No one's POV

(Flashback)

Why did she have to remember now, of all times?

After she'd killed the person who'd meant the most to her, after a wild light had begun to appear in her eyes, a certain Amazon had arrived to hurl her life into an even deeper level of hell.

Argana Kalif. The top contender for the rank of Telskyura's next captain. And the warrior whose mentality was closest to Kali's. Her training was nothing short of gruesome.

The day they'd met, Argana had broken her. For no specific reason, other than that the combat-obsessed warrior Argana did not distinguish the training in their dark stone room from the battles to the death in the arena.

As Tione was reduced to blood-soaked skin and bones, she came to hold the same fear toward Argana that Tiona held toward Bache—along with an even more powerful anger.

Argana: Those eyes. You're the first to not break.

Through the scalding pain and her hazy consciousness, she came to see Argana as a symbol of Telskyura itself. The very custom that had forced her to kill Seldas.

Argana: You're good.

Argana immediately took a liking to the young girl who couldn't be broken, who refused to relinquish her will to fight or her unbridled rage. She licked her lips hungrily, her long tongue twitching like a snake's at the sight of all that blood and Tione's murderous eyes as she lay battered and bruised on the ground below.

Argana's fighting style and brutality were feared even throughout Telskyura. She would drink her opponents' blood, digging her razor-sharp teeth into their skin and sucking their very life force from their body even as they wailed and cried in pain and despair. It intoxicated her; it was the highest grade of alcohol there was as she feasted on the flesh of the strong.

—Those who survived the rites were simply known as "True Warriors," and the inhabitants of Telskyura weren't given aliases as the adventurers of Orario were, save for Argana. She was referred to as Kalima, a cruel, villainous warrior recognized even by Kali herself.

She was a monster who'd go so far as to drink her own blood. And for Tione, there wasn't a day where she didn't loathe Argana with every fiber of her being. There wasn't a single moment when she wasn't overcome with rage at that Amazon and her tyrannical laugh. And ironically enough, it was during this very training that her second skill, one grounded in all that untapped fury, manifested itself.

It was when Argana rose to Level 5 that her antipathy toward the Amazon took its complete hold. Argana had been on her way out of the arena after one of her battles when Tione had finally asked the question.

Tione: You don't feel anything...do you? Killing someone you shared the same room with... and yet, nothing?

She murdered her peers—those she'd shared the same room with, eaten out of the same pot with, just as Seldas and Tione had. She had drunk their blood, ignoring their moans as she mercilessly dug into their flesh.

Argana had stood there, her body suffering heavy injuries and dripping blood that could either have been hers or her opponent's, with the strangest expression on her face.

Argana: I consume them to become strong. That is all. What else am I supposed to feel?

Telskyura had created that answer in her. The secret to power was so simple it was...disappointing.
-In order to create Level-4 warriors, you had to kill Level-3s.
-In order to create Level-5s, you had to kill Level-4s.
-It was a sacrifice that had to be made.

It was like putting rats in a barrel to kill and cannibalize one another until only the strongest remained. That was just the type of country Telskyura was. And yet even within that country of monsters, the one before her now was the deadliest, most despicable monster of all. That much, Tione was sure of.

Argana: When are you going to let Seldas go? There's no point mourning someone who's nothing more than an offering.

That had made Tione see red, and she'd launched herself at Argana when the other woman was already wounded from battle. For too long had she been forced to suffer and seethe in Argana's training sessions, for too long had she been made to kill her sisters in those detestable rites—her eyes and heart were being worn down at an accelerating speed. Though she had sometimes longed for death, she knew that dying would be nothing more than giving in to those she abhorred the most, which was something her anger-fueled instincts would never allow.

And yet, somehow, almost in direct opposition to Tione, her sister, Tiona, had grown all the more cheerful. She knew why. It was that Hero stories Argonaut and Flash that Bache read for her.

The many volumes of that story had nurtured her idiot sister's sense of idealism. But even as Tione turned its pages, her empty eyes scanning the hollow words, and even as Tiona tried to teach her their meaning, she just couldn't understand where the enjoyment came from.

When Tiona looked at her with those eyes, so different from that of her peers, it made Tione's stomach roil. She didn't like it. Maybe even hated it.

Tione: How can you act like that when I'm living in a never-ending hell—?"

The words had crossed her lips so many times at this point, she'd lost count. There was no question that Tione and Tiona were two entirely different breeds of Amazon. Though they were born of the same generation and raised in the same kingdom of violence, for better or for worse, Tione had raged while Tiona had laughed.

Tione was antagonistic to a fault, even going so far as to curse her own goddess. Kali herself couldn't get enough of the girl's abuse, taking everything her beloved child could deal as her eyes twinkled in amusement.

Tiona, on the other hand, was as innocent as they came. Not only was she full of laughter, but she elicited laughs from her goddess, as well. In fact, it became commonplace for Kali to invite the girl to her chambers.

The two sisters were the only ones able to talk back to Kali, making them objects of jealousy among the other Amazons. And, of course, this led to widespread hope that one day, the two of them would be placed in front of each other in the arena.

It happened two years after they'd leveled up to Level 2. It was the day before their seventh birthday and the perfect opportunity for them to reach Level 3, given how their Statuses had grown by leaps and bounds thanks to Argana's and Bache's merciless training. Tione could practically feel it on her skin—all too soon she would have to fight her sister.

And no matter how much Tione fought back, no matter how much she rebelled—a single sentence from her sister was all it took to reduce her efforts to nothing.

Tiona: Kali, I don't wanna fight Tione.

Kali had invited the victors of the day's rites to her hall to laud their efforts. There had been no forewarning; her stupid sister had simply blurted it out.

Tiona: We wanna leave this country.

Even Bache and Argana hadn't been able to believe their ears, every eye in the room turning directly toward Tiona. Kali, however, had simply narrowed her eyes beneath her mask.

Tione couldn't remember what she had thought as she stood among the other Amazons. And yet, the very wish she'd put on hold all this time...was about to come true only a few days later.

Was it a whim of their goddess, perhaps? Either way, Kali released them from that arena of stone, and soon they were sailing far, far away from the vast peninsula.

Tione: Why? So that dolt just to act cute?!

Tiona clearly had Kali's favor; she had given her those volumes of the epic and spoiled her like a child. But then what had those days spent trapped there even meant? What had the suffering been for, if her dolt of a sister just had to laugh to break them free of this prison? Was this even what she truly wanted?

As Tiona had run about excitedly beside her, taking in the unfamiliar sights of the cerulean sea, the steep precipices of the mountains, the clean air, and the mesmerizingly gorgeous world outside, Tione had cried. And even at the tender age of seven, she'd known enough to understand the tears weren't from the scenery before her eyes.

Kali: What do you mean? You could've opened the gate at any time.

Tione: Wha-?

Kali: If you wanted to go out, I would have let you. It's just no one asked for it. In fact, we won't follow you at all.

Tione: Is it because you favor Tiona?

Kali: No... It's because I love all members of my family.

Sister versus sister, dusk versus dawn, darkness versus light, rage versus innocence. How had they turned out so different, though the same blood ran through their veins? Tione couldn't stop the feelings from welling up inside her. If she didn't let them out, scream them out, she might very well have wrung her sister's neck.

Tione: But it was all the same? From the day we were born where we grew up... Given the same treatment? If so then why? Why did it turned out so different for the two of us?

Kali: The two of you ate like the sun and moon. Both special but reversed among the stars that color the sky. It's such a shame we have to let you go today.

Tione: Shut up...! Shut up...! SHUT UP...! SHUT UP....! SHUUUUUUT UUUUUUUUP!!!!!

And what she found down there, deep down among the amalgam of emotions flooding through her, was jealousy—of what her sister possessed that she did not. That was the first time Tione realized she wanted to kill herself.

(Present)

Tione:...

Tione grit her teeth as the memories of her past faded from her mind. She bent forward, the side of her face burning under the crimson light of the setting sun.

Tiona: Whoa! Who woulda thought all this'd be here, huh?

Her thoughts were interrupted as the cheerful voice of her sister, much older than the girl of her memories now, reverberated off the walls of the wide room. They were in an old, abandoned factory a ways away from the city. Piles of rusted iron and steel lay strewn among battered ship parts, and weeds grew up in patches all across the floor. The darkening light of the sky overhead peered in from the tattered shutters and many holes littering the ceiling.

Tiona: We wait here till nightfall then, huh, Tione?

They'd come here in their search for a place devoid of people, away from Aiz and the rest of their familia. As twilight's hue colored the world outside, Tione narrowed her eyes, shooting her happy-go-lucky sister a sharp glare. Before attacking.

Tiona: Woah! What are you doing?!

Tione: Sparring.

Tiona looked back in confusion, blinking at her sister's sudden suggestion.

Tiona: At a time like this?

Tione: Because it's a time like this.

Under normal circumstances, the two would use every chance they could get to spar in Twilight Manor's courtyard, but these were hardly normal circumstances. Ignoring her sister's look of skepticism, Tione placed one foot behind her, falling into position.

Tione: You need to get serious We're going all out here. There's no point if we don't.

Tiona: Looks like it!

Realizing it was no use arguing, Tiona slowly fell into position, as well. Thus the duel began in the middle of that old, abandoned factory. Tione made the first move. Stepping forward, she hurled her fist toward her sister. She held nothing back, letting her anger carry her forward. It caught Tiona off guard. Though the younger Amazon was able to block it, the sheer power behind the strike made her take a step backward.

Tiona: Yeeeoowch! That hurts, Tione!

Tione: I said we're going all out here!

Tione responded just as loudly, in the same tone she'd used so many times back in Telskyura. The change was enough for even Tiona to discern, and knowing there was no other way, she began fighting, too. Their strikes echoed off the walls, the scraps of iron and steel, and the perforated ceiling. The punches and kicks they couldn't dodge or block tore deep gashes in each other's skin.

Blood dribbled from Tiona's lip where one of her sister's strikes had grazed her, and a deep purple bruise was already forming on Tione's arm where she'd blocked one of her sister's roundhouse kicks. Their original intention in seeking out the factory—to escape from any watchful eyes—had all but left their heads completely.

Tiona and Tione: Gngh...!

At some point during their exchange of fists, Tione's vision went white with rage. And with that white heat came all the feelings, all the words she'd been keeping locked away in her heart these many years. For so long, she'd been using her emotions as strength; now, she finally voiced them.

Tione: You know, I used to hate you.

Hearing that made Tiona laughed.

Tiona: As if you need to tell me!

Tione: I still hate you!

Tiona: Oh really?

Her lips were curled upward in a familiar smile from her memories. Even in the middle of their deadly fistfight, she still had that same damn smile. This only fueled Tione's anger further.

Tione: Laugh, laugh, laugh! That's all you ever do! You haven't changed one bit!

She snapped, unable to control herself and directing a high kick toward her sister's head.

Tiona: You have, though!

Tiona shot back instantly.

Tione:...

Tione's eyes widened with a start.

Tiona: Ever since we met Loki and the others and you started liking Finn... you've changed so much, Tione!

The punches and kicks kept coming with no signs of slowing. But even as Tione's strikes carried with them all those tumultuous emotions that'd been weighing her down, Tiona countered every one with a smile.

Tiona: That made me so happy!

Tione: Oh it did, did it?!

Tione felt the fury rising up inside her, her eyes trembling as she put everything she had into her next strike.

Tione: You make me so angry!!

Tiona: What? I can't heeeeaaaaaaar you!

Tione: Damn you!!

Tiona: Grah!!

Even as she let out an incensed roar, Tiona seemed unruffled. Laughing innocently, fighting as though she didn't have a care in the world, returning her strikes in the midst of her happy, childlike dance.

—She would never change. She would always be the same stupid idiot.
—And whenever Tione looked at that infuriating grin, it would always make her think the same stupid thoughts.

As her rage built and built, the exchange of blows gradually slid into a harmonious dance, and somehow, that stupid, stupid smile found its way onto Tione's face, as well. Before she even realized it, both of them were laughing. She couldn't even remember why they were there, what they were supposed to be doing—she just enjoyed their fight. Until.

Tiona and Tione: Guwaaah?!

Practically in sync, their fists found each other's cheeks. For a single instant, they stood there frozen, like statues, then, finally, their legs gave out beneath them and they crumpled to the ground. The tufts of weeds growing out from the warehouse floor cushioned their descent.

Tiona: Another draw...

Tione: Yeah...

Tiona: I'm still in the lead, then, hee-hee-hee.

Tione: As if! You've lost way more times than I have. I'm clearly in the lead.

Tiona: Nuh-uh.

Tione: Uh-huh!

Tiona: Nuh-uh!

Tione: Uh-huh!

The girls spread their arms and legs on the ground like two twin starfishes, their bickering morphing into laughter. They were like kids, their voices echoing off the walls of that long-forgotten building.

Tiona: Why were we even doing that again?

Tione: Who cares? It doesn't matter now.

Tione could tell without even looking that her sister was still chuckling. She could practically see the gentle smile that had no doubt formed on her face. The sky above them was brilliant. Its blazing crimson shone through the holes in the ceiling, lighting their faces on fire.

As Tione narrowed her eyes at all that beauty past the warehouse walls, her mind traveled back to another time, another place, where they'd had another conversation just like this.

Yes, it had been back in Telskyura, when her anger toward Tiona had risen to a breaking point just as it had now.

Tiona's favor with Kali had caught the attention of many of the other Amazons. Theirs had been a world where it didn't pay to stick out from the crowd, and some of their peers had devised a surprise attack out of jealousy, or perhaps anger. And somehow or another, it had come down to Tione to put an end to it.
Tiona and her raucous laughter had been an eyesore to Tione back then, constantly grating on her nerves. There were times even she'd bad-mouthed the other girl and her ability to chat with Kali like it was nothing. How dare she act all buddy-buddy with the good-for-nothing goddess who'd kept them trapped in this horrible place! It was only natural that someone like Tiona would drive Tione mad.

And yet, still, the other girl was family. She was the only bond Tione had in the cold, unfeeling world of the arena. The one person she could always turn to. And so, she'd protected her without even having to think about it.

She'd ambushed the group of Amazons who'd been planning their attack in the hallway late one night, and she took out the whole lot of them. Some of the women were ranked even higher than her, which led to a vitriolic exchange of verbal abuse followed by a life-and-death game of tag.

By the time she'd returned to her stone room, run completely ragged, Tiona was fast asleep, snoring among her piles of books. This had only irritated Tione all the more, and she'd kicked her right in the middle of her sleeping face. The resulting fight had lasted till morning.

Tiona: Why were we even fighting...?

Tione: I forget.

They'd muttered to each other, spent of their energy and splayed out like starfish. The morning sun had shone in on them from through the latticework of their small window.

It was at that moment, as Tiona had laughed amid that soft light, that Tione had realized just how irreplaceable the other girl was in her life. Not that she'd ever say it to her face.

A deluge of emotions swept through her mind as the scenes played out in her head. Though fury and bloodthirst had been her two best friends in the harsh world of the arena, she had had emotion, too. There was something nostalgic about those memories, and she felt her cares and reserves slowly begin to slip away.

Tiona: Hey, Tione.

The sound of her own name brought her out of her reverie. Sitting up, she looked over to see Tiona do the same.

Tiona: What are we going to do if...if Kali makes us fight each other?

It was what they'd escaped all those years ago—a fight to the death between sisters and a resurrection of the rites.

Tione: Fight. And I'd kill you. Or at least I'd try. If not, you'd kill me.

She didn't even flinch, relaying the words as if they were simply a matter of fact. Tiona's face grew solemn.

Tiona: I don't think it'll come to that, though. No way.

Tione: Huh? Why?

Tiona: Because of Argana and Bache. Argana's too attached to you, like Bache is to me. If the two of us are gonna be killed, then...I'm positive they'd wanna be the ones to do it.

And it was true—they'd taken a risk going up against Loki Familia, attacking Lefiya and the others, and even taking a hostage. It sounded just like something the coldhearted, murderous Argana of her memories would do. After a moment, Tione pulled the high potions she'd already prepared from the pouch around her waist, tossing one toward Tiona. As the other girl caught it handily, she downed one herself.

Tione: You doin' okay?

Tiona: Huh? Whaddaya mean?

Tiona started, already having guzzled down her high potion and cocking her head to the side curiously. It took a moment, but then she seemed to infer what Tione meant. She glanced down at her hands, tightening and loosening her fists. Finally, she looked back up at Tione with a nod.

Tiona: What do we do now?

Tione: Nothing until nightfall. Rest, I guess, or do whatever.

Tione shrugged as she made to get to her feet but found herself stuck quite firmly in her cross- legged position thanks to Tiona's grip on her arm. She immediately glowered at the other girl, who merely responded with her typical laugh.

Tiona: It's been so long—maybe we could take a nap together? Like we used to?

Tione: What?!

Tiona: So we can save our energy for tonight!

Tione(mind): You're one to talk about energy...

Tione wanted to respond, but she lost her chance as Tiona kept talking.

Tiona: We used to do it all the time!

Tione: Yeah, but only while traveling. You don't have much of a choice when you need to sleep outside, and you're like a human space heater!

Tiona: But...!

Tiona frowned. Tione's eyebrows rose as she remembered her frustration.

Tione: You're the worst sleeping partner, you know that? I can't even begin to count the number of times you've smacked me in the face.

Tiona: You've hit me, too, you know!

Tione: Yeah, in retaliation!!

But even as the bickering began anew, it wasn't long before Tione decided to appease her sister and rest beside her until night fell. Wearily, she watched as Tiona found a dust-covered piece of cloth off in a corner of the warehouse and happily wrapped the two of them up inside it.

Tiona: Nighty-night.

Tione: You better wake up later...

Tione could barely hold in her sigh, her back against one of the piles of old scrap metal as she wondered how in the world things had come to this. The sigh of grief changed to a sigh of acceptance, though, as Tiona snuggled in beside her, resting her head on the older girl's shoulder. Soon, she was snoring softly—another source of irritation, but Tione simply put up with it.

It felt just like before, after they'd left Telskyura and had traveled around from country to country, city to city. They'd had no choice but to sleep out under the cold sky, no roof over their heads save the occasional rocky outcropping or forest overhang. And even back then, Tiona had always fallen asleep first. Tione let her eyelids fall.

Somehow, she knew the two of them would be dreaming the same dream.

(Dreamscape)

Nothing but the magnificent expanse of nature awaited the two sisters after their departure from Telskyura. Oceans, mountains, forests, valleys, hills, endless fields of flowers and grasses—they'd never laid eyes upon any of it in that stone prison of the arena. It was a brand-new world to them.

It took their breath away, and they trembled with the rush of emotion. They could never have imagined that the world would be so vast. They had never dreamed the sky could be so beautiful. Back then, it had only been as wide the arena, and they had loathed its very existence.

For Tione, who was still at a loss as to how she was supposed to feel being separated from Telskyura, it did much to restore the life and color to her raging heart and strained eyes, almost like water poured onto a desiccated wildflower. Together with her ever-enthusiastic sister, she found herself finally, ever so slightly, able to smile.

And every time Tiona saw this, she'd break out in a wide grin.

Beyond simply allowing the two of them to leave the country, Kali had also taken pity on them. Not only had she released them from their contract, she'd also left their Statuses untouched. This meant they were able to forge new contracts with any other god, combining their old Status with the new. This was also the only reason the two young girls were able to get by for so long on their travels, as they still had the enhanced power of their Statuses to rely upon. Kali had explained this by way of a "parting gift for her two adorable daughters," but to Tione it was too little, too late compared to how she'd treated them these many years.

Though the two girls had learned how to overcome just about everything through that miserable hell of an arena, their knowledge was limited to pure combat, and there was still much they didn't know. Money was difficult, of course, but even something as simple as human interaction was an ordeal. Tione had lost track of the amount of times Tiona had gotten swindled by some passing peddler. Not that they didn't always retaliate and get the money back, but still. From a survival perspective, the two excelled, to the point where "feral children" could have been an adequate phrase to describe them. As it happened, Tiona did teach her sister some Koine, at least enough that she could get by, shameful as it was.

The first time they came across another "tribe" similar to their own was in a small fishing village along the sea—much like Meren, actually. Accepting requests to hunt down monsters was about the only way they could make enough money to get by, and so, despite continuous objection from Tione, the two decided to temporarily join the local familia. This was what allowed them to update their Statuses and what had helped them level up to Level 3 during their stay in the village.

Be that as it may, Tione was never quite able to open up to the more erratic, pleasure-loving gods and goddesses, nor the members who made up their familias. And so, they made each other a promise that after a year of various bodyguard and labor duties (for there was a one-year rule when it came to converting to a new familia), they would revoke their contracts and leave the familia.

This was a tradition they continued, no matter what countries or what cities they visited. Though the gods and familia members might beg to keep Tione's and her sister's strength for themselves, Tione never listened. In fact, her impertinence often had her butting heads with her other familia members, and more than once they ended up leaving their familias on not-so-great terms.

The only person Tione would permit to stay at her side was Tiona.

She wouldn't acknowledge those who weren't strong, and even those who somehow earned her acceptance weren't allowed close, aside from her sister. Perhaps it was her residual trauma from Telskyura—this refusal to form connections with anyone save the sister who'd survived with her. She was scared.
As the two of them earned glimpses into these many new worlds, they made all kinds of discoveries. And yet, never did they have anyone besides each other.
It was no different from their time in Telskyura. They refused to open up their hearts to anyone besides their other halves. No matter how far they traveled across the vastness of the lower realm, their world never expanded beyond that of their dual existence.

Tione wasn't sure what her warmhearted sister felt on this matter, but whatever she may have thought, Tiona stuck by her side. It was almost as if she understood innately that Tione was the only one she could turn to. Tiona would never let go of her sister's hand, no matter what happened.

Tiona: We'll be leaving again soon, right, Tione?

Tione: We will, yeah. Why? You don't want to?

Tiona: Well, no, but...it's just that the god here is so nice, and...and so is everybody else, so...

And then she'd laughed. The same laugh always followed her.

Tiona: But being with you is all I need, so...it's fine!

The relief Tione had felt then, along with the feeling of being pushed out of her world, couldn't have been just her imagination. Tiona was the sun. There was nothing more dazzlingly radiant, nor more frustratingly ingratiating than her. Though the idiotic grin she always wore grated on Tione's nerves, the longer she looked at her, the looser her tightly clenched fist became.

Tione(mind): Just accept it already. She saved you.

Sure, they'd fight over the stupidest, most trivial things, then eat their meals together as though nothing had happened, but as Tione sat next to that brilliant shining smile, sometimes she'd even find a smile forming on her face. This was fine. So long as she had her idiot of a sister, she'd be fine. As someone who'd known nothing of forming connections with others, Tione was able to adjust to this two-person world thanks to the sister at her side.

And so their aimless journey continued.

It was a paradox—two girls who cared not about being alone traveled in search of a place to call home. They joined one familia after another, training and developing the two vessels that were their bodies, leaving behind those they met along the way, all the while being careful not to let themselves get too comfortable in one place. This went on for quite some time as they continued their strange, aimless quest for something they themselves didn't even seek.
It was five years into this journey.

That the two sisters decided to stow away on a ship and travel to the "Center of the World"—the Labyrinth City, Orario.

(Timeskip)

Tione could still remember how that soaring white tower and those lofty city walls had loomed over her head.

It had taken them more than a few days to finally make it inside the city; Tione had gotten so irritated they'd almost given up entirely. It seemed they were really cracking down on those with blessings from outside the city in an attempt to weed out potential spies, and not even travelers like them, with no affiliation to any familia, were free from scrutiny. And certainly the sudden arrival of twin Level 3s—second-tier adventurers—with no patron deity or familia to their name, was a little hard to swallow.

The Guild had only allowed them entrance to the city on one condition: that they join one of the city's familias. The condition was born from an ulterior motive—a dog collar, so to speak, to ensure the two Level 3s didn't slip away.

Getting in will be easy but getting out will be a nightmare. That was how it had been explained to Tiona, which meant her first impression of Orario was nothing more than a bothersome cage. No doubt, it had been the same for Tione, and yet, Orario turned out to be anything but boring.

Barely a day had passed after they set foot in the city, and already they'd been swarmed. News about their arrival had spread like wildfire, with every god and goddess of a Dungeon-type familia flocking to snatch up the two beautiful Level-3 Amazons for themselves.

It was the Dungeon, after all, that had drawn Tiona and her sister to Orario in the first place. Though they'd left Telskyura, Amazonian blood still flowed through their veins, and they were anxious to test their skills against its many floors. In order for them to enter the Dungeon, however—or perhaps more accurately, in order to register as adventurers and obtain the full support and money-exchanging privileges of the Guild—they'd need to join a familia.

They'd never been entirely particular as to the familias they'd temporarily joined in the past. All changed, however, thanks to the sheer number of familias that came to scout them now. Crowds would form outside their cheap hotel. It grew so intense at times that fights began to break out, as no one was willing to give up their chance at claiming the two Amazons.

As Tione grew more and more incensed at the riotous clamoring of the scouts, Tiona stepped out in front of the crowd of adventurers, shouting as loud as she could—and promptly instigating a free-for-all, with everyone giving it their all to best and bag the twins.

Tiona: You want us? You gotta beat us!

Of course, everyone there ended up losing miserably, even those who'd attempted to cheat the system and wait until the two Amazons had grown tired from previous battles. They were just too good, too used to the lifestyle of combat back in Telskyura, and not even the first-tier adventurers of Orario stood a chance.

Tiona: That's the last of 'em!

Tione: These guys were a bunch-a pushovers.

This continued for some time, with adventurers knocking on their door for days to come, though mostly it was their defeated opponents coming back for more. To this day five years later, their deeds were still spoken of, mostly with the pure fear they had created in the citizens' hearts—"Oh, shit! An Amazon!!"
It seemed that no familia would be strong enough to best the two Amazonian twins.

In fact, it was just when Tiona and Tione were beginning to lament the ineptitude of the supposedly great "adventurers of Orario" that Loki Familia showed up. Tione had hated them immediately. From their goddess, already panting in lustful excitement at their revealing clothes, to the feeble-looking pallum with that stupid smirk on his face, to the stunningly beautiful elf staring at them with one eye closed, with her seemingly like beautiful elf daughter who was around their age, to the dwarf observing them in amusement as he stroked his beard—she couldn't stand the way they looked at her and her sister, visibly sizing them up.

Finn: Heard there was a pair of lively Amazons over here.

Tione: We've killed so many of our brethren, and you still want us to join you?

That's what she'd asked them as a test, trying to scare them.

Finn: Certainly. A mistake that came to pass only because we weren't there to watch over you two. Though you don't seem all too concerned about it.

Finn—answered, almost sympathetically.

Tione(mind): This bastard!

Everything about him had rubbed her the wrong way. In fact, it probably wouldn't have been possible to make a worse first impression. The pallum called to his blue elf friend, confirming the conditions of battle and that they'd have to defeat the two to induct them into the familia. To this, Tione was quick to reply.

Tione: You're the boss, aren't you? Then stop letting others do your dirty work for you! Fight me! Or are you too scared, you cowardly pallum?!

Finn looked taken aback for a moment before that same smile from earlier returned.

Gareth: Saucy little lass, ain't she? And here I thought Bete was bad! Are all the young folk this hotheaded nowadays?

Asuna: Hey! Don't compare me with them! Or do I have to beat the crap out you again, Gareth!!

Gareth: Gahaha!!

Riveria: I can't say you were much different when we first met, Gareth.

As the dwarf and elves murmured behind him, Finn took center, consenting to a one-on-one battle with Tione. Next to her and as spirited as ever, Tiona awaited her own fight with Asuna.

Tione had thought nothing of the weak, feeble pallum she saw back then. There was no way, after all, she could lose to someone so tiny. And besides, while she might have fought plenty of opponents tougher than her out on the road, none of them came close to the monsters Argana and Bache had been. This had not only made her careless but had greatly narrowed her point of view, as well.

The renown of the so-called top-tier adventurers of Orario meant nothing to her. And she didn't know this pallum's name, either.

Tione:...

The battle was over in an instant. Grabbing her arm, the tiny pallum sent her flying through the air. Even as she ran at him again for a second attempt, fury coursing through her, the results were the same. She was completely, thoroughly trounced. And Tiona didn't fare much better against Asuna, either, having been promptly flung to the ground, even when she had given Asuna a handicap of using her sword, but Asuna just shrugged her shoulder prompting that Tiona wouldn't land a single strike on her.

Tione: No way...

As Tione sat there on the stone cobbles, entirely dumbfounded, the prum warrior approached.

Finn: A deal's a deal. You're to join our familia.

Tione: Okay...

Asuna: Same goes for you...

Tiona: Ow.... Are you really an elf?

Tione looked up to see those calm, composed eyes gazing down at her, and for the first time in her life, she felt something grow inside her. Something she'd never felt before as her heart thudded loudly in her chest.

(Timeskip)

Tione began to change after that. Meeting Finn had birthed a change inside her. By beating her so thoroughly, that detestable pallum had punched a hole into her heart. And in that hole, love formed.

It wasn't an uncommon thing for Amazons to get their hearts stolen by powerful men who could best even them. They all talked of one day hoping to give birth to such a man, and Tione had been no different.

If Tione had had to come up with one thing about Finn she didn't like, it was that he was too intellectual, not wild or rugged enough—but even those thoughts would betray her, as with just one spell, Finn could turn himself instantly into a crazed warrior. Hidden deep inside him was the most ruthless soldier of all.

Tione: Oh y god, he's the one—!!

As he fulfilled more and more of her requirements, she came to realize that he was truly her ideal man, a heroic warrior.And the more she learned about him, the longer she stood by his side, the more of her heart he stole. He was so kind, so brilliant, so strong. It had to be fate! It simply had to be!

Thus, the young Amazonian girl who'd never known anything but fighting fell in love for the first time. And with that, she revealed the blushing young maiden she'd long kept hidden within her.

Tione: Captain!...What...what kind of girl do you like?

Finn: Hmm...I suppose someone who's upfront and honest would be enough for me. Though if I had to say more, perhaps someone graceful?

Her new life as part of Loki Familia changed her. It wasn't just consciously, either, but subconsciously, too—the same way her sister influenced her. And though it may have made others laugh at her, she did everything in her power to be exactly what Finn wanted. Even going so far as to clean up her dirty mouth and unrefined mannerisms. She even let her hair grow long, all the way down to her waist, in hopes it would make her appear more scholarly, much like the high elf constantly by Finn's side, Riveria.

An all-new Amazon, with love burning even brighter than that of the greatest of lovers, burst onto the scene. But this newfound love wasn't the only thing about her that changed. She started to look forward to the opportunities each new day brought with it. She began to smile and laugh enough to annoy even her own sister.

As far as battles went, the Dungeon was enough to get her blood boiling. The very first expedition they participated in was enough of an adventure to propel both Tione and her sister to Level 4. It was within that underground labyrinth that she learned the value of teamwork—a world where not even she and her sister, let alone her by herself, could have survived—and her first bonds with other people began to form.

And then there was the mysterious girl.

Aiz Wallenstein. The "Sword Princess." A beautiful girl with golden hair and golden eyes, whose features rivaled even those of the gods. Tione hadn't been able to believe her ears when she was told this girl held the fastest record for leveling up. Aiz had reached Level 2 even before Tione and Tiona, which was saying something considering the two of them had been killing things since the day they were born. In a single year, the young blond swordswoman had reached Level 2, something Tione and her sister had taken five years to achieve. Finn and the others were already proof enough of the strangeness of Orarian adventurers—this Aiz girl was practically a heretic.

Even so, Aiz rarely interacted with the rest of the familia. The only person she interacted was the blue elf that had beaten both Tiona and Tione in their regular sparring session. If they did see her, it was usually out in the manor's courtyard, training with her older sister Asuna, or dragging her and disappearing together into the Dungeon unnoticed despite there being no expedition to join. The only ones who'd said more than a few words to her were Loki, Riveria, Asuna, and the other elites.

In the beginning, Tione didn't have any particular desire to approach the young, otherworldly girl. Tiona, however, was quite different.

Tiona: That girl Aiz. She reminds me a lot of you way back when.

Tione: What?!

But Tiona had only laughed, like always, at the skepticism on Tione's face.

Tiona: No way I can let that slide! I can't let Asuna be the only person she talks with! I'm gonna be friends with her!

Which was how, little by little, the four of them had formed a small group. Though Aiz had been hesitant to accept Tiona's aggressive advances at first, always hiding behind Asuna like a shy little girl, it didn't take long for the smiles to start. And soon, they'd even taken on another member—Lefiya and her undying affection for Aiz and Asuna.

Tione had found someone to love. She'd found companions. She'd found a place to call home. The despair, the strife, and the annoyances of her past had all been leading to this day.

It was by telling herself this that she'd been able to make a clean break from her past, or so she thought. It had seemed, for the most part, like she had. Until now—

Tione: It seems like before somehow...just the two of us.

The words Tiona had muttered earlier that day echoed in the back of her mind.

(Elsewhere)

The sun had begun its descent toward the western horizon, disappearing from the sky overhead.

Loki: Aiz, Asuna were you able to find them?

Asuna: No...we looked everywhere...

Asuna replied, having just arrived back at the inn after a furtive search throughout the city. It was already growing late. She walked over toward Loki and Riveria and past the rest of her flustered companions restlessly pacing the first floor of the establishment.

Asuna: I'm sorry. It's all my fault... I'm the one in charge, but I screwed up

Aiz: Big Sis...

Riveria: Nonsense. If that was the case, I would be most at fault. I got so caught up in wanting to help Rakuta and the others that I forgot to keep my eyes on Tione...and, no doubt, she is the one who absconded with your Tiona, as well.

Riveria shook her head, eyes closed. She'd already accepted the blame for the entire situation, shame evident in the crooked arc of her brows.

Riveria: However, pointing fingers will get us nowhere.

Asuna and Aiz agreed, imitating the high elf's shift in focus and swallowing the rest of her apology.

Aiz: What about Rakuta and the others?

Riveria: Line and the other healers are looking after them. Certainly they won't be up and moving again for a while, but it shouldn't be long before their strength has returned.

Aiz let out a sigh of relief before continuing.

Aiz: And what about Kali Familia? Have there been any signs of them?

Just as Tiona and Tione had disappeared right out from under them, the rest of Kali Familia, too, seemed to have vanished into thin air. Apparently not a single soul had caught sight of them after the attack on Lefiya, not even the residents of Melen.

Loki: Aki and the other gals split up to go look for 'em...Speakin' of, they should be comin' back right about now.

Loki spoke up from her cross- legged spot atop the table, and, indeed, no sooner had the words left her mouth than the door opened to reveal Aki and Alicia back from their search.

Aki: No good. The inn they were supposedly staying at until today was completely deserted. We snuck in but couldn't find anything.

Alicia: And even though the galleon they sailed in on is still there, it's completely empty, as well...

The two second-tier adventurers explained despondently. Loki hummed softly as she scratched at her chin.

Loki: Considerin' this is their first time here, you wouldn't think they'd be able to hide themselves so well...They've gotta have someone helpin' 'em.

The goddess's words triggered a jolt of fear in her followers. Alicia clenched her fist.

Alicia But what is it they're after...?

Asuna: Well...I'm about ninety-nine point nine percent certain they're gonna make Tione and Tiona reenact those rites they used to carry out in Telskyura.

Loki: That bastard of a midget they call a goddess is nothin' but a natural-born battle junkie. And I wouldn't put it past Tione and her sister to be tempted, too.

Riveria: Attacking Rakuta and the others, kidnapping Lefiya—it was all a ploy to spur them into action.

Aiz: Lefiya...

The name stung Aiz's heart. As worried as she was about Tiona and Tione, she couldn't help her concern for the spirited-away mage, too.

Loki: Anyway, we continue our search...and if we find 'em, we blow 'em away. Asuna and Aiz should be able to handle 'em by herself, but Riveria, feel free to blast 'em as much as ya want, too.

Riveria: In the middle of the city. What a wonderful idea...

Aki: And what about Lefiya...?

Aki retorted, eyes narrowed in disbelief. But Loki just discarded their concerns with a dismissive wave of her hand. From what Aiz could tell, Loki's anger hadn't subsided even slightly. As much as her usual tomfoolery colored her words, her eyes themselves weren't laughing at all.

Loki: Look, I'm just gonna come out and say it—Lefiya's nothin' more than bait to lure in Tione and her sister. No one's gonna be threatenin' her life or anything. Then again, who knows what might happen if worse comes to worst.

Riveria: Then what you're saying is that our enemy desires nothing but combat in and of itself?

Riveria asked, though she already knew the answer. Loki smiled.

Loki: Thaaaat's it. A hostage is just a blip on the radar for someone who wants a full-on fight to the death. Most likely she's just there to dissuade us from interferin'. That way, they can have their death match without worryin' about us gettin' in the way.

Aiz could tell from the goddess's smile—she knew Kali had no plans to kill Lefiya.

Loki: So, Aaasunaaaa, Aizuu. You two are the only one who's gone up against 'em. Aside from the sisters with the boobs, how tough d'ya think they are?

Aiz: Of the ones I fought, Level Threes or Level Fours.

Asuna: Argana and Bache are nothing. They can come at me all they want, but they still won't let a scratch on my forehead. But they are different. None of them are afraid of taking people's life.

Their fighting style, however, would prove difficult, much like Tiona and Tione's. They fought with a complete disregard for their lives, at an insanely close range, and with no hesitation at taking someone else's life. They would always have the upper hand against someone lacking that same motivation to kill. Aki and Alicia found themselves grimacing as they listened to the Asuna and Aiz's prognosis.

Riveria: So only Asuna is the one a match for them at our current battle strength. And a their mid-level warriors will prove a handful.

Loki: Unfortunately, yes...

Riveria: The fact that Aiz and I are both using temporary weapons doesn't help matters any, either.

Loki let out a sigh as she turned her gaze toward the ceiling. All of a sudden, Aiz raised her head with an

Aiz: Ah!

In all the commotion, there'd been something she'd forgotten to add.

Aiz: Loki.

Loki: Hmm? What's up, Aizuu? Woah, this stinks!

Asuna: Isn't that the magic powder to ward off monsters? If I remember correctly, Sora use it when he was descending towards the 18th floor under resort.

Aiz undid the small bag from beneath her loin guard, handing it over to the goddess. It was something she and Tiona had found during their earlier search of the Murdock estate. As Aiz leaned forward to explain its contents, a smile began to form on Loki's face.

Loki: Good work, Aiz!

Loki exclaimed before sliding down from off the table. Grabbing a quill pen and parchment from one of the hotel staff, she quickly took to writing.

Loki: Aki! Would ya mind playin' messenger for me?

Aki: Well, no, but...you mean now?

Loki: Faster than now. This is an emergency! Everything you need to know should be written right here!

Loki asserted, handing her a small slip of paper. Aki glanced down at it with a nod, then grabbed the two pieces of parchment and took off out of the inn at the speed of a cat. Loki watched her with the rest of the group, then turned her eyes toward the window and the crimson sky painting the horizon.

Loki: Now, then! All that's left is Tione and her sister...

(Timeskip)

The sky was tinged with bluish shadow. Night had settled over the port town of Meren. Passing clouds hid the twinkle of stars and the outline of the moon as they drifted ceaselessly along. Every so often, a gap would appear, and the moon's golden light would drift through the haze to illuminate the city below.

Tione: It's time. You ready?

Tiona: Yeah!

Tione: Then let's go, Tiona.

Tiona: Got it.

Thus, the two sisters set forth, to cut their ties with fate and to free themselves from their past.