Hallway to the Stadium
The sound of multiple footsteps echoed down the hallway, Leon and guards all around him walked forward leading to the arena for his trail by combat.
Everyone, I'll win this and be back to all, He said in his mind thinking of everyone back in the waiting room. They themselves already departed for the stands for their seats, now he needed to be prepared for what's too come.
Suddenly all the guards around him stopped and suddenly bent the knee. Standing in front of them Was none other then Aphrodite wearing her signature white dress that showed much cleavage and hugged all the right places on her body. Seeing who this was Leon bent the knee as well to show his respects and not look foolish.
Just a small giggle escaped through her soft pink lips as she waved her hands "Appreciate it but there is no need for that right now."
Her kind words made everyone stand up once more keeping a straight posture. "My Goddess Aphrodite, we were escorting Leon Alexander to the Stadium, do you require need of us?"
"No not me but someone else wishes to see Leon, if you'd please give us a moment to stand guard so no interruptions happen I would be very grateful."
They all didn't need to be told twice and did as she asked bowing in respect then turned around standing side to side blocking off the area.
"Goddess Aphrodite is something going on?" Leon asked with a puzzled look of confusion.
"Be at ease young one you are not in any kind of trouble. Someone not from our realm wishes to see you for a moment." Aphrodite walked to his side pointing her hands.
Where she pointed was at a man leaning against the wall with his arms folded smirking. His hair was two shades of color, on the front a shade of gold and the back black. The whole attire appeared to be that of a very long dark red trench coat, professional grey pants, and brown leather shoes. And the last thing that stood out on him was all the straps on his arms, legs, and waist with some lowered down to his pants.
"Yo, so your the newcomer they call Leon I've been hearing about. Introductions need to made of course, names Azazel, the leader of the fallen angels that's one of the three factions."
He shouldn't be surprised but yet was since this was the first time Leon had ever seen an angel, or at least a fallen one, and this guy standing before him claims to be there leader.
"Sorry if I sound rude but why would the leader of the fallen angels be here? Especially to meet someone like me who's only been in this realm for almost a month."
Azazel chuckled getting off the wall and walked right up to him. "Your more important then you think kid especially that sacred gear you have." He could see the shocked look on Leon's face and immediately explained his knowledge. "Don't worry I haven't been stalking you or anything, you could say your Olympian King Zeus told me about you."
That was a relief off Leon's mind, he knew he caught a lot of people's attention given his sacred gear he possessed but having a stalker stalk him for it was is going way too far.
"I see well that's huge relief haha." Leon laughed off the idea though it felt extremely awkward.
"But you have a match incoming so I can't stay for stay. Think of this as a last minute check up from someone who's a bit of an expert on sacred gears. If you could show me for sex please?"
Leon looked at Aphrodite for second to see if she approved of this, her nod and smile was more then enough to say it was okay. Extending his right hand he summoned his scared gear and materialized one of his swords that contained the power of the Chimera he obtained in the outskirts.
Immediately like a scientist who just discovered something knew to study Azazel looked over the gear left and right. Both the gauntlet and sword he felt and whistled.
"I'll admit this much in all my years Leon your sacred gear is a first I've ever seen."
"So there's been none like mine?" Leon asked.
"Well there are a few that can create swords but yours I've never seen before. Honestly can't tell if that old man made it in secret or I've been slacking on my awareness. Ah, by old man I mean God, the God I'm sure your familiar with."
Aphrodite who stayed silent to let him concentrate finally chimed in "Do you believe this sacred gear will effect Leon in some way."
Azazel scratched his chin deep in thought but spoke it out loud "Without much information I can't say, but luckily it hasn't affected his health in anyway. I can hope whenever he goes balance breaker he'll still be alright."
Balance breaker, that word caught the young man's his interest.
"Balance breaker?"
"Yeah, to put it simply it's an evolution all sacred gears go through when experiencing through strong emotions or a change in ones nature."
Leon was told by Gaia that he hadn't scratched the surface of what his gear could do and now he knew there was more to improve on.
"But anyway I've taken up much of your time kid. You got a trial by combat to do after all, hopefully we'll meet up again soon."
With those final words Azazel patted Leon on the shoulders, bowed to Aphrodite to show his respects, and walked past the guards.
"Well then that takes care of that." Aphrodite smiled at Leon "Now off you go and good luck." She turned around and summoned a teleportation, it's destination to the stadium.
All the guards once again walked in place as they once did around him and guided him towards the gates for his match that would decide his fate.
Olympia Colosseum
Over a thousand spectators came to see this trial by combat between Heracles the holder of the original Heracles who completed his labors; and Leon the reincarnated newcomer who must prove his innocence here and now.
This Olympia Stadium has been used, built, and remodeled over countless centuries. Many have either proven victorious and fallen here, either way many times over blood will be spilled.
To the very north side of the stadium in seated rows from left to right sat the twelve gods of Olympus pantheon. Right in the very middle on two marble throne seats were the king and queen of Olympus, Zeus and Hera. The only one not present was the god of the underworld Hades, while he had to attend the trial from before this trial now was something he need not attend. Though Poseidon tried to convince to attend Hades refused seeing it as a waste of time.
"I see Hades has decided to not attend this moment in history for our realm." Artemis said looking at the empty throne seat where Hades would've sat.
Poseidon sighed pinching the bridge of his nose "I tried to convince brother to come but you know how he gets when he refuses to do something."
"Hmph, his absence will not effect this trial by combat in the slightest. Let him sulk in whatever he thinks is important," Said Hephaestus crossing his arms but was glad not to be around the god of the dead.
"Now now husband there is no need to get worked up, let us have our attention return to the stadium," Aphrodite smiled knowing it was enough to get Hephaestus out of a bad mood.
"Did that Azazel see anything strange in Leon?" Hera said to Aphrodite her had gotten back minutes ago.
"He detects nothing wrong within him my Queen Hera. Though I must admit I was surprised you allowed him to come to our realm despite that little incident in Athens."
The goddess of Love remembered hearing about what happened, she was quite surprised but let it happen since Hera seemed to have slightly moved on from it.
"He will have a lot of answers to explain for that mishap in due time. For now though our attention is here."
"I would do the same thing in your shoes my friend, though my husband may not have been too calm about it."
Freyja finally arrived took her seat just a few inches away from her old friend Hera. Hearing the conversation she gave her opinion on the matter comfortably in her seat.
"I would imagine so, still that fallen angel despite his laid back comical emotions, he wouldn't be so stupid to try and anger the all father." Said Athena who'd been listening in on the conversation.
Anyone who knew the all father knew not to anger someone with overwhelming strength that could kill you in a matter of seconds. Even with Zeus it was foolish to get on his bad side less one would like to have ever last part of their body disintegrated by his lightning.
"Same with your father Athena, I do say he will have a lot of questions for Azazel in due time." Frejya chuckled at the thought of someone with a bit of a smart mouth like Azazel being nervous in front of either her husband or Zeus.
On the far left side of the stadium sat Elais, Cora, Achillia, Hecuba, Bennia, and many of the students from class along with Mrs. Sophia sat in the front row seats. With Hera allowing it all the class members had unfolded a very large paper with words written, "We believe in you Leon! Win this battle and prove your Innocence!".
Almost all of the author people looked on with either amusement or confused looks.
This was what the group had made in order to give a huge confident and Moral boost to Leon, having his friends and classmates cheer him on with a big sign made him all the more determined to win this. It may have been little but the smallest things can be the most biggest and important to someone.
Chatter was at large from the waiting on this fight, most thought who could win, whole others made bets of someone would die today. This wasn't entirely uncommon for events such as these just that to treat this like an afternoon evening was looked down upon by many, especially the gods who ruled this realm.
But the wait soon came to end and down below gates from the left and right side opened upwards. From the right came Heracles in traditional bronze armor for the chest and legs. The one thing that stood out was what was binded on his arms. Two pairs of Cestus in hard leather straps all the way up his arms, these were commonly used in the old days of Greece in gladiatorial arenas for fist fighting. On his knuckles where iron, these however were far harder then the iron back in the mortal realm. The iron studs were that of brass knuckles to deal heavy damage to any unlucky person who was to get hit.
And from the left out came Leon in traditional bronze greek armor as well except he was surrounded by guards from the front and back. As pur the rules set he must be guided out to the arena under watch.
"You got this Leon!" Said Elais raising his fist in the air.
"Show your fighting spirit!" Said Cora and this caught nearly all of the class surprised as they'd never seen her yell like this before.
"Knock him flat on his ass dude!" Bennia said being silly as ever yet it was the kind that was supportive.
"Win this Leon and comeback!" Yelled Achillia waving her arms.
Leon looked up almost with some tears in his eyes, never before had he had so many people support him. Yelling out loud wasn't need for her waved back talking in his mind *I'll make sure this trust isn't wasted*
Both came to a stop 20 feet apart from one another, the sounds of thousands of people talking they could hear all around. Leon couldn't help but be a little nervous having so many eyes on him, Heracles however thought this was a good for him showing off his strength.
More then a few seconds passed and all fell silent in the stadium. Zeus stood up and everyone knew to be silent and let their Olympian King of the God's speak.
"Today is a day that will be remembered for generations. Today is a day that will decide the fate Leon Alexander, newcomer of this realm who shall fight to prove his innocence. And for the fate of Heracles that should he be victorious gain the blessings and benefits of your queen Hera."
His hand then turned towards frejya having all eyes lay on her. For many this was the first time they've seen a god from another pantheon. Many men and women couldn't deny how beautiful she was, had she been single anyone brave enough would try to court her even at the thought of failing.
"Frejya from the Norse mythology, an honored guest that has come to witness this trial by combat."
Standing tall for everyone to see she waved her hands and smiled at everyone. "I'm honored to be allowed here in your realm and to be a witness to your ways. May your gods bless you here and the next." She said before sitting back down.
"Well said." Zeus's attention now returned back to the arena, both individuals staring up at him. With one hand he signaled the guards to leave and close the gates. "The rule are simple, either one of you defeats the other, or kills."
Leon and Heracles bowed there heads to his words. Now each other looked at one another from afar, staring down ready to begin.
The king of the gods took his seat and raised his hand over his head staring at them both before yelling out "FIGHT!"
It didn't take long for the hulking giant Heracles to charge at Leon full force like a speeding train. The force enough to kick up dirt from behind him he was like a juggernaut. Leon however stood his ground getting into the stance materializing his sacred gear, the sword with the power of the chimera materializing for all to see.
"Think a sword will be enough to cut me down? Give me a break!" He yelled out winding his fist with brass knuckles.
Almost like a mini earthquake happening his brass knuckles slammed into the ground, Leon just in the nick of time side stepped out of the way. But the hulking giant wasn't finish, using his other arm he swung at him almost like his attempt was to backhand him right the face.
"I don't this so!"
Keeping watch of ones movements was very much instilled in Leon's brain, he used his sword to parry the iron part of the brass knuckles. Heracles not finished continue his assault punching back and forth but Leon while backing up kept his sword up to parry his attacks.
"Is that all you got? Pathetic!"
Heracles now used both his knuckles in one blow hitting the ground kicking up dirt to obscure his vision. But the sacred gear weilder wasn't about to give him a chance to hide and with the flames of chimera on his sword he slashed the dust away.
But to his surprise Heracles charged forward at him, the dust wasn't only to obscure his vision but he knew he'd slash away too see clearly and in that moment the hulking giant lunged forward with one brass knuckle Cetus nearing his face.
Everyone of his friends gasped or winced at the thought of being hit by those. But those thoughts were put away, as if by some miracle Leon's instincts kicked in just time to move his head a few inches to the side avoiding the blow. In that moment an opportunity opened that had to be taken, the sword powered by the chimera was swung up wards slashing at Heracles chest. Though he managed to move back in time it wasn't enough to avoid it and now he had a slash on his armor burning from the attack.
"Way to close for comfort!!!" Elais said breathing a sigh of relief.
"Just like that Leon always watch his movements, never meet him head on too much." Achillia said smirking seeing the guy she's trained follow her teachings.
"Don't meet him head on? But how will he get a hit in?" Cora asked having no experience in combat.
Hecuba more then glad answered her question. "Leon may have improved but compared to his strength to Heracles he still falls up short. So instead he's watching how that big muscle for brains moves, looking for any openings to strike." All the info Cora needed to understand what her friend was trying to accomplish.
The young sacred gear user couldn't help but smirk at the being able to make his opponent.oke back just like how he did to him. "Just like you Heracles I won't make this easy cause I plan to win."
Hera couldn't be more proud to watch the man she reincarnated use his head in battle rather then just brawns. Even Frejya who's eye's we're so glued to the arena had be impressed, from looks alone she could tell Heracles had the advantage on strength but Leon made up for that using strategies.
"I must say whoever trained that young man did a good on making be flexible with his decisions in battle." Frejya said clapping her hands in enjoyment.
"You can thank Achillia for that for she was more hands on then I." Athena said pointing to Achillia in the stadium showing her location.
"Color me surprised, to improve this much in only a week in the outskirts I dare say that Leon is no longer a what do they call it... newbie?" Hermes snapped his fingers remembering the words though this made Hera pinch the brow of her nose at his jokes.
Hades however scoffed at all this praise they were doing "Don't think just because he dodged and got one hit that the fights decided. This is till the beginning."
"Haha so serious Hades even while not in battle." Frejya said looking up at Hades then back down at the fight. "But you are correct, the fight is only just beginning and the outcome is still far away."
Heracles slightly touched the slash on his armor feeling the heat coming off it. So hot was the mark is burned the skin on his fingers, had it not been for the armor his torso would feel like it's on fire.
"Tch, lucky shot rodent." He furrowed his brow at him. Cracking his knuckles now forgetting about the small smoke coming from his armor.
"I saw an opening and I took it, good thing I was taught by the best." Leon pointed his sword at him and talking almost like he wanted to antagonize him.
Though his words weren't unheard from Achillia, just a small slight blush was across her face because she knew he was talking about him. Bennia would point out she saw her little embarrassing moment but now wasn't time, that and would not want a pissed off Spartan chasing her.
"Let's see you keep up that attitude with your face bashed in!"
Once again the hulking giant of a warrior rushed at Leon this time with more aggressive strikes. Again and again his fist clashed with the sword making sparks and smalls bits of ember fly through the air.
"Block all you want but you'll get tired eventually rodent."
"Who says I'll keep blocking?"
With those final words Leon saw a small opening and took it once more. It seemed Heracles armor would be getting another marking but surprising the young man he let it happen. But that was what he wanted, to get close enough to get a hit in and he did with his right arm he punched the bronze around the torso.
"Ack!" Even with armor on Leon could feel the force behind that punch. It was enough to push him multiple feet back crashing on the ground.
His friends gasped at the sight of such a blow, even Hera's eyes widen and almost got up from her chair. Most of the crowd even winced at how much that had to hurt even with armor on.
"Hehe your guard was open there." Heracles smirked at his direct hit. Even though his armor now had another slash and more steam coming off it making it more hotter he still refused to acknowledge it.
"D-Damn, even with the armor...on," Leon said slowly getting up. Looking down he could see a fist shape on his armor, it hurt but it could've hurt worse with it.
"Come on you can do this Leon..." A slightly concerned Achillia mumbled under her breathe.
"Hmph I'm far from done!"
Leon stood tall and dashed at his opponent, both hands his blade he swung at Heracles who responded fighting back yet this time he didhed more and more; though he preferred a head on battle he now seemed to be more warry of the flames of the chimera coming the young opponents blade.
Not holding the blade to tightly but not to lightly the sacred gear user parried as best he could from the brass knuckles, each one nearly coming into contact with his body that managed to get through his defense.
"I've faced swords and spears weilded by mighter warrios with these celtus, eveb with that sacred gear you come up short." Those were the last words before he aimed a right hook at Leon.
Even with the energy the sacred gear user had that last blow managed to do a number on him; he managed dodge Heracles blows but only by a bit as it managed to grave his cheek that still hurt.
"Don't let that meathead beat you Leon! Show him your might!" Elais yelled as loud as he could which made the rest cheer louder as well.
Heracles with the quickness of both his celtus caught Leon's blades and held it tightly. Though the fire still burned hr grinnned almost like a maniac showing he could handle the pain. Leon tried to pull his blade free but it was as if it was stuck between two heavy objects that weighed over a ton.
"Loud obnoxious morons you got cheering for you rodent. I'll enjoy watching their faces, especially that stupid woman Achillia as I beat you into the dirt hahah."
CLANG
That was the loud sound that echoed throughout the stadium, everyone looked on with wide eyes at the scene in the arena.
Blood shot into the air from none other then Heracles, he found himself on his back a few feet away from Leon with a bruised cheek and a bloody nose.
The shield made by Hephaestus was out for all too see shining in the sunlight making it glow. In his arrogant rambling the young man took the opportunity to unleash his shield from the armor wrist band and bashed the hulking giant right on his face.
"Don't you DARE badmouth my friends!" Leon said holding his left arm with his shield.
His ears ringing, nose bleeding, and his head dazed Heracles slowly looked up to see what hit him. "That design, you damn cheater!!!" Slowly he got to his feet and wiped away the blood with his arm while gritting his teeth.
"Technically I'm not cheating Heracles. You see, this is a gift Hephaestus gave me long before I was ever put on trial; and the rules state you cannot receive special magic or weapons while the trial is on going. I hope you can put two and two together." Leon smirked and the surprised yet angry Heracles.
"Hahahaha I was wondering when he'd finally use it! The boy did it in a spectacular fashion." Hephaestus gave a belly hardened laugh while clapping his hands.
Aphrodite giggled at the sight of her proud husbands work finally being shown off for all to see. The amount of work he put into it she and all the other gods could see it's hardened design that could smash the toughest of items.
"The craftsmanship on that shield is as good as the dwarves back home. One day we must see you both work Hephaestus." Frejya said to the proud god of blacksmithing.
"He seems to be wielding it far better then when he first got it. The boy has truly improved," said an impressed Zeus.
"Now that looked like it hurt but was very satisfying," Bennia said very much amused at the scene. "Still though I'm surprised he decided to use the shield now."
"Leon was testing the waters, seeing how Heracles fought was the first thing he did that's why he didn't use his shield until now. And given the fact how shocked he is, Leon took the opportunity to surprise him with something he didn't expect." Achillia explained to the young reaper.
"Very good tactical skills there, if he keeps that up maybe one day he could lead armies." Hecuba said while she smirked at the idea.
"Well that's what he gets for talking too much," Said Cora pushing up her glasses.
"There you go Leon hit him where it hurts!" The cheering Elais yelled out full of excitement for all to see.
Suddenly the sword that had the flames of the chimera started to slowly power down with all of it's energy used up. "Already? Well I did use up a lot," Leon said looking at it.
Heracles started to grin knowing the power that had burned his armor and his hands was now gone. This seemed like his opponent's upper hand was now gone and the win was in his grasp.
"Looks like you ran out of juice rodent, you should've known better to think you'd be able to beat me with power that goes away over time."
Without saying a word and breaking eye contact Leon extended his right arm fitted with his sacred. Everyone who didn't know was in for a surprise; the sword that contained the strength of the nemean Lion from the outskirts materialized in his hands shining s golden hue.
"What!?" A surprised Heracles said out loud not having seen or known his opponent had another blade.
Freyja herself was intrigued at this new power she saw, having not been told by Hera or Athena this was unknown to the queen of Valkyries until now. "Well know this is very interesting indeed. Seems the outskirts you sent him on helped to achieve new power."
"Indeed it has, now we shall witness what it can do," Said Athena.
"I had to defeat a Nemean Lion to get this, it pushed me well beyond my limits but I did. And now I'll be using this power to beat you." Leon pointed his sword at him with a serious expression.
"Tch! Your full of surprises I'll admit that much, but your not the only one with something up their sleeves."
His brass knuckles pounded together ina fist pump making a loud clang sound. Suddenly they both began to show writings that glowed an orange hue. The celtus grew bigger, it's metal pieces splitting into double pieces around his arms while the metal part on his knuckles looked like it was melting but that was not the case; it began to cover his fingers and harden encasing them in iron. His brass knuckles like weaponry was upgraded to do far mare lethal damage then before.
Heracles himself had no magical properties but this weapon he had with help embedded with magic to give him more power in his offense.
"When did he get that!!? Isn't that cheating?" Elais said in a frustrated tone.
"Doubtful dummy, otherwise the gods would have intervened by now," Cora chimed in to calm her friend down.
Leon looked over the weapon from afar trying to think on how to handle this situation, I need to be extra careful around that, if his regular Cetus could make fist sized dent in my armor then this powered up version could practically punch. through and likely shatter my bones.
This inner thought had to be cut short, Heracles again fist pumped his upgraded celtus together making it start to vibrate. "Let's see if your power can withstand this." Both fist pointing at the sacred gear user now an orange light glowed around his knuckles and once bright enough shot out a magical blast the size of his arms straight forward.
Leon responded in kind holding out his left arm and summoned a magic spell of earth he had learned during his time with Gaia. Though he didn't excel much in magic like many other spellcaster in the realm of Olympus he knew the basics to use as much power as needed to fire off a strong enough magic blast.
BOOM
Both powers hitting one another resulted in a huge explosion, dirt and debris flew high into the air. The crowd cheered in excitement, there hearts beating faster at the power shown.
That was not the last, Heracles fired off more blast through the dust slightly pushing it away. Leon thinking fast dodged left and right until he fired his own in a barrage attack.
Most either hit one another exploding on contact or managed to get close to their targets. Both men kept moving, dodging, and firing at one another for almost a minute until Leon decided it was time to close the gap between his opponent.
Slashing his sword down on the ground with the power behind it he created a shockwave going full straight ahead while it kicked up dirt.
"This is nothing!" Heracles shouted.
Both fist slammed onto the ground stopping the attack in it's tracks. It was in that moment with both his arms on the ground Leon appeared above him. He'd used this opportunity to get in close and swung his blade downwards aimed for his shoulders.
His blade instead hit Heracles celtus blocking the attack but with the strength of a nemean Lion from the outskirts in the blade the force was stronger then he imagined. The power was enough to push the powered up celtus down onto the ground once more shocking the tall warrior.
Still he was not done and used his free arm to punch Leon in his abdomen again, but his swing was not as fast enough with one arm grounded which gave the Leon just enough time to block with his shield. Still the force behind the punch made Leon get pushed away.
"You...huh?" The holder of the original Heracles spirit looked down at one of his celtus that had blocked the sword to see a large dent on it. "How? There's no way you could have improved this much to be able to dent these!" He yelled with his face getting red and a vein forming on his forehead.
"I had to push myself to the limit every single day I was in the outskirts. I promised I wouldn't waste a single day there and I made sure to keep that self promise." Leon yelled back pointing his sword at him with a stoic face. I've used up a lot of energy, I need to make a decisive blow that'll put him down for good, He said in his mind, though he managed to get good hits in he could feel his stamina getting lower as the battle went on.
"Grrrr, I'll make sure you wish for a quick death!"
Those were rhe last words before Heracles slammed his fist onto the ground but this time was different; this fist slam was to shoot himself high into the air.
"What the!!?" Leon said surprised he could do that.
Everyone else was just as quite surprised at this new display from the arrogant warrior. Finally he came to stop high enough above looking down below.
Slowly he fell back down but not before he fist pumped his celtus four times charging it up to it's limit of how much power it could store. From the sight below if you were to look up it would seem like a comet is falling towards you or at least in veru close proximity.
"Not good!" Leon jumped far back getting as much distance as possible.
"Everyone better hold onto something!" Bennia called out holding onto Elais back making him look at her with a puzzled look since technically she could float.
On impact Heracles slammed his fist on the ground resulting in a violent shaking that felt like an earthquake. Everyone even the gods and goddesses shook in their seats from the violent rumbling, some spectators even fell off their seats unable to keep their balance. To make matters more extreme the dirt flew high up to the point it was now able to reach everyone. Hera with a single hand deployed her powerful magic into a barrier over the people keeping the dirt and debris from hitting them.
"Well now he certainly has new tricks up his sleeves doesn't he?" Hermes said quite impressed with the display of power.
"Jeez does he not think we might get effected as well!!?" An angry Elais yelled out shaking his fist.
"He definitely is willing to go far to show what he can do," Hecuba shook her head in annoyance.
Leon had to plunge his sword into the ground to keep himself from getting blown back into the wall. If it hadn't been for his Nemean Lion sword he wouldn't have been able to hold on for so long, but now he had a new problem and that was that his field of vision was nothing but dirt in the air all around him. Even looking up he couldn't see his friends, the Olympian gods, or anyone else in the stands.
"I see he was doing he wants to totally obscure my vision with all this dirt, dammit I can barely see and it's getting into my eyes!" Leon said wiping his eyes as they watered.
Standing still was not to happen as suddenly a shot of orange energy came towards him. He couldn't dodge with it being so close so instead blocked with his shield.
"Look at you barely able to see, nothing but an easy target."
Heracles voice called out in a mocking tone enjoying having the upper hand once more.
"Let's see how much a beating you can take."
Again and again from all directions the blast from his celtus hit Leon. Unable to see where it was coming from he was at it mercy barely able to defend against it. His own armor and skin that wasn't covered became bruised or burned from the attacks, each blast felt like he was getting hit with a fireball that seemed like it was heavy.
From the stands it was like a light show in the arena, light after light shines through the airborne dirt. Many were left in suspense unable to see who was firing the shots and if anyone was getting hit by this barrage.
"Ack! Darn it..I can't keep taking these attacks. If only...wait...just maybe!" Though he couldn't see around him Leon called out into the dirt covered air "The mighty Heracles who's suppose to be the mighty warrior in Greek hides himself from?"
The blast stopped and coming after it was the laugh of Heracles "I don't need to hide from a rodent like you, your just that fun to torment."
"A warrior torments someone? Guess that means your no warrior at all unless you have the guts to face me up close and personal!"
"Hmph, gladly!"
With those final words the arrogant celtus wearing warrior appeared in front of Leon. Without able to move an inch the sacred gear user found himself pulled a few inches in the air; his throat seezed by the giant hands of his opponent squeezing tightly.
"Ack...ack...," Leon tried to gasp for air while struggling in the iron like grip of Heracles.
"Hahaha, ask and you shall receive rodent. I'll enjoy watching the life get snuffed out of you slowly." Heracles grinned almost like a maniac enjoying having someone's life in the palm of his hands.
"Y-You...you..."
"I shall be the one to blessed by Hera, me, the one who holds the spirit of the original Heracles! Not some newcomer who hasn't been in this realm as long as I have."
It seemed like this was the final moment in the fight, but luck seemed to be watching over Leon. He grinned at Heracles and this caused an eyebrow to be raised.
"Your arrogance...makes you...blind!"
Suddenly he grabbed a hold of the celtus that had a huge dent in it and summoned a fire spell. This managed to get into contact with the hulking giants flesh and burn it on contact.
"Aaaaaaggghhhh!!!!"
He screamed in pain letting go Leon who dropped on the ground finally able to breathe air into his lungs though he had to cover it so no dirt was breathed in.
If Achillia or Athena could see right now they'd be proud at what he did next and that was during Heracles arm burning his defense was incredibly lowered and that was just enough for him to slash the nemean blade downwards across the entire chest plate. It was powerful enough to cut through to the point it reached the chest and blood started to leak.
"Aaaah! Dammit! Damn you!!!" Heracles shouted out loud in more pain then before while on one knee, his entire hands were covered in his blood trying to push on his wounds to stop an excessive bleeding.
He didn't get the chance to get fully on both his feet as Leon followed up with a mighty shield bash to his face, this time however he managed to break Heracles nose, making him fall back onto once knee but closer to the ground and using his none burned arm to hold his severely bleeding nostril. Part of his shield now had some blood from the arrogant warriors noes, a good show of how strong and durable the gift of Hephaestus was capable of.
Soon the dust finally cleared and all in the stands looked on to see Leon standing before Heracles, it was almost as if Leon was the king and Heracles was the servant bowing to his king.
"Look! Heracles seems to be in serious pain." Elais pointed out.
"Whatever happened while we couldn't see Leon somehow got the upper hand and now seems victory will be in his favor," Achillia said with a bright smile on her face.
"The child has done a number on him, I say this will result in his victory," an intrigued Freyja said.
Leon's sword pointed directly at his face "I don't wanna kill you Heracles, tap out and this will be over."
"Huff...huff... if you think...this is over..." Heracles looked up grinning at the young man who stood before him. His fist clenched tightly, his body began to glow, and yelled out "Your in for a rude AWAKENING!!!!"
An explosion appeared seemingly between both men but one was being blown back straight into the wall and it was Leon.
The audience went silent for a moment, an explosion happening in the arena? All assumed it was the work of his celtus but that was quickly thrown out the window at the sight before all.
His own celtus was on the ground but not whole, instead in small broken pieces scattered all over the arena.
"What in the Hades was that!!?" Yelled out Bennia just as shocked as everyone else.
"Did his celtus overload and blew up on him? If so serves him right!" Said Elais hoping his idea was correct.
"Doubtful Elais. His arms should be completely charged and unusable, yet look at them." Hecuba pointed out.
She was correct, while he still had a red mark from the burn Leon gave him on his right arm both were not charged black. No, both seemed to be still functioning enough to keep the muscles moving.
"Then what happened!? Heracles doesn't know any type of magic, hell he doesn't use any but his fist unless...no...," Achillia's eyes widened at the idea she got.
"Last time I checked he doesn't have magic!?" Hera said just as shocked as Leon's friends.
"Correct he doesn't, this most definitely seems to be the power of a sacred gear." Athena answered Hera. "If I remember correctly that is called the Variant Detonation, the sacred gear that triggers an explosion on contact whether by the user or from getting hit."
"A sacred gear that can trigger explosions from contact? This definitely is a very powerful and dangerous weapon," said Frejya.
Leon barely managed to get out of the wall struggling to catch his breathe, that attack managed to knock the wind out of him badly. But what stuck out was his burned armor and skin that that wasn't covered up. "Ugh...what the...Hades...was that?"
"Hehehe your not the only one who wields a sacred gear rodent. Honestly I wanted to first use this power against the mighty gods, to prove my worth, but you've forced my hands." Heracles said finally getting up wiping the blood from his broken nose.
"Dammit...this makes things more difficult." Leon struggled to get up on his feet having to use his blade as leverage to stand tall once again. "But I'm not through yet!"
"Good, struggle until you finally die by hands it'll make this all the more sweeter!"
Leon dashed at him with all his might but the holder of the original spirit stood there. He's not moving? His arrogance knows no bounds, he said before swinging his blade at him.
It seemed like Heracles had given up but that was not the case, as soon as the blade hit him another explosion happen and Leon was sent flying back hard on the ground.
"Leon!!!" Yelled out Achillia from the stands.
"The power of Variant Detonation is not to be taken likely. Whether the user hits or gets hit an explosion will happen." Athena said to Hers who was slowly squeezing the edge of her seat not liking thr sight before her.
Slowly walking towards his opponent the now known sacred gear user Heracles laughs cracking his knuckles, it was like a carnivore had finally gotten to his prey and was ready to inflict the killing blow.
"Do you understand now? From the very beginning I wasn't going all on you, no matter what tricks you have up your sleeves you will never be able to beat the power I have."
Weakly Leon looks up at him staring him down and spat out blood from his mouth "Think I care what power you have? I won't l..."
He was cut off as he saw Heracles lift up his feet and aimed it at his head. Quickly thinking he unleashed his shield to block which was successfully but at the same time came at cost.
Soon his heart sank at seeing his Nemean lion sword power down to it's regular appearance and along with the feeling if power draining from his body.
"Aaaah!" Because it was closer to the ground the explosion blew more wider hurdling Leon back towards the wall.
He couldn't take much more of this beating, hitting him would only cause an explosion and blocking would only reault in being thrown back violently.
"N-No...I...promised...I would...come back" He could barely stand only now able to be on both his knees.
"An empty promise from a pathetic rodent. You will die here knowing you failed everyone." Heracles pulled his fist back ready to make the killing blow.
"Get up Leon!"
"You can't lose here dammit!"
"You can find a way!"
Elais, Cora, Bennia, and the rest of his class shouted at the top of their lungs. Hecuba could tell her old friend Achillia was done watching and about to jump down to save the boy she had trained and gotten to know over the weeks.
"I can barely move...dammit, I need to move... and survive!" Leon's eyes widen at the approaching fist and pulled up his blade in a fiend attempt to block.
Closing his eyes he eyese he braced for the incoming explosion, but nothing happened, in fact to his shock he felt fully healed. All the wounds he suffered was gone.
"I'm alive and...healed!? Wait a minute where am I?"
His entire surrounding was that of space, galaxies all around him he seemed to be actually in space, breathing in fact.
"This place, I think...I remember it. From my dream."
Finally we can meet face to face
"Huh?"
A ball of light sparking beautifully appeared out of nowhere in front of leon.
I've waited so long to be able to do this, for you to finally be able to hear my voice clearly Leon Alexander
Slowly the light sparkled away revealing a woman, the hair was a light shade of purple with what appeared to be an ornament headband. Her attire was that of a toga looking dress that fit neatly all around her curves, the top spilt in between showing off her cleavage with little to no imagination. This woman's skin was also a beautiful silky smooth looking white skin, one could assume at first sight she kept a very good hygiene. All in all she had the appearance many men and women would consider a goddess, no would actually call her a goddess.
"That voice, I heard it before in my dreams, your the same voice aren't you?"
Indeed it was me, I tried many times to reach out to you but so far away you were. But now in the heat of battle when your will to live shot up I was able to appear before you
After all this time wondering what he was hearing, wondering if someone was trying to make contact the truth was finally revealed.
"All this time since I was reincarnated I worried in the back of mine if I was going insane."
I apologize for making you worry, trying to get into full contact with you was difficult given your strength at the moment
Leon shook his head no smiling at her "Don't be, you were only trying talk to me. I don't know why but I feel like I can feel your kind spirit."
This comment made her giggle in a way it sounded adorable like a school girl giggling over a compliment.
I would certainly hope so
The two laughed with one another until Leon's eyes widen remembering about the fight back in the arena against Heracles.
"Wait my match! I remember Heracles about strike me then I'm hear. Did I..."
The beautiful woman standing before her shook her head no at his question.
You are very much still Alive. We are simply in your mind and in here time moves very fast, to put it simply while we talk Heracles still has his fist aimed at you.
"So kinda like the mind is faster the real world in a way."
Correct though do not mistake it for time being stopped
"I see. Then you must have brought me here to help right? You saw how outmatched I am against him..."
Indeed I have Leon, though I feel I'm not entirely at full strength I have enough to give to help you win.
Holding out her hand she did what Leon did materializing the one and only sword.
"Are you going to give my blades the power of the chimera? Or the Nemean Lion?"
I have something even better. I will give you a portion of my powers, with it this very blade will be fully powered not having to power down and lose what you've gained.
The blade shined a bright purple hue until finally dying down to reveal itself. All of the metal was now a pink color, the markings on it a silver color. It's hilt was black but what stood out was the gem like piece that looked like an amethyst. Leon could feel the power radiating off his new blade, he felt not only stronger but more confident he could do this.
"Thank you," He said before taking ahold of it and looked it all over.
Haha your very much welcome Leon, no go, show that Heracles your new power and your resolve to win
Before returning back into the arena he gave a smile and a thumbs up to the woman who was inside his mind.
Back in the Arena
Everyone one of Leon's friends along with the rest of the audience braced for the worse until an astounding development caught their eyes.
"What the!!?"
Heracles fist was stopped in it's tracks by a purple aura from none other the Leon's new blade. Looking up with a serious expression Leon glared at him with renewed conviction.
"I said I was gonna survive and return to my friends, and I meant it!"
The aura around the blade suddenly expand rapidly until it burst, the arrogant warrior get pushed back violently.
"Well now this is certainly a turn of events!" Hermes said leaning forward in his seat.
To be shocked was an understatement for the young man, the idea of someday having the power within his blade not go down seemed far away but here it was right in front of him.
"Did he always have that up his sleeve Hera?" Frejya asked to just as confused goddess as she was.
"Not that I'm aware of, it must be the power of his sacred gear." Hera wasn't entirely sure when she said that.
"Wow check out what he's got now," said a Bennia who leaned in closer.
"I knew he wouldn't be out of the fight just yet!" Elais jumped for joy at the sight of his friend standing back up.
"Leon...," Achillia who was ready to jump down stopped and looked on with amazement.
A groggy Heracles slowly got up on his feet rubbing the back of his forehead "Ugh...just what the hell was that?"
"You can thank this right here," Leon pointed his sword at him "I won't lose here, not to the likes of you!"
Gritting his teeth the enraged holder of the original spirit of Heracles stomped his feet in the ground cracking the surface.
"You just don't know when to lay down and die!!!"
Like a bull enrage he charged at the new and improved opponent, him in return charges as well readying both blade and shield.
Fist and sword clashed together resulting in a explosion but this time it didn't hit Leon. The very blade blocked the attack as if it had split it in half.
"What!!?"
"I told you I will survive this!"
An opening was ready and available so Leon took it by shield bashing Heracles right on his stomach. Though that resulted in another explosion the very durable shield of Hephaestus managed to push the force back enough that it knocked the wind out of his lunges.
"Ack! Damn you!!!" He slammed his fist down on the ground but Leon jumped back in time avoiding the attack that created a smoking crater.
No wanting to let up Leon dashed right back at him swinging left and right at an irate warrior who swung back. Everytime fist and blade connected with one another the results were the same with the aura blocking the explosion, each swing seemed to split the attack in half slightly cutting his flesh again and again.
"What's going? It's like Leon's blade is won't allow the explosion to hit him?" Bennia asked.
"That very well seems to be the case. Do you see the aura radiating off his weapon? It seems to be what's keeping that brutes explosions from touching him." Hecuba chimed in.
"He just needs to get a good hit to put Heracles down for good." Said Cora with her eyes glued on the fighting.
Hurry Leon, your body isn't fully adjusted to this new power and I fear you'll lose too much energy to the point you'll power down from your sacred gear
Understood!!!
"I'll blow your damn head off rodent!" The pissed off Heracles yelled out winding his fist back and moving forward to aim for the head.
Ducking under a vicious right hook Leon bent down just enough to shield bash him once under his chin nearly breaking the jaw bone. Luckily with his shield in hand he was able to cover from the attack though was pushed back.
"Ack!!!!" He staggered back holding his jaw while blood poured from his. Once he removed his hands there was a large bruise covered in blood, he panted hard growling at how he was being beaten and humiliated.
"It's time to end this, I'll make sure you don't get back up!" Leon yelled at the top of his lunges giving it everything he has for this one last attack.
Heracles could barely move and simply stood his ground clenching his fist so tightly they bled. Both threw their last attacks at one another, everyone stared in suspense at who was to be victorious.
Though Leon ducked his slightly out of the way Heracles fist managed to graze his face, an explosion should have happened but it did not touch him. His sword had pierced right through the shoulders of the holder of variant detonation. The explosion that should have gone outwards blew right back on the wielder engulfing the entire body, the purple sword did it's job blocking off the attack.
"AAAAAAGGGHHHH!!!!!"
Those finale screams were soon met with silence as the arrogant warrior Heracles stood there with his skin burned, hair a complete mess, and the least of whatever armor he had on blown off.
"D...Damn...you...new...comer..." Were his final words before slumped backwards falling to the ground now unconscious.
"Huff...huff...I told...you...I'd...do it." Leon's power had finally run it's course and feeling the immense stamina drop his scared gear disappeared returning to his body.
"H-He did it!!!"
"He beat Heracles!"
"The newcomer won!"
Many in the stands said looking at one another then back down. Everyone soon stopped as Zeus stood from his throne with a hand raised. "Heracles is unconscious and unable to continue. There for I hereby declare Leon Alexander the winner and through the rules of this trial by combat proven his innocence!"
Everyone in the stands stood up and cheered "LEON! LEON! LEON!" The young man himself who through the odds beat Heracles put up his fist even when he was very out of breathe.
"Haha that's my student!" Yelled out Achillia not embarrassed at her shouting. Hecuba hadn't seen her in such an outburst mood and was glad practically encouraging her.
Even the gods stood tall honoring the outcome of this fight, Hera and Athena being the most proud and very excited of his victory clapped their hands.
But there was one more person who had watched the trial from start to finish and that was none other then Gaia. Through an orb that had sat next Hera's throne she was able to see Leon's victory, "I knew you could do it Leon, not only win but discover the power hidden within you. I do say you'll go far in your journey young one," she said with a bright smile of joy.
Above the stadium
A robed hooded figure stood a top the stadium looking down at everyone cheering at thr outcome. What stood out was it being half colored on each side, right side being black white, while the left being white and purple.
The figure spoke with the voice that of a male "And so you finally opened the path to greater power. I truly do wonder how long you'll be able to survive until you reach your destiny Leon Alexander."With those final words the figure turns around and disappears instantly to who knows where.
Leon has emerged victorious against Heracles and proven his innocence. At the same time he now knows a spirit is what he felt inside him this whole time. What future will the two have as they move forward and who is this mysterious person who watches Leon? More to come in the next chapter of DxD Blades of Destiny.
Wanted to say thank you to everyone who likes and follows this story it motivates me to continue the story.
