After Kannon, Anubis, and the Kattly Dune departed, Guan Yin, Ellyn, and the Kattly Solis took charge of the survivors of Osi. The people did not truly feel welcome in this kingdom, which had yet to pass its judgment. Seeing the fear in the eyes of the women and children, Solis decided to offer them comfort, gently distributing cuddles to soothe the pain of a people who had already lost far too much.
While the white feline carried out this task, Guan Yin spoke softly to Ellyn.
- So… what do we do now?
- We take these people to Fredon's training grounds. I'm sure Athena will be glad to see the people of Osi again—and to witness everything she managed to save.
- Alright. I'll follow your lead. After all… they are your people.
- I don't really see myself as their leader, nor even as one of them… but I understand what they're going through.
- Maybe you don't see them that way—but they do. Let them listen to you. You'll see: they'll follow every word you say without question.
- Alright… I understand what you mean, Guan Yin.
Ellyn then turned toward the grieving people and spoke with a steady, yet emotional voice.
- I understand what you are going through. We have all lost someone precious in Osi. I, too, lost both of my brothers in this tragedy—and I knew their reputation, as well as everything they did for you. My grief is just as deep as yours. But for now, I must remain strong—at least long enough to guide you onto the right path. So follow me. I will lead you to someone ancient… someone who has been here for a very long time.
After these words, Ellyn made her way through the streets of Atlantis, followed by the people of Osi. She led them away from the heart of the great city, toward a place both ancient and futuristic. The landscape was breathtaking: the air still carried the distant sounds of the sea and birds, like a soothing melody, while around them ancient structures blended seamlessly with edifices illuminated by soft bluish light.
Farther ahead, the training grounds came into view. The ground, slightly rocky, was bordered by an old wooden fence bleached by time. There, Fredon was training, dressed in light leather armor, a wooden shield strapped to his arm and a practice sword in hand. Focused, he faced Athena, radiant in her golden armor. In her hands, she held a simple spear devoid of a gleaming blade, and Perseus' legendary shield—an unmistakable symbol of heroic legacy.
The two fighters exchanged increasingly rapid blows, each blocking the other with equal mastery. Their duel was so evenly matched that sweat soon beaded on their faces, yet neither was willing to yield. Determined, they both sought to claim even the smallest victory in this training bout.
So absorbed were Fredon and Athena in their confrontation that they failed to notice the arrival of Ellyn and Guan Yin, accompanied by the survivors of Osi. The children immediately rushed toward the fence, captivated by the energy and beauty of the movements. The women, meanwhile, watched with admiration Athena's martial skill—an art very few could ever rival.
Everyone held their breath as the duel reached its peak. With a well-placed feint, Athena managed to unbalance Fredon and send him crashing to the ground. Believing the fight to be over, she stepped forward to deliver the finishing blow. But at the very last second, Fredon deflected the strike, rolled backward, and sprang to his feet. In a flash, he moved behind the goddess and pressed the tip of his practice sword against her neck, claiming victory.
A burst of applause erupted at once, celebrating the performance of both warriors. Though she had lost the duel, Athena allowed a sincere smile to grace her face as she turned toward Fredon.
- You've won again… If I had known you would still triumph so easily, I would never have pushed you to take up the art of combat again.
Fredon, out of breath, returned a faint smile as he lowered his weapon.
- You knew exactly what you were getting into when you and your people helped me recover my memories.
- Yes, of course… But Fredon, I still don't understand why you refuse to return to your own kind.
- The answer is simple, he said gravely. I lost my powers long ago. I am no longer an angel. And even if I still had them today… I don't think I would feel at home among them anymore.
At these words, Fredon and Athena joined the onlookers. Athena immediately approached Ellyn, who welcomed her with a warm smile and heartfelt applause.)
- That was a very beautiful fight, Ellyn said, congratulating her.
- Thank you, Athena replied. Are these the survivors of Osi with you?
With her head lowered, Ellyn answered softly.
- Yes… they are all that remains of Osi.
- I see… I did not expect to find them here. I thought you would have stayed behind, long enough to rebuild and guide these people toward a better future. What happened?
- We received a visit from Death, Guan Yin declared. He came to claim these people, stating that Osi now belongs to him since his conquest.
At those words, the joy on Athena's face turned into anger.
- How dare he! she snapped. Osi was under my protection, not his!
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. When she spoke again, her voice had softened, tinged with quiet sadness.
- You did the right thing by bringing them here. But I fear there is nothing I can do to protect them.
Fredon, who had been listening closely, finally spoke.
- In your opinion, what could convince your father and the council to allow these people to remain among you?
Athena hesitated for a moment, then sighed, discouragement heavy in her voice.
- I have an idea… but you're not going to like it, Fredon.
- Say it anyway.
- The council will demand that the survivors of Osi prove their worth during the next Great Games. I could propose Ellyn, but my father still wishes to witness your talent… and I dread the council's prejudices. They never accepted that a people of warriors, like the Amazons, could hold a seat among them. So if another woman were to represent a new people, it would be even worse.
She paused, then locked her eyes onto Fredon's.
- No… it would be better if it were you, Fredon. You alone can carry the future of this people. You alone can defend them, because the council, Zeus, and even the Atlantean people listen to only one thing: the strength of a warrior. You are a great fighter… but reducing you to the role of a gladiator would chain you to an arena unworthy of you. This burden will not be easy to bear… especially if you are asked to shed blood, not for justice, but to entertain a cheering crowd.
Fredon lowered his head slightly, his gaze heavy with gravity.
- You know me well, Athena. If I become a gladiator, it will be a heavy burden for me. But for this people—women and children—I will accept it. Let them know this, however: I will kill only as a last resort. The fool who hopes for bloody spectacles is likely to be deeply disappointed.
These words deeply moved Athena and Ellyn. Overcome with emotion, they embraced Fredon, surrounding him with warmth and gratitude. Athena, her voice trembling, whispered in his ear.
- You have no idea how much weight you have just lifted from my shoulders.
After a few moments, they stepped back, their hearts still heavy but comforted. Athena, adopting a more resolute tone, gave her order.
- Ellyn, Guan Yin, take these women and children to the Amazons. Even if some of these children are boys, we will make an exception to our rule… at least until this matter is settled before the council.
- Yes, my lady, they replied in unison, before leaving with the group.
Athena turned once more toward Fredon.
- Before summoning the Great Council, I would like to offer you a gift… a present that may prove invaluable for your future as a gladiator. Come with me.
- With pleasure, Athena, Fredon replied with a sincere smile.
They left the area and entered a forest near the great mountains, where the Amazons lived. Deeper within the woods, at its heart, an old massive chest lay hidden beneath branches and leaves. Athena pushed the vegetation aside and spoke.
- I had intended to offer this gift to Ellyn. But given the circumstances, I believe it will be far more useful in your hands.
She opened the chest. A pure light burst forth, revealing a sword of brilliant white, its hilt finely carved in gold. It radiated a sacred aura. Athena knelt, holding the weapon with both hands before Fredon.
- This sword was forged by the Amazons from sacred materials, taken from my own temples on Earth… and from your world as well. It carries unique gifts: it can annihilate demons and creatures born of the Purgatory forever, purify even the darkest hearts… and it grants great fortune to the one who wields it.
Fredon stepped back, shaken.
- I cannot accept such a gift…
- And I command you to accept it, Athena replied solemnly. Take it, Fredon. It was made for you, and for the destiny you must fulfill.
Still hesitant, Fredon finally extended his hands and grasped the weapon. The moment he touched it, a radiant warmth surged through him, and his heart grew heavy with a premonition—as if the fate of the blade and his own had become one. He had received more than a weapon… he had inherited a legend.
For everyone knew that whenever Athena offered a gift, a legend was born.