Chapter 6

Goll took a deep breath, This was happening, and she wasn't backing down.
Cu chulainn sat across from her… Though she was adament this would be t he time, she was nervous…
What if she messed up? What if she couldn't synchronize with him properly…
This was her first time having any bond outside of her family! So much could go wrong!

"Are ya ready?" He asked, offering his hand to her. "Do you trust me?"
"Yes," She said, she would take it and close her eyes, Wondering how this whole ordeal was supposed to feel… Would it hurt?
Soon enough, she could feel it, All that he was feeling. And it wasn't what she was expecting…
Sure there were the things he made sure were known at the surfice,

The desire for food and alcohol, The desire of a posse of pretty girls at his side, A desire to fight and win…
And then came the unexpected… Even though she was told what kind of a person Cu was by brunhilde, she couldn't help but to think of him as the charming rascally partyboy she presented him as.

But what she was feeling, Resonating from him…
Sadness, guilt, Righteous anger…
She was told these were the real him, She was told he really was a sad soul… And now she had her confirmation.

Why did he feel this way? She supposed she was about to find out.
She would speak in unison with him. As she forced herself to resonate with his emotions, Herself thinking of her sisters' loss, The guilt of watching idly as they died before her, The anger she felt at the gods, And indeed to a lesser extent, her own sister for allowing things to go so wildly out of hand…

Just as their feelings had synchronized So too did their words, speaking in unison they would commence in the ritual
"May our hearts and fates become one. Divine treasure: Volun-"
There was a loud crash, Distracting them, and breaking their connection.

"Goll!" Hlokk's voice came roaring out. "What are you doing here? In a boy's room! With a boy! Alone!?"
"H-Hey! When you put it that way it sounds so dirty!" Goll shouted back in a more whingey tone.

Reigenlief would sigh. Entering with Hrist
"HLokk, You are the last to be allowed to barge into our dear sister's room. COnsidering how much time you've spent with your own partner all alone…" Making her pout.
Hrist on the otherhand would look at the position Goll and Cu were in. And her 'anger' side would show.
"Just what the hell did we walk in on! Your filthy dog! Unhand my little Goll!" She took step after step closer. Forcing Goll to step between the angry Hrist and the object of her affection.
"I-It's not like that sister! How did you even know i was in here?" Asked Goll standing her ground.
"Brunhilde said that this is where you were when we asked!" Reigenlief spoke.
"And she didn't tell you?"
"Tell us what?" Asked Reigenlief, Being the only one of the three willing to hear her younger sister out.
"I'm going to be Setanta's divine treasure. "Goll said firmly. "And i'm not going to change my mind no matter what you guys say!"
Hlokk looked doubly confused.

"Wait wait wait! First of all, Brunhilde never said anything about you partnering with anyone! And second… Who the hell is Setanta. And what's he got to do with this dumb dog of a man?"
Reigenlief would sigh at her sister's cluelessness.
"Had you spent more time reading my history books than tending to your hair you would know that Setanta was Cu Chulainn's original name. " She said cooly, Making Hlokk Pout.
"Setanta, Cu chulainn… You think we're going to allow you to tie your fate to his? " Asked Hrist with a vein popping from her forehead.

"If my life comes to truly be in danger, I will force her to sever the connection," Cu spoke. "She wished to fight. Just like her big sisters, and I promised I would give her the opportunity. " His voice had a lazy, singsong draw to it. Face having a casual, And ironically, quite catlike quality to it. Between his words and his attitude, They did feel somewhat assured that he was being truthful.

"Ugh! Goll! Sister meeting now!" Hlokk demanded as she took her younger sibling by the hand, leading her forcefully out of the room. And into the hall, Hrist would be the last of the three elder Valkyries out, Giving Cu the classic 'i've got my eye on you' gesture. Before slamming the door so he couldn't eavesdrop.

"Alright!" Hlokk whispershouted. "How close were you to… You know? " She'd press her fingers together, at the tips.
"Eh? What's that supposed to mean?" Asked Goll Blushing.
Reigenlief pinched her nose bridge and spoke up.
"Hlokk, I understand that you are particularly close with your partner… But it's not as though they were about to sleep together, Assuming Goll was telling the truth." She'd turn to Goll"She's referring to the Volundr Ritual."
"Oh!..Well, I could feel what he did… And i was able to synchronize… Then you three barged in."
The three peered over her… She felt their judging eyes.

"What exactly was that pervert feeling?:Asked Hrist. Earning an actual bonafide glare from Goll., the girl was really starting to get annoyed by this.
"Well … All those worldly desires… for one" She saw her sisters about to go apeshit , so she spoke quickly. "But those were shallow. Almost to the point he wasn't feeling them for real."
Hrist could see very clearly her younger sister was being earnest, Just from the way she spoke.
"Go on…" She said, starting to calm down someone. Though not to the point she'd revert to her 'afraid' self.
"He was angry and sad..": She said, taking a deep breath"And you all kept me from seeing why!"she spoke out a bit aggrieved by the fact she was so close
The three older girls would look to each other, with Hrist snapping back to her usual self.

The eldest present would speak.
"Well… Lief and i know why, it's just…"
Goll nodded.
"It's not your place to say, Just like Brunhilde Said. "

The two would nod, Confirming her words as truth.
"Grrr… Well, Whatever. "Hlokk said. "Sorry for getting between you and that lecher i guess…"
"You don't get to call him names," Goll said, actually puffing her chest up to her big sister. "Cause if you do i have a lot to say about that partner of yours!"
"Ah, Checkmate."Lief said with a small smile. "No capacity to recover whatsoever."

Hrist would chuckle a bit.
"I must admit… ,ister jack is far more frightful than what i could handle…"

Hlokk started pouting. Before calming herself.
"Well, I won't keep you from ipractice Just make sure he keeps his hands to himself!" Hlokk demanded, Getting a relieved nod from Goll But just as she was about to Re-enter his room. The PA system flared up. Announcing the participants in the next match.

Cu would leave the room. And pick up Goll under his arm, Lack of sack of potatoes.
"Come now, I don't want to miss t he next fight!"

—-

The arena and crowds therein were bustling. After their losing streak was broken by shiva, The gods in the crowds were beginning to regain some hope in their ability to win this.

"The humans were just lucky this far! After that massive guy got destroyed they oughta be shaking in their boots. "
"Round six is a shoe in! Those humans used up all their best fighters! It's smooth sailing from here!"

The crowds would go on, But the humans were still in the lead, Letting them remain confident and hopeful

.
"And now!" called out heimdall "For the Sixth round. Representing the gods! Though he had once fought Herakles to a draw fist to fist, In recent years This war god has had to set aside his spear, The relative peace in his domain allowing his skills to rust and falter Nevertheless he remains the western world's undisputed master of bloodshed! Welcome to the stage, our very own AAAAAAREEEEEES"

The great hulking god would walk to the stage, thoroughly irked by his lackluster introduction ,And even moreso by the lack of cheers.

"Ares? What happened to the list we saw earlier?"
"He's not on the roster!"
"Isn't he a bit past his prime? "
"No way! He's barely had any action since gunpowder became the norm!"

Of course this lack of praise got under his skin… He was the god of war dammit! He should have the respect and fear of these people!
He hadn't gone soft ain the slightest despite his lack of action on the battlefields! He'd prove it!

"And, On the side of Humanity!"Heimdall would continue"Long ago from the homeland of western culture, The city states of Greece, This spectacular spartan had led a small coalition of Greeks against a mighty army more than twenty times the size of his own, Though the battle ended in tragedy through clever tactics and sheer tenacity. This king had help the persians back for three days before his heroic death, Standing by his own band of three hundred men to meet a glorious warrior's death! King LEEEEEOOOOONIDASSS!"

From the hall opposite to Ares the tromping of heavy feet could be heard, The gates opening to reveal a man in a Bronze cuirass and greaves his black hair spilling from his helmet with a beard adorning a well chiseled face.

AS far as human specimens go, He was just about at their peak.

"So…" Leonidas spoke."The god I held such reverence for has let himself grow soft eh?"
Ares glared.
"Ignore the announcer, And allow my performance to show it's own merit." Ares spoke, His reputation was on the line here! He wouldn't fail!
Then he would hear more, now far mor delicate footsteps.

From Leonidas' corner, The Fifth of the Valkyrie sisters, Herja. Adorned in in a black, Sleeveless gown, Embroidered in silver with slit to the knee on the right side, Her face was beautiful, with a confident smirk on her lips.
"My my, So sorry i'm late, You can't honestly think you could land a single blow without my help, Little boy" She spoke with condescension dripping from her voice. Causing Leonidas to .

"I figured I'd start the fight by giving this one a fair shot!"

"Ah, I'm enjoying that confidence~" Herja spoke "Still, Even if that were truly the case, You know how all this works, I wouldn't want my partner getting in over his head before i can help~" She would offer her hand, the spartan took it And so she would transform, Into a great Bronze spear.
—-

Goll would watch from the stands,
"Another spear fighter… Doesn't that make three?" she asked, Counting Lu bu, Cu chulainn, and now Leonidas. "If there are too many more of those we might be getting too predictable.."
Brunhilde would hum a bit,
"Goll, The most commonly used and practical weapon throughout human history, from the beginning of mankind til now, Has always been the spear. "She reprimanded her sister's way of thinking. "You should expect a fair shair of fighters, on both sides to carry a polearm of some sort."
"I know, sister." Goll replied. "I'm just curious, Why pick a guy who's most famous battle is one that he squarely lost.? Surely he could have brought more men and closed the gap.?"
Fionn would cut Brunhilde off to answer the Girl's question.

"A man willing to lay his life down to buy time for countrymen and former enemies alike. That resolve and strength of character made him among the best candidates we have to show humanity's strength in the face of a common enemy."
"Well put, Fionn." Brunhilde spoke, before pinching and yanking his ear."But don't interrupt me."
"Gah!" The irish warrior would yelp

Cu would look around, Noticing something.
"Where'd that Bhudda go? Wasn;t he supposed to sit in with us?"
Brunhilde would let go of Fionn and turn to Cu,.
"He said he had a meeting with some old friends of his so he couldn't make it." she spoke, though it was a bit concerning after the apparent kerfuffle Bhudda had with the seven lucky gods…"I'm sure he'll be back soon." She spoke, Fionn's eyes would move to her,knowing for a fact she was lying, But he would keep that to himself.
—-

Hermes looked in concern over the arena.
"Are you certain this was the best idea, Hephaestus?" Asked Loki. "Our brother has become quite weak over the years… "
"He'll do fine!" Said the greek god of fire. " Have a bit of faith in him!"
Hermes would hum. Turning to Ares…

'Brother, i believe chasing around Aphrodite has landed you in some hot water with our brother. '
He would look back to Hephaestus and see a certain degree of spite in his eyes. Behind the genuine encouragement.
'But with how Hephaestus has had it, i don't suppose. Your choices have done you any favors…"

—-Mount Olympus:Ancient Greece—-

"Cripple!" Came the snotty voice. "That's all you are!" Ares shouted at his big brother. "You spoke back to dad and this is the price you pay!" He continued practically bouncing on his heels.

"Ah." The god of the forge would speak, His face frightful and piggish. "I don't mind all that much… Pops had his reasons." Gentle demeanor shining through. "He was just yelling at mom, and i wanted to calm him down…"
"You should really know better than that, When father gets on a warpath it can never end well!" The young, ares said to his elder brother matter of factly. "Anyone who stands in Dad's way is gonna get hurt, Besides mom can handle herself against dad better than anyone!"
Haphaestus would chuckle at his brother's words.
"I suppose you're right…" He said, looking down smiling in spite of Ares' insults. "I remember when I had to sneak food to you when he trapped you in that jar."
Ares would pause at those words. Before scowling.

"I'd have been fine without your help, You know…" He said.,"I am a handsome, strong and courageous war god, All you're good for is making the weapons i use." Ares said proudly.
"Ah, Didn't my wife lend you that title?" Asked Hephaestus with a gentle look to his baby brother. Causing him to stumble his words once more.
"T-That's because she saw in me what she didn't in you! A real man! Beautiful and strong! You're an ugly limp legged cripple!"
To the war god's surprise, He heard his brother laugh.
"I suppose so!" He would put an arm around his brother's shoulder in a one armed hug, Befuddling him. "It's always such fun talking to you!"

Haphaestus was a kind one, He always was, no matter how many times his family, He would toil and work to create for them the finest weapons and the nicest jewelry. But being the but of the joke, Over and over…

His wife was always the one to comfort him, The one he vented to, And hearing her husband cry… It set off the woman's vindictive streak… Should would flirt with and pursue Ares, Living with her husband she had actually come to be quite the genius when it came to machinery, She would lure Ares into a trrap, Nude and vulnerable. And problaim to the greek gods.

"Look at this lowly pervert! Aiming to win over his own brother's wife! " She would mock and humiliate him, Tracking him all before the gods, Making them laugh and Hollar at Ares' expense… But it was Haphaestus who put a stop to it.

"No matter how upset he makes me, he is my brother." Hephaestus scolded his wife, "My spite and My grudges are mine to bear! Not yours!" He continued his reprimand, Which Aphrodite had so deeply respected.

Having his older brother defend him garnered him the respect and love of ares… But as he said himself, Hephaestus still carried those hurt emotions, And they would often lead him to making cruel decisions without knowing it.
—-Modern day—-

'And it would seem this is one of those times…' Hermes would continue to think to himself. As he peered over Ares. 'do be careful out there'
—-

"Let the sixth round of Ragnarok begin!" Heimdall shouted loud and proud,

as the fighters charged in on one another. Leonidas changing his grip quickly from two hands to one, giving the reach to catch Ares off guard, And quickly block with his shield. With the heart of one like ares one would expect the spear to just bounce right off, But no.

Ares was blown back by the sheer might of the thrust. Causing him to drag his feet all the way to the edge of the ring. His back both proverbially and literally against the wall, Ares looked at his opponent, And instead of a man, he saw a demon.
"N-Not ba-EEEYAAA!" He screamed as the blade of Leonidas' spear plunged toward him, with only barely enough time to dodge he would move quickly to garner some ground making sure he was facing toward his foe. A massive crack would be left in the wall protecting the bystanders.

What was this? Normally the humans would engage in some small talk or witty banter! How was he going to buy time for some strategizing if his foe wouldn't even give him the chance?
Already on the back foot, Ares would, instead of fully blocking each thrust of the spartan's spear, would begin to barry them, so as to not take the full brunt of the attack. The speed and power behind the thrusts was far beyond anything had experienced prior, Aside from maybe Herakles.

And given the spartan was without his shield, A firm and consistent offense was the most sensible course of action, such aggression, precision, and power obviously designed to keep Ares at bay, the one handed grip near the butt of the spear allowing him as much distance as he could afford.
"You're not going to impress anyone by hiding behind that shield war god!" Leonidas challenged with a wild grin. Trying to goad Ares into taking the offensive and dropping his guard.
But rather than do that, The war god decided he would do both, Knocking Leonidas' spear, he would rush forward to bash the tyrant with his shield
Leonidas reacted with swiftness, Flipping his spear and placing the butt to the shield with a quick and efficient jab of his arm, he would launch ares into the air and onto his back.

But being a martial god, Ares knew how to take and recover from a fall, leaning into it he would push his weight onto his shoulders, And roll back to his feet. His feet continued to skid across the sand for a few good seconds.

"What an exchange! " Heimdall shouted from the sidelines. "For the first time since round two, a mere human has had one of our own on the back foot right from the outset! Could this be it for Ares?"

The war god took a few deep breaths, trying to contain his anger. Losing his cool would do not one single favor here, Instead he would keep his shield up and toward his patient Peedacious opponent. Trying to figure the slightest hint of an opening.

In the stands the humans would watch bewildered., IT was hardly the flash they'd expect from agreat hero…
However, A singular stoic man from China would begin to tear up at the display, Finding it to be the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen., Those tears would attract the attention of another.

"What're you crying about?" Asked the man, Adorned in a decorative Cuirass.
Alexander the great: The emperor of Macedonia, spoke in curiosity. "There is nothing so glorious or unorthodox about his fighting so as to warrant tears."
The stoic man from china would shake his head.
"You are wrong… The mastery behind those movements of his are the beauty and the glory." Bruce lee, Actor and world renowned martial artist spoke. "For I fear not the man who has practiced then thousand kicks once, But the man who practiced one kick ten thousand times! Each thrust of that spear holds the accumulated passion and experience of each and every one that came before it!"
Alexander would continue to watch the fight as it continued, Once again with Ares being pushed back.
"I S'pose there is a certain artistry in the fundamentals, I will continue to watch with interest. " Spoke the conqueror taking the pose of the thinking man.

Two minutes in, and the bronze tyrant was showing no signs of slowing was well and truly on the defensive. With seemingly no way out, Whenever he would try to create an opening Leonidas would punish him for it with a might push of his spear.

One would think that the man would tire out by now with how ferociously he's been attacking, but no For the time being though, Leonidas was circling the Greek war god with a smirk on his face. His breath even, Not an ounce of exhaustion on display.

"You still haven't figured it out have you? How i can attack and counter so easily, without a single ounce of fatigue, While you hiding behind that shield of yours are sweating like a pig."
Ares would growl, trying to properly redirect those blows did take a lot of energy, both mental and physical…
"Color me curious. What's your secret, Human?" He asked, his shoulders heaving. At least now the king was willing to brag a bit, And give him some time to rest…
Leonidas smirked.

"I trained this thrust, Every day since I was seven years old." He said proud of his prowess with the spear. "My people were dedicated to you, Striving for the martial excellence you preached, And so we spend our entire lives learning to fight with the efficiency and discipline of the gods themselves!... It is with that discipline I fought side by side with my three hundred soldiers and the lesser Greeks for three days and two nights." Leonidas declared proudly. Making the audience grow quiet. They supposed when he put it like that, even such a basic, Normal attack as a straight forward thrust would be genuinely magnificent. The bravado of the bronze tyrant would bring the crowd into a great cheer. "My people have a saying! Return home carrying your shield, or return carried upon it! Well! Seeing as i am without one, i'll have to take yours instead! And maybe even your place as war god!"
Ares would step back in fear, Before hearing something… From the stands…

—-

The gods in the stands would listen to that speech. And all thought of the same word.

'Blasphemy'
A human claiming to have matched… No, Exceed god… How insufferable, A man who, knowing this whole ordeal started from the hubris of mankind, Decided to bare his ass as the most arrogant creature in this arena.

Hephaestus would Raor at his brother, Unexpected for his quiet and gentle nature.
"Ares! Brother! Don't you dare give in!" He shouted. "Though you are known as a coward! And though athena is revered before you as god of war! You are nothing less t han the most worthy of us to lead! " He shouted, Tears in his eyes"So do it! Just as you had with the romans! They whoplaced you above father himself!"

Hermes would raise his brows at Hephaestus' words… It seems as though their dear brother has gone through enough embarrassment in hephaestus' book… AS per what it was he said specifically… Hermes supposed it was when Ares was at his best…
—-

Ares would hear his brother's words, And think back to that time
When he was at his proudest. Helping to cultivate that little village into the bedrock of the western world…
Of course… he's no longer the god he was back then… How could he ever reach that height?
He would look at the snarling beast…He decided then and there that he was absolutely going to win.

Afterall! It now fell onto his shoulders to let the world know, The greek gods were not to be trifled with!
"If you want my shield, Human… You can have it." He said, Tossing the hoplon to the morta, who caught it with ease."A god as proud and powerful as I need no shield against the likes of you!" Ares would draw from his side, An iron gladius to wield alongside his spear
"Big words from a man who spend the last three minutes running and hiding like a coward… Though I suppose I appreciate the gusto!"LEonidas was practically drooling at the thought of what this sudden dropping of bollocks in the god would bring to the table,.

Ares would get into a low position Thinking back to his days as the head god of rome. And the events that lead up to it.

—-350 BC: the court of the gods.-

"But Ares…" Zeus spoke to his son. Who had just announced his plans. "It's such a small village, A place like that couldn't ever reach the peaks you see it reaching…."
"I mean no offense when I say this father, But I believe that you are wrong." Ares spoke with uncharacteristic humility, "We've seen empires rise and fall throughout many millenia, When Sargon of Akkad rose to power you had believed it to be the peak of humanity, Same for the lands of Babylon, And egypt., And Macedon, But now all those once great nations are empty shells of themselves." Ares argued. Making Zeus hum.

"And you believe this one will be lasting any longer than that?" Asked Zeus, skeptically"Especially after they'd managed to get themselves sacked at the hands of naked heathens?"
"I believe that defeat will give them the fire needed to grow…" Ares said, bowing his head further. "So please! Let me lead them to that growth and that greatness! In no time at all They shall be praising our names as the Greeks have! And spread them across the world!"

Seeing his son's determination, Zeus would nod .
"Very well, You may guide them in the ways of war, And lead their growth as a culture." Zeus spoke, Shocking the rest of the gods. Never before had he let any of his children take direct charge of a nation.
Ares would raise his head, Smile on his face. Gracious to the fact his father was trusting his judgment.

And so ,for centuries to come, The roman empire would be the world's most dominant force. Conquering the whole of the mediterranean: the cradle of civilization itself, under the watchful eye of Ares. Renamed by the people to mars: God of agriculture and war.

—-Modern day, Ragnarok arena.-

Ares would glare at Leonidas, this time, Taking the offensive. Charging in with spear and blader in hand. He would thrust out with the lance Meeting what was now Leonidas' shield, Moving out of the way of the Greek king's spear, Catching only a glancing blow as he rushed in with the gladius. The short blade perfect for stabbing as he entered too close for Leonidas to retaliate with his spear, So instead, Ares' face would be met with the shield braking his nose and knocking him back a feww feet, Still despite his pretty face being injured, The god remained firm.

"There we go! Didn't know you could get that macho, Ares…" Leonidas flicked his spear to clean it of ares' blood.
"No… From now on, I am Mars!" Said the god with a focused sort of bravado, The kind one gets from a man assured of his own victory. ."And I shall bring pride to my brothers and sisters! For the gods!"He declared taking the offensive once more, Using his spear to launch sand at Leonidas' face.

Leonidas blocked the sand from getting to his eyes, Giving ares the breadth to aim loa, Catching the Spartan by shin, Leading a great bloody flesh wound, With a grunt of pain LEonidas would once again push Ares away with the shield and leap forward for a short series of quick thrusts which were parried and dodged by Mars.

Goll looked at the fight almost confused about what was going on, Sure , they were even ly matched now, All of a sudden, But…
"Compared to past battles, Doesn't this whole thing seem like small potatoes?" She asked, "Not to say i'm disappointed, but usually by now they'd be busting out crazy special moves that push each other to the limits and beyond!" she almost sounded disappointed.
Brunhilde would be the one to answer.
"It's a difference in mindset Goll. "
"Huh?"
"Put simply, Leonidas is more of a 'soldier' than a 'warrior' "
"Aren't those basically the same thing?" asked the younger sister.

"Not necessarily." Brunhilde responded after a brief pause to consider her words. "See, A warrior seeks glory in the eyes of their people, They're the type to keep trophies, hoop and holler about their accomplishments… But soldiers, Like Leonidas, And Ares when he's in his 'Mars' persona fight in such a manner that promotes victory over a glorious death."
Goll would wrack her brain around that statement, The battle of thermopylae pass was nothing if not a glorious sacrifice.
Noting her confusion, Fionn would speak up.

"I concur with Brunhilde, Despite the nature of Leonidas' sacrifice as being 'worthy of a warrior' he did everything he could to prevent unnecessary up in a narrow pass so that the numbers their foes had wouldn't matter, and their phalanx system would thrive…"
Thinking about it, The youngest Valkyrie supposed that made sense. While hardly the tactics of a genius it did by the peloponnesian alliance three days against a far greater force…f

She would keep her eye on the match, Each of the fighters were starting to accumulate wounds. Though none of them arewere vital…
She just hoped she wouldn't lose another sister from this fight.

—-

The two fighters would look each other in the eye…
Leonidas could feel it, His foe's confidence increasing bit by bit throughout the fight.

Leonidas would offer a snarling laugh.
"It seems as though you are not so disappointing after all, Mars." He grinned, As Mars glared back at him.
"I'm proud that one of my followers has achieved such strength, Had you been around the Romans wouldn't have lasted in grease, Not even for a day." Responded the hellenic war god. "But, I believe we both know it's tem to end this battle…"
"Agreed! " Said the tyrant, As his spear began to crackle, Catching the interest of the crowd.

"What's this?" Heimdall asked loudly, Seeing the sparking of the spear. "After a full battle of practical and basic strikes, Has Leonidas decided to unleash his final move?!"

"The names of t he Valkyrie, They old meaning!" Leonidas spoke. "That's what Brunhilde said to me! And the name of my partner… It translates to… Devastator!"

—-Sparta: 433 BC-

"Boy! That's enough" Spoke the instructor, Having to use all his power to yank him off his foe. The young Leonidas, though himself bloody and bruised, once again won the fight. This time against a boy two years his elder.
"But teacher! I nearly had him!" Protested the young boy who was to one day be king. "He hadn't surrendered yet!"
The instructor looked at the battered child, and then back to his other charge and sighed.
"Leonidas, Our army needs every able bodied man we can muster. What if you had injured him too severely for him to be of use?" Asked the instructor rhetorically. "What makes you think you hold the rights to deprave our great city of warriors.?"

Leonidas would stop to think for a moment, Before answering.
"I believe that-"
—-Present—-

"Any king worth his salt, Should be able to defend his people on his own!" Leonidas spoke as the crackling got louder and more vibrant. "And in this case! That's humanity itself! I shall brave any tide I must to win this match!" He said pulling back his arm, and shifting to a reverse grip. Making it clear what he was planning.

Baring his teeth, The next words came bravely from his mouth, Knowing this would be the finale one way or another.
"Lion of Thermopylae!" He would throw his spear with all his might, Just the same as the javelins he tossed as a child, and the holy treasure AS soon as it left his hand, A bright light would consume the arena,

"HHHHHHHHHRRAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGH" Mars would shout asthe light enveloped him.

Until the light dissipated, There was nothing but silence.
And when it cleared, Leonidas was missing an arm, the shield falling from his off hand, so he could clutch it, And stop it from bleeding. He put all the power both he and his Valkyrie had into that strike. And for their efforts, Ares wasn't looking much better, A gaping wound in the center of his chest, Where he was impaled by the Valkyrie. The god of war would cough up his blood, And Limp toward Leonidas. Taking haggard breaths.

"Despite your best efforts." Mars spoke "I am on my feet, And you on your knees…"
Leonidas looked at ares, With all the confidence he'd ever had…
"So it seems, I am at your mercy… But not my partner."
"Oh?" Asked the war god peering over the now crippled man. "You propose i spare you to let our Valkyrie live?"
"No… To we spartans a man without an arm is doomed to die, Dead weight, But the power of that one…" he pointed to the spear with the arm he still had. "She is able bodied as ever! So…"

Leonidas started to laugh
"I Declare our bonds broken! You are free to stay alive!"the Tyrant would say with a smile adorning his fanged face. Causing the spear to glow and re-manifest as Herja next to Mars.
"Ah…" She spoke as she approached her partner. "So… You chose to die alone? " She asked, seeming indifferent. "What an honorable thing,... But…" Even as she kept her calm, condescending smile and tone. "How dare you make me fail you…"

Leonidas could only smirk as he looked to mars.
"Do me a favor…"
"Oh?"
"My people have a saying, Return home carrying your shield or carried upon it…I'm afraid i didn't bring my own, So it seems i'll have to borrow yours…"
"Of course…" Mars said, as he thrusted his spear into the chest of Leonidas, puncturing his heart,. Killing him, From there he would lift the body and lay it on his shield….

He would then lift the shield over his head. As if presenting it.
"Behold! The great king Leonidas! The greatest soldier!" He demanded of the crowd,both crowds remained quiet…
While they knew the gods and humans competing had certainly developed some respect for one another, but this was the first time one had demanded it from the crowd…

It was the humans who started it, Starting with Bruce Lee and Alexander of Macedon, followed by some of the gods who were close to Ares, And then the crowd as a whole,.

"And there we have it!" Heimdall called out, as the Spartan's body turned to dust. Flowing in the wind to niflheim "The winner of the sixth round! Is! Aressssss!"

Ares/Mars:0
Leonidas:X
Time:12 minutes 32 seconds

Goll looked on with a peng of pain in her chest, She should be relieved that Leonidas chose to spare her sister this awful fate… but instead, She could only think of how it must be to die alone…
Her tears would scratch at the back of her throat, But she'd keep them back, Only giving a silent 'thank you' to Leonidas for sparing her sister…