Olympus holding cells
"What did I do!? Did I somehow summon Kronos' scythe? Did I unknowingly choose the wrong item? Ugh I don't know..."
Said a frustrated yet worried and scared Leon pacing back and forth in his holding cell. He talked back and forth in his mind trying to understand how all this had happened. Between doing his right of passage to now being hauled off into a holding cell it all feels like this happened so fast despite the time in-between.
"What am I gonna say to Hera? She reincarnated me into the Olympian realm and now I have the king of the gods thinking I murdered the guards and stole the weapon from the vault even though I wasn't there..."
That part was the really confusing one for the Olympian citizen. He was always either in class or training with Achillia in the fields, he never once set foot near the vaults nor had any desire to. Yet he was being told he had done it despite lack of proof.
Sighing and sitting down in defeat he thinks out loud looking towards the ceiling "What is she gonna think of all this? Even Cora and Elais, even Achillia..."
Those thoughts cut off as the door to cells opened. Hera and Athena stepped through past the guards who were guarding Leon's cell from outside. Whether inside or outside he was not getting out anytime soon as the whole area was under heavy magic protection, trying to break out was simply out of the question.
"Hera! Athena! Look I don't what's going on but I..."
He was cut off from Hera walking forward and reaching between the bars to hug Leon pressing his head against her breast as if he was a new born baby needing the comfort of his mother.
"It's okay Leon, I know you have a lot of questions about the crime but know I know you didn't do it." Hera said in a soothing tone to calm down the Olympian citizen.
Athena stepped in speaking up "I as well. Everything that has happened does not add up one bit."
This was enough to calm Leon down, having at least two powerful and beautiful goddess say he wasn't guilty felt like a somewhat big weight fell off his shoulders.
"I...thank you. But wait what about Achillia?" He blurted out thinking how she might react to someone she trained being accused of this.
Hera rubbed his head before letting go now hands on his shoulders "She is fine, sadly only gods such as us are permitted to see you at the moment until your trial."
Part of him knew this could lead to a trial but the back of his mind the idea that he could be executed for having a legendary weapon stuck with him. This outcome was most definitely a better one but sadly Leon had never been to court, jury duty or anything such as that. "So I gotta attend court? I've never done that. Do I get some sort of lawyer here?"
Athena shook her head in disapproval "No the way our system here differs from the mortal realm. Normally something minor would be handled by a small court room from below but here because of what your being accused of you will be summoned to mount Olympus to await your trial."
Mount Olympus the very first place he woke up from now was to be his hearing to decide his fate. Never in a million years could he imagine he would be attending something this serious, especially where he had just started to consider this realm his home.
"All the gods and goddesses of Olympus will be present soon. Just be calm and say what you know," Athena said.
"Do I at least get to hear how and why they think I did it?" asked Leon looking at Hera concerned.
She replied with a sadden look "Unfortunately we cannot tell you until your trial. Though I wish I could I must follow the laws."
Leon said about knew it couldn't be helped. If he were in her position he would have done the same thing since being taught by his grandfather to obey the law no matter where you are or who you are.
"I understand. I just hope this all goes well." He said looking down. Hera couldn't help but hug him again wishing she could do more.
"The trial will commence soon Leon, I know your worried but be brave for your hope is not lost yet." Athena consulted to him the best way she knew how to. Any other person tried that Leon might of had second thoughts but from a goddess of wisdom her words had powers to inspire hope no matter how big or small.
Mount Olympus Throne Room
At the heart of Mount Olympus inside the thrown room was a spectacular sight to eyes. Every inch on the walls, floors, and seats were either pure marble or gold fit for a god above men. At the very front of the throne was none other Zeus's throne stretching over 20 feet tall with his symbol of a his thunderbolt, eagle, bull and oak all in one symbol. Yet behind his throne even taller was non other the. the flames of Olympus. A very majestic and beautiful orange colored flame that seemed as if it was dancing in the background. This flame was the very heart of Olympus and what gave many of it's citizens more physical strength, longer lives, and the ability to use magic and spells.
"Ah been to long since I came here though I wish it were under better circumstances."
The voice came from the Apollo the Greek god of the bow, music, and divination. The clothing on him matched what you would see him wear from the statues made in his honor.
"Indeed. The news we have heard is most troubling." Came the voice of Demeter the goddess of agriculture.
Behind her came along some of the other Greek gods. Despite how history tells of there being only twelve Olympian gods many within Greek argued back and forth there being more of them. But here in the Olympian Pantheon there was thirteen.
"I honestly couldn't believe it until Zeus called for this trial." Said Hermes sitting on the rails crossing his legs. "Had to double check the message I got. "The newcomer Leon stealing the Scythe of Kronos from the vault" it has a odd feeling towards it.
"You don't take this too seriously Hermes. This is serious crime in it's self."
Out of the corner of the door leaning on it was Ares the god of war. Fully decked out in plated armor that would put a Spartans to shame he seemed like he was ready for war.
"I just have a natural attitude towards these things is all. Must stay calm no matter how serious the situation is Ares."
"Hmph." Ares turned his head walking over towards his seat not wanting to continue a conversation deemed to be useless to continue.
"This trial is pointless all together. Better to kill him now and be done with it."
All gods in the room turned towards the hallway, the sound of footsteps approaching but also the feeling of death. This was none of them hades. Unlike how the statues present him his entire face was that of a skeleton with bright blue dots in his fleshless eye socket. His whole outfit was different from the rest being a huge robe to cover his whole body one could only wonder if underneath was only bones.
Aphrodite who walked in along with Hephaestus her husband laughed at his idea of killing "Now now, last I checked random acts of violence like that isn't necessary especially during a trial like this. Though I suppose it's only natural you would jump to that conclusion since you didn't want to be here in the first place."
Headed couldn't deny that he didn't want to attend this trial. Out of all the gods he was the most secluded and viewed other activities other then his own worthless or beneath him. But when a trial this serious comes up no Olympian god is allowed to not attend, even death it's self such as him.
"She has to beat there Hades. But like it or not this trial needs all of us." Said Dionysus the Greek god of wine, merriment, and theatre.
"Do not speak as if you know what's better half breed." Hades turned his head away walking towards his seat at the top next to Zeus's throne.
The god of wine only sighed in disappointment at that insult. Yes indeed he was half god since his mother was a mortal but because of the many contributions he provided to this realm Zeus deemed it necessary to add his child Dionysus to mount Olympus.
"There was no need for that Hades. Try to remember we are all part of the Olympian Pantheon here." Said Hephaestus with a serious face.
Hades looked half way back scoffing at the god of blacksmithing "Go back to your dirty hiding place ugly god."
Hephaestus clenched his fist in anger. He knew hades was one of the top strongest in the world and he had no chance to fight him but he could only tolerate so much disrespect.
"What did y..."
"ENOUGH!!!"
Just before Aphrodite could calm her husband the loud voice of Poseidon echoed throughout the room. Standing tall with his three prong golden trident he looked at both gods who seemed to be about ready to come to blows.
"There will be no fighting here. We are here for judgement no internal conflict" Poseidon looked at them both and the others making sure his point got across.
"Hmph"
"Very well Uncle"
Hades simply sat down while Hephaestus followed his wife to there seats. Every other god did the same. The last two to come through the hallway was Athena and Hera. Both could sense some hostility from the air between Hades and Hephaestus. But that matter seemed to be attended from Poseidon who walked towards them both.
"We could here your voice from outside Poseidon. Practicing your yelling skills now are we?"
Athena who had a rivalry with the god of the sea tend to find ways to through jabs at him. Back then the rival between the two was serious but has since died down, becoming somewhat friendly spats at one another though Athena liked to keep her stoic nature.
"Well now the goddess of wisdom needs doesn't know? Oh how far has she fallen millennium later." He said smirking back at her.
"My oh my how quickly both your tunes can change in an instant." Hera said folding her arms. "Better then the unnecessary fights that destroyed the some of the lands."
"Apologies my Queen Hera. No hostility here will happen." Athena back in her stoic attitude bowed to Hera.
chuckling at them both they ushered them to their seats which they complied. In a matter of seconds the the king of Olympus Zeus walked in. Behind him was 5 Spartans in a circle formation around none other then Leon who had his hands bind together by magic. Hera didn't like to see him in that position but knew it was ruled to be necessary despite her protest.
Being led to a stand on the left Leon stood tall like he was told to by Athena. There was no shaking the nervousness of the situation as his heart beat a few times faster.
Zeus finally took his seat on his throne. Looking around to make sure everyone was present he began to speak.
"Good, everyone is present. This trial today will be done by the Olympian gods today to discuss the fate of the newcomer Leon Alexander."
Athena wasted no time looking at Leon keeping a stoic face just like she told him she would "Leon Alexander, you are here to stand trial of being accused of murder of the guards of the vault and the theft of the Legendary weapon Kronos'Scythe. How do you plead?"
"Not guilty my Queen Hera. I never went to the vault nor did I have any need to in the first place. My place was with the class I was given, a long with training under Achillia and the watchful eye of Athena. And by the time of the attack I was at my living area studying for my teachers quizzes and Achillia's fighting style."
Leon spoke looking at Hera from below making good eye contact. He knew he had to be bold for nervous ness would just make the other gods believe he's guilty on the spot.
Hera hearing this sat back down looking "Your words have been heard and shall be remembered Leon."
Zeus look to Hades for his input since he was the top trio of the Olympians. Though he couldn't tell by facial expression he seemed to be bored out of his mind. Still he had to give his input on what was seen and being accused onto Leon himself.
"Then newcomer, explain why the sole surviving guard of the Olympian vault said he saw your face. The very same face that slaughtered his comrades, and had his mind ravaged to get to information to open the vault?"
Hades spoke aloud for all to hear, his voice along with his fleshless face and shining dots in the eye socket would make even the toughest soldiers run for their lives. This made many of the gods minus Hera and Athena mumble to one another how serious and ruthless this sounded.
"W-What!? My face?" Leon finally knew what they meant when they had accused him of this. Someone or something seemed to have had his face, at least that was what came into his mind for he never once step foot there. Confusion soon washed all over his face, he stared at Hades voicing his concern "There must be some mistake here. Again I never once went to the vault or did these vicious crimes. Whoever did this had to be impersonating me and somehow set me up to claim the Scythe."
Ares finally spoke up standing tall looking down as if he was a giant looking at an insignificant being from below "We know about sacred gears and how strong they are. You have been progressing fast, faster then many we have seen before. So naturally it is easy to suspect you managed to overpower the guards, especially with how mysterious your powers are newcomer."
Most gods sitting couldn't help but understand what Ares was getting at. Indeed sacred gears made from god himself to humanity could far surpass any skilled warrior with years of experience let alone gods from different mythologies. And to make matters worse Leon's was a sacred gear they had never seen before in all these thousands of years. It was as if he was an anomaly that just popped up out of nowhere and they were in the dark with next to no information.
"As far as I know my sacred gear only manifests a single sword. Never has it been used for this!"
Leon spoke back keeping his innocence and confused expression for all the gods to see that he did not do it.
Hermes chimed in speaking after Ares finished his statement "We have someone who talked to the guard before he went into a comma. Please send him in."
One of the Spartan's who was to watch Leon bowed his head and walked out through the hallway. Seconds only passed as footsteps echoing came closer and closer. Leon's eyes narrowed at the one man he wish wasn't here right now.
"The witness who got the information, I present to you all Heracles."
The same man who was at the center of the jungle was now standing trial to say what he saw and heard. Even at something this serious he held a slight serious look across his face like he wanted justice to come today at all cost.
"I'm honored to be here Olympian gods. Yes it is as Hermes said himself I was a witness to the after math. I saw the honored guards bodies on the ground lifeless. It was clear they stood no chance but the sole survivor had it worse. His mind was extracted by the use of some form of powerful magic. It was only dumb luck I heard cries of pain and made my way as fast as I could. Before he went into a coma he told me of who did this and that was none of other then the newcomer Leon Alexander."
He pointed straight at Leon, eyes locked right at him. He held the tone of someone who was one hundred percent serious about the information he told. Leon could only look on helpless as many gods spoke to one another thinking this trial could end quickly as it started.
Zeus on the other hand raised his hand for everyone to be silent which they complied immediately.
Athena looked to her father to speak. Zeus had no objections ushering her to stand up to voice an opinion.
"While it does seem like this evidence is clear cut I have some strange doubts about this. It is true those guards at the vault were extremely strong and only someone equal if not stronger could over power them. Still from what I've seen Leon's power should be nowhere near that strong. Surely to take them all out like that he would have many battle scars on his body."
Leon felt happy Athena was speaking up on how this was a tad bit suspicious. Even Hera had to agree as she had studied the young man as well.
Heracles put his hand up to be asked to voice his opinion which Zeus allowed.
"That may be in some way true my goddess Athena. But we know not what other powers could be within his sacred gear. As the gods have said in all these thousands of years they have never seen anything like his sacred gear so logically who is to say he would have some sort of power up his sleeve we don't know?"
Every god could not deny this, his power was something knew they have never felt from any other sacred gear.
"Hmmm. It is as you say my daughter, and Heracles. Both sides have evidence to pin point one side is possible right while the other is wrong." Zeus looked at them both rubbing his chin through the long white beard. "As such since there must be a conclusion to this a new trial must be held, assuming Mr. Leon shall approve of it?"
Leon turned at Zeus nodding seeming as he had no choice.
"I understand Zeus. If this new trial will help prove my innocence then I will do it."
"Now if many agree with this raise your hand at once."
Zeus commanded all the gods to do so, all but Ares, Hades raised their hands in approval. The vote was practically one sided as many thought this type of new trial had to be done. Ares and Hades simply thought to get rid of him now as to them the evidence was clear cut.
"Then by the decision I declare Leon shall fight in the Olympia arena. There if his will is strong enough to prevail and prove he is innocent then the crimes on him shall be dropped!"
A trial by combat, that was the best offer for Leon. Though it wouldn't be easy as the Greek gods wouldn't just give him an easy trial with a weak opponent. He would have to fight a very tough opponent and win as his conviction to win and prove his innocence, and through the will to win he shows he did not do it. Despite how this would seem out of date in modern times for here it was a law that survived the ages.
"My King Zeus, if I may speak?" Heracles asked to which Zeus allowed "While I do not agree to this outcome I respect your decision. But I must ask, this trial by combat I insist I take part of it."
All the gods looked at one another surprised by his boldness. Many would simply just acknowledge Zeus's demand and be done with it. Heracles however clearly had something in mind.
"You are bold to ask such a thing Heracles. But given how you were drawn into this such actions will be acknowledged. What is it you ask?" Poseidon stroked his beard leaning forward curious to what the young man's next answer would be.
"I ask because of such a heinous crime that if I win against this trial by combat I wish to be brought forth the benefits of being under Hera as the original Heracles once did millennium ago."
The queen of the god's was taken back by this, any other situations she would have flat out say "No" to his request. Unfortunately through the trial of combat in the Olympia Arena which was only for the men and women who caught the eyes of the gods she would have to agree to this request whether she wanted to or not.
"Because this will take place in Olympia I will have to agree to your request Heracles should you be victorious." Hera said but didn't want to. Even sighing to such a request here would be seen as disrespectful.
Zeus stood up from his throne walking towards the edge "Very well then. Heracles because you brought forth information you shall be granted to privilege to attend. Should you be victorious you shall have my blessing to be under the guidance and have benefits from my wife Hera."
Heracles bowed his head in respect thanking Zeus for his generosity.
"This trial of today is concluded. Leon, you will have a week to prepare for the upcoming trial. You may train to hone your skills but be aware as of now you are forbidden from receiving special items or taught spells that could give you an edge. You must find a way you yourself to be ready for what lays ahead, am I clear?"
"Yes your King Zeus, I understand."
Leon bowed his head in respect. He wish he could be given more time but this could've been in days or let alone today so one could not help but see this as a bit of generosity.
Everyone God and goddess got up from their seats bowing to Zeus before leaving. Leon was escorted by the Spartan's outside as was tradition to do whether he was found innocent or not.
Outside near the gates
A somewhat sigh of relief came from the newcomer. Having all the gods look at him was completely nerve racking, he couldn't help but answer in his mind "How did I keep my cool?" or "I'm surprised I didn't nearly pass out!"
Hera walked beside him rubbing the top of his head "You did good Leon. This trial had a better outcome many can't deny."
That was a puzzling question. He had to fight someone who was possibly twice, no, three to four times stronger then he was. A mountain of muscle that could bench press him even.
"I gotta fight Heracles. The guy who carries a spirit of the original inside of him, maybe I'm missing something there how this could be a success..."
Athena chimed in waving off his worries "We know that Leon. She meant to some of the gods to show you had no part in the vault raid. Your shock and confusion allowed many to second guess the charges."
This was the one major reason Hera and Athena hadn't told him about this mysterious being having his face. Had he had heard it from them he would have answered the evidence with a straight face, that would be a mistake as it could have many believe he did do it and tried to act calm to seem innocent. Leon while not entirely liking the idea of being left in the dark about this couldn't be mad at it. These two were trying to helping and they did just that, even he could not deny the logic he would seem to calm for comfort.
"Leon!"
The young man spun around to see someone he hadn't seen all day. Achillia ran forward towards him seeing the trial was done.
"Achillia! I...guess you heard about what happened?"
She stopped in front of him giving a smirk giving a love tap from her fist to his shoulders.
"Of course I did from Athena. I also know how nervous you were about the whole thing. Honestly I don't believe you did it. We may have known each other for a few weeks but you don't seem the type of person to do this."
Those words made Leon's heart skip a few beats. He was glad a girl like her didn't see him as a criminal.
"I...thank you. Really I needed those words."
He couldn't help but smile. Even if it felt a bit embarrassing to do that in front of Hera and Athena he simply couldn't help it.
"Don't forget about us!!!"
This time came Elais and Cora running up towards there friend.
"No need to ask "You heard as well?" Because we already did from Achillia." Said Cora smirking pushing up her glasses. Her demeanor while straight forward was a welcomed with open arms.
"Haha that's Cora for ya. Leon regardless how the other gods or anyone else think we know your innocent! You would never do something so dumb like that!"
Cora had to sigh at his outburst but couldn't fault him. Even she knew Leon wouldn't do something so serious as this even if they didn't have proof.
"I have to agree. It's illogical for you to do something so stupid after all." Cora's said words that made everyone around start laughing, even Athena through her stoic nature laughed as well.
"I hear th..."
Leon stops mid sentence looking back seeing both Hephaestus, Zeus, and an unknown girl in a bluish robe and white hoodie walking towards them. Leon, Achillia, and his two friends all got to one knee bowing before two of their gods.
"There will be no need for that."
Zeus ushered them to cease the formality and stand.
"Zeus did I...do something?"
The king shook his no. He was clearly here for something else.
"First things first. My son if you will."
"Yes Father. Leon despite the circumstances you remember that promise I made?"
A few seconds was all it took for him to remember what promise Hephaestus. The shield, his reward for bringing back the ring for his wife Aphrodite.
"I remember. But considering what's going on I can't exactly accept special items such as yours..."
The blacksmith of the guards let out a hardy laugh puzzlingly Leon along with Achillia, Cora, and Elais.
"Yes right now it would be impossible, but the promise I made to you happened before your trail. So as such the gift to you made by me does not go against the rules placed in you now."
This was a complete shock to the younglings. They couldn't deny the logic behind this, technically since the promise was made to Leon way before the whole vault raid it technically belonged to Leon even if he didn't receive it yet.
"I-I see!"
Leon watched Hephaestus pull out a bag and in it was something wrapped in clothe. The shape didn't seem to be a shield as it was almost rectangular in shape.
"Open it"
The god told Leon which he did. With all the wrapping clothes peeled off in his hands was a bronze armored arm band. It's length the same size as his arm, clearly made from memory as Hephaestus did not measure the boys arm.
"An arm band? I like it but where does the shield come in?"
"Put it on your arm and see for yourself Leon."
No need to second guess the blacksmith of the gods he thought. It fit perfectly on his arm, not to tight nor not to loose. As soon as he clenched his fits suddenly a metal piece shot out and turned in a perfect circle. For all to see it was a bronze shield. Like many of the Spartan shields around the rings were the triangle shapes looped in a circle around the shield. Many dots also looped around in a circle, but the only one that didn't was the circle like gem in the very middle. Colored a bright red, as bright as a healthy cherry freshly picked and ready to eat.
"Wow! I...I don't know what to say other then thank you!" Leon said looking over his newly aquir'd shield. It's size was about as big as his whole arm, had he of been weak holding something like this would've taken great strength to do with massive loss in stamina fast.
"Hahaha considering how excited you are it makes making this fine weapon all the more enjoyable."
Elais was quick to flock over looking at his friends shield. A weapon made the gods was a great honor he felt a little jealous he didn't get the privilege. Still none the less.he congratulated Leon telling to cherish such a gift.
"One day Leon we must test out this shield against my own." Said Achillia.
"whistles* That is a nice shield there, fine craft and everything. Ah right where are my manners, names Bennia, I'm a reaper working under Hades and I'll be bringing you to your destination."
The girl in the robe with a skull mask pulled it down revealing her fact. It was pale white with the eyes being gold. Her hear was blue and put into a long ponytail nearly reaching her legs. Her outfit like robe didn't leave much to the imagination. Both her legs were out in the open with some of her inner thighs showing. clearly one didn't have to ask she wasn't wearing any panties.
"Ah right sorry we got a bit distracted." Said Leon chuckling putting his shield away.
"Eh no biggie, that was a pretty important moment so no need for me to but in just yet."
Bennia floated around Leon looking him over like she was a curious child. She heard about the trial and what was in store for him. Half and half she believed he may have a shot at beating Heracles but at the same time she remembers the man with the spirit of the original is not lacking in the strength department.
"Bennia here will open a portal to the Outskirts, there you will meet with someone who will watch over you. Through my blessing said person will make sure you do not die." Said Zeus standing beside his wife.
"Your helping me? Not that I don't appreciate it but...why?"
This question had to be asked, Leon never thought Zeus the king of Olympus would help someone who had to in a week so a trial by combat.
The king chuckled "Thank Hera for she recommended it, I simply made sure my contact who owes me a favor makes sure you survive."
"My dear husband your too generous for your own good sometimes." Said Hera smiling.
"Still you didn't have to but you did, I know you have limits to what you can do with this situation but you still tried."
Leon's words of generosity made everyone smile. Achillia more then others, the young man she trained even in a serious situation like this could be generous and kind.
"Your words are welcomed. To tell you the truth this whole trial made me and others question what has truly happened. Since they found you with the scythe it seemed clear but in the back each minds something felt quite off. Still a trial of this caliber had to happen by law in our realm."
Zeus seemed like a wise god then how the Legends portray him. A god who some believed to be arrogant and rash, if those were true they must have happened long before Leon and any other Olympus Citizen's were born. Though one thing all could say was that Zeus definitely had many children before staying married to Hera no denying that.
"I understand and I won't waste this chance!"
Leon said before Hera walked up and hugged like she did before. This was embarrassing with many people watching. Elais would joke if it weren't for Cora giving him the stink eye. Still this feeling while embarrassing made Leon feel a bit at peace. He had never had a mother in his life so he assumed this was something many mom's did to their children.
"Be well Leon. Get strong so you may prove your Innocence."
She didn't need to say twice for him to nod in agreement. Everyone else gave their vote of confidence to him to survive and comeback.
"Alright you ready dude?"
"Ready!"
Bennia summoned her black scythe and slashed it through the air. Seconds later an azure colored portal opened from thin air.
"Wow! You must be a strong reaper Bennia."
Leon looked at her in amazement, but that was short lived as she shook her head no.
"Not really, there are many above me who are stronger. They have black cloaks and robes, weaker ones or below experience have less dark ones kinda like me myself."
This shocked most but to the gods they understood why. Bennia herself is a half reaper half human, her father is a reaper while her mother a human. Despite being a half breed she showed skilled talents as a reaper but many did not bother to acknowledge her thus for Bennia she got a blue robe which is low in ranking. Despite how it was Bennia didn't mind sharing with the rest about her origins. Understandable Leon and his friends didn't like how Hades denied her a darker cloak but there wasn't much they could do against the god of the underworld.
"Well I hope one day you get that pitch black robe Bennia."
"Haha I appreciate the vote of confidence. Now let's get going this portal won't stay open for long."
He nodded and looked back waving to everyone everyone.
"I'll see you all in a week."
With that him and Bennia jumped into the portal, it disappearing as if it wasn't there.
The trial has concluded and Leon must now meet with Zeus's contact out in the Outskirts of the Olympus Realm. Can he find a way to get ready to face Heracles strength or his he doomed to fail and be found guilty? More to come in the next Chapter.