The Return of the King
Prologue, Part 1
Disclaimer: Harry Potter is the property of J.K. Rowling. All characters are used with the greatest respect.
480 BC, Greece
As Leonidas lay dying in front of the Hot Gates, his vision suddenly filled with bright light. When his vision cleared, Leonidas saw he was no longer in front of the Hot Gates and that he was not alone. His companion was a statuesque woman dressed as an Athenian, but carrying the arms of a Spartan warrior.
"Greetings, Leonidas, King of Sparta. Please join me for a bit," the woman said.
"If you give me your name, I'll gladly join you before I continue my journey." Leonidas answered.
"I am Athena, brave king. I have come to you at this time to offer you a boon of sorts. Your soul is one of those that is constantly reborn. You have lived a thousand lives and will live a thousand more. I'll give you glimpses of several of them, choose one and that life will gain your current memories to aid them. You'll even be able to talk to your other self for a short while. Now watch and choose." Athena commanded as a pool appeared in front of the pair.
In the pool's surface, several images appeared in succession: A roman legionnaire fighting in a dark wood, an Arab fighting along side several Vikings, an Indian warrior saving a baby, a young woman leading a charge against a walled city, an old man arguing in front of court, a samurai watching an injured American soldier wildly defending himself against several other samurai, a boy dueling against a dark figure that resembled one of Xerxes creatures, a man dressed in strange armor talking to what appeared to be his father dressed in similar armor.
"The boy, I'll help the boy." Leonidas said.
"Thank you, now go join your men, they are waiting for you." Athena said as she kissed his brow. As Leonidas faded from view, another man appeared next to her.
"You play a dangerous game, sister. He will need help to prepare for that war." The man said.
"I know, there are two others I will ask to help the king when they pass from the world. He will have to do the rest on his own, Ares." Athena said.
"Aye, that he will, I hope his forging does not break him. But either way it will be a hard life for him." Ares commented as he faded from view.
"It always is, in one form or another. The fates have laid their hands on him and will not let go until Death herself ends us all." Athena said sorrowfully as she disappeared.