Leon's Bedroom Night time
Leon laid in his bed fast asleep tossing and turning from his dream. Like before in his last dream he was in a start skied void, even galaxies visible despite in real life multiple they shouldn't be seen together.
"This dream, I think I remember this" He looked all around in awe, it was beautiful yet mysterious at the same time. "Wait a minute...I can move!?" The first dream Leon couldn't move an inch but now as if a chain binding him was broken he could move though slowly. "At least there's that, but is this a dream? It feels too real like I'm wide awake."
His legs kicked up and down as if he was swimming, no air even required despite the area he was in. "Is this what no gravity feels like? I feel so light as a feather!"
The worries of where he was diminished slowly but was still there in the back of his mind almost like an itch you feel but can't scratch. All that stopped with the small echo of a voice from somewhere.
"He...Ca...He...," Leon stopped trying to listen closely. "That same voice I remember hearing but it's too faint, Hello! Is anyone here?," Leon called out at the top of his lungs.
Seconds passed with no response it stopped as quickly as it came. "I feel like someone or something is calling me..." His mind raced wondering if he had gone mad. Suddenly a bright light far out in the distance shined, its shape was that of a star you'd see from an average drawing. It's yellow whitish lights touched Leon's skin giving a warm sensation
"This feels warm. But I should be dreaming, I shouldn't be able to feel this yet..." the last of his words cut off the light star and died down disappearing "Wait!" was Leon's last response before he shot up in his bed wide awake now.
"Can't tell if I'm dreaming or going mad..." Getting out of bed and getting dressed for class Leon opens the door and runs into Achillia. She still looked beautiful even in her armor stunning Leon but kept those thoughts in his head.
"Oh, morning Achillia. Did Hera send you?" She simply shook her head "No I came to check on you on my own. We are gonna train you so gotta be sure you're well." Smiling brightly she did you could almost mistake her for a normal girl despite the bronz Spartan armor adorned on her body.
"I'm fine just...had a weird dream nothing too serious" Leon didn't want to go into full detail no sure if these dreams meant something or were just a dream. "I see, if you're fine with it during sparring we can talk about what you're thinking."
Achillia offered Leon "Maybe, I don't want this to be just a dream that got me uncomfortable and never comes back but I do appreciate it Achillia."
"Of course, I'll see you later at the gates Leon" with that final word she turned around walking down the hallway. Hair swaying back and forth shining from the lights Leon couldn't help but be captivated by her, but such things were pushed back into his mind "I don't think I'd have a chance, lucky person whoever gets with her," he said now walking out of the building ant towards class.
Blacksmith Chambers on Mountain Olympus
The workshop room of the gods in a volcano like cave was warm, far warmer to the point one could think a lava was around the walls turning the temperature up to way over one hundred degrees. Loud bangs echoed through the cave, the walls and many weapons shaking violently nearly ready to fall over.
One item in particular looked to be a ring of gold by the edge of a hole in the wall, the violent shaking made it move closer and closer to being moved through all the way down mount Olympus.
"Few! And that's done. One thousand blades for the Spartan's well crafted and durable," Said a man with long brown hair and beard. He was shirtless standing over the fire but not completely naked as he kept on a lower half toga stretching down to his legs.
Despite the dirt and black spots from the smoke all over his face, body, and clothes he kept a smile proud of his work. This man was none other than Hephaestus the blacksmith Greek god who could make powerful weapons and armor for gods and men.
Suddenly an orange crystal embedded on the walls started to flicker, Hephaestus wasted no time jumping down from his work bench onto the floor making a big thud despite his size being over six feet tall. With one poke of the crystal an image of a beautiful woman illuminated into view in front of him.
She was the greed goddess of Beauty and love Aphrodite and her outfit left no imagination for she wore a somewhat skimpy top that was two clothes covering each breast leaving some spilling out. Down around her stomach was visible showing off her glistening skin, the bottom dress was very elegant and wavey for a goddess of her stature leaving one leg exposed. Like Hera she too wore heels that were gold but had diamonds etched all around them. Finally her hair was as pure as gold running down shoulder length with a leaf like crown bronze in color around her head.
"Look at you hard at work and no earlier than expected I see," Aphrodite said joking at his face smeared with dirt. "I am to please being known as the best blacksmith of the gods my love," He said laughing rubbing his face with a wet towel. "I did say I would finish this project early and I meant every word," Hephaestus said with pride making Aphrodite smile.
"Yes Yes you were right and no I won't say I was wrong love," her voice said sweetly "I do hope you that means your very much free soon," she said to which Hephaestus responded back "Of course, I may even have a surprise for you you my lovely dove." This was enough for the love goddess to giggle with one hand over her mouth. "I'll be waiting for my Love" she said with a final wave and the hologram turned off.
"Ah my dove will love this one, something for her enjoyment she can speak with the other goddess." His towel thrown on a bench completely covered black from wiping his face Hephaestus hums to himself walking over to a hole in the wall showing the clear blue skies.
"The ring should be soaked in some sunlight and f..." He said stopping in his tracks looking at where his ring was supposed to be, in his own mind while working he failed to notice the ring was slowly creeping towards the outside before now falling thousands of feet down mount Olympus. "No No No!!!" He looks around everywhere turning tables upside down and scattering the many weapons he made for the Spartan soldiers.
"My precious treasure! Dammit it all!!!" He yelled out, the anger of a gods voice echoing louder than the echo of his weapon throughout the cave to the point the walls cracked, he would not be in a good mood until his creation was found.
Classroom in the afternoon
"And that does it for today's lessons, make sure you study as we have a quiz coming up in two days, dismissed everyone," said Mrs Sophia packing up her paper works letting the students leave for home.
Cora, Elais, and Leon all walked together through the hallways getting some snacks. "Ah quizzes, the warning that a test is ready to rear its ugly head," Said Elais snacking on some chips. Leon couldn't agree more on that statement, throughout his time on earth whenever you did quizzes you knew for a fact a test was coming up that could either bring your grades up or lower them badly.
Cora on the other hand was calm about the whole thing, she was known for getting straight A so a quiz might as well have been childs play. "Oh quit complaining Elais just remembered to study and not goof off with those board games," she said right before gulping down a bottle of water.
Elais couldn't help but shake his head at her "Hey we all can't have high IQ's like you Mrs Sma..," that sentence didn't get finished as Cora put him into a headlock. He could only flail his arms around calling uncle till she finally let go.
Leon was pretty glad he wasn't in that position but couldn't help but find the view of a tomboyish like girl putting the silly guy in a headlock funny. "Don't break his neck by accident Cora haha," Leon said patting her shoulders. Cora flipped her short hair "Oh he'll be fine, he is trying to get into the Spartan army after all."
This was the first Leon had heard of what Elais wanted to do. "Can't do that if you accidentally kill me...," He said rubbing his neck. Wanting to ask his friend Leon sat beside him "Why do you want to be in the Spartan's Elais? From what I remember, it's very tough and demands a lot," to which Elais had to respond with excitement "Because they are the army that helps protect our realm, highly respected as well for what they do. It's been my dream as a kid to one day join them!"
Him expelling his dream was an upbeat to see, he clearly had thought it through and only regret would be to not join. Having a dream to look forward to was one thing many people did not just back on earth.
"Wow! I do hope you get that dream Elais, What about you Cora?" Cora sat beside him as well explaining her plans for the future. "I have the privilege when graduating to either work as a priestess in the high temples or an advisor for our gods," this made Leon way more surprised, at her age being asked to join something that would take you years here from what he learned this quickly. Though he remembered she was a straight A student but the idea was still baffling he had to ask
"That does sound like a privilege! I know you're much smarter than us both but that's something high up there for your age." This made Cora only laugh patting his back with enough strength it could almost leave a handprint on his back.
"True but I guess you could say it's kinda because of my family, for generations we have been priests, priestesses, agricultural classes etc. You could say I have some high expectations to keep the family name going," She said without a hint of worry or sadness. Leon always felt people who had to keep up the family name should be allowed a choice of whether to do so but understood if he or she is okay with it then it was all good.
He then turned back to Elais "I'm guessing your family has warriors in their blood?" to which Elais shakes his head in disagreement "Naw, my family has been neutral in stuff, I simply like the warrior style so I had to jump at the chance, thankfully mom and dad are supportive so that's a huge bonus," Leon couldn't help but smile at that, he didn't know what having parents was but enjoyed hearing a mother, father, or both being supportive.
This time it was Cora's turn to ask Leon about his future planning "Besides the whole Hera thing what are your plans for Leon?" Both her and Elais looked at him waiting for a response. "Well I do want to be an artist, always had a passion for letting my imagination out onto paper or other materials," He said looking at them both laughing a bit.
Elais responds back "Hey no shame in that, it's better than being lost, I'm sure your parents...I mean..." he stuttered realizing how Leon got here making Cora facepalm, Leon had to speak up.
"No No it's okay! I like to think my grandfather would be proud even in another realm I'm doing something I like doing so no worries," He smiled at Elais. He knew he didn't mean any harm and eventually this would have to be asked, had it been any deeper than Leon would have to not answer his curiosity.
Cora stepped in "Regardless I'm glad Leon, and don't worry I'll make this funny doesn't poke too much," she smirked and Elais pulled a raspberry at her.
Standing up wiping off the crumbs Leon packed his bags "Well I gotta get going to the gate, wish me luck I would survive," he turned back joking at his two friends. Elais gave a thumbs up giving a smile while Cora waved goodbye wishing him well.
Gates Leading outdoors into the training area
Achillia waited by the gate humming a lovely tune by herself of an ancient Greek song from her own memory without an instrument while two guards stood watch on each side of the giant gate.
"Now there's something I haven't seen in a long time since you were little," a female voice called out walking up to Achillia. "A warrior can still sing of her favorite song from childhood Hecuba."
Hecuba the descendant of the Hector from ancient times Achillia answered back. Like her she wore a cingulum with bronz armor platings adorned for protection. Unlike Achillia's breast plate Hecuba's was more covered up like many Spartan soldiers. Her hair that stands out was a bright red color in a ponytail.
Hecuba laughed back, it was clear these two had no hostility towards one another. "Just a bit of teasing friend, I hear you got yourself a protege now I never picture you do that" Achillia could only chuckle looking at her with a smile
"Things happen, plus someone had to help the new guy and I was the most qualified for it, Athena would be too but with how busy she is it would slow down the progress. Speaking of the new guy here he comes."
Leon finally reached the gate to the outdoors not a moment too soon. "Made it in time. Hm! Who's this another training partner?" Hecuba and Achillia chuckled a bit at his curiosity.
"If she had time for that, Leon this is Hecuba the descendant of the original Hecuba and the lead general of the Spartan army," Achillia answered pointing her thumb at her friend. "And a friend of this dark haired softy haha" Hecuba said back gaining a huff out of Achillia.
Leon's mind clicked remember the name Hecuba "I think I remember reading about Hecuba from the books how she was the queen of troy and her country at war with Greece," Hecuba nodded acknowledging his answer
"Pretty much but that's water under the bridge, despite the differences both parties were watched by our pantheon gods do naturally I was allowed to the realm of Olympus."
Achillia turned around placing the paper with the seal written by Hera on the door causing it to light up and open. Leon looked up in awe never seeing a giant door open with magic before.
Hecuba patted his back "Good luck, and tried not to go too hard on him Achillia," a final joke before she turned her heels and walked off. "Oh I'm not that rough," Achillia said to get in one last day. "Welp let's get going Leon," No disapproval needed from Leon following behind her and gates close shut.
The outside which was reserved for few people was a very large grassy landscape stretching as far as the eye can see. Mountains toward over the back though none could compete with mount Olympus itself. Far off around the mountains was a clear blue ocean glistening in the sun and waves splashing on the sandy shores.
"Wow! This place is like paradise!" Leon looked all around him hard to understand how this place could be a training area and not a vacation hotspot.
Achillia finally explained about this area in full detail "It looks like a paradise but don't be fooled by looks Leon, this place is home to many mythological monsters like chimera, hydra, and harpies so naturally this land will be like a continent to house so many."
Looking around walking forward there was no sight of any of the legendary monsters just told about, it was as if the place was completely devoid of life.
"If that's the case where are the monsters?" asking while looking around Leon scratched his head. "Oh you can thank Athena over there for that, her willpower is strong enough to scare them off." Achillia pointed down the hill and there was Athena standing tall, her clothes blowing in the wind while looking over to the clear blue ocean the definition of a goddess.
"You've finally arrived, I have made a spot for the training," she said waving her hands for both to come forward.
Under her feet was a stone circle with different markings of ancient writings unknown to Leon. Achillia seemed delighted in the process of using this "Definitely a good start at Athena." Athena looks at Leon "This will be a start to understanding what lies dormant within you, fret not for the markings shall recover any small wounds you suffer.
As for weapons we must start small," waving her hand she summons a wooden sword and shield for both him and Achillia "This way so no one gets badly injured," Athena responded.
Leon took up both weapons, as expected being wood they weighed very little and were easy to swing around. Though because he was still new this was easier said than done. Achillia took her stance pointing her wooden weapon.
"Alright Leon first things first follow my league, spread your feet out a bit, don't stiffen your arms, and keep your eyes on me." Doing just that Leon follows her lead, Athena gives a nod and Achillia charges at him.
Leon throws up his shield trying to block in a hurry but Achillia moves her sword down hitting his stomach. "ow!" kneeling down rubbing his stomach he winces in a bit of pain coming and going. "Your legs gave out and your arms bent too much, again!"
Achillia yelled out with a voice strong enough to make even a stubborn person obey. Leon swung his sword attempting to hit her but she effortlessly blocked with her shield. "Watch her movements Leon, do not focus on one thing," Athena called out arms crossed.
"S-Sorry! Never thought of fighting a beautiful woman..." Leon seconds after only realized what he blurted out, his wooden sword blocked by Achillia. He couldn't see it but behind the shield she blushed a bit at that response almost like she hasn't been called beautiful in a long time. Pushing his sword back makes Leon fall to the ground and she composed herself to look like a proper senior.
"Your strength went out which is why you fell...and thanks for the compliment," she said turning her head thinking many thoughts how and why that just happened.
Athena without either seeing smiled a little and the goofy scenery. "If all is good it is time to try again you too," Leon shot up dusting himself off. With that small scratch on his stomach healed because of the engraved stone he was back to full health "Yes ma'am!" he said to which Achillia turned back around taking a stance.
Thirty minutes passed with Leon out of breath, the engraved stone under his foot healed the many scratches he got but Athena made sure not his stamina wanting to see how far he could go. "Not bad but you can do better," She said as an experienced veteran in the arts of battle.
"Take a 10 minute break and we shall continue," with that Leon and Achillia sat down, Leon being glad he could finally catch his breath. "Wow you're really good with those wooden weapons Achillia, I can only imagine how fierce you are with metal," Leon complemented her prowess. Never before had he seen someone move so fierce yet so freely like she did.
"When you practice a lot you get better and better, though I must admit using a sword isn't entirely my strong suit as I prefer the spear," she looked over her wooden sword with a hint of annoyance knowing it was never really her taste. Leon had to ask about her since she of course knew much about him.
"I never did get asked about you Achillia," she dropped the wood looking at Leon "True there, what do you wish to know?" Scratching his chin thinking he wondered for a few seconds before finally settling on something "What's your background, like the past and such if that's okay?," this made her chuckle "I did say you could ask. Well we're to start; You already know my name is Achillia but the origin from it starts with Achilles one of the greatest ancient warriors told in the story."
The name was not too hard to forget for him, studying ancient Greek and myth he read about Achilles being in the war against the Trojans. "So like your name is inspired by Achilles?," he asked and she answered back "Kinda, I am in fact a descendant of Achilles, Achillia was a name given to me as a more feminine word for a woman like me." Just like Hecuba she was a descendant of a person known in the story but for her it differed.
"Oh wow! Having to be a descendant of him must get you many many favors Achillia," thinking about it it had to be somewhat true but this made her sigh a bit.
"Kinda except there's more, you know of the myth that he was the son of Thetis the sea nymph? Well that's all true but throughout generations without interbreeding with any more gods the strength Achilles had slowly dwindled lower and lower to the point no one in the family even in different branches like cousins or aunts could access the power our ancestor had."
She said looking up at the sky telling the tale, Leon couldn't help but feel like she felt bad not being able to access that kind of power. "As you can guess the family name sort of dropped from then on, I kinda was pressured to uphold our legacy."
From childbirth Achillia was destined to be the symbol of her family; better training and armor she was made to have for the longest time to keep her prepared to show themselves still mighty warriors.
"That has to be taxing on you, being expected to carry the family name I couldn't even imagine." Leon's whole life had been by some standards normal not knowing about being royal or pampered for greatness. Achillia simply waves her hands shrugging off the worries of her life.
"It's fine, over time I got used to it and now I simply want to do good in the process, and possibly one day unleash the godly like power that has dwelled in our bloodline for generations." Finding a way to lighten up the mood around someone he was getting more comfortable with he jokingly told her
"I guess that makes both of us try to figure out how to bring what lies within us huh?" Achillia laughs back, her emotions now a bit brighter finding solace in knowing someone else had one thing in common with.
Athena approaches behind them waves her hand shining the stone beneath "Break time is over, time to continue with your training. Leon I hope to see you lasting longer." That straight forward demeanor made Leon gulp, if she only gave ten minutes of rest now she may possibly bring it down to only five or in worst a few seconds given who she is.
"You heard the goddess Leon, try not to fall on your butt this time," Achillia raised her wooden sword and shield getting into stance. "Let me live through this day..." Leon groaned under his breath readying then finally charging at her once more.
Far away on the Mountains
A figure in a purple and black color on the left side of its robe and the other half completely white at the very top of the mountain looked down at the field, watching the sparring go on again this robed individual without its face being seen began to finally speak.
"And now the journey begins, I wonder with slight interest how you will hold your first big challenge Leon..." The female-like voice said before turning around and slowly sinking into the mountain fully gone from sight as if it had been empty from the beginning.
Leon finally begins his first steps into finding out what lies within him that caught the goddess Hera's interest in him. Meeting new faces like Hecuba and finally Athena he can only hope they stay friendly towards him like Achillia has been doing. And now he seems to have someone or something watching him from the shadows, for what reason it still lies in mystery for now.
Also wanted to say thank you to Dunedan(the creator of DxD Roots of Hope) for allowing me to show Hecuba in this story it was fun deciding what role she'll play in the future. Like before thank you for liking and following the story.