Hello everyone! Chapter 18 is finally here. Last time the peace talks between Asgard and Olympus were interrupted an attack by Greek monsters. Why would they do this? Who is really behind the attack? And what will happen to our heroes!? Let's read and find out!
Merendinoemiliano: Thanks
Lorenzo Macchiavelli: Trust me more moments between Rose and Thor will happen.
Dragon Bone Z: Yes they are related but we know very little of the Greek Faction in DxD. You think it's Hades leading the attacking? Nonsense this isn't Disney Hades lol.
Reptoholic: You say Thor is not a god? He's a young God, he just isn't OP. He still has room to grow in strength. Give it time.
Prototype: Thank you, I love Norse Mythology too.
Barricade: I'm glad you're enjoying it, my friend. It will continue
Alpha Mallus: How is it those two are having an affair? Neither are married and Thor isn't planned to be paired with Sif.
Optimus470: Huh I never thought about that? I'll consider it.
The meeting resumed, but everyone had not returned. Eris, Heracles, Artemis, and Thor were not present. Wanting to know where Thor is, Brynhildr sent Sigrun and Rossweisse to go find him while Zeus continued sharing about the rumors and were troubling to hear. This suddenly brought a thought to Brynhildr. Could they have been the reason for the Einherjar -no- for Andrew dying? The report said he was killed by a Troll in Norway, however, the Troll, which was slain by Olrun the Swift, her second in command of the Valkyrie Corps and the one who brought Andrew to Asgard, matched Jason's description; large black humanoid creatures with a glowing red eye which was followed by a purple haze.
"They come from a purple mist you say? That sounds like quite a mystery to solve." Despoina said, cupping her chin in thought
"If what you say is true, and I believe it is. Then we must go and protect our people." Apollo declared. He loved interacting with the humans and they always fascinated him with the tools and words they used through the centuries.
"I second that!" Poseidon said, slamming his fist on the table, "Brother why did you not tell us this sooner?"
Zeus looked away in shame. He should have acted sooner if he didn't assume this problem would be solved by the Heros.
"We must go to the human world and stop those monsters." Said, Athena.
Hera looked at Zeus and smiled. The Gods and Goddess agreed to the plan, all were ready to stop whatever was causing trouble to Greece and they would not be alone. From this point forward Asgard would be their ally!
"Attack! Olympus is under attack!"
Hera's eyes darted to the doorway, a servant ran into the room, screaming in terror. Behind her came a Cerberus, its three heads drooling with saliva as it charged towards the servant determined to rip her apart. Trailing behind were a hoard of monsters, some looking like how Jason described them.
"Argonauts! To arms!" Shouted Jason as he rushed to the door, Achilles, Hector, and Brynhildr following close behind.
The Argonauts leaped into action upon their leader's command. They formed a phalanx outside the doorway, their shields held high and spears aimed at the enemy. Like the great hero Leonidas and his 300, the Argonauts would use the small space to halt the enemy. Suddenly a bolt of thunder sored overhead and hit the Cerberus with the force of a freight train. The dog yelped once and crashed to the floor, its charred remains smoldering within the hallway, yet this little to halt the enemy.
"You said Olympus is under attack? How did these monsters get in!?" Athena asked, readying herself to lead the defense. In the Titan Wars both she and Ares had full command of the armies during the war, Athena strategizing and Ares leading the charges.
"I don't know. I was told to run and warn you." Answered the servant, even though she was surrounded by the Gods she served, her fear still clung to her. As soon as she said that, the bell at the top of the mountain began to ring rapidly followed by what sounded like explosions in the distance.
Terror seized Aphrodite, after a thousand years of peace Olympus was being invaded again and this time no army was here to protect the servants or the children. The children! The orphanage is in danger! She had to save them!
"Ready yourselves! We will not let these invaders destroy our home!'
"Oh, I don't think so, old man!"
Zeus froze. He recognized that voice, only one person ever called him old man. He watched the monster parted and stepping forward was a beautiful girl with wild orange hair wearing an outfit similar to Athena but it was crimson red. Her golden eyes shined malice and pleasure. In each hand was a sharp scimitar, the glimmering silver steel drenched red with blood.
Eunomia gasped, "Enyo?"
Brynhildr grimaced. Enyo was the Goddess of War, making her the daughter of Ares. Sigrun said she met the girl during the first visit to Olympus and said the Daughter of Ares gave off a bad vibe, like someone who wants to cause pain.
"It's been a while hasn't it?" Said Enyo as she stepped forward.
"Enyo… what is going on? Where is Ares? Does he know you've thrown in with these people!?" Apollo demanded as he gathered magic to fight the Goddess of War. If she betrayed Olympus, her family, death would be her reward.
"You all remember Circe? The sorcerer who you banished because you didn't want her teaching humans magic."
"Why?" Chuckled Enyo before her face twisted into a look of excitement, "I am here to make war on Olympus! To slaughter the weak and recruit the strong. Oh but wait! There are no warriors because you dismantled the army, Zeus! Without your army, my blades have met no opposition and have tasted the blood of innocence. Oh, how I love hearing them scream as the light leaves their eyes."
"YOU BITCH!" Screamed Aphrodite, her eyes burning with rage. Casting as powerful of a spell she could muster, the Goddess of Love sent it toward the traitorous War Goddess. She watched in desperation as the large magic bullet was sliced cleanly in two by one of the curved blades. Her shoulders slumped, she wasn't a fighter but she couldn't let those children get hurt, not while she still stood!
"Damn you, Enyo!" Poseidon roared as he released a stream of water from his trident.
However his spell as well was countered, this time by a large magic barrier. Stepping forward was a tall lanky teenager with long spiky brown hair and deep blue eyes. He was wearing Fourteenth Century robes over a Chinese school uniform, just like Heracles, and in his hand was a golden staff, a staff Zeus recognized as his daughters.
"Ah. So you are Zeus, King of Olympus. My name is John and I am the descendent of John who was the son of Frederick the First of the House Hohenzollern. Although I prefer my nickname, the Alchemist."
"Then answer me this, John the Alchemist. That is Eris' staff. Where did you get it, boy!?" When the Alchemist said nothing Zeus' temper flared, "I asked you a question boy! Where did you get it!? Did you kill her… DID YOU KILL MY DAUGHTER!?"
When he was denied another answer he raised his hand to incinerate him with his most powerful thunder spell. However, before such an act could happen, The Alchemist withdrew from a pouch on his hip two black snakes that slithered up his body and bit his neck. With a defiant shout, he slammed Eris' staff into the ground causing an enormous sealing barrier followed by smaller layered seals formed around the room the Gods stood in. Zeus tried to blast it with a bolt of thunder mixed with Poseidon's water but the barriers did not break. Again the Gods tried firing spells to break out of the barrier and still it held against their relentless attacks. Athena tried to break it with her sword only to see her weapon shatter to pieces forcing Poseidon to not try it. Those snakes must have boosted The Alchemist's magic to be strong enough to wield Eris' staff and create this prison to trap them in.
"It worked! It's all working according to plan my lord!" The Alchemist exclaimed with glee. "It's thanks to our friends we were able to acquire the power to trap you. With all of you out of the picture Olympus will fall."
"Like hell, it will!" Hector yelled, "Ares and Hades will come and you forget about Asgard!"
"Ah yes… your friends of the North. Trying to call them to help you is useless because communication to the outside world is blocked and even if they do arrive it'll be too late. The Flame of Olympus will be extinguished and your resistance will be futile. We know how many Valkyries are here and we know about the Greek Einherjar and the new God of Thunder being here. There is no way you can defeat us."
"If you know who is here it's obvious someone is a spy! Who else has betrayed Olympus!?" Demanded Poseidon.
"Why the only Hero who understands we are the ones who must protect humanity against Gods and monsters."
Zeus' heart dropped. He knew who had said that in the meeting, who had stared at him while saying it.
"...Heracles…"
Chaos erupted within the barrier. Poseidon was stunned, Aphrodite wept, Desponia called the hero foul names. All while this happened, Enyo laughed at the chaos occurring.
"If only Eris was here to see the chaos unfolding. A shame she isn't here, she has so much to tell you old man. Especially about that little secret. Oh yeah, she told me. This just shows how much of a bad father you are."
"What secret? What are you talking about? You said "has much to tell" which means she's alive so where is she?" Demeter questioned.
"Oh somewhere in Olympus causing chaos to your home."
Zeus collapsed into a chair, his morale dropping faster than a falling rock. Enyo and Heracles…his family….they betrayed Olympus and planned to destroy it. Worst still was knowing Eris also joined them by giving her staff to the Alchemist and learning the secret he kept hidden from her. If only he could get out of this barrier and find her he could explain it all to his daughter. Explain why he kept it a secret.
"As fun as this is, I still have innocent blood to spill." As Enyo turned to leave she addressed the monsters, "Slay the heroes but make sure The Alchemist is protected at all cost, that barrier goes down we will lose."
At the opposite end of the hallway, Jason with a burning heart Enyo departs and the monsters rush him and others. He wanted to hunt her down and slayer her with his bare hands, not just her, Heracles, and Eris too! Denying the truth wasn't acceptable but still knowing of their betrayals stung his heart. With the Gods trapped in the barrier, they could be of no help to them, and to make matters worse was because Zeus dismantled the army they had no proper soldiers to protect the kingdom, just a handful of Valkyries, an Einherjar, and an Aesir. It wasn't much but hearing how battle-hardened Asgard was, there may be a sliver of hope.
"Jason...can you hold this pathway?" Asked Brynhildr.
"We may not have Sacred Gears but we have swords granted to us by our Gods and the strength to fight till our hearts give out! Like the Three Hundred, we shall hold this path until we die. For we are heroes."
"Good. I must lead my Valkyries in the defense and save as many servants as we can. Good luck to you all." She rose into the air and zipped down the hall with the speed of a bullet, too fast for any of the monsters to stop.
As she sped away, the Argonauts clashed their shields and gave a reassuring cheer at their leader's words while he donned his helmet. It looked like a normal helmet but it was not, it was a Sacred Gear called the Helmet of Salvation with the power to link minds with anyone and work in perfect synchronization with them and it was this very Sacred Gear that allowed Jason and his Argonauts to be undefeated. Achilles drew his sword, the sword of his father, Peleus, imbued with the powers of Ares himself making it a powerful weapon for any foe to face. Hector stood beside his friend, he had no Sacred Gear nor Holy Spirit Sword, just tactics and skills. Nevertheless, he would use these to protect Olympus.
"Hector, you are the smartest of us all. I have the Helmet connecting all our minds together. Lend us your strategic mind to our thoughts to protect our Gods!" Jason's voice said in the Hero of Troy's mind.
"Then here is what we do…"
Meanwhile
Sigrun parried a spear thrust from a large Minotaur before chopping its head off, blood sliding down her sword. What the hell was going on? One minute she and Rossweisse were off searching for Thor when servants came running through the hallways screaming to run for their lives and that Olympus was being attacked. Wasting no time they sprung into action changing into their armor and heading towards the commotion to find Greek monsters attacking servants, knocking columns down, and burning buildings. Sigrun rushed to aid the closet servant, blocking the mace that would have caved in the young man's head before following up with a swift kick to push the Minotaur away. Try as they might, the two Valkyries could not save every servant, still, they saved as many as they could.
As the last harpy fell to Rossweisse's spells a familiar voice cried out to them. Flying towards them and carrying a servant was Rota, she did not look happy. After double-checking their surroundings to see if it was safe to talk, Rota tossed the servant on the ground and held the point of her sword at the girl's neck."
"Rota!? Stay your blade, this is Agafya, I met her before. She is on our side." Sigrun was shocked to see that Rota was aiming her weapon at the defenseless woman.
"Wrong, Sigrun. She betrayed us." Said Rota sternly, the look of shock spreading over Sigrun and Rossweisse's face, "I saw her. She cast a teleportation spell in the middle of the biggest plaza, letting loose all these monsters. I couldn't hold them all and nobody was responding to my calls. Communication must be jammed. Why did you do this? Why betrayed Olympus? Why betray your Gods?"
But Agafya didn't respond, she just sat there in silence, eyes dull, mouth ajar. Sigrun clicked her fingers in front of her face but no response came from the girl. When Rossweisse inspected her she deduced that Agafya was hypnotized and her memory erased. Who and why would they do such a thing couldn't be pondered for long as a loud roar alerted them.
"What are those? Troll or Golem?' Asked Rossweisse.
Large black humanoid creatures with a single glowing red eye were tramping along the hallways smashing columns and blasting walls and houses with a laser from their eye. Those couldn't be Trolls they had two eyes and Golems didn't move so sluggish, this must be something new and dangerous.
"Those monsters are helping the Greek monsters. I saw them marching out of a purple mist after the spell was cast." Rota explained, "Their walking glass cannons. Rossweisse, they should be easy for you."
She hadn't even finished her sentence before Rossweisse began bombarding the rock creatures with spells and when the dust cleared, nothing remained of them. The victory was short-lived however as a large Cyclops came charging around the corner. Rossweisse sent another volley of spells but unlike the monsters, the one-eyed giant barreled through the assault intent on killing her. His task however was in vain as someone passed the giant, decapitating him in the process.
"Commander!" Rota exclaimed as the giant's head crashed to the floor followed by its body with a boom.
"Where is Thor?" Brynhildr demanded.
"We don't know, commander. We were going to find him when this attack happened. Rota said this woman was hypnotized into opening a portal to allow monsters in. They-"
"Are monsters followed by a purple mist? Zeus told the Gods what happened. The Gods are trapped in the meeting room by a man called The Alchemist. Worse is that the Goddess of War, Enyo, is leading the attack. Heracles and Eris have betrayed Olympus too, he's going to destroy Olympus Flame and we have no whereabouts of Eris. We cannot contact Asgard for help either, we're on our own."
"I knew there was something wrong with that bastard! Sigrun growled, "We have to find Thor!"
"Didn't Zeus say something about visiting Hephaestus?" Asked Rossweisse.
"Then that is where we will find him. Come on, I know the way!"
Earlier elsewhere
Was it this way? No that way….wait or was it down those stairs? Where did you go, Eris?
The God of Thunder looked this way and that as he tried to remember the way they took to Hephaestus' forge and wondered why Eris had abandoned him. If she was still here she could have shown him the way back. They all must be waiting for him before continuing the talks, someone must have been sent out to look for him. Growing frustrated he started to let out a yell of annoyance before a voice called his name.
"You lost?"
"Andrew!?"
The Greek Einehrjar was dressed in spartan armor wielding a spear and shield with a sword at his side. Thor remembered Athena saying he took up arms to help patrol Olympus. Hopefully, he knew the way back.
"Are you lost?" Repeated Andrew.
"Hephaestus is working on Jarnbjorn right now. I was going to return to the talks but Eris ditched me and I have no direction of where it is?"
This confused Andrew, why had Eris left him to find his way back? Was it her way of causing trouble? Surely even she knew how important this alliance between Asgard and Olympus was. If they meet her again today he could ask why she did it. Turning to a flight of stairs he beckoned the God to follow, Thor was lucky Andrew had been exploring all of Olympus since arriving he could easily show him the way back to the talks.
"I've noticed you've been spending time with Rota." Said Thor once reaching the top and heading down a side hallway.
"And?"
"It's nice to see how close you have grown together."
"She is a good friend. After these talks come to an end, I hope I can take her to Athens to see my family."
"I'm sure Zeus and Odin will allow it," Thor said with a reassuring smile.
"I hope so. Anyway, I heard she and the other Valkyries saw you're-" The rest of his words were interrupted by the ringing of a bell high atop the mountain. "That's the warning bell of Olympus but it doesn't ring this much unless…Olympus is under attack!"
Thor's heart dropped into his stomach, the kingdom was being attacked? It had to be more of those monsters who attacked him before but how did they get into the kingdom and were the others alright, was Rossweisse alright? Sharing a look with the Einherjar they rushed down the hall to find their way back to the conference room. On and on they went until turning a corner and coming face to face with a Chimera devouring a servant.
"NO!" Shouted Andrew as he prepared to hurl his spear as hard as he could at the beast. Before he could, however, Thor grabbed the Einherjar and threw him at the beast. The former human went flying at the two-headed monster with the speed of a bullet. Straightening like an arrow and placing his spear and shield in front of him he grunted when impacting against the Chimera. His collision with the beast was followed by a yell of pain as his spear dug deep into its body.
He quickly peeked around the shield to see both heads were glaring at him. They were about to unleash a torrent of fire at him before the God of Thunder landed on its back and delivered a double axe handle strike where the necks connected. It didn't break the monster's neck but stun it allowing Thor to cast an ice spell at the heads freezing them to let Andrew shatter them with his shield. Rossweisse would be proud to see him using an ice spell instead of thunder.
"Thanks."
"Stay sharp. That can't be the only one." Thor said.
He still had his fists and magic but he would have felt better if he hadn't given Hephaestus his axe, it would make dealing with these invaders easier. Yet such a thought was useless, he willingly gave his weapon to the Forge God and nobody was expecting an attack to occur. He should check on the others but the desire to get his weapon clung to him. Before he could ponder the choice any further, loud screeches rent the air. Flying straight at them was a flock of Harpies, talons large and sharp ready to rip him apart.
Now he really wished he had Jarnbjorn right now, pouring thunder magic into it would be of great help. However, this was a good opportunity to try, as he called it, a Rossweisse move. Opening his hands wide, he formed two separate seals in each hand, from his left shot a stream of water but in his right nothing but sparks spat out of the right seal. He still couldn't cast thunder or lightning magic, what the fuck!? Quickly canceling his water spell he leaped at the nearest Harpy and threw her as hard as he could at another, sending them tumbling to the ground.
Thor raised his left arm letting the armor take the blow of a Harpy swiping its talons at him. Grabbing one of her legs before she could fly away for another attack he slammed the creature hard into the ground before turning his attention to the next foe coming at him. Ducking her attack he prepared another grab and slam but was blindsided causing him to stumble to allow two Harpies to grab him and lift him in the air to leave him wide open to be attacked. Before such an act could happen, the twang of a bow was heard before an arrow struck the left harpy in the back forcing her to release Thor and allow him to break free of the other Harpy. Tuck and rolling to safety Thor found that his savior was the Goddess of Archery, Artemis, her next arrow knocked and drawn ready to be loosed upon whoever she targeted.
The next one she chose was going straight for Andrew who was already struggling to fend off two others with his shield and spear. The arrow soared through the arrow and hit the winged creature right between the eyes. Just as fast as she had released the arrow another was being drawn from her quiver while she scanned the skies for her next target. Her title as Goddess of Archery was on full display for each arrow she loosed would always find its mark, not one arrow missed. When hitting her tenth target the enemy had enough and flew as fast as their wings could take them, allowing the Aesir and Einherjar time to collect themselves.
"Are you alright, Lord Thor? Andreas?" She asked.
"Yeah. Yeah, we're ok." Reassured Andrew, "Your timely arrival couldn't have been better."
"You're lucky I heard the commotion. I've been running around losing arrows at any monster I see. How could Olympus come under attack?"
"That is a question I too wish to have answered. If we can find anyone who knows about it." Thor said.
"That will have to wait as will our next meeting if we all survive this ordeal. I'm heading to Hephaestus forge. One of your Valkyrie friends, Ortlinde, said she saw some monster's head that way. Either I stop them on the march or get to the forge before they do."
"Their heading towards Hephaestus!?" Exclaimed Andrew, "He's still working on Thor's weapon! We have to protect him at all cost!"
"Why? Can't he stop and protect the forge himself?"
"He is the God of Smithing not the God of War. Plus he can't stop in the middle of a project. He has to see it through to the end. How long ago did you give him your weapon?"
"Not long."
"Then you two must accompany me there. Together the three of us may be able to defend him until he is done."
Like a dear, she sprang away with Thor and Andrew following close behind. Despite Thor wanting to see if Rossweisse was ok, he knew the completion of Jarnbjorn was just as important and he knew Rossweisse could take care of herself. Around corners, through hallways, and down staircases they went until reaching Hephaestus Forge,
"Why are you back here!? Shouldn't you be protecting the servants!?" He yelled over the ringing of his hammer.
"They're coming for you, Hephaestus!" Andrew yelled. It was just as he finished there came the sound of hundreds of feet running towards them. Turning around he saw a sight he'd never forget; Minotaurs waving swords, axes, or maces, riding huge Centaurs priming bows with arrows or lances aimed at the defenders coming rushing towards them.
"I knew we shouldn't have disbanded the army! Thor, take whatever weapons you need! Just don't let them reach the forge until I am finished!"
Complying with his words, Thor rushed into the forge to find as many weapons as he could use while Andrew formed a one-man phalanx formation in front of Artemis who began raining arrows down upon the enemy.
"Aim for the legs!" Artemis yelled, shooting an arrow through the right leg of a Centaur. She hoped Hephaestus would be done soon, the three of them alone couldn't take this many alone.
Taking her advice, Thor hurtled a large axe spinning like a buzzsaw and decapitating many enemies. Each weapon he picked up he coated in thunder and threw with all the strength he could either they bounced off clanging to the ground or stuck into something. After slinging a mallet across his back and picking up two large swords he leaped at the enemy swinging left and right wildly sending heads and limbs flying in all directions, white marble turning scarlet. Discarding the left sword, due to it being stuck in a shield, the young God whipped out his hammer and kept up his assault making sure none got past him but if any did they would be met by an arrow to head from Artemis or the thrust of a spear by Andrew. Yet no matter how many they killed the enemy numbers didn't seem to dwindle.
Will we survive this onslaught before Jarnbjorn is finished? The others must be busy fending off other attacks within the kingdom. That's why they can't come to our aid. Just how many monsters are attacking!?
From the corner of his eye, he saw Cyclops and what looked like smaller black Cyclops' come marching down the hall. He had never seen those monsters before; could they perhaps be a sub-species Cyclops? Dodging the swipe of a mace, Thor closed the distance and loped the head off one of these new creatures. At least they aren't durable, he thought while slashing two more before unleashing a shockwave by slamming the hammer on the ground causing some to stumble while others to drop dead.
A Cyclops roared as it tried to crush the God beneath its foot who retaliated by stabbing his sword through it and threw the hammer as hard as he could into the giant's chin causing him to stumble and crash into another which in turn landed on top of some of the smaller Cyclops'. Weaponless now, Thor resorted to hand-to-hand combat sending punches this way and that at any monster who attacked. Martial arts, however, was not the God of Thunder's strength, he managed to score hits but he himself was assaulted with attacks from all sides by weapons, fists, and even hoofs causing scratches, dents, and bruises to form on him. Dodging a spear he attempted to take it from the Centaur only to be knocked away and tackled by a Minotaur. Growing frustrated, he grabbed the bull-man's head and twisted it hard, breaking his neck and allowing him to take the mace he was planning to bring down upon him. Before he could get back onto his feet he was pounced upon by more Minotaur's.
"Leave him alone!" Shouted a familiar voice followed by a rainbow of magic beams bombarding the enemy.
Managing to see through the horde of enemies piling onto him, Thor's heart sored with delight as he saw the woman he was worrying about arrive with her best friend and Rota. Rota and Sigrun carved a path through the monsters while Rossweisse provided support with her mastery of spells. Hundreds of different spells were sent in all directions towards the enemy, none withstanding the onslaught of the Valkyries. At last, the trio made it to the thunder killing pulling monsters off the God till he was free.
"I was worried something happened to you," Thor said after bashing in an enemy's skull.
"We were held up by those giants," Rota said, parrying a swing attack that left the Centaur wide open for Sigrun to deal the killing blow.
"Hephaestus! How much longer!?" Thor's question could not be heard over the sound of battle all around him.
"Focus on the enemy in front of you, Thor! Rose! Get clear!" Sigrun said before addressing her best friend while stabbing her sword into the ground. Within seconds the marble floor was frozen over in ice before a forest of pillars came shooting out of the ground impaling many of the monsters and forming an optical for the rest to pass through.
Ha! I knew fire wasn't the only element she knew! Thor thought as Sigrun sent a grin his way.
"That should make it easier for us," Artemis said as she fired two arrows at a cyclops trying to break through the ice pillars, one to the eye and the other to the throat.
"Almost done!" Hephaestus shouted.
Thor's heart sored, Jarnbjorn is almost finished! We just have to hold off the enemy for a little longer. If Sigrun's pillars hold we can-
The Thunder God's thoughts were interrupted by a giant snakehead crashing through the wall. The monster's scales were orange and its piercing yellow eyes glared at the defenders of Hephaestus forge. Then another head appeared followed by another and another until nine heads were looking at them. Nine heads connected to a body dwarfing the Cyclops it stood next too supported by four legs thick as tree trunks. Each head snarled as they smashed the pillars with ease.
"Oh shit," Andrew whispered, "That's a fucking Hydra!"
"How did they get that in here?" Artemis gasped, her cool demeanor waving at the sight of the beast that rivaled the strength of Nemean Lions.
"The portal must have expanded in size to allow it through, "Rota said, trying to regain her courage.
"We can't let fear overwhelm us! I read how we can defeat this thing. Cauterize the wound on each neck we remove before it regrows or cut out its heart!"
Thor smiled at Rossweisse. While he had been away with Heracles, she had been reading up on how to deal with the monsters of the Greek pantheon. She was prepared for anything.
"You won't have trouble with that beast now. Thor catch!"
Thor spun on his heels as Hephaestus threw something at him. It was spinning like a razorblade towards him which he caught easily. All eyes turned to the weapon within Thor's hand, it was an axe, an axe Rossweisse and Sigrun recognized as Jarnbjorn. The weapon had changed drastically in the God's forge; the handle was slimmer and longer with a curve at the center with the end being bigger to allow it to be used to bash enemies faces, the head was three times its previous size with the runes covering the whole weapon instead of the edge. Thunder danced around the weapon as Thor raised it above his head, despite its size the axe was light as a feather and gave off tremendous power, power that made the enemy halt in their advance.
Turning his attention back to the Hydra, each head hissed angrily at the redhead. This monster was big but with Jarnbjorn's upgrade, he was certain the creature would be no match for him. Pouring more magic into Jarnbjorn, he pointed it at the Hydra and forked lightning erupted from the head striking the monster with a tremendous force causing the creature to writhed and hissed in pain. As soon as the thunder ceased, Thor lunged at the beast swing away lopping off each head while Sigrun ran her sword along the severed necks, blood dried and skin burned as the wounds were cauterized to prevent its head's regrowing. As the last head was cut off Thor grabbed it and tossed it to the other monsters, daring them to continue their assault.
None stepped forward.
"If you value your lives then retreat! " Thor commanded.
That was all they needed to hear from the God of Thunder, they turned and ran as fast as their legs could take them. As the crowd thinned it became clear that the black humanoid monsters were not retreating like the Greek monsters. Either they had no mind of their own or were determined to ensure Olympus is destroyed. Whatever the reason was they were no match for the counter-attack by the Valkyries and God it was over in seconds, the hall leading the Hephaestus forge was littered with blood, rubble, weapons, and corpses.
Thor plopped himself onto a fallen column to regain his strength for whatever foe he would face next but was immediately pulled to his feet by Rossweisse.
"We can't rest, Thor. We have to stop Heracles!"
Thor listened to the silver-haired girl give a rapid account of what was happening and when she finished Thor braced himself on the column beside him, his heart stinging at the betrayal of Eris and Heracles. He trusted them and gave them information about himself now they too knew he wasn't the real Thor and would spread the news around the Supernatural World. He had to stop them, he had to know why they would betray their family.
His eyes hardened as he drew himself to his full height, "I'm going to stop Heracles."
"No, I will!" Sigrun interrupted, "You need to destroy Eris' staff. Take that out and the Gods will be free to turn the tide."
"What about Enyo and Eris? Asked Rota.
"If we encounter them we will deal with them." Andrew said before turning to Sigrun, "I know we are not on the best of terms but I can get you to the Flame of Olympus before Heracles."
"What about you Artemis?" Rota asked.
"I will help your fellow Valkyries in protecting the kingdom and save as many servants as I can."
"If you do," Called Hephaestus from his forge, "Send them to my forge, I have loads of weapons they can use to help in the fight. They know basic combat but the more help you have the better of a chance will have in surviving."
Acknowledging The Smithing God with a nod, Thor watched the Valkyrie and Einherjar dash down a corridor and out of sight. If they survive this, if they can free the Olympians the battle will be won and the peace talks can resume.
Trapped and betrayed! What a low blow for Enyo, Eris, and Heracles to do! And who is this Alchemist? A Hero possibly? What would the Hero Faction want with destroying Olympus? Gods are not monsters or are they to the humans? Answers will be answered next time! And speaking of next time I will be engaged! I'm proposing to my girlfriend very soon! No spoilers until my next chapter ;)