No one's POV

A battle to the death intensified, far away atop its ship out at sea.

Tiona: HrrrruuuaaaaAAAGH!!

Tione roared, all her rage and all her fury sending her fist into Argana's abdomen. The force sent a waterfall of blood down Argana's chin.

Argana: Guh-guaagh...ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!! You're still...growing stronger...are you, Tione?!

Tione: I thought I told you to shut up!!

The sight of all that blood, the sound of Argana's vicious laughter—it only served to spur Tione on further. It didn't matter how much of her own life Argana's strikes had already carved away. It didn't matter how much blood came bubbling out between Argana's lips. Tione couldn't stop; her fists, her feet—all stained red—just kept flying.

Relentlessly, mercilessly, she threw blow after blow, the aura of vibrant red air around her darkening as her every strike sought to rend the other Amazon limb from limb.

Argana had her curse. But Tione had her skill. And Argana was forced to admit that these two weren't exactly the most compatible of abilities. As her own defenses took a sharp decline, Tione's attack power only climbed and climbed.

One strike. One strike was all it would take. Tione was becoming the sword that would behead the snake. While there were any number of ways Tione could have overpowered the other Amazon using her technique and skills, she forgot all of them—simply railing on her again and again, her entire mind, her entire being focused on wringing the very life from Argana's body. And with every punch, more and more blood came spurting from Argana's mouth.

Argana took all of it, making no move to cancel her curse. Perhaps it was a sign of respect, perhaps a way of not turning her back on the battle at hand. So as not to dirty the sacred rites of her country. And Argana, who refused to put nothing but her best foot forward, was dying.

Argana: Are you going to kill me, Tione? Good!

She laughed, even now trembling with excitement, with a scorching pain.

Argana: My blood will become yours, and I shall live forever! Together with those I've already consumed! We shall arrive, all of us, at war's end!!

She was howling now, her state of mind practically no different from Kali's own.

Argana: We shall become...the strongest warrior!!

Tione: Shut up, shut up, SHUT UP!!!!!

Argana's words were like white noise to Tione's ears.

Tione: I'll defeat you. I'll kill you. With my own hands. I'll steal the life from your eyes!!!

This monster of Telskyura, who represented everything she and Tiona had been made to suffer—she was going to kill her. And she was going to protect her sister.

There was one key difference between her and Tiona—and that was how much they condemned Telskyura. Tione, who'd never been able to smile the way Tiona had, retained nothing but a quietly amassed resentment, like a shadow hanging over her. Without even realizing it, Tione was becoming every bit the warrior she'd so tried to escape.

Kali had been right on the money. While there might have been a temporary slump in Tiona and Bache's rite, Tione and Argana's never faltered. On and on they fought, showing no signs of hesitation or misgiving. Tione's rage was propelling her toward the future of war Kali desired.

Kali had all of them in the palm of her hand. It had been she who'd ordered Argana and Tione's fight to take place out at sea, where no one could interfere, and she who'd decided to remain in the cave and watch over Bache and Tiona.

Everything was going exactly as she'd planned.

Argana: I'll kill you, Tione! Come here and let me drink the life from your veins!!

Tione: RuuuuuaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAGGGGGHHH!!

As Argana coaxed her, voice dripping with joy and rage, the Amazonian warriors beside them raised their own voices in vociferous climax. The final curtain call so lusted after by their goddess was growing steadily nearer.

(Elsewhere)

Tiona(mind): Tione...!

Back in the cave, Tiona scowled. The constant drumming in her ears was louder now, sending rippling waves of heat all the way to the tips of her fingers.

Bache: Ngh!

Not missing the opening, Bache threw a knife-hand strike toward her face, and Tiona had less than a second to dodge the incoming Velgas. She leaped backward, narrowly avoiding the attack as it went into the wall, sending shards of smoking, toxic rock flying. Tiona's cheek and hair, too, sizzled where Bache's hand had grazed her, and moving back, she reestablished the distance between them.

Tiona(mind): I can't be worrying about Tione now. I have to focus on winning this battle first...

If not, she was in for a world of hurt from her sister. She turned her gaze toward Bache and the icy-cold stare the other Amazon was directing her way. Feeling the sweat running off her in droves, she let out another breath of crimson air.

Tiona: My big hits keep missing...

Tiona mumbled beneath her breath, and it was true—three times now she'd tried to lay the finishing blow on Bache only to miss her target. While she knew pecking away at the other Amazon with short, quick strikes would do nothing but get her own body further scorched by Bache's Velgas, Bache herself wasn't so negligent as to leave herself open for any type of critical hit.

Tiona: What should I doooooooo?

She didn't have much time. That much she knew. She could keep smiling all she wanted, but pain was still pain, and heartache was still heartache. In fact, if she had any choice in the matter at all, she'd much rather have curled up right there on the floor and taken a good long nap.

Tiona(mind): Kinda reminds me of those caterpillar critters down in the Dungeon. If only I had some sorta weapon...then I could figure somethin' out.

Not that it was an acceptable scenario, considering she'd probably kill Bache right out.

Tiona(mind): But if I had my Urga...then what would I do?

Tiona mused, looking down at her fist as her mind went to her beloved weapon still under maintenance. This poison was different from that of those caterpillars. Though her skin may change its color, lose its feeling, and squirm with an agonizing pain, it didn't melt or lose its shape. Her breath grew darker, saturated with more and more red.

Tiona:...

Then slowly, she began to stretch. Bending her knees, she let out a deep puff of air.

Tiona: Bache.

Bache:...

She looked the other woman straight in the eye. Bache's face was expressionless, and her lips were closed tight beneath the black of her neckerchief.

Tiona: I'm coming for you.

And with that, their final duel began. Tiona's inaugural strike was a flying punch, straight from the front.

Bache: ?!

Both of them attacked, counterattacked, blocked. They went at each other like dogs, and the swirling mass of toxic light circling Bache's body seared Tiona's skin every time they touched. As she danced out of harm's way, her feet as bare as the elves', Tiona was foregoing all manner of evasion and simply throwing herself at the other Amazon with everything she had.

Bache: What are you planning to do in this state?

Tiona: To avoid touching your poison and finish this in one blow. Nothing more.

Bache: Nothing more you say? Finish it in one blow? You're going to face my poison head on? Have you lost your mind, Tiona?

Tiona: Come on, let's do it!!

Bache's eyes hardened as she watched Tiona come at her. It was ridiculous, really, coming straight from the front like that. Her Velgas was not only a method of attack but one of defense, as well. And every time Tiona's fist came at her, no matter if it hit, no matter if it was blocked, no matter if it was fended off, the toxins ate away at her bit by bit. It didn't matter how high of a status resistance she might have—if she didn't heal herself soon, she had only about five minutes of fight left in her.

Bache: You still haven't understood have you?!

And as for the finishing blow she'd been trying to lay on Bache for some time now, she had only about one. Had the other girl really let herself go this time? Abandoned all reason in her desperation? The thought had only just crossed Bache's mind when—her attacks began hitting nothing but air.

Bache(mind): What's this? She's getting faster!!

And the attacks landing on her came faster and faster, the accuracy of Tiona's punches and kicks seeming especially on point. Bache threw punch after rock-crushing punch. But none of them hit. Tiona was gone. Then suddenly she'd be right next to her, landing a kick to her shoulder. She could hear the sound of Tiona's skin sizzling against her Velgas. Again and again and again.

Bache(mind): Her abilities are rising as she gets closer to death?! That's...!

Their timing no longer matched. Tiona's speed was rising. And not only that, the power behind her punches was rising, too. Bache's eyes shook in their sockets. And all of a sudden, that painfully smiling face came directly into view.

Bache(mind): Sh-she can't be—!

Tiona's skill, Intense Heat. Similar to her Berserk skill, every time she took damage, it increased the course-correcting effects of her abilities. The more cornered she was, the closer she came to death, the more her survival and battle instincts turned into pure, concentrated power, flaring up inside her. Which meant Bache couldn't let her land an attack. But Bache couldn't attack her, either. Or to put it another way, whether she turned the other cheek or simply let it all fly, Tiona's Status would simply keep on rising. The damage from her Velgas was going to keep on strengthening the other Amazon no matter what she did.

Bache: Gngh!!

Tiona's two boosts had stacked themselves. Bache, on the other hand, couldn't land a single hit. She couldn't dodge a single blow. And she couldn't guard against a single incoming strike. Bone-crunching punches slammed into her face. Flailing toes met her chin in earsplitting kicks. Throws sent her hurtling through the air to slam hard against the ground.

Higher, higher, higher. Speed, endurance, power—all of it rose, seemingly without limit. Up, up, up, up, up, up—it never ceased.

Tiona: Nothing can stop me noooooOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWW!!

The wave of attacks beat against Bache's body with the force of a raging river. Wounds opened up all over her faster than she could even register them, shaking her so much she couldn't even maintain her Velgas. Blood was leaking from her every pore now, coloring every inch of her copper skin.

Bache(mind): Tiona, you—

Tiona was on fire. Burning brightly, ablaze with life. Despite the pain and despite the heartache, she'd stood tall, utilizing the most relentless method she could to bring Bache down. Her eyes were hazy, evidence of the struggle her own body was enduring to keep her alive.

And yet through all of it—her smile never once faltered. Instead, she was creeping toward her, looking more and more like the snake Bache had come to fear—her sister, the embodiment of death.

Bache: Gngh...gnnnnrrrraaaAAAAAGHH!!

Bache screamed, the first time she'd even raised her voice during the duel, trying to dismiss that horrible building fear of death shaking her to the core. Her mask of insouciance gone, her eyes glinting, she gathered together all the power deep down inside her and wrung out every last drop of the murderously toxic venom exuding from her pores.

Who would fall first? Tiona or Bache? Faster and faster their fists flew, and the great abyss of death transformed into their final arena.

Tiona: RRRRUUUUUUUUUAAAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHH!!

They were boiling now. Battering punches. Flying kicks. The fire burning within them both set their fight ablaze. Even their voices met in a battle of roars, shaking the very walls of the cavern.

Kali: HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA! This is it! This is truly a rite of the arena, a life-and-death duel! This is the fight I've been waiting for!!

Kali laughed gleefully, her eyes wide and glimmering as the rest of the Amazons found themselves taken aback at the sheer power behind the echoing voices.

Bache: Tiona!!

Bache's voice screamed as her fist came in contact with Tiona's abdomen. The air rushed out of the other girl with an audible guhhh.

Bache: Are you smiling now?!

The poison ripped through her, all along her skin, burning her nerves, and the pain and shock practically sent her to her knees. But even through all of it, even though the hellish torture ravaging her entire body, Tiona still smiled.

Tiona: You bet I am!!

And then she punched back. Her fist sank into Bache's abdomen with the same force the other Amazon had just inflicted on her. Bache's body curved into an unnatural C shape at the force, blood shooting from her mouth.

Tiona: Hurt me all you want! Bleed me all you want! Even if I am afraid! Even if I am in pain! I'll never stop laughing!!

A spinning kick. Bache dodged this one, both of them jumping back to put distance between them.

Tiona: I'll smile...for those who can't!!

The treasure she'd received in that story of legend, that unwavering promise, two sisters smiling and laughing together. She'd smile for tomorrow. She'd smile because she believed in the happiness that awaited. The gazes of the two Amazons met. Then they drew their arms back, preparing themselves for the final strike.

Bache: What do you even know of fear?! My sister always terrified me! I didn't want to die then! I will not die now!

Tiona clenched her fist. Bache focused the light of her Velgas. Then they charged, smile meeting bloodlust in a mad dash toward the center.

Bache: I am the one who was the most afraid! I always have! Gnnnngh!!

They collided. Red-hot air hit purplish black light particles at point-blank range. It happened in an instant, Bache one step ahead, her fist flying and, with it, her Velgas.

Bache: T​I​O​N​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​!!

She hurtled straight at her face, straight at that smile—but Tiona ignored it. She continue to smile.

Bache: Why? Why aren't you afraid? Do you not fear me?!

Instead, Tiona was focused on Bache's arm, on a spot of skin where the light of her Velgas seemed to have disappeared, and reaching her own arm around it, she pushed down. The strike barreling toward her face suddenly wasn't anymore. Bache's eyes dilated in surprise.

Tiona: I'm not afraid of you, Bache! It's because I'm a fool!! I've decided to laugh with everyone!!!

Her attack was gone. All that was left was that smile—and then Tiona roared.

Tiona: AND I CAN'T STOP ANYMORE...!!!!

The explosion was instantaneous.

Bache(mind): I don't feel any fear from these fist...

Tiona's right fist came straight into Bache's chest. So much power. Bache's body was launched away, crashing into the far rock wall with a horrific crunch. Urga. The Amazon word for "great destruction."

Bache(mind): Ah Tiona, you're the only one...

Tiona: Bache, read this for me.

Letting herself get within a hairbreadth of death, she'd built up the effects of her skill to its very limits, releasing a truly "final" finishing blow. It was the strongest attack she had in her arsenal.

Bache(mind):...who makes me forget my fears.

Tiona: Gn—gh...

Peeling away, Bache took first one step, then two steps, then, wobbling, she fell to her knees. She collapsed to the ground, right then and there, robbed of her voice aside from the stuttered grunt making its way past her lips. Tiona had won.

Amazons: Se wehga! Se wehga! Se wehga!

Kali: Thou art the true warrior! Thou art the true warrior! Thou art the true warrior!

All around her, her fellow Amazons raised their voices in thunderous praise, extolling her, the victor. It was enough to shake the walls of stone and rock surrounding them—Tiona with her breath ragged and Bache facedown on the ground.

Kali: Well done! Well done!

Two tiny hands came together in excited applause. Kali smiled beneath her mask, more than satisfied, as she lauded Tiona from above.

Kali: That was just wonderful! Guess that settles it, then. Letting you go truly was my one big mistake, Tiona. I was too soft. Too soft!

Tiona:...

Kali: You've proven victorious in the rite...However, your opponent lives.

Kali continued, her eyes flitting from Tiona, exhausted and covered in wounds, to Bache, still lying on the ground. Indeed, the chest of the sandy-haired Amazon continued to rise and fall. The blessing Kali had bestowed unto her long, long ago yet endured.

Kali: Go ahead and kill her.

The smile was audible in her command.

Kali: Only then can the rite be complete.

Tiona's response, however, was all too direct.

Tiona: Don't wanna.

It was no different from that day, so long ago, when Tiona had looked her goddess in the eye and insisted that she didn't want to fight her sister.

Tiona: I'm not a warrior anymore.

Kali:...

Tiona:...and Tione isn't, either. We're adventurers now.

Kali found herself at a loss for words.

Tiona: I'm not gonna kill anyone else...not anymore, Kali!

Now even the ovation of her sisters quieted. Tiona glanced up, meeting that of her goddess's gaze in the middle of that silent stone arena.

Kali: You really have changed.

Kali finally muttered slowly, almost mournfully. But it didn't last, her earlier smile returning to her face.

Kali: But one thing certainly hasn't changed, and that's your connection with your sister.

The goddess raised her arm, and all of a sudden, the other Amazons who'd been watching over the match charged into the arena, descending upon Tiona. They surrounded her in an instant.

Kali: Tione is with Argana right now...far, far out at sea. There's no one to save you.

Tiona:...

Kali: You're coming with us...back to Telskyura!

Even Tiona knew it would be pointless to put up a fight at this point. Even now, she walked the line between life and death—it was the only way she'd been able to release her inner Urga, after all—and standing there was taking everything she had. She couldn't even think of raising a finger, let alone a fist. And then there was the poison from Bache's Velgas to contend with, still coursing through her. It would be so easy for them to simply carry her back to their ship.

Kali: Which of them will come, I wonder. Argana? Tione?...Whichever one lives will be your next opponent. An offering to the strongest warrior!

The goddess of war and bloodshed couldn't be swayed. As Tiona looked up at her through blurred eyes, she couldn't think of a single way out of this mess, and around her, the circle of Amazons grew smaller and smaller. When all of a sudden—ever so lightly. A breeze brushed past her cheek, playing with the strands of her hair. Wind. Faint yet very definitely there, reaching out all the way to her deep within that cave.

Tion: You're wrong, Kali. It's no longer just the two of us.

Tiona said with a smile, her eyes closing. It was a different kind of smile this time, quiet and peaceful. Kali raised an eyebrow dubiously. Then Tiona opened her eyes.

Tiona: Because Tione and I aren't alone anymore.

It was then that it happened. The trickle of air turned into a rushing blast into the cave.

Tiona: We have friends now!!

One brilliant, gleaming slash, then another, hundreds of them, raced around the group as Kali and her followers' eyes opened in shock. Before her lightning-fast onslaught, the circle of Amazons around her was blown away.

Kali: The Sword Princess...?

The golden-haired, golden-eyed swordswoman appeared before them, barring their path to Tiona and flourishing her silver sword with an audible slice as it cut through the air.

Aiz: Are you all right, Tiona?

Even as bedraggled as she was, Tiona burst into a smile, at her companion who had raced to save her, faster than anyone else. At her beloved friend.

Tiona: I am now!

Almost as if on cue, the rest of Loki Familia came barreling into the cave with a mighty war cry. They flung themselves on the remaining Amazons with weapons flying. Kali shot to her feet, her seemingly impenetrable calm demeanor gone in an instant.

Kali: That damn Ishtar...Were they defeated already?!

The battle below her was practically over before it started, Aiz and the rest of her peers quickly suppressing Kali's warriors. At Ishtar Familia's retreat, Aiz had released her Aerial now in waves across the battlefield. The other adventurers, too, not wanting to be outdone, raised their voices in murderous, frenzied cries as they set themselves on the Amazonian warriors. Their power was overwhelming, a result of their knowledge that a companion, one of their own, was in danger.

Kali: I can't stop this now. Even if you overcome my divine will and wrest your freedom from me.

Kali's gaze narrowed as she grit her teeth in scarcely contained rage.

???: Idiot, you think I'll let you do that?!

Kali: Gyaaaa!

The voice came from out of nowhere. From above even her as she stood over the battlefield. She looked skyward with a jolt, only to find a certain ginger-haired goddess seated on a rock ledge jutting out not far from the ceiling. It was Loki.

Loki: How ya feelin' right about now, huh? All your glorious plans crashing down around you with your precious children lyin' facedown in the dirt?

She'd just appeared from the hole behind her that led into the rest of the cave. The smaller goddess's unsightly development was all too amusing.

Kali: Don't patronize me!

Kali snarled, pointed canines snapping. Loki's vermilion eyes opened ever so slightly as her smile widened.

Loki: I'm just sayin', is all, you pint-size ignoramus. You really...really picked the wrong people to mess with.

The smile accompanying her sentiment this time could easily have rivaled that of the most nefariously wicked god, all her anger at the smaller goddess coming back a thousandfold. It was the ultimate depraved sneer, enough to make even the faces of Njord and Rod, who'd accompanied her into the cave, twitch in fear. Kali's face burned with shame and humiliation beneath her mask, the screams of her warriors echoing around her.

Kali: And yet, Tione has never strayed from my will. She's gone already. She's far away where you miserable scum can't reach her, continuing her own fight.

Kali hissed between her clenched teeth with a vengeful smile.

Loki: Oh pish. You think I'm worried about her?

Kali: What do you mean?

Loki flapped her hand dismissively before looking up and behind her toward the hole from whence she'd come. The two figures that appeared from the darkness were none other than Gareth and the very much no longer captured Lefiya. The dwarf nodded at his patron deity's glance.

Loki: I've got my strongest knight on the job.

(Elsewhere)

Back on the Amazonian ship still far out in the ocean southwest of Melen. The rite currently taking place was reaching its finish. The spectators knew this, all of them Telskyuran warriors who'd seen more than their fair share of battles. The end wasn't far off. And facing the two combatants now, Tione and Argana, still at each other's throats in violent repartee, they clamored for victory, for glory, and, most importantly, for death.

Tione and Argana were giving everything they had to take down their blood-covered opponents. They no longer saw anyone else; Argana reflected in Tione's eyes the same way Tione was reflected in Argana's.

Tione: I'll kill her. I'LL KILL HER!!

Tione's vision had gone red. Argana, however, only smiled deeper the more Tione's true warrior's nature shone through. Each one of them was looking for an opening, a shot at landing the finishing blow and bringing down their opponent once and for all.

Nothing but pure, concentrated rage controlled Tione now. Her every move was dictated by a need to kill. No one could stop her. Not her goddess. Not even her friends. But if there was someone. If there was someone who could stop her...it would have been her other half. Her younger sister—

???: That's far enough.

—But the voice was not that of her sister. It was someone who'd bested her, who'd stolen her heart.

Tione: ?!

No sooner had Tione and Argana been about to lay into each other for the last time than a spear thrust its way between them, lodging itself in the wooden floor. It was long and boasting a tip of pure golden alloy. The two Amazons found themselves frozen where they stood, and all of a sudden, a tiny figure came flying down—a single prum landing on the deck of the ship and reclaiming the spear for himself.

Brilliant green eyes, like the all-knowing surface of a vast lake, stared out beneath his sweeping bangs of gold. Finn Deimne had inserted himself right smack in the middle of the rite.

Tione: Cap...tain...?

All it took was one look at that pint-size frame and heroic profile for the anger to dissipate from Tione's eyes. In fact, all too quickly, her rage was replaced with the thump, thump, thumping of her giddy heart. As Tione found herself at a loss, Argana, too, could do nothing but stare in shock.

Argana: A pallum...?!

Murmurs of bewilderment passed through the audience of Amazons beside them. They were on a ship out in the middle of the ocean. An arena on the open sea, where not a soul should have been able to reach them. Nothing but the fading light of the far-off lighthouse was even visible off Melen's coastline.

Argana: You...you...How did you even get here...?!

Argana could only mutter in awe. Her eyes went first to the surrounding waters. But there was nothing, no other ships, nothing that would have delivered this prum to where they stood. And swimming was out of the question—a thought that she quickly eliminated, considering the pallum's clothes didn't have a drop of water on them.

Tione: How—?

Finn: Look above...

Her confusion seemed just about to get the better of her—when her eyes narrowed in on a sight that truly took her breath away. Suddenly, her eyes were on the sky. Something was reflecting in those wet irises.

Light. Motes of milky-white light, falling from above. They drifted downward as soft as snowflakes. Argana looked up slowly, feeling an eerie thrill of dread down her spine. Black sky. Stars the color of blood. And floating against them, a small silhouette—but one that radiated an immense power. A person. A woman.

A breastplate that shone as though made of pearl. Gauntlets and boots of the same color. Her long skirt was stitched together from countless fine fabrics that hung loose and flapped like wings. And an Angel like wings behind her back. Her long hair, trailing in the night breeze, was a shining blue diamond.

Aragana: Who's that...?

Tione: Asuna...?

Tione mumbled from the ground. Argana never heard her say it. The instant that she caught a glimpse of the woman's face descending from the starry sky above. The figure floating in the air reached out her right hand. Five slender fingers lightly swiped sideways.

Laaaaaaaaah. A tremendous, rich harmony shook the world, like a chorus of thousands of angels bursting into song. A curtain of light, like the aurora borealis, shot from the figure's fingers and rained down on Melen and the boat.

Rumbling ensued—and screams. Tione spun around to see that the sea had turned into pure ice. Dumbfounded, she turned bulging eyes to the sky. The woman lifted her right hand again and this time waved it toward the north where Melen is.

There was another angelic chorus. The aurora that shot down was dozens of times larger than the first, and the effect it had on the ground below was beyond the capacity of Tione nor Argana and the other Amazons mind to envision. Lastly, the floating woman looked directly down the boat. Her index finger flicked empty air.

Laaaaaaah. Rainbow light surrounded the boat. Immediately the ocean that was frozen solid erupted. The water completely surrounded the boat and the amazons, the pallum captain then swelled rapidly and swallow them all.

Aragana: Wha—?!

Asuna: You amazons stay where you are? Finn, the rest is up to you.

Running across this frozen ocean, Finn made his way to the ship, took a flying leap, then landed artfully atop the ship's deck, spear in hand.

Asuna: Bring Tione back soon, Finn...

The high elf magical swordswoman murmured from the air, no traces of doubt in her voice as it made its way across the waves.

Finn: Honestly, I've no idea if my words will get through to you, but I figure there's no harm in trying. I was hoping we could reach some sort of agreement, warriors of Telskyura.

Finn began calmly, his back to Tione and shielding her from any further blows. The reaction to the Koine-spouting, spear-wielding pallum was immediate.

Argana: KILL HIIIIIIIIM!!

Finn had interrupted their sacred rite, and the Amazonian warriors were incensed. They leaped at him from all sides, weapons flying as they prepared to make this new intruder pay for the heinous crime of defying their goddess's divine will.

Finn: That could have gone better. Then you leave me no choice.

All at once, the pallum captain began to move. Like a spinning top, he twisted, never once leaving his spot as his Fortia Spear sliced through the air in every direction, golden tip gleaming. His speed was incredible, repelling the female warriors, weapons and all, as they launched themselves at him; he sent them flying over the side of the ship as they screamed in shock and disappointment.

Finn: You lot have been giving certain members of our familia considerable trouble, haven't you?

All around the ship, giant pillars of water soared upward as the Amazons plunged beneath the waves. Soon, the only ones who remained on deck were Finn, Tione, and Argana. Asuna was floating high in the air using her Stacia to capture all the remaining amazons and trap them in a ball of water.

Argana: Ngh!!

Finn's strength was in a league all its own, and Argana couldn't even try to hide her astonishment. Asuna herself who had beaten Argana during their first encounter was showing her godlike power. Behind Finn, however, Tione was experiencing her own crisis.

Tione: St-stop it! Please stop, Captain! Don't...don't get in the way!!

Finn: Get in the...way?

But even as she screamed, the damage had already been done, her inner fragility revealed. Looking at his back now, she saw in her mind the bond they shared growing weaker and weaker.

Tione: I...I have to bring Argana down myself! If I don't—...If I don't, then Tiona, Aiz, and everyone else, they'll...they'll be hunted down!!

She shouted what was in her heart, disorganized and inarticulate though it was. Yet even as she stood there stammering, the tiny pallum didn't move from his spot; no, he didn't even flinch.

Finn: Tione. Since when did we become so weak and frail as to need your protection?

Tione:...!

Finn: That you would go to such lengths...Is it out of pride? Or perhaps some sort of personal resentment? If it is out of enmity, I'd say you certainly got your revenge.

The words cut into Tione's heart like a knife. It was cold, almost, this direct attack on her past actions and rationale. —She was being scorned. By the person she loved the most. The mask of boldness she'd so desperately attempted to hide behind began to peel away. She felt a heat spread through her battered body, a heat that had nothing to do with her earlier anger, and in her eyes, all that she'd been keeping suppressed fought for release.

Finn: However...

Just when despair had begun to overtake her features, Finn turned back, looking straight toward her.

Finn: You always push people away, more so when this thing happen. How long will it take for you to learn? But somehow, despite all the time you've spent pushing, you've finally learned to pull.

Tione: Huh...?

Finn: When did you learn such tactics, hmm?

Tione raised her gaze, meeting Finn's own, and the prum gave her a wry smile as he balanced the handle of his spear on his shoulder.

Finn: You really should try not to make us worry so much, Tione.

Now Tione's eyes began to tremble.

Finn: I'm just glad you're all right.

Strange though it may seem, a part of her, the smallest, most infinitesimal part, had always wanted to play the heroine waiting for her knight in shining armor. Just like in those stories Tiona had read to her. It was the smallest, tiniest part buried deep down within her. The part of her that had found someone to love so, so much.

Finn: You're going to get an earful from me after this, you know that, right? So wait there.

Finn said with a soft smile.

Tione: Y-yes...

Tione responded, tears clinging to her eyes. And then she sat, spent of her energy and sinking to the floor. She'd already been on the verge of collapse, having suffered almost more than she could take, and this new attack melting her heart had severed the final thread holding her together. It wasn't rage scraping at her heart this time; it was something else, burrowing its way into its deepest recesses.

Argana: You can't be serious! What the hell is all this?!

Argana suddenly barked, no longer able to watch in silence. Rage made itself plain on her face as she glared daggers at Tione on the ground.

Argana: To your feet, Tione!! We will continue the rite! You really think you can just end it with this lunacy?!

She couldn't bear seeing the cowardly image of Tione on her knees before her. This wasn't the face of a warrior, of an avenger ablaze with fury. This was nothing but an ordinary, run-of-the-mill, unremarkable girl. As someone who yearned for a future of war and combat, this was something she could not permit.

Finn: You understand Koine, I see.

Finn turned his attention now to the enraged Amazon in front of him.

Finn: Then our conversation will be short. I was wondering if you would be willing...to let me take the place of Tione in the rite.

He thrust his spear into the boards of the floor below. Watching Argana, still shocked, out of the corner of his eye, he stooped down into position, fully prepared to fight sans weapon.

Finn: If I win, you're to leave Tione and her sister alone. Make one move toward them again, and we'll completely decimate the country you call home.

Argana: A man...and a pallum, no less?! Don't make me laugh...!

But even as the mere thought made her body quiver in shame, she readied herself all the same. Long tongue reaching out to lick the red liquid off her cheeks, her eyes turned bloodshot. Her body coursed with bloodlust, absolutely prepared to slaughter the tiny fool of a man in front of her so she could continue her fight with Tione.

Argana: Die!!

Tione knew how the fight would end before it even started.

Finn: I've heard tell that those of Telskyura consider it an insult to be shown sympathy in a fight.

Argana's wounds were too deep and too many from their own fight. Her body had just about reached its limit.

Finn: So I shall give it my all, as well. But looking at how close your body is to it's limit... I won't use my left hand

And even more than that. The Argana in front of her now was no different from the Tione who'd gone up against Finn those five years ago. She knew nothing. Not of the strength of adventurers, nor of the world. Nor that the tiny figure standing before her was not only a pallum hero...

Finn: Magic spear, penetrate my forehead offering blood.

...but a berserker, too. One as strong and crazed as even her.

Finn: Hell Finegas!

His green eyes, as calm as the lake's surface, suddenly flashed a brilliant red.

Argana: ?!

Argana's fist came at him, but he caught it in his own, in his teeth no larger than a human child's. And as Argana gulped in surprise, he unleashed everything he had. His abilities were now enhanced to an unimaginable degree and his mind gone wild with a thirst for blood.

Teethes digging into her fist, he yanked her forward in the blink of an eye. Argana could barely believe what she was seeing, and time ground to a screeching halt as she saw the tiny pallum ready his right fist. He roared, lungs bursting with all the intensity of a bloodthirsty warrior.

Finn: H​U​U​U​R​R​R​R​R​R​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​A​U​U​G​G​G​G​G​H​H​H​H​H​H​H​!​!

His fist collided with Argana's face.

Argana: GUGNNNNH!!!!

She tried to scream, but the vicious crack of her bones snapping interrupted the sound. Then she was flying. She crashed through the railing, sending up splinters of wood as she plunged into the water far, far away from the side of the boat. The deluge of water that rose up from the impact might as well have been caused by a magic explosion for all its magnitude.

Argana: !

The recoil was enough to send the ship rocking back and forth, its boards creaking noisily, and Tione waited for the motion to subside before moving. When finally silence had returned to the deck, she raised her head, finding Finn standing in front of her with his eyes still red.

Tione: Ah...

She instinctively closed her eyes, unable to face his red ones head-on as they stared at her huddled form on the ship's floor. A few seconds passed. When nothing happened, she slowly, ever so slowly cracked open her eyes, only to feel something come down on her shoulders. Taken aback, she quickly turned her head to find that Finn had wrapped his waistcloth around her.

Tione: Captain...

Tione murmured, lips trembling. Finn just smiled, his irises having returned to their beautiful green shade.

Finn: Let's go home, Tione.

Then he walked past her, giving her head a soft pat. That was the final straw for Tione, already spent in more ways than she could imagine, and her eyes welled up with salty tears. Completely abandoning all modesty, she turned on her heel before promptly tackling her beloved's back.

Tione: Captaaaaaaaaaaaaaain....!!

Her arms wrapped around him in the tightest squeeze she could muster. Finn, on the other hand, was sent straight to the floor by the emotional
Amazon's giant bear hug, his nose cracking against the hard wood of the deck with his arms spread-eagled above him.

Tione: Captain, oh, Captaaaaaaaain! Thank you soooooo muchhhhhh...Ahhhh, I'm so sorry...!!

Finn: There, there... Don't cry.

Finn could only reply with a knowing smile as Tione sobbed his name again and again into his shirt, her arms still wrapped around his waist. He'd wait there, the pallum captain of Loki Familia, with his cheek pressed into the floor, until she was done crying, simply smiling at the night sky up above, where a certain angle was smiling watching the whole thing from start to finish.

The two rites, one within the cave and one atop the ship, had come to an end. The fate the two girls shared had been broken at the hands of their companions.

(Timeskip)

By the time Tione, Asuna, and Finn made their way back using the frozen ocean Asuna had created, traces of light were already starting to color the sky. It took a while after that, mostly due to Tione's wailing, for Riveria and Asuna to apply the proper healing and care for her battered body. But once finished, the four of them continued to the wharf, Tione sandwiched between the two elites with Finn's waistcloth still wrapped around her shoulders. They found the rest of Loki Familia gathered in front of the fishing pier and causing a horrible racket.

Raul: I...I brought Misses Tiona's and Tione's weapons for nothing...?! But her Urga almost broke my back...!

Raul lamented.

Tiona: Don't sweat it, Raul! It's the thought that counts, yeah? We're just happy you had us in mind! Thanks!

Tiona replied, as boisterous as ever.

Line: How does Miss Tiona still have that much...energy...?

Lefiya: Indeed. Only a few hours ago she was knocking on death's door and plagued by poison, no less...Just healing her took considerable time.

Tiona: All thanks to you, Line! And I've gotta apologize to you, Lefiya. Gettin' you all mixed up in our problems!

Bete: No one's gonna forgive ya when yer runnin' around like a damn crackpot! You even realize what all these guys did for ya?

Bete growled.

Tiona: Well, sor-ry for wantin' to apologize when I've done something wrong!...Not that...you know...an apology's probably enough...I'm really sorry for puttin' you guys through all that.

Loki: Somebody hold me! Tiona? Bein' all meek 'n' submissive? A new world's bein' born in my soul!

Aiz: Let her be, Loki.

Loki: All right, all right! You win, Aizuu! You and your damn perfection— Nnnnggaaah!

Gareth: Bete, do something! Look how sad Tiona looks now!

Bete: H-how the hell should I know what to do?! You think I can do anything to fix that crazy woman?

Tiona: You could start by apologizing, you big ol' asshat!!

Tiona finally squawked.

Bete: Oh, why don't you just shove it, you shit-for-brains Amazon!!

As Tione looked out across the clamorous group with her sister at its center, she felt the muscles in her face relax, her earlier anxiety washing away. Next to her, Finn could only shrug as Riveria sported her usual one- eyed smile and Asuna shaking her head with a tired sigh.

Riveria: Have you all realized it's still early in the morning?

Finn: Hahaha. Well, you shouldn't be surprised.

Asuna: That's right. If they didn't quarrel, it's not the Loki Familia.

Tione:...

Tiona: Huh? Oh, Tione!

Tiona suddenly spouted, noticing her sister immediately.

Alicia: Lady Riveria!

Lefiya: Captain!

Aiz: Big Sis!

The rest of the group shouted as the younger Amazon came sprinting toward them.

Tiona: You all right, Tione?! The rite! What happened with the rite? Where's Argana?!

Tione: The captain sent her on a one-way trip.

Tiona: What...?....Pfft... Hahahaha! Seriously?! Geez, worrying about you was a huge waste of time!

Tiona was silent for a moment, her face blank in puzzlement. Then she laughed, great guffaws that forced her hands to her stomach. The sight of it was enough to make the corners of Tione's mouth twitch upward ever so slightly.

Tiona: I beat Bache! And you know what? No one had to do any dyin' or killin'! How about that, huh?

That smile. That smile. Always that smile. What was behind that smile? What did it hold? What had it saved? To the east, the sun broke across the horizon, coloring the surface of the lake a brilliant, fiery gold. Tione's face softened, her lips curling upward, all the way upward—in a true smile.

Tione: Thanks, Tiona. For saving me. I can't thank you enough.

Tiona glanced up at her sister, now smiling as brightly as the rising sun, and for a moment, something in her heart caught. The more she looked, the more her own face flushed and the more her own smile grew.

Tiona: You bet!

Tiona finally answered, the two sisters now sharing the same smile as Finn and Riveria watched like protective parents and Asuna whom is like a Big Sister. Almost instantly, though, Tione's smile fell, and a look of despondence washed over her.

Tione: I...need to apologize to everyone. You're too much of a dunce for people to stay mad at, but me...? I guess we'll see.

Tiona: It'll be fine! It'll be fine! You'll see! Everyone'll forgive ya! Just shoot 'em that same smile and everything'll be right as rain!

Tione: Smile?! During an apology? That's just asking for a punch in the face!

Tiona: Naaaaaaah! C'mooooon! Just do it!

Tione: Ugh, you're so annoying! Go over there somewhere!! You really are the worst!

Tiona: But Tioneeeeeeeeeeee!!

And so the two sisters walked toward the group. They walked to that place of light where their friends awaited them with smiles. Their days of loneliness were behind them.

Loki: Looks like everything's gonna be alright.

Aiz: Yeah. They aren't alone anymore.

Riveria: Finally, the sun rises after a dark night.

Asuna: That's right. It's a bright Blue Sky.

A/N: Alright, this is the end for the Melen Arc. The story of Tiona and Tione. I know that the Oratoria book isn't one of the favorites one, since it had barely had any readers unlike the rest. But I still hope you guys read them. Because there are some stuff that I added here about our OC Sora and hidden characters that I didn't show on the original. And some even comment to just skip the side story and focus on the MC. But no. I want to do it like this and leave some hidden message for the readers. That's all I have to say. And as always, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and thank you for reading.