Disclaimer: Campione! was written by Taketsuki Jou, I get nothing out of writing this fanfic save personal satisfaction (and possibly reviews).
Author's Notes: First I have to say, I was disappointed with the results of my last chapter. (Review-wise, numerically I did okay, but the reviews content didn't fire me up). I don't know what happened, but I guess the investment just didn't pay off. Just because a chapter is long doesn't mean it's good. Oh well. Unfortunately, I don't want to rewrite that chapter and I do want to finish the part of hot springs in that same-but slightly toned down- style (so I will, despite it being under appreciated).
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Pet na Campione-sama!
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Insert Ten-Eleven: Athena: "Distant child..."
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After the youngest king had saved one, this goddess had sought shelter and used the power of the land restore her strength. Bathing in magic provided by a weakened ley line had been hardly helpful, but Athena shall make do with a partial recovery.
This one soon set forth to reclaim what was hers.
Arriving at the site of the fake Hero's destruction, this goddess found no sign of the Gorgoneion.
Annoying... that fake Hero was surely annihilated by the young god-slayer.
So then, why can one not find what one seeks?
Where is mine other self?
Did the second thief take it once more, while this one was healing her wounds?
Or was its existence consumed after being used to summon that poor facsimile?
No... this goddess can still feel it, the snake. Vaguely existing... in this mortal plane.
A vision filled the eyes of this goddess. The fake hero was erased from this existence. His divine steed was... defeated and tamed.
The Gorgoneion should have fallen into wide embrace of the sea.
However...
Quite cunning... Pandora. This goddess Athena sees that thou favors that child of yours.
This one should have grasped it sooner... but at least, the snake is safe in that one's possession.
One needs not hurry and simply focus in one's recovery.
...
Athena had just turned away to seek out an unexhausted ley line; however, before this one could leave, a divine beast had suddenly come out into existence.
The winged boar with a golden pelt...
Chrysaor, did thou come to find thy brother? Or thy mother?
The beast turned it eyes towards this goddess. And with an angry howl, it shot thousands of feathers from a single flail of its golden wings. The golden feathers distorted into crudely formed arrows all aimed at one.
The familiars of this goddess appeared in great numbers without one's summons. They caught the hail of arrows intend for this one before returning into the darkness.
"Thy anger is misplaced, child. This goddess is not the one that hunted thy brother."
The beast's snarl slowly shrank.
"This one has no need to tell tales. However, even if that is so, thou are naught a match for one."
It relaxed its posture and stopped its growl.
"This goddess shall give thee counsel... forget thy desire for vengeance, if thou wishes to remain free."
The divine beast growled in rekindled rage.
"That is correct. Thou art too weak."
The beast roared as if to impress one.
"This is one's final warning to thee, mine distant child... cease thy anger and forget thy longing of revenge."
But the beast only howled louder with defiance.
How foolish... it knows it can not win.
However it is of no consequence... the power of this beast would suit that king very well.
A smile graces mine lips at this dangerous thought.
Why does this goddess wish for that King to grow even stronger?
This Athena has no answer... strange, but one shall leave it at that.
...
"Very well... this goddess, Athena, shall lead you to the one that hath slain thy brother."
The beast chortled a snort, seemingly delighted, before vanishing the mortal realm. It now hid as part of mine shadow, where it will follow one to its target...
Kusanagi Godou,
Athena shall pay one's debt.
Once that is settled...
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Insert: End
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Chapter End Notes: As you've noticed, I've simplified Athena's narration. I've done without the overly archaic speech and terms (that needs 5 to 7 proofreadings and still come up with wrong terms). The basic feel of how she thinks still feels the same to me (except that it's easier to read and write now).
