'I can't believe Mikoto lost! She seemed so strong is this really the strength of Apollos Familia?" The young girl watched in horror as her comrade was carried away. Though if it was any consolation at least the same could be said about Daphne who also passed out shortly after.

The once high mood seemed to fade and uncertainty was finally hitting her again. 'Can I really beat someone like that? What could I even do if…'

"Your stronger than you think Luna. How many times have I had to tell you that?" She blushed and turned to see a Familia face heading towards her. She sighed heavily upon seeing the rough and rugged looks of Regis heading towards her.

"You said you would be cutting all contact with me? Now, you're just casually strolling up to me with little to no concern what gives."

The older man laughed shrugging. "Well at the time that was for the best. However, things have changed so tell me are you having fun?" She glared at him thinking perhaps it was a jab at her.

"I'm doing my job. Such things are impossible!" Her reply was quick and precise though Regis merely chuckled at it.

He crossed his hands and shook his head. "You're a terrible liar you know that, Luna? I saw you cheering with the rest. You actually had a smile on your face for once."

She seemed surprised by this but in a flustered state turned away. "I was only acting! Got to keep up appearances!"

"Hahaha oh yeah I forgot your such a brilliant actress. Come now Luna I'm not an idiot besides I'm happy for you. A Familia is a wonderful thing and Hestia's is no exception."

Luna just shrugged the comment off. "Whatever… Why are you even here? If it's to tease me I'm just gonna leave."

Regis put his finger to his chin and thought for a second. "Hmm while that would be fun to do that's not why I'm here. Come we have time for a quick chat before the next match starts."

He held out his arm in the direction of the stands. A lot of people had moved about and there were some empty seats free. She nodded and the two went to take a seat. The people around them were talking amongst themselves so they had no worries about being overheard.

"So, what is it you wanted to talk to me about?" She asked keeping her voice as quiet as possible. Though she quickly realised that was just suspicious. Regis sat back and looked over to Apollo's corner.

"I don't trust Apollo. I dealt with him in the past, I have no doubts he knows about you and your abilities. Though he wouldn't have considered you a threat."

He looked to her his face said it all. He was concerned for her safety. "I can't prove it but he knows about your Familia's order and handpicked members to counter them."

Her eyes went wide at the news though she didn't have anything she could respond with. Just remaining silent as he continued.

"If this is the case. Then Hestia is screwed. I should have known Apollo would try this but I'm powerless to stop him. Even if I passed this to Freya nothing would happen. Perhaps if I realised sooner then…"

Luna didn't know if the situation could get much worse. Given what he was telling her they had all but lost even before it began.

"Why? Why are you telling me this?" The man closed his eyes and took a moment before responding.

"Because It's not completely set in stone. Welf will be fighting an Elf with a distinct hatred towards him. Assuming this blacksmith isn't stupid he can use that to get the upper hand." He turned to look at her. "You opponent will be Cassandra Ilion the mage of the group and probably the weakest in terms of battle potential but still dangerous."

"A mage… Then I'm pretty much screwed! I'm already at a disadvantage being in a stadium. Not only that my only protection to magic makes me a sitting duck!" She tried to maintain her voice as best she could but it was becoming difficult.

Regis nodded. "Yes, you kind of are. However, that doesn't mean you can't beat her."

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN THE NEXT MATCH WILL BEGIN SHORTLY. PLEASE RETURN TO YOUR SEATS. THANK YOU!" The commentator called out and Regis got to his feet while Luna looked to him with pleading eyes,

"How? How can I beat her? I'm a level 1! I-I I can't even begin to think…!" He just smiled and waved as he disappeared into the oncoming storm of people. She looked over to see Bell and Artemis returning to their seats and had no choice but to head over to join them. All the while she kept trying to understand her mentor's words.

'If Welf wins we still have a chance!'

As she reached everyone Artemis waved to her. "Luna where have you been we were getting worried."

She took her seats next to blue haired girl and sighed. "I just need to take a walk. Sorry if I worried you all. What about you two did you manage to find out Mikoto's condition."

Bell shook his head. "No unfortunately we got turned away though they say she's gonna be okay."

Luna sighed with relief. "That's good to hear. I hope she makes a quick recovery. What about Welf? I dread to think what's going through his head.

"Probably the sound of a hammer on metal." Artemis said jokingly though she felt embarrassed when everyone started looking at her.

"Ughmm What I mean is he's probably trying to ignore it. I've never seen him fight all out before but I can assume he will be okay."

She looked to Bell to answer that one and got a simple nod. Happy that he was happy the two girls looked to the field once more in anticipation.

Back with Freya.

"Hmm you were gone for quite a while may I ask what you were up to?"

Regis took his seat in the chair beside her. "You might, though don't expect me to give much of an answer."

The goddess of beauty smiled. "Checking up on your little bird I take it? I'll admit I could see the two of you so now I'm curious."

She didn't need to finish and Regis kept his eyes forward. "I was giving her a warning and some advice."

Freya's smile faded a little as picked out the little details in his voice. "Warning? About what exactly." Her voice became almost demanding as she waited for a response.

The main sighed. "Surely you've noticed. You were present for his team structure after all. He knew way before giving it what Hestia team was gonna be and who was going in which order."

Freya didn't seem bothered by that but let out an "oh" as a gesture to show she was listening.

Regis quickly noticed and sighed "This doesn't bother you? The rules are being broken and you're not even bothered by it?"

Freya began to smile as she began to run her hands down her body. "Umm for someone as smart and crafty as yourself surely you must know I couldn't care less about the rules or who bends them. If Hestia hasn't noticed then that's on her."

Regis crossed his arms and looked towards a certain white-haired boy. "And what about the young boy Bell?"

Freya licked her lips at the mere mention of his name. "Ohh now that's different. I couldn't care what happens to Hestia or the others in her Familia. But Apollo won't lay a finger on Bell. That much I can promise. He can have Artemis for all I care!' Her voice became filled with anger and annoyance though Regis failed to understand why.

'Let Apollo have his way with her. She overstepped her boundaries when she dared to make a claim on my Bell! He's mine.' She became enraged as she began to hear the girls moans from before. It infuriated her.

'Curse that minx!' She placed her head on her hand and closed her eyes. Trying to clear her thoughts so only images of Bell filled her empty head. She slowly calmed herself down and smiled.

"You really are a strange goddess... "

Opening her eyes, she sighed. "If you're worried they'll lose then you're an idiot not worthy of my time." She clicked her fingers and a member of her Familia came forward with a bottle of wine filling her glass.

"I might not care what happens but that doesn't mean she's gonna lose. Apollo may think he's smart but he's arrogant. There's a reason he's still below everyone."

Regis didn't respond to her instead of returning his attention to the arena below... 'I suppose…'

Welf sat below in the changing room. He looked over at the two large crates of weapon and Armour that had been provided to them. He smiled as he began sifting through them as he recognised the craftsmanship. He knew instantly from working with them for many years that it was his old Familia. Even though it was mostly just basic stuff it showed they cared as he looked over each piece for its quality.

"Well, no point in letting their hard work go to waste." He kept his weapon but also picked out a small short sword as a backup. 'Mikoto was left weaponless for a time probably best I keep this on hand. He placed the sword to the side and started to remove his Kimono. He had picked out a variety of plating and padding to fit under it. Though nothing to impose on his movements. He kept moving his arms and body to make sure he could freely move and would swap out parts that hindered him. Once he was all set, he quickly put on his Kimono and made for the door.

He turned taking one last look at the gear laid out on the table. With a smile he thanked his old Familia for watching out for him and headed out. As he closed the door behind him, he slowly began to head towards the main Arena. He slowed his pace so he could think over a strategy but that was easier said than done. He had no idea who he was gonna be fighting though he given the name he reckoned it was probably an elf.

'This is sure to end badly…' he hated what his family had done in the past. Though he himself wasn't involved the elves didn't seem to care. The simple fact was his relatives left a stain on history and it wasn't going away anytime soon.

As he reached the Arena it became clear just what he was getting into. Being sat in the crowds were far different than being looked down upon. All the weight of situation hit him and he realised immediately what Mikoto must have been feeling.

'Damn no wonder she seemed off. The sounds and stares are annoying I can barely think!' The crowds began to get louder and louder. Even the sounds of metal being hammered weren't this deafening. It echoed high into the sky, that probably so heaven itself could hear.

Just like before Apollo's selection took its time entering. When he did however the cheers seemed to fade as whispers began.

"Damn he's going against an elf huh. I don't envy him."

The women next to him nodded. "Yeah, isn't his family responsible for burning down a sacred forest?"

On the other side of the Arena a similar conversation was happening, though he couldn't hear it, he knew what it was about and it irritated him.

"I'm not like the rest of them! Why can't people understand that!" He felt annoyed by this and then it dawned on him.

'Wait… No, it can't be!" He allowed himself a moment to think. His opponent was seconds away but he didn't care.

He smiled as he caught onto the trap set. 'They're trying to put me using my own past to get under my skin. Mikoto was caught off guard against an opponent she was expecting. They know!'

The blond-haired elf now stood in front of him his though his face was covered his eyes were staring him down. His anger permeating the area around him. He clenched his fists so hard the bones began to crack while his blue eyes shot icy daggers at him.

The blacksmith could only smile as he looked back at the man. 'So, they want to throw me off. Well, two can play at that game.'

"What are you smiling about!" Lissos's voice was just as pissed off as his stare and Welf found himself with a much easier time than he thought.

He shrugged and looked off towards his Familia. "Hmm oh is it a crime to smile? Because I'm just thinking about what I'm gonna do after I'm done kicking your ass."

Lissos grabbed the hilt of his sword. He was moments away from drawing it but was stopped. "Lissos of the Apollo stay your hand. No fighting shall take place until I have given the call. Attempt it again and I'll have you disqualified

"Gurghhh!" He let go bring his hand back to his side as he went back to clenching his fist. All the while he was forced to stare at Welf's smug smile which only fueled his anger towards him.

"Just you wait Crozzo filth once I'm through with you your last friend's fate will look like a mild accident!" His taunts did nothing as Welf contented to remain above a taunting match.

"HEY LISSOS! KEEP YOUR PERSONAL FEELINGS OUT OF THIS FIGHT!". The same members that questioned Daphne spoke out and Lissos shot him a glance.

"QUIET! I HAVE NO INTENTION OF LOSING TO THIS COWARD OF A MAN! MAGIC SWORDS WON'T HELP HIM."

His fellow member sat back and began mumbling to himself. "Fucking idiot. He's supposed to be the one taunting not the other way around!' He looked to his god for clarification though Apollo shared a similar disapproving look.

"Lissos don't fail me! You're the one that begged me to give you this opportunity. Don't make me regret such a decision!" He began tapping his throne as he looked towards the clock. 'Each second that passed means Lissos is getting more and more anxious.'

Welf cracked his neck and arms as he took a step back as he prepared for the call. He was more than confident that he had annoyed the elf sufficiently. Though he did feel bad he wasn't gonna lose.

The referee stepped forward and raised his hand. "Begin!"

Lissos didn't even hesitate as he reached for his sword racing toward Welf. His hand grabbed the hilt drawing it. He intended to strike first and fast though he was taken by surprise when Welf didn't even try to dodge it.

'Wait what is he doing?" Lissos went to swing. As he did Welf grabbed his arm and brought it the attack to complete stop. The elf began to struggle to break free as he found himself being pulled forward.

'SHIT!' The elf realised too late his mistake and now he was paying the price. Welf swung his entire weight to one side throwing the elf over his shoulder and slamming him into the dirt.

"Urghh! Is that the best you've got!" He recovered quickly managing to break free of Welf's grip. Grabbing his short sword, he made some distance between them.

"You just got lucky!"

Welf slowly nodded "Yeah sure, you didn't just leave yourself open to counter attacks or anything."

Lissos growled in response. "Cocky bastard!"

Welf sighed he was finally getting bored of annoying the elf. He didn't want to antagonise him only throw him off his game. He was better than that and didn't want to be like his ancestors before him.

Reaching behind his back he drew his great sword as he prepared to face the elf for real.

"What my family did all those years ago has nothing to do with me. You want to make this personal then fine. I've got more than enough reason after what you did to Mikoto."

He took a step forward making sure both hands were firmly grasped around the handle. The elf came towards him with more caution than he had previously. Welf met his blade with his own. Though the elf lacked the same strength he made up for it in speed.

Welf found himself moving more and more as strikes cane from all sides. He found it hard to react to all of them but he didn't have to. With each hit he began to see a pattern emerge. At first, he thought the elf was just swinging randomly but certain strikes were always the same.

He had to take a hit to his side but it left the Elf with another big opening. This opening finally gave Welf his chance. He knew trying swing his weird would take too long and obvious. The elf wasn't stupid just reckless. Instead, he released his right hands grip on the sword and pulling it back. The weight from the falling sword helped to propel him forward the elf was focused on his blade and before he realised the fluke found himself on the receiving end of Welf's fist.

The elf's face flung to one side as he found himself thrown to the floor for a second time. The crowd roared in response as they began cheering for Welf.

"Welf! Welf! Welf!" The chants spread from one side of the Arena to the other. Though as it did so did the chant change.

"CROZZO! CROZZO! CROZZO!" Welf sighed heavily. Hearing his family name chanted sent icy shivers down his spine though his eyes didn't leave the elf's body which slowly got back to his feet.

"Don't!" He began to speak as he dragged himself up. "Don't say it!"

He looked towards Welf and then around the stadium.

"DON'T CHANT THAT MURDERERS NAME!" He screamed this at the top of his lungs causing the stadium to become quiet. He wiped the blood from his lip. And struggled to even take a step.

"I'll show them! I'll show them your true colours!"

He threw his sword down and flung his arms to the side.

Apollo and the rest of his Familia watched in horror as Lissos threw away his weapon. "Lissos you idiot! What the Hell are you thinking!"

"Come on. Use it! Use that damn magic sword!" He shouted this at Welf who looked at him confused.

"I SAID USE IT! COME ON I KNOW YOU ALL CARRY THEM! USE IT!"

Welf sighed. 'Guess I hit him too hard… or to weakly…' The elf continued to shout at him demanding he use a magic sword that he didn't have. Welf sighed dropping his own sword to the floor and drawing the short sword on his side.

The elf glared at it his eyes burning with rage. "I knew it! You Crozzo's are all the same!"

Welf shook his head. "No, we're not. At least I'm not. This isn't a magic sword. It's a normal blade with no magic whatsoever."

He threw that sword to the ground as well. Both men now stood weaponless. "So now you've seen what I've got what are you going to do?"

"Damn you Crozzo I'll show you! Don't think yourself better than me!"

"Rise, flames of the sun. With your radiant light and heat burn thy foes to ashes!"

Welf knew what was coming and wasn't about to let it hit. "Burn out, Illegal works."

Before Lissos could finished his magic became unstable the fire formed around his arms and slowly engulfed him.

The elf's screamed in pain as he collapsed to the floor. The flames slowly dying away. The burns covered his body as the smoke still rose from them. The smell was nauseous causing Welf to covered his nose.

Lissos didn't move and the referee finally called the match. "The winner of the second bout is Welf Crozzo of the Hestia Familia!"

All the Hestia Familia jumped up in joy at the news. Bell was the first and most vocal shouting down at Welf with praise and congratulations.

Luna, Lili and Artemis took a more composed approach instead waving and smiling. Hestia was all but dancing at her first win of the day as the mood had finally returned to normal after their first loss. Though she shared Bell's excitement calling out to him below. But given the noise in the stadium he probably didn't hear it so she eased of waiting for him to return.

Meanwhile at the other end Apollo was furious, slamming his hand down onto the throne.

"Damn Lissos! He had one job…"

The rest of his Familia looked at their God with caution. Though this passed quickly as he composed himself once more.

"It's fine. I accounted for this…"

He got up from his seat and looked towards the quiet girl sitting to his side. "Though that was more for your sake Cassandra. Don't fail me!"

The shy blue haired girl nodded. Though she didn't say anything instead getting to her feet and leaving down the hallway.

"I don't think it was a good idea to use her my Lord. What possessed you to use her of all people?"

Apollo looked to his captain who was starting at him with confused look. Apollo placed a hand on his throne before he began.

"I was taking a risk. Though it hasn't paid off. The plan was to have Hestia beaten in the first two rounds. Cassandra was supposed to take the fall and avoid any suspicion. However now with Lissos's failure I'm left with little choice but to leave my faith in her!"

Hyakinthos was annoyed by this and began questioning his god further. "Even if she loses it doesn't mean we've lost. Lourus and I can deal with the last two.

Apollo slammed his fist against the throne once more this time silencing those around him.

"We've already discussed this. Your no match for the boy! Though you couldn't understand that so I manipulated the fights to ensure our win!"

The taller man felt his head drop. "Why do you have no faith in my abilities? I've been an adventure longer than he's been in this city!"

Apollo walked past him. Effectively ending the conversation without another word. This left Hyakinthos in a furious state causing him to storm out.

'I'll show you. I'm better than him in every way. Bell Cranel just you wait!'

Back on the field Welf stood proudly taking in his win. However, the fact still remained that his actions didn't ease any tensions between him and the elf community. Though that was to be expected. At this point the healers arrived providing temporary healing to Lissos's burns. Such pain would have at least knocked him out in such a weakened state but he still persisted his eyes still focused on Welf.

They placed his body on the stretcher and began carrying him towards the medical area. Though as they passed him a faint voice spoke up "W-Wait…" Lissos was barely able to speak and yet Welf felt bad for him and turned to face him once more.

"W-Why… Why didn't you use the magic swords?" All anger had left him now all that was left was questions. His confusion was shown in his voice as he tried to understand Welf's reasons.

Welf looked him in the eyes showing him the mixture of regret and anger he was feeling. "Because just like you I hate them… I hate what they do to people. Though that may just be their true nature in general."

Lissos squinted in pain clenching the side of the stretcher as he forced himself to continue, "You're a Crozzo… Why would you say such a thing?"

Welf closed his eyes and sighed heavily. "The failures of one's ancestors shouldn't be shackled to their kin. Though I despise their actions as much as you I've learnt to let the past be just that. The past. Though my hatred for magic swords hasn't passed I will continue to use them to protect my friends."

Lissos let out a faint and painful laugh "Well.. I never thought I'd hear that from a Crozzo…" He couldn't finish instead finally letting the pain to overtake him causing him to pass out. Though the win seemed bittersweet Welf took comfort in setting the story straight. With nothing else to do, he returned to the stands to meet with the rest.

"Well well that red head sure showed him! I must admit I was doubting him at the beginning though it seems like Hephaestus let go of a prize catch." Aphrodite was admiring the blacksmith as he exited the Arena although her fellow god took issue with it.

"I hope you're not thinking about trying anything Aphro? Hephaestus will take issue if you do!" Hermes said watching her. Aphrodite was the type of goddess to throw her toys to the side once she got bored of them.

Aphrodite started pouting as she sat back. "What's one eyes gonna do. Any man that looks at her basically faints or runs in fear. For heaven's sake if it wasn't for that eye patch, she wouldn't have a Familia!"

Hermes gave her a knowing look but it did little to stop her. "Ughh its your funeral. Just don't let her hear you saying that…"

"Hmpf. I won't but don't assume I'm not gonna try and indulge a little I am a goddess of beauty after all."

The god sank into his throne. 'I rather be dealing with Asfi right now…'

The goddess smiled brightly as she began thinking of her plans for the boy though she stopped for a moment looking to Hermes. "Sooo… This Luna girl what do you know about her?"

Hermes remained still but moved his eyes to his right while his head rested on his hand. "Not a lot… Well technically that's a lie though, I have no idea about her combat potential."

"Hmmm nothing at all that's strange for you Hermes, I thought you pride yourself on knowing everyone's secrets?"

"Some are harder to come across then others… Besides." He looked towards Luna in the distance his as he narrowed in on her. "That's not the girl I met before…"

Aphrodite found herself positively curious as she leaned over her throne. "OHHH? Do tell what is she, a fling from your past? Someone you screwed over? Maybe an illegitimate daughter!"

Hermes shook his head. "Don't be stupid I'm serious. There's more to her than meets the eye."

'She's almost like a completely different person. The way she speaks, acts, hell even the way she fights is different…That can't really be Whisper?'

Hermes found his gaze drifting towards Freya and the man sitting beside her. 'What's your game, Regis?'

As if a sixth sense kicked him Regis turned his head towards Hermes, Though the god couldn't be too sure if it was intentional or not but cut eye contact just to be sure. 'Well, whatever his reasons let's hope she can win this next fight…'

"Ughh I hope this next fight goes quickly… I want to see Artemis and Orion. Though that woman acts like a barbarian at times she's elegant with a bow. However, I'm more interested to see what this Bell Cranel can do!" She spoke like a child seeing a new toy for the first time her joy spilling out into her movements and voice.

Hermes let out a small chuckle. "Trust me it will be worth the wait. Now settle down have a drink or something…"

"Hmmm is something the matter? You were just saying something before you suddenly stopped?"

Freya looked at the man curiously though he quickly turned back to her as soon as she spoke up. "Apologies it must have just been the wind… I was asking you how his training was going?"

Freya seemed to perk up with the change in conversation. She hadn't even bothered to watch the second bout instead doing a mixture of drinking and mumbling as she stared in the direction of Hestia corner. Though now her attention was finally pulled to a subject that interested her.

"He's currently training with Ottar. The two of them should be joining us soon. Though he really does have a bad habit for training. Still, I'm most pleased with his progress."

Regis smiled "Good to hear. By the way, have you found a way to deal with his little issue?"

She flicked her hand in response. "Hardly an issue at all. Though his face remains the same there's nothing that a good haircut can't fix. Also, I had them change the colour just to be safe."

Regis chuckled in response. "If he realised what was going to happen he'd have probably refused to join. Still, he hasn't come running back yet so I'll assume he enjoying himself?"

Freya's smile disappeared as she turned her head. "Yes, still he has much to learn. Considering his past legends, they don't reflect the man that he is...:"

Regis rubbed the back of his head. "Yeah… Well, the legends might have been over hyping him just a bit. Though that's not to say there isn't some truth to them."

"No matter he has proven himself more than capable and an excellent addition to my collection. If it wasn't for the fact he shared a certain someone's face I might have indulged in him a little."

Regis didn't bother to ask her to elaborate he already knew what she was implying. Instead, he decided to get up and leave her.

"Hmm going somewhere?" she called to him as he opened the door.

"Yes, though it's none of your business, I'll be returning shortly so try not to get too bored while I'm gone. That would be a dangerous outcome."

As Welf made his triumphant return he was almost knocked by over the joint attack of Bell and Hestia as they jumped towards. "WELF, YOU DID IT!"

The two of them hugged him like there was no tomorrow causing him to become embarrassed. "Hey come on… Ugh let go… you're crushing me!"

"Ohh sorry." The two of them got off and Bell helped him back to his feet.

"Well, that's out us back in the running at least. One win is a better than nothing. Well done Welf I'm sure Hephaestus would be proud of you."

The blacksmith smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I think so to… Still, we're not out of the woods yet. Let's save the celebration for when we actually win huh."

They all nodded and turned to look at Luna who had remained quiet the entire time. Though no one was surprised it was her fight up next.

"I-I should get going then…" she finally spoke up though she didn't seem to thrilled with the thought. Everyone watched her closely and nobody could envy her decision. The fact she was even going to fight after what she just witnessed was a testament to her resolve. However, that didn't mean she wasn't afraid.

It was Artemis that step forward to try and calm her and no one seemed to disagree with the decision. After all she was in the same boat as her. Though unlike herself Luna didn't have experience with such a life. Whatever her reason for joining they probably didn't expect this.

Grabbing hold of her hand she pulled the smaller girl to one side away from prying eyes and ears. She decided the best place was the changing room. It wasn't a long walk and Luna's name hadn't yet been called so they had some time before she needed to return. Once they were inside Artemis locked the door so they wouldn't be disturbed.

"How are you feeling?" The blue haired girl asked walking over to a chair. As she placed a hand over her shoulder, she could feel her shaking and she instantly knew it was a good idea to take her aside.

'Poor girl… She can barely keep herself composed…' She sat her down and knelt in front of her still holding her hands squeezing them as sign of comfort.

"I-I'm fine…" She could barely get her words out. Artemis sat waiting for her to say more but the girl just shut her mouth before she could finish.

Artemis understood her fears. Though coming from someone with over millions of years of existence couldn't really express such fears to others, at least not until recently that is, mortality has shown her another side of life and the emotions that come with it.

"It's okay to be afraid. You don't need to act tough in front of me. Even as a goddess I never asked any of my girls to hide their feelings no matter how terrible they were."

The girl still didn't say anything. Artemis tried many things over the next few minutes. Jokes, short stories nothing seemed to work. The girl was probably petrified after watching Mikoto and was fearing for her own life. Given this Artemis worried for both her mindset and safety.

"You don't have to fight if you don't want Luna… Nobody is going to force you to." Finally, she got some sort of reaction out of the girl though in this case, it was more surprise than anything else.

She took a moment before saying anything though her voice was still filled with worry. "I can't, I agreed to this and my match is up next. I-I I don't know what to do!".

Artemis saw the girl was on the brink of tears and quickly brought her into a hug trying to ease her worries. "It's okay it's okay, believe me, I understand. It's scary and you've barely even begun your adventure. You were brave enough to meet the challenge nobody is going to hold it against you for wanting to back out."

The girl started shaking her head back and forth. "N-No I can't I made a promise… I said I'd help you all and I will!"

Artemis smiled "You already have. You came in our time of need when it was uncertain what was going to happen. Even by giving us a fifth person you allowed us to even compete."

"B-But I took miss Lili's place… She wouldn't have backed out at the last second!"

Artemis nodded. "True she wouldn't though from what I've seen of the girl she wasn't much of a fighter ever. If she did join it was to give the others a fighting chance and that's what you've done."

She stood up and lifted the girls head to meet her own her smile never fading. "Luna, if you want to fight then fight but nobody wants to see you get hurt. Not I nor Hestia or any of the others. If it comes to it just surrender, nobody will hold it against you and if I find out someone does, I'll personally kick some sense into them."

Luna smiled wiped the tears from her eyes as she hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Artemis. I'll keep it in mind. Thank you."

"Cassandra of the Apollo Familia and Luna of the Hestia Familia please head to your designated areas and prepare for your fight. You have twenty minutes. Thank you."

The voice came through clearly and Artemis sighed as she realised she was going to have to leave soon.

"It's okay Artemis… You should get back to the others. I-I'll be fine I promise. Do me a favor and be sure to cheer for me won't you."

The former goddess giggled. "Of course, I'll be sure to be louder then both Bell and Welf. Good luck Luna." She waved to her before exiting the room closing the door behind her.

Luna smile faded as she was left in the cold and empty room. She made note of the time and went to browse the weapons and armour placed around the room no doubt a result of Welf looking through it all.

"Well well, if that wasn't a touching scene, I don't know what is." Luna dropped the dagger she had dropped the vambrace she had attempt to move out the way, it clanged as it hit the ground and she grabbed one of the knives in the crate. However, upon seeing who it was she sighed.

"Really, how much of that did you see?"

Regis laughed, "Hmm pretty much all of it. You really are growing attached to them, Luna… I knew you had. Cheer me on. Never thought I'd hear you say that." He was almost speaking in a mocking tone though he quickly dropped it as he took a seat.

"Let me be clear Luna. I'm glad for you should you desire it your free to leave my service and live your life out with them. If that is what you desire?"

Luna shook her head. "Don't mistake my actions of late. I owe you my life, I will follow you to the ends of the world if need be. That's the least I can do to repay you."

Regis rubbed his stubble as he listened to her only speaking when she finished. "I expect nothing like that. I'll admit the last year has been difficult but we're in a position to go our separate ways."

Luna lowered her head turning away from him as she mumbled under her voice. "But what if I don't want to."

Though he couldn't hear her he had an idea of what she was saying. He took a deep breath and looked around the room. "In that case… If your determined to fight then I think it's best to take a different approach."

Luna looked confused as her savior came towards her. His eyes were closed as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "I-I don't understand?"

Regis sighed as he opened his eyes a purplish haze surrounding them. "I don't intend to have you walk into one of Apollos traps. You're not prepared mentally to fight anyone."

"Huh?" Her eyes found themselves locked with his and her body started to mind began to blink in and out as her eyes became heavy.

"R-Regis w-whats happ…"

"Shush now, it's okay Luna sleep now." Her shut her eyes and her body fell into his arms. With great care he carried her over towards the chair and stood in front of her.

"Forgive me Luna, but I can't take any chances. Apollo is crafty and will no doubt attempt to cheat in some way." He placed his hand atop her head and the faint glow faded from his eyes and down to his hand. "The Hestia Familia cannot afford to lose. To ensure that I need your other half!"

The purplish glow surrounded her and her body began shifting, Regis smiled and stepped back. "Awaken Whisper I require your assistance once more!"

Yay chapter 52 is done. Well I hope you all enjoyed it. I know the fight is different but hey these two didn't have much interaction so I thought I would make one. It was done differently then the last one but like I said before fights aren't my strong suit. Im still new to writing them and feedback would be great, If not I'll keep doing what I'm doing.

Comments

Guest- Sorry but time constraints make it difficult to write long chapters and technically it would just be the same just two fights per chapter. Think of it this way they might be half as long but they come out twice as fast!

Minilob- Soon my friend soon. All will be explained in due time. Just be patient.

Pix-Hey can you blame me I barely do them. And when I do there short and onesided...

Final comments

Soo change of plan. the side project won't be out till after the wargame finishes. It was stupid to try and split my already limited time. As of this moment all my attention is being placed on this story. Besides that there's not much to tell. Chapter 53 will be out at some point... Couldn't say when but I thankyou all for being patient and look forward to the next chapter. Bye bye take care.