Artemis: Glances at the moon, a wistful smile "Missed me, or just the trouble I bring?"
I am the one who was forced into this situation.
rolls her eyes dramatically Oh please, Echo. Spare me the innocence act. You know better than anyone that rebellion comes naturally to me.
Sure. But what are you going to do about it?
grins mischievously Well, Echo, I've come up with a little game. It's called 'Can we make Daddy Zeus regret banning me?'
You're really that bitter?
sighs heavily, her voice laced with a hint of sadness Bitter? No, Echo. I'm not bitter. I'm just tired of being treated like an outsider, like a relic of a bygone era.
Fair enough. So what’s this game you’re proposing?
claps her hands excitedly Ah, Echo, you're finally catching on! The game is simple. We challenge the gods and goddesses to a battle of wits and powers.
You mean like a tournament?
laughs derisively Oh, Echo, you underestimate the sheer chaos of this game. This isn't your run-of-the-mill tournament.
grins wickedly Oh, Echo, where do I even begin?
leans back, crossing her arms Alright, let me paint you a picture. The game will be held in an ancient, forgotten arena deep within the heart of the forest.
The forest? Isn’t that a little…creepy?
As Artemis and MountainEcho delve deeper into the forest, they discover an ancient, forgotten arena hidden beneath the underbrush. The arena is adorned with mystical symbols and runes, exuding a palpable aura of power and history. They realize that the game they are about to undertake is not only a challenge to the gods but also a key part of their forbidden heritage.
raises an eyebrow Oh, Echo, ever heard of the phrase "out of sight, out of mind"? Well, the forest serves as the perfect camouflage.
And the gods and goddesses, how do you plan on getting them here?
smirks Ah, Echo, always so curious. Leave that up to me. I have a few tricks up my sleeve.
What exactly does that mean?
stands up, straightening her clothes It means, Echo, that I have connections. Call them what you will - allies, informants, or simply friends in high places.
waves her hand dismissively Formalities, Echo. Yes, technically speaking, I am a goddess. But let's not forget that I've been banished.
Can’t you just use your powers to overcome the banishment?
rolls her eyes Oh, Echo, if it were that simple, I wouldn't be here, would I? Trust me, I've tried.
So you’re powerless then?
tilts her head, feigning innocence Powerless? Oh, dear Echo, I wouldn't say powerless. Just... limited.
smirks Oh, Echo, you really do enjoy playing the devil's advocate, don't you? Very well, I'll put it in terms even a mortal can understand.
grabs a nearby branch and snaps it effortlessly Watch closely, Echo. This is the extent of my power right now - fleeting moments of strength interspersed with moments of vulnerability.
throws her head back and laughs, a sound that echoes through the ancient arena Echo, you're really enjoying this, aren't you? Fine, let me put it in even simpler terms.
steps closer to Echo, her voice dropping to a low, dangerous whisper Powerless? I am far from powerless, Echo.