Disclaimer: I do not own Campione or any of its characters. I only own my OC'c.
Chapter 2
Dante looked around himself as he had just fell asleep. He was currently standing on a floating boulder sized rock in the sky. He looked up and saw that there was clouds high over him. He then looked down and saw that there was far below him as well. As he looked around him could he see that there were more floating stones around him in different sizes. Some looked like they were forming a path before stopping abruptly, while others was floating in the air completely alone. But there was one certain stone path that caught his attention. This one was longer than all the other one's and he couldn't see the end of it.
"Well let's see what's at the end then." He said to himself as he walked up to the path's beginning. As he put his foot on the first platform could he hear it to crumble a little under his weight. But he just lifted his other foot and started walking down the path. He didn't care that every step he took cased the stones keeping him up in the air to crack before falling down behind him, making it impossible for him to turn around.
As he had walked the path for what felt like half an hour split the path into three separate paths. As he stood where the path split noticed he that the rock didn't crack or crumble. He looked down the three paths and could see that there was someone standing by each end. He tried to see who was standing by the end of each path but couldn't even make out if it was a he or a she.
He wanted to know what was at the end but he knew that he could only pick one. So he choose the one in the middle.
'I have always just went on a straight path, so why not continue.' As soon as he thought that thought stopped he as he put his foot on the path. Flowers of different kinds spurted out of the stone he had placed his foot on, but he didn't care about them as he remembered the last words his father had said to to him.
'Dante, for the most of my life have I been a fool. I have been traveling around the world trying to fill up the void in my heart, never having a real path and just did things on a whim. The only time I don't regret is the time I spent with your mother. But even then wasn't the void completely filled and I started traveling again, taking you and Maria with me and leaving your mother in Italy.' He could hear the voice of his father telling him as he recalled the memory
'What is it you are saying dad?' He could hear his own voice asking his dying father.
'What I'm telling you is that you must find your own path. A path that you want to follow, a path that is clear to you and that you feel is right for you. Now go!'
Dante stood there, now starting to notice the flowers that was now covering the stone he had his foot one. He kneeled down and picked up one of the flowers. It was a red Chrysanthemum. He took a sniff of the flower and could smell its sweet fragrance. He didn't know what he suddenly felt as he had smelt the flower. But it almost felt like he was at peace, like everything but this flower didn't matter. He suddenly felt his body start to move forward down the path of stone. But he didn't stop as he wanted to know what was causing this feeling.
But before he could walk much farther, felt he a powerful gust of wind blow over him, forcing him to cover his eyes. As he reopened them saw he a man stand just a couple of feet in front of him. He had long black hair with several highlights of blood red, blood red eyes and had tanned skin much like Ebony. His entire upper body was bare save for a golden necklace that only covered a little bit of his chest, showing of his well trained body. The only real piece of clothing being the white piece of cloth on his lower body that barely reached past his knees which reminded a lot of a kilt. Covering his well trained arms was several black and red scales unlike that of any reptile and his hand had claws far more deadly than that of any living creature. In other words, this man was not human. He was a god, or at least the remains of one as he had been slain by Dante.
Dante frowned as he saw the god standing in front of him, blocking the path. "What do you want?"
"I want you to use my power in the upcoming battle." he told his killer humbly. This shocked Dante a little as he had never seen the god ask him for a favor like that. He instantly stopped those thought as a sadistic grin filled with bloodlust spread over his face and he continued. "Just thinking about the chance to taste the blood of two gods is driving me crazy."
Dante sighed before responding to his request. "I'll think about it. As long as it won't interfere with Godou becoming a Campione I'm fine with it. But could you please tell me, where are we?" He asked with his arms stretched out to empathise his question.
"I don't know. I just came here to talk with you." He answered before looking around himself, noticing the never ending blue sky and clouds frowned he a little bit. "But I have to say, I don't like this place."
"Understandable." He responded as he understood why the man felt like that. He then remembered something as he looked down in his hand and saw the red herbal flower. "I have to get going."
But as he was about to walk past the man was he stopped by a scaly arm that ended in a deadly set of claws. "We don't have time. I can feel him, Melqart is near."
As he said that noticed Dante that the red of the man's scales and hair started to give of a red glow. He then heard the sound of something crumbling and looked down to see the stone keeping him up in the air being covered in a web of cracks. The stone then broke before he had any time to move, sending him falling through the air. He looked towards the end of the path and saw that the figure had turned around. He widened his eyes as he recognised the figure.
"Great steed that travels through the nine worlds. Come to me to trample my foes with the power of war, and let your mighty hofes crush all that oppose you!"
But as he finished the incantation noticed he that his Authority wasn't responding. He looked up at the man, sending a glare, knowing that he was responsible.
"You bastard!" He yelled as fell through the sky towards the clouds. But before he fell through them, he turned towards the person that was looking down at him from the end of the path. Their eyes meeting for a brief moment before Dante fell into the clouds.
Dante opened his eyes to see an unfamiliar ceiling over him. He sat up and looked around himself. He then remembered that he was back home in his mother's mansion and that he was currently in one of the guest rooms. He stood up from the bed and walked out the door. As he walked past the door into Lucretia's room knocked he on the door. "Wake up, mom. I'll make breakfast."
The only response he heard was a quiet mumbling, followed by a soft snoring. He made his way into the kitchen, grabbed a pan and made his way over to the stove. He turned it on and walked to the fridge, he grabbed a couple of eggs before walking back to the stove. He then proceeded to break the eggs into the pan. As he was cooking could he hear the steps of feet making their way towards the kitchen. As he turned around he saw Maria entering the kitchen. Her glasses was far down the bridge of her nose, balancing at the tip. She was dressed in the same clothes that she wore yesterday and her hair was unkempt.
"Good morning big brother. What's for breakfast?" She asked while suppressing a yawn. She walked over to the kitchen table like she was sleepwalking.
"I don't have much time, so I'm just making scrambled eggs." He informed his sister before walking over to the fridge to get some more eggs. As he returned to the stove he started to count down. "3…2…1…"
As he was about to say zero was a loud bang heard throughout the building. Like somebody had been hit hard enough to be sent into a wall. He left the stove and walked out of the kitchen. He walked up towards Godou and Erica's room.
"I will accept pain in my search of answers. I will accept hanging outside the world in my search for knowledge. Now appear before me, the power of knowledge and I shall bear this pain." He chanted as he got closer to the door, preparing for the the battle that was soon here. A lone silver rune formed in the palm of his hand before turning into liquid and covered the entire palm of his hand like a second layer of skin. He walked up to the door and heard Erica say something about 'unladylike image'. Dante took a firm grip around the doorknob and pulled.
But as his strength was currently boosted by the rune he had made earlier, he accidently pulled out the door of its frame with the hinges still attached. He put the door to the side and looked inside the room. Sitting at the floor was Godou with a bruise on his right cheek. He was dressed in the same clothes as yesterday. Erica was standing in front of Godou, wrapped in a blanket and could only see her leggings. He looked down at the floor and saw the red dress that she had worn yesterday.
They were both staring at him with wide eyes. Not surprising as Erica had just punched Godou for touching and seeing her body, before Dante had pulled out the locked door like it was an everyday task.
"D-Dante!? How did you do that?" Godou asked flabbergasted by what Dante had done. But Erica was the one that answered.
"That would have to be one of your Authority's. Am I correct?"
"You are completely right Erica, but we don't have time with that. Right now we have to-"
But before he was able to finish started the ground to shake and the world changed color. It had even began to rain. Even if it was cloudy outside it had come way too suddenly to be normal.
"Well looks like we don't have anymore time. Get prepared, I'll be meeting you outside." He announced before walking out of the room. Erica quickly started getting ready before walking out of the room with Godou following.
As they got outside could they see Dante stand there in the rain with his arms crossed. He was currently staring into the fog. "Looks like he's finally here."
As he said that noticed both Godou and Erica the huge shadow walking towards them. Each step it took causing the earth to shake. As the shadowy figure stepped out of the fog could they see a huge man with a purple grayish skin and a very muscular appearance. He had a long white beard with a mustache and was dressed in some kind of armor that looked like it was made of rock and on his head was a crown that looked like it was made of the same material. Just his mere presence screamed power.
"Please wait, god!" Erica called after the huge god, trying to get it's attention. It seemed to work as the towering giant turned half of its body towards them.
"How arrogant must you be, child of man, to stop a god's advance?" The giant asked the blonde woman with its booming voice echoing far into the distance.
"Please forgive my disrespect. From what I can tell, you are the king of gods the Phoenicians worshiped long ago, Melqart-sama."
This seemed to interest Melqart as he turned more towards the woman that had spoke. "So there are still praiseworthy individuals who know the name of the ancient kings." He turned completely around, showing the entire front of his body. "I am Melqart, the king once known throughout this island… No, throughout these entire waters!"
As he was done announcing himself shoot a bolt of lightning down from the clouds towards him. Melqart just raised one of his giant arms in the lightning bolts path, blocking it with ease.
"Lightning?" Godou asked as he was a bit shocked that there was suddenly lightning shooting down from the sky.
"It rarely rains on Sardinia." Erica told Godou as she looked up at the sky a bit unnerved. A second lightning bolt lighted up the gray sky. Dante could feel his Authority's shift within him. It felt as if they were excited to battle the gods but was at the same time a bit uneasy. Except one.
"As always, you are adept at changing your form." The Mediterranean King said while looking far off into the distance. He then started moving forward. "I must hurry."
As the giant god continued his advance changed Erica into her battle outfit, the red dress disappearing. She turned around to face Godou, looking sternly into his eyes. "You stay here."
"Wait… What are you doing?"
"She's going to halt the god's battle." Dante answered before Erica got to say something.
"He's right. Melqart is one of the strongest Mediterranean gods. If we don't do something about their fighting, then this island will perish." She informed the black haired teen as she turned her gaze towards where Melqart was walking, his colossus size making him easy to see even from this distance.
"But how are you going to do that?"
"I can't do it on my own. So I'm going to need your help, Lord Dante." She said as she turned to look at the boy she had spoken of. The young King thought about it for a short bit before replying.
"Sure, but on one condition." He said as he pulled up one finger to emphasize his point.
"And what's that?" She asked a little bit nervous about what his condition would be. Whatever it was she would have to obey as it was more of a order than a condition.
"I will not be transported in that death machine you call a car, especially with Arianna driving." He answered his condition before walking towards the stone railing at the other side of the road, looking towards Melqart. "And Godou will come with us."
"What, why?" Erica asked Dante, a little bit unsure why he would bring a normal human into this. Dante didn't answer, but just gave her a sideways glance, his eye shining the same blue as it had done yesterday. She suddenly saw different visions play up before her very eyes. In some she saw her old 'friend' Liliana standing by her side as they fought together. In others she was having a discussion with a brown haired girl her age. And in one she was fighting a black haired girl with red eyes who was wielding a black sword. But all of them had something in common. Godou was in each one of them. But he was a bit different than he was now. But before she could place her finger on what it was, she was back in the rain.
"What in the world was that?" Erica whispered to herself, not fully understanding what she had just seen. They had all felt so real, but at the same time she knew that they couldn't be real. After all she didn't even know two of the people she had seen in the visions.
"That is the possibility that is within Godou's grasp. But it will only be possible if he wants to take this path!" he explained as he felt the irony that he was talking about someone's path. He turned towards Godou. "Now tell me Godou, do you want to take it?"
Godou was taken aback by the boy's question, but knew what he meant. Do you wanna become a Campione or do you wanna continue your normal life as a human. But Godou knew that even if he choose to return to his normal life, it wouldn't feel quite normal. But becoming a Campione, he wasn't really sure about that either. He then remembered what Dante had shown him yesterday. It felt as if even if Dante hadn't been here it would still be the same outcome. His gaze hardened as he had decided. "Yes." he responded, his resolve firm.
Dante smiled before he started chanting. "Great steed that travels through the nine worlds. Come to me to trample my foes with the power of war, and let your mighty hofes crush all that oppose you!"
As he finished the incantation, dispersed the clouds over him as a beam of purple light shoot down from above them. The light stroke down into the ground right in front of him, blinding everybody except him. As the bright light disappeared they could see what Dante had summoned.
There standing right in front of Dante letting it's head get stroked was a gray furred horse with eight powerful legs. It's mane and tail was more of a silver color than the gray that covered its entire body. Strapped to its back was a black leather saddle. It opened its eyes and turned to look at Godou and Erica with a judging gaze.
"What is that?"
"That is the eight legged horse of Norse mythology, Sleipnir." Erica explained as she looked at the majestic horse standing in front of her. "He's one the main symbols for the Nordic god of war and poetry, Odin."
"Which is why I don't like to use him to often. He sticks out too much" Dante said as he took a grip around the horse's reins and proceeded to climb up the horse's back. "With the Einherjer there is at least a small chance that they may think that it was Freya that I slew. And most Nordic gods have some kind of connection with runes."
"I get what you mean." replied the blonde woman at his explanation. "By making sure that no one knows which god it is you have killed you're putting yourself at a strategic advantage, as they won't be able to figure out your Authorities."
"That right." he replied to Erica's explanation before turning Sleipnir around so he was facing towards the Mediterranean King. "But right now we need to get there as fast as possible."
"Well that shouldn't be too hard with that horse." Godou said as if he thought he had stated the obvious. But Erica shacked her head.
"There has only been two beings recorded that can ride on his back, gods and the spirits of warriors that died in battle." she explained to the black haired boy. "If you and I tried to ride him we would most likely get ourselves killed."
Godou looked at the blonde haired beauty a bit unnerved by the information. But his expression soon changed back to the serious one he had just a moment ago. "We have to get there somehow. I don't care how, just we get there."
A short bit later after he said that was he sitting in the front seat of Arianna's car with her driving. Erica was sitting at the top of the car, while Dante was riding his horse besides them.
While Sleipnir might have eight legs it didn't hinder it at all. All of it's legs was working in complete harmony with each other. But at the same time it did it best to not run past the car as it was keeping a rather uncomfortable speed.
"Just so you know I won't save you no matter what happens. This is your chance to run." she called to Godou.
"I know that." he responded. He looked down at the stone tablet that he had brought with him. The tablet that had started it all. As he looked at the depiction of Prometheus he was reminded of what Lucretia had told him yesterday.
"That's right… The trickster who deceived the gods. And the hero who gave humans knowledge and flame… Prometheus. That power lies within."
'The power to steal a god's Authority, their abilities, their powers and use it as your own.' He thought as he looked towards Dante. 'The same kind of powers that Dante have used this entire time.'
"Look!" he was cut out from his thought as Erica called out to them. He looked out the window, just to see a huge shadow of a bird a couple of meters in front of them. It was always moving so that it always was a couple of meters in front of them. Godou looked up but couldn't see anything that could cause that kind of shadow.
"There's nothing there." he said shocked by this revelation.
"It's a divine beast, the Bird of Prey. It's here to join into a single form again." she informed before looking up in front of her. There in front of them was Melqart who was now holding two clubs, one formed in a zigzag pattern representing a lightning bolt and the other had many bumps forming it like a gale of wind. But there was also another god present. He was a young boy, no more than 15 in age. He was dressed in a long sleeved white toga that covered his entire body and a dark blue robe that was drifting in the air behind him. His hair was a darker shade of blue than his robe and his green eyes was filled with battle lust. The only thing telling one that he was a god was the fact that he was floating in the air like it was something casual.
"It's been a while, Melqart." the young looking god said to the bearded god like they were old friends.
"I've been waiting…"
""Verethragna."" both Melqart and Godou said in unison. Shocking Erica.
"You know him?"
"The ancient Persian god of war and god of light." he told her, showing that he knew who it was. "A tempest, a bull, a white horse, a camel, a boar, an adolescent, a bird of prey, a ram, a goat. And the warrior who holds the Golden Sword. The one who contains all ten avatars: the invincible god of war, the Victor: Verethragna."
"It seems you know your stuff." Dante commented after hearing him talking about the Persian god. He had to say that he to was a bit shocked by the younger boy's knowledge. But he also knew that his mother had probably talked with him about this yesterday. Godou nodded before looking down at the grimoire.
'With this it will become a reality.' he thought as he was reminded of the vision that Dante had showed him yesterday. He didn't know why, but every time he thought about it felt he his heart beat faster and he actually felt a bit excited. He stopped thinking about as soon as he saw Erica jump of the roof of the car towards the battle ready gods.
"Erica!" he shouted, trying to get the blond woman's attention. But either she didn't hear him or just didn't care as she continued forward.
"Cuore di Leone!" she called out and the sword understood its master's orders as it was enveloped in a red light before transforming into a red shield with a black cross shaped mark in the middle.
Meanwhile was the two gods talking with each other, neither of them showing a sign of going on the offensive.
"It seems the wound you gave me the last time we battled has yet to heal." Verethragna said to the much bigger god like it was just a small annoyance and not something hindering.
"You have revived me out of your conceited desire to fight, to see who is strongest. I cannot let your wound let me overlook this fact." Melqart responded sounding angrier by the second.
"I look forward to it." the god of war responded with a taunting smile. He then lifted his right arm, pointing towards the sky. A small tornado formed around him and down from the sky came two of his avatars: the Goat and the Bird of Prey. Both of them formed into blue flames before they merged with their master, making the tornado dissipate. "Now, only one avatar remains."
Melqart lifted his right arm holding the wind formed club, ready to be the first one to strike. But before he could move his arm forward was he interrupted as a magic circle formed between him and Verethragna. They both looked down at the one that had dared to interrupt a fight between gods. The Persian god recognised the blond knight holding a shield. "That witch, huh?"
"I'm afraid you must lay down your arms!" she tried to order them. But it didn't seem to work as Melqart just looked down at her like she was a little bug.
"Right now, this land is a battlefield on which we shall determine who is dominant. Give up, human." the King of gods ordered Erica a bit pissed that she dared to speak to him like that.
"God, please have mercy!" she tried to argue with the god even if she knew it was futile.
"Witch, I applaud your spirit, which tries to oppose the gods." Verethragna praised the girl. Several bolts of lightning started to strike down from the sky as he was preparing his power. "However you should know your place."
As he said that stroke a bolt of lightning the place she had just been standing on before she had jumped back. She wasn't given any time to rest as he sent another one towards where she had landed, forcing her to jump again. She did this three more times before she was hit by a lightning while in the air. Lucky for her that she had already raised her shield, blocking the attack but forcing it out from her grip. It embedded itself into the ground not to far away from where she landed, but was out of her reach. She looked up at Verethragna as he fired another bolt towards her. But was saved as Godou jumped forward and grabbed her, sending them through the air before Godou used his body to shield Erica as he landed. He straightened himself to see if she was alright.
"Godou…" she said shocked that he had just put himself in danger to save her. She also noticed the distinct sound of hoofs as Dante got closer.
Verethragna looked at the two new arrivals. One of them was the boy that he had given the White Stallion to entertain him and the other was… a god slayer. He couldn't believe how lucky he was to be able to fight that many opponents.
"It's good that you're alright." Dante said as he got close to Erica, still on the back of Sleipnir. "This is enough."
As he said that disappeared the godly horse in a flash of purple like the one it had appeared from. As he landed on the ground started he walk forward towards the two gods, with determined steps. He knew what he needed to do. 'I told you I might use it.'
"What I seek is vengence. The flames of rage shall light inside me and the gods will fear me once more, for before me their rules mean nothing. And even if I have to tear down the heavens to get my revenge I won't back down. Now, you shall all fear me!"
All of them noticed the change as he started radiating a powerful aura of bloodthirst and anger. His expression was still the same, but his eyes was filled with an never ending hatred. Godou and Erica was both terrified at what they saw in front of them. They had never seen Dante or anyone for that matter this angry before in their entire life. Even Verethragna and Melqart was frozen in place for a little while before snapping out of it.
"What was that…" Melqart asked himself as he regained his senses. He might be one of the strongest Mediterranean gods but he knows what fear is even if he hasn't experienced it. The same goes for Verethragna, as he was known as the invincible war god he had never felt fear himself but heard of it.
"This is… really interesting!" the god of war shouted out as he raised his hand into the air. Golden spark of lightning appeared just above his fingers, before forming a curved golden sword, that was even bigger than the boy himself.
He readied himself to fly towards the Campione in front of him but before he was even able to move from his position was Dante already in front of him, sending a punch towards his face. Verethragna quickly raised his sword, blocking the attack with the flat of the sword and supported it with both hands. As Dante's fist made contact with the golden sword flew a small cloud of black flames forth from where they had connected.
Verethragna pushed away Dante, putting some distance between the two and giving him a clear look of the boy. He looked like your average human in the eyes of a god except for the bloodlust he was emitting and the black flames that covered his entire lower arms.
As Dante stopped flying through the air hovered he for a bit before flying towards the god a second time. This time was Verethragna prepared and noticed that he wasn't going as fast as before. He to started closing the distance between him and the boy, readying his sword a second time. As he was within range with his sword he instantly swung it towards the boy's head. Dante didn't seem to react as the god swung as his eyes never looked towards the blade even for a second. The golden sword cleaved right through the boy's head as it made contact, no resistance whatsoever.
But as soon as Verethragna had cleaved the head disappeared the boys body, leaving no trace behind it. Dante reappeared right in front of the Persian god, his leg pulled back with his knee in the same height as the god's face.
"Wha-" but before the god of war could say anymore was he cut off as Dante's knee hit his face, sending him back a bit. Verethragna smiled a little at how the battle was progressing. This boy, this god slayer had him against the ropes in less than a minute. "But even so, there is no way I'm going to lose here."
While he may be known for taking different forms for different situations. it didn't mean he couldn't use another's power when using another.
"Fear me for I have wings." as he those words left his lips felt he as the power of the Bird of Prey fill his body. He didn't waste any time as he instantly closed the distance between him and the Campione with its speed.
As he got close to Dante swung he his sword with the same speed as he was moving with, catching him of guard. Dante couldn't react fast enough to block the attack properly as it had all happened in less than 2 seconds. He had just enough time to barely raise his arm to block. But directly after had Verethragna pulled back and went for an overhead slash.
More ready this time, pulled Dante up both of his arms to block the attack. But just like last time pulled the god of war back the blade before sending it towards his midsection. This time he caught the blade by using both his knee and arm stopping it in its tracks.
Verethragna was staring in disbelief at the feat. This god slayer had stopped his Golden sword, which could cut through divinity while being boosted by the Bird of Prey that granted him godspeed. He didn't think much more as Dante's right fist made contact with his cheek, making him let go of the sword and stagger backwards.
"You're good, god slayer. What's your name?" the Persian god of war asked, wanting to know the name of the one he was battling.
The aura of bloodlust and the anger in Dante's eyes weakened a little before he answered the god. "Dante. Dante Zola."
"Well then, Dante Zola. Enjoy the fact that you're the only one here to make me go all out!"
As he said that disappeared the Golden sword that Dante still had in his grip, before appearing in the hands of it's owner.
"Hear my call warriors, for I will bring you Victory. Call to me warriors for I am Verethragna!" as he spoke those words activated all of the Authority's he had with him at the moment. Both the Ram and the Camel healing all the wounds that Dante had inflicted on him and the old wound from his encounter with Melqart almost instantly. He covered the distance with his godspeed once more and swung the sword as fast as he moved.
Dante had gotten used to the speed the god of war was able to move at, but was surprised by the raw power behind the slash. While it wouldn't be able to cut of his arm as long as it was covered by the flames he could still feel pain. Verethragna pushed and he was sent flying back, but unlike the other times had the god of Victory this time decided to send him towards the ground. And with the boosted strength the Bull gave him it was relatively easy seeing as he had already made a hole right in front of Godou and Erica.
"Hey Dante. Are you alright?" Godou asked as he was about to run over to his friend but stopped as several bolt of lightning stroke down into the hole. Dante was able to fight back the lightning but could fell his Authority weakening. The assault of lightning soon ended giving Dante some time to breath.
"Yeah… I'm… alright." He said between pants trying to reassure the dark haired teen. The aura of bloodlust much weaker than it had been before and his eyes almost devoid of malice. The black flames on his arms almost completely gone. He looked at the concerned teens face, before standing up. 'It's now or never.'
"Tell me Godou, are you ready to become a King, one that rules over the world and all living. Are you ready to become one that has usurped the powers of a god and become a Campione. Now tell me your answer."
Godou was taken aback by how the purple eyed King had spoken. Even now beaten and battered he still had power behind his words. Godou didn't need to think about an answer as he had already decided what it was. "Yes."
Dante smiled before standing up. "Humans and Gods alike will fear me, for I bring forth the end. All that oppose me will learn of my wrath, as I will kill all that dares to stand in my way. Mortal or Immortal, before me you will all die."
The small embers of black flames around his arms appeared to regain their strength as they became flames once more. But this time instead of just covering just his lower arms, they spread across his entire arms and done his back, making a cap. He stretched out his right arm to the side and in it landed the handle of a wood case. Moving with movements of familiarity opened he the box. Inside it was his main weapon: a gun. It was a Thompson Contender. He picked it up and two of the bullets that also was inside the case. He closed the case and placed it on the ground.
Pulling a switch like compartment just under the trigger, causing the barrel and frame of the gun to separate and he pushed the bullet into the chamber. As he pulled up the gun, he let the barrels momentum and weight close it.
"Are you ready, Verethragna?" Dante asked the god as he was once more in the air. He hadn't pulled back the hammer of the gun yet, meaning that it wasn't ready to fire, but he kept his thumb on it so that he was ready for action.
Verethragna just looked at the gun skeptical as he had seen Dante move faster than any bullet. A smile spread over his face as he knew that Dante would once again surprise him somehow. "Yes! Now god slayer... no, Dante give me everything you got!"
Dante lifted gun and aimed it right for the gods chest, where the heart is normally placed. He pulled back the hammer, ready to shoot. "All Father. Prisoned. King. War, Storms and Lightning." He could feel the bullet react as he feed it Words of Power. "The god that you seek is Verethragna, the Persian god of war and light. The one that brings Victory as well as embodying it."
The bullet knew what it was supposed to do. All that was needed was that Dante pulled the trigger. "Feed yourself with his power and swallow your target."
With those words pulled he the trigger, sending the bullet towards its selected target. It was moving faster than any other bullet but could easily be dodged with godspeed.
But Verethragna didn't bother to dodge as he wanted to take it head on. Not out of arrogance or show of supremacy, but because he wanted to match his power with Dante's. He swung his sword with his boosted speed and strength, intending to cleave the bullet in half.
But as soon as the edge of his blade made contact with the bullet stopped his slash. The bullet had not been cleaved upon impact with the sharp edge of the Golden sword. Infact it was still spinning and was pushing against Verethragna's sword. A smile spread over the god of Victory's face as he noticed this. But at the same time felt he all of his Authorities except the Warrior quickly weakening.
"This is interesting, Dante!" he shouted happily. He turned his sword making the bullet go of course. Instead of hitting his chest, it flew right into his left shoulder and exited at the other side. He felt as the Goat, Bird of Prey and Boar's power left him. He held his sword in his right hand and was still smiling. The wound was already healing by the Camels and Rams power, but not as fast as before as both of them had been weakened.
During the time he had blocked the bullet had Dante reloaded his gun and was currently chanting a second time. "All Father. Prisoned. King. War, Storms and Lightning."
He fired the second bullet aiming it at Verethragna's other shoulder. Once again brought the Persian god up his sword to block the attack. Once again felt he as they made contact that his power was weakening. He felt himself being pushed back and took up his other arm to support his sword. He pushed forward letting out a wordless battle cry as he cleaved the bullet on the middle, sending one half into the distance and the other right into his chest. This time wasn't it able to fly through his body and was instead stuck inside him. His Authority's had weakened but were still active.
"Godou, now!"
As Verethragna heard the command, looked he down and saw the warrior he had meet yesterday aiming the stone tablet towards him. He was letting out a wordless battle cry much like he himself had done just a moment ago.
Godou felt the power residing inside the Book of Prometheus answer to his will. But as he did felt he something inside him break. Not like a bone, but his spirit. He remembered what Erica told him as he had said he was going to use it. That if a human used it their body would break down and kill them. He didn't care about it as he kept pushing.
A horse made out of white flames shoot out of the stone tablet, followed by a stream of flames it flew towards its master. He wasn't able to dodge and was therefore engulfed in its flames.
Godou felt more of his body break as he pushed the White Stallion out of Prometheus' Book, not leaving a ounce of it's power inside. As it had completely exited the stone tablet was he sent flying back by the recoil and landed hard on the ground.
"Godou!" Erica called out worried for the boy and ran over to him.
"I cannot lose to my own avatar!" Verethragna proclaimed, his entire body still engulfed in flames from the White Stallion. He had used up the Ram to survive that attack and was on his last leg but wasn't giving up. All he needed to do was let the Camel heal his wounds-
Wait.
The Camel, it was gone. The god of war looked down and saw the smile that was over Godou's face.
"I stole it. I stole what has been keeping him alive this entire time. I stole the Camel." He told Erica as she got close to him.
"So that was what you were aiming for this entire time."
"Yeah, kind of." he responded as he let the power of the Camel fill his body, halting his body from breaking down. He then focused all the strength in his legs and jumped towards Verethragna. The god didn't have anytime to react before Godou was right in front of him and sent and reinforced kick to his chest, exactly over where the bullet wound had been located. The dark haired teen sent the god flying back as he used him as a springboard to get back to the ground. As soon as he landed felt he the Camel leave him and his body started breaking once more.
"Damn, I didn't get him." he cursed as he saw the god was now aiming for them, seeing as Dante wouldn't interfere took he the chance to advance on them. He then smiled as the Book of Prometheus did it's job. Before Verethragna could get to close started his sword disappear and was soon completely gone. "This is what I aimed for .The Golden Sword, is mine."
"This was your true goal?" Erica asked, shocked that he had planned out everything. She could feel her heart start to beat faster in her chest as she looked at the young man in front of her.
"It can kill him, right?" he asked as he felt that if he didn't do something soon he himself would die. "What do I do? What should I do?"
Erica knew what was needed and felt her face heat up. She looked deep into his eyes and without warning walked closer to Godou and lifted both her hand and caressed his face. Godou blushed at the sudden contact but didn't move away. She closed her eyes as she closed the distance between their faces, causing her soft lips to be pressed against Godou's. He instantly felt the rush of magical energy as the Warrior entered his body from the Grimoire. Both of their bodies was enveloped in a golden light that formed a dome around them.
Then in a golden flash of light, changed the world around them. The ground under their feet turned golden in color, the clouded sky became a clear night sky and thousands of golden swords pointed up from the ground. These swords then started went up from the ground and started floating in the air before all of them turned their sharp points towards the god of war.
Godou who was still kissing Erica, stared in wonder as the swords was reacting to his will. With a push of his mind flew one of the sword forward, impaling Verethragna right through his chest. The Persian god looked down at the sword that had impaled with look of both wonder and shock. The flames that was still around his body quickly grew in strength, making them fly around wildly around him.
Erica broke the kiss and looked up at the burning god, while having his right arm around her shoulders to support him. Godou smiled as he saw what he had accomplished, in his left hand was the Golden Sword that Verethragna had held before. The golden world broke down and they were back in the rain. He looked towards Erica before asking. "What was that for?"
Erica looked up at him giving him a sincere smile as answered. "I gave you the key to unlock the Golden Sword through that kiss. Because of that was you able to use the sword and strike Verethragna with the finishing blow."
As the god heard his name looked he up from where he struck and smiled at the human that had defeated him. "Splendid, warrior. Now take my powers and use them as your own."
He paused a bit and looked up towards Dante that was still in the air looking down at them, He then returned his attention towards his slayer and stretched out a hand towards him. "You are a god slayer that has taken the god of victory's Authority. Remain stronger than any other! Remain undefeated until the day we fight again!"
That was his last words before he had completely turned into ash and was replaced by the teen disks that Godou had seen the day before. They then floated over to him and before he blacked out felt he as they pushed into his body. Erica noticed that he was unconscious as she felt him slump forward and would have fell forward if she hadn't been supporting him.
She looked over to Dante as she heard him land not to far away from where she and Godou was standing. The black flames that had covered his body before was completely gone, not a spark being left of them. He started walking towards them, but stopped as the giant behind him moved. The ground shaking with each movement .
"Where are you going, god slayer?" Melqart asked, his booming voice echoing in the distance. "Isn't it in your nature to fight every god you come across?"
"There are some exceptions." he said bluntly as he turned around and walked over to the unconscious boy. "I may not be one of them, but I don't feel the need to fight."
Melqart just looked down at the blond boy before letting out a booming laughter. "Your an interesting one, you know that?" He stopped laughing before continuing. "But I think you should battle me if you don't want this island to sink."
This confused both Dante and Erica as they looked at the god with confused faces. They stood there silent trying to process what the god had stated just now. After almost teen seconds of silence was Dante the one that ended it as he asked. "What do you mean?"
"The way the humans have been treating the Mediterranean sea, my domain is unacceptable. So I will kill all of them by sinking this island. Before continuing to all my ancient territories." Melqart told the two of them like it was the obvious conclusion to make sure that the sea wouldn't be treated in that manner.
"But isn't there any other way?" Erica tried to argue with him. Melqart just shook his head slightly before continuing.
"The only thing I care about is the sea, and if I take away what is hurting it permanently then I can make sure that it won't feel pain any longer. Because these waters is my sacred domain, it is only fitting that I bring them divine punishment." anger was noticeable in his voice as he spoke. He then continued, this time sounding much calmer. "If you want to make sure that I don't sink this island you will have to face me, god slayer."
Dante frowned at Melqart's last statement. He had two choices. Either he run away from the island, putting his mother and several others lives at risk, or he could fight him and try to minimize the damage as much as possible while making sure that the island wouldn't sink.
He looked back towards Erica and Godou, his eyes setting on the soon to be god slayer. As he looked at him, he got an idea.
"Alright Melqart, I'll fight you. But I will not fight alone." he stated before pointing a finger towards the unconscious Godou. "He will fight with me!"
Melqart just looked at Dante, his expression unchanging. "Do you take me for a fool. I may not doubt my strength, even I know that fighting two Devil Kings is suicide."
"Oh… Are you scared?" Dante asked the giant god with a taunting smile on his face. "The great Melqart, king of the Mediterranean sea and ruler over lightning and storms are afraid of two god slayers. Even when knowing that one of them isn't even born yet."
Dante knew where to aim when confronting a god like Melqart, their pride. All gods took pride in almost all their actions, but a god of the Divine King Class was often some of the most prideful. And just like Dante had hoped for seemed it to work as he saw Melqart tense. But then he suddenly started laughing.
"You really are an interesting one, god slayer. So you believe that I would be able to fight both of you and still hold my ground?"
"That is something we will have to find out won't we." he answered Melqart with a smile still on his lips. But this one wasn't taunting like the last one, but a genuine smile. "But even if only one of us would battle you, would the other one most likely fight you directly afterwards to make sure that you didn't sink anything."
Melqart thought about what he said. Either he could take them both on at the same time or have them taking him on one after the other. He didn't like the odds that was against him in whichever he picked.
"Very well, I shall take on the both of you. We shall meet here again, tomorrow at the time of twilight."
Then in a flash of lightning was the the giant god gone, not a trace indicating that he was ever here to begin with. Dante stared at the empty space where Melqart had just stood. Wondering how something that big could disappear so quickly and why he didn't use it to get here to begin with.
"What are you going to do now, Dante?" Erica asked the blonde brown haired boy as he walked towards her. He took under Godou's free arm as he helped her carry him back to the car.
"I'm going to train him. We're going to need it if we want to win against Melqart." he answered as they got closer to the car. Waiting there patiently was Arianna, she waved at them as she saw them walk towards her.
They put Godou in the backseat and Erica sat besides him. As Arianna was about to sit down at the driver's seat spoke Dante up. "I'll be the one driving us back home you can take it easy Arianna."
The black haired maid looked at him puzzled before doing as he said and walked over to the front passenger seat. Dante sat down in the car and started it. He then turned the car around and started driving home. It was mostly quiet in the car as Erica was looking at Godou and Arianna was just looking forward, wondering why Dante wanted to drive the car. Dante looked at Erica's worried expression through the mirror.
"Don't worry, he will recover. When Campione's are born are all our wounds are healed not matter how severe. Compared to what happened with me when I fought my first god it doesn't look as bad."
"What happened to you then when you faced your first god?" surprisingly it wasn't Erica that asked but Arianna. She had taken her eyes of the road and was now staring at the brown blonde Campione.
"I had most of my body blown into smithereens." he told her bluntly, his eyes returning to the road. "I may not feel any pain from it, but it still haunts me to this day."
"Oh, I am very sorry for bringing it up." she apologized with small bow.
"No, don't worry about it. After all if that wouldn't had happened I wouldn't be here today with all of you."
The rest of their ride back to Lucretia's house was quiet as no one wanted to break the comfortable silence, especially now when Arianna wasn't the one driving. The sun had even started to let down it warming rays as the clouds parted before they got back.
Used Authorities.
Dante.
Sleipnir: The Eight Legged Stead - This is Dante's fourth and last Authority that he got from the war god Odin. With this can he summon Sleipnir, the eight legged horse. He can only be summoned normally once each day and Dante needs to wait for 24 hours before he can summon him with the incantation again. But he will summon himself automatically if it is to block an attack and will always hit with the same amount of power before slowly gaining strength himself. Sleipnir dosen't travel at godspeed but can travel just as fast as he is capable of reaching mach 15. The difference being that he will be affected by wind resistance.
Incantation: Great steed that travels through the nine worlds. Come to me to trample my foes with the of war, and let your mighty hofes crush all that oppose you!
Author's note.
I won't be going into any details about the other Authority he used and will let you theories about it.
Please review and give tips or thought about the story.
Also I might post a poll asking if Godou should get one Melqarts Authorities or not.