The Sakamoto Familia (minus Haruhime) left early in the next morning, citing that they needed to be somewhere quickly. Naturally most were disappointed, especially Haruhime, at their quick departure, for varying reasons. What was a bit confusing was that Arash went with them, being a bit mysterious about it. Not that they needed a bodyguard, what with Oryou's strength. But in the end they decided to trust in him and his weird actions. Either way, it was a bit scary seeing Alise swearing to get Ohma to like them the next time they meet, all three girls getting rather handsy with Ryuu, trying to figure out her secret beyond being an elf. Suffice to say, it was rather embarrassing to witness. Which is why it was relieving for Ryuu herself and Bell when someone knocked on their door early. She dashed past everyone, her messy, out of breath and probably sweating as well before opening the door with great force.
"Yes, what?!"
The individual stared at her, a small blush on his face before he cleared his throat and looked away.
"...Uh. Guild business. Here to... inform Hestia Familia?"
Solaris leaned over, trying to look past Ryuu panting and raised an eyebrow with a smirk.
"Wow, they really must be understaffed if they sent you, H-Man."
"Bite me," the man with the narrow eyes bit back, crossing his arms with some papers in his hands. The Flamma scoffed before shrugging nonchalantly.
"I'm not vegetarian."
"Uhm, what do we need to know?" Bell asked, approaching the door, trying to not glance how form fitting Ryuu's clothes were due to the sweat and tilted his head. The advisor, whose name Bell unfortunately forgot by now since Solaris refused to use his actual name, raised the papers in his hands to read from them.
"First of all, the War Game will take place outside of Orario."
That naturally shocked everyone, their eyes going wide.
"What? Why? We got a perfectly working arena in this place!" Lyra argued back, waving her arms in the general direction. Bell recalled it, its massive size that gave the buildings in Rakia and Yggdrasil a run for their valis. Considering Evilus' involvement in this, it rang alarms in their heads. H-Man clearly knew why, given the way he shifted his eyes away.
"Reasons."
"Wow. Thanks," Solaris said dryly. Her advisor shrugged nonchalantly, or as nonchalantly a civilian could be when glared at by several first class adventurers.
"You'll get it when you're there. I'm not allowed to say." He coughed into his knuckle before going down the list. "Rules are the same as decided. One on one, first to win four victories wins it all. No healing items or the like during or after a match. If anyone interferes from the other team, that's disqualification. The fights go on until surrender, unconsciousness, death or referee decision."
Haruhime flinched at those conditions. It wasn't anything they didn't expect, but hear that killing was allowed certainly gave Bell a bad feeling in his gut. However it was the last factor that confused him, confusion that Alise shared as she raised her hand.
"Who's the ref?"
"You'll see."
"You sure know how to tease a girl," Solaris muttered, rolling her eyes in exasperation. Then she playfully hit his arm, causing the young man to wince. "Heh. Hope you're gonna bet on us."
"I don't gamble. Especially not with idiots."
"That's why you suck at life."
Bell blinked before looking at Kojiro, pointing at them. Was that how advisor-adventurer relationships were supposed to be like? The swordsman shrugged, not having an answer for that. Bell nodded to himself. Ah, so it wasn't just him.
"Before I forget it." The guild advisor snapped his finger at them. "Hestia Familia has to go alone. A neutral party will deliver them to the War Game location."
"Yeah, I don't think so," Kaguya growled, crossing her arms, voicing out the concern everyone else had about that. H-Man sighed, scratching the back of his head.
"It's non-negotiable I'm afraid." He glanced at Solaris. "In my personal opinion, with all the Divine Mirrors going to be set up, nobody will have the guts to pull anything. It's not too far away either, you could see the location from the walls."
That mollified them a bit, but there was still concern in the eyes of the Astraea Familia. To Bell's surprise it was Solaris who grinned and raised her two fingers at them.
"It'll be fine! You didn't train pussies!"
The veterans shared a look before sighing. Then Kaguya looked at Haruhime and gave her a curt nod.
"Do your best."
"You better make me a fortune!" Lyra commented, grinning as she rubbed her fingers together. Alise giggled before throwing her arm around Kaguya and pumping her fist into the air.
"Go, go, Team Hestia!"
"You'll do fine," Ryuu said quietly, looking at Bell. He blushed a bit but smiled back, nodding at her in gratitude. Hestia loudly cleared her throat, lips quivering as she crossed her arms.
"L-Look, I'm not a speech type of girl…" She took a deep breath. "Just... you know the drill!"
"Come back home safely?" Solaris asked before raising her fist. Hestia nodded with a gentle smile before bumping her own against her captain's.
"Exactly!"
The group looked at each other. Solaris laughed, rubbing her hands together before turning her back to the Stardust Garden, spreading her arms with wild anticipation. The other three team members followed her without further ado, leaving behind two goddesses and four veterans as the guild advisor left as well. It was Lyra who broke the silence first, turning to them.
"So... should we watch it here?"
Astraea hummed thoughtfully before smiling coyly.
"I got a better idea."
/
When they arrived at the gates of Orario once more, Bell expected many things. There were many that could be considered "neutral". Hermes Familia, Ganesha Familia, even some 'no name' Familia as Solaris called them. However he didn't expect to see the black figure jumping him and wrapping her arms around him, almost knocking him over. Looking down his eyes went wide with shock.
"Nyx?!"
"H-Hello," she said in her usual meek tone, yet her smile was positively radiant in comparison. It made Bell feel a bit bad, since he kinda forgot about her ever since she informed him of that Plazza confrontation. Smiling back, he couldn't help but ruffle her hair, causing her to blush and let go. Solaris snorted while Haruhime blinked in surprise..
"Didn't they say neutral party?"
"I won't complain," Solaris responded to the Renard. Nyx fidgeted, playing with her hair before letting out a depressed sigh.
"I-I can't stay in-in person. S-sorry."
"It's fine. Just you being here is good enough," Bell responded. He narrowed his eyes with worry when she didn't respond. But suddenly she snapped her head up, puffing up her cheeks as she formed fists with her hands.
"I-I believe in y-you!"
Some might think she was just referring to the War Game. But Bell understood she meant more than that. With a warm expression he shook her hand in gratitude. At least one more person didn't believe in Eris' lies.
"Thank you."
"Hm... " She frowned before looking at Bell with determination. "I-I-I will m-make sure E-E-Eris won't escape! I-I'll keep an-an eye on her!"
Immediately, Bell bit his lip.
"Eris-"
"It's... I-I feel responsible. F-For doing business with-with her... " Nyx muttered under her breath, interrupting him. Bell sighed. If she put it like that, how could he stop her now? Still, as a friend he couldn't just let her do this without a warning on his own.
"Please don't do anything reckless."
"Hehe... I-If I g-get kidnapped a-a-a-again, y-y-y-you'll be there, r-r-right?"
Ah. This warmth in his chest. It was like the pride of a parent. To hear Nyx make a joke like that, even if it was a bit morbid. He couldn't help but laugh a bit before raising his thumb.
"Sure, that's what a hero is supposed to do, right?"
The two shared a quiet chuckle. Then Nyx directed them to the wagon that would take them to their location. The driver seemed familiar, with her short red hair, suit and a body type that was similiar to Nyx'. After saying goodbye to the goddess herself, they all got comfortable inside the wagon. But then the driver spoke up, glancing back at them with a smile. Or rather glancing at Kojiro and Bell.
"You probably forgot about me. Hemera, we talked when you first arrived in the city."
He blinked, before his eyes widened. Right, he somewhat recalled the woman who thanked him for his friendship with Nyx.
"Oh, yes, I remember," Kojiro commented while Bell scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"Sorry."
The woman giggled as she guided the horses, shrugging nonchalantly.
"I'm not offended. Having a low presence does wonders for the job sometimes."
He blinked at that. That sounded counterproductive to being a merchant. Then again, what did he know about business? Still, something about this chipper lady felt... off. He leaned forward, peeking his head out of the cover.
"Are... you alright? With what happened with the company?"
For a moment, Hemera snarled. Then she forced herself to take a deep breath before shaking her head, looking a bit depressed at the thought.
"Well, I can't say I'm not upset. So many good workers, turning out to be like that. Keeping the company together was a balancing act, that's for sure."
Bell winced. He noticed Solaris slowly shaking her head in disbelief, as if chiding him for even asking that question. A part of him felt shame for feeling a bit suspicious. After all, with what happened, he should've known that anyone that was left in the Night Company should be clean after the thorough investigation. Before Bell could back off however, Hemera looked at him with narrowed eyes.
"Hey. I know you are friends with her. But I have to make sure." She exhaled slowly. "Nyx is not responsible for anything. Understand?"
"Of course!" He shouted. He didn't doubt her for a second anyway! Nodding in approval, Hemera relaxed a bit.
"Good." She licked her lips before glancing back at him. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Not like we got anything better to do," Solaris muttered, scoffing at the words. Taking the lack of other comments as acceptance, Hemera took a deep breath.
"Why are you going so far with this?" She asked, sounding genuinely confused. "You could've just left. Or get Astraea Familia to protect you. Why risk yourselves like that?"
The group looked at each other, unsure why they were asked that. Maybe a civilian didn't really understand? Bell waited for the others to chime in, but they twirled their hands at him at the same time, as if leaving it to him. He frowned a bit. Why was he always doing this kind of thing? Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, he wondered how to best phrase it. Pride wouldn't work. Frustration sounded shallow. Then a certain word popped up and he snapped his fingers.
"I guess... we just want to keep our freedom?" He shrugged. "There were better ways, probably but... this is the only way we can prove that the Hestia Familia is the Hestia Familia."
He looked at her, waiting for her reaction. What he saw however surprised him.
"Freedom... "
She lowered her head and for a split second she seemed tired. Old even. Very old. As if she had lived millenia, like a goddess. His heart ached at the expression she showed. Without hesitation he reached into his pockets and presented the content at her. She looked down at his palm, staring at it in utter confusion, whatever memories she was looking into long forgotten.
"What... ?"
"S-sory. You just looked like you needed some candy... ?" He trailed off before heat came up to his face. Ah, was this the wrong move after all? The fact that Solaris snickered didn't help at all.
"Oh. Uh, thanks?" She nodded slowly before throwing the candy into her mouth. She chewed it a few times before grimacing a bit. Then she shrugged and swallowed it. Bell winced at her reaction before tilting his head.
"Was it bad?"
Instead of answering, the wagon stopped. Bell looked around in surprise. Did they already arrive? Looking up, he gaped at the sight. Since when was there an arena here?! Sure, it looked more like a relic than anything, a structure that was built over night perhaps, since he was sure that wasn't here before. Naturally everyone stepped out, whistling and gasping at the sight as well. Before he knew it, Hemera took the reins into her hands once more before nodding curtly at them.
"See you around, I guess."
Bell bit his lips as she moved away before turning to Solaris and the others.
"Was the candy bad?"
"What was the flavor?" Haruhime asked politely. He scratched his right cheek, clearing his throat a bit.
"Uh, mint?"
"Yeeeaah, not really something people want in candy." Solaris paused before raising an eyebrow at him. "Why do you have mint anyway?"
He blinked before he recalled his grandfather when he was young.
"Remember Bell, always keep mint around you! You never know when you need to freshen up your breath for the ladies!"
He blushed a bit and looked away in response to that imagery.
"...Reasons?"
"Gonna ignore that one then," his captain said, shrugging nonchalantly. Unlike her however, Haruhime and Kojiro had teasing smiles, even if the former blushed a bit. Then the latter looked up before frowning for a moment.
"This looks like it could fall apart any moment... " Solaris smirked at him in response..
"I dunno, looks cool to me."
"I suppose we should be waiting in those tents then," Haruhime pointed at the structures in question, located directly in front of what was probably their entrance. Going inside, the first thing that stood out were several boxes in the humble tent. Solaris smiled softly, same as Bell and Haruhime, fully knowing who put those there.
"Really came through... "
"Gifts from your unexpected visitors during training? I'm jealous."
At Kojiro's comment, their captain rolled her eyes in exasperation.
"Suck it up, genius, there's some for you too." She clapped her hands together with a laugh. "Alright people, suit up!"
/
Loki tapped away at her table, her forehead scrunched with wrinkles as she exhaled slowly in frustration. Then she snapped her head to the side, glaring at her "unexpected visitors". Also known as intruders.
"Okay, did I miss something or did my mansion turn into a damn tavern?! Ya have yer own places, ya freeloaders!" She paused before smirking and winking at the last person, snapping her fingers at her. "Except you, Astraea, yer a babe."
"Why, thank you," the woman in question giggled, while her children moved themselves between her and Loki's vision with a glare. Hermes laughed, ignoring the glares he received from Asfi and Filvis as he spread his arms out on his couch. Naturally the two girls of his Familia slapped his hands away, causing him to let out a whine before casually smirking at them.
"Hey, we are all in the same boat, why not share the fun?"
"Astraea tricked me," Hestia responded with a pout, having her arms crossed with a grumpy air surrounding her. She should've figured it would come to this. Astraea just seemed a bit too peppy. Still, she shook her head and glared at Loki who replied with her own.
"Then leave!"
"I'm not gonna be a sad sack alone at home!" Hestia countered, causing the Trickster to throw her arms up in irritation.
"So you gotta be a sad sack at my home?!"
The two huffed and turned away from each other. Which was a mistake on Hestia's end because she met eyes with Tiona. The girl smiled, almost looking like nothing was wrong. Yet the goddess could tell it was forced. It only made sense, given the blanket laid over her legs, or rather what was left of them since she didn't see any feet. She looked away, feeling the air getting awkward only to have her eyes landing on the second person that had dark clouds over her head. Aiz was sitting in the corner, making it a point to stay away from everyone as she hugged her legs. While Hestia was jealous of the girl, she felt pity fill up her heart when the girl actually flinched when their eyes met. Flinched! At her, the innocent harmless Hestia! She covered her face with a quiet whine. That was exactly the other reason she didn't want to be here! This place was depression central! At the very least Kaguya and Lyra kept Tiona company, silently sitting close to her, with the occasional comment from the former about prosthetics. She smiled slightly at that, so of course Hermes had to ruin her mood when he leaned forward, a glint in his eyes.
"So, what's their status?"
Naturally everyone in this room, and it really made it clear how many damn children Loki had that not even half were in this place that felt stuffy, looked at her. She glared daggers at the god before crossing her arms.
"Not gonna tell."
"C'mon, I spotted them when they came back. Their aura is different."
"Still not gonna tell."
She wasn't stupid. The way he nodded knowingly, winking at her, self satisfied, showed that he realized what her lack of words were telling. That her childrens' status jumped high enough to make a difference. Still, she covered her mouth, hiding her small smile. Not even he could imagine that their stats were all at SS or SSS, depending on their style. Well, there were some exceptions, like magic with certain individuals, but that only made sense. Still, she felt some lingering looks, like that of Aiz, the first time the girl actually looked alive, but she ignored it. Then the gods felt it. The attention from the god that was the longest here. Hermes tipped his head before clearing his throat.
"Ouranos, we're ready."
"Permission granted."
Immediately, every god in the city smiled. They rolled their shoulders, cracked their fingers, stretched, before dozens upon dozens of Divine Mirrors formed in the air. Yet the moment the vision cleared, everyone gasped at the sight.
"What in the hell?!"
Not because of the arena they saw, with debris and rocks scattered everywhere in the middle to make the battlefield more varied. Not at the multicultural group that gathered in the stands that seemed to crumble away at any moment. No, what caught their attention were the crucified people on top of the arena walls.
"Are those... Evilus members?" Tione whispered, covering her mouth in shock. Hestia felt something come up before she forcefully choked it down. Then she turned her head at Hermes.
"Did any of you do that?"
"Not at all. I doubt Ganesha had the time to clean those up either... " The god froze, his eyes going wide. "Oh dear."
"Crap," Loki muttered herself while Astraea covered her mouth.
"What?! What's going on?!" Hestia asked before she figured out herself as she choked on something. She realized why the match was done outside.
The Far East. Rakia. Altena. Representatives, warriors, mages, they all have gathered at this place. The reason for it? Not only because they were interested in the War game itself. No. They merely heeded the call of their strongest. At the highest point of the spectator seats, were several thrones for the lack of a better word. When the mirrors focused on them, across the city several adventurers felt a shiver down their spine.
Ottar reached for the scars at his face, grimacing. Finn bit his thumb while Riveria unconsciously touched the side of her stomach, with Gareth grabbing onto his own arm. Phantom pain flared up at the sight of the cloaked individuals. The brown cloaks with black symbols, a sideway laurel around what seemed ot be a moon or something like that, with the letters "CSO" underneath it. Their thrones themselves at symbols on them. A sword, lance, bow and arrow, a horse head, a staff, what seemed to be a minotaur head and then the empty throne with a skull mask. Slowly the individuals seated on the thrones removed their hoods and the suspicion became fact as everyone gaped at the sight.
Artoria Pendragon, stoically holding her sword which was pressed against the ground. Romulus Quirinus, with his arms crossed, smiling patiently. Arash Kamangir, casually leaning back next to Hans Christian Andersen who leaned his cheek against his own knuckle. Sakamoto Ryoma and Oryou, making for a comical sight as the wife was sitting on her husband's lap with their baby in her arms. And last but not least Penthesilea Themyscira, her legs crossed as she looked down like a queen at her subjects.
Radiance. Legiones. Starfall. Mimir. Peacemaker. Mizuchi. Asura. Names famous across the lands, seated next to each other like kings in their respective talents, like equals to each other even if they were from other countries, other lands. But not only them, there were other famous figures among them.
The War god Ares, filled with arrogance next to the sighing prince. Hades, a gentleman in a suit, stroking his white beard before he slapped a half naked witch elf over her head, causing the smaller blond to laugh awkwardly. The Valkyries behind said god, all smiles and purity. Then there was the Far East regiment, with the martial arts god Hachiman sitting stoically with his students behind him, while the noble looking deity Tsukoyomi next to him took a whiff from her pipe with her own disguised children behind her.
"What the shit, Royman?!" The trickster yelled out loud, voicing out her complaint as a representative to many other gods. What Loki didn't know was that the... oversized elf himself was crying blood himself at the sight. What could he have done after all? If the strongest outside of Orario demanded to be present for the War Game, he had to find some sort of middle ground. Allowing them inside the city was begging for war. But refusing them was like spitting at their faces. So in the end, he was forced to 'permit' them to build their own arena and had to throw the two warring Familia at the wolves. He wasn't the only one freaking out, as Eris at her comfortable home was equally enraged, having thrown her wine at the wall at that monstrosity of events.
Everyone went quiet when it was Penthesilea that rose to her feet. Spreading her arms open, she took a deep breath, a sound that was picked up and transmitted to Orario itself, with 'audio receptors' having been set up everywhere across the battlefield and the arena.
"By the authority granted to me by the Guild in Orario, I, Penthesilea Themyscira, shall oversee this war between Familia!"
Many men and even women, especially amazon, swooned at her powerful voice. Some even fainted when a prideful smile appeared on the queen's face.
"My word is law! My actions are law! Feel free to defy me, for it will make no difference!" She hammered her chest with loud bangs. "Unconsciousness! Death! The lack of will! All those shall be reasons for defeat! To heal during or after a battle will mean dishonor and disqualification!" She chuckled quietly before sitting back down, twirling her hand at the arena. "Other than that... anything goes!"
She turned her head, causing the mirrors to shift their attention. On a seperate podium, two individuals were seated, with mics in their hands. Ganesha grumbled, unhappy that he wasn't able to do his commentary instead. But at the sight of the smiling, petite girl and the Far Eastern woman, her features hidden behind a veil, he couldn't exactly complain.
"Hey, hey, everyone's favorite idol, Hlokk here~! With me will be Akira Shiki, the Kage!"
"A pleasure."
Their personalities clashed completely. The excited small girl and the calm and serene adult woman. Yet they seemed cordial enough with each other as Hlokk actually hit her seat neighbor's arm, earning a simple chuckle from the other.
"With us two beauties, we will make sure none of you will be bored, tehe~!"
"From the East, we have the representatives of chaos!" The Valkyrie announced loudly, aiming at the sky before pointing at one entrance. "With assets across the entire Entertainment District, some could call them the ones with the strings when it comes to Orario's economy!"
One by one, a group of ten emerged from the entrance. Leading them were the four members Hestia Familia had to deal with before. A dark elf in crimson robes, radiating smugness, followed by the massive Tiger man who didn't even bother wearing a shit. In the lead was the rugged middle aged man, tapping his shoulder with his spear as he idly waved at the crowd who cheered in excitement.
"Gambling is in their blood! If being an adventurer means risking their lives, then they are veterans among veterans! A Familia with thirty two known adventurers and countless workers under their name, their highest level is four!"
They were playful, most spectators realized. As if assured of their victory and not even seeing this as a challenge. Some of them even laughed among themselves, joking.
"The Familia of gambling and discord, Eris Familia!"
Yet to some, like Astraea Familia, they could tell something was off. Only the tiger, the captain and the dark elf seemed to be into it. Everyone else just seemed to fake it. Their smiles. The way they looked. Ironically enough, the bandaged man seemed the most honest next to them, barring his teeth at the crowd.
"And now. From the West,"Shiki announced with a calm tone. "Their history is young. Their story is like any other, an exploration type Familia that have only reached Rivira."
Naturally the room in the Twilight Mansion perked up, worry and excitement filling the air.
"However! Their potential is unlimited! Their talent is recognized by all the world with their newest additions! Shiki shouted, throwing her arm out as her black kimono seemed to flutter in the wind. Supported by Justice itself, the Familia of the Hearth steps forward! Their bravery can only be commended! Their will can only be admired!"
The way the crowd began to stomp their feet in sync, anticipation building up. The Eris Familia frowned a bit, realizing the difference in reaction.
"Numbering a mere four, each and every one of them are rising stars in our history! The challengers, Hestia Familia!"
With those words, they finally entered the arena themselves. The crowd exploded, in Orario and in the arena. Alise whistled as she clapped her hands repeatedly and Hestia teared up a bit. Her kids looked so cool!
Solaris wore a white coat that seemed to flow with the wind itself as she spread her arms out, a spear in hand while she grinned at the crowd. Her fingerless gloves hammered against her chest as she took wide steps, revealing her naked thigh on her left leg and her fully covered in black right leg. Her black boots with golden ornaments reached her lower calf. WIth her red hair no longer in its pony tail, instead having a smaller spiky bun with the rest flee flowing, she seems so much more mature now. The others weren't lacking in appearance however.
Kojiro was the least different in outfit, his clothes just having a stronger purple color than before. other than that however, he wore the same cloak Hans and the others wore, with a skull symbol on top as he casually walked in. The sword on his back was also slightly different, with the sheathe appearing black and shining as if brand new. Haruhime on the other hand adjusted her silver arm guards, looking nervous as she followed after Kojiro in her black karateka outfit and black belt strapped around her hip. Then there was Bell, which made Hestia let out a small squeal. She heard someone choke in the background but she ignored it.
His right arm was bare, with the only exception of the black cloth covering some of his elbow. His other arm was more armored, covering his shoulder and forearm. He adjusted the black hoodie at his neck as he jumped a few times. With his white vest with orange here and there, Hestia could swear he looked like a cool outlaw! An outlaw rabbit even!
Suddenly Solaris made a silencing gesture with her hands, her fingers pressed together. At once, the arena went quiet. Spitting to the side after meeting Eris Familia's eyes, causing the dark elf to snarl, the captain turned to her Familia, taking a deep breath.
"We are neither the Loki Familia, the Astraea Familia nor the Freya Familia. We are not high leveled compared to them. By all means, the odds are against us." She threw her thumb over her shoulder. "They have more experience than us. More resources. Really, we're pretty much doomed to lose."
She shrugged nonchalantly... before exploding with fury, fire spawning into existence all around her as she snarled.
"So fuckin' what?!" She hit her chest with her fist. "What is an adventurer, but a job where we risk our lives?! What is a level up, but a sign that we defied the odds before, to surpass the expectations of heaven itself?!"
She spread her arms open, grinning at her Familia who couldn't help but smile back.
"If numbers were everything, nobody would ever level up! If numbers were everything, so absolute, the mortal world would have died out ages ago!"
She spun around, regarding the crowd, regarding the enemy. With a laugh, she pointed at them.
"So to those that say we are destined to lose?! Well, here's my prophecy!" She shot her arm upwards, finger directed at the heavens themselves. "I hereby declare absolute victory! Four to zero!"
Suffice to say, Eris Familia twitched with anger at that insult. The spectators however felt their hearts heat up at the sight of such a bold declaration. Solaris turned around to her Familia once more, spreading her arms out. Her team members did the same before they formed a circle and leaned forward at the same time.
"No pain!"
"No pain!"
"No pain!"
"No pain!"
Like a ritual, they repeated Solaris' shouts over and over before letting out one final scream and separating. Their captain slammed her spear repeatedly into the ground, a manic grin on her face.
"Keep the flame in your heart ablaze! So that we can return home, we will struggle! We will fight against injustice, we will fight for our beliefs and freedom! No one will be left behind! No one will die on our watch!"
Then as if saluting, she held her fist in front of her heart, looking straight at a Divine Mirror. It could've been a coincidence. Maybe it was fate. But she stared right into Hestia's mirror, as if looking into her eyes.
"May the Sacred Flame be with you! Vesta!"
"Vesta!"
Hestia wept tears by now. She wasn't sure if it was out of the sheer embarrassment or because the dedication touched her very soul. Astraea patted her back with a wide smile. Meanwhile the room was in utter chaos, Tiona almost falling off her chair as she flailed with her arms in excitement. Even Aiz pumped her fist, a small, genuine smile on her face. Lefiya puffed up her cheeks, but even she couldn't surress the grin. At the same time Astraea Familia nodded in approval, especially Alise who wiped a tear from all the laughter she had.
"Ah, good speech! Nice theme too!"
"Let's hope they can back that up," Kaguya muttered with a warm smile. Ryuu nodded in determination, a gentle look as she looked at Bell's new and admittedly handsome appearance.
"They will."
The first match of the Hestia Familia against the Eris Familia was about to commence. As the people began to stop their chatter, stopped the bets they were making like a certain blind Pallum did way before they arrived here or like a certain guild advisor was doing at the moment, the air was filled with silence anticipation. Nobody could wait a second longer after the two parties retreated back into the arena after such a wonderful demonstration.