Hello my good people, we're back and ready for the next day of our grand tournament! More importantly, we have a reunion between a certain goddess of justice and her elven child.
Once again, thank you all for your support and feedback, I do appreciate it and I am certainly keeping it in mind.
Now, with that, let's get this show on the road.
I do not own Danmachi
Night had fallen on the city, but it ,by no means, had become quiet. Indeed, it had by many years since it was ever this loud, if it ever had been, which served her purpose well.
The redheaded killer made her way out of the Dungeon, a mask of someone else's flesh covering her own and allowing her to exit with little chance of discovery.
Her eyes quickly scanned around the plaza, noting the many people around her, most of whom were in some state of excitement.
Noisy, she noted before she continued walking. But it's just as well. It'll make getting to the safehouse without catching the eye of Aiz, her familia, or the Olympian, easier.
The frown that seemed welded to her face deepened as she remembered her recent encounter.
I'll be returning the favor soon, Achilles Caesar, she swore before focusing entirely on getting to her goal without attracting attention.
Bell felt awkward the entire way back to Hearthfire Manor and he had to prevent himself from taking peaks at the goddess who was following him.
"Are you alright, Bell?" Astraea asked.
He jumped at suddenly being addressed, but recovered quickly.
"Yes. I'm sorry, it's just, well, I suppose it's best to wait for explanations until we get to Hearthfire Manor," he replied.
She found that response strange, but she didn't sense any malevolence or falsity when he spoke, and so decided to trust him for the moment.
If it gets me to Ryuu, I'll accept a bit of odd behavior, she thought.
The Hearthfire Manor appeared in the distance and Bell felt a bit of relief, but at the same time his dread increased.
How will she react when she finds out Ryuu's a part of our familia now? Will she demand she be returned since she didn't agree to the transfer? he wondered, fear growing in the pit of his stomach.
They made their way inside and Bell was about to call out to everyone, but was beaten to the punch when the familiar voice of his goddess called out.
"Bell-kun, is that you?"
"Yes, Hestia-sama, but I'm not alone."
A few moments later Hestia and the rest of their familia appeared in the entrance, with Ryuu freezing the moment she saw her old goddess.
"A-Astraea-sama," she all-but whispered.
"Ryuu," Astraea said, her voice a mixture of excited and relieved.
She nearly ran to the elf and wrapped her in a tight hug.
"I'm so sorry. I should never have left you, no matter what you said. I should have stayed," the goddess continued, a bit teary-eyed, but still smiling.
"Astraea-sama," Ryuu repeated, still unsure of how exactly she should respond.
Before she could figure out a response, Astraea pulled back, smiled at her, then turned to address the others.
"I'm terribly sorry about that, I've just missed her so much," the goddess said. "But now it's time for me to introduce myself," she took a deep breath and fixed herself. "I am Astraea, Goddess of Justice and head of Ryuu's familia."
She did not receive the response she expected as the Hestia familia was completely silent and began to exchange looks with each other.
"Is something wrong?" Astraea asked.
Hestia stepped forward.
"Hello, Astraea. I am Hestia, Goddess of the Hearth and...actually, I'm the head of Ryuu's familia."
A couple of seconds passed.
"Pardon?"
Hestia sighed.
"I beg your forgiveness, but Ryuu is no longer a part of your familia, but mine. She transferred a few months ago."
"You transferred a familia member without their deity's permission?" Astraea asked Hestia, a bit of anger in her voice.
"I am very sorry for that, but we were in a bit of a tight situation, still are in fact, and we also didn't know when or if you'd ever come back," Hestia explained, feeling a bit low.
"That doesn't make it right," Astraea threw back. "Especially when Ryuu hasn't sent me a word of news since she asked me to leave, which she could and certainly should have!"
Ryuu's ears drooped and her head fell in shame.
"What happened?" Astraea questioned, barely maintaining enough calm for it not to come off as a demand. "Why is Ryuu now a member of your familia instead of mine?"
"She is because I forced her to be," Achilles cut in.
All eyes turned towards him, with Astraea's gaining a darker tint.
"You forced her?" she asked.
He nodded.
"The Hestia familia needed more members to combat the rising challenges they faced and Ryuu was a natural fit. So we made a deal which resulted in her joining the familia."
"What deal?" Astraea pressed, clearly not pleased.
"Does it really matter?" Achilles replied.
"I should say so," the goddess threw back.
As this all transpired, the rest of the Hestia familia was watching with a mixture of worry and confusion.
Why isn't he telling her about the bounty? Bell wondered, but only for a moment as the answer soon came to him. He's protecting her. He's making sure the topic of the bounty doesn't come up so Astraea-sama doesn't inquire as to why Ryuu would have a bounty. He's intentionally making himself the bad guy to absorb any blame that might be placed on her.
Ryuu, evidently, also figured this out and jumped in to prevent Achilles from falling on his sword.
"That's not true," she declared, shifting attention back to her. "Achilles did not force me. He helped me in a time of need."
"Ryuu," Achilles tried to signal it was okay. He could take whatever anger the goddess had.
"No. I need to tell her," Ryuu stated. She took a deep breath then looked her goddess in the eye. "The truth is, Astraea-sama, that Achilles stepped in when a man was trying to blackmail me. This man knew I had a bounty on my head and was in hiding. He threatened to expose me if I didn't sate his desires. Achilles stopped him, then offered to pay off the bounty in exchange for me becoming a member of the Hestia familia. I agreed."
Astraea was silent for a moment as she took in this information, however one question rang above all others.
"Why did you have a bounty?"
Tension suffocated the room as the Hestia familia restrained themselves from coming to Ryuu's defense, knowing she was committed to telling the truth.
It took another couple of deep breaths, and even then Ryuu looked ready to fall over given her shaky legs, but she managed to hold on and answer.
"After I sent you away, I went on a rampage against those who killed the others," she began, barely preventing her voice from shaking. "I used all manner of traps, poisons, and underhanded means to kill everyone involved with their deaths. The Guild, in response, placed a bounty on my head. After completing my vengeance, I fell down in an alley and was ready to succumb to death when a young woman named Syr found me and took me in. I then became a member of a restaurant called The Hostess of Fertility for a time, until joining the Hestia familia."
Graveyards were noisier than the Hearthfire Manor at that moment. Astraea simply stared at Ryuu, while the elf, now devoid of her strength, quickly turned away in shame.
"I see," Astraea finally said.
Another moment of silence as she simply looked down on the golden elf.
"Ryuu, look at me."
Ryuu didn't want to due to her shame, but she could not deny her former goddess.
She looked up.
Crack!
"That one is for casting aside justice and falling into vengeance," Astraea said, before swinging her hand back around for another slap. "That one is for sending me away. And this one is for not contacting me in all these years!" Astraea declared slapping the elf for a third time.
Bell and the others wanted to jump in. To protect Ryuu or try to explain things to the goddess so she would stop, but they didn't. They knew Ryuu didn't want them to. That she felt she deserved to be punished for everything she'd done and that there was no one better to inflict the punishment than the Goddess of Justice herself.
"And this," Astraea continued. "This is for feeling like you couldn't depend on me to help you."
She suddenly threw her arms around the elf, hugging her as tightly as possible.
Ryuu, who had been meekly accepting her punishment, froze as still as a statue, except for her eyes, which widened.
"Astraea...sama?"
"I'm sorry that you felt like you couldn't depend on me after we lost the others. I'm so sorry."
The words and tone her former goddess used utterly broke Ryuu who soon felt tears stinging in her eyes.
"N-No...it's not...you...I was just...just too weak," she said, barely managing to speak.
"No you're not. You're strong. So strong. To have survived and to be able to get back on your feet all by yourself. Well...not completely by yourself," the goddess said, pulling back and smiling as she looked at the others in the room.
Ryuu turned as well and, teary-eyed and red-faced though she was, she smiled too.
"Yes. I've had quite a lot of help."
"I'm glad," Astraea said, looking back to her. "And now I'm back to help you too. I may not be your goddess now, but I will always be here to help and support you."
"You will always be my goddess, Astraea-sama," Ryuu said. A moment later she paused, then blushed before quickly turning to Hestia. "I'm sorry, Hestia-sama."
"Ah, don't be. You two are obviously very close. Besides, I already know I'm playing second-fiddle for these two in the divine department," Hestia replied, pointing at Mikoto and Welf, both of whom blushed.
Astraea laughed.
"Quite the group of friends you have here," she said. "Would you mind introducing me?"
Ryuu smiled even more brightly and, with tears of relief and joy in her eyes, nodded.
"I would love to."
"You sure you're doing all right, Gareth?" Tiona asked again, checking over the dwarf.
He laughed.
"My pride's hurt more than anything else, especially since I feel like I failed you, youngin', after you cheered for me," he replied.
"Ah, don't worry about that, I'm just glad you're alright," she replied, smiling.
"As are we all," Riveria added.
"I can't believe that Allen almost killed you. When I see him I'm going to rip off his tail," Tione swore.
"Only after I break his skull," Bete stated, his arms crossed as his scowl got even deeper.
"Don't even think about it." Everyone turned to Finn who had a frown of his own. "He defeated Gareth who's seen and survived even worse things than you have. He also managed to keep his cool during the fight. If Allen can defeat him then he'll likely be able to do the same with you all."
That deflated their spirits while doing little to nothing to ease their anger.
"At least Achilles stepped in to protect, Gareth," Aiz said, entering the conversation.
The younger members, along with Riveria.
"It was fortunate," the motherly elf said.
"Achilles isn't the reason that Allen stopped." All eyes turned back to Finn. "It was all very quick, but Allen stopped right before Achilles appeared. More importantly, he didn't look towards Achilles when he appeared, but off towards where his familia were located," the Loki captain explained.
"You think he received orders to stop?" Riveria asked.
Finn nodded.
Gareth stroked his beard as he thought for a moment.
"I think you're right. Painful as the experience was, I did manage to keep my eyes on Allen and I remember how, when he stopped, he looked up and suddenly looked quite happy about something."
"Allen? Happy?" Tione asked.
"There's only one reason why he would be happy in that moment. Freya somehow got a message to him and gave him her approval. Meaning, in this scenario, it would be more appropriate to thank Freya for stopping Allen than it would be to thank Achilles," Finn explained.
That didn't sit well with anyone.
"I guess that makes sense," Tiona said, even though it didn't for her. "But Achilles still helped Gareth by acting as a crutch and bringing him to the healers."
That eased most everyone a bit as they would prefer to be grateful to Achilles than to Freya. Even Bete seemed content. Fin, however, did not.
"You all are depending too much on Achilles," Finn said forcefully.
That startled his familia.
"What do you mean?" Tiona asked.
"Exactly what I said. Achilles is not someone we can trust, personal feelings be damned," he said, his eyes turning towards Riveria.
She frowned at him, her eyes growing cold as she stared back at him.
"You're being paranoid," she stated.
"Am I? He's already threatened us and is hiding dangerous items. Loki may have rescinded the orders, but that doesn't suddenly make the situation safe. But sure, let's say I'm paranoid. Fine. Personally though, I'd rather be paranoid if it helps make sure that there isn't a repeat of seven years ago."
The room grew deathly silent as terrible memories began to flash through everyone's mind.
"That's not fair. To him or to anyone," Riveria replied, the anger in her voice making it sound like a curse.
"Isn't it? Achilles is worse than those two were and would be able to do even more damage," Finn pointed out.
The two Loki executives glared at each other for time, until a new voice asked a question her heart now desperately needed answered.
"And what about Bell?" Aiz asked.
Finn turned to her, but did not respond immediately as he thought on her question.
"As of this moment I don't consider him as much of a threat as I view Achilles, even with that explosion over the city." A wave of relief and calm washed over Aiz, but it was very short-lived. "However, if Bell Cranel actually lives up to Achilles's predictions with regards to the Dragon and the Level Ten Theory, then he will be the single most dangerous person, nay being, the world has ever seen. As such we can't trust him, let alone depend on him. We all must be prepared for a battle greater than any we've fought before, because if there's even a one percent chance that he'll endanger us or the world when he's that strong, we will have to treat it as an absolute certainty and deal with him accordingly," Finn stated.
The Loki familia was floored. From Lefiya to Gareth, everyone seemed shocked by what their captain was telling them. This was Bell Cranel, the determined little bunny rabbit who had first gained their respect, then their friendship, and then for some, their admiration and even love. Now they were being told that they might very well have to put down one of, if not the sweetest person they had ever met. Even Bete's scowl dropped, being forced aside by shock.
"You will not touch him."
Aiz looked positively furious and for the first time in her life, all respect and fear she had for Finn burned away as her hand instinctively went to her sword.
Finn saw this and his eyes narrowed as his grip on his spear tightened.
Everyone watched this exchange, frozen, wanting to jump in, but hoping that what they were seeing was just a horrible dream and that they would wake up.
Luckily for them, it appeared that all that time with Bell had caused them to absorb some of his luck and a knock on the door stopped whatever might have happened.
"What is it?" Finn called.
The door opened and one of the lower members of their familia appeared.
"Three people just forced their way into the compound," he said.
"What?" Finn asked, he and everyone else turning to the messenger.
"Three women, one identifying herself as the goddess, Kali, and the other two as her captains, appeared at the gate and said they wanted to see all of you. When we asked them to wait, they forced their way inside. When we tried to stop them, they pushed right through us, even breaking Floki's arm and smashed Helga's staff," he finished.
"Kali?" Tione called, a notable edge to her voice.
"We're on our way. Tell everyone back off, but to take defensive positions around them," Finn ordered.
"Yes, captain!" the underling replied, running off.
"Let's go see what our unexpected guests want," Finn said, his voice still containing the anger from the previous conversation, but now mildly suppressed by sheer annoyance.
The Loki executives made their way through their home, soon coming across their goddess as she made her way towards the same destination.
"Heard we got some rude guests," she said, frowning as she joined their group.
"Wouldn't be the first time," Finn replied.
"Yeah well, I'm getting quite sick of people barging in and ruining my 'me' time. After this we're doubling, nay, tripling the number of guards we've got around this place," the goddess stated firmly.
"Consider it done," he replied.
They all arrived at the entrance to their manor and immediately found their three, not-so-welcome, guests waiting for them.
"Ah, there you are, Loki. Long time no see," Kali greeted, smiling in a way that really ticked Loki off.
"What the hell are you doing here? And who do you think you are just barging in like you own the place?!" the trickster goddess demanded.
"Ah, come now Loki, why the cold shoulder? After all we've been through?" Kali asked.
"You mean after all you put us through," Loki threw back.
"Are you still mad about what happened in Melen? If you've got a problem, why don't you take it up with Ishtar?"
"Can't, Freya sent her back to Heaven."
That surprised the tanned goddess.
"Did she now? Heard some rumors that something went down, but didn't get the whole picture. Ah well, her jealousy made her ugly so it's not like it was a big loss."
"Why are you here, Kali-sama?" Finn jumped in, having little patience for the small talk.
"We just wanted to say hello and tell you how eager we are to have a rematch at this 'grand tournament' Orario's putting on," Kali explained.
"You've joined the tournament?" Loki asked as the amazon sisters tensed.
"Yeah. Went to the Guild and demanded entry and they were happy to include us. Didn't even really need to threaten them."
None of the Loki familia liked the sound of that.
"That's it? You just wanted to tell us that you were joining the tournament? Alright, then mission accomplished. You can leave now," Loki said forcefully.
"Oh, but I wanted to see my handsome, strong, prum captain," Argana said, stepping forward and moving towards Finn. "Gotta say, ever since you beat me, I've been thinking a lot about you, Finn."
"Oh?" he replied in a sickenly sweet tone.
"Yeah. Few men can beat me, but you did it so easily. Makes me feel all sorts of...interesting feelings," the amazon captain continued, enraging Tione more and more. "However," Argana suddenly declared. "I've heard that there might actually be someone stronger than you in the city now. Some 'legendary captain' from the Zeus familia, or something like that."
Now it was Riveria who tensed.
You better not be thinking what I think you are, the elven princess internally growled.
"Helped in killing two of the three Great Beasts and is the only person to have survived fighting the Great Black Dragon. Gotta admit, that's a hell of a resume."
Back off, girl, if you know what's good for you, Riveria thought, her grip on her staff tightening.
"If all that's all true then you'd better step up your game, Finn, else I'll lose interest," Argana finished, smiling in a way that made everyone's skin crawl.
"That would be unfortunate," Finn replied dryly.
Argana's spiel completed, Kali jumped back in to wrap things up.
"Well that's really all we wanted to say. It was fun seeing you all again. I can't wait to see what you and this city has to offer," she said.
"Me neither," Argana added, licking her lips.
They turned to leave, with Bache giving the final farewell by bowing to them all before following after her goddess and sister.
The Loki familia watched them all go with gnashing teeth, vengeful eyes, and hearts full of contempt.
"Well ain't this peachy?" Loki growled.
The second day of the tournament had begun and everyone was just as eager and excited as the previous day, if not more so.
"Look like everyone's ready for the next fights," Bell said, smiling.
"Yeah. I just hope our favorite flaming smith is ready," Achilles replied from the seat next to him.
"He'll be fine," Hephaestus said from not that far away.
"Yeah! He's got his beloved goddess cheering him from the crowd!" Hestia declared, smirking at her friend.
A few people laughed as Hephaestus blushed and sighed.
"Hestia, please."
"What? You two are adorable!"
Hephaestus sighed again and pinched the bridge of her nose.
Seeing this, Achilles decided to go in for the kill.
"That might have the opposite effect, Hestia-sama," he said, catching everyone's attention. "Having her here might encourage him to lose on purpose just so that he'll get the chance to have her nurse him back to health."
A chorus of laughter greeted this statement as the poor smith goddess tried her best to glare at the Olympian while her face turned pure scarlet.
"I'm charging you extra for your next order," she vowed.
Achilles simply smiled.
"Worth it."
Any further retaliation was prevented by the arrival of their eager announcer.
"Hello, good people of Orario! We're back for our second day of the tournament. Are you all excited?!" Cheers and roars shook every building in Orario. "I thought so. So am I. We've got quite a line up for you all today, and I think it's about time for us to find out if the second day of our tournament can surpass the first. So let's get things rolling!"
Another deafening cry went up from the city as the first challenge began.
Everyone watched as one fight after another was fought, occasionally leaving to get a snack or stretch their legs with the only exception being Achilles, who watched the fights without pause.
His eyes narrowed as yet another Freya familia member came forward, this being one of several that had already come and gone throughout the day, each one gaining victory.
What's going on in that head of yours Freya? Are you just trying to maintain your position at the top of Orario, or is it something else? he wondered. He continued to think, even as he watched the fight. Are you trying to impress, Bell? Show him what your familia is capable of in order to say, 'See Bell? This is what you could become if you came to me.'?
His frown deepened as his anxiety turned into borderline paranoia.
"Achilles? Are you alright?"
He turned and found that Riveria had once again taken the seat next to him.
"I don't know," he answered honestly.
"What's the matter?" she asked.
"I'm worried. I keep seeing Freya familia members out there," he gestured towards the arena. "And it makes me worry that there's more to it than simply Freya proving her dominance."
"You think she's planning something?" Riveria asked.
"Possibly, but then again I might just be paranoid. Maybe my past experiences have left me too biased to think rationally with regards to her or maybe she does have something up her sleeve and I have no idea what it is. Either way, I can't say I'm in a particularly grand mood at the moment."
The elf frowned at seeing him so uneasy. Reacting instinctively she took his hand and squeezed it.
"You have every reason to be wary of her. She's hurt you so many times and so badly. No one would blame you for being paranoid."
"Doesn't make it right," he replied.
She was prepared to respond when she remembered what happened the previous day with Finn.
"Maybe not," she conceded after a moment. "But then I'll help you. I'll be right here beside you to help unburden you of your anxiety and fear and so that you know that you're never alone."
That's quite the response, he thought, a bit surprised. Then again, he smiled. It actually isn't at this point, is it?
"Thank you, Riveria. Truly. I know I've said that before, but I'll really never be able to tell you how much you and your support means to me."
She smiled kindly at him.
"I feel the same way, Achilles. And believe me, I am more than happy to be here you."
His smile grew and he brought her hand up to kiss the back of it.
"What's this now?"
The two turned and found Hestia and Hephaestus smiling at them.
"Well isn't this, adorable," Hephaestus said, her voice dripping with pseudo-sweetness.
Shit, Achilles thought.
"Oh, Welf's fight is starting!"
Everyone's eyes turned to Bell who was pointing down at the area as Welf walked in.
Absolutely perfect timing, Bell, both Achilles and Riveria thought as they gladly took the distraction.
"The Hestia familia is once again up to bat!" Ibri announced, his energy seemingly boundless. "This time, it's Welf Crozzo and he's here to have a rematch with someone else we saw at our recent War Game. Please join me in also welcoming Daphne Lauros of the Miach familia!"
Cheers and applause met the announcement as Daphne entered the arena, hand on her fencer.
"Thanks for taking me up," Welf said once she got close enough.
"Of course. It'll be good to have a rematch so we can officially say who's better," she responded.
He laughed.
"Ah, now I can't go losing, Hephaestus will never let me live it down."
"That sounds like a you problem," she joked.
"Looks like our contestants are ready to begin. So," Ibri held up his hand. "Three. Two. One. Go!"
The two threw themselves at each other and soon the clang of metal sang through the air, causing the crowd to lose control again.
Over and over the two batted away at each other, neither of the two seeming to have the advantage.
"You've really worked on your speed," Daphne complimented.
"Yeah. Achilles has been training me like a dog to make sure that my greatsword doesn't slow me down. Now, it's so light I can do this!"
He swung the sword around using one arm, and Daphne brought up her own sword to block it. However, to her surprise, there was just as much force behind this strike as the previous attacks.
He's been holding back, she recognized.
She quickly brought up her other arm so that her block wouldn't just be swept aside. What she didn't know was that this was what Welf wanted as his unused arm struck out at her now unprotected side and struck her right on the jaw.
The force of the hit was strong enough to force her back and knock her off balance.
"I'm not done!" Welf cried, as he pressed his attack.
He struck out again, but Daphne deftly dodged, surprising him a bit, and launched a jab at his face, forcing him back.
"Not bad, Welf-san, but it'll take more than that to knock me out of this fight," she declared before she counter-attacked.
Welf swung the blade wide at waist level, but Daphne managed to dodge again with a spin, and got behind him before lashing out at his unprotected back. It was her turn to be surprised though, as she found her short sword harmlessly moving across his back, the sound of scraping metal reaching her ears.
"Raa!" Welf cried as he retaliated, forcing her to block and sending her back.
"Another suggestion from Achilles," he said, lifting his shirt to reveal chainmail. "Took me a while to get used to the extra weight, but I guess after that strike I can say it was worth it," he said, smiling.
"I see. Well then, let's see how you handle this," she said before she began to chant.
"Shit," Welf cursed as he prepared to counter her spell with Will-o-Wisp, but it was already too late and Daphne finished her chant.
"Raumure!" she cried.
A moment later Daphne was before Welf and he had barely enough time to block.
"I'm not done," she said, repeating his words.
She began to barrage him, her speed giving her a huge advantage as she managed to get past his defenses and avoid his attempts at counter-attacking. Worse yet, now that she knew about his chainmail, she went for other areas, namely his legs, neck, and face.
Soon the smith was covered in over a dozen small cuts and breathing heavily.
"You are a tough opponent, Welf-san," Daphne complimented.
Despite his injuries, he laughed.
"When you've got a familia like mine, being tough and stubborn as a mule is part of the job description."
She smiled.
"Indeed."
She launched herself at him again and he, standing as firm as an ancient redwood, waited for her to get in range then struck down with all his strength.
Daphne waited until the very last moment to dodge, feeling the wind of his attack move across her cheek, before she thrust her blade forward towards his neck.
"Submit," she said, her blade now less than an inch from his throat.
Welf looked at her, his eyes still filled to overflowing with resolve. For a moment she wondered if he would continue their fight, perhaps coming up with some trick or counter she wasn't prepared for and she tightened her grip on her sword as she prepared herself. However, just as a bead of sweat dripped down her forehead, he smiled then laughed.
"Looks like I lost this one," he said before holding up his hand. "I submit."
"Welf Crozzo has submitted. Victory goes to Daphne Lauros!"
Cheers and applause flew through the air as Daphne withdrew her blade.
"You got me there," Welf admitted, still smiling. "Guess my speed still isn't up to par."
She shook her head.
"That's not true, if I wasn't a level three and had that spell you would have been more than a match for me," she informed him.
"Well then, when I reach level three we'll have to have another match," he replied, his smile even bigger than before.
"I look forward to it, but don't expect me to be sitting around. I might be a level four by then," she said, smiling back.
"Haha, then I guess I better up my training even more or I'll just keep embarrassing myself."
"It looks like our fighters are on good terms and are even preparing for a future match. Hopefully we'll all get to see that one as well," Ibri declared. "But now it's time to see if our judges want to award these two extra points. So, what do they have to say for our challenger, Welf Crozzo?"
Four of the judges, including Misha and Eina held up their signs.
"Four extra points are awarded to our burning smith! Each one well deserved. And what about our victor, Daphne Lauros?" Another four signs were held up. "And four personal points are awarded to our speedy fencer for her dashing victory! Well done, well done! Let's give them one final round of applause!"
The crowd did just that as the two contestants departed the arena so the next fight could get rolling.
"Hm, looks like I didn't give him quite enough training with speed," Achilles said as he watched Welf depart.
"Go easy on him, Achilles. Everyone has their own talents. Speed is your skill, but strength and endurance are his. Let him grow as best fits him," Riveria said.
"That's fair. No need to brow beat him on that matter," he conceded.
"Speak for yourself," Hephaestus jumped in. "He knew I was watching and still managed to let a little girl beat him. He's going to be hearing about this for a while."
"Oh please. You talk big, but we all know that the minute you two are alone you'll be showering him in affection," Achilles threw back.
A few laughs were shared and Hephaestus blushed, but only for a moment as soon a predatory smile appeared.
"Is that how you and Nine Hells there act when you're alone?"
Now it was the mortals' turn to blush as the others laughed. Luckily, they both had enough common sense not to respond.
"It's time for another Loki familia member to enter the ring!" Ibri excitedly declared. "This time is Lefiya Viridis, the 'Thousand Elf' herself. She's up against another elven magical powerhouse, Filvis Challia!"
The two elves entered the arena to the sounds of the crowd and took their places before each other.
"Thank you for accepting my challenge, Filvis-san," Lefiya said nervously.
"Of course. I was surprised when you issued it though, I'll admit," Filvis replied.
"I'm sorry, it's just, I wanted to prove to myself that I've grown. That my doubts are unneeded given how far I've come. You've helped me so much and I respect you more than I can say, that's why I thought, if I could beat you, I would be able to prove to myself that I really have become stronger," the redhead explained.
Filvis smiled.
"I understand completely, and I'm glad that we now have this chance to fight each other." Hearing those words, Lefiya was practically beaming. "But don't think that means I'm going easy on you. I fully intend to win this myself," Filvis warned, though she was still smiling.
Determination filled Lefiya's eyes and she nodded.
"Please come at me with everything you have."
"With pleasure," Filvis replied.
Ibri held up his fingers.
"Three. Two. One. Begin!"
"Unleashed streak of light, bow limbs of the holy tree," Lefiya began. However, Filvis wasn't about to let her casually cast her spells.
Jumping into action, she attacked, short sword in hand. Lefiya, however, managed to dodge and though it was evidently difficult for her, she continued chanting.
"You are an expert of the bow. Shoot, sniper of the fairies. Penetrate, arrow of absolute accuracy," she finished. "Arcs Ray!"
The spell launched at Filvis, but the dark-haired elf was ready.
"Become a shield, holy grail of crushing evil. Dio Grail!"
A shield of light materialized and blocked the incoming beams of light, causing both spells to be destroyed.
Both spells now gone, Filvis countered.
"Sweep, holy staff of crushing. Dio Thyrsos!"
Lefiya barely had time to dodge as golden lightning headed straight for her. However, her advantage in level appeared to be her saving grace as she managed to avoid the spell.
Her relief did not last long though, as Filvis appeared before her and lashed out with her sword.
This strike was unavoidable, and Lefiya received a long cut across her midriff. Luckily though, it was shallow enough that she could swing staff at Filvis, forcing the other elf to dodge and providing just enough time for her to distance herself.
"Proud Warrior, snipers of the forest," Lefiya began again, knowing she would need something stronger than Arcs Ray. "Take up your bows before the advancing plunderers."
Filvis charged again, not wanting to see the end result of the other elf's chant.
Lefiya dodged Filvis's first attack, then her second, however the third managed to graze her cheek, which in turn distracted her and allowed a cut to her shoulder. However, she kept chanting.
"Answer the call of your brethren and ready your arrows. Tinge them with flame, the lamplight of the forest."
Knowing she didn't have much time, Filvis swung around and aimed a kick at her head.
Unprepared, Lefiya could only bring up her staff in time to take the hit, which set her flying through the air.
A bit of relief filled Filvis as she was sure the chant had stopped. However, her relief died when she saw light appear beneath her.
To her shock, she found a magic circle right under her feet.
"Release them, the fire arrows of the fairies. Falling like rain, burn away the savages," Lefiya said in the distance. Fusillade Fallarica!"
Filvis jumped to try and get some distance between her and the spell before crying out.
"Dio Grail!"
The shield appeared just in time as the explosive magic rocked the arena, quickly smashing through Filvis's shield and sending her flying towards the other end of the arena.
The Coliseum went silent as everyone waited to see the results, in this case quite literally as the explosion had sent up sand and dust, which blocked the view.
As the dust settled, an exhausted and battered Filvis managed to get back up, looking worse for wear, but not out of the fight.
Now up, she looked out towards her opponent and prepared for another attack. However, it did not come, and soon, the dark-haired elf understood why.
Even from here, Lefiya looked positively spent. Her body was slouched, her breath was ragged, she was sweating heavily, and she looked ready to fall over.
Seeing this, Filvis gave her friend an apologetic smile.
She must have poured everything into that spell in order to force a win. I will admit, it almost worked, but I'm sorry, Lefiya, it appears this is my win.
Tightening her grip on her sword, she got in a stance and prepared for a final push. After a single, deep breath, she attacked.
Running at Lefiya as quickly as she could manage, she looked her in the eye the entire way, sending an apology to her redheaded companion. For her part, Lefiya simply stared back, looking as spent as she had when Filvis first saw her. That was until Filvis was right in front of her.
What? Filvis thought as Lefiya suddenly smiled.
Sorry, Filvis-san, Lefiya apologized as she struck.
Gathering all her physical strength, Lefiya kicked straight up, hitting Filvis square in the jaw. With her level four status, she had enough physical strength to send the dark-haired elf into the air, which was exactly what Lefiya wanted and she began to chant.
She got me, Filvis thought, not angry in the slightest about it or what was about to happen.
"Arcs Ray!" she cried.
At this range, in her position, and as exhausted as she was, there was no way for Filvis to dodge and the magic slammed into her, sending her flying once again.
The moment her friend landed with a dull 'thud' on the ground, Lefiya's arms dropped and she smiled.
You're not the only one who learned how to bait from Aiz-san, human.
Things were silent for a moment as everyone waited to see if Filvis would get back up. They were answered when she raised her hand.
"I have been defeated," she stated, barely loud enough to hear.
"Filvis Challia has submitted! Lefiya Viridis is the victor!"
Cheers and applause surrounded her, but Lefiya was more focused on dragging herself over to her friend who didn't seem able to get up.
Finally reaching her, she took a knee next to her.
"Are you alright? I didn't hurt you too badly, did I?"
Filvis smiled at her.
"I'll be fine. You did very well, Lefiya. You should be proud."
Happy tears came to Lefiya's eyes as she looked down at her friend.
"Thank you."
"Come now, no tears. This was your victory, and a well-earned one," Filvis softly chided.
"Right," Lefiya said, whipping them away.
"Do you two need some help?"
The two turned their heads to see members of Ganesha familia around them.
"I think so, yes. We're both very tired and a bit beaten up," Filvis answered.
"I can tell. You both fought very well," the Ganesha member said.
The Ganesha familia put the two on stretchers and began to escort them out as Ibri got to the points.
"We'll start with the graciously defeated Filvis Challia. What do our judges have to say?"
Five signs were held up.
"Five extra personal points are awarded to Filvis Challia! Very well earned I say! And what of our victor, the 'Thousand Elf' herself, Lefiya Viridis?!"
This time six signs were held up.
"Six points! Six points to our Lefiya Viridis for her victory and comradery! Well done! Well done to both of them! Let's give them another round of applause!"
His request was readily met as the applause showered praise and appreciation on the two elves as they were carried out of the arena.
Lefiya and Filvis were taken into the area of the arena designated for healing and were each given a mind potion as the healers got to work on their injuries. Not much time later, they were both up and feeling better, if a bit sore.
"Well done, Lefiya. You have grown into a fine young woman and a powerful elf."
Lefiya blushed, but smiled.
"Thank you," she returned.
"Lefiya!"
They both turned just in time for Tiona to suddenly latched herself onto the redhead.
"T-Tiona-san!" Lefiya declared, not having been prepared for the glomping.
"You did it! You won!" the amazon continued, not even noting the elf's protests.
"Calm down, Tiona. You're going to crush her," Tione told her sister. "Well done to you as well, Filvis-san. I thought you had our little elf there, and even I was surprised by that kick."
"It was quite clever," Filvis replied, smiling.
"Well done, Lefiya," Aiz said stepping forward.
"Aiz-san," Lefiya said, looking up at her.
Things were silent for a moment, but then, before anyone knew what was happening, Lefiya hugged Aiz with all her might.
"Thank you for everything. I wouldn't have been able to do this without you," Lefiya said, pouring everything she had into her words.
The hug and the intensity of the words left Aiz silent for a moment, but, after a moment, she smiled and hugged Lefiya back.
"I'll always be there for you, Lefiya."
Warmth filled Lefiya's heart and she hugged Aiz a bit tighter.
With Lefiya's fight now complete and the Loki familia in high spirits, it was time for another member of their familia to compete against another elf.
"Looks like it's finally your turn," Achilles said, turning to Riveria, a smile playing across his lips.
She nodded and smiled back.
"It would appear so," she replied.
"I'd wish you luck, but you don't need it."
Her smile grew and the warmth in her heart grew.
"Thank you, but this will be a challenging battle, I won't pretend otherwise," she said.
"No pretty boy elf is going to beat my favorite elven princess."
She laughed.
"Well, I certainly can't disappoint my favorite lightning clad human, can I?"
With that, she departed, confident and ready to take on the former light elf king.
Riveria did her best to keep her breath steady the way down into the area.
It's alright. You know what you need to do and you've certainly dealt with worse than Hedin, and you did that all without Achilles's support.
That made her feel better and she managed a small smile when she walked into the arena.
"And there she is, ladies and gentlemen! The High elf princess, Nine Hells herself!"
She largely ignored the cheers as she walked into the sandy pit, instead focusing her eyes on the elven male that was getting closer to her with each step.
"And here is the one who has accepted her challenge. Another member of elven royalty, please give a warm welcome to Hedin Selland!"
A warm welcome was given to the ex-king, though Riveria took note of that it sounded like most of those giving it to him were female.
What is with this new generation and pretty boys?
"Hello, Riveria-sama," Hedin greeted once they stood before each other.
She scowled as his sweet tone reached her ears.
"Hello, Hedin-san," she returned, but not as pleasantly.
"I am so glad we could see each other again, it's been a while, and certainly too long since we had some personal time."
A shiver went up her spine.
"This is not 'personal time', as you put it. This is a challenge," she spat out.
"Quite right, and I'm very happy that you issued your challenge. Fighting a member of the high elvish royalty is a great honor. I would not have dared make the challenge myself, so I can't thank you enough for issuing one."
She did not respond. She couldn't. The way he was acting was unnerving her and bringing back back memories.
No! I have to fight him, and I have to win. I will win.
Hedin, oblivious to or uncaring of her internal struggle, continued.
"I hope that when I win you'll reconsider my offer."
Up in the stands, Achilles's brow scrunched.
Offer?
Meanwhile, Riveria's grip on her staff threatened to shatter it.
"You will not win," she promised.
Hedin's smile grew.
"Of course I will. Your defeat is assured. I must win for my lady and show you the wisdom of accepting my proposal."
Riveria's response was to hold up her staff.
Hedin smiled and did the same.
"Let's get this party started! Three. Two. One. Fight!"
"Pierce them with the icy knives of winter. Frozen spears!" Riveria cried.
A moment later, giant icicles appeared and flew at Hedin, who smiled.
"Fight eternally, indestructible soldiers of lightning. Caelus Hildr!"
Bolts of lightning struck out towards the icy spears, obliterating them.
"Burst with fiery color. Flaming Flower!"
Hedin didn't have time to counter this one as an explosion went off right beside him.
"Impressive, Riveria-sama," he complimented, seemingly unaffected by the attack. "Your skill with magic is truly incredible, but mine is nothing to sneeze at either," he held up his staff. "Come to be oh faithful hounds, dearest servants of the light."
Recognizing that spell, Riveria immediately began chanting herself.
"Your master has need of you. Hear my call and come running. The enemy is near and must be devoured in your fangs," Hedin continued.
"Liv Ilusio!" Riveria cried once she'd finished her chant, covering herself in defensive magic, and not a moment too soon.
"Howl through the heavens. Storm Hounds!" Hedin finished.
Three magic circles appeared around Hedin and from them three dog-like creatures made of light appeared. Each one was easily larger than the average man and dwarfed the elf who simply smiled at them, before turning his eyes back to Riveria. The magic dogs did the same and, understanding their master, charged her.
"Pierce them with the icy knives of winter. Frozen spears!" Riveria cried again, aiming to destroy the creatures before they got too close.
Several of the spears flew through the air and one struck home, hitting one of the light dogs and destroying it. However, the other two managed to avoid them and continued towards her.
Jumping back, Riveria prepared her next spell.
Keeping her breath steady, she waited for the closest hound to reach her before calling out.
"Burst with fiery color. Flaming Flower!"
The magic struck true and hit the magical dog in the face, obliterating it. However, the last hound was right behind it and jumped at her. It was too quick to simply dodge, so she brought her arms up to protect her. This, in turn, put her arm in the direct path of the beasts jaws, which clamped down on her.
"Argh," she grunted as the beast's teeth dug into her and soon she saw blood soaking through her clothing and squeezing between its teeth
Good thing I cast that spell or else I might have lost my arm.
This unpleasant thought only served to infuriate her though, and she reached out her other arm so that her hand was right next to the hound's face.
"Burst with fiery color. Flaming Flower!"
The flaming blast instantly hit the creature and not a moment later it's clenching jaws were gone, giving her some relief.
"Well done, Riveria-sama," Hedia said from behind her.
Turning her head, Riveria didn't have enough time to react before he struck out with the blade of his staff and cut her across her back.
"Augh," she cried, before even more furious eyes turned back to the ex-king and she held out her hand.
"Flash!"
A flash of light blinded everyone in the stands save one, that being the ex-captain who had taught her the spell.
Glad I taught her that one.
The distraction served its purpose, allowing Riveria the time to distance herself.
There's no way he's going to allow me to complete a large chant and I don't want to risk destroying the Coliseum even if he did, so I'll have to keep it small and quick, she thought.
"Pierce them with the icy knives of winter. Frozen spears!"
Another wave of icicles launched at the recovering light elf, but he quickly took note of them and the moment they reached him, he lashed out with his sword staff, breaking any spears that looked to be a threat. That done, he went on the offensive again, quickly closing the distance between them, forcing her to bring her staff up to defend herself
"Come now, Riveria-sama, you certainly have more in your arsenal then those little party tricks?," he said, smiling, even as he pushed his blade against her staff.
"You want to see more, do you?" she replied through gritted teeth. "Then I'll show you."
Gathering up her strength, she pushed him away and chanted as quickly as possible.
"Darken my enemies vision and make them blind to all my movements. Nightshade!"
A black, smoke-like substance suddenly exploded into the area, covering the area around Riveria and Hedin in darkness.
"A fine trick, your majesty, but not enough!" Hedin cried within the smoke.
The sound of slashing reached the ears of the crowd and all waited with baited breath to see what had happened.
A few moments later, the smoke began to clear and the scene was revealed.
At the center was Hedin, smiling as he held out his sword staff, but this smile soon dropped as the victory he had evidently thought was his, was revealed to be false.
Before him, instead of it being the elven princess, it was only her green cloak hanging at the end of his staff.
Realizing his mistake, Hedin turned, but it was already too late.
Behind him stood Riveria. She was once again in her black under armor, but there was a new addition this time. On her hands were a pair of adamantine knuckles, each one containing magical ruins, the left was for a fire spell, the right for an icy one, and, given her boxer's stance, there was no doubt in anyone's mind what she planned to do.
Striking out with her newly gained speed, Riveria sent a right hook straight for Hedin's face, shattering both his nose and his glasses in one shot. However, this wasn't the end of it as the ice ruin added insult to injury by covering his face in ice and frost.
In pain and now blind, Hedin could do nothing as Riveria struck out again, this time, using her left to punch him straight in the gut, causing him to nearly fold in half at the same time his shirt was burned away.
Again and again she struck out, breaking bone, freezing, and/or burning her opponent.
I am not yours, Riveria internally growled as she punched him again. I made a mistake with you once, but never again!
"Rawr!" she roared, her right fist coming around and sending Hedin straight into the ground, creating a crater.
Looking down she, and everyone else could tell that Hedin was unconscious or at the very least too battered to fight anymore.
"Riveria Ljos Alf wins!" Ibri cried as the entire city went crazy. "In a spectacular turn around, the Nine Hells surprises us all by using brawn to utterly batter her enemy into submission. I'd feel bad for Hedin there, but I'm sorry to say, that display was simply too awesome!"
The crowd seemed to agree as the cheering only got louder, especially from her own familia, namely Tiona who was absolutely losing her mind.
Riveria, meanwhile, continued to simply glare down at her defeated enemy.
I will never accept your offer. There's only one man who will ever have my hand, she thought as she glared down at him. She then spat at him and said. "And that's for Gareth."
With that, she turned and began to walk away, her head held up high.
Up in the stands, Achilles smiled down at her.
That's not the strut of an elven princess, he noted, his smile growing. That's the strut of an elven queen.
"Well judges, what say you on our elvish conqueror here? How many extra points do you think she deserves?"
Eight judges held up their signs, Eina raising hers high in the air and all but waving it around while Misha tried to hold in laughs.
"Eight points, and not a single one undeserved I say! Well done to the Nine Hells on her stunning victory! Now, what about her valiant, if battered, opponent?"
Five signs were held up this time, with Eina and Misha sitting out.
"Five extra personal points are awarded to Hedin Selland! Hopefully that's enough to pay for a new pair of glasses."
A few people laughed.
"Well that brings us to the end of our second day of the tournament ladies and gentlemen, and what a wonderful finish!" Ibri declared, getting a great deal of agreement " Let's have one final round of applause for all our contestants. Let them know you appreciate today's great fights!" Cheers and applause erupted again and lasted a good couple of minutes before it tapered off again, allowing the announcer to continue. "And now it's time for us to announce tomorrow's challenges! We're starting out strong as Argana Kalif, the level six co-captain of the Kali familia, has decided she wants to come in swinging! She has challenged the Olympian himself, Achilles Caesar, to battle!"
Achilles's brow furrowed as the city quaked with deafening noise.
I don't remember pissing off someone named Argana, he thought, trying to remember the name before shrugging. I suppose she could simply want to try taking on a 'legend' or whatever. Well, at least it'll help me combat my boredom and give me a chance to stretch the old muscles.
"Dad." He turned to see Bell now beside him. "Do you know this person?"
He shook his head.
"Nope. My guess is that she simply wants to see if she can take me down and get the prestige associated with that accomplishment."
Bell nodded then smiled.
"Too bad for her that's not going to happen."
Achilles smiled back.
"No. No it isn't," he replied.
"I can tell you're all excited!" Ibri finally continued. "And I am too! I can't wait to see what is sure to be a great battle between two of the world's strongest captains. But, we've got more challenges and more great fights to come, so let's continue!"
The challenges kept coming and for the most part the Hestia familia and company tuned them out until a familiar name popped up.
"Next up is Naaza Erisuis, the 'Miyal Hound', who challenges Alto of the Belenus familia!"
Everyone's eyes shifted to the dog girl.
"He's a former Apollo familia member who's been harassing Cassandra. I thought it was time he learned some manners," she explained.
A few people nodded and Daphne looked eager to see this fight and Bell suspected that she had wanted to deal with the guy personally, but had been forbidden from doing so for one reason or another.
It was then that Bell finally noticed that the final member of the Miach familia was missing.
"Where is Cassandra-san?" he asked.
"She's helping the healers with the injured adventurers," Miach replied.
"Oh," Bell said before he remembered when she healed him back when they had all first fought his father, the memory of which made him smile. "She was a good healer."
The gentle way he said that made many eyes, specifically female eyes, turn towards him.
Oh boy, he's triggered them, Achilles noted. Better distract them before they eat him alive.
"He's announcing the next challenge," he declared, making sure to be loud enough to catch everyone's attention and turn them away from his son.
"Oh, looks like we've got another captain battle! Not only that, but it looks like everyone wants a piece of the Hestia familia. Our next challenge comes from my own captain, so this will definitely be good. Shakti Varma, the 'Ankusha', challenges Bell Cranel, the 'Rabbit Foot' and captain of the Hestia familia to battle!"
Every member of the Hestia familia was surprised by that.
"Shakti-san?" Bell wondered aloud.
"Hm, that's interesting," Achilles said.
"I didn't do something to upset her, did I?" Bell asked.
"I don't think so. It might just be that she was honestly wanting to fight you, Bell. Your quick rise has caught the whole city's attention and she might be curious to see what you're made of."
"I hope so. I don't know her very well, but she seems like a good person and worthy of respect," the young captain replied.
Achilles smiled and ruffled his hair.
"Even if she's upset with you for some reason, it'll probably burn away the moment you give her that charming smile of yours."
"Dad," Bell whined, getting only a laugh in reply.
It had taken a bit of time to do all the necessary healing, but finally, Hedin awoke.
"Argh," he groaned, sitting up. "Where are my glasses?" he asked out loud.
"The same place your pride is, out on the sands of the arena, courtesy of Nine Hells."
Even without his glasses, Hedin recognized Allen standing over him with a smug grin on his face.
"Stop smiling," he demanded.
"Why should I? You were talking so much shit yesterday and now look at you. Completely humiliated by the Nine Hells. Freya-sama is going to skin you alive for this defeat," the catman said, smiling viciously.
A nervous tingle ran up the light elf's spine at the same time a sense of crushing failure filled his gut to bursting point. However, he wasn't about to let the beastman before him see that, and so simply intensified his glare.
"Now now, Allen, Hedin fought well."
Just like the day before, the two were instantly taking a knee and bowing as their goddess walked into the room.
"Freya-sama...I...I can't tell you how sorry I am for failing you," Hedin said, shaking with shame.
"Oh Hedin, don't be so glum. While, yes, I do expect victory from my familia you were facing a strong opponent who did the unexpected. However, I do expect you to correct this failure in the future."
"Of course, Freya-sama. I will not fail you again."
"I'm happy to hear that. You should also apologize to Allen, given your harsh words from yesterday."
Hedin bit his lip, but he wasn't about to deny his goddess, even had the situation been different.
"I apologize for the harsh words I said yesterday, Allen," he said.
"And what do you have to say in response to that, Allen?" Freya asked.
"Apology accepted," the catman responded immediately.
"Wonderful," Freya said. "Now that you two are on good terms again, here Hedin," Freya said, holding out a pair of new glasses.
"Thank you very much, Freya-sama," he said quickly, happily taking the glasses from her, adoration radiating off him.
"Of course, what kind of goddess would I be if I didn't look after my children?" she asked, before turning to leave. However, she stopped after a few steps and turned back to Hedin. "Though, I don't think Riveria will be accepting your proposal anytime soon," she stated, smiling teasingly before she departed.
Sitting down on the bench, Riveria let out a sigh of relief as the tension throughout her body was finally allowed to ease up.
I did it. I beat him. He no longer has a hold over me and I can move on to Achilles without regret, she thought, closing her eyes and smiling.
"E-Excuse me?"
Her eyes opened and she saw a young woman in front of her, looking very nervous. She looked very familiar and after a few moments, she remembered who it was.
"Cassandra Ilion, correct?" she asked.
The girl jumped and began to shake, but after a few moments, she nodded.
"Y-Yes. I-I'm helping the healers with the injured from the tournament," she explained.
"I see. Well, any help would be appreciated," the motherly elf replied.
"O-Of course!" Cassandra replied before getting to work.
Things were silent between them for a little while, Cassandra chanting and focusing on healing Riveria. However, said elf quickly took note of how the young woman would sneak glances at her and that these glances were filled with a deep worry.
"Is something wrong?" she finally asked.
Cassandra jumped again.
"N-N-No! N-Not at all!" she cried, but failed to sound even a little bit convincing.
"Cassandra-san, I know we don't know each other very well, but if there's something on your mind I'm happy to help if I can."
The poor girl didn't, or perhaps couldn't, manage a response for a while, but after some time and patience, she turned her unhidden eye towards the veteran adventurer.
"I-I had a dream about you," she admitted.
That was certainly surprising and Riveria wondered if she was about to be put into the situation of putting down some young woman's crush. However, this was not to be as Cassandra's voice turned serious and dark.
"You...you were holding a black sword and pointed it at a thunder cloud."
Riveria blinked.
"I...see," she replied, not knowing what else to say.
Things were silent for a moment, but then Cassandra looked her in the eyes.
"Please don't hurt Achilles Caesar."
Riveria nearly jumped at both the statement and the deadly seriousness it was said.
"Why would I hurt Achilles?" she asked, now a bit stunned.
Cassandra just stared at her, a previously unseen fire in her eyes.
"I believe that's what the dream means."
Riveria didn't respond for a time, and simply looked down at the girl. Finally though, she laughed.
"Is that what you're worried about, Cassandra? If that's the case, then I can assure you that there's nothing to worry about. I have absolutely no intention of hurting Achilles. He and I are very close and he's one of the very last people in the world I'd ever want to hurt, I assure you"
This did not seem to placate Cassandra, if anything it appeared to only make her sadder.
"I hope that's true," she said quietly. "Bell-san is a good person and I don't want him to suffer for any reason, especially not because he lost someone important to him."
Those were the last words she spoke as she turned and left immediately after.
"Strange girl," Riveria said out loud. "A good girl," she added with a smile. "But strange."
I'm really mean about cliff-hangers and teases aren't I? Haha, oh well, you'll all just have to get used to it.
Well, that's another one done. So what did you guys think? Like it? Hate it? Have some suggestions for me? I'm all ears.
Speaking of all ears, I have the tournament arc roughly planned out now, however I am still very open to hearing any suggestions for fights you might want to see. This includes OCs if you have one that you'd like to pair up against one of the characters, I'll just need some information on them and I'll see what I can do.
**Before we finished up, I wanted to make a note . On the matter of familia transfers, a lot of people have brought them up and while I understand why, I'm going to address it now and this will be the final time I will do so, so please pay attention. Alright, I, personally, do not remember seeing anything within the source materials that say you cannot transfer familia members without the other deity's permission. Indeed, with regards to Cassandra and Daphne, personally, I think Apollo would be a bit of a vindictive prick (he was referred to as 'petty') and not make his blessing transferrable, even though he was banished, meaning they should have been stuck if permission was required. Maybe there is some rule amongst the deities or maybe the Guild forced him to make them so before his banishment, but I certainly don't recall that being brought up. As such, for this story, it will be canon that a blessing can be transferred without permission, but it is considered extremely rude to do so.**
There, now with that out of the way, thank you all again for reading, I'll see you all for the next chapter. So, until then, bye for now.