes, it's my big brother," Lili said quickly. "Please, let me go first to talk to him."

She looked back at Arthur, who shrugged and gestured to go ahead.

As she climbed up the final incline and he came into view, she smiled brightly. "Hello, big brother!" she chirped.

"Lili!" Vash cried, and dropped down to hug her. He then seemed to remember himself and stood up straight quickly, looking a little red in the face. "Funny seeing you here," he said stiffly.

Feliks chuckled. "He was, like, so worried about you!" he told Lili slyly. "He wants to know why you were gone."

Vash clenched his jaw. "I simply wanted to know why you left the village without permission or surveillance."

Lili sighed, fiddling with the ribbon in her hair. "Big brother, I-I think I'm allowed to go out on my own. I'm fourteen now. You started this job when you were fifteen, and-"

"That's not the same," he cut her off. "This job is an honour that the elders have bestowed upon a person from our village. You have no reason to leave."

Gilbert, who was listening to the conversation with a displeased frown, opened his mouth to interrupt. "Actually, your little sister here is very special."

Vash looked up at him with barely masked disgust. "And who are you? Why is my sister travelling with strangers?"

Lili held up her hand. "Please, Gilbert, give me a moment with my brother." She faced her brother and hugged him tightly.

Vash held her tenderly. "I missed you," he muttered.

"I missed you too," she whispered, a few tears escaping her eyes. "You're always here guarding the temple. It gets lonely, living by myself."

Vash closed his eyes and sighed. "I wish I could visit more often, Lili, but this job...it's not something I can just leave."

Lili nodded, stepping back and wiping her eyes discreetly. "Big brother, I do have a reason I left."

"Oh?" he asked bemusedly. "Why?"

She was silent for a moment. Finally she mustered up her courage. "I'm part of the legend, too."

"What do you mean? Part of the legend? I-"

Vash was cut off as Arthur walked up, staring intently at him. "Mister Vash. I'm afraid I'll have to explain this part. Since you have this particular job, you are familiar with the legend of the Goddesses, yes?"

Vash nodded suspiciously, unconsciously moving back a few steps.

"Well, your purpose of sitting here all day, every day has been fulfilled. We are the heroes of the legend, and that includes your sister. We need your help to reach the Bellator Goddess here, and quickly."

Vash bit his lip. He glanced back at Feliks, who narrowed his eyes in curiosity. He connected eyes with Lili for a split second- hers were filled with a quiet confidence. He reluctantly met Arthur's gaze again. He didn't know what to say. Lili was a champion of the Bellator Goddess?

"I'll assume from your silence that you don't object?" Arthur asked, his tone almost challenging.

Vash swallowed his pride and bowed slightly, scowling the whole time. "It's an honour to meet you, champions. Please follow me and Feliks to the inside of the temple."

Lili broke into a wide grin. "Oh, big brother, I knew you'd understand!"

He shot her a small, pained smile, and turned around, his forehead creasing in worry.

Francis waltzed forward. "Bonjour!" he said happily. He took Feliks' hand and shook it enthusiastically. "As everyone here seems to be down about something, I will introduce us. The two over there are Gilbert and Ludwig," he started, indicating them. "This is Elizabeta, Arthur, and I'm Francis. And of course you already know Lili."

"Yeah, great to meet you and all that," Feliks drawled. "Why don't you, like, come in? We can make you something to eat and then show you to the ballroom."

"Ballroom?" Arthur asked apprehensively.

Feliks laughed. "You'll see."

The six followed the guards inside. Vash kept to himself, muttering under his breath. Feliks pointed out every interesting feature with a short, ridiculous story to match.

"And that's where Vash once-"

"I think they've heard enough, Feliks," Vash interrupted suddenly. "Help me get a suitable meal together for them instead of chatting the whole time."

"Aw, but the food you buy is so boring," Feliks complained. "It's like you go to the market and buy the cheapest stuff you can find, or something."

Vash coughed, embarrassed "It saves money."

Francis laughed airily. "If it's food you need help with, I am the one to ask! I will help you out."

Feliks shrugged. "Sure, whatever. You can, like, take my place. I'll show the others around some more."

He beckoned Arthur, Lizzie, Gilbert, Ludwig, and Lili over and led them down a hallway, the walls draped with crimson carpet.


Vash busied himself with starting a fire in the fireplace. He had been hoping to prepare lunch alone to have some time with his thoughts. But it looked like he was stuck with this annoying guy.

"Do you need help with that?"

Speaking of which.

"No," Vash said shortly. "Go find some food to make. I'll take care of this."

Francis shrugged and searched for wherever the food was stored. "Okay. Do you have any preferences?"

"You're the guest, you know," Vash reminded irritably. "Just pull anything out and I'll work with it."

Francis shrugged. "As you wish." He opened a small box and glanced at the contents, wrinkling his nose. "Mon dieu, Feliks wasn't kidding when he said this is cheap! What are you saving up for?"

Vash flushed. "Nothing really, I guess. I'm just being careful."

Francis threw a can aside, rummaging in the box. "Surely you can splurge just a little? Treat yourself sometimes?"

"Shut up," Vash scowled. "I'll do whatever I want with my money."

There was an awkward pause.

"So, how do you feel about Lili being part of my group?" Francis asked, trying to salvage the conversation.

The guard grimaced. "Honestly, I don't like it," he admitted, throwing caution to the wind and deciding to confide to Francis. "She could be in great danger by tagging along with you guys. But," he added as an afterthought, "I don't want to dissuade Lili from making a name for herself. I just want to stay neutral on this decision. It's Lili's to make, after all."

"Wise words," Francis hummed, stretching up and inspecting a box he had grabbed. "How is living here, anyway? I never really got to ask the Fortis guards."

Vash sighed. "It can get lonely, sometimes, I guess. I only have Feliks for company, and he's a damn pain in the ass sometimes."

"I can imagine," Francis chuckled.

Vash gave a small smile. "Though it's kind of cool being part of something bigger. When I was a little kid, I was really impressed by the legend. So, years later, when the elders chose me for this job, it felt more like a blessing than a curse." He hung a shallow pan over the fire as he spoke.

"Makes sense," Francis agreed, tossing away an expired packet. "But, what happened to your parents? Why are you raising Lili alone?"

Vash narrowed his eyes, realising he was opening up a bit too much. "None of your business."

Francis, sensing the overstepping of boundaries, sighed. "Never mind. Anyway, this is the only decent thing I found in here." He waved a can of chicken soup in the air.

"Seriously?" Vash asked, holding back a laugh.

"It's your food, mon ami. We must make do with what we have." Francis handed the can to Vash, who grabbed a knife and cut off the top. He dumped it in the now boiling water he had placed in the pan and stirred it.

Francis watched, a smile twitching at his lips. "You're not going to add spices?"

"Does it look like I have spices?" Vash retorted, stirring more fiercely.

Francis grabbed the ladle, tutting. "You're doing it wrong. You're supposed to stir slowly and in a counterclockwise motion, changing direction every minute."

Vash let go of the handle and threw up his hands. "I give up! You're infuriating."

Francis smiled and took over the pan. "True. Now please look for some spices so this isn't any blander than it has to be."

Vash stormed over to the box Francis had been sifting through earlier. He dug to the bottom and began to lift bottles out to check the labels.

"Will you talk to me now?" Francis asked. "About your family?"

"Nothing has changed, idiot," Vash huffed. "Why should I?"

"That's how you make friends, non?" Francis raised an eyebrow. "I'm just getting to know you better. And if Lili is going to be part of the team, it would help to know this, too."

Vash shrugged. He couldn't argue with that. "Fine...I guess I'll tell you," he said, his tone subdued, still shifting bottles.


Feliks pointed to a stained-glass window with an obvious crack in it. "That happened when Vash threw a rock at me and I dodged. He was, like, really mad at me after that."

"But he was the one who threw it!" Gilbert protested.

"I know, right? Like, totally unfair," Feliks agreed.

Arthur groaned, running a hand down his face. This had been going on for quite some time now; Feliks pointing out a flaw with a story to match, and Gilbert and Lizzie adding comments. Honestly, he just wanted to get the meeting with the damned Goddess over with and be back on his way soon.

"And that's where I broke a statue of a Goddess and Vash was sure that I'd be cursed with a terrible disease or something."

Cue Gilbert, Arthur thought.

"That's stupid. They wouldn't waste their time with clumsy mortals. They'd curse me for being too awesome, if they threw around curses like that."

And cue Lizzie.

"I bet if I broke a whole bunch of these statues, Lady Proelium would come faster."

Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose. And onto the next one.

"Like, this was when-"

"Okay," Arthur interrupted. "I think the grand tour has gone on long enough. Can we go back to Francis and Vash, now?"

Ludwig gave a barely noticeable sigh of relief.

Feliks looked annoyed. "Hold your horses, broski. We're going around; like, both of the openings of this hallway lead to the dining hall."

Arthur scowled and Lili stifled a giggle. Ludwig looked stoic as ever, but even he was starting to get exasperated.


"My parents were peaceful farmers," Vash began, leaning his elbow against the edge of the box. "I helped them out when Lili was born, and then when she was old enough, we cared for the wheat fields together." He fished out a small bottle with green flecks of spice inside.

Francis made a small noise of encouragement, accepting the bottle passed to him.

Vash sighed. "It was a quiet life, but we were okay with that. We didn't think anything would happen to us."

Francis looked down, biting his lip.

"You can probably guess what happened next," Vash muttered. "Our parents were recruited for an expedition to the mountains up north. They never came back."

"Oh, mon ami, I am-"

"Save it," Vash interrupted. "I don't need sympathy or pity. I lived alone with Lili for long enough to get over it. Then this job comes along, and she's alone again. You understand why I am reluctant to let her go?"

Francis nodded, stirring again. "I understand, yes."

"So there you go. Happy?" Vash slammed the lid of the box shut. "You had your 'get to know each other' fun. Now will you leave me alone?"

Francis smiled. "Thank you for telling me this. I think that we, as humans, should share our troubles, and not keep to ourselves, lest we become reclusive."

Vash rolled his eyes. "What a load of bull. Are you almost done?"

Francis sighed. "Almost."


Feliks opened a huge set of double doors with some difficulty. "This is the ballroom," he pointed out once it was open. "Here's where will come for the ceremony, or whatever."

Arthur looked with awe at the simply massive room. It had a big, open floor area, and the walls were adorned with impressive paintings of historical battles.

"Nice place," Lizzie commented. "Though I hate to see what Proelium will try to make us do here." A look of horror flashed across her face. "You don't think she's going to make us dance, do you?!"

"I doubt it," Ludwig said dryly. "Although we can pretty much expect anything at this point, she doesn't seem the kind of person to have that as a trial."

"You never know," Lizzie said darkly. "She's messed up in the head, that one."

Gilbert smirked. "What, you can't handle a little dancing? Come on!"

"I'd like to see you try," Lizzie retorted scathingly.

"Okay, that's enough," Arthur interrupted what was sure to become another full fledged argument. "We've seen the ballroom, Feliks; please bring us back to Vash and Francis."

"Fine," Feliks huffed. "It's this way."

They all exited out the giant doorway and back into the hallway. True to what Feliks said earlier, the hallway looped around back to the room they had entered from.

They walked in to see Vash and Francis sitting on opposite sides of a medium sized table, pointedly looking anywhere but each other. A large pan was steaming in the middle.

"Big brother!" Lili called. Vash glanced up and brightened.

"Oh, thank goodness you're here," he said, relieved. "The meal's ready."

Lizzie inspected the food. "This is chicken soup," she observed dryly.

Francis grimaced. "Yes, but it was the best they had. Eat it and be glad you are getting a meal at all."

Feliks cracked up at this for some reason, and the others all crowded around the table.

Francis ladled soup into eight separate bowls. "Enjoy!" he announced with a smile.

Arthur picked up his spoon and stirred his soup. "So, what's our plan of attack, so to speak?"

Ludwig took a careful sip. "Well, we're making good time. When we've finished here, assuming nothing unexpected happens-"

"Which it probably will," Lizzie added.

"Then we can head back through Fortis territory to get to the Docte temple," Ludwig finished. "Though it may take longer than anticipated; it's quite a ways away."

"We can make it!" Gilbert laughed, neglecting to use a spoon and just drinking from the bowl. "We're a full team now. What's the worst that can happen?"

"Everything, now that you've said that again," Ludwig said, rolling his eyes.

"Whatever, West," Gilbert pouted. "I'm sure it'll be fine. What do you think, Vashy?"

Vash flinched. Lili stifled a giggle.

After several seconds of silence, save for the clinking of spoons, Francis once again tried to make conversation. "How's the soup, Vash?" he asked. "I managed to make your measly food very good, if I do say so myself."

Vash gritted his teeth. "I think...it tastes like soup."

Gilbert burst out laughing at the dumbfounded look on Francis' face. Even Arthur cracked a smile.

"I see how it is, then," Francis said, affronted. "You can continue to feed yourself with your meagre cooking and see if I care!"

Lili giggled. "Oh, he likes it. He's just embarrassed to say so."

Vash scowled. "It's fine, okay? Leave me alone."

"If you say so," Francis muttered.

"So, Feliks, when are we going to meet the Goddess?" Ludwig asked, changing the subject.

"Probably in the morning," Feliks guessed. "There's enough rooms here for, like, a million people, so you'll all fit."

"Oh, and can we borrow some clothes?" Francis added. "Ours are desperately in need of replacing."

"No problem," Feliks chuckled. "We have plenty here, so, like, help yourselves. We can all meet in the ballroom in the morning."

"Sounds like a plan," Lizzie agreed. "I just hope she isn't too psychotic."

With that ominous sentence, the table descended into a sullen silence.


After the meal, everyone chose a room. Vash had disappeared somewhere shortly after, and Feliks had crashed in his own room. That left the six to talk among themselves before turning in for the night.

"What do you think of the Bellator temple?" Arthur asked Lizzie.

"It's okay," she shrugged. "A little fancy for my liking."

Looking around, Arthur had to agree. There were statues, paintings, and gaudy decorations everywhere.

"I think it's pretty tacky," Gilbert broke in. "And I have to say, Feli and Lovi were better at hosting than these two." Glancing at Lili, he added, "No offense or anything."

"Who are Feli and Lovi?" she asked politely.

"The guards at the Fortis temple," Arthur explained. "We had a rather...exuberant time. All because someone couldn't help but bring out alcohol."

Ignoring the pointed glare directed at him, Gilbert laughed. "Yeah, well, that's what made it awesome."

"Not when I woke up with a hangover and subsequently got kidnapped, shoved in an airtight box, and nearly died," Arthur muttered scathingly.

Lili's eyes widened. "Is that what happened there?"

Ludwig inclined his head, sighing. "All thanks to Lady Proelium. You can see why we are worried, now, yes?"

Lili nodded slowly. "I-I'm sure it'll go fine," she stuttered.

"Well," Francis said, stretching. "If we are to be ready for whatever she has in store for us, I think a good sleep is in order. I advise we do that now and worry about it in the morning."

"How about not worrying at all?" Lizzie offered. "I could kick her ass, probably. We have nothing to worry about."

"As long as there are no glass boxes, I don't care," Arthur mumbled. "If you lot are going to bed, I guess I will too. Goodnight." He stood up, drawing his cloak around his shoulders, headed to his room, and slammed the door.

"What's wrong with him?" Gilbert remarked, standing up and stretching.

"He's worried about another incident like in the Fortis temple happening," Francis mused. "That really took its toll on him."

Gilbert scowled. "That will never happen again. I swear my life on it."

"We will see," Francis sighed. "Goodnight, my friends."

Ludwig frowned and turned away, going to his own room silently. Lizzie departed as well, walking next to Lili, speaking softly with her.

Gilbert leaned on the back of an armchair. "What do you really think will happen?" he asked Francis quietly.

Francis shook his head. "I am expecting the worst, Gilbert. Two people almost died in the Fortis temple. I do not wish for a repeat of that."

Gilbert ran his hand down his face. "I don't get it. We're the good guys! The Goddesses are supposed to be helping us! Why are we waiting in fear?!"

"The world is a messed up place," Francis murmured. "Surely you know that."

Gilbert stood up straight. "Yeah, I do. I'm going to hit the hay as well, so I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"

"Yes, see you tomorrow."

They parted and went to their separate rooms.


Once again, Francis woke up in a plain field. Without even having to think about it, he knew he was where Matthew always appeared. He looked around, trying to catch sight of the lynx. Nothing happened for quite some time. A steady wind blew through, ruffling his hair, and he decided to pick a direction and walk for a bit. It beat waiting, anyway.

He glanced at his surroundings as he walked. The grass was a duller shade of green than usual. The sky was overcast, the clouds hanging low. Overall, the whole world was kind of hazy. Francis shoved his hands in the pockets of his grey sweater he had borrowed from Vash. Funny how dreams worked, putting him in a weird world just as he had been in the real world.

Slightly bored, he sat down on a rock nearby and plucked at the grass. It was unhealthy, practically dying in his hands. He frowned. Something wasn't right.

"Matthew?" Francis called, his voice barely audible over the wind, which now seemed to be picking up. He jumped to his feet and spun around; were those footsteps? "Matthew!"

There was no answer. Yet Francis was sure that someone was close.

Suddenly, a snarling sound broke the eerie silence. It sounded less like an animal and more like a feral monster. Francis patted his hip, and sure enough, his cutlass was sheathed there on his belt. Ignoring how much this felt very real and not at all dream-like, he sprinted towards the sound.

The clouds seemed to touch the ground here, and the world was enveloped in grey. Francis pushed his way through the heavy fog, drawing his cutlass. The shrieks of the creature were muffled, but getting louder and closer. Finally, he waved away the last of the fog and came face-to-mask with an ombra.

It was so unexpected, Francis couldn't move. He stood, staring paralysed, at the snarling monster.

"Francis?" a voice called in surprise. To his utter confusion, Matthew himself stood behind the ombra.

"Matthew?" Francis said hesitantly. "What are you doing there?"

Matthew flicked his tail. "I'm being attacked," he said calmly. "Please, defeat this beast to protect me."

Francis pointed his cutlass at the monster. "Gladly." His enhanced senses around ombre certainly came in handy when fighting one, he observed. It was as if he could predict the next move it made, seconds before it had even started it.

He jabbed and slashed with his small sword. He was always one step ahead of the opponent, dodging and parrying constantly.

The ombra reared its head and bellowed. It came down full force, slamming its arms onto the ground. Francis attempted to jump back, staggering at the shock wave. He fell to one knee.

The monster took the opportunity and aimed a devastating blow at his head. Desperately, Francis shoved his sword straight up in front of him. There was a sick gurgling sound, and promptly, the ombra dissolved.

"Very good, Francis," Matthew purred. "You fought it like a pro."

Francis sheathed his cutlass with slightly trembling fingers. "Merci," he said hesitantly.

"Terribly sorry that I couldn't meet you at our usual spot," Matthew added. "I was held up here."

"But how was that thing in my dream?" Francis asked, still staring at the spot he had nearly been decapitated.

Matthew bared his claws. "This place is not stable. Surrounding forces are always trying to break in. It takes all of my power to bring you here so that we can talk without interruption." He glanced at Francis, eyes glittering with a hidden emotion. "It is not so much a dream, but a shift between realms. Does that make sense?"

"No," Francis said bluntly.

Matthew grinned, sharp teeth showing. "It doesn't have to. As long as you can defend yourself, we can continue to come here. Now, you probably know what I wanted to talk to you about?"

"The location?" Francis guessed.

"Yes. You remember how I asked you to bring your friends somewhere after you are finished at the temple. I will now tell you that location." Matthew jumped up onto a rock next to Francis, and with a flick of his tail, conjured a map of Terra Deaeque in the air, painted in silvery lines. Ignoring Francis' gasp of wonderment, he highlighted the area where the Bellator temple was situated. "You are here. You will be heading back down here," he said, tracing a line to the forest bordering Bellator and Fortis territory, where they had found Lili. "You will be travelling to Docte territory to visit your temple. The place where your companions are being held is just a little out of your way." He drew a small circle in a little mountainous area near the border. "You shouldn't find it too hard to convince your friends to go there, even if they don't believe why."

Francis nodded slowly. "And you're sure our companions are there?"

Matthew stared at him seriously. "I am always sure."

"O-okay," Francis agreed nervously. Something about Matthew's eyes invoked a flash of fear every time he looked at the lynx.

"Good," Matthew said softly, and stood up, dispelling the map into little sparkles, which winked out. "I look forward to meeting you there. But Francis," he added. "Don't tell your friends about me. They may think you are making it up in some kind of desperate ploy. Do you understand?"

Francis' knuckles whitened on the hilt of his cutlass, which he was now clutching. "I understand."

Matthew hopped to the ground lightly, curling his tail. "Very good. Well, this is goodbye until then, Francis. Don't forget."

The world tilted crazily, throwing the Docte off-balance. It swirled around him, and all was black.


Francis jolted up, panting. Looking around him, it took a few seconds to get his bearings. The small room had a single window, which was illuminating the red-carpeted walls. Dust swirled in the beams of sunlight.

Of course, Francis thought. The Bellator Temple.

He checked his hip, and sure enough, his weapon was sitting there. Ignoring the fact that that was quite a dangerous spot for it to be, he sighed heavily. So Matthew's world was real, and he was being transported there whenever the lynx felt like it. Great.

He got out of bed, stretching out the knot in his back. Neglecting to get a change of clothes, he left the room, still wearing the baggy grey hoodie. He guessed it was a few hours after sunrise, so he headed to the place where they had eaten before.

When he walked in the room, he was met with the sight of an empty table. He sighed. Typical of his friends to sleep in on the day they might die.

Scowling, he scraped back a chair and sat in it. So he was supposed to tell them to go off course into the mountains for a reason that no one would believe. Like that would happen without a fight.

Finally, he got fed up with stewing in his thoughts, so he dug through the box from before. Maybe he could do them all a good favour and have a decent breakfast waiting.

After finding a packet labelled "oatmeal", Francis followed the instructions on the packet to make it. Soon, the food was ready, and he was spooning it into several bowls to serve once everyone came to the table.

Several minutes later, Gilbert and Ludwig came walking into the room. Gilbert was talking a mile a minute, justifying why he had broken a statue, with Ludwig bandaging his hand exasperatedly.

"Oh, hey Francis!" Gilbert grinned, spotting the Docte lounging on a chair. "Check this out!" He waved his hand in the air excitedly.

"Stop that," Ludwig said sternly, pulling it back down. "I'm not done."

"Yeah, whatever," Gilbert said dismissively. "I was walking down the hallways, just kinda bored, and I saw a statue of Bonus," he explained to Francis. "'Course, I took that as the perfect moment to get some revenge. Smash!" He laughed. "But that made my hand bleed so West here decided to take care of me. Pretty awesome, huh?"

"Fascinating," Francis murmured. "I have some food ready if you'd like."

"Thanks, buddy," Gilbert said as he swung into a chair and dug in with gusto.

Ludwig sighed and took a seat beside him. "Thank you, Francis."

"It's no trouble," Francis smiled halfheartedly.

Eventually, the others filed in, all taking a seat at the table. The only one missing was Vash. No one commented on the absence.


"So! Is everyone ready?" Lizzie asked briskly. It was after breakfast, and everyone was gathered outside the ballroom.

"We didn't have this much debate last time," Arthur grumbled. "Just go in." He pushed open the heavy doors with a creak, letting them swing open.

"Wait for me!" a voice behind them called. Vash came around the corner, fixing something to his hip. He pulled his green jacket over it before anyone could see what it was.

"Nice of you to finally show up," Gilbert mocked.

"Whatever. Let's go," Vash said, rolling his eyes.

Lizzie led the way, Lili at her side. They filed in and stood in the centre of the room expectantly.

Nothing happened for a few seconds. No one dared to say anything.

Finally, a pillar of fire appeared at the ceiling with a small explosion. It descended dramatically, shooting off flames all over the room, barely missing the people in the middle. When it reached the floor, it dissipated, leaving the figure of a woman standing there.

She was very tall, and had a cruel beauty about her, accented by her eyes, which seemed to glow. Her hair, propped up in a ponytail, was a vibrant red, showing off her tan skin. She was wearing a simple black tee shirt and jeans.

"Hello, there!" she said, inspecting them all. "Welcome to my temple!"

Gilbert applauded sarcastically. "Bravo," he sneered. "I love the part where you burn everything."

Lizzie bit back a scathing comment of her own to add to Gilbert's, and crossed her arms over her chest in an X, bowing. Lili followed her example. The others all found themselves taking a step back, leaving the two Bellators to face their Goddess.

Proelium watched them with sharp eyes and a smirk. "Ah, yes, that old thing," she said, turning back to Lizzie and Lili. "I always hated that salute. So bland."

"Then let's cut the crap and get to the trial," Lizzie snapped, abandoning all pretenses of respect.

Proelium snickered. "Such spunk! I knew I was right to choose you. And you-" she leered at Lili- "are just as worthy. Oh, what shall the trial be? I'm getting shivers just thinking of all the danger you could face!" She pursed her lips. "Let's see, should I make a maze with death traps? Ooh, how about trial by fire? All sound so wonderful!"

Vash stormed forward, throwing his coat back and revealing the sword he had sheathed there. "You will do nothing of the sort to my sister!"

Proelium threw her head back and laughed. It was a harsh sound, full of untold malice. "Protective brother, are we?" she asked, grinning at Vash.

Vash tightened his grip around his sword. "I don't want a conflict," he growled, contrary to his body language.

Proelium shrugged. "Regardless to what you want, I'm afraid you don't really have a choice." She seemed to come to a realisation. "Oh! I know what to do!" She snapped her fingers as Bonus had done before, and Vash stiffened.

He turned towards them with a blank yet steely look in his eyes, raising his sword. "I'm going to save Lili," he said, deadly calm.

"Aaand that came out of nowhere," Gilbert added unhelpfully.

"Like, get a grip on yourself, Vash," Feliks called worriedly. "You decided that it was okay, remember?"

Vash didn't blink. He levelled his sword at the group. "You took her from her home, her safe environment. You will pay."

"Hold on!" Ludwig protested, trying to stay rational. "We saved her!She's fulfilling her part in the prophecy; I know she's young, but you can't keep her completely isolated from the world perpetually!"

Vash's eye twitched. He rubbed his forehead, scowling.

Proelium tapped him on the head. "Now, now, no resistance," she chided. "You want Lili back safe and sound, yes? Who's in the way of that?"

"Those five," Vash muttered.

"So what are you going to do about it?" the Goddess urged.

Vash's knuckles whitened around the hilt of his sword. "Strike them down where they stand and save my little sister."

"There we go." Proelium turned to the heroes. "Who will take up the challenge? Who is willing to fight for your last member?"

Lizzie bit her lip. "I don't want to fight Vash," she said regretfully. "This doesn't have to happen. But because these selfish, conceited Goddesses keep blocking our path with ridiculous tasks, I suppose I must."

Vash pointed his sword at Lizzie. "I will fight you for my sister!" he shouted.

Lizzie drew her own weapon, glaring at the Goddess. "I will fight for what is right."

Proelium ushered the others away from the middle of the ballroom. When Gilbert tried to make a run for the two, she froze him in place with a snap. "This is the Bellator's business," she growled. "Stay out of it, if you know what's good for you."For good measure, she froze everyone else, too. Arthur was just immensely relieved that they weren't in an airtight cage this time.

Vash sprinted up to Lizzie, bringing his sword up to swing. She quickly blocked, the crashing of the blades resonating throughout the echoing room.

"Vash!" she said through gritted teeth, narrowing her eyes. "You know you don't want to do this!"

Vash raised an eyebrow in contempt. Without reply, he spun around and directed the sword at her midriff. She jumped out of the way and returned with a slash of her own, which he dodged.

They circled around each other, sizing up the opponent.

Lizzie grew impatient and leapt at him, clashing her sword against his. They both struggled for a second, fighting to gain the upper ground. Finally, Vash's blade slid off hers with a shhk and he staggered, off balance. She took the opportunity to kick him powerfully, and he crashed to the ground, the sword clattering out of his hand.

She pointed the blade at his head. "Do you accept defeat?"

Proelium, who was still watching with bloodlust in her eyes, snorted. "Oh come on. He can do better than that." She snapped her fingers.

In the middle of the room, Vash's eyes flashed. He swept his legs under Lizzie's, causing her to trip backwards, and lunged for his sword. Grabbing it, he turned to face her.

She had already recovered, and stepped in with several strikes to the abdomen, some of which struck. Vash stumbled back, hand on his torn jacket. He lifted it, a striking red accenting his skin now visible.

Lizzie paled. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to cut you!"

"Tsk, tsk, dear, we can't have you apologising for doing what you're supposed to!" Proelium called happily. "Finish him off if you can!"

Gilbert, frozen beside her, looked furious. He tried to shout, but to no avail.

Vash gripped his sword again with twice the vigour, smearing blood on the handle. With a yell of rage, he executed a series of slashes and stabs.

Lizzie attempted to block each one, but some slipped past her guard, painfully clipping her in the arm. Scowling, she tried to find an opening, and threw a small stab at Vash's exposed shoulder. To her surprise, she landed it cleanly.

Vash cried out in pain as she pulled out the sword. The tip was now stained with crimson.

Lizzie winced. She hated hurting him, but it was the stupid trial, and they had to pass, and-

"STOP!"

Lizzie whirled around in surprise at the commanding voice. Who-?

Her eyes widened as she realised a millisecond too late. She had turned her back to her opponent.

She dropped to her knees as Vash pulled his blade out from her back.

He coldly wiped off the blade as she collapsed to the ground.

"Big brother!" Lili, for it was she who had screamed before, cried in horror. "What have you done?"

Proelium doubled over laughing. "Oh, this is too rich! I love it!"

Arthur felt like screaming himself. That was his friend lying there, dying, and he couldn't move a muscle! He was sure everyone else felt the same. All they could rely on now was Lili.

Please, he thought. Please don't let Lizzie die.

Vash embraced Lili. "Don't worry," he said soothingly. "I saved you."

Tears running down her face, Lili shoved him away. "No! Don't you see, brother?! They're my friends! You just stabbed my friend!"

Vash looked confusedly at the small puddle of blood spreading around Lizzie's fallen form. "Friend..?"

Lili dropped to her knees in front of Lizzie. She tore some cloth off of her shirt and held it to the wound.

Vash seemed to be coming out of a stupor. "W-wait... What just-?"

"Come and press this to the wound," Lili snapped. "We don't have time for explanations. Hurry up!"

Vash worriedly sat beside her, keeping the cloth firmly pressed. "But what are you doing?"

"I'm going to reason with her," Lili grimaced, pointing at the still-laughing Proelium. She marched up to the Goddess.

Proelium wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, letting out a few more chuckles. She then noticed Lili staring at her defiantly. "What?"

"Don't you care?! Lizzie is one of your champions, and you're just letting her die?" Lili seethed. "You're the worst Goddess of all!"

Proelium arched an eyebrow. "Brave words, little miss, but I'm not convinced. What do you want me to do about it?"

Lili raised herself on her toes so that she was staring into her molten eyes. "Heal. Her. Now."

"And what if I don't?" The Goddess's tone was challenging.

Lili responded by bringing Lizzie's discarded sword up to Proelium's throat in a lightning-fast movement. "This," she said through gritted teeth.

Proelium looked surprised for a second. She then flashed a cocky smirk. "As if you could hurt me, little one. But I admire your spirit." She moved the tip of the blade away from her neck. "And that's what this trial was about, of course."

"So you'll heal her?" Lili asked hopefully.

Proelium shrugged languidly. "I could. I don't have to."

Lili scowled. She was done with this Goddess' stupid attitude. "You know what, Proelium? We don't need you. We don't ever need your help for anything. You're the epitome of laziness and bad judgement. In fact, I'd rather see just about anyone else in front of me right now, including the Shadow God himself. Get out of my sight."

Proelium gave her a thin lipped smile. "Taking that 'fighting spirit' a little too far there, tiger," she muttered.

"Lili!" Vash called desperately, attempting to staunch the new wave of blood. "If you're going to do something, do it now!"

Lili rushed back to Lizzie's side. "She won't listen," she sniffed, wiping her face. "Big brother, is Lizzie going to-?"

"Oh for the love of me! Fine!" Proelium exclaimed in exasperation. "I'll heal your silly champion." Waving her hand over the limp body, she continued, "It's up to her if she survives or not, but she isn't in immediate danger anymore. After all, this is still a test of spirit."

Lili regarded her with disgust, tear tracks still visible on her face. "Of course."

Proelium drew herself up to her full height. "Since I'm obviously not wanted here, I'll finish us off," she said coldly. "I officially bless you with the Bellator spirit. May the rest of your journey not end in tragedy, and always remember that the fighting spirit of the entire Bellator clan is with you."

She snapped her fingers, unfreezing the others. With a sullen expression, she folded into herself, until she disappeared with a pop.

Everyone immediately rushed to Lizzie's side.

"Is she okay?" Gilbert demanded.

Vash looked up, grimacing. "Only time will tell, I'm afraid."

He picked her up, and they walked out of the ballroom.