As the others slept in their tents, Hestia and Artemis were talking some more. Hestia told her friend about what happened in the past.
Hestia: And then he didn't even bother to wake me up.
Artemis: Did you manage to make it to work on time?
Hestia: I did, barely. If I didn't Hephaestus wouldn't let me hear the end of it.
Artemis: *Giggle* I guess she hasn't changed a bit.
In the audience...
Hephaestus: I think I'll have to edit the policy about talking about me behind my back.
Hestia: Urk...
On screen...
Hestia: Well, all I'll say is I wouldn't want to be the me who lost her job.
Artemis: It's hard to believe you have your own Familia, Hestia.
Hestia: Yeah, though, it's only me and Bell.
Artemis: Hestia?
Hestia: Yeah?
Artemis: I'd like to ask you about your relationship with Orion.
Hestia: *Blushing* Huh? You mean what I think about him?! H-He's my adorable Familia member, but honestly he's much than that to me or something! *Hiding her face under the blanket* He's... very dear to me.
In the audience...
Hera: Wait, you throw yourself onto him any chance you get but when asked if you love him, that's when you get all flustered?
Hestia: *Blushing* Don't make fun of me!! I don't see any of the other girls eager to say who they love!!
Welf: I don't think it would be much of a surprise if they said so.
Mikoto: I agree.
Haruhime: U-Um, I don't believe the problem is saying who they love, rather admitting aloud they love them.
Rolan: Haruhime is correct. It's natural young couples act like that around each other. The embarrassment fades away as they get used to each other.
Alfia: I see.
Meteria: So Sister, does that mean you'll go easier on the girls if they openly say they love Bell?
The women blushed at that, but it would be a small price to pay.
Hera: Meteria, she doesn't like noise. That would probably only annoy her more.
Meteria: Oh, I guess you have a point.
Rolan: Not like it would do them any favors. Saying they love Bell wouldn't help them in a fight against Alfia. Only rigorous training will help close the gap.
With Loki...
Albert: Goodness, they don't hold back.
Aria: I worry our little girl might never get the boy she wants.
Albert: Of course it had to be that boy.
Aria: Wait, where is Ais?
They looked around and found the blonde very lost in thought. She was busy trying to find any strategies to beat the silver haired woman, but nothing was working in her head. Mini Ais was taking Rolan's advice and was doing push-ups on the floor.
On screen...
Artemis: I think I understand. I get these so called butterflies in my stomach when I'm with him too.
Hestia: *Jolting up* Come again?!
Artemis: *Thinking aloud* I wonder why?
Hestia: You know Bell is apart of my Familia, right?
Artemis: Yeah, I know.
Hestia: Then you should stop thinking about him like that!
Artemis: Like what?
Hestia: *Blushing* Wha- do I really have to say it? *Falling onto her back* I don't even know where to start! You've never been interested in those kinds of things!
In the audience...
Aphrodite: *Rubbing her temple* Ugh... I still don't know why I never gave up on trying to convince you. Even there you barely knew what Hestia was talking about.
Artemis: I guess you just really cared about me. That's the kind of nice person you are.
Aphrodite: *Blushing* Wha- who are you to call me that?! I am the most powerful and most beautiful goddess who ever existed! The ideals of a silly girl can only interest me for so long!
Elpis: We both know that's not true.
Aphrodite: Eh?
Elpis: *Smiling* It's just like Hermes said. You're the biggest tsundere goddess in the whole universe.
Aphrodite: *Blushing* Wha- where did you... *angry* grrr, HERMES!!!
Hermes: *Dead look* Ah, I think I hear the toilet calling for me again...
Aphrodite: THE HELL ARE YOU CALLING A TOILET YOU LITTLE *Punches him*
On screen...
Artemis: Isn't that weird?
Hestia: Don't try to pull that crap on me! Where's the anti-romance Artemis I knew?! Ah...
Artemis: Hestia?
Hestia: Artemis, where's your Familia?
Artemis: They aren't here anymore. I'm sure I'll be joining them again soon.
In the audience, some weren't very fond of that cryptic message.
Alfia: (I see. So that's what she's getting at.)
Meteria: That almost sounds like she going to...
She and the others looked to Bell and Artemis. The boy had a grimace as he watched and the goddess looked at the ground in sadness. The others in the theater were also beginning to piece together what happened between them and most weren't a fan if they were acting like that.
On screen...
Hestia: It's crazy how much you've changed.
Artemis: You think so?
Hestia: For gods who remain unchanging, you're pretty different from who I remember.
The two stayed close together as they lay in their tent. The lamp light died down and Hermes looked up to the night sky as he sat on a tree branch.
Hermes: Hm, nothing seems to ever go my way.
Hermes: *In the toilet* Blblblrbrb. (Welcome to my life.)
Aphrodite: I'll show you how big of a tsundere I am!!
On screen, they saw it change to show Twilight Manor.
Loki: We can't leave Orario?! What's with that?!
Finn: It might be from the Guild. There are strict rules keeping us in the city.
Loki: But we have our mission in the harbor!
Finn: We'll have to wait until we can leave.
Loki: The hell are those idiots in the Guild doin'?!
Ouranos: Something you want to say, Loki?
Loki: N-Nothing!
As Loki ranted on screen, Lefiya went to see why Ais was staring up.
Lefiya: Miss Ais? Is there something in the sky?
Ais: No. It's nothing.
They walked back inside and the screen faded to show Bell and the others flying once more. As they exited a narrow cliff passage, they saw a strange sight beneath them. The ground had turned a deep purple and the plants were withering away.
Welf: Woah! You see that?!
Lili: What happened here?
Bell: The forest is dying.
Artemis: This is because of Antares. Do you see it in the distance?
Bell looked with her and they saw what was likely their destination.
Artemis: That's the ruins of Elsos.
Bell: We'll find Antares there.
As they flew, Artemis began to grasp her chest in pain.
Artemis: I-It's coming.
In the sky, beams of light appeared and looked about to rain on top of them.
Bell: Huh?
Hestia: What is that?
Welf: Everyone! Move!!
They began steering their dragons away from the light attack. They all would end up crash landing onto the ground below them from the sudden attack.
In the audience...
Meteria: Bell!!
Mikoto: What was that!?
Zald: A magic attack? What kind of mage would be capable of that a that time?
Hera: No one we know of. All the best magic users are still in Orario.
Zeus: Hm...
With Astraea...
Astraea: *Shocked* Oh no!!
Ryuu: *Grimacing* So that's how it actually happened.
Alise: What just happened?!
Neze: Some random beams of light just attacked them.
Lyra: Hope they landed ok.
On screen...
They all saw Bell and the others regain their bearings.
Bell: Lady Artemis, are you ok?
Artemis: I'm fine.
Bell: Goddess!! Are you alright?!
He called out to her and she responded back shortly after.
Hestia: We're alright, Bell!!
Lili: No one's hurt?!
Bell: Lili! Are you guy fine?
Lili: We're fine but our dragon's not.
It licked at the wound it received. They wouldn't be flying on it until it was healed.
Ganesha: NOOOOOOOO!!!
Shakti: It isn't dead, Master Ganesha.
Ganesha: I am Ganesha and I still feel my dragons' pain!!
Back on screen...
Welf: What in the hell was that?!
Artemis: It was probably meant for me. More than likely, it was to get rid of the spear.
Bell looked at the weapon hanging on his back before the sounds of monsters screeching were heard. Red lights glowed around them as they got on guard.
Hestia: We're surrounded!
Hermes: Things certainly took a turn for us.
Welf: So, is it just me or do these things feel different from the others?
Lili: It isn't just you. They're a lot bigger and freaky looking.
As Bell wondered how'd they'd get out of this, they suddenly heard a woman's voice. It resonated all around them and sounded like she was chanting a spell. The audience saw a green cloaked figure jump around the trees until Ryuu was now visible and launched her Luminous Wind on the monsters, eliminating them all.
Ryuu: I never thought I would find you here.
Bell: Miss Ryuu?
Ryuu: Hello, Mr. Cranel.
In the audience...
Kaguya: My goodness, you are a stalker. Did you really follow your man all the way out in the middle of nowhere to protect him?
Ryuu: *Blushing* Kaguya!! It isn't what it looks like!!
Astraea: I still find it quite funny you two cross paths often. It's like someone has it out for both of you.
As she watched, Ryuu felt a little happy about that. Meanwhile, Ais was busy pouting from the scene.
Ais: *Pouting* Why is she always there? That elf is after my bunny.
Mini Ais: *Reading a book menacingly* Yes, here it is. 50 ways to cook an elf.
Riveria: You shouldn't be too upset, Ais. We still had an important job here.
Ais: Ah-, you're right!
Aria: What was that?
Albert: We should find out soon. Things are beginning to escalate and quickly by the looks of it.
With Bell...
Meteria: Now are you sure you can't go easier on her? That elf should be just as good as sweet little Haruhime.
Alfia: *Sigh* Fine. Just for now, I'll lower myself one level for our fight.
That sent shocks to all the women in the room.
Everyone but Ryuu: (WHAAAAAAAT?!!)
Ryuu: (I HAVE A CHANCE!!!)
Meteria: That sounds better. It would have been unfair if only Haruhime got that luxury.
Haruhime: I already had it?
Lili: Why?!
Aisha: If I had to guess, Haruhime, it's because you're pretty much the biggest pushover in this room.
Haruhime: *Droop* Haah...
Aisha: This is why you should listen to me. You need to be more abrasive. You can't be so soft all the time. Toughen up so you can stand up for yourself better. Don't let other people push you around.
Haruhime: So I need to act more harsh and tough?
Aisha: Yup. You wouldn't want to stay a weak little fox forever, would you?
Haruhime: N-No.
Mikoto: Wait. What are you trying to teach her?!
Haruhime: I don't know how good I'll be, but I'll try my best.
Meteria: That's all we ask for, sweetie.
Haruhime: I understand. *Deep breaths* Harsh and tough... harsh and tough... *slapping her cheeks* I can do this.
Zeus: ACHOO!!!
Haruhime: *Stern* Die.
Mikoto: *Stone*
Hera: Ohoho!! I like this girl!
Back on screen, Bell and the others were wondering why the elf had appeared so suddenly.
Bell: I'm pretty surprised too. Why are you out here?
Ryuu: A party asked for my assistance, so I came here. *Looking to the side* That's them over there.
Bell saw Asfi and other members of the Hermes Familia arrive.
Bell: Miss Asfi?
Lili: The Hermes Familia!
Asfi: *Angry* Care to fill us in, Master Hermes?
Hermes: O-Oh, hey Asfi!
Asfi: Of all the stupid things, I can't believe you left us to guard the ruins while you went home alone!
Hermes: A-Asfi, give me some more credit! I had to go back so I could find someone to wield the spear!
Asfi: Even so, a heads up would've nice!
Artemis: Please try to be a bit easier on Hermes.
Asfi: Lady Artemis.
She looked next to her and saw Bell as well.
Asfi: So you pulled out the spear. Hello, Bell Cranel. To be honest, I was hoping to get a more powerful Familia to assist us.
Bell: I'm sorry.
That ticked off Hestia as well as several women in the audience as well.
Hera: Little girl, you have 5 seconds to rephrase that. 4... 3...
Asfi: *Terrified* Actually, what I meant to say was that a stronger Familia would have been the logical choice! I mean he's only Level 2 and sending an innocent child to face a monster like Antares would be in poor taste of us adults! I meant him no disrespect! I swear!
Hera: ... 2... 1-
Zeus: Hera, just settle down. No one was expecting this to happen. Besides, my boy was only just beginning to walk on his path to greatness.
With Bell, he couldn't help but agree with her.
Bell: Maybe things would have been different if I were stronger...
Artemis held his hand tighter as they watched.
On screen...
Hermes: So Asfi, what's happening?
Asfi: It's getting much worse. The monsters are encroaching the forest and they multiply continuously. All the villages nearby were wiped out.
Hermes: What of our assault on the ruins?
Asfi: No good either. We can't get past the doorway.
Bell: There's a doorway?
Ryuu: Yes. It's what's preventing us from reaching Antares.
Bell: You can't open it?
Ryuu: No. We don't have the power.
In the audience...
Alise: Oh, come on. Even if you can't use the spear, you have plenty of power, Lion. The bad boy just needs a one-two from the team.
Ryuu: I'm afraid it wouldn't be that easy.
Lyra: I kinda expected you to say that.
As they talked, Artemis kept her gaze on the ground before the screen shifted to everyone getting ready to move out. Artemis went to touch as small branch only for it to crumble away.
Hestia: Artemis?
Artemis: Huh?
Hestia: I need to talk to you about something.
Bell and the others were moving out but he turned back to see Hestia and Artemis talking about something and it looked to be important since Hestia looked heated about it. He was going to go to them when-
Hermes: Bell.
Bell: Lord Hermes?
Hermes: It's probably best to leave gossiping goddesses alone. They might need some alone time.
Bell: Well, if you say so.
He left them alone and the screen went to Hestia and Artemis.
Hestia: You wanna talk now? What were those light beams? What's going on here?
Artemis kept a neutral expression and stared at Hestia.
Hestia: You might share her appearance, but you aren't the girl I knew. Who are you?
In the audience...
Hephaestus: So she's a fake?
Loki: It would make sense with how off she's been acting. Didn't even shoot Hermes.
Miach: Wouldn't that be because of the mission they're on. It's clearly very serious.
Astraea: Even so. Artemis wouldn't just cuddle up with any man.
Artemis was sweating a bit as the pieces were beginning to fall into place in their heads. Aphrodite glared at Bell once more before returning to the screen.
On screen...
It shifted and showed them the campsite the group made near the ruins.
Asfi: This is a safe zone for us. The monsters could encroach on us at anytime. We haven't been here too long, but it has served as a nice base of operations for us.
Meryl: You guys look tired. I can show you where there's a nice place to wash off.
Lili: That would be great!
Bell looked back and saw Hestia and Artemis walking separate ways. In his head, he figured their talk could've gone better.
Hermes: *Whispering* Bell.
Bell: Lord Hermes?
Hermes: *Smiling* It's time for a special crusade!
In the audience...
Hera: Oh no no no...
Meteria: Again?!
Zeus: YEEEEESSSS FINALLY!!!
Loki: This should be good. Hehe...
Welf: *Sigh* This part...
Aphrodite: If I only I was there. They would've had a reason to be excited.
Artemis: *Sweatdrop* They would be like that for any good looking woman.
On screen...
Hermes was giving a speech to all the men there.
Hermes: From today onwards, you will be legends! Just past here is a lush maiden's paradise!
On screen, the almost saw the other girls enjoying their bath. Of course, Rolan blocked off some for the men parts for the viewing pleasure of others.
Zeus: Son of a bitch!!
Hermes: Lili, Asfi and the others are busy cleansing the pure skins they were blessed with.
Several on screen gulped at that.
Hermes: And of course, there's Lady Artemis.
Rolan completely blurred that out for the men, much to her relief.
Hermes:No one ever has been able to lay eyes on her virgin goddess physique. My dream has squashed before, but my heart tells me my dream still lives on! And now, I have all of you with me! True comrades who share my ambition to see this glorious pursuit through!!
Many on screen were in tears from his words. In the audience, a few men were the same but all the women were annoyed. Even Artemis had a tick mark hearing Hermes speak.
With Argo...
Ariadne: Men, right ladies?
Ryulu: Aren't you always?
Orna: Mhm.
Feena: Yup. Brother?
She looked to her side and saw Argo in tears.
Argo: *Crying and blowing his nose* Now that is what a true god is. Someone who knows our pain and shares our dreams.
Yuri: *Manly tears* If only we were blessed to have him with us.
Crozzo: *Crying* Praise him!!
Garms: *Sniffle* A man among gods.
The ladies there shook their heads while Feena whacked Argo with her staff.
With the Xenos...
Wiene: What are they talking about? They seem really serious.
Ray: Nothing you need to worry about.
Marie: Are they going to fight?
Lyd: Not exactly.
Asterius: It doesn't matter. My rival would easily destroy them.
Rolan: (Sad thing is he isn't exactly wrong).
On screen...
Hermes: One last wall stands between us and our great prize, my men!! Should we overcome it, we'll come out as heroes and remembered for generations!!
All the men: UUOOOOOOOOOGGH!!!
In the audience, a few men cheered out as well. Although Welf was cheering on screen, he was sinking in his seat in the audience as Hephaestus gave him a death stare.
Hephaestus: *Menacing* Welf?
Welf: *Nervous* Uh...
Mikoto: I'm getting deja vu again.
Haruhime: Me too.
Alfia: As always, Hermes drags Bell into his nonsense again.
Zeus: Nonsense?! Pah!! This is destiny!! Go, Bell!! You must embrace your fate!!
Hera: Zeus!
Zeus: RRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOMAAAAANNNCCEEE!!!
On screen...
Bell: Can I go to bed?
Zeus: *Landing next to Bell and holding a belt in anger* WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY YOU HAPLESS LITTLE SHIT?!!
Bell: *Startled* Grandpa?!
Meteria: *Relieved* Ah, of course my boy wouldn't be like them.
Hera: Bell turned out properly. Uncorrupted by that foolish old man. He's a true gentleman.
Zeus: *Shaking Bell angrily* I DIDN'T RAISE A QUITTER AS MY GRANDSON!!! YOU'RE GOING TO MARCH OUT THERE AND BURN THEIR NAKED BODIES INTO YOUR VERY SOUL!!!
Alfia: Gospel
Zeus: GUAH!!!
Crash*
Hestia: Finally. Well, let's just get this over with.
On screen...
Hermes: May the heavens grant us its divine protection! ONWARD MY GALLANT COMPANIONS!!!
They all charged forward and towards where the girls were bathing.
The Heavens: (Eat a dick).
The screen shifted and showed them all tied down and beaten up. The ladies had towels to cover themselves as the scowled at the men.
Asfi: I thought this would happen.
Lili: I expected this from them, but not you, Master Welf.
Lulune: All men are nothing but thick headed idiots.
Meryl: And a bunch of perverts.
Ryuu: Hm? Mr. Cranel isn't here.
Hermes: BELL!!! NOW'S YOUR CHANCE!!! TRAMPLE OVER OUR BODIES AND CLAIM VICTORY FOR YOURSELF!!!
He screamed this as he hung next to a waterfall and dangled there.
Asfi: Victory? Wait, where are Lady Artemis and Hestia?
Lulune: Lady Hestia is in bed already. I haven't seen Lady Artemis.
In the audience...
Zeus: It's just like he said! Go and claim victory my boy!!
Hera: Silence!! My Grandson will do no such thing!!
Bell: *Sneaking away from there* I'm just not cut out for that stuff? No peeping for me.
Zeus:
Hera: *Smug* Ha! Told you so! My Grandson is no peeper!
Zald: Wait, what about Rivira?
Alfia: What about Rivira?
Zald: You know, when he-
He was shut up when Alfia gave him a menacing smile.
Alfia: *Menacing smile* You mean the incident where nothing happened?
Zald: *Scared* Y-Yeah. That one. Ahaha...
On screen...
Bell: *Sigh* This night has been giving me a lot of deja vu. Hm?
Passing through the bushes, he came to a clearing with a lake. Inside it, he saw Artemis there naked for the world to see. To make matters worse, he didn't look away when he saw her. He just kept staring.
Meteria: *Stone* No...
Alfia: *Stone* It can't be...
Bell and Artemis were both bright red in the face.
Hestia: Bell?! You peeped on her?!
Lili: Lili can't believe this!!
Welf: (Good work, brother.)
Mikoto: *Blushing* Sir Bell?! Again?!
Haruhime: Lady Artemis no less...
Aphrodite: *Furious* Insolent brat!! I should destroy you for that!! After everything you've done you-
BONK*
Artemis: Keep your hands off him!
Aphrodite: Me?! You side with him after everything?!
Artemis: *Smiling* Of course. He's my Orion no matter what.
With Loki...
Loki: *Tears of blood* THAT LUCKY RABBIT BASTAAAAAARD!!!
Bete: *Depressed* I don't even care anymore...
Lena: Don't worry. I'll strip for you whenever you want!
Bete: *Sniffle*
Line: H-Hey!!
Aria: *Smiling sheepishly* My, that boy finds himself in the strangest situations. Reminds me of someone.
Albert: That only happened twice and both were accidents!!
Aria: *Giggles*
Ais: *Pouting* He ran away from me but stayed with her.
Mini Ais painted herself in white with some red marks and grabbed two swords and chained them to her forearms.
Mini Ais: *Doom* Revenge...
Raul: *Depressed* Why couldn't I be a rabbit?
Lefiya: *Furious* That filthy human!! He even peeped on a goddess?!
Tione: I know. It's impressive.
Lefiya: NO IT ISN'T!!!
With the Xenos...
Lyd: That's the way, Bellchi!
Gros: Is this really such a big deal?
Lyd: I guess. Everyone one else is invested in it.
Ray: *Blushing* That's because no sane girl would let some random guy look at her bathing.
Wiene: But Bell and I have done that before.
Ray: *Stone* Wha-
Marie: Oh yeah. Bell saw me too.
Lyd: Wiene. Marie, I'm willing to bet my tail both of you were special cases.
Rolan: They were.
Lyd: Exactly. So Ray, you don't- Ray?
The siren slumped in her seat while Laura rubbed her shoulder.
Laura: She's still in shock at the idea of losing to two kids.
The siren let out a dead sigh as her friend comforted her. At least until she cleared her head enough to think straight again.
With Argo...
Argo: *Thinking pose* Alright, forget the god. The rabbit boy deserves our praise.
Yuri: I'm amazed at how your reincarnation can achieve your dreams without even trying. You mostly failed at the each time.
Argo: *Crying* I know! I died never being able to see how beautiful my girls were!
Orna: Come on, Argo. We let you touch our bodies more.
Argo: That was out of pity!! I at least should've had to work for it!!
Ariadne: Work for what?! You enjoyed blindly exploring our bodies at night!
Argo: Yeah, but I couldn't peep as well.
Elmina: I did catch him staring as a wall once and it took him quite a while to realize it.
The others chuckled at that while the fool groaned.
With Astraea...
Astraea: *Blushing* How? How does he do it?
Lyra: Luck? He has an ability for it.
Astraea: To think. If we were still there we'd be seen by him instead.
Kaguya: Yeah. I like the sound of it too.
Ryuu: Kaguya!!
Neze: Wait, if she nearly almost killed Lord Hermes when he spied on her...
Astraea: That boy is in trouble!!
Hera: Artemis, if you hurt him I'll-
On screen...
Artemis was reaching out to the moon. Bell got curious and walked towards her. She heard the rustling bushes and was on guard.
Artemis: Who goes there?!
Bell: *Turning around* I-I'm sorry!! I didn't mean to spy on you!! I'll just be leaving!!
Loki: Run rabbit!! She'll skewer you if you don't!
Riveria: Well, he's a goner.
Artemis: Wait!
Everyone: Eh?
They all heard her giggle and clothe herself before Bell sat on the sand behind her.
Everyone: EEEHH?!!
Loki: *Shocked* She didn't shoot him.
Miach: *Shocked* He lived through to the end. No one's ever done that.
Hera: I can't believe my boy did that. Wait...
She realized Zeus was still here. She, Alfia and Meteria braced themselves for Zeus to scream but were confused to find no noise coming from him.
Hera: Where is he?
Zeus:
They found him off to the side sculpting a statue of Bell.
Zeus: *Proud* My boy will be immortalized forever.
Hermes: Zeus. My friend, now you see the great achievement Bell accomplished.
Zeus: *Crying* Yes. Yes I do. That boy has never made me feel more proud than now.
After the initial shock died down, they all resumed watching. On screen, Artemis played a bit in the water as she and Bell talked.
Artemis: You're quite lucky. If it was the old me, I would've shot you with an arrow.
Bell: So all those stories about your past were true?
Artemis: Maybe? What do you think?
Bell: I don't know. Can I ask you if Goddess- I mean if Lady Hestia was any different?
Artemis: *Sitting next to Bell* She was. The Hestia I knew was a slob and did the bare minimum in everything. Putting in effort was too much for her.
Bell: Well, that part hasn't changed much.
In the audience...
Hestia: *Crying* Bell!! WHY?!
Lili: He's not exactly wrong, Goddess.
Welf: They're pretty much on point.
Hephaestus: Yup. I don't see anything wrong there.
The tiny goddess slumped in her seat at the betrayal.
On screen...
Artemis: She used to hide away in the temple all the time.
Bell: Like a hermit?
Artemis: Sort of. She'd always get so excited when I came to visit. She was like a puppy who wanted to play.
Bell: Why can I picture that so vividly?
The screen changed again. This time, it showed Hestia on her own at the waterfall with the spear.
Loki: What's that idiot up to now?
Hermes: Hestia?
Hestia: Ah?!
Hermes: What's wrong? What are doing out here by yourself?
Hestia: I'm just looking around.
Hermes: Why bring a spear you can't use?
She gripped the spear and put it behind her.
Hermes: You're not going to look for Bell? He and Artemis could be all alone right now.
Hestia: That's funny coming from you. You're the one pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Hermes: The closer their hearts become the stronger that spear gets. We both know that.
Hestia: Then... is it true? Does it have to be with this weapon?
Hermes: Yes.
Hestia: Isn't there another way? If we combine our strength, then we can-
Hermes: Hestia!!
She flinched at that. Everyone was quite shocked at this sudden change as it felt weird for Hermes.
Zeus: So, that's why you did that.
Hermes; *Shrug* I did what I could.
He looked at Bell and frown, wishing there was more that could have been done. Meanwhile, the others were wondering why Hestia was freaking out.
On screen...
Hermes: We have no choice. We're out of time and options.
Hestia: But the Artemis here now isn't her. She's so different and I- *hic*
Hermes: You wanted to get rid of that spear, right? That's very kind of you.
He left his hat on her while the screen went back to Bell and Artemis.
In the audience...
Mikoto: What was that for, Lady Hestia? They need that spear.
Hestia: *Dejected* If you knew you'd wish I threw that spear away.
Meteria: Why? Isn't it so you could kill Antares?
Hestia: Yes.
On screen...
Artemis: She was able to bond with people like I never could. I was always envious of that. She could share all kinds of emotions with others. Even just the way she makes others smile is admirable.
Bell: I feel the same. I care deeply about her as well.
In the audience...
Hestia: Bell!!
She went to jump onto him and hug him but was caught by Hera.
Hera: Not this time.
Hestia: Rrr... so close
On screen...
Artemis: I'm sorry to get you mixed up in all this.
Bell: Hm?
Artemis: It's my fault you have to take part in such terrible things.
Bell: No! Please don't apologize! I'll defeat any monsters in our way! I promise to protect you until the end!
Artemis: *Smiling* You sound like a real hero when you say that.
Bell: N-No. I just liked reading about them in books when I was little.
Artemis looked at him as he stared at the night sky.
Bell: I envied those heroes. They could defeat any obstacle that stood in their way. They could make anyone smile and they never left a damsel in distress. They always saved them. That's the kind of hero I want to be.
Those in the audience were once again given his side of his dream. Though, many were more enthralled with little Bell again.
With Loki...
Ais: *Blushing* (BunnyBunnyBunnyBunny...)
With Mia...
Chloe: *Overload* (AssAssAssAss...)
With Ilia...
Ilia: *Wiping her nose* Well, wasn't ready for that. So, how about now?
Epimetheus: He has the same naive ideals I did. Part of me wishes now he never has to experience that.
Ilia: Even us gods don't know what the future holds. Still, I also don't wish to see Bell suffer but it's how mortals grow.
After wiping the blood from their noses, they continued watching.
Artemis: I think I get it. Why Hestia is always so happy around you. It's a fact she's very fond of you, Orion.
Bell: Huh?! There's no way! A goddess would never be interested in me like that!
The Goddesses interested in him like that: *Grumbling in jealousy*
Lili: Lady Hestia...
Ottar: Lady Freya...
Epimetheus: Ilia...
Hera: Phew! Not Astraea.
On screen...
Artemis: You said so yourself right? Goddesses are women too. I think you have a misconception about us. I'm the Goddess of Chastity and forbid the union of man and women. I hated when they were even next to each other. One day, a child told me otherwise. They told me love is beautiful. Now, I think I understand that.
She walked in the water as she spoke. Then, she turned around and held her arm out to him.
Artemis: Dance with me.
Bell started walking towards her and took her hand. The fireflies in the area started swarming around them. She curtsy'd and he responded in kind. Bell took her hands and they both danced in the water. All kinds of light shone around them as they enjoyed their time together.
Artemis: Did you know that gods who come to the Lower World can experience 10,000 years of love.
Bell: 10,000 years?
Artemis: When our children die, they get reborn in an endless cycle of love. I'm glad I met you, Orion.
In the audience...
Meteria: Bell!! You two looked so cute together!! Oh, I'm so glad I was able to see that!
Bell: ...
Meteria: Bell?
The boy was clenching his fists even tighter now. Meteria and the others could see tears starting to leak from his eyes before he wiped them away. Whatever came next wouldn't be pretty.
With Loki...
Loki: Lucky rabbit. Can't believe him.
GLOOM*
Loki nearly fell from her seat when she felt that immense pressure. Where she found it was Ais. She had a blank look on her face as she watched that last scene.
Ais: *Gloom* I thought I was his first...
Albert: *Spits drink* HIS WHAT?! DID YOU AND HIM...
Ais nodded making the man black out from shock.
Ais: He said he never danced with anyone else...
Aria: Sweetie, you should say that before you make your father pass out.
Ais: Huh?
Mini Ais: *Macarena* I need to be ready for when there's another dance. That goddess won't beat me.
With Ryuu...
Alise: (Time for damage control.) Now Lion, at least you have time for when you and the boy can dance together.
Ardee: She's right! No need to be overly jealous.
Ryuu: I-I'm not.
Neze: It isn't that we don't believe you but you aren't very convincing holding your sword's hilt.
Astraea: Stay positive. Instead, let's find some dresses that would look good on you.
The other girls supported the elf as well and Ryuu smiled at that.
Alise: We also need to teach you some more dance moves with a partner.
Ardee: How would you know that? All of you are single.
THUD*
That made all but Alise drop to the ground in tears.
Alise: Not to worry. I had Lady Astraea so it doesn't bother me at all... *hic*
With the kids...
Albert(Emb): Watching this, I'm starting to see why Dad didn't like talking about it.
Masako: Indeed. I more or less have an idea of what goes down.
Wendi: What would that be?
He whispered it in her ear and she teared up at it.
Wendi: I-I don't think I could handle that either.
Alise(Emb): Well, we can always step out if we don't want to see. That would include you too, sis. I know sad stories aren't your thing.
Ardee(Emb): I... I'll still watch.
As beautiful as the dance was, the reaction from Bell foretold a sad tale to many. Some were unsure if they were ready for what came next, but they kept their gaze on the screen regardless.
AN: So, I get this was fast and yeah, I'm just that fast. Also because from watching the movie and knowing what comes after, I don't see the logic of continuing from here for three parts. Part 3 will simply be longer but at least you have this to enjoy. Short, but I'll be back on the grind once more and hopefully it ready soon.
Thanks again for reading and I hope you enjoyed. Leave your thoughts in the comments and I'll see you in the finale in Part 3.