"Fear the echoes of the past Regis... For they will haunt you forevermore. Learn to let go of your hatred and learn to accept reality."
Regis opened his eyes and let out a heavy sigh.
'Your words still haunt me even now, old man…'
He looked to his left, Freya had moved closer to Argo and the two seemed to be discussing his training. While he should take more interest in the topic he found himself watching another pair. His eyes darted down to the Hestia gallery only to focus on a certain white-haired young man being pulled away by.
'Did I make the right decision?'
"Soo do we know anything about this Louruos fellow? I did some digging on the other members but he seemed to be the least well known…"
Argo asked his voice however had a small amount of annoyance.
Freya sighed.
"I honestly don't care… He's a nobody with little importance."
Regis looked down to the Apollo side and found himself watching Louruos cautiously.
"I think we're looking at the man that started this entire wargame."
Both Argo and Freya looked to the grey-haired adventurer with curious eyes.
"What would make you say that?"
Freya asked, it wasn't like her to care but considering the person that said it, she took a small amount of interest.
"Come now. Reports say a blue-haired girl went missing. Bell Cranel took it upon himself to attack the Apollo familia safe house in broad daylight causing massive damages and commotions. When the guards arrived there were no signs of any girl or Bell. Surprise surprise the only noteworthy person was him!"
He pointed down at the man who was leaving the Balcony.
'Soo he's the one my precious Bell beat too a pulp…'
Freya smiled.
"What does it matter, so he and Apollo planned this whole thing? They're currently losing what does it all matter."
Argo found himself catching on quicker.
"Because Apollo knows it's personal. He probably intended for this very situation."
Regis nodded. "Yes but why?"
The three went quiet and silently deliberated on the matter. However only time would tell and there was little they could do…Regis cracked his finger as he found himself looking at the crafty god.
"What are you up to Apollo?"
Below the Hestia balcony.
"H-hey! A-Artemis slow down…"
Bell found himself tripping over himself trying to keep up as he was dragged through people and around corners. Yet the girl in front didn't let up. She didn't say anything, instead just focusing forward. It wasn't until the two reached their destination that she slowed down, though it was to only open the door. Before Bell even realised it he was pulled inside only for the door to slam shut and lock.
*Click*
"Huh?"
He turned around only to find himself pushed back a little. Artemis threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around him. Her breath was heavy and her legs buckled as she slowly collapsed. He panicked and quickly dropped to one knee to catch her.
"A-are you okay? Are you sick?"
Worried he swiftly moved his hand to her forehead. Luckily she showed no signs of having a fever or high temperature. But what he did notice was her shivering and he knew it wasn't the kind you got from being sick. He embraced her and gently began to rock her back and forth.
'What could she possibly be worried abou...'
He stopped when he heard the faint weeping from below. His eyes fell to her. Tears could be seen hitting the floor below as they ran down her cheeks. Her hands gripping his sides as she slowly failed to contain her emotions.
"Bell…"
She pushed her head into his chest. Her tears soaking his shirt, the once silent room filled with sobbing as she finally broke down in front of him.
"I-I'm…. Scared…Afraid…"
She clutched his sides harder. Unintentionally, her body was not used to this kind of emotion. As a goddess, she was confident, fearless and unfazed by any situation. But as she heard her name called she could not hold back her fears. Memories of what happened that horrible day flooded back to her all at once. She looked to Bell, her hero to comfort her in that moment...
Bell realised quickly why this was…
'H-how could I forget! Those bastards wanted to do the unthinkable to her!'
"I know… I can't possibly begin to think about what's going through your head. I never want you to remember. To have to go through it again…"
He murmured something into her hair but she couldn't make it out. But she didn't have the time to dwindle on it as she found herself being pulled to the ground.
"W-Wait Bell! What are you..."
Yet before her concerns could be voiced she found herself sat on the floor, the two of them arm in arm as he began to pull her closer.
"W-why?"
He pulled back a little so he could look into her emerald eyes. He did everything in that moment to hide his concerns and reassure her. So instead of looking worried, he smiled.
"Because I know you're gonna win…"
She smiled as she rested her head in his lap curling into his side and closing her eyes.,
"H-hey now don't go to sleep… As much as i'd like to let you Hestia would kill me if she found out you were skipping your match"
She let out a moan of disappointment.
"Ohhh and we can't have that can we."
She turned over only to open her eyes allowing them to stare deeply into Bell's.
"Sorry if I worried you…"
Bell blushed looking away for the briefest of moments. "I-I I always worry about you…"
She lit up with embarrassment "H-Huh!"
His fingers found themselves playing desperately with a strand of her hair. Letting it wrap around his fingers only to allow it to unravel again.
"W-Well.. I worry about your safety… A-and happiness.."
He looked back at her. His heartbeat rose instantly after seeing her rosy cheeks. He had given up with her hair, something just screamed 'touch' about them. First, it was a finger, the heat was strangely satisfying. It didn't take long for him to rest his hand down and cup it a little. He could feel it getting hotter.
'Guess I can't help myself around her…'
"Mmmm" She rolled into his hand as she rubbed her cheek into his palm a little. He was now furiously blushing as he gulped. In his attempt to calm her all he did was make things worse.
"F-feeling better now?"
She pouted a little as he moved his hand back. She pushed herself off his lap and found herself at eye level with him. Normally this would be a little too close for comfort but, with her, he could still get a little closer.
"Yeah… Thanks, Bell…S-sorry for dragging you away from the others."
She looked to the door…
"P-perhaps you should head back. We didn't say anything after all and they're sure to worr..."
She was cut off as she found herself being pulled into another hug.
"Yeah well... They can wait. My current priority is making sure you're calm and ready!"
Her body shivered with joy as she returned the hug.
"Idiot…"
She pushed into his shoulder and relaxed. She didn't need to prepare; she had done so in advance. So with this, she could spend her time indulging in him a little. Slowly she moved up his shoulder to his neck only. She nuzzled into it, taking a deep breath of his scent.
'He smells so good.'
She closed her eyes as he gently rocked her body back and forth. These little moments between them were all she needed. Never had one man made her so happy and calm.
A few minutes passed and the two didn't say a word neither one wanting to break the moment. But it was nearing that time and Bell had to reluctantly pull back.
"S-Sorry…"
Blistering heat filled her cheeks as she realised how long they were holding one another. Yet she couldn't look away.
"T-thankyou Bell…"
Pushing back to her feet she wandered over to the table taking long deep breaths. She hadn't realised being in the same room as him would do this. She was hot, lightheaded and most of all…
'N-no... No, I'm not that!'
She bit a lip taking a quick peek over her shoulder. She took in all of him. She had seen him shirtless, she had slept close to him and worse still she allowed him to touch her.
A phantom pain echoed below, a mixture of pleasure and confusion filled her mind. His hands were rough, skin hard and worn. But she loved the feeling. To hold them, to squeeze them. This is what Aphrodite and Lante tried to tell her…
'Love is a wonderful thing' She smiled and stood tall. 'I'll win this… and when I do I'll tell him!'
She placed her hand on her chest and smiled.
"I feel much better now, Bell. Thank you, thank you for everything."
She turned her hands holding the table as she leaned back.
"You helped me so much these last few days, saved me, inspired me even… Even giving me a purpose."
Bell blushed, rubbing the back of his head nervously laughing.
"Y-yeah…"
He could see the love and affection in her eyes.
'So beautiful… Though that's only natural for her…'
"Y-you'll keep your promise? About taking me hunting again…" She asked, looking away in embarrassment as she caught his gaze.
"Y-yeah, I remember, j-just the two of us."
She nodded.
"Yeah, just the two of us…"
"Artemis you have five minutes to finish preparing and make your way to the Arena."
The announcement was the end of their little moment, Bell sighed looking a little sad but gave her his trademark smile. Beaming joy and courage into her.
"Good luck Artemis, I know you can win this, I'll be cheering you on every second!"
Artemis blushed and nodded. "YES!" He smiled and turned around heading for the door and yet as the lock clicked Artemis took a step forward. As the door opened she began walking. Before he could take a step she was running. As his foot touched the ground his arm was pulled back. For a moment he felt like he was floating in mid-air. He turned his eyes back only for his vision to be blurred. He felt something soft against his cheeks, it was damp and sticky. He could see her blue hair and he realised what was happening.
Artemis pushed her lips onto his cheek. She blushed madly as did he she pulled away and smiled. The pair's heart rate skyrocketed as she pushed him out the door. He looked back. She giggled taking one last long look into his eyes.
"Just be the first to congratulate me when I come back."
She didn't wait for his reply, just closing the door on him and falling back in as she brought her hand to her face. Placing a single finger on her lips.
Bell on the other hand just stood on the other edge of the door. Placing a hand on it and leaning in resting his forehead on the wood.
"I'll be waiting for you at the entrance…"
"Hehe looks like you're finally getting into the spirit now Lefiya."
"Huh?" Lefiya turned to the small chested amazon girl who was cheering next to her.
"Oh…" the elf girl flushed with embarrassment. She realised she was being rather undignified for an elf, standing and cheering as she was. Still she had been enjoying her time today, with her familia, the amazon twins and Aiz. How couldn't she be rushed along with the rest of the crowd and start cheering too?
"Moh." She pouted for a second, then as the cheers rose again as the gates opened for the warrior to enter the field, her high voice joined the cacophony.
…
Despite Bell calming her, Artemis still had butterflies in her stomach, which only worsened the moment the elephant-masked Ganesha guard had knocked on the door, ready to escort her to the fight.
She was silent during the short walk from the changing area, thinking only of the fight at hand. Her nerves grew as she began to hear the muffled cheers of the crowd as she got closer and closer to the final gate.
She simply smiled at the Ganesh guard as he wished her good luck. As he grasped the handle to open the door, she took a sharp breath as her adrenaline spiked, her fear peaking for a moment.
Only to be overwhelmed as the bright sun made her blink her eyes and the roar of the crowd increased tenfold as she nervously took a step forwards.
Shading her eyes with her hand, she quickly tried to recover her sight, looking around trying to find the Hestia box and catch a glimpse of Bell before she was forced to concentrate on her opponent.
She quickly found what she was looking for to her left, seeing Hestia Familia cheering her on. Hestia stood with one arm in the air, her fingers in a V shape for victory, boldly claiming to all that could hear that her Familia was the best. Lili was jumping up and down on her seat, trying to get a better view, while waving. Welf just nodded down at her with a grin and a thumbs up. Bell was of course cheering his head off waving both arms in the air. Luna, standing next to him, showed almost as much enthusiasm as Bell did.
Smiling, she waved back to them all. Though with the roar of the crowd she knew trying to talk to them was pointless. Instead she gave the V sign back to Hestia.
"Well well well. Looks like the little lady decided to show…I had my doubts but here you are"
Art lowered her hand and slowly turned her head.
'I know that voice!'
Once she was fully turned around her eyes widened in horror as the tall brutish looking man took a step forward.
"Ohhh now that is a look? What's wrong, surprised? Fate keeps bringing us together like this, maybe you should take the hint hmmm?"
She sneered at him with a level of hate that only a goddess of chastity could have for an attempted rapist. Quickly readying her bow, she nocked an arrow, but held loose, she couldn't break the rules and the match hadn't started yet.
She didn't bother to give him the dignity of a reply.
"What's the matter no words? Not even a fuck you? Guess I really did a number on you last time"
She ground her teeth a little in frustration, but didn't let it show on her face, instead turning to find the referee, she just wanted this over with now.
Glancing at the Ganesha guard, she gave a nod to show she was ready.
The referee looked to Lourus who instead found himself looking up at the Hestia gallery smiling at a certain white haired boy.
"Oh… shit…" Welf muttered under his breath, covering his mouth with his hand in worry. That was the last person he wanted to see go up against Artemis. He turned to look at Bell, who stood clenching his fists at his sides, his face had gone grey.
Luna was the first to notice how quiet the two men of Hestia Familia had become.
She turned to Bell, shocked at his change in demeanor, moments before he had been cheering her on, suddenly he was staring with utter hatred at her opponent and had gone completely silent. Welf wasn't much different staring down at the Apollo Familia member with anger in his eyes. He occasionally glanced at Bell with concern. He understood just how angry Bell had got that day.
"Bell? Welf?" She couldn't help but ask, this was too strange.
"Whatever is the matter."
Bell didn't, couldn't reply at that moment, so Welf decided to be discreet and whispered the answer in her ear, making the girl go pale.
"I...see."
She turned to Hestia with a worried look on her face.
"S-surely this isn't a good idea...W-we should stop the match, this is a terrible situation for her to…"
"NO" Hestia said sternly.
Hestia didn't want to say it, but what had happened to Artemis had affected her more than she showed. She knew that the goddess become girl needed this. To get her revenge, overcome her fear of the man in front of her.
No, Hestia smirked as she looked down at her ancient friend. She may just be a girl now, but she had been a goddess for eternity. And sometimes a goddess could be wrathful. Hestia knew exactly how her friend was feeling, something no mortal could understand.
And despite her mortal body, Hestia could feel a goddess's rage emanating from her.
"Lil agrees with Luna… It's stupid to think this isn't a trap! Seriously look what are the odds that these two would happen to be in a fight together!"
Hestia just looked to the two girls.
"Look at her Lili shes determined to go through with this… Nothing we say or do is gonna stop this fight… Artemis was humiliated and her pride has been hurt because of it."
Hestia closed her eyes.
"Believe me I don't like this any more than you. But have faith in her will you, she's gonna fight her heart out and we should be there to cheer her on."
"But-But! Lili thinks it's such an obvious trap! It not only stinks, it's got bells on it! Apollos up to something!"
Hestia sighed heavily.
"Don't you think Artemis knows that aswell? She's made her choice Lili I'm not gonna stop her…'
"She is a goddess after all…" Luna said, looking down at her.
Lili just nodded. Unhappy with the situation but unable to reason with her goddess. Still her biggest worry wasn't if Artemis could fight.. It was if something went wrong.
'Bell…' She looked at the boy that saved her and his angered face. Lili had never seen it before but, not like that.
She crossed her fingers and looked back down. "Please let this match go smoothly."
Bell stared down at Louruos daggers in his eyes.
"Don't you dare hurt her…" He muttered.
"Ready?" The referee asked, looking at Louruos.
He gave a grin, a nod and smashed his gloved fist into his hand, confident for the fight ahead.
"Yeah, I'm ready… I did say first chance I got I'd give you a good pounding."
"FIGHT!"
Light glinted in his eye as Artemis drew her bow up while at the same moment starting to run, skirting around the outside of the arena to keep her distance from him. She had deliberately used the reflection from her metal arrows to blind his vision for a second, so he wouldn't see which direction she ran. Quicker than an unblessed eye could see, she nocked and fired three arrows one after the other, so rapidly, all three flew in the air at the same time as she changed direction again, trying to keep her opponent pinned down.
Fwip, fwip, fwip, three arrows flew through the air. Anyone who was a level one or civilian could see just how amazing her moves were, she was already drawing a fourth arrow as the three flew through the air, having changed direction to disoriente her opponent.
However, Louruos, was a level mid level two. Despite her literal godlike skills with the bow, it only fired so fast and so powerfully.
He laughed at her poor attempts to make him a pin cushion as he dodged the first two arrows and grabbed the last one out of the air, crushing it in his hand with a smirk.
Artemis frowned, but maneuvered around the arena so that the sun was behind her back. She was a ranged fighter, she avoided hand to hand if she could, but this did mean she knew many tactics to blind and confuse her opponent.
Knowing he would be blinded during her approach, she charged straight towards him, again firing another three arrows as she did, confident with her distraction she would lay a hit this time.
She charged forwards, knocking a seventh arrow, smiling as she did, ready to jump and plant an arrow point blank in his face after the other three had pinned him, when she heard a laugh.
Her three arrows had hit the floor as he jumped back. Artemis had barely any experience with her falna, let alone fighting other adventures. His agility had shocked her.
She leapt back again with a frown, gaining some distance.
He just grinned at her and cracked his knuckles.
He was content to let her waste her ammunition, until she was forced to come and fight close.
He gave a wave of his fingers encouraging her to come closer.
She ground her teeth in frustration and looked down at her belt.
Ten arrows left, including the one in her hand.
She gave off a "Tsk" of frustration.
"What's wrong? Don't you think you're going a little too easy on me?"
He lifted his hand and waved his fingers back and forth.
"Why don't you get a little closer see if that helps"
'Asshole.'
She smirked… She was a goddess of hunting, archery after all.
She glanced around the room, her keen sight noticing all around the points she was looking for. After a few moments, she gave him a grin.
Without looking, she raised the bow in her hand, aimed in a seemingly random direction and fired.
She stared into his eyes as the arrow ricocheted around the room a few times. She grinned as it was about to hit, but, he shifted just a few inches and the arrow flew past his body.
"Ha ha ha. Nice try!" He laughed at her.
Artemis growled under her breath, she was starting to get annoyed now.
"Guess you don't get into too many fights huh… Let me let you in on a little detail."
He stood there with his arms open and a huge grin on his face.
"You can fire your arrows all day, trust me they ain't gonna hit. Hell even if they did they're probably gonna do fuck all."
He yawned and turned away looking at the crowd.
"But hey go ahead keep firing sooner or later you're gonna have to come and fight me up close and personal!"
'Nine arrows left…' She thought to herself as she reassessed the situation. 'Get in close, cut his limbs so he can't fight back, pin him after… It's the only choice I have now.. He's too fast.'
Nocking two arrows at once, she once again dropped back so the sun was behind her, fired and charged, slingling her bow the moment the arrows left the string and drawing her sword with a warcry.
"AhhhhHHHHHHH!" She screamed as she charged in.
He laughed as he took a step forward into the arrows narrowly missing them. However, the act now left him heading straight for her.
"Nice try… But now it's my turn"
Now he was in striking range Artemis took a hard turn to try and avoid him. Her legs hit the ground roughly and she narrowly avoided his hand. Though it seemed off. She then noticed his smile and his eyes staring at her bow.
"No."
But it was too late. He quickly hit the bottom of her wrist causing her to ease her grip making it easy for him to swing it away, With her weapon knocked to the side she was forced to retreat and rethink.
"Damn for someone his size he sure is fast!"
Lourous meanwhile stood in the middle between her bow. The entire time cracking his knuckles and neck.
"Perhaps you should give up. I mean it's obvious you are no match for me… Go on run to lover boy and let him fight your battles for you."
Her sword in her hand, she took the stance Mikoto had taught her and prepared to change her style. Grasping her sword with both hands, she readied herself and stared into his eyes.
He grinned at her, his eyes twinkling, she was his prey now she had come in close.
She charged at him, lunging to chop his head off. He leapt back laughing in his mind at how slow she seemed, but made it seem sure that she had only just missed. His superior level made it easy to bait her into the fight.
Her eyes flashed at him as her confidence grew and her arm came down with another slash.
"Ahhgghh.." He moaned as her blade grazed his skin causing a small spray of blood.
'That's it.. Get close… just close enough…'
Again and again she swung, aiming for his nerves and tendons. She didn't want to kill him, only take him down so he could be healed later. But she had to take him down and fast, so she looked to cripple him as quickly as she could.
But each time she landed a blow, it wasn't quite deep enough, she wasn't quite fast enough.
She had to get closer into his range and that worried her. Mikoto had taught her about this. Was he really just baiting her?
Another cut and another splash of his blood over the arena floor, but not enough to slow him down.
She went for another swing, but this time he just grabbed her arm out of the air like she was moving in slow motion. With a sweep of his foot, he knocked her legs out from under her, forcing her to the ground.
Kicking her sword away, he gave a brief laugh before starting chanting.
Artemis grabbed at her throbbing head with her hands, her mind ringing for a few moments before she realised what she was hearing through her muffled ears, he was chanting. She had to get up and stop him, but for a moment her head still spun and no matter how hard she tried, she could not recover and stand up yet. She would need a few seconds.
"No…" She tried to stand, but stumbled falling back on her butt.
She scrabbled to stand, but it was too late. She heard a laugh after he finished his chant.
He smiled as he touched a cut on his cheek from her sword.
"Hmmph.." He smiled down at her.
"Look at you.. Feisty aren't you? No wonder you took my eye…"
He licked the blood from the tip of his finger.
"You got one good hit in. Don't think you're going to get another."
He charged forwards before Artemis could recover and kicked her as hard as he could, sending her flying across the arena smashing into the opposite wall.
"Noo…" Hestia said quietly into her hands that covered her mouth the moment she had seen Artemis fly across the arena.
Her face had gone ghostly pale, she wasn't used to seeing adventurers fight and to her eyes the blow looked fatal.
She shuddered with fear as Artemis hit the wall, a small squeak escaped her, far too shocked to react with words.
"Artemis…" She spoke gently as the dust began to clear, but she didn't see her emerge, she reached her hand out, utterly terrified that her friend wouldn't stand up again.
She jumped as she felt a hand rest on her shoulder, turning to find Bell looking at her.
"It's alright Goddess, It will have hurt a lot, but she can recover from that."
He tried to give her a confident grin, but deep down he was just as worried as his goddess.
Lourous was holding back, Bell could tell the moment Artemis had been forced to fight at close range. He'd let those hits with the sword in, encouraging her to get closer. He could see her being drawn in, with her desperation to land a deciding blow.
He couldn't understand why though. It was obvious almost right away that the match should be over already.
Bell frowned, wondering what the man's motivation was, his mood only darkened as he began to think of the possibilities.
He didn't have long to consider though, Artemis had got to her hands and knees and although winded, didn't seem injured.
Artemis coughed hard for a few seconds as she tried to recover. Her head had spun for a good twenty seconds or so after impact, it took her a few moments for her awareness to return, before she rolled, pushing herself up on her hands and knees, taking deep gasping breaths and coughing out the dust. Luckily she noticed as she looked at the floor, she hadn't coughed up any blood. No internal injuries to worry about.. Yet.
She glanced around the arena, trying to work out where her opponent was, surprised that he wasn't taking advantage of her being down for a few moments.
She was surprised to find him standing in the centre of the arena, arms folded, just waiting for her.
He just grinned at her when she caught his eye.
Finally getting her breath back, she stood and gave herself a once over, checking for any injuries she had missed. Mostly though, it was just her rather bruised back where she hit the wall and another where she had been kicked in the side. It hurt, but she could still fight effectively.
Still, if he was just going to stand there, she wasn't going to waste the energy charging halfway across the arena at him. She walked until she was about ten feet away and got back in her sword stance.
"Back for more?" He laughed at her.
"Alright…" He said with a grin, unfolding his arms and taking a boxer's stance.
"I'll go easy on you for a bit."
Artemis didn't even sneer at him this time, simply keeping her face cold, showing no emotion to the man whatsoever.
Despite the fact she had been kicked away earlier, Artemis had a little hope she could win this fight, he wasn't armed and he seemed to wear very little armor, if any. He'd only wrapped his arms in battle cloth, to ward off the blows from her sword. The material was strong enough to resist being cut, but he would still take the force of the blows with his arm.
Staring at him for a moment, she gave no indication she was about to begin, simply charging straight in, swinging her sword at the last moment in a fient, before twisting the blow and stabbing towards his stomach. He bounced back, avoiding the blow as he turned his torso away, allowing the sword to slide past him. He tried to counter with a back hander to Artemis's face, just catching the tip of her chin, not landing a full blow.
She growled at the sudden pain, but didn't let the minor hit disrupt her flow, with her sword still extended, she swiped it back, dragging the edge across his stomach, opening a minor, but bleeding cut.
He jumped back, clutching at the wound for a second, he hadn't expected her to be the first one to draw blood.
He smirked at her, licking the blood from his fingers as she charged him again.
As she approached, he flicked his blood covered hand, sending the liquid flying into her eyes. Blinding, she easily missed her blow as he side stepped around her, holding his foot out, causing her to trip.
Artemis was a graceful girl with a falna, so even as she fell her superior agility meant she didn't fall flat on her face, she tumbled, but rolled away, bouncing back onto her feet again, wiping the blood from her eyes as she did.
He didn't give her a chance though, taking the moment of his distraction, he came up behind her and landed a solid punch to her right kidney.
"Arrrggggghhhh!" Artemis screamed as she staggered away from him, the sudden pain sending her vision white and causing her adrenaline to spike once again.
She spun away as she screamed lashing out with her blade, aiming to chop his head off. He simply laughed and jumped back for a second.
Artemis panted hard, clutching at her side. The pain was unbearable, if she had to fight like this, she was going to lose. But after a few moments, the pain faded, her short rapid breaths began to ease. She couldn't understand it, it was like someone had given her a potion.
Avoiding the distraction, she turned her attention back to her opponent, who was standing once again, giving her a moment to recover.
He gave her another grin and came in with a wide haymaker aimed at her head.
She ducked, spun her sword around and pommel struck him in his left hand ribs. She felt a satisfying crunch as the sword base impacted. Good, a few broken ribs should slow him down.
She pulled back a few steps to avoid a punch aimed at her stomach and smiled for a second as she saw him clutch at his ribs for a moment, before he surprised her as his expression changed to a grin and he leapt forwards.
His arms spread wide to grab her, he was rather open, she feinted another swing of her sword, aimed at sweeping his ankles, before changing direction at the last moment, stabbing the sword down towards his thigh, aiming to strike right through his leg.
Being a level two, he just caught he faked attack at the last moment, so he stepped back to avoid the blow. Artemis's sword only managed to pierce a few inches, drawing blood instead of punching through his leg as she desired.
But still, another blow landed. He hit hard, but if she kept this up, she might have a chance of winning.
Though she began to doubt that once again as his face filled with rage at the fact he'd allowed another blow in.
He rushed her, getting inside her guard quicker than she could raise her sword, unleashing his rage he tried to overwhelm her with a flurry of punches to the head. She could only jump back, dodge and try to roll with the hits that landed. Still despite the fact he was dominating her and all she could do for a moment was keep moving back and avoid his blows, his movement was a little bit more limited now. He was avoiding putting his weight on his injured leg.
Ducking below a punch, she kicked out hitting the wound with the base of her foot, ripping it open a little further making it bleed more.
He screamed in agony for a moment, dropping to one knee as the pain briefly denied him the use of his leg.
Artemis was getting tired though, instead of pressing her attack, she dropped back to recover her breath panting hard.
She was exhausted, but was surprised to find she didn't feel any pain whatsoever. Her back should have been on fire with the bruising. He side should ache where she had been kicked, her kidney should have hurt so much that she would barely be able to move. But nothing hurt at all, despite her tiredness, she felt like she could keep going.
Once again she turned to her opponent, raising her sword ready to engage.
He charged forwards and she decided to use his weaker side to her advantage, but that became her mistake. Expecting him to keep his weight to one side, she didn't expect the last moment blow coming towards her stomach, but he had ignored his injury, as if he didn't feel any pain at all. Two fists came flying at her, one after the other, she managed to block the first one driving it to one side with her sword, but the second blow to her gut caught her by surprise. As she doubled over, coughing out blood, he swept his knee up catching her falling face, smashing her head up into the air as her body flipped and she fell on her back.
She rolled to one side, hacking up blood again, before giving him a determined look and leaping to her feet she swung her sword once again, desperately seeking to take out her target, only to find him spin at the last moment, moving around behind her again landing his elbow into her back and shoulder blade, cracking the bone.
She stumbled forwards, clutching her shoulder for a moment before the pain faded.
With a scream she span and ran towards him again, moving as fast as she could trying to overwhelm his speed, but he had been holding back all this time.
Having had enough, he grabbed one of her wrists and twisted, while at the same time he caught her leg with his, causing her to fall and twist unnaturally, forcing her to release her weapon with a grimace of pain.
He threw the sword as far away from the pair as he could, before kicking the girl who had fallen to her knees in the chest, once again sending her flying across the arena.
He wasn't going to wait for her to get back up this time he sprinted over to the wall before picking her up, checking she was still awake, before throwing her into the ground as hard as he could.
Artemis wasn't down and out yet though. Despite the punishment she was taking, she didn't feel any pain at all. As he lifted her a second time, aiming to smash her into the floor again, she pulled her hand up and went to gouge his eye with her thumb.
"Fucking BITCH!" He screamed as he felt her plunge her digit into his eye, he was lucky he was level two and could react fast enough, had it been a split second later, he would have lost that eye.
He dropped her on instinct and despite knowing the pain would fade in a few seconds, brought both his hands to his eye in agony.
Taking the moment of advantage, Artemis rushed him once again, aiming punch after punch at him. With a grunt, he let her rush him, taking the blows. She wasn't strong enough, his status was far too high compared to hers. She could punch him all day long and he could just take it. Without a weapon, she couldn't win.
He knew that, but Artemis didn't.
'Yes… If I keep this up I can do it!'
He waited for the right moment, when she had slightly over extended and slammed his fist into her ribs, shattering half of them on her left side.
She winced for a second, but the pain quickly faded so she advanced again.
Again and again she landed blow after blow on him. She knew she was cracking his ribs, bruising him all over, but he just kept taking it.
She was starting to slow down now, reaching the limit of her endurance. More and more he rained down devastating blows upon her. He had stomped her thigh, she knew the bone had cracked. Her arm felt restricted where her shoulder blade was slowly working itself apart and was unable to support her movement. She knew her ribs were smashed down one side and she was pretty sure she had several broken fingers.
But she could still fight… She had to. For her pride as a goddess, for her new Familia, but mostly, for Bell.
So fight on she did, or tried to. The one-sided beating was obvious now.
A final two blows had her down on her knees, down, but not yet out.
Lourous had launched a powerful fingerjab to her throat, causing it to rapidly swell and bruise, limiting her breathing and taking away any ability to talk.
The second blow, had been a nasty elbow to the temple, knocking her for six, leaving her in a dazed state on her knees.
Those who were close enough to see-saw blood had started to run from her ears, this was serious now, she had a fractured skull.
Bell slammed his fist into the stonework and turned to Hestia. His face distorted with anger and fury,
"Goddess you have to stop this!"
Hestia shivered in fear as she heard Bell shouting. This wasn't the situation she had wanted Artemis to be in. Her pride was now hindering her fighting abilities and her thinking.
"Bell I can't…"
"WHY NOT!"
His fist hit the stonework again, this time causing a small crack to form. Welf stepped in and grabbed his shoulder.
"Bell shouting isn't gonna do anything! Hestia surely you as her goddess can stop the match?"
Hestia started to cry as she clenched her fist and shook her head furiously.
"I wish I could. Really I do. But Apollo outsmarted me… He specifically forbid the gods from interfering in the fight… Which means…
Bell's look of fear over took his anger. "No…"
Welf collapsed into his seat. "Which means she has to give up…"
Hestia shook her head "No the officials will step in before then. They have to…"
Everyone bar Bell reluctantly turned their heads and waited. Praying that the match would be stopped. But Bell couldn't watch. His heart was breaking as he saw her get beaten down. He felt sick. Sick that he couldn't help her. But deep down he knew he was responsible for this.
'Why! Why did I have to say it! Why did I say she could win this!'
'Please Artemis… Please don't suffer because of me…"
He placed his hand over his eyes and cried.
"Please... Please just give up…"
"WHAT THE HELL! WHY HASN'T THE MATCH BEEN STOPPED YET!"
Aphrodite turned to Hermes with a look of fury on her face as she tried to gauge some answer from his pale face.
"I-I don't know…"
He in turn looked at the fat Elf smiling in the corner. Almost amused at the spectacle he was watching.
"Royman, you have to stop this match!"
The fat elf turned to look at the god. But shook his head still holding that stupid grin on his face.
"No... The spectators love it. Besides, the girl looks to continue fighting. Apollo and Hestia agreed to the rules and I have no intention of stopping this fight myself. That job falls to the referee."
"Like Hell it does. Stop this match now Or I swear to the gods. I'll smash that pig head of yours so hard it…"
Hermes glared at Aphrodite.
"Calm down, you're not helping! Besides there's nothing we can do…"
He clenched his fist…
"Like hell there is. Let me charm this fool and I'll make him stop it!"
Aphrodite was about to push past him before Hermes held out his arm.
"Please just sit down… Royman couldn't stop this match even if he wanted to… Not even Hestia can stop it…"
"Artemis is going to have to forfeit before this match is stopped."
Aphrodite's eyes widened in horror.
"You're joking! You've got to be!" She began to cry "T-this is Artemis we're talking about. She'd sooner die than admit defeat to a man!"
Hermes closed his eyes…
"I know... And that's exactly what Apollo wanted…"
The goddess of beauty stared at her rival with a look of dread and sadness.
"But why…Why would he be so cruel?!"
Hermes looked across the arena to the Hestia corner and glared at Bell.
"Because he's looking to get a reaction!"
"T-This is just cruel!"
The young elf spoke as she tried hard not to watch the beating below. She looked to her familia who shared her views.
It was then Riveria joined them much to their surprise.
"R-Riveria what are…"
The tall elf sighed and looked at them all and then at the fight taking place below them, a dreaded look on her face as she watched.
"Because I'm probably gonna need to get down there as quickly as possible when this is over."
Tiona looked at her confused.
"Wait, what do you mean?"
Riviera sighed as she took a seat and explained.
"Tell me, has anything about this fight seemed off to you?"
The Amazons looked at one another but shook their heads. Even lefiya shared their view; it just seemed like any normal fight. But another voice quickly joined in.
"She's not been reacting to an attack like she should…"
They all turned to Aiz who was focused on the two fighters watching their movements.
"What does she mean!" Tiona questioned.
Riviera sighed heavily.
"This entire match that girl has been under intense Numbing magic… It's rare but I've seen it before… The user casts an area of effect spell that numbs all physical damage taken…"
They all listened intently as she continued.
"It's a double edged sword really. While you're not likely to know of any injuries until it wears off. Your also not aware of them. Parties use this to ignore minor blows or injuries and continue fighting for longer…"
She leaned into her chair looking at the official nearby.
"So long as it's in effect she's just gonna keep getting up and up no matter what state she is in… But when that spell finally wears off…"
Tiona looked down in horror.
"She's gonna feel every single injury all at once!"
The vice captain nodded.
"Yes but the longer this match lasts the more damage that's gonna happen to her body… If it dosen't end soon…"
She looked down…
"She might not even be able to fight again…"
"Arghhhh!"
She went on one knee as she tried to balance herself. Even though she was bleeding so badly her senses weren't giving her any information. She couldn't lift her arm, it was so numb even her legs seemed to be heavy but other than that she felt fine. But her vision was fading and blurred and all she could make out was the faint outline of something coming towards her…
"Nghhh!"
She could only roll out the way. The momentum helping her to her feet as cleaned her eyes with her right arm. Her left hanging lifelessly at her side.
'Damnit! I won't be able to use my bow!'
She tried to look for it but found it blurred after a certain distance. It was clear to herself that she was in a bad way. But she refused to admit defeat to this bastard of a human being… Even as far as men go he was the worst of the worst…
"What's wrong? You seem to be sluggish!"
His voice called out from behind her and she turned in fear and tried to dodge but it was too late. His fist hit her stomach, winding her for a second. It stopped her from doing anything and before she could even register it she heard a crack and her body fell onto one knee.
"Hmmm that sounded painful?"
He looked down at her grinning.
"And yet you don't seem to be in any pain? Hmmm I wonder why that is"
She looked up at him and tried to say something back in response but her words failed her. She couldn't speak, her throat was closed shut and all she could do was barely breath… Her eyes now full of fear realised just how bad the situation was.
"Well… Don't worry you're gonna find out in a few seconds…"
He leaned in close to her and whispered into her ears.
"Don't worry… I'm sure lover boy will come to save you like last time!"
With a swift kick he knocked her straight to the ground and then it finally hit her. Her eyes shot open as her body contorted all at once. Tears filled her eyes as she screamed in agonising pain. And yet it was muffled by her closed throat. Her arm which had been numb this whole time felt like it had its bones shattered into miniature daggers which stabbed from the inside.
She was unable to move her leg now as it clenched up and locked into place. All she could do was try to crawl away as her attacker walked slowly towards her smiling the entire time.
"Hahaha! There it is, That's the look I wanted to see. Cower! Cower before me! That look of fear in your eyes! Ohhh It's just like that day!"
He licked his lips and cracked his knuckles.
"I'm gonna break you! Mind, Body and soul!"
He grabbed her, holding her up before running and slamming her into a wall. Her muffled scream just becoming loud enough for those closeby to hear.
"Ohhh my she's actually in pain! Finally this fight is getting good!"
He held her by her neck and punched her stomach over and over again with his free arm. She coughed up blood and a small amount of bodily fluid as she struggled to breath.
'Someone…'
She was dropped only to be hit in the head slamming to the ground…
'Anyone…'
Lourous reached down and grabbed her arm, throwing her back into the middle of the arena as the crowd roared in response.
He laughed and slowly strode towards her. Each step he took increased the fear in her eyes as she desperately tried to flee. But she was far too broken to even attempt it. Her arms were ever broken or bruised, unable to support her own wait.
It was then a voice called out to her. One she hoped not to hear till after she won.
"ARTEMIS PLEASE! JUST FORFEIT! PLEASE DON'T SUFFER THROUGH THIS!"
She looked up as best she could to see Bell shouting down at her. Tears streaming down his face as he pleaded with her to stop. But she couldn't, she wanted to but she couldn't say anything. She couldn't even motion to the official that she was done…
She cried… It was the only thing she could do… She was in agony, her body was torn apart in almost every way… But what hurt the most was seeing him. The one she wanted to impress and help most. Crying because of her stupid vendeta…
'Forgive me Bell… I'm sorry…'
Lourous finally reached her. Staring down at her as he spat next to her.
"How touching… It feels good to watch that little bastard squirm!"
He kicked her once.
"You should have listened to him and given up when you had a chance!"
Twice!
"Now look at you! A broken beaten mess on the floor! Unable to do anything!"
Thrice!
"FIREBOLT!"
His eyes widened as he felt a huge blast of flame hit him. Knocking him back across the arena his clothes scorched and his body burnt.
"ARGHHH FUCK!"
He looked up to find Bell standing next to Artemis holding her in his arms as he glared the man down.
"Just try it! I dare you! Come anywhere near her again and I'll kill you!"
Lourous took a step back as he looked into the boy's eyes. The murderous intent pierced his own as he took a single step.
"Yeah… I don't think you have it in you!"
Bell clenched his fist as a white light started to glow around it. Bell's glare didn't let up as he watched the man like a hawk.
In the private gallery Freya gasped in horror as she looked down at the young boy. Her eyes filled with fury as they glowed a faint purple.
'His soul! W-Why is it like that!'
The once pure white turned grey as a large black smudge emanated from his body. A stain that ruined a perfect picture. And as it grew so did Freya's fury.
"Argo!"
Lourous looked up at Apollo who was glaring down with a faint smile as he turned to his familia. Raising his arms and looking at each and everyone of them.
"Hestia's child has broken the sacred laws of the wargame and attacked one of our members! We shall not let this go unpunished! Now go and show him justice!"
The members roared to life as they all jumped into the arena one by one slowly surrounding Bell as a few came to Lourous's side.
"Haaha what was that threat from before? Go on, try and do something I dare you!"
Bell raised his hand and opened his mouth.
"NO!"
Before he could however, somebody stepped in front of him. The familiar golden hair helped to shield his vision and focus on them.
"Well well, to think I'd get a chance to fight with the sword princess this is an honor."
Another voice called out but Bell couldn't see who it was nor did he care to. His heart sank as he looked to the passed out girl in his arms. Her body was bloodied, broken and bruised. He couldn't bear the sight and the tears soon followed as he began to cry.
"Aiz! Don't!" Riveria screamed as she suddenly turned towards the whisper of "Tempest!" But before she even got a chance to reach out her hand, the girl had leapt down into the arena and was charging towards her potential hero; she wasn't going to let him die at Apollo Familia's hand's over a silly wargame.
"Urrrghh." Riveria pinched the top of her brow with her fingers for a second, trying to relieve her stress, but quickly turned her attention back to the battlefield.
"GO AIZ!" Tiona screamed out, her fists pumping in the air.
"Stop it!" Tione slapped her around the back of the head. "She's only going to get the Familia in trouble! If the captain were here, he'd be biting his thumb about now!"
Tiona pouted for a moment, before looking over at Lefiya, who just stood there with a worried frown not befitting her beautiful face. Both her crush and her rival were down there, this fight had got serious and the little elf didn't know what to make of the situation. But mostly, she just felt sorry for the poor blue haired girl that had just taken such a beating.
"He-he." Tiona elbowed her. "C'mon Lefiya! It's Argonaut! You know how awesome he is! Ain't no way he's gonna lose here!"
She laughed and smiled, but Lefiya's heart was still troubled, despite the young amazon's confidence.
Royman looked down on the chaos that was unfolding before him. Not only did Hestia's captain step in but he attacked a member of the opposite familia unprovoked. Now He had Apollo calling for blood. The sword princess and another potential trouble make standing in their way. Worse still he had a murderous looking goddess of beauty staring him down if he didn't defuse the situation soon all hell was going to break loose.
"ENOUGH!"
He shouted into the magic stone mic staring down both Gods as he did.
"Apollo Return your Familia to your side!"
Apollo glared at the fat elf. "Why should I! Bell Cranel has broken the sanctity of the wargame, its rules and attacked a member of my familia!"
Apollo was smiling inside but he wasn't going to show it.
"If Hestia and her children want war then I shall let them have it!"
Royman shook his head furiously.
"The actions of Bell Cranel will not go unpunished. Return your Familia so I can make my decision in peace!"
Apollo nodded. "Everyone stand down!"
Everyone including Lourous did as he said and sheathing their weapons and taking a step back. It was then Aiz turned around to see Riviera and the rest of the medical staff heading towards Bell.
"STAY AWAY!"
Bell growled as he glared at them all. Nobody took another step bar Riveria who watched the boy carefully. Before taking the next step.
"Bell… Please listen to me…"
He didn't say anything. He didn't even turn to acknowledge her. He just sat quietly sobbing as he held the poor blue haired girl in his arms.
"Please… She needs urgent healing! If not then…"
Bell finally looked back, his eyes red with sadness as he stared at her broken.
"I won't let her go… I won't let her get hurt again!"
Riviera could see how torn up over this he was. She had seen it before and she knew it came from a place of love. He just wanted to keep her safe but it was also a hinderence to her work.
"You can come with us and stay by her side I promise but you have to let me help her first."
She placed a hand on his shoulder to comfort him. It took a minute but he nodded in agreement. Though he still refused to let anyone else come near her. Even as they brought a stretcher.
"No...I'll take her.."
Riviera just nodded and waved the others away.
"Very well, Please follow me."
As he carefully wrapped his arms under her body to lift her, Royman began to speak again.
"Now onto the matter at hand!"
He cleared his throat and looked to Hestia's corner.
"Due to the nature in which the last match ended I have decided to award the win to the Apollo Familia. This I believe most can agree with was his win!"
Bell turned around and walked towards the medical entrance. Slowly following Riveria as he carefully carried Artemis to safety…Though as they were about to enter Royman called out again.
"Hestia, One of your children acted with or without your orders, Attacked a member of the opposing familia and broke the sacred rules of the wargame! Therefore not only shall Bell be disqualified for his actions but I will award another win to Apollo!"
The whole crowd gasped as Hestia, Lili, Welf and Luna all looked on in horror at the news.
"No…" They all said.
Bell lowered his head as he took a step into the darkened corridor as Roymans last words started to fade into the distance.
"Therefore I must declare the Apollo familia, the winner of this wargame!"
Authors notes
Here it is everyone Chapter 54 Its been a long time coming. And I do apologise for the wait. This chapter was... Difficult to write. Though Its done now and boy what a chapter. I'm not gonna say anything all I'm gonna do is let it all sink in. Yep enjoy the wait for next chapter mwahaha.
Reviews/comments
Baymaksu- "Well unfortunately to say it didn't quite go the way you hoped. But I'm glad you guessed correctly shame it didn't work out on the match prediction.
Pix- Glad to see its doing its job lol
Final notes.
Again I apologise for the lateness of these chapters. Lots of work on and mountains of stuff that needed doing. While I'm currently free at the moment that might not stay that way. So I can't promise a chapter any quicker than this one... I just ask you wait patiently while I try to find some free time to write. Other than that I hope you are all okay and staying safe. Thanks for reading see you next time.
Discord link- /zvPcBt4