Fourth Arc- Challenging the Legends
-Spiritas Realm, Unknown Territory-
Phoenix screeches resounded and the flames of the Golden Crow and the Vermillion bird soared into the heavens as Percy flew through the cave, wings of flames extended from his back. His eyes were locked straight ahead, where he could see the end of the tunnel. When he reached the end of the tunnel, he burst out, ice covering his body as he prepared for any sneak attacks that might be launched at him. His eyes shot up, taking in the scene before him. Luke stood on a raised platform, locked in combat with three other figures.
Phlegethon, Cocytus and Lethe were attacking Luke with all their strength, ad it was clear that even Luke was being pressured under their combined assault. However, he was still surviving, and that was all Percy needed to know. Percy snarled and raised his hand up, his palm glowing as a ball of fire was gathered together, then exploded towards Luke!
Hisssss!
out of nowhere, there was a flash of green and yellow, and suddenly the Lydian Drakon reared out of nowhere, intercepting Percy's attack.
"Tsk, Tsk, Tsk. What manners are these Percy? Trying to attack me while my back is turned?" Luke laughed mockingly, not even glancing around at Percy. "well, that's the only way you can possibly win, so I don't really blame you for trying. But if you want to fight against me, at least take on my little pet first!"
Percy sneered and cracked his fingers. Then he leapt into the air as flames blossomed around him. Screeches rang out as the three figures of the Vermillion Bird, the Phoenix and the Golden Crow all rushed towards the Lydian Drakon together!
The Lydian Drakon reared back, then spat out a mist of poison. The three flame birds were engulfed, being corroded down by the poison.
Percy didn't even flinch, landing in a crouch as he raised his hand and a dome of ice materialized around him, blocking the poison. Then Percy twisted his hands and with a bang the flames of the Golden Crow reignited on his body as he flew into the air, carrying the ice shield to block the poison mist.
The Lydian Drakon whipped around and its tail struck through the air towards Percy like a death god's scythe. The Ice barrier Percy had summoned was like an eggshell before the tail, being shattered in a single move!
Percy dodged to the side, just barely avoiding the tail as the flames of the golden crow grew even hotter. They materialized into a sword in his hands, forming a fifteen feet long Golden sword.
"Golden Annihilation!"
Percy roared and swung down his flames onto the tail.
A muffled boom rang out and the flames exploded like a devastating apocalypse descending onto the mortal world! Percy shuddered and spat out a mouthful of blood before being sent flying away by the sheer force of the explosion and its impact. His hands also burst into blood; the skin being torn apart by the overwhelming force!
He stabilized himself a few hundred metres away, staring at the Lydian Drakon. His eyes widened slightly and he sucked in a deep breath of disbelief. As the smoke cleared, he could see the Lydian drakon's tail, scorched and burnt. But these were just the scales. Not even one scale had been penetrated, and the Drakon itself was completely unharmed after taking Percy's head on attack at full force!
Hisssssss!
The Drakon gave a hiss that sounded like laughter, it's lamp like eyes staring at Percy mockingly. It could taste his rage and despair in the air, and it made its hunger boil over!
Percy's eyes turned cold and he moved backwards, making distance between himself and the Drakon.
He raised his right hand and Scarlet flames erupted.
He raised his left hand and Ice crystals congealed.
"Ice and Fire, Explosion!"
Percy thrust both his hands forward and the fire and ice exploded forward like two streams, hurtling unstoppably towards the Lydian Drakon. The Drakon reared up, being struck squarely on it's underside by both streams, sending it tumbling backwards as Percy followed up with another burst of ice and fire, striking both its hind legs.
Boom!
The Drakon landed on the ground with a roar, its mouth opening wide as a fog of poison was sprayed towards Percy!
"Styx Soul! Poison Form!"
Percy's eyes turned green and he leapt into the poison, his body glowing as a terrifying suction was released, swallowing all the poison without any hesitation.
All the poison turned into a vortex and wrapped around Percy, then shot forward along with his dual attacks of flame and ice!
The Drakon was struck again, and its eyes widened before its scales cracked!
"Ice Priestess! Dance with my melody!"
Percy spun and his hand flashed as a vermillion glow spilled out of his right hand.
ZIIIINNNNNNG!
The Heaven Smiting Devil Slayer Sword appeared! A scared Vermillion glow encompassed all of existence as the divine power of the heavy sword was brought out!
Percy roared and slashed down! The Ice Priestess Phantom Materialized behind his, her staff twirling as she struck out towards the Drakon in unison with Percy!
The two attacks intersected, Blue and Vermillion lights fusing before smashing into the Drakon's head, with a loud bang that shook the entire cavern.
Percy didn't slow down, running forward as he raised the vermillion blade up high, summoning three sparks of fire.
One Scarlet, One Golden, One Vermillion.
They blazed with a ferocious heat, revolving around Percy and magnifying the radiance of his Vermillion Great sword.
In the Distance, Styx and Acheron stood, watching Percy's performance with keen eyes.
"I Can't believe it! He actually… is capable of using three Divine Class spirits at the same time! Just how many spirits does his body contain?" Acheron exclaimed, her eyes flashing with surprise.
Styx simply smiled. "He hasn't even used his trump card yet."
"Is that so?" Acheron looked at Percy with renewed interest. "But he'll have to use it soon. While he might look like he has the upper hand, it's taking the combined power of so many spirits to simply supress the legendary Lydian Drakon. If he wants to kill it, he'll need a lot more than that!"
Percy twisted and slashed down. A gigantic lotus of flame bloomed in mid-air, crashing down like a gigantic meteor heading towards the Lydian Drakon!
The Lydian Drakon raised a clawed leg, ripping the lotus apart before swinging its tail towards Percy again.
Percy's eyes turned into twin balls of fire as the Power of the Phoenix and the Golden Crow Raged!
SCREEEEEEEEE!
Two of the sparks seemed to grow, expanding and burning ferociously as they suddenly turned into the Twin Phantoms of the Golden Crow and the Scarlet Phoenix!
The two birds screeched as they dove towards the approaching tail of the Lydian Drakon. Their collision was earth shaking, and the Lydian Drakon's tail was slowed down amidst the wisps of fire. Percy took this delay as an opportunity, somersaulting in mid-air as he swept over the Drakon's tail, then raised his sword to the heavens.
"Vermillion Birds Song of Purification!"
The Vermillion bird screeched and the last spark of fire behind Percy erupted into countless arrows of fire, all striking down at the Lydian Drakon like an endless barrage. While they all shattered against its scales, the Lydian Drakon roared and writhed with pain under the repeated impacts.
Its tail whipped around again, striking at Percy with an even faster speed, leaving him no time to dodge.
"Azure Dragon, Dragonification!"
Percy roared and his body rippled, then exploded with Azure scales that covered him like a coat of armor. His body expanded in size and mass, his entire figure turning more beast like. Then he thrust both arms forward, his fists colliding with the Tail, a shudder running across the world as the impact rippled across.
Percy was sent flying away, but the tail was knocked away as well.
A Vermillion Flash suddenly arose and everyone's eyes were caught by it.
Hong'er appeared behind the Lydian Drakon's head, the Heaven Smiting Devil Slayer sword held in her grasp! Then she thrust it down, the blade striking at the base of the Lydian Drakon's Neck!
UWAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!
The Lydian Drakon's roar shook the heavens. Hong'er's eyes widened and her form shattered, turning into a vermillion mist before being sucked back into the Heaven Smiting Devil Slayer sword. The sword hummed and vibrated before being swept away with a bang.
Percy himself had difficulty standing straight under the impact of that roar, his body shuddering. His eyes narrowed and he stared at the Rampaging Lydian Drakon, then raised his hand, summoning the Heaven smiting Devil Slayer sword back to himself.
"You did well Hong'er." Percy murmured softly, then glanced back at the Drakon. Its aura was even more terrifying now. Just the roars were enough to destroy any of Percy's spirits.
Percy frowned, then summoned the ice Priestess and Azure Dragon's power, using their Combined power of defence before charging at the Lydian Drakon. The Drakon caught sigh of him and started to shrink down. Within moments, it was a humanoid, twelve feet tall monster, its body covered with scales and bulging muscles similar to Percy's Dragonification. The Dangerous aura around it rose even higher, but Percy didn't slow down, raising the heaven smiting Devil Slayer Sword before striking at the monster. The monster swung a clawed hand at Percy's strike and the two collided with a ferocious bang. Percy shivered, and the Ice Priestess Phantom and the Azure Dragon Phantom both exploded before Percy was sent flying backwards, blood spraying out of his shattered arms.
The Lydian Drakon didn't follow up with another attack, instead standing back as it sneered mockingly at Percy. While it was a beast, it still seemed to have a sense of intelligence that surprised Percy.
Percy slowed to a stumble, then stopped. His eyes burned as he stared at the Lydian Drakon.
"It looks like… I can only rely on you… old friend." Percy murmured, then raised his hand. "Harbinger of Darkness, Herald of the Underworld! I Summon you according to our Contract!"
A purple and black glow covered Percy's left hand, then turned into a viscous liquid as it dripped down to the ground, bubbling as it coalesced together, forming a figure.
Mrs O Leary!
The Young Wolf raised her head and stared at the Lydian Drakon; her eyes filled with Bloodthirst. Then she extending her arms and two knives appeared in her grasp.
"Do I kill him master?" she asked sweetly.
Percy smiled." Shred him apart!"
Mrs O Leary exploded forth, her knives flashing as she leapt into the air, spinning as she struck at the Drakon. Claws and knives clashed and blood erupted from the drakon's claws as Mrs O Leary tore his palms apart, before appearing behind him.
Her body glowed Silver and the Phantom of a gigantic wolf appeared behind her, owling at the Heavens as she slashed down, her knives tearing apart the scales on his back!
The Drakon seemed unfazed, his tail sweeping up and smashing into her petite form, sending her flying. She flipped and landed, blood trickling down the side of her lips. And even as she watched, the wounds she had inflicted upon the Drakon wiggled, then healed at an accelerated speed.
"Oh shit. That might be a little bit of a problem" she murmured.
"Mrs O Leary! Are you alright?" Percy shouted; his eyes worried.
He wanted to move to her side, but he was immobilized. That was the price of summoning her in her Combat Form. To allow her to use the greatest amount of her power through her sealed form meant Percy would have to keep supplying all of his energy to maintain her combat Form. If he were to be distracted or stop, Mrs O Leary would immediately return to her normal State.
As such, he couldn't even move, let alone try to help her in her fight. He could only grit his teeth, his arm glowing as he continued holding off her seal.
"I… I'm fine!" Mrs O Leary spoke through gritted teeth. Her eyes flashed and she leapt into the air, her petite form twisting before she began raining down punches and slashes on the Drakon.
The Drakon raised both arms, forcefully taking her attacks.
Bang!
The Lydian Drakon's arm shot out before striking her right in the side.
Her face twisted and she spun, trying to get away. But the Lydian Drakon's tail swept around from the other side. Before she could react, she was caught by the tail, then swung down and smashed into the ground like a rag doll.
"MRS O LEARY!"
Her body shuddered and she spat out a mouthful of blood, but didn't slow down, her daggers slashing down at the tail holding her, severing it.
ROOOAAARRRR!
The Lydian Drakon staggered backwards as blood sprayed out of the severed end of its tail. Mrs O Leary dragged herself to her feet, wiping the blood off her face, baring her teeth in a snarl before leaping into the air again, hands flashing. Over a dozen silver streaks burst from her hands and a similar number of wounds appeared on the Drakon as daggers pierced into him.
Mrs O Leary landed on his back; a dagger held in her grip as she immediately tried to slice his back.
However, even as she struck, the scales on his back seemed to harden, deflecting her strike as he reached around and grabbed her, lifting her into the air, his clawed hand gripping her by her arm. She growled and raised her free hand with another dagger, but before she could strike, he lifted her up and smashed her into the ground!
"Guhha!" Mrs O Leary vomited a mouthful of blood, then shook as he slammed a flurry of punches into her.
"No!"
Percy appeared behind the Drakon, the Heaven Smiting Sword flashing as bright golden flames glowed over its blade. He roared and leapt into the air, then slammed down the Heavy sword on its head.
The Lydian Drakon Sneered, absorbing the attack without even flinching before suddenly spinning, holding Mrs O Leary like a cloth and slamming her into Percy, sending the two of them flying.
A vermillion flash covered Percy's right arm as he sent Hong'er out. Hong'er grabbed the Heaven Smiting Sword, flying at the Lydian.
SCREEEEEE!
Behind Hong'er the Three Divine Birds of Flame flew forth as well, wings spread wide as they burned the horizon. The Azure Dragon also appeared, its majestic wings covering the heavens. The Ice Priestess followed; her staff swing down as it froze the earth beneath its power.
From both sides, power exploded.
Hong'er was the first to shatter, her form returning to the Heaven Smiting sword before the sword itself was swept away.
Next the Ice Priestess shattered, her ice and form turning into ice crystals.
Then the Three Flame birds were extinguished, their dying screeches echoing as the flames that burned the heavens were torn apart by the Lydian Drakon.
At last, only the Lydian Drakon and the Azure Dragon remained, both sides roaring as they collided. But it was obvious the Azure Dragon Phantom was out matched. Its scales were shattering and its power was growing weaker with each collision it undertook.
Percy held Mrs O Leary with one hand and tried to focus n controlling the Azure Dragon with his free hand.
His eyes were wide as he tried to summon as much power as he could, channelling it into Mrs O Leary to help her heal.
His body glowed Vermillion, Golden, Scarlet, Azure, Crystal Blue, all his power's being forcefully drawn out and poured into Mrs O Leary. And even then, her body was still barely recovering.
Then Percy's body stiffened and he coughed up a stream of blood as the Azure Dragon Phantom was shattered by the Lydian Drakon in a final blow.
At the same time, his felt all his energy being sucked out of his body. Mrs O Leary's hand grabbed his and had grabbed onto his arm, her teeth buried into his flesh as she sucked on his blood.
Percy's eyes dimmed as all the energy within his body was drained.
Then a Green glow erupted from within his body.
"It has begun" Styx whispered softly, her eyes flickering with anticipation.
Percy's eyes turned pure green and his entire body erupted like a sparkling jewel. Mrs O Leary seemed to absorb the colour from him, her own body sparkling. Then she expanded, her body increasing in size, her petite human form turning into a twisted, monstrous form. It expanded, continuing to grow.
"AWOOOOOO!"
Green fur mixed with black fur. One eye flashed with crimson bloodthirst. The other was filled with a blue green glow. A form that could dwarf even the twelve-foot-tall Lydian Drakon.
A Fifteen-foot-tall Wolf appeared in the cavern.
Mrs O Leary howled and the Lydian Drakon shook, staggering backwards as the power of the Styx soul erupted from her, tearing apart the air and the earth.
Then she leapt forward, turning into a black shadow, moving at speeds that defied her gigantic size!
Her Claws extended, her body like the black shadow of Death as she flew at the Drakon.
The two beasts collided and rolled over, rolling across the ground as they tore at each other with a bloodthirsty craze.
Mrs O Leary ended up on top, holding the Drakon down, then ripped it's arm off!
The Drakon Roared, more blood spraying out of its shoulder. However, this time there was no regeneration. In fact, none of its wounds were healing. Instead all of its wounds were smoking and turning green as a poisonous miasma was exuded from all it's wounds. The Drakon thrashed around, trying to break free from Mrs O Leary, but it was clear that the Unsealed wolf had completely supressed the legendary Spirit. The reason? Mrs O Leary was even more powerful than a Legendary Spirit!
She was a Spirit surpassing Legendary Realm, an Immortal Spirit!
Then with a final snarl, Mrs O Leary locked her mouth around the monster's head, then ripped it off.
The Drakon's struggles stopped and it quickly turned into dust.
Only the Wolf stood there, its majestic body giving off waves of power and poisonous aura that seemed to mingle perfectly with Percy.
In their shared moment of despair, their shared moment of hatred, they had unleashed the power of the Styx Soul!
-Beast Realm, Unknown Territory-
Mac was one of the most prideful sword disciples of the sword god sect. from a young age, he had been taken in by the Sword God Elders and had been raised and nurtured as a focused talent who would in the future be one of the main pillars of the Sword god sect. while he might not be the strongest of all the disciples, he was still one of the most powerful youngsters in the sect.
Among all his peers, he had never felt himself lacking. Until today.
A rumble shook the stadium and his eyes and he backed up, raising his sword as a slash hacked down at him.
His body shook and his arms trembled before he was sent flying away.
"Stop! STOP!" he cried out miserably. "I Give up!" he managed to stop himself and looked up fearfully at the man standing before him.
Percy grinned and sheathed his sword. "See, wasn't that so easy?"
"Oh? Someone seems quite cocky"
A voice, filled with mockery and arrogance rang out and Percy spun around.
He didn't know when, but a man had suddenly appeared behind him. He held a pitcher of wine in one hand, and his other hand held a long, steel heavy sword. He wore a leather overcoat that as dusty and patched, but was bare chested under that. His pants were similarly patched and dusty, made of leather as well.
His skin was darkened by hours under the sun, and his hair was long and blood red. He wore sunglasses that hid his eyes, and his arms were covered by tattoos that depicted a Dragon on his right arm, while a Tiger was etched onto his left arm. With every movement, the muscles under his skin seemed to coil and flex with an explosive power.
And from this man, Percy could feel an unprecedented sense of danger! His body seemed to emanate the aura of a sleeping beast, almost as if he was simply a costume worn by an elite predator. His eyes were bright, but deep, and in their depths, Percy could see hints of bloodthirsty danger!
Leah, the Sword Master's daughter stood on audience stands, her eyes narrowed as she watched the scene below in the stadium. Beside her stood Tori, the red skinned demon standing with her arms crossed.
"So… who is he? He seems like some kind of Big Shot" Tori muttered under her breath.
Leah left a shaky breath. "Y=yeah… he's the Sword Sect Master… the man who we've come here today to challenge."
Tori narrowed her eyes, assessing the man. Just like Percy, she could sense a fatal power lying dormant within the man. Without him unleashing it, it was impossible to gauge the extent of his true power.
The man glanced up at Leah, then back at Percy with a smile. "What's this Little Leah? I thought you were going to find out if your father was alive or not, and bring him or the Devil God Sword back so you could challenge me for control of the sect?"
Leah grit her teeth, then forced the words out. " This… he… he's the successor my father selected."
The Sword Sect Master turned his gaze back towards Percy, his eyes flashing with interest. "Interesting. Very… very interesting Indeed. So, you're my brother's successor?"
Percy grinned and raised the steel sword he held in his hand, crafted for him by Mike." The one and only! My name is Perseus Jackson, Son of Mike and Successor of the Sword Soul Master! And today, I come here to fulfil the last oath of my master. With my Sword Soul, I will defeat your power!"
The Sword Sect Master's grin grew wider. "Impressive! Well then…" he lifted the pitcher of wine, taking a deep draught before smashing it onto the ground. "My name is Ethan, and I wield the Path of Sword Submission! And I accept your challenge! Come at me if you dare!"
He slowly raised his own steel sword, the sword humming as it released a burst of power. "Show me what you got!"
Percy roared and he swept forward, every step he took shaking the earth he charged at Ethan.
Ethan grinned, the sword in his grip spinning like a windmill before he darted forward, thrusting his sword in a simple jab.
Sword edge and Tip collided and the two warriors locked together with a bang!
Percy's eyes widened, and his pupils shrunk. "This…"
Ethan moved back, then slashed down, bringing his heavy sword down like a mountain collapsing over Percy's head.
Percy was forced back as well, lifting his own blade to block. His arms shook under the power of the blow, and Percy moved backwards, using the momentum to retreat.
Ethan pressed his advantage, crouching low as he charged forth, his sword swinging like a whip, curling and spinning around Percy, seeking out his weak points with a chilling speed!
"Now!" Percy's panicked look faded and he stopped retreating, abruptly driving his foot into the ground as he charged forward with greater force than Ethan, his sword heading for Ethan's unprotected throat!
Clang!
"Hah!" Ethan sneered, his sword narrowly sweeping Percy's attack aside as he ducked backwards, dodging Percy's attack perfectly.
'What?' Percy's mind churned. 'His sword was aimed at my side! He shouldn't have had enough time to react to my strike!'
"Where's your mind wandering during a battle?" Ethan roared and kicked out at Percy. Percy didn't have the time to dodge, so he could only raise his arm, forcefully taking the blow as he staggered back.
Ethan pressed forth, his sword once again pressing towards Percy in strong and direct strokes, forcing him to defend and move backwards.
'First… it was like a rapier, focused on quick and agile thrusts. Then a Heavy Sword, taking a powerful crushing attack. Then he followed up with attacks like a soft longsword, and now he's using direct attacks like a Broadsword!' Percy's mind was rapidly analysing his enemies fighting style. Even though the changes were almost undetectable, especially while in the middle of an intense battle, Percy was sensitive enough to realize that these changes were all intentional! It was as if his opponent was made up of more than one swordsman, as if he were able to use all these different sword styles perfectly, and even change them at will!
But even so, Percy's eyes were keen, able to see through all gaps in his perfect sword art!
Ethan roared and suddenly a sword strike broke past Percy's defence, heading straight for his neck!
"Percy!" despite herself, Leah gave a cry of horror.
Percy's eyes flashed and he dropped to his knees, ducking under the sword strike in a smooth manner, almost as if he had practiced this move.
"You don't have to worry." Tori spoke confidently. "He's the son of the great sword Saint of Beast Capital City, Mike. Mike was renowned as God's eye, with the ability to see through any strategy or sword style and predict it. It was because he was a genius, and his skill with the sword had exceeded all understanding!"
Leah listened to her explanation, dumbstruck. "So Percy has his father's talent?"
Tori laughed. "How could he? That talent was unique to Mike."
Leah frowned. "Then…"
"Percy's Talent exceeds his father! God's Vision, The ability to see through an enemy's strategy and fighting style, and learn it within minutes! That is Percy's Genius ability! Once he has seen your sword style, he can learn it and even improve it and use it against your weaknesses!"
Percy's sudden move astonished Ethan as well. O course, he hadn't expected that Percy would be able to dodge his well-prepared surprise attack so easily, so his attack had left his wide open, leaving his torso and side completely exposed to Percy!
Percy didn't hesitate, his sword swings out as it shot towards Ethan's abdomen, aiming to tear him in two!
Rip!
Ethan's sword pierced into the ground beside him, like a shield between Percy's attack and his body!
Clang!
Percy's attack was stopped cold by his block, and the two stared at each other, Fighting spirit and bloodlust blazing in their eyes as their gazes locked, before the two of them leaped aside, moving away from each other.
"So… it's just like I thought." Percy spoke calmly, staring at the sword in Ethan's hand.
Ethan smiled teasingly. "What did you manage to figure out?"
"That… isn't a Heavy Sword is it?" Percy spoke manner of factly.
"Heh… why would you ask that? Doesn't it look exactly like what a heavy sword should look like?"
"That… is a mixture of weapons, all fused into one! That's why you've disguised it into a Heavy sword! A Rapier, a Long Sword, a Heavy Sword, A Broadsword…. And a Shield!" Percy announced, raising a commotion in the audience.
"Hehehehe… you're absolutely right! This is my Sword Style, the ability to draw out the full potential and power of my sword! Any weapon contained within my sword can unleash its power! This sword is my greatest creation. Till today, there has been only one man who has been able to even match up to my sword. That was your master. So today, I, the Sword Master declare you to be worthy of being his successor!"
Ethan dropped his treasured sword. The people around stared at him, wondering what had happened. He had just explained how powerful his weapon was. Then why would he toss it aside?
Then the air shook and the stadium rumbled as a powerful aura swept forth. A simple blade appeared in Ethan's grasp.
A bronze blade. Its hilt was simple, wrapped in leather. Its blade was etched with symbols of the waves and a single word adorned the hilt. Anuklasmos. Riptide, the Devil God Sword.
And today, within his grasp, it unleashed its true power!
The heavens darkened and a Devilish aura seemed to swallow the world. Riptide's power was unleashed!
A.N: These are battles i've been planning and looking forward to almost a year now. At long last, we can see the true potential of the Three Percy's unleashed, each against enemies from their past lives! Also, this is a pretty hard update speed to maintain, simply because of the fact that i'm a lazy person, so typing down so many detailed fight scenes is really taxing. I will try my best to get these Battles done as soon as possible, because the next arc is going to be even more interesting. Gods I wish i could give you guys spoilers. i can't wait!
Ciao, with peace from manhattan!