You respond in kind.

“So was yours,” you say, offering Athena a handshake as Melody does the same to Aphrodite. Perking up in pleased surprise, they move forward to accept your gesture.

“I mean, I have to say that I can absolutely understand how you’ve held your rank for so long,” you continue. “I was bringing my A game today and it was still an uphill battle.”

“And I had to be above what I thought was my A game,” Melody adds. “Some of those moves I pulled off today were like, ‘wow, where did that come from?’.”

“That’s very kind of you to say,” Athena replies as you and Melody each switch sides to shake hands with the other Goddess.

You nod. “We’re opponents, not enemies. We should try not to get that confused.”

“That’s a lesson your masked nemesis could definitely stand to learn,” grumbles Aphrodite.

Damn right she could.

Waving amicably at the Goddesses, you and Melody head back up the ramp, enjoying the heady feeling of victory.