The ballroom was alive with murmurs, a cacophony of whispers and gasps that swirled around the room like a storm. Apollo's declaration of a War Game against the Hestia Familia had sent shockwaves through the gathered adventurers and gods. But it was the icy chill that followed Leo's threat—his promise of a painful death to anyone who dared lay a hand on Bell—that truly silenced the room. The air felt heavy, suffocating, as if the very walls were holding their breath.
Apollo stood at the center of it all, his sickening smirk plastered across his face. His golden eyes gleamed with a twisted delight as he stared down at Bell, who stood frozen, his expression a mix of fear and helplessness. Hestia, her small frame trembling with barely contained rage, clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms. She wanted to scream, to lash out at the sleazy god who dared to threaten her children, but the smugness in his gaze left her momentarily speechless.
"You can't keep a cutie like him all to yourself, Hestia!" Apollo declared, his voice dripping with mock sweetness. A faint blush crept across his cheeks as his eyes lingered on Bell, his obsession laid bare for all to see.
Leo's blood boiled. His hands clenched into fists. His eyes, glowing like twin embers, narrowed into slits as the Nemean Lion's growl reverberated through his mind. The beast's voice was a low, guttural snarl, filled with a primal rage that mirrored Leo's own.
"This insolent worm dares to threaten our kin?" the Lion roared, its voice a thunderous echo in Leo's skull. "He stains the ground he walks on with his filth. Crush him. Tear him apart. Let him feel the wrath of the Nemean pride!"
Leo's jaw tightened as he fought to keep the Lion's fury in check. The beast's emotions bled into his own, a volatile mix of anger and protectiveness that threatened to consume him. He could feel the Lion's claws digging into the edges of his consciousness, urging him to act, to destroy. But Leo held firm, his voice cold and steady as he spoke.
"You'll regret this," Leo said, his tone low and dangerous. "If I catch a whiff of any of your familia near my brother or our party…" He paused, letting the weight of his words hang in the air like a guillotine poised to fall. The room seemed to grow colder, the lower-level adventurers shrinking back as Leo's aura—a suffocating mix of rage and power—washed over them. "They're as good as dead."
Hestia, her teeth still gritted, finally found her voice. "Is that what you were after from the start, you pervert?" she spat, her words laced with venom. Apollo chuckled, hugging himself as if her anger were a gift.
"How mean," he cooed, his voice dripping with false hurt. "And here I thought you and I were so deeply in love in Heaven…"
"Liar!" Hestia shot back, her glare sharp enough to cut through steel. "I turned you down and never looked back! This is a waste of time. We have no reason to accept a War Game." With that, she turned on her heel, her footsteps echoing in the now-silent room. "Let's go, Bell, Leo."
"R-Right…" Bell stammered, snapping out of his daze. He cast one last glance at Apollo before hurrying after Hestia, his steps hesitant but determined.
Leo, however, remained rooted in place. His glowing eyes never left Apollo, his gaze a silent promise of violence. The Nemean Lion's growl grew louder, a constant reminder of the power simmering beneath the surface. "Let me loose," the Lion demanded. "Let me show him the price of his arrogance."
But Leo held back. With one final glare, he turned and followed Hestia and Bell, his movements deliberate and measured. He lingered behind them, his senses on high alert, his body tense like a coiled spring. Every shadow, every whisper, was a potential threat. He wouldn't let his guard down—not here, not now.
As they approached the exit, Leo's eyes locked with Hyakinthos, the captain of the Apollo Familia. The man leaned casually against the wall, his arms crossed and a smirk playing on his lips. Time seemed to slow as their gazes met, a silent challenge passing between them. Hyakinthos's smirk widened, his confidence unshaken, but Leo's expression remained unreadable. The message was clear: This isn't over.
With a final, lingering look, Leo stepped through the doors and into the cool night air. The tension in his shoulders didn't ease, though. If anything, it grew heavier. The night had ended on a sour note, but Leo knew this was only the beginning. The War Game loomed on the horizon, and with it, the promise of bloodshed.
As they walked away from the banquet hall, Leo's mind raced. The Nemean Lion's presence was a constant weight, its growls a reminder of the power—and the danger—he carried within him. He glanced at Bell, his brother's face pale but determined, and felt a surge of protectiveness. No matter what, he would keep Bell safe. Even if it meant unleashing the beast within.
The morning sun crept through the cracked windows of their Familia home, casting long shadows across the worn stone walls. The events of Apollo's banquet weighed heavily on the air, an unshakable tension pressing down on the small room.
Leo sat on the edge of his bed, tightening the laces on his gauntlets, his fingers moving with practiced precision. His mind, however, was elsewhere—back in that opulent ballroom, watching Apollo's blissful, perverse gaze lingering on Bell. The mere memory sent a pulse of rage through his veins, the Nemean Lion within him stirring, growling its displeasure. He exhaled through his nose, willing himself to remain calm.
Bell, sitting across from him, finished tying his boots, his crimson eyes flicking toward their small goddess, who stood in quiet thought.
"War Games are duels between Familias, right?" Bell asked, breaking the silence.
Hestia flinched slightly, as if she had been far away in her thoughts, but quickly composed herself. Her expression was uncharacteristically serious.
"Yeah," she confirmed, her voice holding an edge of frustration. "You decide on all the rules and then have an all-out fight. The winner takes everything the loser has—children, money, property, even their pride!"
She clenched her fists. "That bastard Apollo knows you two are the only ones in my Familia. That's why he's doing this."
Bell smiled reassuringly, standing and adjusting his equipment. "We'll be fine, Goddess," he said softly.
Leo gave a small smirk, hoping to ease her nerves. "Today, Bell and I are heading into the Dungeon with Welf and Lili. We'll come right back after finishing."
Hestia's lips pressed into a thin line, but she nodded, forcing a smile. "Okay… I'll leave work early too. Let's get some rest this evening."
Leo returned her smile. It was small, but genuine.
For a moment, things felt normal.
Then—
He opened the front door.
His breath hitched.
A crowd.
People completely surrounded their home—dozens of adventurers, all clad in the Apollo Familia's colors. At the head of the group, a man with a red scarf that wrapped around his lower face stood with an arm raised. His expression was unreadable beneath the fabric, but his intent was crystal clear.
He dropped his hand.
The world ignited.
Fireballs. Dozens of them.
"BELL, HESTIA—GET DOWN!"
Leo didn't hesitate. He shoved Bell and Hestia backward into the house, throwing himself in front of the barrage.
The first explosion ripped through the wooden doorway, fire swallowing the entrance. The force sent a shockwave through the church, shaking the foundation as flames and splinters tore through the air. Bell barely managed to grab Hestia and dive deeper inside, rolling to shield her from the debris.
The front of their home—gone.
Smoke choked the air, thick and suffocating. Bell coughed violently, blinking through the haze.
"Leo…?" he rasped, searching frantically through the smoke.
A second later, a figure burst through the thick fog—
And grabbed them both.
Before Bell could even react, he felt himself being yanked off the ground, Hestia clutched tightly against him. Leo's form was barely visible through the haze, but Bell could see the sheer power behind his movements.
Leo sprinted through the house, the world a blur around them. Then—
CRASH!
Leo rammed his shoulder through the back door, shattering it to splinters as they tumbled outside.
Bell groaned, rolling onto his back, his vision spinning. Hestia clung to him, her tiny hands grasping his coat, her breath uneven from the sheer chaos of the attack.
Leo sat up first, his breathing heavy, his muscles trembling with adrenaline.
"Are you two okay?" he asked, his voice rough but urgent.
Bell nodded, still catching his breath. "Y-Yeah," he managed, before turning to Hestia, who looked shaken but unharmed.
"That Apollo bastard!" Hestia snapped, fury in her blue eyes. "He just—he just decided to start smashing up our home?! He didn't even wait for the War Game to begin!"
Bell looked back toward the smoking ruins of their church, his stomach twisting at the sight. His home—his first real home—reduced to ashes.
"…Is this…?" Bell trailed off, his voice weak.
Leo stood, his hands clenching into tight fists. A growl rumbled deep in his chest, low and dangerous.
"Apollo…" he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
His shoulders shook.
His fingers twitched.
His pupils sharpened.
"I'll kill him…"
His voice was different.
Deeper. Darker.
The Nemean Lion stirred, its rage melding with his own.
Hestia shot up, alarmed. "Leo! No—don't let it take over!"
But before anyone could say more—
"Here they come, Bell! Leo!"
Hestia pointed to the rooftops.
Three adventurers from Apollo's Familia leapt from the burning ruins, weapons drawn—
Two wielded battle axes, the other a saber and estoc. Their expressions were predatory, their gazes locked on the Cranel twins as they descended.
"Kill them both," one growled.
Leo exhaled.
A slow breath.
The Lion roared.
And then—
They blinked.
By the time they realized what had happened—
It was already over.
Leo moved faster than their eyes could track.
One moment, he stood in front of Bell—
The next—
Blood filled the air.
The first man's throat was ripped open before his feet touched the ground, his axe clattering uselessly beside his falling corpse.
The second barely had time to register his comrade's death before Leo's clawed fingers plunged into his chest—
A wet crunch.
His eyes went wide, mouth parting in a silent scream as crimson sprayed across the grass.
The third attacker froze.
Too slow.
Leo's head snapped toward him, his glowing red eyes inhuman.
In a blink, he moved.
A flash of motion—
A wet gurgle.
The third man staggered, his sword slipping from his grasp as a deep, jagged wound carved across his throat. His body trembled, knees buckling as he collapsed into the dirt, twitching.
Then—
Stillness.
Silence.
The three corpses hit the ground in eerie unison, their blood pooling into the grass.
Leo exhaled sharply.
His hands—his claws—dripped with fresh crimson, the scent of iron thick in the air.
The Nemean Lion purred in satisfaction.
Bell took a step back. "L-Leo…"
Hestia swallowed hard, her face pale.
Leo let out a slow, controlled breath.
Then—he wiped the blood from his claws on his coat, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the lingering rush of battle.
His eyes flicked to Bell, still burning with restrained fury.
"Let's move," he said, his voice low.
Bell hesitated—before nodding.
Without another word, they disappeared into the shadows, leaving only the bodies of their would-be assassins in their wake.
Bell sprinted through the narrow alleys of Orario, Hestia clutched tightly against his chest. His breaths came in quick, ragged gasps, his heart pounding like a drum in his ears. Beside him, Leo moved like a shadow, his glowing eyes scanning their surroundings with predatory focus. The tension in the air was palpable, every corner a potential ambush, every shadow a lurking threat.
"I can't believe they're attacking us in the middle of town!" Bell exclaimed, his voice strained as he dodged a loose cobblestone. The city, usually bustling with life, felt eerily empty—as if the world itself had paused to witness their struggle.
Leo's sharp gaze snapped forward, and his body tensed like a coiled spring. Three members of the Apollo Familia stood ahead, their weapons drawn and eyes gleaming with malice. They were blocking the path, their intent clear: kill Leo and Hestia, and take Bell.
Without a word, Leo growled, a low, guttural sound that seemed to reverberate through the ground itself. His fingers flexed, the metal of his gauntlets shifting as sharp claws extended from his fingertips. The Nemean Lion's power surged through him, its primal rage merging with his own.
"Tear them apart," the Lion snarled in his mind, its voice a thunderous roar. "They dare stand in our way? Make them regret their insolence."
Leo's legs flexed, his muscles bulging as he launched himself forward with animalistic speed. The first attacker barely had time to raise his sword before Leo was upon him. His claws slashed through the air, a blur of silver and crimson, and the man's weapon shattered like glass. Leo's next strike was merciless—his claws tore through armor and flesh alike, leaving the man crumpled on the ground, lifeless.
The second attacker lunged at Leo, but he sidestepped with inhuman agility. His gauntleted fist slammed into the man's chest with a sickening crunch, sending him flying into a wall. The third, trembling with fear, tried to retreat, but Leo was already there. His claws pierced the man's shoulder, and with a brutal twist, he disarmed him. Leo's final strike was swift and decisive, his claws slicing through the man's throat.
The alley fell silent, save for the sound of Leo's heavy breathing and the faint drip of blood from his gauntlets. He stood over the fallen bodies, his glowing eyes narrowing as he scanned for more threats. The Nemean Lion's growl echoed in his mind, a satisfied rumble. "Good. Let them fear us."
Above them, storm clouds gathered, casting a dark shadow over the city. Thunder rumbled ominously, as if the heavens themselves were bearing witness to the violence below. Leo turned to Bell and Hestia, his expression unreadable but his voice firm. "Keep moving."
As they ran, a volley of arrows rained down from the rooftops. Leo slowed his pace, positioning himself behind Bell and Hestia to shield them. Arrows whizzed past, some grazing his arms and shoulders, but he barely flinched. The pain was nothing compared to the burning need to protect his family.
"Bell, head to the Guild! They can't get us there!" Hestia shouted, her voice trembling but determined.
"Right! Leo, keep up!" Bell called back, his agility allowing him to increase his speed. Leo growled in response, his legs flexing as the Nemean Lion's power surged through him. He matched Bell's pace effortlessly, his movements fluid and predatory.
The walls of the buildings blurred as they raced through the maze of alleys, but their escape was cut short by a dead end. Hestia's eyes widened in panic. "A dead end!?"
Bell tightened his grip on Hestia, his mind racing. "Hold on tight, goddess!" he exclaimed before crouching low and leaping onto the rooftop above. Leo followed, scaling the building with ease. As he reached the top, he saw Daphne and Cassandra standing before them, their expressions a mix of resolve and unease. Behind them, more Apollo Familia members waited, their weapons at the ready.
Daphne placed a hand on her hip, her tone almost pitying. "You should give up. Once Apollo takes a liking to a child, he'll follow them to the ends of the earth. That's how it was with Cassandra and me…" Her voice trailed off, her gaze distant as unpleasant memories surfaced. "From city to city, country to country… until we gave in. He followed us everywhere."
Leo stepped in front of Bell, his glowing eyes softening slightly as he looked at Daphne and Cassandra. He understood their plight, but his loyalty to his brother and goddess was unwavering.
"Would you surrender?" Daphne asked, her voice quieter now. "I don't want to hurt someone who's going to join us."
Bell clenched his fists, his mind replaying Apollo's war game declaration. If he surrendered, Leo would be left alone—overwhelmed, humiliated, and executed. He couldn't let that happen.
"I can't," Bell said firmly, his voice carrying a quiet resolve.
A brief silence fell over the rooftop, broken only by the distant rumble of thunder. Daphne sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Yeah, of course not." Her demeanor shifted abruptly, her voice hardening as she raised her hand. "Get them!"
The Apollo Familia members leapt into action, their weapons gleaming in the dim light. Leo roared, a sound so deep and primal it seemed to shake the very air. He shoved Bell and Hestia behind him, his body moving with lethal precision. His claws tore through armor and flesh, his strikes brutal and unrelenting. The rooftop became a battlefield, the air filled with the sounds of clashing metal, pained cries, and the Lion's growls.
Daphne and Cassandra watched in stunned silence, their expressions a mix of fear and awe. Leo moved like a force of nature, his every movement calculated and devastating. By the time the last attacker fell, the rooftop was littered with bodies, and Leo stood amidst the carnage, his chest heaving and his gauntlets dripping with blood.
"Leo!" Bell called, his voice cutting through the chaos. "We need to go!"
Leo nodded, his glowing eyes meeting Bell's for a brief moment before they leapt off the rooftop and into the alley below. Daphne and Cassandra remained behind, the former trembling slightly as she processed what she had just witnessed.
"He's fast… and the other one kept his word," Daphne muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "He killed them violently. It's a waste of time, though… they should just give up."
Cassandra, who had been quiet until now, looked at Daphne with wide, fearful eyes. "Um… Daphne? It feels like it's not a good idea to mess with them, especially the angry one…"
Daphne raised an eyebrow, already anticipating Cassandra's next words. "What? Another prophetic dream?"
Cassandra nodded, her hands clutching her staff tightly. "I… I saw it. Blood everywhere. The twins… they were fighting Apollo, but it wasn't just a battle. It was… a massacre. And Leo… he—" She hesitated, her voice trembling. "He was like a beast, but… something happened. Something terrible. We shouldn't keep pursuing them. It's not worth it."
Daphne sighed, patting Cassandra on the shoulder. "Right, right. Stop being silly, and let's follow them." She hopped off the rooftop, her tone dismissive but her steps hesitant.
Cassandra huffed, her worry evident. "Why won't you believe me?" she whispered before following Daphne, her heart heavy with the weight of her vision.
Word spread through Orario like wildfire. The Apollo Familia was attacking the Hestia Familia. The news reached every corner of the city, from the bustling marketplaces to the quiet backstreets. For those who knew Bell and Leo, the news was met with shock, anger, and a desperate desire to help—even if they couldn't intervene.
Hostess of Fertility
The Hostess of Fertility was unusually quiet, the usual laughter and chatter replaced by a tense silence. Syr stood behind the counter, her hands gripping the edge so tightly her knuckles turned white. Her usual cheerful demeanor was gone, replaced by a look of deep concern.
"Syr…" Anya whispered, her voice trembling. "Do you think Bell and Leo are okay?"
Syr didn't answer immediately. Her mind was racing, images of Bell's kind smile and Leo's protective presence flashing before her eyes. She had always admired Bell's determination and Leo's strength, and the thought of them in danger made her chest ache.
"They have to be," Syr finally said, her voice firm but laced with worry. "Leo wouldn't let anything happen to Bell… or Hestia."
Chloe, who had been quietly polishing a glass, set it down with a sharp clink. "That idiot better not get himself killed," she muttered, though her usual sarcasm was undercut by the fear in her eyes. "He's too stubborn to die, right?"
Ryuu, who had been standing by the window, turned to face the others. Her expression was calm, but her fists were clenched at her sides. She had grown close to Leo over time, their shared moments of quiet understanding forging a bond she rarely allowed herself to feel. The thought of him fighting alone, surrounded by enemies, made her stomach churn.
"We should do something," Ryuu said, her voice low but urgent. "We can't just stand here."
Mama Mia, who had been listening quietly, stepped forward. Her usual stern expression softened as she placed a hand on Ryuu's shoulder. "I know you want to help, but this is between familias. If we interfere, it'll only make things worse for them."
Ryuu's jaw tightened, but she nodded reluctantly. She knew Mia was right, but it didn't make the helplessness any easier to bear.
Loki Familia
In the Loki Familia's meeting room, the atmosphere was equally tense. Finn, the captain, sat at the head of the table, his usual calm demeanor replaced by a rare frown. The news of the attack had just reached them, and the room was buzzing with unease.
Tione burst through the doors, her chest heaving as she delivered the news. "Apollo's goons are attacking the Hestia Familia! Bell and Leo are in trouble!"
The room erupted into murmurs, but Finn raised a hand to silence them. "We can't get involved," he said firmly. "This is a matter between familias. If we interfere, it could escalate the situation."
Ais, who had been sitting quietly, clenched her fists in her lap. Her usual stoic expression faltered, a flicker of anger and worry crossing her face. She had grown fond of Bell, his determination reminding her of her own quest for strength. And Leo… she respected him. He was strong, kind, and fiercely protective of those he cared about. The thought of them being hunted like prey made her blood boil.
"But they're our friends," Tiona protested, her usual cheerful demeanor replaced by frustration. "We can't just sit here and do nothing!"
Riveria, who had been quietly listening, sighed. Her feelings for Leo were complicated—she admired his courage and strength, and the thought of him in danger stirred emotions she rarely allowed herself to feel. "Finn is right," she said reluctantly. "Interfering would only make things worse for them."
Gareth, who had been leaning against the wall, crossed his arms and frowned. "Leo's a good lad," he said gruffly. "He's got more courage than most adventurers twice his age. It's a damn shame we can't help him."
Tione slammed her fist on the table, her frustration boiling over. "This is ridiculous! They're outnumbered and outmatched! If we don't do something, they're going to—"
"Enough," Finn interrupted, his voice firm but not unkind. "I understand how you feel, but we can't risk starting a war between familias. The best thing we can do is trust that Bell and Leo will find a way to survive."
The room fell silent, the weight of Finn's words settling over them. Ais stood abruptly, her golden eyes flashing with determination. "I'm going to the dungeon," she said, her voice quiet but resolute. "If they make it out of this… they'll need allies."
Finn nodded, understanding her unspoken message. "Just… be careful."
Elsewhere In Orario
Freya, watching from the shadows, felt a flicker of interest. She had always been drawn to Bell's pure soul, but Leo's strength and determination had caught her attention as well. "What will you do, little lions?" she murmured, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Will you survive this trial… or will you fall?"
Bell's chest heaved as he disarmed another Apollo Familia member, his dagger clattering to the ground as the man slumped unconscious. The weight of his armor felt like a prison, the heat and exhaustion making every movement a struggle. It felt like they had been dungeon diving for weeks, the relentless pursuit draining them both physically and mentally.
Nearby, Leo had an Apollo member by the throat, the man thrashing wildly as Leo's glowing eyes bore into him. The Nemean Lion's growl echoed in Leo's mind, its rage fueling his own. "You destroy our home… and worst of all, try to kill our goddess?!" Leo roared, his voice a thunderous blend of fury and pain. The man's struggles grew weaker, his face turning pale as Leo's grip tightened.
Bell stepped forward, placing a hand on Leo's shoulder and giving it a firm squeeze. "He's beaten, let him go. This isn't you, Leo. I know you," Bell said, his voice steady but laced with concern.
Leo's glowing eyes flicked to Bell, the Lion's influence momentarily receding. He nodded slowly, releasing the man, who crumpled to the ground, gasping for air. But before the man could recover, Leo's boot slammed into his face, knocking him out cold. Leo's chest rose and fell with heavy breaths, his fists still clenched.
"After today… you might see me in a different light," Leo said, his voice low and somber. He turned to Bell and Hestia, his expression a mix of guilt and resolve. "I've taken lives today. That's not something I can take back. But if it means sending a message—if it means keeping you two safe—then I'll gladly bloody my hands. Your safety… your smiles… that's all that matters to me."
Hestia's eyes filled with tears as she looked at Leo, her small hands trembling. "I'm sorry for slowing you two down… it's my fault you had to go with the most extreme method, Leo…" she said, her voice breaking.
Leo was about to respond when his sharp instincts kicked in. He yanked Hestia behind him just as an arrow whizzed past, deflecting it with his gauntlet. The sound of more arrows being nocked echoed in the distance. "We need to move. Now," Leo said, his tone urgent.
Bell grabbed Hestia's hand, and the three of them took off, Leo falling into position behind them to shield them from any further attacks. "It's not your fault, Goddess!" Bell said, his voice firm despite his exhaustion. "This is out of your control."
As they rounded another corner, Bell skidded to a halt, his heart sinking as he recognized the figure blocking their path. Without hesitation, he shifted his body and tossed Hestia into a small alcove, shielding her from the impending danger. Leo stopped beside him, his glowing eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation.
Hyakinthos stood before them, his ruby-red zigzagged blade gleaming in the dim light. The Apollo Familia captain smirked, his confidence unnerving. "I'm impressed you made it this far, Bell Cranel. Rejoice. I shall fight you personally," he said, his tone dripping with mockery.
Before Leo could step in, a group of Apollo members dropped from the rooftops, surrounding them. Leo growled, his body tensing as he prepared for the fight. "Damn it. Bell, can you handle Hyakinthos?" Leo asked, his voice low but steady.
Bell swallowed hard, his grip tightening on his dagger. "Yeah…" he said, though his voice wavered slightly.
Leo nodded, his glowing eyes locking onto the Apollo members. "Then let's end this."
With a roar, Leo launched himself at the nearest attacker, his movements a blur of speed and precision. His gauntlets tore through armor and flesh, his strikes brutal and unrelenting. The Nemean Lion's influence was evident in every move, his attacks fueled by a primal rage. But even as he fought, Leo's eyes kept darting to Bell, his concern for his brother never wavering.
Bell, meanwhile, was struggling against Hyakinthos. The captain's speed was inhuman, his blade a crimson blur as it sliced through the air. Bell barely managed to block each strike, his arms trembling under the force. Hyakinthos smirked, toying with him, his blade leaving shallow cuts across Bell's arms and torso.
"Is this all you've got, little rabbit?" Hyakinthos taunted, his voice dripping with amusement. "I expected more from the boy who defeated a Minotaur."
Bell gritted his teeth, his vision blurring as blood dripped from his wounds. He couldn't attack—he could only defend, each strike pushing him closer to his limit. But he refused to give up. He had to hold on. For Leo. For Hestia. For his familia.
Hestia watched from the alcove, her hands pressed to her mouth as tears streamed down her face. The sight of Bell's blood staining his armor was too much to bear. "Bell!" she screamed, her voice filled with desperation and fear.
The sound of her cry echoed through the alley, a heartbreaking reminder of the stakes. Leo's head snapped toward Bell, his heart pounding as he saw his brother's condition. "Bell!" he shouted, his voice raw with emotion. But before he could reach him, another wave of Apollo members closed in, forcing Leo to focus on the fight in front of him.
Eina burst through the doors of Royman's office, her breath coming in short, panicked gasps. Her usually composed demeanor was shattered, replaced by a frantic urgency that made her chest ache. The news of the Apollo Familia's attack on the Hestia Familia had spread like wildfire, and her mind was consumed with worry—especially for Leo. She couldn't shake the image of him fighting alone, surrounded by enemies, his glowing eyes filled with determination and rage.
Royman, the head of the Orario Guild, sat at his desk with an air of calm indifference. He sipped his tea leisurely, the steam curling upward in delicate wisps, as if the chaos outside his office didn't exist. The contrast between his tranquility and Eina's distress was jarring.
"Sir!" Eina exclaimed, her voice trembling with urgency. "I just got word that the Apollo Familia is attacking the Hestia Familia in the middle of the city! We need to stop them immediately!"
Royman didn't look up from his tea. He took another slow sip, the clink of the cup against the saucer echoing in the otherwise silent room. Eina's hands clenched at her sides, her nails digging into her palms as she fought to keep her composure.
"Please, send a message to the Apollo Familia now!" she pleaded, her voice rising in desperation. "Tell them that combat in the middle of the city will be punished! We can't just stand by and let this happen!"
Finally, Royman set his tea down with deliberate slowness, the cup clinking softly against the saucer. He picked up a document from his desk, examining it through a magnifying glass as if it were the most important thing in the world. His voice, when he spoke, was calm and measured, infuriatingly so.
"There's no point," he said, his tone dismissive. "Any fine we'd levy, they're prepared to pay it."
Eina's eyes widened in disbelief. "But the Hestia Familia is under attack right now!" she insisted, her voice cracking with emotion. "Bell and Leo—they're outnumbered and outmatched! If we don't do something, they could—"
Royman sighed, lowering the document and finally meeting Eina's gaze. His expression was one of weary resignation, as if he'd had this conversation a thousand times before. "Eina," he said, his voice firm but not unkind, "there are still limits to how much the Guild can intervene. This is a matter between familias. If we step in, it could escalate the situation further."
Eina's shoulders slumped, her frustration and helplessness threatening to overwhelm her. She looked down at the floor, her vision blurring as tears welled up in her eyes. Her fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white, her mind racing with images of Leo and Bell fighting for their lives.
"Leo…" she whispered, his name slipping out like a prayer. Her heart ached with a fear she couldn't shake—the fear of losing him, of never seeing his determined smile or hearing his reassuring voice again. She had always admired his strength and kindness, and the thought of him being hurt—or worse—was unbearable.
Royman watched her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, with a quiet sigh, he returned to his document, his magnifying glass glinting in the light. The room fell silent once more, the weight of Eina's helplessness pressing down on her like a suffocating blanket.
Bell's chest heaved as he clutched his arm, blood dripping from the numerous cuts that marred his body. Each wound stung sharply, a cruel reminder of Hyakinthos's taunting precision. The Apollo Familia captain had played with him like a cat with a mouse, his blade slicing just deep enough to hurt but not incapacitate. Bell's vision blurred slightly from the pain, but he refused to give up. He couldn't. Not while Leo was still fighting. Not while Hestia was still in danger.
Leo, having just knocked out the last of the attackers, turned to see his brother staggering, blood staining his armor. The sight made Leo's blood boil, a surge of rage coursing through him. The Nemean Lion's growl echoed in his mind, its primal fury urging him to tear Hyakinthos apart. But Leo held his composure, his glowing eyes narrowing as he stepped forward, his gauntlets gleaming in the dim light.
"I hate you so much for being the object of Apollo's affections," Hyakinthos said, his voice dripping with disdain. "But this is my master's wish. I will allow you to join our glorious familia."
Bell growled, his grip tightening on his daggers. With a roar, he launched himself at Hyakinthos, his movements fueled by desperation and rage. But the Apollo captain merely smirked, his inhuman speed allowing him to vanish before Bell's blades could find their mark.
"Too slow…" Hyakinthos taunted, reappearing behind Bell in a blur of motion. His blade slashed through the air, cutting a deep gash across Bell's chest from his stomach to his right shoulder. Bell cried out, the pain searing through him as he collapsed to the ground, blood pooling beneath him.
"A rabbit shouldn't try to howl…" Hyakinthos sneered, his voice cold and venomous. He stepped closer, his smirk widening as he watched Bell struggle to rise. "You're out of your league, little rabbit."
Before Hyakinthos could deliver another blow, Leo was there. His gauntleted fist slammed into the Apollo captain's blade with a deafening clang, the force of the impact sending sparks flying. Leo's glowing eyes burned with fury as he stepped between Hyakinthos and his fallen brother.
"You'll regret touching him," Leo growled, his voice low and dangerous. The Nemean Lion's roar echoed in his mind, its rage merging with his own.
Hyakinthos smirked, his blade gleaming as he shifted into a fighting stance. "Let's see if you can back up those words, boy."
The fight that followed was brutal and chaotic. Leo moved with a ferocity that belied his level, his strikes powerful and precise. But Hyakinthos was faster, his blade a crimson blur as it sliced through the air. Leo took hit after hit, blood streaming from cuts on his arms and torso, but he refused to back down. Every time Hyakinthos tried to get closer to Bell, Leo was there, blocking his path with a snarl.
"Hestia!" Leo shouted, his voice raw with urgency. "Take Bell and run! Now!"
Hestia, who had been watching in horror, hesitated for a moment before rushing to Bell's side. Her small hands trembled as she helped him to his feet, her heart breaking at the sight of his injuries. "Come on, Bell," she whispered, her voice choked with tears. "We have to go."
Bell groaned in pain but nodded, leaning heavily on Hestia as they stumbled away from the fight. Leo watched them out of the corner of his eye, relief flooding him as they disappeared around the corner of an alley. Now, he could focus on the fight.
Hyakinthos laughed, his blade slashing through the air as he pressed his advantage. "You're outmatched, boy. Give up while you still can."
Leo didn't respond. Instead, he launched himself at Hyakinthos with a roar, his gauntlets slamming into the captain's blade with enough force to make him stagger. The two clashed again and again, their movements a blur of violence and desperation. Leo's body screamed in protest, his wounds burning with every movement, but he pushed through the pain. He had to protect Bell. He had to protect Hestia.
As the fight raged on, more Apollo Familia members appeared, surrounding Leo with weapons drawn. Blood dripped from his wounds, staining the ground beneath him, but Leo only smirked. His glowing eyes scanned the crowd, a crazed battle grin spreading across his face.
"Come on, then!" Leo roared, his voice echoing through the alley. "Let's see if you can take me down!"
The Apollo members hesitated for a moment, unnerved by the feral look in Leo's eyes. But then they charged, their weapons gleaming in the dim light. Leo met them head-on, his gauntlets slamming into bodies and weapons alike. The Nemean Lion's power surged through him, its primal rage fueling his every move. He fought like a beast, his strikes wild and unrelenting, his roars filling the air.
Hyakinthos watched from the sidelines, his smirk fading as he saw Leo tear through his men. "Impressive," he muttered, though there was a hint of unease in his voice. "But even you can't keep this up forever."
Leo didn't care. He didn't care about the pain, the blood, or the odds stacked against him. All that mattered was buying time for Bell and Hestia to escape. As the last of his strength began to wane, Leo let out one final roar, the Nemean Lion's power surging through him one last time. His fists flew wildly, his movements becoming more animalistic as he gave in to the beast within.
Hyakinthos smirked at seeing Leo fight tooth and nail, his gaze was drawn past him and down the alley where Bell and Hestia had disappeared.
"Well, whatever. They won't be able to run any further." Hyakinthos said as he walked away to leave his familia to deal with Leo.
Hestia supported Bell as they limped down the alley, his breathing ragged and his body trembling from the pain of his injuries. Blood dripped from his wounds, staining the ground beneath them, but Bell's mind was elsewhere. The distant roar of Leo echoed through the city, a feral, animalistic sound that sent a chill down Bell's spine. He cursed himself under his breath, guilt gnawing at him for leaving his brother behind.
"I'm sorry, Leo…" Bell whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of their hurried footsteps.
Hestia came to a stop, gently lowering Bell against a wall. Her hands trembled as she brushed his blood-matted hair from his face, her eyes filled with worry. "Bell, are you okay? Hang in there," she said, her voice soft but urgent.
Bell groaned, the stinging pain from his wounds making it hard to focus. "I'm… sorry, goddess…" he murmured, his voice weak. "I couldn't protect Leo… I couldn't—"
Before he could finish, his adventurer senses flared. The faint crackle of electricity reached his ears, and his head snapped up just in time to see the elven man with the red scarf standing on a nearby rooftop, a ball of pure lightning forming in his hands. Bell's eyes widened in panic.
"Hestia, move!" Bell shouted, grabbing the goddess and pulling her to the ground just as the lightning blast struck the wall behind them. The explosion sent debris flying, the force of the impact knocking the breath from Bell's lungs. When the dust settled, the wall was reduced to rubble.
The Apollo Familia members descended from the rooftop, their weapons drawn and their eyes locked on Bell and Hestia. Bell struggled to his feet, his body screaming in protest as he positioned himself protectively in front of Hestia. His mind raced, dark thoughts creeping in as he realized how dire the situation was.
"At this rate…" Bell muttered, his voice trembling. But before despair could fully take hold, a familiar voice cut through the tension.
"Looks like you're having a good time," Ouka said, his tone calm but laced with determination. Bell turned to see the Takemikazuchi Familia standing behind the Apollo attackers, their weapons at the ready. Ouka's large axe rested on his shoulders, while Mikoto and Chigusa stood beside him, their hands gripping their weapons tightly.
"Let us join the fun," Ouka added, his voice firm.
The elven man sneered, his eyes narrowing as he glared at the newcomers. "You would oppose the Apollo Familia?" he spat, his voice filled with anger.
Mikoto stepped forward, her katana gleaming as she pointed it at the elven man. "We can't abandon our allies in their hour of need!" she declared, her voice steady and resolute.
Ouka raised his axe, his expression serious. "Let's go!" he shouted, charging at the Apollo Familia members with Mikoto and Chigusa close behind.
The clash was immediate and chaotic. Ouka's axe slammed into an attacker's shield with a deafening clang, while Mikoto's katana flashed through the air, deflecting blows with precision. Chigusa moved with agility, her strikes quick and calculated. Their goal was clear: stall the Apollo Familia long enough for Bell and Hestia to escape.
Bell watched in shock, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Ouka… Mikoto…" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
"Bell!" Lili's voice called out, snapping him back to reality. He turned to see Lili, Welf, and Miach running toward him, their faces filled with concern.
"Are you okay, Bell? Where's Leo?" Welf asked, his eyes scanning the area for the other Cranel twin.
Bell's mind was a whirlwind of emotions, the events of the day overwhelming him. "Welf? Lili?" he asked, his voice shaky.
Lili knelt beside him, her small hands trembling as she checked his injuries. "You're hurt…" she said, her voice filled with worry.
Hestia's eyes widened as she noticed Miach holding a small vial. "Miach!? What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice a mix of surprise and relief.
The kind god smiled gently, popping the cork on the vial and splashing the liquid onto Bell's wounds. Instantly, the pain subsided, and Bell felt his strength returning. "I heard all the fuss and went to Takemikazuchi's place to get help," Miach explained. "I'm glad we made it. Bell, where's Leo?"
Bell's expression darkened, his fists clenching at his sides. "He stayed back so I could escape with goddess… h-he's been fighting non-stop since the Apollo Familia attacked us," Bell said, his voice filled with anger and guilt.
As if to confirm his words, a loud roar echoed through the city, followed by Leo's voice shouting profanities. "Is this all you've got, Apollo scum?! You're weak! I can do this all day!" Leo's voice was raw and feral, a testament to the Nemean Lion's influence. Then, as if sensing Bell's presence, Leo's voice carried through the chaos once more. "Bell! Get out of here! I'll catch up with you in a bit!"
Bell gritted his teeth, his heart aching at the sound of his brother's voice. Lili gently placed a hand on his wrist, her touch grounding him. "Let's escape," she said softly.
The sound of metal clashing against metal drew Bell's attention back to the fight. Mikoto, Chigusa, and Ouka were still holding their ground, their movements a blur of determination and skill. Welf placed a hand on Bell's shoulder, his expression serious. "Let them handle it," he said. "We need to go."
Before Bell could argue, the distant shouts of more Apollo Familia members echoed down the alley. "There he is! The Little Rookie!" a voice shouted, snapping Bell out of his thoughts.
Miach gave Bell a gentle push. "There's no time. Go!" he urged, his voice calm but firm.
"Sir Bell!" Mikoto called out, her voice cutting through the chaos. "We'll hold them off! Go!"
Bell hesitated for a moment, his heart torn between staying to fight and ensuring Hestia's safety. But the urgency in his friends' voices spurred him into action. "Thank you, everyone!" he shouted, his voice filled with gratitude.
With Welf, Lili, and Hestia by his side, Bell turned and ran down the alley, the sounds of battle fading behind them. His mind raced with worry for Leo, but he knew he had to trust his brother. For now, their survival was the priority.
Leo's chest heaved as he stood amidst the chaos, his body battered and bloodied but his spirit unbroken. The alley around him was littered with the unconscious forms of Apollo Familia members, their weapons scattered like broken toys. But for every one he defeated, two more seemed to take their place. His glowing eyes, a testament to the Nemean Lion's influence, scanned the crowd of enemies closing in on him. Blood dripped from a gash on his forehead, staining his face and blurring his vision. His arms and torso were crisscrossed with cuts, each one a reminder of the relentless fight he'd been waging for what felt like an eternity.
The Nemean Lion's growl echoed in his mind, its voice a mix of pride and concern. "You've done enough, cub. You've pushed past your limits. Retreat now, or you'll fall."
Leo clenched his fists, his gauntlets slick with blood. "I can't…" he muttered through gritted teeth. "Not yet. Not while Bell and Hestia are still in danger."
"You've bought them time," the Lion insisted, its tone firm but not unkind. "But even a lion knows when to retreat. Live to fight another day."
Leo's glowing eyes flicked to the approaching Apollo members, their weapons gleaming in the dim light. He knew the Lion was right. He was exhausted, his body screaming in protest with every movement. But the thought of Bell and Hestia—of his familia—kept him standing.
With a roar, Leo lunged at the nearest attacker, his gauntleted fist slamming into the man's chest with enough force to send him flying into a group of his comrades. The impact knocked them all to the ground, their cries of pain echoing through the alley. Leo didn't wait to see if they got up. He turned and ran, his enhanced speed carrying him through the maze of alleys like a shadow.
"He's getting away!" one of the Apollo members shouted, his voice filled with frustration. "After him!"
But Leo was already gone, his movements a blur as he darted through the narrow streets. His heart pounded in his chest, each beat a reminder of the toll the fight had taken on him. He didn't stop until he found a secluded alcove, hidden from prying eyes. Slumping against the wall, Leo gasped for air, his body trembling from exhaustion.
His mind raced with worry for Bell and Hestia. Were they safe? Had they made it to the Guild? He clenched his fists, the guilt of leaving them gnawing at him. But he knew he couldn't rush back out there—not in his current state. He had to recover, even if just for a moment.
Leo's hands shook as he reached for the hem of his undershirt, tearing it into strips with a grunt of effort. The fabric was stained with blood, but it would have to do. He pressed the makeshift bandages against his wounds, hissing through his teeth as the pain flared. Each cut stung sharply, the cold air biting at his exposed skin, but he forced himself to focus. He had to stop the bleeding. He had to survive.
As he worked, the Nemean Lion's voice returned, softer this time. "You've fought well, cub. But remember, even the strongest lion must rest. You cannot protect them if you fall."
Leo's hands stilled for a moment, his glowing eyes narrowing as he processed the Lion's words. "I know…" he whispered, his voice hoarse. "But I can't stop. Not yet."
"You're not stopping," the Lion replied, its tone gentle but firm. "You're regrouping. There's no shame in retreating when the odds are against you. Your brother and goddess need you alive, not dead."
Leo sighed, leaning his head back against the wall as he finished bandaging his wounds. The Lion was right, as much as he hated to admit it. He had to be smart about this. He couldn't let his rage and pride cloud his judgment.
The distant sound of footsteps reached his ears, snapping him out of his thoughts. His body tensed, ready to fight again, but the footsteps faded as the Apollo members moved on. Leo let out a shaky breath, his shoulders slumping in relief.
"Bell… Hestia…" he murmured, his voice barely audible. "Please be safe…"
For now, all he could do was wait and recover. But the moment he was able, he would find them. No matter what it took.
Bell, Hestia, Lili, and Welf sprinted down the narrow alleyway, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestones. The distant sounds of chaos and pursuit spurred them forward, their breaths coming in ragged gasps. Hestia clung tightly to Bell's hand, her small frame struggling to keep up with his pace. Despite the exhaustion and fear, her determination to reach the Guild kept her moving.
"Bell, we're a long way from the Guild," Hestia said between breaths, her voice strained but resolute. "Head north!"
Bell nodded, his sharp instincts guiding him as he turned down another alley. But his heart sank as he skidded to a halt, his eyes widening at the sight of more Apollo Familia members blocking their path. Welf and Lili stopped beside him, their expressions hardening as they assessed the situation.
Welf stepped forward, his large sword resting on his shoulder. His usual laid-back demeanor was gone, replaced by a steely resolve. "We'll handle them," he said, his voice firm and unwavering.
Lili stepped up beside him, her wrist crossbow already loaded and ready. "You head to the Guild!" she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "We'll follow you when we finish up here!"
Bell hesitated, his fists clenching at his sides. He had already left Leo behind, and the thought of abandoning Welf and Lili too was almost too much to bear. "But…" he started, his voice filled with reluctance.
"Just go!" Welf snapped, his eyes never leaving the approaching Apollo members. He reached for his sword, the blade gleaming in the dim light. "We've got this."
Hestia, sensing Bell's inner turmoil, gently grabbed his hand. "Thanks! We're counting on you!" she said, her voice filled with gratitude and urgency. She tugged at his hand, pulling him away from the impending fight.
Bell allowed himself to be dragged, his eyes lingering on Welf and Lili as they prepared to face the Apollo Familia. The guilt of leaving them behind gnawed at him, but he knew they were right. They had to reach the Guild.
Welf tightened his grip on his sword, his smirk returning as he faced the Apollo members. "Li'l Lili, back me up!" he declared, his voice filled with confidence.
"I know!" Lili shot back, her tone teasing but her eyes sharp with focus. "But you're sure you're okay without Bell or Leo, right?"
Welf charged forward, his sword swinging in a wide arc. The sheer weight of the blade sent a spear-wielding man flying, his body slamming into a nearby wall with a sickening crunch. "Yeah. Right now, I'm…" Welf said, his smirk widening as he turned to face the next attacker. "Probably pretty strong!"
Two Apollo members tried to slip past Welf and Lili, their eyes locked on Bell and Hestia as they fled. Lili's sharp instincts kicked in, and she gave chase, her small frame moving with surprising agility. She used her Level 1 abilities to hop between the walls, scaling the side of a building with ease.
"Stay focused, Li'l Lili!" Welf shouted after her, his voice carrying over the clashing of blades. He was surrounded now, the Apollo members closing in on him, but his confidence never wavered.
Lili landed on the rooftop, her eyes narrowing as she spotted the two Apollo members sprinting after Bell. She raised her wrist crossbow, her aim steady despite the chaos. "Don't get tripped up!" she called down to Welf, her voice filled with playful determination.
With a quick pull of the trigger, two bolts flew through the air, striking the Apollo members in the back. They crumpled to the ground, their cries of pain echoing through the alley. Lili smirked, a sense of pride swelling in her chest. She had come a long way since joining Bell and Leo's party, and it showed.
But her moment of triumph was short-lived. A voice, cold and familiar, sent a chill down her spine. "There you are, Arde."
Lili froze, her blood turning to ice. She slowly turned, her heart pounding in her chest, to see a man with a thin face and glasses standing a few feet away. His smile was thin and calculating, his presence sending waves of dread through her.
"Z-Zanis?" Lili stuttered, her voice trembling with fear. The man—Zanis—smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"I'm glad to see you're doing well," he said, his tone dripping with false warmth. "I was told you were dead."
Lili's mind raced, memories of her time in the Soma Familia flooding back. The fear, the manipulation, the hopelessness—it all came crashing down on her. Her arms fell to her sides, her crossbow slipping from her grasp. Her expression became hollow, her eyes lifeless, as if the spark that made her her had been extinguished.
Welf, still locked in combat below, glanced up and saw Lili standing motionless on the rooftop. "Li'l Lili, what are you doing?! Where's my backup?!" he shouted, his voice tinged with desperation.
Lili turned to him slowly, her movements mechanical and unnatural. Her voice, when she spoke, was devoid of emotion. "Welf… I'm going back to the Soma Familia. Tell Leo and Bell… I won't cause any more trouble for them."
Welf's eyes widened in shock. "What are you talking about?!" he demanded, his voice rising in panic. But Lili was already walking away, her small frame disappearing from view.
"Hey, Li'l Lili! Where are you going? Hey!" Welf shouted, his voice filled with desperation. But she was gone, leaving him alone to face the remaining Apollo members.
Welf's mind raced as he parried another strike, his sword clashing against his opponent's blade. His eyes were drawn to the insignia on the man's shoulder—a half-moon with a goblet nestled between its tips. The emblem of the Soma Familia.
"That emblem is…" Welf muttered, his voice trailing off as the pieces fell into place. The man he was fighting smirked, breaking the clash and stepping back.
"You're in over your head, blacksmith," the man said, his voice filled with mockery. "This fight was over before it began."
Welf's grip tightened on his sword, his eyes narrowing with determination. "We'll see about that," he growled, his voice low and dangerous.
Leo emerged from his hiding spot, his body aching and his movements stiff from the countless cuts and bruises that marred his skin. The streets, once teeming with Apollo Familia members hunting him, were now eerily quiet. The silence sent a shiver down his spine, his instincts screaming that something was wrong. He scanned the area, his glowing eyes narrowing as he searched for any sign of danger.
"Where are they?" Leo muttered under his breath, his voice hoarse from exhaustion.
The Nemean Lion's growl echoed in his mind, its tone cautious. "This is unusual. They wouldn't just give up. Be on your guard, cub."
Leo nodded, his jaw tightening as he limped forward. His body protested every step, but he pushed through the pain, his mind focused on finding Bell and Hestia. As he reached the main street, the bustling activity of Orario greeted him. Adventurers, merchants, and townsfolk filled the streets, their chatter and laughter creating a stark contrast to the chaos Leo had just endured.
But something felt off. Every few steps, people would stop and whisper, their eyes darting toward him. Others outright stared, their voices loud enough for him to hear snippets of their conversations.
"Is that him? The one from the Hestia Familia?"
"I heard they accepted Apollo's War Game. What were they thinking?"
"Poor kid. He looks like he's been through hell."
Leo's irritation grew with each passing comment. He stopped a nearby adventurer, his voice sharp but polite. "What's going on? Why is everyone talking about us?"
The man laughed, a hearty sound that grated on Leo's nerves. "You haven't heard? The Hestia Familia agreed to Apollo's War Game. It's all anyone's talking about."
Leo's heart skipped a beat, his mind racing. Hestia agreed to the War Game? Why? He remembered her insistence on reaching the Guild, the one place where violence between familias was forbidden. What had changed?
"Thanks," Leo muttered, his voice tight as he walked away. His mind was a whirlwind of questions, but one thing was clear: he needed to find Bell and Hestia. Now.
As Leo searched, the sound of a familiar voice caught his attention. He turned a corner to see Bell standing in front of the Loki Familia estate, his voice desperate as he pleaded with the two guards blocking his path.
"Please! Please! I need to ask her something!" Bell shouted, his voice cracking with urgency. "Let me see Ais Wallenstein!"
Leo's heart swelled with relief at the sight of his brother. Despite the cuts and bruises that marred Bell's face, he was alive. Leo hurried over, his voice filled with concern. "Bell, thank the gods! What's the matter?"
Bell turned, his eyes lighting up at the sight of Leo. But his smile faltered as he took in Leo's battered appearance. "Leo! We need Ais! She's one of the only ones who can help!"
Leo frowned, glancing at the two guards who stood with their spears crossed, their expressions stern. "Don't be ridiculous!" one of them snapped. "We heard the rumors! Don't you think it's shameful, asking Ais to join you in the War Game?"
"That's not it! Please!" Bell pleaded, his voice filled with desperation.
Leo's brows furrowed, his protective instincts flaring. "Hey, Bell and Ais are friends. What's wrong with them speaking? There was never a problem before the War Game happened, so why is there now?"
One of the guards sighed, his tone softening slightly. "Our hands are tied, trust me. It's perfectly fine for you to speak with Ais, but with Apollo being the one that challenged you… it could spell trouble for our Familia. Please, just leave."
Before Bell could respond, a familiar voice interrupted. "What's all this shouting?" Tione asked, her tone sharp as she approached the group.
"Tione!" Bell said, his voice filled with relief.
Leo watched as the more unreasonable guard leaned in and whispered something to Tione, her expression darkening. In a flash, Tione grabbed Bell by his shirt, lifting him off the ground with ease. "Get lost. You know there's no way we're letting that happen," she said loudly, her voice carrying over the street. But as she set him down, she leaned in and whispered, "Go around the back. Ais and Tiona will be waiting for you two."
Tione huffed and turned on her heel, her angered expression a convincing act as she walked back into the estate. Bell rubbed his behind, wincing slightly as Leo helped him to his feet.
"Let's go, Bell," Leo said, his voice calm but firm. Bell nodded, and the two brothers quickly made their way around the estate.
As they rounded the corner, they found Ais and Tiona waiting for them. Tiona's cheerful smile was a welcome sight, her voice filled with warmth as she greeted them. "Hey, Argonaut, Twin Guardian."
"So, she wasn't lying…" Bell said, his voice filled with relief.
Leo smirked, patting Bell on the back. "Tione doesn't seem like the type. Good to see you two," he said, nodding to Ais and Tiona.
Tiona's gaze lingered on Leo, her eyes taking in his battered appearance. "Looks like the Apollo Familia was really trying to get you guys…" she said, her tone softening.
Leo waved her off with a small smile. "I'll be fine. So, what happened, Bell?"
Bell quickly recounted everything that had happened after Leo stayed behind to cover their retreat. He told Leo about running into Mikoto, Ouka, and Chisuga, how Welf and Lili had helped them escape, and how Hestia had ultimately accepted Apollo's War Game. Leo listened intently, his expression growing more serious with each detail.
"Looks like I'll have to repay them after all this is said and done," Leo said quietly, his voice filled with gratitude.
Ais stepped forward, her golden eyes meeting Bell's. "I heard about the War Game. My familia has its reasons, but I still think it's wrong to abandon you," she said, her voice steady.
Bell's eyes lit up, a wide smile spreading across his face. But he quickly composed himself, his expression turning serious. "I want to win the War Game. We have to win. Can you help me train?"
Ais studied him for a moment, her gaze searching for any hint of doubt. But all she saw was determination. She nodded. "Okay."
Tiona grinned, her enthusiasm infectious. "Then it's settled! I'll help, too! So teach the Apollo Familia a lesson, Argonaut!" She turned to Leo, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'll also help you out! I've wanted to spar with you since I saw you punch Bete in the bar!"
Leo chuckled, patting Bell on the back. "Thank you, Tiona! Ais!" Bell said, his voice filled with gratitude.
As the group began to discuss their training plans, Leo's mind wandered. He couldn't help but feel a swell of pride as he watched Bell, his younger brother, standing tall and determined.
"He's come a long way," Leo thought, his chest warming with admiration.
The Nemean Lion's voice rumbled in his mind, its tone softer than usual. "He has. The boy has grown into a man. You've done well, cub."
Leo's smile faltered slightly as he processed the Lion's words. "I didn't do much. He's always had it in him. I just… tried to be there for him."
The Lion's growl was almost gentle, a rare tone that caught Leo off guard. "Sometimes, that's all it takes. A guiding hand, a steady presence. You've been more than a brother to him. You've been his protector, his mentor. And in time, perhaps… his father."
Leo's breath hitched, the weight of the Lion's words settling over him. He had never thought of himself that way, but the idea wasn't unwelcome. He glanced at Bell, his heart swelling with pride and love.
"Thank you," Leo thought, his voice quiet but sincere. "For everything."
The Lion's response was a low, approving rumble. "You've earned it, cub. Now, let's make sure he becomes the man he's meant to be."
Leo nodded, his resolve strengthening. No matter what, he would stand by Bell's side. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.