—Athena!— everyone shouted.
Tania, Epona, and Anpiel got into a defensive stance while Ana retrieved her pocket dimension and prepared to use it.
—Friends, please. I am just a passenger here who was captured by some kidnappers. Is that a crime?— Athena asked, raising her hands.
—Athena, the leader of the rebellion against Lel. There is a high reward for your head— Tania replied.
—And are you going to try to capture me in this lovely little village?— the Greek goddess sarcastically retorted.
—We'll use an alternate dimension— Tania responded.
—And then what? The passersby here will see us disappear when we deactivate the dimension. Do you want to fill this place with ghost stories? Wouldn't that be 'divine intervention' within the human world?— Athena said with an evil smile.
Rodrigo could see that Ana was trembling, and Epona couldn't keep her legs still. He sensed that the goddess they called Athena was a true monster.
—Of course— Athena said, continuing her evil smile, —if you still insist on trying to stop me, go ahead!—
An uncomfortable silence filled the air. The people passing by started to take interest in the situation; a group of people speaking strange languages on the verge of a fight.
Ana put away her pocket dimension and sighed.
—It's pointless. We won't be able to defeat her even if we use our totemas. She's too strong— she said, approaching to try to calm Tania and Epona.
Athena, still with her hands raised, immediately lowered them.
—It was to be expected from my dear disciple— she said, maintaining her smile.
—Nevertheless, we should inform the authorities in Lel— Anpiel said, relaxing their combat stance.
—I think that won't make any difference, my friends— the Greek goddess said. —In fact, I was the one waiting for you—
—What do you mean?— Tania asked.
—Ana, Tannit; I'm sorry to have to tell you that Lel has put your heads on silver platters for this mission— Athena said, turning around.
—I wouldn't want to have to bury someone so dear to me— she continued as she began to leave.
—What do you mean?— Ana asked.
—You're a smart girl, I believe you must have already figured it out. But if you need more information, I suggest we meet at an inn. We're only drawing unnecessary attention here— the Greek goddess said as she walked away.
—It's three blocks from here, at 'Le maison de hibou.' I hope to see you there—
And the goddess in the white tunic bid them farewell as she disappeared into the smoky, dark streets of Toulouse.
—We won't make deals with a traitor like you!— Epona shouted when the goddess had already vanished.
Ana was paralyzed with fear. Tania felt a slight chill she had been experiencing since Anpiel gave them the mission. Epona had a completely pale expression.
—Shall we go?— Rodrigo asked.
There was no response.
Rodrigo felt he shouldn't have said that.
Ana fell to her knees and began to cry.
Rodrigo wanted to approach her, but he couldn't. Tania approached her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
—Perhaps resting for a while will do us good, Ana— the fiery-haired goddess said.
—Excuse me, I'm fine— Ana said as she stood up again and wiped away her tears with her hand.
—That bitch always knows where to hit others; she's cunning like a fox— Epona said.
—Would you like me to make a reservation at an inn?— Anpiel asked.
—Yes— Tania replied.