Back at the Hostess.
"Ryu, Syr we need more chairs and tables setting up, get them from the back if needs be! For heavens sakes, Chloe, Anya stop chatting and get clearing those tables!"
Nobody was expecting this big of turn out; the wargame was about to get underway and everyone seemed to pile in at once fighting with one another to get a table or a drink. While Mia would have been grateful for the increased business, she wasn't at all prepared for it.
Anya seemed to dart from table to table grabbing empty glasses and plates all while trying to handle a barrage of orders coming from all directions. She looked to her friend for help but she two was slowly becoming overwhelmed.
"Mah We could have really done with extra hands today. Good thing you stopped Ryu and Syr from sneaking off. Little rookie or not they still have to pull their weight." Anya spoke up as she came out the kitchen past Mia who nodded looking at the other girls.
"I promised them the night off to celebrate with them. Hopefully this lot will have disappeared by then. I've asked Luniore to cover for them so we shouldn't be too overwhelmed."
"What! Why don't we get that option?" She shouted from one of the far tables. Mia slammed the bar shaking the whole building.
"Because unlike you two they actually do some work! Now stop complaining and get on with it!"
Both cats girls felt a chilling fear run down their backs as they rushed to get back on track. With a heavy sigh, Mia went back to pouring drinks. It was at this point that Syr returned from the back with Ryu.
"We brought out what was in the back this morning. It didn't help that we had a lot of rowdy adventures last night. We're gonna have to buy some more at this rate."
Mia rubbed her head as she looked at to the packed front. "It's not like we could fit them in anyways. Okay you two start helping the others, given the time it shouldn't be too long now before its starts…"
Both the girls nodded. "Yes, mama!"
Elsewhere.
"I'll put twenty thousand on Apollo!"
"Twenty thousand? Come on, you can do better than that. Seriously what's Hestia got that can beat his team?"
In one of the many back ally bars betting had begun to take place on the outcome of the wargame. To many, it was a chance to make a quick pay day as they tried to work out who would come out on top. While all odds seemed to point to Apollo, nobody could say for certain if he'd win outright. Still...
"Hey, come on we've still got an outrageous amount of bets against Hestia!"
It was then that another man stepped in. His rugged looks and build made him stand out as he tossed a large bag onto the table.
"Hestia! Two hundred thousand!"
The man at the table looked up. "Seriously? What you know something we don't Mord or are you just really determined to lose all your money? Hahaha!"
The entire bar seemed to laugh in unison as Mord stepped aside leaning against one of the walls. "Yeah yeah just shut up and watch! You'll see."
The man came down from his laugh and shrugged, "Well, you're one of a small few that believes they've got a chance. If that's all then…"
"Five-hundred thousand on Hestia!" A large bag hit the table as everyone went silent, looking at the last-minute arrival. Even Mord took an interest as he spied the hooded figure. The man grabbed the bag and smiled.
"Hey, now this little lady is out betting you all! Puts all you cheapskates to shame!" Just as he said it everyone seemed to bark new bets in response. While this was going on the person made her way over to Mord's side.
Mord, curious as to who made such a large wager turned his attention fully to her. "So, what's your reasoning for taking such a large risk?"
The hood seemed to indicate ears of some kind. The girl lifted it back to reveal her smiling face. "Risk? Well, I suppose it is something my God would do however I'm, not of the same mind. You and I both know there's more to that Familia than meets the eye."
Mord chuckled at her comment. "That we do…"
Within the private viewing of the stands.
Hermes watched from the private section of the stand. He had been invited by Royman to watch the festivities with himself and a few others. While he wasn't planning on it, he was trying to stay on the man's good side. Even though he was mortal, he still ran the guild with a hard fist and Hermes had more than a few close run-ins as of late. Though this wasn't the only reason he accepted.
"Long time no see Hermes." A woman's voice called out to him. From his makeshift throne, he turns his head with a curious smile.
He waved his hand in response. "Well, well you decided to show up after all. Funny I thought you'd be in some back-alley bar taking the poor fools for everything they've got. But then again you were always difficult to understand Aphrodite."
The goddess of Beauty giggled as she took her seat next to him. "Nice to see you too Hermes. Don't worry, my little entourage is already doing just that. Besides we've not talked properly in so long."
Hermes avoided her gaze, knowing what kind of trickery she could pull. "Y-yes well, there's good reason for that…"
Her jewel-like eyes glanced in his direction, though she quickly caught on to what he was referring to. "Worried I'd charm you again? Come now Hermes I wouldn't do such a thing to an old friend."
He still kept his head turned. "I remember you saying that the last time before leaving me tied up to a bedpost!"
She nearly burst out laughing, "Hehe Yes but that was your own fault besides that was years ago I've changed since then."
Though he was at first reluctant to do so he finally caved in a meet her gaze. "I doubt it... But I'm not gonna have my head turned the entire day."
There was a moment of silence as Aphrodite spied Hestia and the others in the stands. She relaxed back as her eyes began to focus on a certain boy and girl.
"So, how's Zeus's little pet project coming along?" She asked resting her head onto her hand. Hermes raised an eyebrow in response.
"Fine. Though I don't remember you being privy to such knowledge. Care to explain how you came about it?"
Aphrodite pushed her curly locks out of her line of sight before returning to a more relaxed position. "I took an interest in the boy and did some digging. I happened across the old man by chance, though I must say I wasn't at all surprised."
With this newfound revelation, Hermes looked to her with caution. "And?"
She shrugged. "Relax Hermes he found me, not the other way around. Had he not I wouldn't have even noticed. Your secret is safe nobody else knows."
The messenger god seemed to sigh heavily with relief as he looked over to Royman and the others to make sure they weren't listening.
"He really needs to tell me these things! So, go on then what's your interest in the boy then?"
She turned her back to the Hestia Familia giving him a surprised look. "Seriously the boy managed to get Artemis to understand love and you don't think that he's someone worthy of my interest and many others it would seem."
Hermes looked confused for a moment. "Okay, but why do you even care. Last time I checked you and Artemis weren't the best of friends."
"No, we weren't, though you could say I felt sorry for her. Given all that happened to her, it was heart-breaking to hear her fate. Though I took a small amount of comfort in knowing she finally loved someone back." She began to wipe her eyes. "Upon learning of her revival, I rushed to see the reunion take place. Though I had not expected her to have forgotten such an event. Given this, I resolved myself to help them and watch the flower of love bloom."
Hermes smiled. "To think a goddess of beauty would be helping someone find love. It's kind of ironic."
"Indeed it is. That being said, if they lost this little bout then that dream would all but be shattered. As such I've taken steps to avoid such a catastrophe."
Hermes once again took an interest in what she was saying. "What steps?"
She placed a finger on her nose and tapped it. "That little donation to Hestia's children was from me."
If Hermes wasn't holding his chin up with his hand it certainly would have hit the floor by now. "Y-You made that donation!? I heard it was a substantial amount by all accounts. You're absolutely nuts!"
She seemed to ignore his comments and observe the surroundings. "Money is money, it has value only where people see it. I'm showered in it, from my followers and Familia. It has no value to me. However, seeing a miracle take place is worth anything wouldn't you agree?"
"I suppose."
The hour drew near and Royman looked to the two gods. "Lord Hermes, it's about that time."
The god nodded and rose to his feet. Holding a small orb, he looked into it and bowed. "Ouranos, do I have permission to use my powers?"
The old god nodded "Yes, I grant you permission."
He clicked his fingers as he carefully pocketed the orb. As he did screens appeared all across Orario with a clear picture of the arena. Everyone on the streets seemed to stop and stare in wonder as the whole city came to a complete stop to watch.
Royman nodded and Hermes took a step forward. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Gods and goddess. With no further delays let the wargame commence!"
The stands roared to life in response. Cheers began for each side. Getting louder and louder. While at first many seemed in favour of Apollo others took on the challenge and became louder. Those who remained neutral just took in everything and watched as the first two stepped out.
Hestia and the rest watched from their corner as Mikoto stepped out. She was calm and collected. Whatever doubts or fears she had were left in the stands. Her left hand was placed firmly on her katana while her right hung by her side.
The goddess smiled. "Good luck Mikoto were all routing for you." As she said this she turned to the others and nodded. "Isn't that right everyone!"
"Yeah!" they all shouted.
Welf and Bell stood up while bringing their hands to their mouths as they began to shout down to her, "GOODLUCK MIKOTO!" Bell shouted. Grabbing her attention. "GIVE EM HELL!" Welf said making her smile and nod.
With everyone now looking at the two, they reluctantly sat back down deciding it was best not to embarrass themselves much longer. Artemis, Lili and Luna both remained silent watching the two boys embarrass themselves.
"Master Bell, it's okay to encourage her but maybe tone it down a little. And what's with your response Welf? It's a little unlike you."
The blacksmith went a light shade of pink but shrugged it off. "Just getting in the mood, what can't we cheer for our teammates now?" His question seemed to appease the Pallum girls curiosity.
"Fine just don't embarrass us okay. All of Orario is watching after all."
Bell chuckled as he looked to his left to see Artemis staring down at the field. Her eyes focused on Mikoto. Given the two had been training together the last two days it was fair to say she wanted her to win. He decided not to say anything and silently watched as well.
They weren't the only ones. Takemikazuchi Familia was also watching. Takemikazuchi himself smiled upon seeing his former child. Ouka and Chigusa sat to his side discussing the matter at hand.
"Ouka do you think she'll be okay?" Chigusa asked worried for her friend's safety.
The larger man nodded. "Of course, Mikoto's smart and skilful so long as she keeps a calm head, she'll win this easily."
"Wise words Ouka, but we should save the conversation till after the match."
They all nodded turning to the screen in front of them. Takemikazuchi closed his eyes his hands placed in his lap. 'Mikoto, stay safe…'
Mikoto slowly walked into the light and before her, was a huge open field surrounded by large stone walls holding the stands above. At opposite ends and sides, huge metal gates loomed over her most leading to other areas of the Arena severing different purposes. Though the one she was most interested in was the one facing her. Unlike the others, this one remained open and directly above it was the Apollo Familia looking down at her. The very presence of them gave her shivers. This was after all the first time she had ever seen them, and it was obvious to see just why they were a big deal.
'So many members… Even if all our Familias combined together there's no way we could have enough people!' She took a deep breath trying to ignore their obvious stares.
'All I have to do is win. I can't fail!' As she took another step forwards the voices of her new comrades called out. She turned to see both Bell and Welf standing up amongst the crowd behind her. It was comforting to hear and see though Lili soon ordered them to sit down making her laugh a little.
'Well… Here I go.'
At the same time, she reached the centre a shadowy figure appeared out of Apollo's corner. When the light finally hit them, it gave Mikoto an idea of who she was about to face. It was a young woman probably only a few years older than her. She was dressed in the Apollos members uniform a long white coat with their emblem on the arm. Her dark reddish hair was cut back short and gave her a very calm and composed demeanour. On the other hand, her light yellowish eyes glistened and seemed to imply a much different story,
As the two women came closer to one another their eyes meet and Mikoto knew the look in her eyes wasn't just a hunch. They seemed careless and dead almost as if she didn't care about who was in front of her.
"Mikoto I take it?" The girl spoke up not showing any change in her outward expression. This took the eastern by surprise, but the match hadn't yet started so…
She remained calm and gave a reply "Yes…"
The girl sighed. "Don't take this the wrong way. While I don't have any personal grudge against you or your Familia, an order is an order. And as such I must defeat you!"
As she said this, she drew her long sword, pointing it towards Mikoto. Though Mikoto remained stoic placing her hand on her katana Zansetsu. "Same here."
"Wow wow wow these girls are looking feisty and ready to throw down! What do you say Ladies and Gentlemen are you READY!"
The crowds cheered in response to the announcer as did the hundreds of thousands watching. He raised his hands and looked to the heavens. "Then without further adieu let the wargame begin!"
No sooner had he said it had Mikoto drawn her blade. The sound of clashing steel ringing in her ears as she pushed to keep her blade in the air. Daphne was just as strong if not stronger than her and it was starting to show. With each second her blade inched closer to the floor which would leave her open to a lunge.
As soon as she realised, she eased her grip, throwing her body to the side and just in time too. The other women's speed was insane almost instantly stepping forward to stab her.
'She's good. I know eastern steel well, how she got her hands on such a blade is beyond me, but her skills with it are sharp and swift.'
It was then Mikoto realised her error. Daphne curled her body into Mikoto increasing her speed. Unable to react she took a direct knee to the stomach knocking her back and leaving her breathless for a moment.
As she went on one knee, she prepared herself for another on strike though it didn't come, instead, Daphne kept her distance and waited for her to come to her.
"Hey, Daphne WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING KEEP GOING!" One of her Familia spoke out though she ignored it keeping a close eye on the eastern girl.
'Strong in unarmed and close-range combat! Magic that can disable a person movement and trained by one of the war gods. If Luan's intel is correct this girl is a dangerous opponent.'
She brought her sword towards her chest and began chanting. "Follow blindly the sun in the sky."
Mikoto didn't wait to hear the end of it. Quickly getting to her feet and rushing towards her. Though she hadn't anticipated the distance between them. Or the time it took for the girl's chant to finish.
"Blossom, armour of laurel, so that all will flee from thee!"
A white light began to emanate from her body. Though it quickly faded the effects soon became apparent. Her speed had increased as she spirited to meet her foe. Mikoto wasted no time in slow blows. Swiftly swing her Katana in resonance to the oncoming ones. Steel cling and clanged filling the arena as the two danced with each other's blades.
'Damn her speed is unreal! Is this the effect of her magic? If so, I need to get more creative if I'm gonna best her!'
With a deep breath Mikoto watched the other blade. With each swing she got a better idea of how she swung it allowing her to block it with better precision and less effort.
'Left, right, right and forward lunge. Into right, right and left. Repeat!' When the girl made for a lunge Mikoto smiled. "Got you! She didn't dodge instead using her free arm to land a decisive hit on her kidney. It seemed to do its job as the girl yelped in pain but not before kicking herself backwards while swinging upwards forcing Mikoto back again.
Despite her efforts, Daphne quickly got up dusting of her clothing. Though she held her side for a moment she quickly took up another stance. "I was right to be worried. If it hadn't been for my magic that could have seriously damaged me! Unfortunately for you, your gonna have to do a lot more to take me down!"
Mikoto winced clenching her fist. "A direct hit and she's still standing! Damn it. I can't even use my own magic against her. She's too fast for me to make the chant!'
"It also seems like you've yet to notice!" She pointed towards Mikoto's right arm.
Upon glancing down, she quickly noticed the crimson red leaking down onto the ground. A precise cut that she hadn't noticed. 'But when!'
She was once again caught off guard and paid the price for it this time on her left arm. Daphne was already in range when she cut it and Mikoto found herself in immense pain as she dropped Zansetsu a fatal mistake.
"Damn!" She had almost no time to react dropping to the floor before another fatal cut could land. She rolled to grabbing Zansetus and trying to make some ground between them, but her speed was too slow, and she was put on the defensive.
With each block she found herself losing more and more blood as the originally small wound began to open up. With it came immeasurable pain and it became hard to even grip her katana as her arms became weaker and numb.
Growing more and more desperate she tried to counter-attack but with no success. It was then she noticed it. Daphne's movements began to slow down to how they were before. Time it seemed was on her side, even if her body wasn't. She finally managed to land a hit on the girls leg. Though not deep it served as warning of what was to come.
"Damn it I took too long." Unknowingly saying that allowed gave Mikoto all the information she needed. Knowing she couldn't contend to keep trading blows she went on the offensive while making sure to watch and dodge waiting for an opening.
"HEA!" she swung for the redhead's side missing by an inch. Again, she tried to hit her this time it landed cutting into the left of her stomach. Now starting to feel the effects of Mikoto original punch Daphne tripped and found herself falling back. Mikoto meanwhile pursued lifting her blade up before bringing it down. Though in immense pain as she did her grip wasn't as sturdy as before and in a last-ditch effort Daphne kicked up knocking it out her hands.
Mikoto watched her blade be flung to the side. Weaponless she now had to rely on her other training. Daphne quickly guarded as Mikoto tried to land a hit with her fists. Blocking was painful as Mikoto began aiming for the weak spots on her arms. Softening them up for the next blow.
However, this was a double edge sword now. The cuts on Mikoto's arms left her numb from all the blood loss, becoming a greyish white. She could barely tell how hard she was hitting or if it was doing anything at all. All the pain she felt disappeared and she knew she had to end it soon.
'It's now or never.' She allowed some distance hoping that the girl would attempt to get up. When it was clear she was Mikoto swiftly kicked below her feet knocking her up. As she fell Mikoto stepped in curling her elbow and slamming it into the girl's chest.
*CRACK!*
"ARGUHH!" Daphne screamed out in pain as Mikoto landed the perfect strike.
The stadium burst into cheers. "WOW! What a move! As expected of Takemikazuchi's former child. I don't think anyone could get back up from that!"
Welf and the rest jumped out of their seats in a blaze of cheers "Good job Mikoto!"
"Yeah, you showed her!"
Even Takemikazuchi smiled as he felt great pride and honour in Mikoto. Ouka and Chigusa began cheering as well as it seemed that the match was over.
Apollo's Familia looked down. "Damn how could Daphne be so careless! She should have finished her instead of… Huh!"
The members of the Familia looked to Apollo who was just smiling. As if he was watching a different fight entirely, he leaned forward looking across the Arena to the celebrating Hestia Familia.
Mikoto took a step back Daphne laid before her eyes closed unconscious. Her arms once again regained feeling as a surge of pain overcame her. "ARUGH!" She tried to lift each of her arms to hold the wounds shut but it was useless. Her body now began to shake and her vision becoming faint from the amount of blood she had lost. She tried to take a step but quickly realised something.
'Wait why hasn't it been called?!'
Something latched onto her hand pulling her back. Her eyes went wide as she looked up to the others in the stands as they too watched in horror. Unable to see what was coming Mikoto could only close her eyes as the cold steel ran her through. Her body went limp as she hit the ground. In her excitement she hadn't noticed the blade Daphne had been holding and when she realised it was already over.
'I'm sorry everyone… I've lost…"
As her head hit the ground her mind went dark and the final visage of her former god appeared before her. But that slowly faded away.
'Lord Takemikazuchi… Forgive me… I failed you.'
As her body fell to the flaw lifeless. The entire Apollo Familia cheered in response. "YEAH!"
The stands were a mixture of cheers and gasps as what just happened sank in. The Takemikazuchi Familia looked on in horror at their friend and family as tears filled the eyes of both their god and his children. Even far away deep in the city locked in a dark room, a certain Renard began to weep tears all without making a sound.
Hestia shot up "Mikoto!"
The referee looked at the girl and raised his hand. "WINNER DAPHNE OF THE APOLLO FAMILIA!"
With his first win, Apollo relaxed back. His smug satisfied face keeping an eye on the horror that filled Hestia's face. It filled him with so much pleasure as he licked his lips running his finger down his skin.
"Ha-ha, this is gonna be easier than I thought! Luan well done on gathering the intel on all of them as well as overhearing that conversation between Hestia and Hermes. You've given me the ultimate upper hand!"
The pallum smiled in response to the god's praise. "Anything for you lord Apollo, it was all too easy to watch from a distance. Given this information, we should be able to swiftly beat her next two children."
Apollo agreed with the boy. "Yes indeed. This way I won't even have to use our trump card. Though don't worry Lourus you'll still get your chance to toy with that women."
The bulky man smiled in the corner as he watched the healers rush towards the fallen girl's body. "Good I look forward to it. I wonder if her skin will be as soft as I remember?"
It hadn't been any sooner they confirmed Daphne's win that Welf, Bell and Artemis rushed towards the medical bay. However, they were meet with their fair share of resistance from not only from the guild but the Healers as well who made sure to block their path.
"Hey, let us through were her team!" Welf shouted to one of the guild officials. Though the women scoffed in resonance.
She crossed her arms and stared them down. "Given the girl's critical state no one will be seeing her, Not even her goddess. If you have a problem, take it up with the guild head. Or better still I could grab Lady Riveria!"
No sooner had she said it as the vice-captain of the Loki Familia appeared behind her. "All of you just relax she's fine I can promise you that." She spoke calmly as she attempted to ease their worries.
"Trust me, I've dealt with far worse and she's a strong one I have no doubt she'll make a full recovery, But please leave, I can only be in one place at one time and I'm sure you'd like it to be by your friends side instead of arguing with you!"
They all gulped in response, even Artemis who had only heard stories about her finally got an idea as to why she was so feared and respected. Her presence was almost leaching into the surroundings and felt like a weight on everyone around her. With no arguments the three left allowing her to continue.
As they began to walk back down the corridor the weight of everything came down on them.
"So… Our first match and it was a loss…" Welf said leaning back against the wall as they stopped to take it all in. Artemis remained silent but it was Bell that spoke up next.
"We can't blame Mikoto for what happened. We all underestimated how far they are willing to go to win… We all jumped to the conclusion we had already won."
Welf nodded. He had been the first to jump and cheer when Mikoto's hit landed. He pretty much assumed it was over. Perhaps if they had been more patient, they would have noticed the twitching and warned her.
"Still she did her best, she was outclassed the fact she lasted so long is an achievement in of itself." He pumped his arm trying to raise the spirits of the others. It seemed to work as both Bell and Artemis nodded trying to not look so gloomy.
"It's only the first match. And believe me I don't intend to let them get away with injuring one of us like that!" He punched his other hand with his fist smiling.
"Will Welf Crozzo and Lissos please prepare for the next match. I repeat could Welf Crozzo and Lissos please go to their respective areas. Thank you!" The announcement echoed down the halls as Welf pushed himself off the wall. "Well guess I'm up. Remember to cheer me on!"
He quickly bumped fists with Bell and waved the two off as he headed towards the changing room. His smile slowly faded with each step. Replaced by the determined look that Mikoto also had. He cracked his knuckles and looked forward.
"Don't worry Mikoto your lose won't be in vain! I can promise you that. Once you wake up me and the others will be a head! I promise."
Artemis looked back towards the medical section, dropping her head and hitting her back to the wall. "I feel responsible for what happened…"
This surprised Bell who himself was feeling down about the whole thing himself. However, he understood the girl's comment. "You shouldn't, none of us expected it to go down like that."
This didn't seem to help much, as she slowly dropped closer to the floor. "But we should have, if she had focused more on herself than trying to help me. Then, then…"
She quickly dried her eyes before any tears escaped, though her voice failed her, and Bell noticed quickly. "Hey, hey it's okay. You didn't force her to do anything, Mikoto knew the risks but still wanted to help you improve."
He gave her a quick hug, nothing too long as to not draw any extra attention to the pair. Once he felt her breathing calm he let go. "Better?"
She nodded. "I still feel bad, though…"
"Yeah, so do I. when I heard she was gonna be helping us I was overjoyed. But now…" He let out a heavy sigh… " All we can do is pray she makes a quick recovery." Just as he said it a loud cheer from above roared through the hallway and shot past them. "We should get back not much else we can do down here."
He helped her up and they both headed back towards the stands, on the way they passed more members of the guild who gave them odd looks but didn't say anything. Choosing to stand to one side as they passed. This seemed to happen more and more as they got closer to the stands.
"Damn that first fight was such a letdown!" The two stopped as they reached the stairwell and turned to see two men talking to one another. Bell didn't know why he stopped but he was more than a little curious.
The second man shrugged. "Yeah, I thought someone of the Takemikazuchi Familia would put up more of a fight, but I guess those rumours about them being a bunch of cowards was true!"
Bell held out his arm to stop Artemis from doing something reckless. He gave her a knowing look, but she didn't get the message. However, before she could say something another voice spoke up.
"Now now gentleman I hope you're not insulting a war gods Familia?" The two men turned to see an oldish well-dressed man standing behind them. His old friendly look was a stark contrast to the annoyed smile on his face.
"So what if we were? She lost didn't she and so are the rest of them If…" His friend tapped on his shoulder alerting him to Bell and Artemis presence. The two gulped when the former goddess shot them death glares.
He leaned closer to his friend and whispered. "We should go." And with that, the two quickly ran in the other direction. With the situation, dealt with the two were about to head up but Bell felt he knew the man that stepped in.
"Hey, does he look familiar to you?" He asked pulling her attention towards him. She took a closer look and nodded but she couldn't put a finger on it. The man waved to them and Bell thought it rude not to at least humble him.
"Ah, Mr Cranel it's been a while!" The man greeted him like an old friend though even though he recognized the man's voice Bell still couldn't work out who he was.
The man laughed upon seeing the younger man's confusion. "I suppose I forgot to mention my name while you were in my store. Silly me I assume people get it from the sign."
It instantly clicked in Bell's head remembering the owner of the store when he took Artemis to get replacement clothes. He felt bad for not learning his name. "Sorry that ones on me…" He said rubbing the back of his head thought the man didn't take offence.
"Nonsense it happens all the time It's a big city you can't remember everyone you meet. Loys Simmond. I suppose I should start with that in the future huh?" Bell felt the situation was a little strange though it was better than hearing false rumours.
"I'm sorry to hear what happened with Lord Apollo. When myself and my wife heard the news, it came as a great shock. She wanted to come to support you, but someone had to watch the store."
He looked up the stairs and smiled. "I've made a pretty big wager on you to win, so do your best!" He raised his thumb to the two of them they both nodded.
"We will thank you for the support. The crowd roared in cheers again and the two looked to each other. "We should get going, it was nice seeing you Mr Simmond." They both bowed to him and was about to head up the stairs.
"Ohh and don't forget about that invite. It's in a couple of days and It would be great to host the winners of the wargame!"
Bell totally forgot about their invitation to his party though at the time it seemed so far off to worry about. Now however it was something to look forward to when they win. However, they still needed to win.
Artemis stood silently behind him listening to their conversation. While she didn't speak directly with him her eyes began to sparkle at the mention of this party. 'An evening of just me and Bell alone…'
She could picture it now. She had wanted to spend some time with him. She enjoyed their little adventures even if it was for an hour or two. Now she got a chance to spend an evening alone with him without having to make up any excuses.
"We'd be honoured wouldn't we Bell?" She seemed to perk up with the news and Bell took it as a good sign.
"Yes, thank you."
The man smiled "Excellent, the sword princess will be there too I'm sure it will be quite the evening."
Artemis felt her heart drop the instance Aiz's alias was mention. 'I hate this idea now!'
"Well, I believe I've taken up enough of your time. Good luck with the rest of the wargame; I'll be cheering for you all!" He waved before leaving down the hallway.
"Aiz is going to be there huh." As he said it Artemis pushed past him marching up the stairs. He shook his head confused but followed behind her thinking nothing of it.
Authors notes
So shorter chapters, Yes well I made the choice after seeing my work schedule it works out easier than doing it as one big chapter. So the fights are gonna be one chapter each with everything in between. This way they'll be out quicker hopefully no promises. Given the nature of my writing fights aren't my strong point. Take everything I write with a grain of salt, but feedback is appreciated.
Reviews
Guest- Well side project to be specific it may or may not have anything to do with this story. But again you'll have to wait and see when that time comes.
Pix- Yeah yeah had to do it. But yeah new chapters is always a good thing right?
And that's about it... Not surprised really hahaha
Final notes. Given what happened in this chapter a few of you are no doubt gonna comment on the outcome of the fight. Firstly yes its probably an unpopular choice but give the nature of the fights and wargame I believe it was the right choice. Again i don't do a lot of combat if you've got to this point you know i tend to do a lot of talking and other stuff. Im still getting used to writing longer fights. Now my editor checked it and gave it a thumbs up so I'll just wait and see my reason will become more clearer as it goes on. Thank you for taking the time to read I hope your all still enjoying it and looking forward to more. Stay safe and see you all next time.