XI

The Fall of a Goddess

" Two evils, monstrous either one apart,

Possessed me, and were long and loath at going:

A cry of Absence, Absence, in the heart,

And in the wood, a furious winter blowing "

- John Crowe Ransom -

Chapter 10: Virtue

There were two truths he held in his heart. Everyone could burn in the name of passion. Few actually did.

And of those few, he knew he was the only one that gave himself to those flames with open arms, seeking them, melting in them. Burning. Each act, each feeling and sensation could hold in their core the seed for pleasure. And in pleasure, the fire hid, that white, scorching fire he had dedicated his existence to. He felt it, and made others feel it.

He made the world burn with a fire that consumed the soul instead of the body.

An eternity devoted to the search of the greatest pleasure.

Of the greatest pain.

‘’ You and I.... ‘’ Eros half-closed his eyes, leaning against one of the columns of the White Temple's peristyle. Down the steep cliff, he could see the dark green forest turned crimson because of the dying sun, spreading throughout the island like a second sea. And among the flowing leaves that mimicked the coming and goings of the waves, he could catch glimpses of the shimmering marble of the Artemisium, hidden by the jealous trees ‘’ ...We are not that different ‘’

We both enjoy extremes. We both want to seize more than what we can take... We want to feel... to be... to live... Mortality has been harsh on us both, amplifying our senses beyond our wildest dreams

‘’ Too bad you search for life in the heat of the chase instead of the games of love... Just imagine what we could have done together! ‘’

The world would have drown in a sea of passion, seeking, wanting, desiring... loving and hating with that same fierceness that shines in your eyes whenever you hunt

No one would have dared to stand against us

‘’ My Lord ‘’

Eros glanced over his shoulder, narrowing his emerald eyes into slits when seeing Dictina; her lithe figure concealed by the crimson shadows that the dying sun reflected on the columns.

‘’ I told you I did not want to be disturbed ‘’ he said absently, returning his attention to the crimson-tinted forest. The Huntress was there, forcing her cosmo into his, into Ortygia, into everything she loved and hated.

You shouldn’t have returned, Artemis. It will be your doom

‘’ I am sorry, my Lord ‘’

He placed his hand over his eyes, trying not to snap at Dictina. After all, he had known what would be the price to pay for taking her. The first time he had seen her, he had thought her a naive little creature, too virtuous and too lovely for her own good. He had not been surprised when he sensed her innocent, almost sisterly, fondness towards Hippolytus; after all, they both share the same goals and loved beyond measure the same person. Two souls united thanks to their feelings for a Goddess that refused to feel.

Sweet irony, that he had had to overpower both her fondness for a mortal and her fierce love for her sister in order to have her. He had had to make her love him in a way that bordered with blind adoration to make her forget them.

So now he had to bear with the consequences.

‘’ Don’t say you are sorry, Dictina... ‘’ he muttered, giving her a side-long glance ‘’ now tell me, what do you want? ‘’

Eros watched her lick her lower lip nervously at the sound of his voice. He had had to replace those pure, virtuous feelings with lust and desire. The girl didn’t stand a chance against that.

‘’ Your mother asks for your presence in the hall, my Lord ‘’ she said with her small voice, blushing at his insisting gaze.

‘’ So she does... ‘’ he whispered, brushing his mother’s cosmo with his own. He smiled. ‘’ Tell her that I will be there before midnight... then wait for me at my bedroom. There are still a couple of hours to go ‘’ he added, enjoying the conflicting thoughts and emotions that seemed to ooze from the girl’s mind in an almost palpable way.

‘’ As you command, my Lord ‘’ she said, turning in a rustling of silk and linen robes before disappearing into the temple. Eros couldn’t but chuckle at the longing and desire that Dictina’s voice had failed to hide.

Even when he had known she was gentle and caring, he had hoped somehow that she would have something of her sister in her. But she had ended up loving him blindly, and Eros knew that the proud Artemis would never be so broken as to react like that.

No matter how hard they made her fall.

******************

" Going hunting at this hour of the night? If I didn’t know you I would have thought you were scurrying to meet some secret lover... or maybe you are? ‘’

Artemis chuckled, placing her quiver over her shoulder. ‘’ Not everyday we get so illustrious visitors, and we would hate if rumours about Ortygia not being a hospitable place were to spread because we made you starve to death ‘’

Eros smiled at her sarcasm, descending the steps of the Artemisium to stand by her side. ‘’ Let me ‘’ he said, fixing the leather strap of her quiver, making sure to brush her shoulder with his fingers when doing so. ‘’ Ortygia has been more than hospitable ‘’ he added, tugging a strand of her hair behind her ear.

‘’ Then we are glad ‘’ she smirked, bowing theatrically, her black hair falling wildly over her face and shoulders at the sudden movement.

‘’ For someone as beautiful as yourself, you do insist on looking like one of your wolves ‘’ he teased, knowing that she wasn’t glad at all. It had been two days since him and his mother had arrived to the wretched island of the peacekeeper, under the flag of being worried about the way the events concerning the realms were being handled. Yet even when his mother had placed in doubt Artemis’ actions and her role among the realms, the black-haired goddess had remained impassive, seemingly unaffected by Aphrodite’s complaints. But under that mask of coldness, he could sense her anger, her displeasure. And now she, the Queen of the Hunt, was left to hunt on her own. It seemed the webs his mother had placed around the Guardians were making effect. It wouldn’t be long for the day in which everything would follow the right course. His and Aphrodite’s.

‘’ My, thanks for the comparison, dear Eros! Wolves are great hunters, we... ‘’

‘’ We, we, we... You talk in the name of so many persons, and yet the only one I see standing before me is you ‘’

She frowned, and for an instant he thought he had seen anger flaring inside her pupiless eyes, but no feelings seemed to be able to break her coldness. ‘’ But I am never alone. I always... ‘’ Her eyes met his, and Eros felt his breath catching in his throat. He had been mistaken. There was no other place but her eyes for feelings to live in. ‘’ Always have those I care about with me... ‘’ Artemis smiled, placing her hand over her heart. ‘’ Here ‘’

‘’ You talk like a Goddess of Love ‘’ he said, tempted to break the distance between them. But she merely laughed at his words, a cold, chilling laughter that made him realise she was drunk. Had she been teasing him all along?

‘’ Wine makes me say stupid things. Yet somehow you can out-beat me ‘’ she purred, leaning closer to whisper in his ear. ‘’ Don’t try to get between my legs, Eros. I am not one of your mother’s sacred whores ‘’

He laughed, high and clear, unable to picture Artemis in the guise of one of his mother’s followers. Willingness and wantonness did not tag along with someone like her.

‘’ Won’t you at least give me the benefit of doubt? ‘’ Artemis frowned, then grinned, shaking her head.

‘’ There are no doubts when it comes to your habits, Eros. You hide nothing about your person ‘’

‘’ Why should I? I am a God ‘’

She shrugged, stringing her bow. ‘’ For the sake of mystery? Gods shouldn’t have so little purposes ‘’

‘’ You are starting to sound like a crone, Artemis ‘’ he said, exasperated, ‘’ Let the Fates and Titans worry about theology and purposes. From all the Gods, you are the last one that I thought would nag me because of my... preferences ‘’

‘’ Maybe I am growing old? ‘’

Eros smirked, stroking her cheek lightly. ‘’ You don’t look old to me ‘’

‘’ I wonder if anything with two legs looks old to you ‘’ she teased, poking his shoulder.

‘’ Even then I make exceptions ‘’ he joked, his index following the line of her jaw, ‘’ By Ares, if only you would let me show you... ‘’

‘’ Goodnight, Eros ‘’ she said, pushing his hand away from her face ‘’ You shouldn’t stay awake this late, your mother wants you to be up at dawn ‘’

He stared at her, sorrow shinning in his eyes ‘’ Do you love him so? ‘’ he finally whispered, not caring about hiding his resentfulness nor his desire. Why did she play pious with him, when everyone knew she had broken her oath to the Fates because of a man? How dare she refuse him, and accept a mortal man’s caresses instead? ‘’ I can pleasure you in ways no mortal man can, I can make you beg and plead for more, the same way I can leave you unable to utter a word... I could show you so many things... I could make you feel so many things... while he... ‘’ he shook his head, ‘’For him, you will always be a trophy ‘’

Artemis frowned, a grim smirk gracing her lips. ‘’ It seems that mortal lover of mine not only worries my Guardians, but also displeases my guests... ‘’ she thought out loud, clutching her bow fiercely. So he had been right. His mother’s plans were not too far off from being concluded ‘’ Yet tell me, Eros, would I be something else than a trophy to you? ‘’

He tried to caress her cheek once again, but the look in her eyes told him not to. ‘’ I would make you feel like a Goddess again ‘’

He would keep her away from harm, ruling Ortygia by his side as his lover instead of making her go into exile as a traitor

‘’ That’s tempting ‘’ she said, a ravenous smile replacing her smirk, ‘’ But I don’t want you. Goddesses choose their consorts, and I won’t take you. You are a God, Eros, who would deprive me of my power, of my symbols and of my self, like my father did with Hera, like Hades did with Core and like any other God did whenever they could take a Goddess. I will not be a shadow behind anyone, a shadow that will be forgotten whenever you find a new toy to play with. You said a mortal lover would consider me a trophy. But he would never consider me lower than himself, nor would he be able to have power over me ‘’

‘’ That’s stupid... ‘’ he began, but Artemis flashing her cosmo in warning stopped him.

‘’ I am old, Eros, older than you, older than most of the gods and goddesses of my generation, so don’ t talk to me as if I were a little girl ‘’, she began, and he knew that the one that was talking wasn’t the sixteen years old mortal goddess, but the immortal one that had seen the spans of time change over and over again. ‘’ I’ve seen goddesses turn into something to jest at. I’ve seen Core fall, I’ve seen Ocean’s daughter fall, I’ve seen your mother fall. I will not follow their steps. I will not let a God break me as if I was a mare than needs to be tamed. I am not one that will be used in the name of lust and power ‘’

‘’ Make it your way ‘’, he said after some minutes, knowing that she had sealed her fate as traitor by rejecting her last possibility of redemption.

‘’ Always, Eros ‘’, Artemis replied, turning her back on him and walking into the woods.

A week later she announced she was leaving Ortygia. Her Guardians had asked her to see them the previous night, repeating words that Aphrodite had planted in their hearts during her stay at the island.

Traitor... whore... coward... betrayer... failure.

Fake.

Words that would echo in Artemis’ mind ever since. Words that would keep her away, that would weaken her.

Her own pride had brought that fate onto her, regardless of Aphrodite’s intervention. His mother had twisted the Guardians’ love into hate, their adoration into doubts. Yet Artemis had already lost them.

All Aphrodite had to do was push them a little bit.

Yet Eros would never forget Artemis’ words when his mother asked her what would be the fate of the realms without a peacekeeper. Her aquamarine gaze had locked on his, and once again he saw the darkness stir, the memories of that single night that had sealed all of their fates returning to his mind.

‘’ Take it, Aphrodite. That’s what you came here to do ‘’

She had always known.

******************

‘’ I hope you are satisfied ‘’ Eros said, placing a blue cloak over his shoulders. The wind had started to howl already. It was always so in the island, night always brought the freezing Boreas with her.

Four years ago you rejected me to be yourself. Four years ago you taught me that I would never have you. Was it worth the price, Artemis? Losing all you had, your island, your beloved Guardians, your chosen ones... everything, in the name of pride?

I would have given you the world, yet now all I can offer you is death

I wanted to show you the greatest pleasure, yet you leave me with no other choice of granting you the greatest pain

‘’ Damn fool ‘’ he let out, staring for a last time at the Artemisium before entering the cella of the White Temple, walking with the grace of a dancer towards his room. Dictina was already expecting him there, a small, lithe, lovely figure dressed in a sea of bone-white robes.

You are not her

‘’ My Lord... ‘’ she began, ready to kneel at his feet. So willing... So different to her ravenous sister. How could a woman so soft and gentle end up being sister and high priestess of a goddess like Artemis had always been a mystery to him.

‘’ Come ‘’ he said coldly, already unfastening his robes, dark blue silk pilling around his feet. She blushed and walked to his side, her hands caressing his arms with feather-like touches.

‘’ Damn you ‘’ he growled, tired of her games, of her gentleness, of her willingness.

You are not her

The woman shrank when he grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her on the bed, kissing her fiercely. His hands closed around her robes, tearing them, shredding them, seeking her skin with desperate eagerness. Eros heard her cry out in pain when he squeezed her small breasts, yet he paid no attentions to her whimpering voice and silenced her by placing his hand over her lips.

‘’ You like this, don’t you? ‘’ he said hoarsely in her ear, licking her neck while his free hand roamed down her breasts to her flat stomach, moving lower and lower. ‘’ And even if you didn’t, you would never stop me ‘’

You are not her

‘’ Because you love me ‘’ he smirked, taking his hand off her mouth to kiss her once again, a long, painful kiss turned salty because of her tears ‘’ I want to hear you say it ‘’

Dictina’s lilac eyes met his, full lips trembling. ‘’ I love you... ‘’

His eyes narrowed. Anger, passion, lust. He no longer cared about his motives. ‘’ Louder ‘’

‘’ I love you ‘’ she repeated, her hand stroking his cheek gently, ‘’ I love you, my lord ‘’

Eros stopped, staring into her eyes with a puzzled look on his face. ‘’ You do, don’t you? No matter what I do to you, you’ll always love me ‘’

Dictina nodded, smiling shyly.

You can’t see that the sole reason I keep you in my bed is because you are her sister. You can’t see that whenever I touch you, I think I am touching her. And in a way, I am. You share her blood. You are a part of her

Eros turned her around, making her rest on her knees and arms, unable to keep seeing her loving face, her teary eyes fixed on his with no fear, no mistrust.

‘’ What... ‘’ she began, moaning deeply when he began to feel her womanhood. He guided himself inside of her from behind, clutching her hips tightly, pushing her against him as he began to thrust into her. She cried out. From pain, from pleasure. She cried out strangled screams, moans. His name. Over and over again, his name and his title escaped Dictina’s trembling lips. He even thought he heard her cry out ‘my love’, but ignored it, the same way he ignored her voice, the same way he ignored whatever she might be feeling or getting out of that soulless coupling.

He pulled her up by the shoulders, her back resting against his chest, while one of his hands reached for her breasts. A part of his mind told him that they were fuller, the same way it told him that the petite woman in which he kept thrusting with blind fury was in fact larger, taller, her hips wide and her legs strong. The same part of his mind pretended that the arm that crept to the nape of his head, keeping him close to a perfectly shaped ear so she would hear his moans, his growls, his curses, was in fact pale and long instead of soft and golden.

‘’ Artemis... ‘’ he let out as an answer to the urging words that kept forcing their way into his head. Had her voice always sounded so rich, so beautiful? ‘’ I won’t be able to... to go on... for long... ‘’

She didn’t answer, her whole self tightening around him, forcing him to follow her to that core of pleasure, making him explode inside of her. And for some blissful seconds, everything was white. White fire burning around them, on them, inside of them.

The seed of pleasure, revealing its fire to both of them.

I’ve been waiting to share this with you for so long...

But when the fire of passion subsided, he found himself holding the small, delicate Dictina, her long lilac hair sticking to her sweaty body in fine cobwebs.

‘’ Damn ‘’ he cursed, getting out of the bed. ‘’ Damn! ‘’

Dictina shifted in the bed, covering herself with the silk sheets. He saw her frowning slightly, possibly because of the soreness he had inflicted on her, yet all the same her eyes were worried and fearful, trying to catch his own.

But he didn’t want to look at them, he didn’t want to see how bright they were, how warm. He wanted them to be cold and empty. Unforgiving. Unconquerable.

‘’ Did I... did I displease you, my Lord? ‘’

He couldn’t but laugh. ‘’ Displease me? I cried out your sister’s name in your ear, for Ares’ sake! I came while thinking about her, and all you will ask me is if you displeased me?! ‘’

‘’ I’ll try harder next time... I won’t fail you, my lord, I promise! ‘’ she cried out, keeping her hands on her chest. Eros couldn’t but compare her to a beaten puppy, seeking its master’s approval.

‘’ Did you hear nothing of what I just said?! ‘’ he let out, leaning over her, his arms at the sides of her head. ‘’ Or don’t you even remember your sister’s name? You loved her, almost as much as you love me. You loved her in a way that frightened you, that made you fear she would push you away! You loved her, and to hide that love you fooled yourself into believing you cared about that frigging Hippolytus! Damn you, don’t make me believe I killed your soul in order to posses your body, Dictina, because I am not a monster!!! ‘’

I am a God

‘’ Of course you are not a monster, my lord! " she started, almost crawling her way towards him, her arms hugging his legs ‘’ She is a traitor, she doesn’t deserve to be loved! You made me see that... the truth... that’s why I love you so, my Lord, my King... "

What have I done?

He caressed her cheek, moving his hand towards her neck. It would be so easy to break it, to end it all...

Yet I have brought this on myself

‘’ I know... ‘’ he finally sighed, kneeling by her side. He felt empty, horrible. Monstrous. But still he managed to smile to that... creature... he had made. Dictina’s eyes filled with hope and happiness when seeing that, her arms releasing his legs to close around his neck.

You are not to blame...

Eros pushed her away gently, lifting her chin to meet her eyes. ‘’ Will you come to hate me someday, Dictina? ‘’

‘’ Hate you, my Lord? ‘’ she whispered, puzzled. Then she smiled brightly and shook her head. ‘’ Never ‘’

You are not her

‘’ I see... well, it’s growing late, why don’t you take a bath and get dressed? ‘’

‘’ Will the traitor come to see us, my Lord? ‘’ she asked, tilting her head. She was just like a trusting dog.

‘’ She will ‘’ he replied while he stood up, helping Dictina gather her shredded robes. ‘’ Tell me... ‘’ he began before she left the room, locking his eyes on hers.

‘’ Yes, my Lord? ‘’

So trusting...

‘’ If I asked you so... would you kill her? ‘’

Dictina giggled, standing on tiptoes to kiss his cheek lightly. ‘’ Of course I would, my Lord. I would do anything for you ‘’

Because you love me

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‘’ My world spinning out of time

Won't somebody stop me?

I may be losing my way

Will you make it right?

Take the pain away

Hear me as I cry ‘’

- L'Arc-en-Ciel, ‘Spirits Dream Inside’ -

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The fumes flowed over the small circular temple at the top of the hill, ethereal ghosts that appeared and disappeared from the heart of the earth, away from the eyes of the Artemisium and the White Temple, lost in the west of Ortygia.

... how could she hurt me? I thought she loved me, how could she?...

‘’ Iphigeneia ‘’

The fumes shifted, losing the shape of the unicorn, to turn into another ghost.

... they still love you, all of them... they can’t see what you’ve done to us, they can’t see the whore you’ve turned into...

‘’ Atalanta ‘’

The smoke serpent vanished in the air, shifting, always shifting.

... let me show you how much shame I’ve brought on myself... how much I have shamed us both...

‘’ Orion ‘’

The cloaked woman remained still, lying on the floor of the temple, of her shrine, letting the fumes dance around her, envelop her. She couldn’t see the figures the smoke was taking, yet the voices were clear to her, loud as screams, and all she could do was whisper their names in return, to silence them... to see.

... I broke an oath once, I won’t break it again...

‘’ Hippolytus ‘’

Her whispers turned to whimpers, while her hands played with the fumes, feeling their warmth. It was so different, so different to the pain she could feel oozing from all those souls. But she couldn’t stop, even when she wished she could be as deaf as she was blind, she couldn’t ignore their cries. Someone had to hear them, someone had to listen.

... please forgive me, Alpheia, I beg of you...

‘’ Thyestes ‘’

The fumes kept shifting and shifting, sorrow, anger and pain hitting her heart, her soul.

... I will have your blood, and then I will have his... the world will burn under my wings...

‘’ Egeria ‘’

The woman was crying now, crawling on the floor, her body twitching, convulsing. But the voices wouldn’t go away.

... I am so weak... I can’t stop loving him, even if that damns us all...

‘’ Dictina ‘’

Echoes, screams, whispers, they all made their way into Ortygia, and Ortygia made them come out into the light once again, to be heard by her, to be understood. Then she would see.

... you are back... you are finally back... just as Pentesilea said... the wheels of fate are turning...

‘’ Narcissus ‘’

Of course they were turning, she had seen it, and she was never wrong. If the world hadn’t felt so frail under her weight, she would have smiled.

... the time has come to show her my wonders...

The voices were growing stronger, more powerful. Her body arched in pain, her hands trying to find something to hold on before the world melted.

‘’ Aphrodite ‘’, she cried, feeling the tears warm over her cheeks.

... I want you...

‘’ Eros ‘’

She managed to crouch on the floor, her legs trembling. There was so much sorrow...

... I want to die...

Pentesilea arched her back, feeling as if all the voices had decided to scream at once, to force her to listen to them, to their pleas.

‘’ Artemis ‘’ she screamed, clutching her heart. Her cosmo flashed into life, her world of shadows changing into a world of burning auras, the whole Ortygia opening to her mind’s eye. Fate began to run through her mind, showing her what might and might not happen, what was and what could have been. She screamed again, ‘thea’, brushing the cosmos of her brothers and sisters in arms. Trying to reach the soul of a Goddess that would not listen.

She fell limp on the floor, placing her cloak weakly over her body. Her cosmo had stopped burning, and the fumes of the earth slowly returned to their endless dance, leaving her alone with the sound of the crickets, the howls of the wolves and the crackle of the burning torch, with the only company of the shadows. The cold north wind made Pentesilea shiver when running over her face, playing with her silvery hair. Night had fallen over Ortygia.

‘’ It’s too early, Artemis... ‘’ Pentesilea whispered, curling up on the floor as she started sobbing, '‘ Too early... it isn’t time yet... you’ll fail... ‘’

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‘’ Gestern liebt’ ich,

Heute leid’ ich,

Morgen sterb’ ich:

Dennoch denk’ ich

Heut und morgen

Gern an gestern ‘’

(Yesterday I loved, today I suffer, tomorrow I die: but I still think fondly, today and tomorrow, of yesterday)

-G. E. Lessing, ‘Lied aus dem Spanischen’ –

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III

Artemis sat by the throne, her feet dangling in the lake’s cold waters. She kept her eyes fixed on the silver sword that floated over the lake and under the hole on the cave’s roof, following the intricate patterns that were carved on the hilt, watching her own reflection on the polished blade. It was as if the moon had taken the shape of the deadly sword and had descended to the underworld, to the cave Artemis claimed as her own.

The moon’s soul, floating between heaven and hell.

The symbol of Divine Vengeance.

‘’ Nemesis... what am I doing? ‘’ she whispered, curling up against the throne, her arms around her body. But no one answered. Nemesis would help her to judge the realms, but she would never be there for her.

No one would.

‘’ I never thought... fate could be so harsh... ‘’ she added, allowing herself to break. She had kept her cosmo around her most of the day, shunning everyone away, defying them, daring them. Yet she still had been able to hear them... to hear Thyestes’ plea, Pentesilea’s screams and Atalanta’s threats. She had heard them all, their fears, their hatred, their feelings. And behind them, she could feel their deception, their pain. They still blamed her for their fates. For betraying their love for her.

I thought I was the only one that had been broken. I was wrong

She hadn’t considered what it would do to her to hear them once again, to feel their cosmos... to see them after four years. She hadn’t considered the price she would have to pay for returning to Ortygia. She hadn’t understood how important they were for her... at least not until she shot Iphigeneia.

She had thought all she would see when meeting her eyes, would be an assassin. A guileless priestess that knew the rituals yet was blind to their true meaning.

Someone to hate.

But Iphigeneia’s hazel eyes had been the same ones of the little girl that would turn Ortygia upside down with her pranks and jokes, the same ones that would look into her own with puzzlement, as if all the answers of the world were dwelling inside of her.

By Leto... if only you knew how hard it was to release the string...

Yet Artemis could be proud of herself. No feelings had betrayed her when facing her youngest guardian. She had been the cold merciless goddess that had lost her soul and heart four years ago, still living because of her thirst for vengeance. Pure Cosmo, pure power, unpolluted with feelings, dreams or hopes.

Perfection

She had even enjoyed subduing her. She had enjoyed seeing the confusion and fear in a gaze that had only known love.

She had enjoyed hurting her. She would enjoy hurting them all.

Because they hated her. Because she loved them.

I am weak. It is wrong... for me to love so much...

‘’ You were right in asking me to leave Sanctuary... ‘’ she whispered, staring at the long scar on her left hand. Would he think of her tonight? Would Hyoga remember the friend that was never such? ‘’ ... I would have ended up hurting you so much... ‘’

Because I always hurt those I love. That’s the price I have to pay... for walking among mortals.

‘’ For walking as a mortal ‘’ she thought out loud, taking her hands to her temples, suddenly aware of the warmth of her own body, of the sound of her beating heart, of the blood flowing through her veins. For the first time, she was conscious of her own frailty, of her mortality. Death could claim her, just like it could claim all those she loved.

Mortal Goddess.

But even so... even when I treated you so badly... I am glad I got to see you again. Whatever may happen tonight –to Ortygia, to my task, to my Guardians... to me-, I don’t regret having met you

‘’ If I could hope... ‘’, she smiled weakly when using that word, tracing the length of the scar with her fingers ‘’ ... I would hope that you wouldn’t hate me so ‘’

Yet he did. Everyone did. She had made sure they would.

Artemis stood up, pushing her thoughts to the back of her mind. Through the hole on the roof, a moonbeam was shinning, flowing over both lake and sword.

Midnight.

She shuddered, unable to tell if it was because her gown was still wet or because of what may happen. It would be so easy, to try to see the threads of fate...

No. Iphigeneia was right; whatever happens to me... it will be my fault

‘’ Come ‘’ she said coldly, stretching her hand towards the lake. The sword floated over the waters, leaving its privileged place between Heaven and Hell to be wielded by a sinner.

Artemis couldn’t but smile at the irony.

She looked at her temple for a last time, at the throne, at the lake, at the moon shinning through the cave.

A last glimpse of beauty before facing Beauty itself

She smirked at her thoughts, closing her eyes. The mysterious darkness of the inner temple disappeared, replaced by Arcade’s blood on the sand, his twisted form nothing but a cruel parody of what he had been.

They killed him, and killed me with him

When Artemis opened her eyes; whatever hopes and dreams she could have had were gone. The only thing that remained, the only part of her that still felt willing to face the world was the Goddess. And she would never fail.

Even if she had to kill her crippled soul, she would have her vengeance.

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Right and wrong are not what separate our enemies and us. It's our differentstandpoints, our perspectives that separate us. Both sides blame one another.

There's no good or bad side. Just two sides holding different views.

-Squall, Final Fantasy VIII---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Despite the dark clouds, the moon had managed to shine over the White Temple, gracing the elegant marble columns with a ghostly glow. Yet the wheels of fate were still turning, warning the world about what might and might not be, dancing around the moon in the shape of a red halo, tainting what should be pure and silver with a blood-crimson veil.

Utter defeat or utter victory, echoed by the howls of the wolves, welcoming the full moon with their cries, reading into its secrets, into Fate.

At Ortygia’s shore, the villagers waited, watching the moon with fear in their hearts, unable to make a stand, unable to intervene in that which the Moerae had already woven.

On the nine shrines spread along the island, the Sacred Torches burned brightly, Boreas dancing playfully with their flames. Each soul at Ortygia knew the meaning of the burning Torches, of Artemis’ cosmo taking the shape of fire in her Guardians’ shrines.

The call of war.

Yet the seven guardians that waited for Fate to fulfil its course in their shrines knew that that sense was lost, turning into a standpoint, into a claim. A mark of fire that claimed them as property of the Goddess of the Moon, that defied them to betray her, that defied Aphrodite to challenge that claim.

And at the White Temple, the beautiful, elegant giant that stood proud at the top of a twisted, weather-beaten cliff, four souls waited for the one that dared to break the peace by challenging them. Two mortals loved by the Gods whose souls had demanded their own submission, two Gods whose ambition, hopes and dreams had demanded they make a Goddess that could not dream fall.

Orion looked up to the blood-tainted moon, to the halo that threatened to swallow it, to cover it fully with its crimson veil. Like the wolves, he could see the threads of Fate entwined with the red ring, shifting, morphing. Growing. As a Guardian, he could understand the wolves’ howls, their rich voices spreading the news.

War. Their broken Goddess returning to face their beautiful benefactor. Ortygia’s paramour roaming the woods in search of Cyprus’ Queen.

As a man who had destroyed his honour, he knew his sterile vengeance was soon to be fulfilled.

‘’ She’s near... ‘’ Orion looked over his shoulder to the concealed figure of Dictina, her violet eyes glittering with sparks of cosmo. ‘’ I... I can’t read her aura... ‘’ she went on, frowning. ‘’ She’s shutting me out ‘’

‘’ Don’t worry, Dictina ‘’ Eros smirked, running his fingers through his lavender mane, allowing the wind to play with his hair in a slow, sensual dance. ‘’ My mother and I can see enough ‘’ he added, casting a sidelong glance to Orion, ‘’ What about you, Draco? Is she shutting you out too? ‘’

Orion grinned, leaning against one of the columns. ‘’ What do you think, Lord Eros? ‘’ he replied calmly, returning the glance.

I want to be shamed beyond measure. I want to be stained

I want to lose the right to feel your cosmo making its way into mine

I want to stop being your Dragon, Artemis

I want to be shamed... and by doing so I want to shame you

‘’ That she is forcing her cosmo into yours, the same way she is doing with me. For a traitor she certainly has a way of making herself heard ‘’

Orion felt disgusted by Eros’ friendly openness, yet smiled nonetheless, nodding.

... Hippolytus is full of mystery, of ghostly shadows dancing over his eyes... while Eros... He hides nothing...

He remembered the words Dictina had told him about the golden God when her guilt for abandoning Hippolytus had turned unbearable. She had trusted him, as if his conscience were free of guilt and he could judge her, he could forgive her in his friend’s name. But he was so full of guilt... Dirty. Stained.

Broken.

Dictina at least loved Eros; she had an excuse to fight by their side. But he had none. He didn’t even have Atalanta’s hate to justify his actions.

All he had was his bitterness, and Artemis would feel disgusted by it.

I want to repel you... I want you to feel stained because I am stained

Because it was not a reason strong enough to fall. And yet he had fallen and made her fall.

‘’ You seemed troubled, Orion ‘’ asked Aphrodite, stroking his cheek lightly with her golden fingers. ‘’ Something bothers you? ‘’

‘’ I could take care of this, Melaenis, you needn’t risk yourself ‘’ he lied, meeting her emerald eyes without fear. She smiled.

‘’ That bad you want to face her? You are such an adorable man ‘’ she cooed, returning her attention to the white flames of cosmo that were burning in the woods, getting nearer and nearer. ‘’ But we have a deal, remember? You should have enough with that, darling ‘’ she added, without looking at him. ‘’ Eros, dear... ‘’

‘’ Yes, mother ‘’ he answered, turning towards Dictina, ‘’ Wait inside. The matters of the Gods should be left in the Gods’ hands ‘’ he added, glaring at Orion. The silver-haired Guardian merely smiled, watching Dictina disappear in the darkness of the Temple.

You wouldn’t go against your mother, Eros. You are too easy to read

Because he had Melaenis’ promise. From the Nine, he was the only one allowed to wait by their side for the Traitor, to be able to see her once, before returning to his shrine.

Aphrodite had granted him his wish.

‘’ Artemis ‘’ said Aphrodite in her slow, melodic voice, walking down the steps of the White Temple, her golden robes dancing around her in a swirl of see-through silk. ‘’ What do you want? ‘’ she asked, releasing her hold around her cosmo. Orion couldn’t but gasp at the strength and beauty that seemed to ooze from the golden light.

‘’ You are seeing the source of Beauty, Draco, something few mortals have witnessed... it’s wonderful, don’t you think? ‘’ Eros whispered in his ear, the scent of violets of his lavender hair confusing his senses.

‘’ It is ‘’ he answered, unable to say anything else.

Because it was. Aphrodite’s cosmo danced around her not like terrible tongues of fire, nor like mysterious fairy mist, but it was as if a jewelled veil were shifting around her figure, a second skin even more bright and perfect than the one it was covering.

Orion couldn’t but compare her to Eve, the Judaeo-Christian mother of mankind, losing her immortal glow to reveal a skin even brighter, that seemed to shine with a light of its own, so beautiful that Adam preferred to fall from grace with her instead of living forever in paradise without her.

Aphrodite no longer was the woman he had lain with, the goddess that had seduced him and lured him to her bed, the body he had held in his arms and made his. She was the cause of the fall of Troy, the Mother of Rome, the immortal Urania.

She was his stain, his shame.

And in the darkness of the woods, a cold, white cosmo answered, searing flames that spread over, across and into Ortygia. There was no beauty in them, there was no room for bliss. If Aphrodite’s cosmo symbolised pleasure and mortal paradise, Artemis’ seemed to scream about pain and anger, about eternal punishment and immortal Tartarus.

Heaven and Hell, meeting in the in-between. Clashing over Ortygia.

We are pawns... no matter which side we take... we are nothing but pawns in the war of the Gods

Yet Orion knew that no matter if they were pawns, puppets, warriors or chosen ones, he was still ready to jump from Heaven down into the depths of Hell. In the name of Pride. In the name of Shame. In the name of Love.

‘’ You are still here. Don’t tell me Iphigeneia is not such a good messenger after all? ‘’ cooed a rich, emotionless voice, slightly touched by madness, ‘’ You disappoint me, Melaenis, I thought you would teach a thing or two to my Guardians... or maybe I am searching for your teachings in the wrong place... the bed has always been your favourite training ground ‘’

Orion smirked grimly, recognising Artemis’ sarcasm, while Eros took a step forward, anxious. The silver-haired Guardian frowned, catching Eros’ gaze. Whenever the God of Passion had looked at him, Orion had felt wanted... desired. He had felt as if those emerald orbs were sensuously caressing him. Yet now that Eros was staring at Artemis’ cosmo, he could see something else. Sheer lust. His flirting towards him seemed suddenly innocent and playful compared to the hunger that now shone in his eyes.

Are you also willing to jump from Heaven to Hell?

No... all you want is to take Hell into Heaven

Dictina was right about you, Eros... you hide nothing

‘’ But Iphigeneia did complete her task. She told me your message, then I sent her to her shrine. We were waiting for you, to repeat what we already told you. Leave Ortygia and stay out of the Realms, Alpheia. Don’t force me to take harsher measures to keep the Balance than the ones I already had to take ‘’ said Aphrodite matter-of-factly, her cosmo brushing Artemis’

‘’ Keeping the Balance it’s my duty! ‘’ Orion felt her anger hitting him, the same way it had happened many times before, whenever they would question her. Anger that flowed from her voice and into their minds. Without end, without forgiveness. ‘’ My duty... ‘’ she repeated, leaving the concealment of the trees to stand into the open space before the temple. ‘’ ... mine and no one else ‘’

Aphrodite’s eyes couldn’t hide her disgust when seeing her, while Eros gasped, a sensuous smile gracing his lips.

Yet Orion merely cursed.

‘’ You’ve changed. Yet you remained your own... are you glad, Artemis? ‘’ Eros whispered so lowly that Orion wondered if he had heard correctly or everything had been a trick of his mind. But no matter if it had been a trick or not, Eros was right. She had changed. He couldn’t find the girl that used to tease them in the woman that was standing proud before them, her dangerous body covered by a stained gown that clung to her shoulders in a careless manner, almost as if it were her mortise and her nothing but a ghost.

‘’ Your Traitor still loves looking like a wolf, Draco " Eros said, this time turning to meet his eyes.

Orion refused himself to stand that scrutinising gaze, meeting Artemis’ bright eyes instead.

Even when he couldn’t find the girl he had grown up with, he could catch glimpses of her, in her pride, in her defiance. No stains, no sins seemed to mark her.

But mine will

Because he knew that the girl that had teased him was gone, that no matter what, she would never be the same.

He couldn’t but wish that things had been different. But all wishing was in vain. He knew that if the past were to happen again, he wouldn’t change his actions. He would still shame himself for her; he would still betray her. Because he knew he would never stop loving her.

‘’ You left, Artemis... and by doing so, you left all that you were... ‘’ Aphrodite said calmly, playing with a lock of her pale gold hair, almost as if she were talking with a child about subjects that he is too young to understand

‘’ Don’t play with my mind! ‘’ Artemis growled, flaring her cosmo. Soon, a thick layer of frost had covered the clearing, creeping over the tree-trunks, over the marble steps of the temple.

Beauty also lives in you... even when you don’t want it, it does

Orion sighed, looking away. Her power was still something to fear, something to worship. Something to love. But it was too strong to be left in peace. It was too... savage... unstable.

She was a menace, and there could be no menaces. Eros and Aphrodite couldn’t allow themselves to have an enemy as strong as Artemis roaming the realms.

There were no choices. There was no hope.

‘’ Why are you here? ‘’ Aphrodite asked placidly, walking to Artemis’ side. ‘’ What do you want? ‘’

‘’ I want your head ‘’ Artemis whispered in her ear, fluttering her eyelashes lovingly ‘’ And yours ‘’ Artemis added, pointing at Eros. ‘’ And theirs ‘’ she smiled, stretching her arms towards Orion. He shuddered ‘’ I want blood to wash blood. I came, not as myself, not as a Goddess, not as a mortal. I came, as the one chosen by the Moerae, to judge you, Melaenis ‘’

Eros flashed his cosmo, golden fire flowing over his body, but Aphrodite lifted her hand to stop him.

‘’ You don’t look like a peacekeeper, Alpheia ‘’

‘’ Oh, but you do look like a whore, Melaenis ‘’ she teased, narrowing her eyes.

You still.... are the same...

‘’ Orion... ‘’ called Aphrodite, looking at him over her shoulder. He nodded, walking to her side, his light brown eyes never leaving Artemis’. He could sense, in the depths of her Cosmo, how much pain it brought her to see him like that, dressed in rich robes, behaving as if he had serves Cyprus all his life, renouncing to all the teachings of Ortygia. He could sense her pain when he knelt by Aphrodite’s side and kissed her hand, still keeping his gaze fixed on hers.

Look at me, Artemis. Look at Aphrodite’s paramour. Look at what I have turned into.

For you

I killed the self you loved and turned into this for you.

Now despise me

‘’ Go back to your shrine, darling, I kept my promise to you, now keep yours. There are things that only the Gods have the right to witness ‘’

‘’ As you order, my Queen ‘’ he replied, flaring his Cosmo, fire that would never burn him flowing over his body. The flames met Artemis’ coldness, trying to break into her icy Cosmo, trying to make it collapse, to make it see... that he was no longer hers... that he didn’t deserve to be hers.

Now say it... tell me how unworthy of your love I am... tell me! Call me a traitor! A fake! Say it!

Artemis sighed, relaxing her stance. ‘’ Go, Orion.... Aphrodite is right ‘’ she whispered, overpowering his cosmo, subduing it with an ease that surprised him. ‘’ I am here... to ask for my heart’s desire... No mortal should be present ‘’ she smiled, that teasing half-smiled that would make his heart miss a beat whenever he saw it. ‘’ Not even my Dragon ‘’

You blame yourself... for me... for what I did to myself... you do, don’t you? Why can’t you hate me?! Why do you deny me a reason to accept what I have become?

‘’ I am not yours ‘’ he growled, reaching into the depths of Ortygia with his cosmo, making it run through the veins of its core until reaching his shrine, his fire entwining with the aura of the place that was and would always be his.

‘’ Yes you are. Until the day we die ‘’ Artemis answered coldly, breaking into his defences and strengthening his cosmo with her own, forcing the bond between his shrine and his body to come to life.

And he embraced that bond, letting his cosmo collapse over him, destroying him to make him a whole once again.

When Orion opened his eyes, he was at his shrine, the dark, twisted poplars spreading their branches towards him, the cold northern wind beating his body mercilessly. And before him, next to a stone altar, was the burning Torch, blue fire that would not be put off crowning its tip.

‘’ Why... ? ‘’ he muttered, standing up and walking to the edge of the headland, staring at the Artemisium, which stood proud and untamed at the bottom of the precipice. ‘’ Why?! ‘’ Orion fell on his knees, covering his eyes with his hands to stop himself from looking to the south, to the cliff on which three godly cosmos were measuring one another, challenging one another.

Where three Gods were ready to make the wheels of Fate come to a stop.

‘’ Nemesis ‘’ Artemis whispered, lifting her left arm. From the depths of the woods, a silver cosmo began to spread, its sparks entwining with her own, dancing around her body, around her arm, until they concentrated around her hand, slowly but surely taking the unmistakable shape of a sword.

‘’ So it was in the Artemisium after all... ‘’ Aphrodite whispered in awe, a soft smile gracing her lips, ‘’ And you will use her to judge me. Why? ‘’

‘’ Because you broke the peace ‘’ Artemis said coldly, resting the sword’s tip against Aphrodite’s neck, ‘’ Because you failed to protect the balance ‘’

Because you broke me

Because you broke my Guardians

You twisted them

You killed their souls and turned them into puppets

I really thought... that you would love them as much as I do... I really believed that I was doing a good thing by leaving you in charge of Ortygia

But I was wrong

I made a mistake by leaving, by treating them as my equals, by believing their truths. Truth has nothing to do with the Gods. Mortals are not Gods’ equals. And I am a Goddess. So now I have to fix that. Now I have to make you fall

Someone has to be punished because of my mistakes, and you didn’t help me to understand

So I will punish you. In the name of Divine Vengeance

Even if that brings me nothing but pain

After all... my guilt is greater than yours

Because I love them, and I hurt them nonetheless

‘’ I did? ‘’ she said, pushing the blade aside as it were nothing but a toy. ‘’ Look, child ‘’ Aphrodite whispered, showing Artemis her gold armlet, where a plain, golden sphere shone, surrounded by a bright godly halo.

‘’ Tique. Didn’t she use to be at your sword’s hilt? ‘’ Aphrodite leaned closer to whisper in her ear, ‘’ She left you, just like everyone else, annon? Now tell me... would Fortune be at my side if I had broken the peace? ‘’

Artemis frowned, running her index over the empty space on the hilt of her sword, where once the golden sphere had stood brightly.

Without Fortune, without friends, without realm... but it doesn’t matter

As long as I have this sword I am in charge of the balance

‘’ Fortune is a capricious thing... ‘’, she finally let out, pushing her away, ‘’ Fortune has nothing to do with this! You failed! ‘’

Aphrodite frowned, glaring at her. ‘’ Why? Don’t blame me for your mistakes ‘’

Mine...? I did what I thought was right. I granted my guardians their wish

I left

Yet by leaving, she had allowed so many things to happen... the realms’ balance had never been in her heart.... protecting Ortygia had... protecting her Guardians... The world had never mattered to her.

Maybe it is

‘’ We are not wardens ‘’ Artemis glared at Eros, surprised by his intervention. Those words... she knew them... ‘’ You told me that, remember Artemis? When I asked you why you stayed away from the other realms? ‘’

They were stabs into her heart.

‘’ All we can do is judge, so things won’t happen again ‘’ he went on, walking to their side, the wind making his cloak float around him like a ghost, ‘’... yet you made that difficult for us, Artemis... You know what you accomplished by going to the realms? ‘’

Artemis smirked, tilting her head.

You know me better than I thought, Eros

I should have remembered that you are a hunter, just like me... you know where to hit

‘’ I strengthened them ‘’ she said coldly, betraying no regrets, no feelings. She merely stated that which she had noticed after Shunrei had been attacked. All she had accomplished by going into the realms was breaking the peace.‘’ No realm would attack one that has two godly cosmos behind its walls ‘’

The Gods owe me a favour. Poseidon does, Athena does... even Odin. I made them stronger... and in the process, I became stronger myself. What a threat I have become, Eros...

‘’ And you stopped our attempts to punish Poseidon. Not only did he try to kill Athena, but also took the lives of millions of innocents, and you felt he didn’t deserve to be punished? ‘’

Artemis frowned, angered, ‘’ I am not going to explain myself. I don’t have to ‘’

‘’ Or you don’t know how? ‘’ purred Eros, walking around her, stalking her with his lithe grace.

‘’ He did what any other god in his position would have done ‘’

‘’ Try to kill the world? ‘’ Eros smirked, whispering in her ear, ‘’ Creating an utopia? ‘’

‘’ Going insane ‘’ she answered, knowing that those were the words he had wanted to hear from her.

‘’ Gods don’t go insane, Artemis... if they do, they should be punished... ‘’

Because they lost themselves. Gods should always know who they are... what they can do...

‘’ Is it true, Artemis, that if you chain a wild animal, it will either die or go insane...? ‘’

She met his emerald gaze, and nodded. ‘’ But we are not animals, are we? We are gods. We can’t be chained... we kill those that try to do so... That’s our nature, isn’t it? ‘’

Artemis looked away, cursing lowly. ‘’ Isn’t it?! ‘’

It is...

‘’ Don’t play with me!! ‘’ she cried out, burning her cosmo higher, trying to make its frozen flames stop him.

Yet Eros remained impassive, ignoring her warning to grab her by the shoulders, forcing her to meet his eyes. ‘’ If a wild animal goes insane and attacks others in your woods, what do you do to him? ‘’

‘’ Damn you, Eros! ‘’

‘’ I said what do you do?!!! You pretend nothing is going on?! You congratulate him?! You give him a prize?! ‘’

‘’ I kill him! I hunt him down and kill him! ‘’ she cried out, freeing herself from Eros’ grip, her eyes clouding with self-hatred.

‘’ Yet you didn’t. You let Poseidon take millions of lives and gave him a second chance. You gave Odin a second chance. And you strengthened Athena. What do you call a person that allows killers to run free when she should be punishing them? What do you call a person that places her personal wishes over her divine chore? ‘’

A lie

A fake

Artemis looked at him through narrowed eyes, chuckling lowly. ‘’ A traitor ‘’

He stared at her, frowning slightly, as if a part of him didn’t want to go on.

‘’ What do you do to a traitor? ‘’

‘’ I punish him ‘’ she began, walking towards him, her cosmo dancing around her body, making her black tresses float behind her with a life of their own. ‘’ I summon Nemesis... ‘’ Artemis lifted her arm, resting the tip of her sword against his neck, pressing enough to draw blood. ‘’ And I judge him ‘’

Aphrodite placed her hand over the blade, moving it away from her son and placing it over her heart. ‘’ Then do so. Judge us ‘’

Artemis stared at her, nodding solemnly. ‘’ Nemesis ‘’ she growled, focussing her cosmo around the sword, letting the silver threads of energy that flowed over it come to life and envelop Aphrodite’s body.

Just one phrase and I will have my vengeance. I will show them that they are wrong, that I am not a traitor. That I am not a fake

But she couldn’t. She couldn’t whisper the words that would unleash Nemesis; that would awaken the Goddess that slept in the sword and would bring their end.

She couldn’t ask Nemesis to judge them.

But I failed... what if Nemesis finds them innocent... what if she finds me guilty instead?

What if they are right and everything is my fault?

What if all the blood is on my hands?

I would deserve to die then... I would deserve to be punished...

‘’ No! ‘’ she cried out, unwilling to listen to their words, to their accusations. Unwilling to believe them. She was not insane. She was not a traitor.

Yet I am...

‘’ Damn you all! ‘’ Artemis fell to her knees, her back arching like a wolf’s. And with a hollow scream, she let her cosmo rule over her body and forced her sword into Aphrodite’s body, silver cosmo blinding them all. But when the sword was about to strike home, it shone like a star and disappeared from her hands, leaving her clutching a sea of ethereal silver sparks. Nemesis was gone.

**************

Artemis admired the sword in her hands, the long, perfectly edged blade, the elegantly carved hilt crowned with a golden sphere.

‘’ And you say this is for me? ‘’ she asked to the three weavers that were standing before her, still unable to believe it.

‘’ It is ‘’ said Clotho, her bright green eyes shinning behind her white veil ‘’ for as long as they want to follow you ‘’

‘’ They? ‘’

‘’ Tique ‘’ Lachesis whispered sweetly in her ear, playing with a lock of her midnight hair ‘’ Fortune will reward you for every right decision, it will make you follow the right path ‘’

‘’ And Nemesis ‘’ The hoarse, broken voice of Atropos made her start, ‘’ For she will judge and deliver the divine vengeance to those that break the peace ‘’

‘’ Tique and Nemesis? I think I met them once... but aren’t they goddesses? ‘’

‘’ They are... ‘’ went on Lachesis, her sapphire gaze catching hers ‘’ Yet they accepted to turn into the sword that will help you with your chore ‘’

‘’ As long as you don’t fail... ‘’

‘’ I won’t ‘’ she grinned to Clotho, striking invisible foes to try the weight of the sword. It was perfect. ‘’ I wish I could show it to my brother, he would get so jealous! ‘’

‘’ Artemis... we trusted you this chore because you know the old rites... the old beliefs... Because you know how to hunt and be fair to your prey... and because you don’t have dreams... ‘’ stated coldly Atropos, her crimson eyes regarding her with anger.

‘’ ... no dreams of land and gold... ‘’

‘’ ... no dreams of war... ‘’

‘’ ... no dreams of power ‘’

The three weavers turned towards her, her veiled figures judging her the same way they wanted her to judge the gods. ‘’ Don’t ruin all our plans by behaving like a child ‘’

Artemis stopped playing around with the sword and stared at the floor, ashamed.

‘’ This sword will be used to judge... ‘’ began Clotho, spinning a bright thread on her spindle.

‘’ ... both gods and mortals... ‘’ added Lachesis, measuring the thread with her rod.

‘’ ... but don’t you ever use it to attack a god... ‘’ warned Atropo, snipping the thread with her shears. ‘’ ... without judging him first... ‘’

‘’ Nemesis will only deliver divine vengeance to a god after judging him. When it comes to mortals, she will yield to your will, but don’t think you have power over her ‘’ said the three at the unison, while Clotho returned to her spinning, starting the cycle of fate all over again.

‘’ Because you wouldn’t like others to have power over you, annon? ‘’

***************

‘’ Damn ‘’ Artemis cursed, falling on her knees. ‘’ Damn! ‘’

Not now... don’t leave me... I don’t want to be alone... Nemesis...

You were my last hope

She dug her fingers into the soil, trying to focus on its warmth instead of looking at the gods that were standing before her. Nemesis leaving her had been the worst omen she had had to face... it left room for only one thing, only one thought.

Everything is my fault

Her hands were stained with blood, soaked in it.

So much blood...

Arcade, I’m sorry

Yet the soil under her hands was hers. The power that seemed to flow from the core of Ortygia was hers. Ortygia was her soul. And she wouldn’t yield.

...you already allowed so many wars to happen... Does blood stop mattering once you had your hands soaked in it time after time?...

‘’ No, it doesn’t ‘’ she muttered, remembering Iphigeneia’s words. The world had lost its shape to her, her own self had vanished for her. Nothing was left to care for, nothing was left worth living for. ‘’ But that doesn’t mean I will stop shedding it! ‘’ Artemis cried out to everyone and no one, unable to tell if the two shadows before her where Aphrodite and Eros, or her own Guardians, or the ghosts of all the innocent souls that were burning in Tartarus because of her actions. ‘’ You want me? Will my blood satisfy your hunger? Will it stop your pain? ‘’ she growled, spreading her arms in an inviting gesture before closing her hands together. ‘’ I am waiting for you. Take me ‘’

I will be free even if I have to drown the world in a sea of blood

‘’ Diamond Dust!! "

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Peace is but a shadow of death,Desperate to forget its painful past...

Though we hope for promising years

After shedding a thousand tears,

Yesterday's sorrow constantly nears.

And while the moon still shines blue,

By dawn, it will turn to scarlet hue.

Kuja, Final Fantasy IX

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Since night had fallen, Sanctuary waited. The Kyoko watched the night sky from the top of Star Hill, comparing old documents to the phenomenon that was now clouding the moon, while the High Councillor tried to calm the trainees’ hearts by telling them that no enemy had awoken. On the Twelve Temples, the Golden Ones waited patiently for an answer, some of them calmed and composed, others nervous and jumpy. Some even dreaded the worst.

Only two of them knew the truth, one of them waiting patiently at his temple’s entrance, his turquoise eyes lost in the crimson halo that surrounded the pale moon, while the other shunned any possible ghost of doubt and worry into the depths of his minds and took the blood-tainted moon matter-of-factly.

The Goddess of the Hunt was standing against the Goddess of Desire, and Fate had started to turn, its crimson threads surrounding the pale Moon to tell the world what was to come. Like Athena’s Clock, Poseidon’s Flood and Hades’ Total Eclipse, Gods had always marked their coming ends with fire, water and darkness. Now Artemis had started her own cycle of death, marking it with blood on the pitch-black sky.

‘’ What is going on? ‘’ whispered Kiki, staring at the moon through the window of the west post with fear in his eyes. ‘’ Is this... ? ‘’

‘’ Whatever it is, it does not concern us... This is not a threat to the world ‘’ said Shiryu, placing a hand over his shoulder to reassure him. The young trainee nodded, returning to his contemplation. Dragon sighed, patting the boy’s back before flaring his cosmo to do a routinely scan of the perimeter, scan that had to be done every fifteen minutes until they were dismissed of their appointment at the west post and were allowed to return to the barracks.

Scan that Hyoga should be doing for being the one first appointed to the post, but seemed to be ignoring, unless he had learnt to manifest his usually freezing cosmo in an imperceptible way in the last few hours.

Ever since night had fallen, Cygnus had remained on a corner of the room, sitting on a wooden bench with his back hunched, eyes closed and fingers laced together, perfectly still. Shiryu had first thought that Hyoga had fallen asleep, but he remembered his attitude during his fight with Seiya in the Galaxian Wars, how he had analysed them both, head bent, eyes closed, reading into them with no doubts, with nothing but certainty of what the outcome would be. Shiryu knew that no matter how tired he could be, Cygnus would not give in to sleep while the moon was bleeding. He was waiting for an outcome, the same way he had waited before.

Why?

‘’ Hyoga... ‘’

‘’ Shiryu ‘’ Hyoga whispered, interrupting him, cerulean eyes opening slowly, burning flames reaching for him ‘’ It does not concern us, nyet? ‘’ he added, his lips curling in a grim smirk. ‘’ Athena is safe, our brothers are safe, the world is safe. The only one that is bleeding is the moon, and it does not concern us ‘’

Shiryu frowned at those words, at the bitterness and anger hidden in them. At the self-hatred.

What secrets are you hiding, Hyoga?

‘’ It should be over soon ‘’ he said, remembering Shunrei’s pained voice in his mind, her bandaged form curled up on the temple’s bed, her soft arms around his neck, always loving, always trusting... He hated himself for thinking about it, but he hoped the moon would turn scarlet by the end of the night.

‘’ It should ‘’ Hyoga agreed, his eyes resting on his hands, seeking for the faint scar on his right hand. It seemed as if everything that reminded him of his past had been taken away from him since he turned into a Saint. The ship where his mother rested, sunk into the depths of the ocean by Camus, then the wound on his eye, the scar Isaac had left him, erased when Saori let her cosmo explode when Elysium collapsed. And the self-inflicted scar that his own mind has slowly forgotten, until his body forgot about it too. It. That was what Artemis seemed to have become to everyone. A thing.

... It does not concern us...

It. An element, something with no feelings, no heart, no soul. No life. The image of her kneeling on the mud, the white gown sticking to her body like a mortise appeared in his mind’s eye. She had looked so dead then... so much like a corpse... he had wanted her to live, he had wanted that the pale skin his fingers were travelling over would blush, would feel warm under his touch... but it hadn’t. Despite she was making him burn, she was still cold as ice. So he pushed her away.

And now he called her it.

You should have been the one here today, Isaac... you would know what to do... you would never...

You would never turn your back on your friends

No matter how much we might anger you or hurt you... you would always be there for us...

You would forget about your dream, about your ideals...

You would even be a traitor

In the name of Friendship, you would kill and die

... You killed and died

And I learnt nothing. I lost you, and now I know that I am losing her, and I still haven’t learnt a thing

You should have been the one here today

You would never forget about her... you would never forget about me...

No matter what

He ran his index over the palm of his right hand, trying to find traces of the scar, searching for it through troubled eyes.

You would never forget about me, either, wouldn’t you? Even when I forgot about you, you were still able to feel me...

‘’ I was always there... to hurt you... ‘’ he whispered, echoing Artemis’ words. She had carried the scar she had inflicted herself for him when she shouldn’t, when she was a Goddess he would never be able to follow... she had felt him through that scar, entwined her cosmo with his... She had never....

‘’ Left me ‘’

‘’ What? ‘’ Hyoga met Shiryu’s bewildered eyes and smiled. He didn’t try to look ironic, he didn’t try to be sarcastic... he just... smiled. Everything seemed so meaningless now... so futile... The whole task of waiting for an imaginary enemy, the fears and doubts the moon had brought with her, the unsettled trainees and fearless gold saints. Nothing seemed worth worrying about. Not when Friendship was at stake.

He stood up and walked towards the window, placing his hand over Kiki’s shoulder.

‘’ Go with Shiryu, Kiki ‘’ he said calmly, in an almost gentle manner. The boy looked up at him, perplexed, yet obeyed, moving away from the window to stand by the black-haired saint.

Hyoga rested his hands on the window, looking outside, not at the depths of the cliff as he had previously done, but up, towards the clouded heavens. To the Moon’s throne, to the red halo around it, to its... her... symbol.

‘’ Hyoga, it does not concern us ‘’ said Shiryu, placing his hand over Hyoga’s shoulder, trying to make him understand.

But it’s you the one that has to understand, Shiryu... she is my friend

And we die for friendship, don’t we?

‘’ It does not ‘’ he repeated, looking at Shiryu over his shoulder, ‘’ But she concerns me ‘’ The moon, the Huntress, the Guardians meant nothing. The girl that had laughed at his failures, the woman that had cried under the rain did.

...It never healed... never... all the others did... but yours... It was always there to hurt me...

The woman he had hurt. The one that had hurt him back

‘’ She does ‘’ he muttered, frowning slightly.

So hurt me now, Artemis

Let me...

Let me feel that you are all right...

Let me feel you...

Shiryu opened his mouth to say something... anything... but then closed it once again, nodding slowly. Hyoga smiled gratefully at him.

And then his right hand went across the window, shattering the glass in a thousand pieces. Shiryu moved back and Kiki started, but Hyoga crouched to pick one of the larger pieces and placed it over his hand.

Don’t let me forget

He slashed his palm over the place where the scar had once been, watching the blood flow down his hand, between his fingers.

‘’ Hyoga, what are you doing? ‘’ asked Shiryu, while Kiki merely stared at them, his face gone white.

‘’ I... ‘’ he began, but stopped when the throbbing ache on his bleeding hand magnified itself tenfold, making him bend over when the pain started to be unbearable, spreading throughout his whole body. Hyoga allowed Shiryu to help him up, closing his eyes and smiling faintly. He had made it.

He could feel her. And she was bleeding.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

nani mo motomeru na

sugu ni nozomu darou

subete te no hira de kieru

yokubou nanda tanoshimu ga ii

(Seek for nothingLest soon you yearn for it

All shall disappear in your hands

It is desire, enjoy it)

-EstE, Schwarz Zweit - Dramatic Image Album IV: Crawford's image song -

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Aphrodite watched them from the gate of the White Temple, her emerald eyes fixed on the scene before her. Eros had asked from her the privilege of facing the Huntress, his eyes showing her what he really wanted from her. So she conceded. How could the Goddess of Desire deny something to the God of Passion?

So she stepped aside and watched. And waited.

Artemis’ sudden outburst of anger had worried her, her madness had worried her... but now she knew she had nothing to fear. The Huntress depended on her instincts... on her feelings, even when she denied them... She trusted her power, and confided absolutely on it. She knew herself.

But Eros... Her son was a shinning warrior, not only powerful, but careful and methodical. Artemis was a wild beast, a she-wolf, but right now, Eros was the hunter.

She had noticed that when Artemis used that saint’s technique against them. The Diamond Dust. Eros had deflected it so easily, merely allowing his cosmo to turn it into mist.

Into smoke.

And through the smoke he had dashed, breaking into her half-open defence. And it was too late for Artemis then, his fist finding home against her stomach, leaving her coughing blood on her hands and knees. But she was not defeated yet. As a matter of fact, when Aphrodite met Artemis’ aquamarine eyes, she knew the Huntress was merely starting.

Eros stared at Artemis as she got back to her feet, his fists clenched, still remembering the feeling of her soft body against them.

If only you would see...

‘’ Well done, bastard ‘’ she smirked, pushing her hair away of her face with a fluent movement.

Eros grinned, bowing theatrically at her, ‘’ Thanks for the praises, Artemis ‘’ He lifted his gaze to meet hers. Her eyes were burning right now, demanding blood. She had never looked so ravenous to him ‘’ I wish I could say the same about you... since when does a Goddess need mortals’ techniques? ‘’

But he knew she was reckless when angered, so he would push it. No matter the consequences.

She smiled sweetly, almost lovingly. ‘’ Since mortals started killing Gods ‘’

He frowned, flaring his cosmo, red-gold flames trying to subdue her white coldness. Trying to subdue her in vain.

You are still yourself, under the madness, under the anger... you are still burning

And the dance started once again. Dangerous, perilous dance turned deadly by Artemis’ maddened race and Eros’ steady control.

White, frozen sparks meeting golden specks of fire. Merciless Gods facing one another.

War.

Eros laughed when dodging Artemis’ high kicks, sliding behind her like a snake. ‘’ Slow ‘’ he purred in her ear, his right arm creeping around her body, keeping her still while his left hand closed around her neck, long fingers gliding over her skin, down the line of her neck and into her gown’s cleavage. ‘’ But I like it slow... ‘’

‘’ Release me or lose your hand ‘’ she said evenly, not even resisting him.

‘’ Warnings, warnings, warnings, you are so full of crap, Artemis... ‘’ he cooed in her ear, while his hand made its way to her breasts, ‘’ ... admit it, you want this as much as I do ‘’

‘’ Your loss ‘’ she stated, flaring her cosmo to its fullest, forcing him to stagger backwards, his hands covered by a thin layer of frost for touching her skin, which seemed to glow because of the icy gusts that protected her. Before he could regain his balance, she was already standing in front of him, a feral grin on her lips. ‘’ Diamond Dust ‘’

And all he saw were shimmering flakes of snow, spreading from the hands of a Goddess that had nothing to envy to their coldness, to hit him with the fury of a gale.

Perfection

Artemis, standing before him with a look of utter triumph on her eyes, her hair dancing with the cold flames of her cosmo, black tresses against pure whiteness.

Perfection

It almost hurt him to put an end to that vision of beauty, to shatter that effigy of triumph. But he had to.

In the end, nothing was perfect.

Not even the Gods.

‘’ Well done, bastard ‘’ he said, mimicking her words while he flared his own cosmo, breaking the ice layer that had covered his skin. ‘’ But it takes more than mortals’ techniques to defeat a God ‘’

‘’ Then tell me, Eros... ‘’ she asked, smirking deviously, ‘’ ... what does it take? ‘’

You defy me?

The Huntress dares to defy Passion?

Even when you resist me so much, you have no real chance against me

I am... invincible. The one whose powers are beyond Gods and Mortals

Beyond yours

Yet you defy me

‘’ Want a little demonstration, beautiful? ‘’ he retorted, tilting his head to one side. Artemis merely widened her grin, spreading her arms in an inviting gesture.

You are mad

‘’ Show me, dear heart ‘’ she whispered, mocking him. Enticing him.

As always, she was getting a sick satisfaction of reminding him that she would always be beyond his charms, that she would always be the one that he would never have. No matter how much he wanted her. No matter how high his desire burned. Because Passion could not overpower someone that was as passionate as himself, someone that lusted for pain the same way he lusted for pleasure.

‘’ I will always remember you, Artemis ‘’ he cooed, allowing his Cosmo to burn free.

But Passion could destroy those that refused bliss for too long. Pride deserved a punishment. And hers would be her death. Because he wanted her, and not having her was killing him. Because she wouldn’t yield, and the pain was killing her. One of them would have to collapse.

And that won’t be me

Because I am invincible

And you are just stubborn

‘’ Let me grant you a present, Artemis... ‘’ he whispered, closing his eyes. He could feel his own Cosmo, spreading towards infinity, growing, always growing. He could feel the warmth that flowed from it, the desire. Pure Love. ‘’ let me grant you... ‘’ he went on, placing his hands over his chest, a half-smile appearing on his lips when he felt his cosmo focussing around them. Slowly, almost playfully, he stretched his arms towards her, in a cruel parody of an offering ‘’ ... Eternal Bliss ‘’

Unbearable Pain turned unbearable Pleasure

The sweetest pain of them all, one that will go on forever, following you into the other world... one that will never leave you

He opened his eyes when sensing her cosmo collapse, red-gold fumes sprouting from the ground, covering the whole space with a thick golden fog.

It was over.

‘’ That was... impressive ‘’

A cold shiver ran through his spine when hearing that breathless, mocking voice, ‘’ It was almost... pleasurable ‘’

Artemis’ white cosmo pushed the fog away, ‘’ I think I could even say that I enjoyed it ‘’ Eros cursed, returning to a defensive stance when the fog vanished and he found himself facing bright aquamarine eyes.

‘’ By Ares... ‘’ he let out, staring at her broken figure, marked by countless cuts. Artemis was panting, each breath she took making her shudder, while her dirty gown slowly but surely turned red because of the blood-loss. Yet she was standing. Regardless of the pain, she was still on her feet, her hands closed together over her head, her cosmo burning even higher than before.

‘’ Ares has nothing to do with this... ‘’ she whispered, narrowing her eyes into tiny slits, ‘’ Only myself. I always wanted to know how strong you were... and you passed the test, dear love... now let’s me give you something in return... Let me show you what a mortal’s technique can do when wielded by a Goddess ‘’

Eros couldn’t but watch her, enthralled by the beauty of her cosmo, by the overpowering feeling that seemed to ooze from it, from the snow flakes dancing around her, to the frost that spread over the ground, creeping over the tree trunks and dying everything a blinding white.

‘’ Aurora Execution ‘’

When the rumour about the huntress leaving Ortygia to train under mortals’ guidance reached Cyprus, Aphrodite had laughed, discarding it as another twisted tradition from Leto’s children. After all, Apollo had knelt before Chiron, a follower of the Moon, so it wasn’t strange for her that Artemis would kneel before Saints, followers of the Law-Giver. The twins, Aphrodite had said, always enjoyed playing the parts of mortals.

Yet he still had been marvelled by that. By the fact that the proud Moon was submitting to the guidance of mortals. By the fact that a Goddess could so easily be accepted into the world of men, into the world of her opposite. Religion feeding on Law, and Law refraining to impose herself to Religion. He had been puzzled, not understanding what one of the Twelve might need from Mankind.

Now he finally understood.

Gods weren’t perfect, but sometimes they could get awfully close.

Eros opened his eyes slowly, surprised that he was still able to do so. His body felt numb, and a thin layer of frost covered him completely, making his robes feel stiff against his skin. The blow had sent him against the White Temple’s stairs, the marble turned fragile because of the ice and shattering against his weight. ‘’ I am glad you are still alive, Eros ‘’ He watched her as she crouched by his side, a wounded, maddened creature that he couldn’t help wanting.

‘’ That way... ‘’ he could feel her breath’s warmth against his neck, a soft caress that awakened him from the frozen stupor he was in, ‘’ ... I can play with you a little longer ‘’ Cold fingers followed the contour of his face, sharp nails leaving furrows on his cheek, ‘’... and make you scream, for once, that you want me to stop... Because I am good at bringing pain, Eros... very good ‘’

Eros chuckled at first, then laughed. High and clear, making her look at him through puzzled eyes.

‘’ Mother... ‘’ he said, looking at the golden-haired goddess that remained impassive, a silent witness of the fight. Someone that knew the outcome, and wouldn’t fear for her son. Because he was meant to win. ‘’ Should we give Artemis the surprise we prepared for her? ‘’

And on Aphrodite’s full lips, a sensuous smile destroyed the previous mask of indifference ‘’ She’ll love it ‘’

‘’ I prepared a little something for you, Artemis... ‘’ he whispered, stroking her cheek with frozen fingers, ‘’ With love from me to you‘’ he added teasingly, before stealing a kiss from her. ‘’ Your blood tastes sweet, Huntress, just as I had expected... ‘’ he mocked, standing up before she could strike him. ‘’ I can’t wait to taste more of you ‘’

‘’ How dare you... ? ‘’ she cried out, lifting her arm to slash him with her claw-like fingers.

But Eros merely smiled, looking over his shoulder at the temple’s gate. ‘’ Dictina, remember what I asked of you? Do it ‘’

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Because you are... a puppet...

- Jenova, Final Fantasy VII -

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VII

‘’ Eridanus, come to me, Dictina, High Priestess and head of your Clan summons you ‘’ The words came naturally to her, a whisper that she knew by heart, softly recited by her voice, cried out by her cosmo. All her Tunic could do was obey.

And it did. As she emerged from the darkness of the peristyle, her robes were consumed by her turquoise cosmo, while shimmering pieces of metal danced over Ortygia from her shrine, setting themselves over her body like a second skin. ‘’ My lady ‘’ she said with the same calmed, little voice, knowing that her real voice, the one of her cosmo, was deeper, more dangerous.

‘’ We have something to dispose of, Dictina ‘’ Aphrodite said, amused by the turn of event. ‘’ A traitor in our yard; will you take care of it? My son would be grateful, wouldn’t you, Eros? ‘’

Goosebumps appear on her skin when hearing that name, enhanced when his sensuous voice replied.

‘’ Always ‘’

So Dictina nodded and lifted her gaze towards the open space between the woods and the white temple. And her violet eyes, older than her age, wilder than they seemed, set on the two wounded beings that were standing by the steps, the man she loved... and the goddess that had turned her back on them.

How can you face me?

How dare you look into my eyes after what you’ve done to us?

‘’ Adelfi... ‘’ she heard her whisper, with that same cold voice that she had treasured once, when she was still proud of being her sister, when she was still proud of being her shadow.

‘’ Do you want her life, my lord? ‘’ she asked, her eyes never leaving Artemis’.

Is that pain in your eyes, adelfi?

Are you in pain?

Good

‘’ I want her defeated... ‘’ Eros said, climbing the steps of the Temple to stand by her side, ‘’ I want you to make her fall. But keep her alive if you can... she still has something that I want... ‘’ he added mischievously, moving to his mother’s side. The golden-haired goddess smiled at him, placing her hand over his and allowing her cosmo to warm his frozen body.

Artemis had wounded him. The traitor had dared to place her fingers on him.

‘’ As you command, my lord ‘’ she stated, walking down the steps to the frozen field with her natural grace.

‘’ Will you fight me, sister? ‘’ Artemis whispered, straightening her back. ‘’ Will you lift your hand against me? ‘’ she chuckled, ‘’ Of course you will. Because I betrayed you. And treason is the greatest sin in Ortygia, annon? ‘’

‘’ I, Eridanus Dictina, High Priestess of Ortygia, have been appointed to deliver our punishment to you. Do not resist, it would be futile ‘’ she said matter-of-factly while she changed her stance into a loose offensive.

Artemis smirked, mimicking her stance. ‘’ Then catch me if you can, dear sister, I was always the fastest of us all ‘’

************

‘’ Dictina, catch me if you can! ‘’ yelled the black-haired child, running away from her with a black cub in her arms.

‘’ Artemis, wait for me, I.... argh! ‘’ The ground met her with its rock-like surface when she stumbled with the twisted root of a poplar, scratches covering her knees and hands. She curled up because of the searing pain, sobbing with her head hidden between her arms. ‘’ Mom... ‘’ she whispered lowly, feeling suddenly alone with a burden too heavy for her young shoulders.

‘’ Shh... don’t cry, adelfi, you know mother wants us to be strong... to rely on no one but ourselves ‘’

She looked up to find her sister crouching by her side, small chubby hands poking at her knees. The cub had already understood that whining wouldn’t help to catch his mistress’ attention, and was now tugging insistently at her robe’s sleeve.

‘’ They don’t look that bad, Dictina! My arm looked worse when I broke it, and I didn’t cry back then ‘’ Artemis said proudly, smiling with childish innocence.

‘’ That’s because you fell of a tree. I only stumbled... but it hurts nonetheless ‘’ she pouted, violet eyes veiled because of the tears. For the one that was supposed to take care of the spunky, danger-seeker Queen of the Hunt, Dictina couldn’t help feeling slightly unworthy of that role.

Artemis giggled, taking her by the hands. Soon, she was glowing with a bright inner light, making Dictina feel warm and cosy, as if the light of the moon was running through her veins, taking the pain and tears away.

‘’ There, it’s done ‘’ Artemis beamed, kissing her cheek gingerly, ‘’ See, you needn’t make all that scandal, what if mother were here? You should take care of me, not the other way around, adelfi ‘’

‘’ Well... ‘’ Dictina started, at the brink of tears once again.

‘’ No, don’t cry! ‘’ Artemis said, embracing her, ‘’ I was just teasing you, you know I wouldn’t know what to do without you! ‘’

‘’ You would be nagging Orion to read you stories instead of nagging me, dearest accident-waiting-to-happen baby sister ‘’

Artemis rolled her eyes, ‘’ Meanie, I am not a baby! ‘’

‘’ Three years old girls are babies ‘’

‘’ You’ll see, one day I’ll be taller than you and you won’t call me baby sister anymore!‘’

Dictina giggled, ruffling her sister’s long hair. ‘’ You will always be my baby sister, Artemis, no matter how tall you are ‘’

‘’ Meanie.... ‘’ Artemis repeated, picking up the cub, ‘’ Arcade, you’ll see, one day we will be bigger than Dictina and she will be all small and tiny and we will call her baby, annon? ‘’

The violet-haired girl shook her head and stood up, placing her arm over her sister’s shoulders. ‘’ Let’s go back to the Artemisium, baby sister ‘’

Artemis rested her head against her shoulder, nodding gravely. ‘’ Dictina... will you always be with me? ‘’

‘’ Why do you ask? ‘’

‘’ I just want to know ‘’ she said, looking at the floor. Dictina smiled, hugging the little girl tighter.

‘’ Of course, Artemis. Always. We are sisters after all, annon? ‘’

‘’ Nai! ‘’ she beamed, returning the hug. ‘’ Always! ‘’

***************

‘’ Always... ‘’ Dictina whispered, remembering how well she had loved her, how important Artemis had been for her. But all that love hadn’t been enough to keep her at their side.

She had mocked them, trampled on their feelings, on their trust. She had betrayed them. And treason, as Artemis had said, was the greatest sin in Ortygia.

She deserved to be punished.

‘’ Artemis, may your soul be able to return to Olympus... ‘’ she said, igniting her Cosmo, turquoise mist growing around her, the song of the rivers and splashing water accompanying her whenever she would move.

‘’ Oh, forget about my soul, Dictina ‘’ Artemis smirked, madness glowing in her eyes, ‘’ I never had one... and if I did, it’s long dead and forgotten ‘’

All that pain... what happened to you, Artemis?

Did we take from you your ability to smile?

Did we take your soul?

‘’ Now show me what you can do, adelfi. I am waiting ‘’ she added, flaring her own cosmo in response, white flames of ice trying to force into her own aura, to subdue it just like she had done with Orion. But Dictina wouldn’t be as weak as Ortygia’s Dragon had been. She wouldn’t yield.

Because behind those memories of Artemis loving them, of her smile, of her warmth and friendship, there was the cruel reality. The Sin. A Goddess falling into a mortal’s embrace, a Goddess forgetting her chore, her neutrality, to defend Sanctuary in the name of that man. A Goddess who could have stopped the wheels of fate, yet made them turn even faster still.

A Goddess they loved that left them nonetheless.

The blood of the dead was on her hands, the wasted lives of so many warriors that should have lived. Those lives deserved to be appeased.

Slowly, with the grace of a dancer and the methodical fluency of a warrior, Dictina traced the shape of the mighty Eridanus with her hands, droplets of her water-based cosmo floating in the air, taking the shape of the dark currents that had been once able to drown the Sun.

‘’ River of Light! ‘’ she cried out, allowing her cosmo to unleash its fury against her, against the Goddess, the sister, the woman that had left her.

The endless waves of the dark waters, turned afire because of the Sun they hid in their core, surrounded Artemis, collapsing against her already wounded body. The blow was such, that it sent her flying against the steps of the White Temple, her back arching in pain when meeting the frozen marble.

‘’ Why didn’t you... ‘’ Dictina began, confused, ‘’ ... deflect it? ‘’

You are a Goddess....

You should have stopped it

You should!

You knew my technique, Artemis, and it never affected you... why did you let me hit you?

Why?!!

‘’ That was... superb, dear sister ‘’ Artemis opened her eyes slowly, whipping the blood from her forehead with her sleeve. ‘’ I thought you would have turned weaker under the guidance of these bastards... but I was wrong... as usual ‘’ she added, trying to chuckle, but a look at the odd angle her right arm was in made her stop and curse instead.

Dictina found herself taking a step forward, ready to help her up, to wash the blood away, to heal her, but stopped before reaching her, afraid of her own actions.

Artemis fixed her gaze on hers, puzzled. Dictina could have sworn she had even seen hope shinning in those aquamarine orbs. ‘’ Won’t you finish the job, adelfi? ‘’ she muttered, using her left hand to support herself while she tried to stand up, her legs shaking slightly but finally sustaining her weight.

‘’ Won’t you?!! ‘’ she growled, stretching her hand towards her. Dictina looked away, closing her eyes. She couldn’t stand the view of her, with her gown shredded into rags, her bleeding body and her broken arm. She couldn’t stand her pain.

And Artemis laughed. ‘’ Can’t stand the view of your own work, Eridanus? ‘’ she mocked, running her fingers over her own face, smearing the blood ‘’ Is it better now? ‘’ she purred almost sweetly. ‘’ Do I look dead enough?! Do I?! Or do you want me to rip my heart out?!! ‘’

Don’t say that, Artemis

I...

I love you

I always did... I always will

Artemis’ left hand closed around Dictina’s collar, pulling her close. ‘’ Tell me what do you want from me and you will have it, sister ‘’ she muttered in her ear, the stench of blood and dirt bringing tears into the older woman’s eyes. This was... her baby sister... the one that had looked after her when she should be taking care of instead. This was the Goddess that had treated them as equals, the one that had accepted their judgement not because she found it fair, but because they had been the ones asking for it. The one that had left everything she was with the hopes that someday they would understand...

Understand that peace could not be kept. Understand that she loved them as much as they loved her.

Dictina let out a deep sigh, stroking her sister’s cheek with trembling fingers.

‘’ I want you to live ‘’

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If history is to change, let it change! If the world is to be

destroyed, so be it! If my fate is to die, I must simply laugh!!

Magus (Ending), Chrono Trigger

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VIII

She couldn’t speak. She couldn’t think. All she could do was fall in her sister’s embrace, melt in it.

...Live...

‘’ I... ‘’ she began, but couldn’t go on, clutching to Dictina with all the strength her left arm could muster. She had never allowed the possibility of them wanting her back entering her mind. She had never... hoped.

‘’ Forgive us all... ‘’ Dictina whispered in her ear, stroking her hair gently, ‘’ By Leto, we never stopped... ‘’

‘’ May you both drown in the Styx! Eternal Bliss! ‘’ Artemis snapped when hearing Eros’ voice, when sensing his Cosmo growing, a menacing cloud of gold. Dictina frowned, trying to push her aside, to protect her.

But it was a Goddess’ chore to protect her followers.

‘’ Whatever might happen, you will always be my chosen ones ‘’ she said, releasing her hold around her cosmo, competing with Eros’, trying to make him yield. Dictina tried to stop her, but it was too late.

It is my duty

So she welcomed the pain. She let it flow over her body once again, presenting no resistance, knowing that it would soon turn too great as to be anything but a drowning pleasure, choking her, killing her.

‘’ It takes more than that, Eros... ‘’ she panted, trying to get over the pain, to ignore it. She smiled weakly when seeing Dictina’s fearful gaze on hers, stroking her cheek lightly, ‘’ Do you really believe I am that weak, adelfi? ‘’

‘’ Artemis... ‘’ Dictina whispered, her eyes going wide when feeling her back, suddenly backing up. She trembled while staring at the blood on her hands, looking up at Artemis. ‘’ He... ‘’

‘’ Stop crying ‘’ she growled, frowning, ‘’ No one will cry for me ‘’

‘’ But... ‘’

‘’ But nothing. This is my chore... my fate ‘’

My punishment

Artemis moved away from Dictina, turning her back on her. She frowned when hearing her gasp at seeing her back, wishing she could have saved her the horror of the sight. Eros was strong, she knew that, and also knew that the feeling of being ripped apart hadn’t been only a sensation. Her gown felt damp and sticky against her back, and she knew that if she looked over her shoulder, she would see a trail of blood behind her. But she couldn’t allow herself that. She couldn’t allow herself to worry, or to fear.

All she could do was face them and finish what she had started.

‘’ Eros... ‘’ Artemis said, limping towards the stairs, ‘’ ...won’t you play with me? In the sake of old times ‘’

He smiled, walking down the steps to stand by her side, his eyes looking into hers, showing her his lust, his desire.

‘’ In the sake of old times ‘’ he whispered in her ear, his index caressing her lower lip. ‘’ We could have been great together, Artemis ‘’

She chuckled grimly, trying to keep a decent offensive stance despite of the wounds while he moved some metres from her, ‘’ We will never know, won’t we, Eros? ‘’

‘’ A shame, really ‘’ he said, smiling deviously while checking her up. She couldn’t but feel disgusted by his lust, by the way he could still get some sick pleasure from watching her bleeding and broken.

But he was Passion, and as such, he wanted beyond limits. He wanted, and wanted even more that which he could not have. It was only... his nature.

‘’ You know... ‘’ she began, allowing her cosmo to shine once again, ‘’ what they say about the Hyperborean? They will walk beside you, and you won’t notice they are there. They will whisper your name in the darkness, and you’ll think it was nothing but the wind. With shimmering cosmos they will announce their presence; and the sound of the hunting horn will be the last thing you’ll hear... And it’s true, Eros. Nothing is what it seems here.... not even myself ‘’ she added, crouching, her left hand resting on the ground. ‘’ So will you let me whisper your name in the darkness, Passion? Will you hear my hunting horn? ‘’

Even if it kills me, I will have my vengeance

Eros watched her as her cosmo grew around her, twisting.... changing. He was certain it had not been so cold before, that it hadn’t hidden so many shadows in its blinding whiteness... He was certain it hadn’t been so ancient, so powerful.

‘’ You were right, Eros, a mortal’s technique won’t be enough to kill you. So let me show you my power. My soul ‘’ she smirked, closing her eyes while her cosmo danced around her, playing with her hair and the remnants of her gown.

Fall with me, Eros...

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You know that it would be untrue
You know that I would be a liar
If I was to say to you
Girl, we couldn't get much higher

Come on baby, light my fire
Come on baby, light my fire
Try to set the night on fire

The time to hesitate is through
No time to wallow in the mire
Try now we can only lose
And our love become a funeral pyre

-The Doors, ‘Light my Fire’-

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Eros stared at the changing cosmo around Artemis, at its deeps and shadows. Whatever she was doing, it was no longer one of those techniques the Aquarius Saint had taught her. It was something more dangerous... more ancient.

Godly.

... Eros...

He looked over his shoulder to the top of the temple, where his mother still stood, her golden cosmo shinning around her while she watched. For an instant, a mere instant, he caught her emerald eyes. And he knew what she wanted from him.

Whatever Artemis was about to do, was dangerous enough as to place his life in danger. So he had to stop her, and the only way to do so was hitting her where it hurt the most.

Even if that means breaking the little self you have left

‘’ Eternal Bliss! ‘’

‘’ Don’t be stupid, that technique won’t work... ‘’ Artemis began, but stopped when the red-gold flames moved pass her, her eyes widening as realisation hit her.

‘’ No... ‘’ she mouthed, taking her hand to her ears when Dictina’s screams of pain echoed against the pillars, turning into low whimpers until only a sighed was heard.

I am also good at bringing pain to others, Artemis... aren’t I?

‘’ No, no, no, no, no!!! ‘’ she cried out , biting her lip hard enough as to draw blood.

Just dare to turn around

And she did, she closed her hand into a tight fist, knuckles going white, and slowly looked over her shoulder, just to see what Eros had been looking at since he prepared to release his Eternal Bliss.

‘’ My lord... why? ‘’ Dictina panted, leaning against a tree not to fall to the ground, her hand clutching her bleeding chest, ‘’ I... ‘’

Don’t say it

A faint smile soften Dictina’s pained face, while she stretched her right arm towards him, ‘’ I love you ‘’

...Of course you are not a monster, my lord!...

‘’ I am a God ‘’ he thought out loud, remembering her words.

The worst kind of monster

Artemis’ eyes fixed on him, and he could see sorrow in them. He could see... pity. Even when she was soulless and broken, she still pitied him. ‘’ I... ‘’ he started, but Artemis shook her head and turned around, cutting him off. Eros watched her, enthralled, a maddened creature that no longer cared for anything, limping towards her bleeding sister, stroking her cheek even when her violet eyes wouldn’t look at her but look at him instead.

‘’ Eros... ‘’ Dictina whispered once again, making his heart tighten in his chest.

‘’ Hate me ‘’ he said, meeting her teary eyes, wishing to release her at least in death.

‘’ Hate you, my Lord? ‘’ She smiled, her shoulders shaking from the pain, ‘’ Never ‘’

Artemis curled up by her side, hiding her face in the curve of her neck, reminding Eros of an abandoned cub. ‘’ Adelfi... ‘’ she whispered in her ear, her hand leaving her cheek to rest on her chest, over her bleeding wound. ‘’ Look at me... ‘’ she added, a low sob escaping her lips when Dictina wouldn’t, her violet eyes unmoving from the ones of the man she loved.

She lifted her head to kiss her cheek, glaring at Eros while doing so.

‘’ What will you do now, Artemis? ‘’ he asked, pushing Dictina’s state into the depths of his mind, forcing himself to ignore her.

She rested her face on her sister’s shoulder, letting her cosmo shine over her once again. ‘’ Midnight Boon ‘’ Artemis whispered, allowing her cosmo to flow into Dictina, to mix with hers. To make her whole once again, the white cold threads of cosmo shimmering around her fingers before losing themselves into Dictina’s wound, slowly healing it.

You will save the one that betrayed you? The one that I made mine?

‘’ But... ‘’ Dictina whispered, moving her eyes away from him for the first time, her right hand reaching for Artemis’ cheek, ‘’ I will never be able to hate you either... ‘’ she smiled faintly, meeting cold soulless diamonds, ‘’ because I also love you... You two have torn me apart...‘’ Artemis nodded, kissing her lips softly while Dictina closed her eyes, driven into a dreamless sleep by her sister’s cosmo.

‘’ Alpheia, you are powerless and wounded... surrender before its too late... how much blood we’ll we have to shed to make you understand? ‘’ asked Aphrodite, frowning when Artemis wouldn’t look at her. ‘’ She’s gone already... ‘’

‘’ Mother ‘’ Eros said, keeping his eyes on Artemis and Dictina ‘’ Let me end this...let me have her ‘’

She smiled, playing with a lock of her golden hair, ‘’ Do you still want her, dearest son? She’s nothing but a broken thing now, she can’t even hear us... ‘’

Eros smirked, meeting his mother’s gaze, ‘’ She will ‘’ he said with confidence. After all, she had always been unconquerable.

Aphrodite nodded gravely. ‘’ Then shame her.... I will not be the one to stop you from accomplishing your desires, my son ‘’ she added with a smile, turning on her heels and walking into the White Temple.

‘’ After all, victory is already ours ‘’

Eros bowed at her, staying like that until his mother was gone, the remnants of her cosmo being the only thing that betrayed her previous presence.

‘’ And now we are finally on our own ‘’ he said, glaring at Artemis. ‘’ Will you tell me... ‘’ he began, taking a step towards her, ‘’ why did you heal her? You used all your power to do so, I know that. You used the last chance you had to kill me to heal her instead. To heal the one that betrayed you. Why? ‘’

She remained still, making him fear that maybe his mother was right, and she was finally gone into a world of her own. But slowly, deliberately, her eyes fixed on his, a devious smirk spreading over her bloody lips. Eros backed away, perplexed by the glee and fury that shone in those eyes.

Artemis chuckled, standing up. He gasped at the sight of her body, hardly covered by the shreds of her gown, unable to stop the waves of lust from washing over his body. That was the Goddess he had burned for, years ago. The woman that would laugh when cornered, the goddess that would stand when defeated.

The Huntress; deprived of feelings, of conscience. Wanting only the satisfaction of her own wishes.

The Huntress; not much different from himself.

‘’ Aima... ‘’ she said, curling her left hand into a claw and dashing towards him, pure strength, pure power, ‘’ ...tanges.... aethera!! ‘’

Madness can keep you on your feet, Artemis, but it won’t cure your wounds, it won’t make your cosmo burn again

It won’t help you to defeat me... because you already lost

Eros dodged her easily, holding her broken arm from behind, tugging from it until drawing a loud scream from her lips. ‘’ Louder, Artemis... do it for me... ‘’ he purred in her ear, placing his arm around her body to keep her still, while tugging once again with his free hand. ‘’ Music to my ears ‘’ he said softly, releasing her broken arm to move his hand to her face, stroking her cheek, ‘’ So tell me, Huntress, why did you do it? Why did you heal her at the cost of your life? ‘’

‘’ Because I am her Goddess ‘’ she murmured breathlessly, blank eyes clouding with self-hatred.

You are still yourself...

‘’ That you are... ‘’ he whispered, resting his chin on her shoulder, enjoying the way she would go stiff in his arms whenever he brushed her neck with his lips. ‘’ ... her Goddess... a beautiful, stubborn Goddess that betrayed her... you know... she used to love you before I seduced her... ‘’ he went on, his hand leaving her neck to caress her collarbone, sneaking under the shreds of her gown, a long sigh escaping Eros’ lips when he began to fondle her breasts, ‘’ ... she used to want this as much as I do... to feel you... ‘’ He tightened his hold around her, stopping her from struggling, but she was weak, too weak... ‘’ You know, I still remember that night when you rejected me... you said you would never have me, Artemis, because Goddesses choose their consorts, and you would never choose a God.... I’ve been thinking about those words for a while now... ‘’ he licked her neck before whispering in her ear, ‘’ You were wrong... because Gods always take what they want... and I want you, Huntress... with all my heart ‘’

All I want is to be free...

Free to be myself... no barriers, no duties, no chores... following no one and nothing but my own will...

Just... myself

I want to be all that I can be...

To forge my own fate

Even if I die in the process...

Because death, for an immortal, would be nothing but another kind of freedom, wouldn’t it?

Or maybe... maybe life... mortal life... is the answer of all this...

The perfect blend of life and death

My wish... my one and only wish... is to fall and to thrive at the same time...

I want to destroy perfection

Artemis bit her lower lip when Eros held her too tight, savouring the taste of her own blood. She could feel his arousal against her buttocks, the roughness with which he fondled her, and more than anything she could feel the pain, running through her arm, through her back, through her body; hitting her mind fully over and over again. But whenever the pain became too unbearable, she would bite her lips harder and curse herself if she but dared to whimper.

No matter what was to befall her, she would not give him the satisfaction of hearing her scream once again.

‘’ Are you too weak to struggle, Artemis, or have you already decided to submit? ‘’ she heard him whisper in her ear, his warm breath caressing her neck, ‘’ Or could it be that you are enjoying this already? I certainly am... ‘’ he added, his hand leaving her breasts to glide over her stomach, sliding between her legs, ‘’ I like having complete power over you... ‘’

She gasped, closing her eyes. It could be so easy to submit... to let him have her way on her and turn into his paramour, into a shadow. If she didn’t have the strength to live anymore, she could at least be a shadow under Ortygia’s trees...

This is what I wanted from Camus, didn’t I? A wound to my pride...

A wound to my body. Because I don’t mind losing the power over my body in the name of my soul

But my soul is already stained, isn’t it? Soaked in blood

" Ochi! ‘’ she let out, thrusting her elbow backwards, hitting him on the stomach. She stumbled out of his arms, limping towards the forest in a futile attempt of an escape, but Eros grabbed her by the shoulders and forced her to face him.

‘’ What kind of a fool are you?! ‘’ he growled, his emerald eyes going afire.

Artemis chuckled grimly, looking at him straight into his eyes. He frowned, forcing her to stand up before hitting her across the face, sending her rolling against the temple’s steps.

‘’ ochi... ‘’ she muttered, coughing blood.

‘’ Such a runner ‘’ Eros said, crouching by her side and grabbing her by the chin, " We’ll have to do something about that, won’t we? ‘’ he asked, kissing her roughly while caressing her thighs. Artemis remained impassive, looking at the crimson moon while letting him take from her whatever he wanted. A low whimper was the only thing she muttered when feeling the overwhelming pain bolting through her leg, focussing her attention on the moon, on the scarlet ring around it, her body getting used to the pain, allowing her mind to ignore it.

‘’ I guess you are not the fastest anymore... ‘’ he whispered against her lips, caressing her cheek with his still cosmo-charged hand. ‘’ Call them, Artemis. Call your Nine, call your lover... and know that none of them will come for you. Because you left them... you betrayed them... Tell them that you are now mine ‘’

Never

‘’ Are you protecting them, Huntress? ‘’ he asked, amused by her silence, ‘’ Are you protecting the ones that asked you to leave? The ones responsible for your fall from grace? ‘’

It was all my fault

Mine and no one else

I should have never expected that they would understand the ways of the Gods... I should have never expected that they could stand beyond your power the same way I can...

I love them, and thought them my equals instead of considering myself their equal... I saw them as Gods, when I should have seen myself as a Mortal

And mortals fall, Eros...

Mortal Gods are no exception

‘’ Keep your silence if you want to, Artemis, you will soon be screaming my name over and over again, wishing I would never stop... ‘’ he smiled, pushing a blood-stained tress away from her face, ‘’ And once I am through with you, all of this will disappear, the shame, the guilt... and all you’ll be able to think about will be me... you will love me, Huntress, I will make sure of that ‘’

‘’ I can’t love ‘’

Eros looked into her empty eyes, puzzled.

‘’ It is wrong for me... to love this much... ‘’

‘’ What... what do you mean? ‘’

My beloved Guardians, I failed you.... I failed you all... each soul I’ve chosen has been stained because of me... has been broken ... so let it be me the one that gets stained this time...

‘’ This is my punishment ‘’

So that was it, that was what Zeus’ proud daughter had been turned into. From the unattainable Huntress to a soulless shadow. Broken. Wounded. Alone. In the end, Artemis had been right. They had killed her.

I hope you are proud, mother

Eros caressed her cheek softly, almost soothingly, wishing her aquamarine eyes would set on him, that she would at least push him away, that she would snap at him. Yet she didn’t move, she stayed still and distant like the caryatids that sustained the Temple, betraying no thoughts, no feelings.

She didn’t even resist when he lifted her in his arms and took her into the White Temple, turning into nothing but a dead weight, with eyes that could not see and a soul that would not burn.

He took her into his room, placing her on the bed. She flinched when her wounded back touched the soft mattress, dying the sheets crimson, but didn’t make any other movement, keeping her gaze fixed on the ceiling.

‘’ Beautiful Artemis... ‘’ he whispered, leaning over her to kiss unresponsive lips, to touch a broken body that remained as cold as the marble of the walls. But her passiveness irritated him. He had dreamt of that moment for so long, to be able to have her in his bed, to be able to show her what passion was... but in his perfect fantasy, she would respond to her touch, she would seek him as much as he was seeking her.

In his perfect fantasy, she wouldn’t be a statue, a living corpse.

Angered, he deepened the kiss, nibbling her lips, biting them, while his hands began to roam freely over her body, pulling her blood-stained gown over her breasts so he could feel her skin, her softness.

She stiffened when he pressed his hand over her side, Eros pressing harder when feeling the broken ribs, making her close her eyes and clutch the sheets with her left hand to sustain the pain.

‘’ Still playing mute? ‘’ he asked against her lips, licking the blood that slid from the corner of her mouth down her chin and neck, ‘’ But I wonder... how long will it take for you to break? Nothing can stand against me, Artemis... that was what the Moerae decreed... and no one can stand against them either ‘’

Not even the Gods

‘’ Not even you ‘’ he added, grabbing her by the chin to force her to look at him.

Fate is... inexorable

She smirked faintly, closing her eyes so he wouldn’t look into them, so he wouldn’t be able to reach her soul.

You won’t look at me, yet you will yield to a mortal?

To a man that does not believe in us, that does not honour us?

‘’ Not even you!! ‘’ he let out, straddling her waist and lowering himself over her, biting her neck while fondling her breasts roughly, desire and anger mixing in his caresses, in his groans and curses.

‘’ By Ares... ‘’ he muttered, hiding his face against her bosom, pushing her legs apart with his own, his hands caressing the inside of her thighs sensuously. ‘’ ... why won’t you let me have you? Can’t you see how much I want you? ‘’ he pressed his groin against her lower body, looking at her from the valley between her breasts, ‘’ ...can’t you feel it? ‘’

She opened her eyes slowly, staring right into his. For a moment, his heart missed a beat, lost in their depths, in that light that could only sustain darkness.

Perfection

‘’ This is your punishment ‘’ she said coldly, a ravenous smile spreading over her lips, ‘’ To take my body and yet not have me. To take a ghost... a shadow. Because no matter how low I fall, I will always be able to stand against you. This... ‘’ she added, resting her left hand on his back, her nails pressing against his skin, ‘’ ... is my judgement ‘’ And she slashed him.

Eros clenched his teeth at the searing pain on his back, grabbing her wrist and placing her left arm over her head. ‘’ Damn you, Artemis! ‘’ he cried out, his free hand closing around her right elbow, tugging at her broken arm. She cried out, but between her screams of pain he could hear her mocking laughter, echoing against the walls.

Perfection

‘’ Can’t you see how useless that was?! ‘’ he released her limp arm and grabbed her hair, pulling her face towards his, meeting her defying gaze, ‘’ You can’t walk, you can’t fight, and you deny to flare your cosmo... You are under my complete power, Huntress ‘’

Artemis blinked at his words, then laughed, a maddened laughter escaping her lips.

... This is your punishment...

The words echoed in his ears when he stopped her laughter with a devouring kiss, his hand leaving her hair to loosen his robes and tear her underwear, his fingers feeling her womanhood, sliding into her. ‘’ Under my power... ‘’ he repeated, bending over her to lick her nipple, suckling hard, while his hand left Artemis’ lower body to squeeze her unattended breast.

Perfection

He held her open with one hand and thrust into her, groaning in pleasure, lost in her warmth, in her tightness. But her sarcastic laughter was always there, mocking him, repeating over and over again in his mind what she had already stated.

... This is your punishment...

To take what I want and yet not have you

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Che ti fa cio che quivi pispiglia?

Vien dietro a me, e lascia dir le genti

(What is it to thee what they whisper there? Come after me and let the people talk)

-Dante Alighieri; Divina Commedia ‘Purgatorio’ canto 5, l. 12-

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XII

‘’ Damn, why did you do that for? ‘’ asked Shiryu, tearing the edge of his shirt to bandage Hyoga’s bleeding hand.

‘’ Don’t... ‘’ he muttered, keeping his hand away from him. Yet Shiryu insisted, grabbing his wrist and pulling his hand towards him. ‘’ I said don’t!! ‘’ Hyoga cried out, flaring his cosmo and pushing him roughly aside, Shiryu’s back hitting the hut’s wall with a loud thud.

She concerns me

‘’ Hyoga... ‘’ Dragon whispered, watching his friend with perplexed eyes. Hyoga sighed, meeting his gaze. ‘’ I am sorry... I just can’t let you... ‘’ he stopped, his voice breaking in shame. All Shiryu wanted was to help him, that he knew, but he couldn’t tell him what was going on... he couldn’t tell him about the pain he was feeling, hitting his body over and over again. Pain that didn’t belong to him, that he was only experiencing as shadows of the real feeling. He couldn’t tell Shiryu that he was bleeding for her.

... Traitor...

The dreadful word echoed in his ears, mixing with the pain that was surging through his veins.

... Traitor...

Yet the pain was so terrible... had it been the same for her? Whenever he got hit, had she felt the same burning pain? Had she felt the searing poison Milo had unleashed into his blood? Had she felt the freezing pain Camus had inflicted on him, the cold embrace of Isaac’s Aurora Boreal?

Had she bled for him?

...It never healed... never... all the others did... but yours... It was always there to hurt me...

Had she felt his pain when death had been inches from him, her scythe shinning over his head?

...Because I fucking promised, that’s why!!!...

She had. Her cosmo had always been entwined with his, feeding it, showing him the way to overcome that very pain that burned through both of them. And now he couldn’t even reach her cosmo, lost behind Ortygia’s Veil.

Now he didn’t dare to reach for her, and all because of one word.

...Traitor...

To his cause, to Athena, to his friends.

But we fight to protect friendship, don’t we?

Even if we have to kill and die in the process...

‘’ Hyoga... ‘’ Shiryu whispered, crouching by his side, ‘’ Is she...? ‘’

Even if we have to turn into traitors

‘’ If only you could feel this... ‘’ he muttered, closing his left hand around his right wrist to try to keep his arm steady. Grey eyes looked at him gravely for some seconds, judging the weight of his words.

... Traitor...

Shiryu sighed, helping him to one of the benches, looking at the confused Kiki over his shoulder to reassure him.

‘’ She’s a Goddess, Hyoga ‘’ he said matter-of-factly, glancing at his bandaged arm. She had done that to him by merely flaring her cosmo ‘’ She doesn’t need you. If she is at Ortygia, she is at her own territory.... remember what happened to Saori, how weak and in pain she was when we broke into Sanctuary, and how powerful she stood when facing Saga... ‘’

‘’ I know... ‘’ Hyoga said, leaning his back against the wooden wall and looking at the ceiling.

But Saori had us

She has no one... only her anger...

And that is not enough...

‘’ Anger makes us reckless... ‘’ he found himself whispering, remembering Camus’ words when they faced each other at the Libra temple.

‘’ What? ‘’ asked Shiryu, puzzled.

‘’ Nothing, I was just... ‘’

‘’ Stop the wheels of fate, break the chains that hold you... ‘’

They both stopped when hearing that voice, sweet and sorrowful. ‘’ Kiki ‘’, whispered Shiryu, signalling the young trainee to go next to them, while emerald and white cosmos began to glow around the bronze saints’ bodies.

‘’ Go to the place where your heart is, and fulfil a broken promise... ‘’

The air began to go humid around them, heavy, droplets of water appearing out of nowhere, merging together, growing thicker.

‘’ She won’t stand if you don’t ‘’

A turquoise glow began to shine around the droplets, as they merged into the figure of a small, delicate looking woman. Cosmo, marked to its core by the Huntress.

‘’ The intruder... ‘’ whispered Kiki, flaring his cosmo in response. But the turquoise threads that danced around the water-woman subdued his young flames with ease.

‘’ They will walk beside you, and you won’t notice they are there. They will whisper your name in the darkness, and you’ll think it was nothing but the wind. With shimmering cosmos they will announce their presence; and the sound of the hunting horn will be the last thing you’ll hear... ‘’ Hyoga thought out loud at the presence of a cosmo that seemed as ancient as the stars, as powerful as a God; drawing a faint smile in the water-woman’s sorrowful face.

‘’ That I am ‘’ she said, stroking his cheek, ‘’ That you are. We are her children, her siblings... her lovers. Ancient and young at the same time, powerful and weak. We are the ones loved by the Gods ‘’

‘’ What... ? ‘’

She placed her index over his lips ‘’ Go to the place where your heart is... ‘’ the woman repeated, watery hands closing around his own, his blood dying hers red, ‘’ and fulfil a broken promise ‘’ She moved her lips close to his ear, her cosmo dancing with his, Hyoga recognising in it something that reminded him of his own. ‘’ The Moon will never fall, Cygnus... yet the pain is real... so real ‘’ she whispered so lowly that he wasn’t sure if those had been her words, or a thought of his own.

And pain can kill

Even a mortal Goddess

‘’ Stop the wheels of fate, break the chains that hold you... ‘’ she started once again, moving away from him to float in the middle of the room, her shape losing consistence, her cosmo slowly vanishing.

‘’ Wait! You are breaking into Sanctuary, I defy you! ‘’

She turned, meeting Kiki’s determined eyes. ‘’ Do you defy someone that subdued your cosmo with less than a breath? You, that are not even a Saint, dare to defy Eridanus Dictina, Ortygia’s Guardian and Artemis’ High Priestess? ‘’ the woman smiled, gliding to his side, before intoning the words Hyoga had previously whispered ‘’ Have you not understood Cygnus’ words? ‘’

‘’ We will walk beside you, and you won’t notice we are there, we will whisper your name in the darkness... Kiki... ‘’ she giggled at the sudden change in his eyes, at his fear, ‘’ ... and you’ll think it was nothing but the wind. With shimmering cosmos we will announce our presence... ‘’ the turquoise threads danced around him, caressing his arms, ‘’ ... and the sound of the hunting horn will be the last thing you’ll hear.... I have no time for you, child, but if you want me, come to Ortygia one day, and defy us. I am not here ‘’

The moment she said those words, her cosmo flashed, spreading through the post, through Sanctuary, brushing the Giver-on-of-Arms’ souls with her watery threads, before disappearing completely, the water-woman losing its shape and turning into nothing but a puddle on the hut’s floor.

Hyoga frowned, staring at the cut on his hand.

... Go to the place where your heart is, and fulfil a broken promise...

Because the pain was real.

‘’ Kiki... ‘’ he said, locking his gaze with his. ‘’ I need a favour ... ‘’

The young trainee frowned, still taken aback by what had happened, his face turned a paler shade of white.

‘’ Hyoga, you are not talking seriously... ‘’ began Shiryu, just to be silenced by Hyoga’s death glare.

‘’ Kiki... ‘’ he insisted, walking towards the frightened trainee and crouching by his side. ‘’ you are a telepath, aren’t you? ‘’ he asked, offering his hand to Kiki. The boy looked at him, then at Shiryu, backing up when meeting Dragon’s eyes. Hyoga closed his left hand around his wrist, forcing him to look at him once again. ‘’ You talked to her, Kiki. I saw you laughing at her stories, I saw you making her laugh in return... ‘’

The boy frowned, yet nodded slowly, stretching his hand towards Hyoga’s, his fingers brushing the cut on his palm.

And he screamed, his voice echoing in the hut, falling on his knees. Hyoga moved his hand away from his, catching him by the shoulders. ‘’ You can teleport, Kiki ‘’ he said calmly, stating what he needed from him.

‘’ Hyoga, you know the Kyoko’s orders... ‘’

‘’ I am not a traitor, Shiryu! You should know that more than anyone, brother ‘’ he growled over his shoulder, reminding him of their past, of the stain that had marked their births, and bonded them together ever since. ‘’ Tell me, would you die for friendship? Would you kill for it? ‘’ he asked coldly, standing up to meet his grey eyes. ‘’ I know you would... I know you did. If I never stopped you, why will you stop me now? ‘’

We fight for friendship, Shiryu... that has always been our only reason...

Dohko’s cosmo brushed them, demanding for answers about the Guardian’s cosmo that had flashed in their post.

‘’ Why? ‘’ he pressed on, narrowing his eyes.

‘’ Kiki, will you take him? ‘’ Shiryu finally sighed, smiling weakly at Hyoga before flaring his emerald cosmo to appease the Kyoko. ‘’ I’ll talk to Dohko ‘’

Take me to the place where my heart is

Kiki’s eyes rose to meet them, tears clouding them. ‘’ She won’t smile anymore, Hyoga... ‘’ he whispered matter-of-factly. Hyoga couldn’t but feel a shudder running though his spine. The boy was a telepath, he could see further than he could... ‘’ ...she won’t smile ‘’ he repeated, whipping the tears away with his sleeve, and stretching his arm towards him, his body glowing with cosmo, ‘’ We fight for justice, too, Cygnus ‘’ he said shyly, the sorrow mellowing on his face.

Hyoga opened his mouth to reply; yet smiled instead, taking the boy’s hand and flaring his cosmo next to his. ‘’ We do ‘’

XIII

Artemis kept her eyes fixed on the ceiling, surprised at how easily her mind had overcome the pain. She knew, deep down inside, that it was still there; and sometimes, if she moved her gaze away from the blank ceiling, she would feel it and scream, white flashes surrounding her, coming from so many places that her mind would panic and menace to leave her entirely. So she lay still instead, shutting her mind to the numbness of her broken body, to the burning fingers caressing her skin, and especially to the pain that grew between her legs; letting him rock her with every thrust, letting him break her.

...Endure it...

She frowned faintly when hearing those words, the voice sounding incredibly familiar.

Mother

A low whimper escaped her lips, and she chuckled at her own weakness.

... Endure it... we all suffered the same affront...

Core

... It’s not that bad in the end... to be the Goddess that stands by a mighty God...to be Queen...

Hera

The world began to take shape around her, making her clench her teeth when the pain broke into her mind once again.

... Endure it... he will protect you, he will keep you away from harm’s way... he will take over the weights of ruling alone, of standing against Gods and among Gods...

He will take my power! He will turn me into the one that stands behind him, the ones that gives him the strength to rule.... I’ll be a jest!

... Endure it... once it’s over, you will forget about it, and all you will want is to rule by his side...

To watch him rule... while I do nothing! Nothing but stay in the shadows, so later mortals will write about us... They will write in a single sentence that he took me and then go on to speak about his mighty deeds, about the conqueror God and the jealous Goddess... The Goddess worth mocking! Worth dishonouring! And they will forget that his power comes from me, that his symbols were mine before he tainted them; that all his conquests are nothing compared to the one that I was before he stole my role.

‘’ You are under my control... ‘’ Artemis heard Eros whispering in her ear, ‘’ You are all mine... ‘’

... Endure it...

‘’ Eros.... ‘’ she managed to whisper despite the pain, trying to sound as impassioned as she could.

... Endure it... it will soon be over...

His emerald eyes met hers, utter triumph shinning in them. ‘’ You are all mine ‘’ he repeated, bending over her to kiss her roughly, thrusting into her with renewed passion.

‘’ I... ‘’ she whimpered against his lips when he released her left arm to close his hands around her hips, pushing her against him.

...Endure it... He is a God, powerful, beautiful. Perfect... in the end, you’ll grow to love him... Gods are meant to be loved....

‘’ You are all mine ‘’ he moaned, smirking when her fingers caressed his cheek lightly, pulling his face towards hers. Her lips brushed his cheek, her breath caressing his neck. ‘’ I... ‘’

... Endure it....

‘’ ...will be your death ‘’ she whispered lovingly, her fingers turning into claws and slashing him across his face,

He cried out, stumbling away from her and clutching his face with his hands, his emerald eyes glowing with anger when seeing them stained with blood. His.

I will never submit

Ever

I am a Goddess

And Goddesses are meant to be feared

‘’ Porni! ‘’ he growled, looking at her with disgust, ‘’ How dare you? ‘’

I will destroy perfection

‘’ This is your punishment, to take my body and yet not have me ‘’ she chuckled weakly, crawling out of the bed. She cried out when she collapsed on the cold marble floor, the pain turning unbearable, menacing to turn the world black.

‘’ I am not through with you... ‘’ he began, grabbing her by the shoulders and pulling her up, ‘’ You can’t escape, you are nothing but... ‘’ he stopped mid-sentence, releasing her. She fell on the floor, closing her eyes tightly to stop herself from screaming.

‘’ You... ‘’ Eros whispered, narrowing his eyes while he stared at her body, stopping at the trail of blood between her legs. ‘’ You can’t... ‘’

I will destroy perfection

‘’ Oh, yes, I. Say it, Eros, it is not... a bad word after all... ‘’ she muttered through clenched teeth, a half-smirk appearing on her lips.

‘’ ...You were still a virgin? But your mortal lover... ‘’

‘’ What mortal lover? ‘’ she asked, enjoying the look of horror in Eros’ eyes.

I will destroy perfection

‘’ Your Guardians asked you about him... my mother and I asked you about him! ‘’ Eros growled, crouching by her side and grabbing her chin painfully to keep her eyes on his. ‘’ Why did you let everyone believe that?! ‘’

‘’ I told my Guardians that I was not sleeping with Hyoga once ‘’ she said coldly, ‘’ When they asked again, I didn’t answer. All of you decided to believe what you wanted to believe, and I give a damn about that, Eros. I am a Goddess... My word should not be put in doubt ‘’

‘’ You risked Ortygia for a lie?! ‘’

‘’ I risked Ortygia for them. I risked Ortygia for myself!! ‘’ she cried out, trying to break free from his hold.

I will destroy perfection

‘’ Want to know why you can take what you want yet never have me, Eros? ‘’ she asked, smirking deviously, ‘’ Because someone else can. And his name... ‘’ she went on, whispering in his ear, ‘’ ...I would scream, over and over again, until his touch would leave me unable to utter a word. And yet my mind would go on screaming for him... wishing he would never stop ‘’

I will destroy perfection

She rolled to the other side of the room when he slapped her, her cheek burning from the pain. ‘’ That’s why... ‘’ she whispered, wiping the blood from her mouth with the back of her hand before lifting her gaze to meet his, ‘’ ...I risked Ortygia. Because someone that desires something so much can’t keep the peace ‘’ she chuckled ‘’ You and your mother should know that better than anyone, dearest Eros ‘’

I will destroy myself

Eros walked towards her, forcing her to stand by keeping her trapped between his body and the wall. ‘’ No mortal will have something that I can’t have ‘’ he growled against her lips, his hand sliding between her legs, ‘’ It seems I already had one victory.... ‘’ he added, smirking, ‘’ All I have to do now... ‘’ he went on, closing his free hand around her neck, ‘’ ... is make sure that no one can have you. You said you were going to be my death, Artemis... but I will be yours... after all, I always wanted to take your breath away ‘’

The sudden defiance in Artemis’ eyes vanished, her newly found strength disappearing. ‘’ Eros... you won’t be able to do so... ‘’ she whispered, looking past his shoulder, ‘’ ... because she loves us both ‘’

XIV

He frowned, turning to see what she meant, but it was already too late. The waves of hidden light surrounded him, growing around him before collapsing, drawing a strangled scream from his lips. Artemis placed her arm around his waist to hold him close to her, whispering in his ear, ‘’ Scream for me, Eros... ‘’ she smirked, ‘’ Louder ‘’

His eyes fixed on her, a last dare before Dictina’s attack sent him against the opposite wall, his back arching when meeting the cold marble.

‘’ I can’t let you kill her, my lord ‘’ whispered the Guardian, standing at the room’s door, ‘’ I am... torn apart ‘’ she said, a sorrowful smile gracing her lips.

‘’ You said you would do anything for me, Dictina ‘’ he cried out, climbing to his feet, ‘’ You said you would kill her for me... are you a traitor? ‘’

Violet eyes travelled from Artemis’ broken body to Eros angry gaze ‘’ I would do anything for you, my lord... except killing her ‘’ she finally whispered ‘’ I would do anything for her, except killing you... I just hope you can forgive me ‘’ she placed her hands over her chest, eyes closed.

‘’ Sacrificial net ‘’

Turquoise threads stretched from her cosmo, closing around Eros’ body, trapping him inside a net of light that enclosed around him like a cocoon.

‘’ Artemis.... ‘’ she said, tears welling in her eyes when seeing her, ‘’ He.... I should have.... ‘’

‘’ Do not pity me ‘’ she growled, using the little strength she had left to close her hand around her collar, ‘’ And kill me ‘’

I want to destroy myself

Because I failed you all. Can’t you see that, sister?

‘’ What... ? ‘’ she let out, moving away from her in horror.

‘’ I said kill me! ‘’ she cried out, sliding down the wall to sit on the floor, her legs unable to sustain her. ‘’ ... kill me, I... I am a traitor... besides... ‘’ she added, chuckling when staring at her wounded body, ‘’ ... I am as good as dead already ‘’

Dictina frowned, crouching by her side. She stroked her cheek lightly, making her turn to look at her, surprise shinning in Artemis’ eyes.

‘’ Sister, I.... ‘’

The Guardian started when feeling Eros’ cosmo filling the room, the threads she had knitted around him loosening already.

‘’ Kill me before he gets free ‘’ Artemis said, her eyes fixing on hers, ‘’ He won’t harm you if you do so ‘’

Dictina shook her head, flaring her cosmo while placing a glowing hand over Artemis’ bosom. ‘’ Fate will turn, and in its name the wolves will push away their leader, the she-wolf abandoning her cubs to get stronger and weaker at the same time ‘’ she began to recite ‘’ Two ever-burning fires will break into the wolves’ cave, and twist the cubs into shadows... Two will remain themselves after the fire, seven will hate what they loved and turn into monsters. Blood will be shed in the name of the fires, and the one that shines in the darkness will fall and turn scarlet. But the she-wolf will return with the power to stop Fate and face the fires. Seven monsters will twist once again, and the one that knew the truth will fall under a shower of stars. Under Darkness’ wings Fate will be judged, and those that can’t die will be silenced forever.... Pentesilea’s vision, adelfi... ‘’ she let out hurriedly, ‘’ ...she saw it in the fumes of her shrine... we are waiting for it to be fulfilled... ‘’ The threads around Eros’ body began to burn, turning into shimmering sparks. Dictina cursed, knowing that there was no more time. She broke Artemis’ cosmo, subduing the little power that was left in her to make her own cosmo surround her. She placed her arms around Artemis’ body, keeping her close to her to whisper in her ear ‘’ No matter what happens, remember we never stopped loving you, remember we are here, waiting for you, wishing to be by your side once again.... We hate, yes, ourselves, them, you... but whatever happens, remember that that hatred is a lie, that in our souls, your mark is the only one we’ll follow. Remember that, Artemis, because you have to keep yourself alive. You have to return for us, because we can’t return to you on our own ‘’

‘’ Adelfi... ‘’ Artemis began, just to be silenced by Dictina’s lips over hers. Tears filled her eyes when Dictina deepened the kiss, her cosmo breaking into her body, destroying her slowly.

Eros was right... you love me... and I’ll lose you for that...

‘’ Come with me ‘’ she whispered breathlessly, closing her eyes when Eros’ Cosmo turned blinding, destroying the last threads.

‘’ I wish I could, dearest sister... ‘’ Dictina smiled, kissing her forehead, ‘’ But I can’t help loving Eros also... you two hold my soul... but my body can’t live without him ‘’ she said sadly before unleashing her whole cosmo around her, the world turning a bright shade of turquoise, warm and loving. Artemis couldn’t but allow that warmth to surround her, to consume her completely, wishing she would never be a whole again, wishing she would merely disappear.

But she knew that no matter what, she had to live. Fate was waiting for her, and in the name of all those she had hurt, she would face it.

I want to destroy Perfection

So I will destroy Fate

SE FINNI

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Derre’s blah-blah: SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGH, I finally finished the ‘behemoth chapter’. This thing ended up being waaaaaaaay longer than what I have expected, and not to say way darker *sweatdrop*. If you survived such a ‘little Sanctuary related’ chapter, my huuuuge congrats go to you ^_~. Of course, c & c are more than welcomed (as a matter of fact, I would love to read them, this chapter wasn’t only long, but a torture to write ^_^ messa wants c & c for the hard work *nods* ). As for the dedication... mmh... this chapter goes to... tarararararaaaaaaaaaaaa! Everyone who is still willing to read the rest of the story after reading ‘Virtue’! ^_^U And yessssssssssssss, all Guardians have been introduced into the story! Messa happy ^______^