Bell let out a low sigh. He looked at the gear before him with odd familiarity. Despite Hermes's assurances that they were brand new Bell could see the stitching on the arm where it looked like it had been cut or pierced by something. He ran his thumb over it. Thinking about why it bothered him so much.
'Ughhh I'm just overthinking this…' He placed the shirt down and took a deep breath. Looking up at the ceiling it wasn't like before. There were no crowds rushing to their seats shaking the very ground as they did. It was quiet. Besides the gods invited to watch, everyone was forced to wait until the match had finished.
He had an hour to prepare, an hour to emotionally reinforce himself. Yet he didn't feel the anger he had before, or the disdain for the people he was about to face off against. He was worried for Artemis but he felt like a great burden had been lifted and his festering hatred gone. He knew he had to win. But he wasn't about to lose himself to do it.
He stood up and paced around a little. The tension was so thick he could cut it with his knife. What little training he and Artemis got in with Aiz and the others was sure to be key. He wasn't sure what effect it had on her but Hestia seemed confident after her Falna check.
"Ughh they must know something I don't.." His eyes drifted to his new weapon. The white glow of the blade was unlike anything he had ever seen humming with potential. The Hestia knife was one of a kind but something about the short sword made Bell… Sad? Happy? He wasn't sure when he touched it; it was if something was trying to flood back into his head.
His fingers traced the handle. It wasn't like holding the Hestia Knife. It felt different, wrong, almost like it wasn't made to be a blade but something else entirely. He just assumed it was the unfamiliarity of a new weapon. He was sure to get used to it in no time at all.
He unsheathed it, admiring its beauty. He swung it a couple of times trying to gauge its length, weight and how quickly he could strike with it. He was surprised that while it was longer than the hestia knife it was no less heavier and had an edge sharp enough to cut the very stone in front of him.
"Ahhh I really need to thank Lord Hermes and Lady Hephaestus properly for giving this to me."
He sheathed it; he was keeping a mental count in his head of how long he had left. The doors were locked so nobody could interfere before the match. He wanted to go see Artemis. He was sure she would be worried. But he also remembered Riveria's warning to him.
'She was right… I was protecting her too much. Ugh she's not the same girl that attacked me on the wall…' He couldn't help but smile at the memory. It hadn't seemed so long ago that they were like fire and water. She was a goddess detached from men and civilization. He was a boy just trying to become a hero and save the girl. Yet here they were fighting for their lives. She wasn't the goddess that appeared out of nowhere. She was just another girl now trying to find her place in the world and he was going to make sure she was going to get the best chance.
He threw off his black top and grabbed the green under shirt. Slowly he equips the mixture of protective padding and plate. He hadn't had a chance to wear it yet but it fit like a glove and he seemed to know where everything went. Almost as if he had worn it before. He secured the main breast plate to the front of his chest and nodded. Looking himself over he was happy everything felt right. He strapped on his belt attaching the Hestia knife and…
He stopped feeling he had yet to give his new blade a name. Normally it came down to the smith that made it but Lady Hephaestus left that decision up to him.
He pondered on it for a moment yet nothing seemed to stick. He scratched his head thinking he could just do it after the fight but, Something Artemis had called him before seemed to stick. Orion?
"Blade of the Orion." Or Orion's blade for short He thought. Before shaking his "Noo that's a little too cheesy…" He laughed to himself but quietly closed his eyes and placed his hand on the blade. 'I promised to protect her, to make sure that smile never fades again…' He nodded. "Yakusoku"
He opened his eyes and got to his feet taking a deep breath taking two steps. "Let's finish this!"
The silence of the arena was almost as distracting as when thousands of people cheered and shouted. Nobody but a select few gods were present for the final match. Hestia stood above him waiting patiently for the match to start. He could see her worried face but the reassuring thumbs up she would always give him.
"I guess this is it then?" Artemis quietly muttered as she came up behind him and stood behind the gate alongside him.
Bell nervously nodded. "Y-yeah, I-It is…" He looked towards her. He nervously looked down. Despite the recent tension he found himself admiring her outfit
The elegant mixture of blue and white cloth with gold trim was both eye-catching and beautiful. The shoulderless battle dress was a dark night blue spanning from her shoulders to below her hips, an elegant gold trim was weaved into it making the already pronounced white chest area even more pronounced. A black waistcoat dropped behind her covering the short skirt. Light brown leather boots reached up towards her thighs where the faint golden trim of her socks poked out. She looked like a goddess riding to war.
He moved his eyes away from her outfit and towards her weapons. A short dagger holsted behind her hip hidden by the waist coat. Above that was a quiver filled with white arrows glowing faintly. 'Are they enchanted?' He wondered but knowing his goddess she begged Hephaestus for only the best and that was no more clear then with her bow. A delicate white bow adorned with silver like metal fittings on the grip and tips. The string had the same silvery shine to it.
'The gods really do get the finest things…' Yet he noticed Artemis looking at it over her shoulder. A faint mixture of uncertainty and reassurance filled her eyes almost as if she was uncertain about it.
"Everything alright?" He knew it wasn't going to matter; they had little time to change it now. But maybe he could help put her at ease.
She smiled. "Everything is fine Bell… I just, can't help but feel an odd familiarity to this bow yet i would never have owned something so exotic." She gave a little giggle making Bell relax knowing he was overthinking it.
The bell sounded, the gates opening slowly as they gave each other a nod before walking forward.
Bell took a deep breath, his eyes drifting to his opponents. Laurus smuggly walked forward his hands in his pocket and a grin Bell wanted nothing more than to wipe from his face. To his right the captain of the Apollo familiar. Hyakinthos Clio, a man Bell had little interaction with but felt a burning fury emanating off of him. They were the same level now but he knew not to underestimate him.
Artemis kept her composure as they stood face to face, the announcer a distant noise as the silence of the four adventures glared at one another.
"After the last beating I assumed you'd just curl up into a ball and accept defeat." Laurous said degradingly towards Artemis.
Bell was about to step between them but felt his shoulder touched. He looked back and found a resolved Artemis. "I assure you this time will be much different."
Laurous grinned. But said nothing else to her instead turning his attention to Bell. "Don't worry, you can watch while I claim my prize later tonight."
Bell knew he was just taunting him. But the image of the scum bag and a naked Artemis boiled his blood.
"Quiet Laurous!" Hyakinthos growled.
The man shot his captain a glare. "Why? Last time I checked I won my last fight. You've yet to prove your worth."
"And with introductions over let the final match of this eventful Wargame…BEGIN!"
No sooner did the announcer finish did Hyakinthos lunge forward knocking an unprepared Bell back, His blade just managing to deflect his sword in time.
"Damn he's fast!" Bell groaned, having to back up to regain his footing. He quickly shot a look towards Artemis who was in a similar situation to him. Laurous was putting her on the back foot with no real way to strike back. However, that brief moment was enough to let Hyakinthos strike again.
"Fool! This is a battle for your life!" The other captain growled, grabbing his arm and landing a knee to his stomach. Bell gasped as the air was kicked from his lungs and he was thrown against the wall.
'Shit!' He had to pay attention to the sword coming quickly; he pushed his body sidewards managing to roll away and dodge. With a quick spin as he got to his feet he raised his hand and shouted. "FireBolt!"
Hyakinthos had little time to react to a short ranged magic attack. He instinctively bolstered his footing and raised his hand. The explosion was not strong enough to do any lasting damage. But it made him growl that he got hit so easily.
Bell took a deep breath grabbing the Hestia knife and preparing for another quick response.
Artemis meanwhile was fairing better than her last fight. Having gone up against Aiz and Tiona in training had allowed her to predict and read his moves much more. She patiently led him away from the others making it look like she was getting pushed into a corner.
'Now.' She ducked his punch quickly grabbing her hidden dagger and managing to get a cut in on his right side. Though not deep it made the man squint and back off.
"Bitch!" He held his side and took a deep breath. Yet he smiled, noticing it was more than a scratch. She was still a level one and he had the numbers to win. "You've improved. But don't think that's enough to help you win."
He grinned and bolted towards her. Artemis made an attempt to strike but like last time he counted in an unexpected way. Grabbing her blade threw her off guard and his hand latched around her neck.
'No…' She was pinned to the wall.
"Pain is but an illusion, wounds can be healed, scars a mark of battle, hear the ever growing screams fade as pain becomes dulled."
The area around them glowed and Artemis remembered what he was trying to do. She managed to free her hand and grab one of her arrows. "Dodge this!" She groaned as she stabbed it down into his shoulder. Despite the pain seemingly having no effect. His grip lightened and she was able to kick him off.
With her body free of his grip she was able to get to a safe distance and reach for her new bow. She could feel it react to her touch, the faint glow of the runes illuminating on the grip she quickly drew one of her arrows.
Despite her last attempt the arrow flew faster and more precise not that it mattered she never missed, the first one hit his other shoulder making him take a step back but he shrugged it off gripping the arrow and pulling out hard.
"Your starting to become a pain." He looked toward his captain toying with the little rookie. Cracking his knuckles Laurous spat on the floor as he waited for another arrow to fly his way he grabbed it just avoiding it piercing his eye. Throwing it to the ground he stepped forward and began to pursue her down.
Hestia watched alongside Hermes and Aphrodite, quietly observing her friend's sudden improvement. 'Liaris freeze…Is it really affecting her too?' She smiled. 'Still she's like her old self. Confident and cool.'
"She's doing well, but her opponent is not someone to take lightly." Hermes rubbed his cheek as the two goddess nodded.
"If I know Artemis she's already aware of his tricks and magic. So long as she keeps her distance and creates openings the difference in level shouldn't be an issue." Aphrodite smiled, flicking her hair and glaring at the man. 'I think I'll have that pig beaten to an inch of his life!'
Hestia stood up. "You've got this guys!"
With his goddess's battle cry at his back Bell felt even more empowered to win. The hestia knife glowed as he pushed the attack. Strikes from both adventures cling and clanged sparks erupting from both blades. "I can do this…"
Hyakinthos scoffed following his strikes he found an opening just unable to connect as Bell dodged but lost a few hairs from his head in the process. Unshaken Bell released another fire bolt trying to get an opening but it did little but block his vision. The blade flicked forward, knocking the Hestia knife from his hand. "Shit"
Bell was easily disarmed and on the back foot again as Hyakinthos stabbed into the right side of his waist.
Hyakinthos stepped closer forward only to pull his blade free and knock away an incoming arrow.
Artemis panted trying to distract Bell's attacker just a little while avoiding her own. Yet she did little but annoy two opponents.
He raised his arm and began to chant. "My name is love, precious child of light. I offer my body to my sun. My name is sin, jealousy of wind. I call a gust of wind to my body. Released ring of fire - come, wind of the west Rupel" A glowing disk formed in his hand making Artemis panic.
"Aro Zephyros!" Without a second's response, he threw the disk towards her. She quickly fired three arrows in an attempt to dispel it only to have them knocked away. With it quickly coming closer she managed to dodge it and sprint away unaware that it made a return.
"Artemis look out!" Bell and Hestia cried. But it was too late, Artemis felt her back pushed forward and lifted from her feet, the magic expanding and exploding making Bell wide eyed.
There was no scream, no response as her body hit the ground and she silently laid not moving.
"You bastard!" Bell rushed Hyakinthos getting grabbed by his arm and his feet kicked out from under him.
"Yes Hyakinthos!" Laurous shouted as he walked over to downed goddess. "You got that bitch good!" He said shouting as his foot kicked her in the ribs.
Aphrodite slammed her fist. "Bastard attacking a defeated opponent! How low can such scum go!"
Another kick. "See you pathetic! Weak! I'll make you into a good little whore that knows her place…"
Hyakinthos stabbed his sword into Bell's hands making him yell out in pain as he was unable to break free. With his hands bound it looked like this was the end and Bell closed his eyes. 'I failed…'
Apollo stood up. "Excellent Hyakinthos! Now finish him!"
Hyakinthos stepped back and raised his hand. Repeating his chant a glowing disk formed in his hand. Hestia, Hermes and Aphrodite closed their eyes. As did many others around Orario did.
"Aro Zephyros"
Everyone looked away as he threw the disk. Yet after a second a loud scream filled the arena. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!"
Everyone looked up to see the disk throw Laurous back and into the wall. Blood spilling out onto the floor as the man gripped his side. Gasps could all be heard around Orario as Hyakinthos slowly walked toward his teammate.
"What the hell has gotten into you Hyakinthos?!" Apollo shouted watching his captain attack his own team. Though the man didn't respond just moved towards the towned adventurer.
Hyakinthos took a deep breath and gripped the man's neck, lifting him up. To eye level the man clawing at his hand. "What the hell! Ach!" He gasped for air as his captain glared him down.
"Hestia! What have you done! Aphrodite, did you charm him! I swear if you have I'll!"
Hyakinthos looked toward his god. "They have no part in this…" He turned and glared at Laurous with a deep scowl. "It's between me and him!" He dropped his watching the man grovel and cower into the corner.
"Pathetic, you thought you could replace me as captain?" He kicked him in the ribs, a loud crack filling the arena. Apollo gripping his hair as he watched his captain assault his own.
"W-Why?" Laurous gasped and looked up. His captain spitting on his face.
"Because you're a disgrace to this familia and our god! I'm sick of you running your mouth and that smug smile you always wear." He kicked him again with another crack. "You can't feel any of this can you. But in a couple of minutes your magic will wear off!"
He stamped down on his leg, snapping it in half. Even with his magic the man reacted with horror in his eyes.
Hyakinthos scoffed. "I'll let you in on a little secret, I'm the one that told the guild about our little plans." He whispered into his ear. Laurous went wide eyed
"T-Traito…" But before he could speak his magic faded and all the pain rushed back. He gasped and collapsed unconscious.
"Now then…" Hyakinthos turned, looking towards Bell he reached into his pocket, he pulled the sword out from his hands and poured a potion over the wound.
"When it's healed, pick up your weapon…" He turned and walked to the edge of the arena. "No distractions, no holding back." He flicked the blood from his blade and readied himself. "One on one!"
Bell clenched his healing hands before pushing himself up to his feet. "I…" He took a deep breath reaching down to grab the Hestia knife, his other reaching for Yakusoku, the blade hummed with power, he felt it resonating with his burning desire to win. "I won't lose!"
Hyakinthos smiled for the first time that fight and rushed towards him. "Come Little Rookie!"
Bell engaged him despite their levels being the same both had their advantages over the other. Both were fast as the other but strength was on Hyakinthos's side. Bell however had the endurance to take the odd strike that got past him.
"Wait for them to make an opening." He whispered dodging blows and making false strikes. His eyes following every movement. 'He's not as fast as her, he's not as strong as Tiona…' One strike, two strikes. He lept back as Hyakinthos made a slashing strike leaving a big enough opening for Bell to raise his hand. "Fire…" His hand glowed and Yakusoku responded glowing brighter with a reddish hum. "BOLT!"
Hyakinthos went wide eyed again, he fell for the same trick but this time he couldn't defend. The firebolt exploded in his face before throwing him back and onto the ground. Bell looked down at his hand. He didn't even charge Argonaut but it was almost like he had. Yakusoku's blade burned brightly with fire. Bell smiled as he realised what was the cause.
He didn't wait, closing his eyes, the glow in his hands spreading to the Hestia knife. The sound of bell's ringing he took one step forward.
Hyakinthos regaining his composure and grabbing Flamberge. He pulled himself forward gripping his sword "Why?" He tried to get to his feet. "Why are you so much stronger!"
Bell closed his eyes. "Because I put my faith in my friends and those I love." He thought about Hestia, Aiz, Tiona and finally Artemis. "They help drive me to be better than I was before!"
"Don't say such crap!" Hyakinthos slashed upwards.
Bell released Argonaut as the Hestia knife clashed down on the red blade. The floor below them cracked and the sound of the clash could be heard for miles. Both held their blades tightly not wanting to lose. Hyakinthos looked at his blade cracks beginning to form. 'No…' He opened his free hand. "I won't lose!"
Bell noticed too late. "Aro Zephyros…" Despite him not chanting, the disk began to form only to have itself explode between them.
The explosion came just as the Hestia knife shattered his blade cutting his chest before they were both blown away. Hestia and Apollo looked with anticipation, wondering who would come out on top.
"Come on Bell…" She teared up. While Apollo gripped the stone ledge. "Hyakinthos…Your actions best not have risked it all!"
The smoke cleared and one stood.
"I-I told you…I would win…" On the floor was none other than Bell. Hyakinthos gasped in pain as he went to his knees. Looking towards his good. "Y-You should have had more faith…"
"No…" Hestia dropped to her knees but Aphrodite looked past him and a small smile crossed her face.
"Ohhh heavens above, hear my prayer, that I might call your might down upon my foes and bring peace to the world!"
Hyakinthos looked back to see Artemis bloody and barely conscious lying on her back. Bow raised to the heavens. Her arrow glowing a radiant gold.
"Sacred arrow of light, pride of the goddess of the hunt and moon, may it pierce the heavens and rain her fury down on earth!" She released the arrow, Hyakinthos watching it disappear into the heavens above. He tried to get to his feet but failed. Watching as the clouds parted and the heavens glowed golden magic circles filling the sky.
Riviera smiled proudly as the rest of the Loki familiar looked up in aww. "Sooo that's what you were hiding from me…" She rested her head on her hand. "A magic that only a goddess could have…"
"One thousand heavenly Arrows!" Artemis smiled as a thousand light arrows fired down onto Hyakinthos. Unable to defend, he felt each one hit and slam down into his body. The very earth cracking below as he was forced to the ground.
Hestia looked to a shocked Apollo before looking at the downed Hyakinthos. A few seconds passed Royman looked down making sure Artemis was still conscious before raising his hand. "Winner! Hestia familia!"
The cheers of many filled the rooms and streets of Orario. None more so than Syr who hugged her friend Ryu tightly and kissed her cheek making the elf blush, "He won! They won!"
Mia smiled. "Okay everyone drinks are half price for the rest of the day!"
Even those annoyed by the win smiled and cheered as mugs were raised up high.
The Loki familiar all threw their hands up into the air. Tiona hugged Lefiya tightly. "Told you not to worry. Go Artemis girl power!"
The others gave a little chuckle as tears formed in Aiz's eyes but she quickly wiped them away before nodding. The feed was cut by Hermes who stood up. "Well done Hestia…" He looked towards a defeated Apollo who glared at them from a distance. He turned and stormed inside leaving a cheering Hestia.
Artemis looked towards Bell. She couldn't stand but he was close enough that she made an attempt to crawl towards him. Her hand rested atop his, squeezing them tightly. "I-I did it Bell…"
She closed her eyes. Before succumbing to her injuries.
All four of them were rushed to the medical room. Bell was the first to come to, unaware of the outcome. "I…" He noticed Artemis in the bed next to him and he feared the worst. "I…"
"Well done little rookie…" He looked up to see Airmid smiling.
"W-What?" He said faintly his body was still in a great amount of pain. He wasn't sure what she said.
She smiled. "You won…"
"H-How!" He remembered getting blown away by Hyakinthos but he didn't remember anything else.
She looked over to the bed. "You have her to thank for that…She must have been in so much pain, it's admirable of her resolve and will to stay conscious…"
Bell looked over towards Artemis. "In the end you won…" He smiled. "You never needed me to protect you."
Airmid smiled. "Okay lover boy, get some rest. You two can have your heart to heart later."
There was a knock at the door. Airmid sighed, opening it. "Yes?" Bell couldn't hear what they were saying but it didn't sound good. "Inform security I'll inform Royman…"
Bell watched as she disappeared leaving them alone as he sighed. "We won…" Yet he was unaware of the person that entered the room.
Hestia sat in the office with Royman. "Where is Apollo? Don't tell me he up and ran?!"
Royman shook his head. "No last i checked he was visiting his Familia" He scratched his head. "But it's strange he should be back by now. He is under escort."
"Mr Royman we have a problem!"
Hestia looked back and noticed Airmid panting as she looked to him. "What's wrong Airmid?"
"L-Laurous…H-He killed Apollo's escort…He's loose in the building!"
Royman slammed his hands down. "Damnit, order the guards to cover the exits!"
"It's already done…"
Hestia meanwhile had a more important question. "W-Wait if you're here…Who's watching Bell and Artemis?"
"Damn bitch…"
Bell went wide eyed as he heard the voice only to look up to see Laurous and Apollo standing in the doorway.
"W-What!" He tried to move but his body wouldn't respond.
"Ohhh looks like he's awake…No matter, it looks like Airmid drugged him up so much he can't move." Apollo closed the door.
Laurous punched his face knocking Bells head into the bed. "Shut up, I'm going to have my way with this bitch before killing her…" He looked back to Apollo. "That's the deal right."
Apollo nodded. "Yes, have your fun… I want Hestia and Artemis to suffer!"
Bell struggled his body all but dead to him. Only his head was able to move. "Get away from her, if you touch her I'll Ill!" He felt the two laugh.
"What? Kill us? I'm a god you wouldn't dare…" Apollo scoffed while Laurous threw the covers off Artemis licking his lips as he admired the thin gown over her body.
"I'm going to enjoy this!" He reached forward to grab her breasts.
"Bell-S…" Apollo and Laurous recoiled as they noticed Hestia standing behind them. Her eyes wide as the two glared at her.
Apollo paused 'How did she…' He grabbed a knife and lunged forward.
"Goddess run!" Bell cried but it was too late. Apollo stabbed her in the chest. "No!"
"DIE HESTIA!" Apollo smiled as the knife hit her. Before she slumped back into the door.
Bell screamed willing his body to move watching his goddess slump down while Artemis lay hopeless. Laurous smiled, grabbing the large breast and sighing. "Damn these are soft!"
Fury burned as his hand glowed. "You bastards!" Laurous had no time to react as Bell hit his face. Breaking his jaw and teeth as he beat the man into the ground. Apollo watched in horror as Bell regained his ability to move and pummeled his child.
Bell began to cry he wanted nothing more than to keep Artemis and his goddess safe but he failed both and his rage was all he had. He wasn't going to let them touch Artemis ever again.
"Bell-sama…" Bell paused as he heard Hestia's voice but…
Apollo looked back. "You should be…"
But instead of golden light whisking her to heaven a white light glowed as Hestia turned into the prum girl, Lili.
"What the!" She smiled. "C-Checkmate…"
Hestia, Airmid and Royman rushed into the room. Just as Lili was changing back. "Apollo!" Hestia growled as he took a step back. "What the…"
Royman stepped forward. "Enough. Guards take Lord Apollo into custody. I didn't think you'd attempt to take the life of another god!"
Hestia rushed to Bell, hugging him tightly. "Ohhh Bell…I'm sorry we didn't know…"
Airmid knelt down and began to heal Lili's wound. "That was silly but brave of you…"
Hestia helped Bell to his feet and turned to Apollo who was held by two guards. "Apollo, as the winner of the wargame I was promised anything and everything!" Apollo went wide eyed.
"No! I won't…You can't!"
Hestia smiled. "All your worldly possessions belong to me! Your familiar is to disband and be banished from Orario!"
"YOU BITCH!" He shouted, struggling.
"Ohhh and there's one more thing…" She turned towards Bell. "Bell…Punch this bastard's face! Nice and hard!"
Apollo went wide-eyed as Royman and the others looked away. Bell clenching his fist as he walked slowly towards him.
"No no, I'm a god! You can't harm a god…" But he couldn't finish as Bell threw a punch right to the side of his jaw knocking him out cold.
"Ahhh that felt good!" Bell said, holding his hand.
"Don't get used to it…" Royman sighed. "I saw nothing…" Before turning to leave.
Everyone watched as Apollo and Laurous were dragged off. Bell turned back to Artemis covering her back up and holding her hand tightly… "I'm sorry Artemis…"
Hestia looked at Airmid and smiled. Leaning into her ear. "Say…You think when you knock him back out you can get them in a single bed?"
A few hours later… "Wow Lili you were so brave." Lili's eyes lit up as Bell gave her a big hug making her blush.
"I-It was nothing Bell-sama…" She rubbed her cheek.
Hestia patted her head. "Good thing short stuff, still I do want to know why you were sneaking around as me in the first place?"
"W-Well Lili thought there might be trouble and…" Hestia gripped her ears. "Oww oww! Okay Lili wanted to see Bell but wasn't allowed so she transformed into you to get by Airmid!"
Hestia sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose. "I should have guessed as much…Still what you did was very brave and you have my thanks."
Despite the scolding Lili couldn't help but smile at her goddess praise and the praise of others for her action.
Hestia smiled. "Okay let's go see the others, they need to be told what's transpired."
Hestia wanted to wait till the two woke up before announcing the news to the rest of the familiar. That night the hostess became a buzz with cheers and questions. However despite the merriment Bell and Artemis were nowhere to be found.
"Are they not coming?" Luna whispered into her mug, getting the attention of everyone. Welf looked to Hestia.
"Yeah they have been gone awhile… Did they have to go get a check up?"
Hestia shook her head and smiled. "No…I think they just want a little time to themselves. They've been through alot."
Lili nodded. "I can't argue with you goddess…"
The others laughed as Welf raised his glass. "Let's give it to the champions of the Hestia familia! Hyip hyip!"
"Hurray!" The bar erupted into cheers. Meanwhile a certain pair relaxed as they looked up at the nights sky.
"Fufu they sound like they're having fun…Are you sure you don't want to go join them?" Artemis whispered as she rested her head on his shoulder.
Bell smiled gently stroking a lock of hair that drifted down her face. "Nah it would only spoil the moment."
She blushed remembering how Bell whisked her away into the sunset just before the party started. "It's strange…After everything that's happened I can't believe there's nothing to worry about."
"You should be proud…" He nuzzled her head. "You held on long enough to give us the win…"
She giggled "Mmm you did all the hard work. I just claimed the glory…" The two went silent to the blissful song from some nearby birds helping drown the cheers from the hostess.
"Bell…" She whispered, making him look down towards. Her emerald eyes shining with the moonlight. "I'm glad I met you…" She squeezed his hands. "I…"
She leaned up and kissed his cheek. It was a surprise to Bell mostly for how long she held it. His cheeks blushing as he returned the squeeze. "I…I look forward to the future." She smiled, making Bell rub his cheek.
'Damn she's beautiful…' He gave her his signature smile. "Lets hope it's not as eventful as the last couple weeks."
They both giggled. Quietly resting on the others shoulder. "Mmm we should be heading back… Aphrodite and Hestia will come looking for us."
Bell sighed. "Mmm but I was enjoying the peace and quiet…"
Artemis nodded but poked his cheek. "Mmm don't forget we have an invitation for the ball tomorrow. I'm sure we will have some time to ourselves then."
"Yeah… You're right." He watched as she stood up, Slowly getting to his feet he looked up at the moon and smiled. 'I've made up my mind…'
Authors notes
You asked, you waited, I forgot several times but! I hope it was worth the wait. This chapter took along time for multiple reasons, work, home life, general shit. It wasn't the longest chapter but i wanted to focus on the fight and the immediate aftermath of the fight. Fights aren't something I'm good at writing so I hope it ok to read. My editor seemed to think so but... Well who knows right.
To all those that have commented the last couple of month I thank you. Truth be told I've been in a slump both in my work and personal life, no promises that its going to improve anytime soon however so chapters on all stories will be delayed. But I still see people wanting new chapters and improvements to be made. As such I will be ending this part of the ktp story in the coming chapters. No this is not the end but I'd rather get it to a suitable stopping point and polish it for new and old readers before moving forward.
I thankyou for all the comments and continued support I know im not the most consistent at keeping promises, (Pun not intended) But I look forward to reading your thoughts in the comments.
Thanks and have a good day, Evening, and stay safe!