Enigma (Season 2)

The beings of this uncanny time in history were gathered under a single roof. War would be coming, and a goddess lowering herself to the people of false flesh was only a greater reminder of that fact. Ironically, Ivory tower had become the meeting place for an abundance of the outside world and the unknown. The building was filled with tension and worry because of its newfound visitor; Artemis seemed to mirror the tower's feelings. There was no trust in her weak appearance however, for the gods were a horrible sort that used emotions for their own will. When the group descended the stairs, the situation became a deeper hole to lie in. Scarrden burned his gaze into the woman with his own imaginations taking over while his eldest daughter held onto the railings with a slight gasp of terror. There were too many possibilities as to why Artemis would come to them, and the majority were distasteful. Thankfully though, to the young werewolf and Papilius, Ambrose cleared his throat, "Mages," he began, "does your tower not deter evil? You all seem afraid. Throw out your anxieties, Artemis is here at my request, aren't you?" The beautiful woman nodded her head and casted a glance towards the young werewolf at the shade's side. "That werewolf child… is she the cursed maiden I was called to examine? She's as lovely as you claimed."

A small flood of shock came over the crowd. Not only had a shade taken a liking to Princess Amiana, but a goddess had given her appreciation for the young girl's appearance. Needless to say, Amiana was just as overwhelmed with adoration as her parents were with embarrassment. For a father, his central focus was his daughter's future, and marriage to a shade was not what he had envisioned. Gruffly, he swallowed his pride and accepted the goddess' compliment with a follow up question. "Why are you here to examine my daughter? What benefit do you receive from doing so?" the large werewolf asked. The room leaned in to hear the answer. "It isn't what I hope to receive, but what I wish to avoid. As a twin, there is a constant responsibility for both my actions and those of my brother. Although what has happened isn't my fault, I still wish to atone for the sins committed against you. It's hard to imagine that a part of yourself is malicious, but it is impossible to stop loving them. If it weren't for Ambrose, I wouldn't have known about the young werewolf princess or my brother's bad deeds. Admittedly, as much as I despise harming children, I am also wishing to escape the wrath of the Supreme Deity. It is clear that he plans to annihilate the gods."

Lady Meredith splashed the ocean with her tail and scoffed. "You think you deserve forgiveness after a single good deed? Do you have any idea of the sorrow Apollo has caused? My child was sliced into halves while playing on the bank! Even bringing him back would not be enough atonement for what I've experienced. Don't swindle us with pretty words about being your own person!" the merwoman yelled from outside. Tears of anger and pain washed over Meredith's face while the goddess wept in guilt. "Children…" Artemis began, "they should never be subjected to war and evil. Innocence is a precious and fleeting thing. Those who take advantage of purity are meant to die a painful death. Apollo is deserving of such an end, but I know that I am unable to complete such a task. You don't need my permission, but I give you my blessing in ending the life of my twin." The goddess then dropped to her knees in exhaustion. "I see that the princess is no longer bedridden, blessedly, but with that miracle, I'm afraid I don't have much I can offer. Is my allegiance of any value to you?" Artemis begged. The faces in the room began to twist at the genuine expressions that the goddess was making. In the discomfortable situation, no one noticed the silver-haired werewolf making her way down the steps. Finally, in the middle of the room and standing over the goddess, the conflicted races caught a glimpse of what was happening. Quieter than a whisper, Amiana placed her hand on the side of Artemis' face and began to speak.

"Twins are an enigma. The outside world can pretend to know how the minds of two individuals connect for as long as they like, but they will never really know. Being a twin is not just sharing a womb, thoughts, or appearance, but also a soul. Ambrose must have left out that I am a twin as well. My brother is a half of me, and I am a half of him- just as it should be. In your case, Artemis, there is no personal display of character. To the world, you are your brother, and your brother is you; to Apollo, you are a thief and self-righteous woman who inputs herself into every aspect of his life. I will let you in on philosophical truth: a rose has thorns for protection, but a thistle has flowers to deceive. I offer you my condolences for the coming end of your twin. If you truly want to repay us and form an alliance, then I beg of you to heal my brother," Amiana wagered. Xiana let out a loud sob as Xuario caught her limp body and Juliet clung to Vivian's legs. Ambrose then came beside his beloved princess and stared down at the goddess. "Do we have a deal?" he frowned. Artemis shook her head in agreement. "I'll do whatever I can," she promised. The shade then lifted his head and looked out to the crowd of beings, "Do we all… have a deal?" Slowly hands began to raise, and "aye" sounded throughout the tower. Papilus grunted, "I presume we should sign a contract and cross-check information then. Welcome, Artemis. My workplace is upstairs."