Sword Astraea

Victory

Astraea, Artemis, and Rethusa watched Bell's final battle. The three were at the edge of their seats watching as Bell and Hyakinthos traded blows.

Artemis found herself glued to the divine mirror. Watching as Bell was laser-focused in his fight. She also noted how fighting seemed to be second nature to him.

No move was wasted and he didn't focus on showing off. Just making sure his fight would end quickly.

Her heart raced as this battle would decide the outcome of the war game. Whoever won here would win the game entirely.

She felt words stir in her throat and before she could stop herself she let out a cheer.

"Kick his ass Bell!" She cried out.

Both Astraea and Rethusa looked at Artemis in shock. Did she just cheer on a man? And it was Bell of all people. Someone she didn't like.

Artemis blushed in embarrassment and cleared her throat. She didn't say another word and turned her attention back to the divine mirror.

Astraea had a playful smirk on her face while Rethusa just chuckled. The three watched as the fight continued on. Both were equally shocked when they saw Bell use Alise's magic.

Both had known the girl during the dark age and knew of her untimely demise. But to see it once more, and this time have it be white flames instead of orange.

It was shocking.

Artemis was quick to look over to her friend. Her eyes filled with concern and worry. "Astraea-

Astraea gently smiled. "It's alright Artemis. Bell has skills and magic from my old familia. We don't know how. We don't know why. But I'm happy he does. It's like a part of them lives on through him."

Artemis grimaced before turning her attention back to the fight. She watched as it easily turned in Bell's favor and before long watched as Bell cut off Hyakitnhos's hand.

Artemis gasped in shock and nervously watched as Bell pressed the blade to Hyakinthos's neck. Astraea gripped the arms of her chair tighter while Rethusa prayed in her mind for Bell to show mercy.

"Surrender." The heard Bell demand.

Their hearts began to race as Hyakinthos looked to his sword.

"Don't do it," Artemis muttered.

"Don't, just surrender," Bell demanded once more.

Hyakinthos took a deep breath and spoke. "I-I surrender."

The three let out a sigh of relief while Astraea stood up. "I knew they could do it. Now I must go and take everything Apollo owns."

Rethusa furrowed her brow. "Aren't you the goddess of justice? That doesn't seem very justice-like." She pointed out.

Astraea turned and gave the captain an innocent grin. "Oh I know, but Apollo tried to take away my child. That simply can not stand. Now if you'll excuse me."

With that, Astraea walked out of the Stardust Garden and made her way to the Tower of Babel. Rethusa looked at her goddess with a smile twinge of fear in her eyes.

"That was scary." She said.

Artemis nodded. "Yes, Astraea takes her children's safety very seriously."
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Freya watched the war game from atop Babel Tower. A wine glass was in her hand and her legs were crossed.

She had watched the war game with a fair amount of amusement seeing what Bell thought of to close the numbers gap.