Early morning arrives with the sun shining through the curtains of everyone's room. Last night everyone dined on well cooked Asgardian food for the rest of the night. Mead was even served surprising Leon the drinking age here was lowered to sixteen, he refused to drink though seeing being at least eighteen was the acceptable age to start drinking. Rossweisse declined without hesitation remembering the aftermath of feeling sick from the next morning of having just a small amount of alcohol.
"Mmmm," Leon stirred waking up from the light hitting his eyes. "Feels good to have slept peacefully," Rubbing his eyes while still under the soft blankets he looked out to see sun and clear blue skies.
Good morning Leon! Phyra excitedly said as if she'd woken up before he did and been waiting.
Morning Phyra hope you slept well, or did you sleep at all?
I generally don't really need sleep but I can do it whenever I want. I woke up just before you in fact.
Glad to hear, everyone needs rest. Speaking of which..., The young Greek slowly turned his body stretching underneath the sheets. I wonder if Achillia is....
Uh Leon I don't think turning is such a good idea...
The words of curiosity stopped right there at the sight he hoped in the back of his mind he wouldn't see out of respect. To his shock the bathroom door was open enough to get a full view inside and what he saw was none of them the descendant of Achilles. Her hair was covered up in a towel from just getting out of the shower but the bigger shock was seeing she was half naked from the waist down. Her black bra was on but no panties were worn exposing her bare bottom. No surprise given how skilled in combat she was the whole body was toned and well fit yet that didn't stop Achillia from having a well rounded breast and bottom.
"...!!!!" As fast as Leon had caught a look of the changing Spartan he quickly turned around with a bright red flushed face.
To turn around... The spirit awkwardly said, despite being in his mind she felt quite embarrassed looking at someone changing.
I didn't mean too! I didn't know! Please tell me she didn't see me...
Despite only a few seconds passing it didn't appear Achillia had noticed, in fact from the sound coming from the bathroom she was humming to herself while her back was turned. If a higher up being was watching over Leon the young man would thank it for sparing him an embarrassing moment.
In her own world she must've thought Leon was still fast asleep and wouldn't wake up for some time. Achillia kept getting dressed now fully putting on all of her clothes appropriate for the alliance talks which was a somewhat business looking toga designed for women.
Suddenly her humming stopped from the sound of a knock on their door, Leon felt his heart nearly jump trying to act like he was still asleep.
"Leon are you up?" Achillia called out from the bathroom, "If you can please get that I'm in the bathroom changing right now."
"W-What!? Uh yeah I got it you finish getting dressed in there," He quickly got out of bed still in his night clothes he'd brought.
He kept his face aimed at the wall despite her being fully dressed which made his walk clumsy trying not to hit stuff. As he reached for the door knob a sudden feeling of static shock hit his hand. It felt like when static electricity is built up on a specific object and you go to touch it you feel that shock hit you, often times by surprise which was happening now.
"Jeez what the?!" He'd pulled his hand back fast and looked it over in confusion. "Haven't felt that in a long while...," The knock on the door happened again stirring Leon back into reality. "I'm coming."
Opening the door fast to not be rude on a waiting person in front of the door a woman with green pupils stood before him. Her hair was the color of blond strawberry with braids keeping it shoulder length. The choice of outfit was a black dress with what seemed to be dark feathers on each shoulder along with a brown strap held around the bottom of the chest.
This woman who no doubt appeared to be asgard smirked at the half dressed sacred gear wielder, "So your Leon Alexander I've heard so much about," Sparks of lightning ran across her hair then down to her feet, he now put two and two together what made that shock on the doorknob.
"Uh y-yes that's me," Leon could tell if this woman was hostile or not but could feel the energy coming from her and it felt strong. "Did you need something or...,"
He didn't get to finish that sentence as she walked past him into the room. She didn't come empty handed, in her right hand was a well crafted axe with Nordic markings etched on both sides, it too sparked small bits of electricity.
"Hey!" Leon furrowed his brow at her brash nature just marching in as if she owned the place. "Unless you're some health inspector or something you can't just barge in here."
The strawberry blonde haired woman turned giving a chuckle and twirled her axe with one hand as if ready to chuck it.
"I do live in this realm don't I? So I should be able to walk where I please, unless...you have something to say about that," She chuckled giving a grin to him.
Leon gave a serious look to her not wanting to be intimidated, "Look I'm not looking to fight, whatever you need can be discussed out of this room."
"Hmmm, that fiery look in your eyes," she began to walk around the on guard Leon eyeing him up, "I can tell you've seen your fair share of battles. If that's the case you should have no problem forcing me out."
She clearly was trying to push him to a confrontation he wanted to avoid but Leon simply stared her down ready at any moment to unleash his sacred if it came to that though hoped it wouldn't.
As if on cue the voice of the Valkyrie Rossweisse was heard from the opened door, "What's all that noise...Thrud!?" Even Achillia poked her head out from the bathroom to see what was going on.
"Huh?" Leon looked at her in confusion, "You know her?"
Starting from a chuckle soon turns into a laugh from Thrud promoting the confused sacred gear wielder to turn his head back to her, "And here I was hoping for some fun, oh well," the once electric sparking axe over Thrud's shoulders stopped reverting back to normal.
"Thrud when did you get here?" the young Valkyrie walked in the room already in her dress clothes.
Thrud, the sister of Magni and Modi, as well as the daughter of Thor the god of thunder and Sif. The electricity that sparked all around her came from her family's powers though from what was told her father without a doubt had the most control over his.
"Came to stop by and see the guy who kicked Heracles ass," Thrud answered with a smile, her facial expression and voice now different from before. She walked up to Leon and raised a hand, "Names Thrud the daughter of Thor and Granddaughter to Odin."
He hesitated for a second but shook her hand sensing there wasn't really any danger, her grip was strong despite being gentle.
"Leon Alexander, though you already know that I guess,"
"From grandma Freyja of course. Sorry about the scare there but I had to at least see the Greek man for himself," The goddess said smiling.
"Goodness by trying to start a fight?" Rossweisse crossed her arms.
"Maybe at least with blades swinging hahaha."
"That wouldn't look too good on either side's part," Achillia now dressed up finally walks out of the bathroom. "Though given how Asgardians revere strength I'm sure we'll have some time to test it somewhere."
"I like the way you think Achillia, be nice to see how you and Leon fair in a one on one fight," Thrud looked to both of them hoping today if not another day a chance to fight would happen.
"Pretty sure you'd have no problem with me I am still getting used to my sacred gear Destiny Gear." Leon looked to his hands thinking of the huge gap him and Thrud had.
Thrud came up and patted his back making the young man stagger nearly falling over. "Oh you'll be fine, everyone has to start somewhere. If it makes you feel any better I'm still trying to get a hold of my family's lightning ability."
Still getting used too!? That pat on the back seems like her strength would be more than another to handle thunder
Rossweisse cleared her throat gaining everyone's attention, "If all is well we must get to the meeting halls it would be wise to not be late."
"Hard working as ever old friend," Thrud chuckled. "She's right though, better get dressed Leon asap."
Thrud's words finally had Leon look down realizing he was still in his night clothes, he'd even prepared to fight in them without a second thought though that would rip them up and possibly be left half naked.
Yeah really should get dressed now
F-For the best yes
Asgardian Meeting Throne Room
All who would attend came into a massive throne room practically almost the size of a football stadium. In the very center was a long sideways table, many fine crafted wooden chairs going from one end to the other.
At the very front near the wall stood two giant thrones designed for a king and queen, and behind was a very very large portrait of Yggdrasil the world tree that connects to all the nine realms of Norse.
The doors opened from the left and right sides of the hall and out came the many gods and goddesses of both realms, everyone chosen from Olympus took their seats from the opposite side of the long table. Hera and Athena sat at the far end of the table near the throne, standing behind them was Leon, Bennia, and Achillia given their positions. Meanwhile Hecuba stood straight near the walls in front of her men and women Spartans from one end to the other, the Norse pantheon needed to see their warriors before explanations came.
On the other side the gods and goddesses of the Norse pantheon took seats from the other side. Baldur the handsome god who's completely invulnerable to near anything. Tyr the Norse god of war and justice who'd had his arm bitten off by Fenrir the wolf whose bite could kill a god and son of Loki. Sif the goddess with beautifully long hair, husband to the god of thunder Thor, and mother to Thrud who was standing behind her. And the god of mischief Loki fully in his white robe with no expression on his face as if he didn't see the point in this. Many of their warriors known as einherjar lined up against the opposite side of the wall just as the Spartans, each all earned their place in Valhalla for dying in battle no matter how big and small.
Finally the last to come in was Odin and Frejya, all parties looked and bowed in respect to the All-father and the queen of Vanir. Rossweisse had already been standing next towards his throne with both hands behind her back as if she was ready to do business.
Both rulers took their seats side by side but not before a brief hand holding, despite how Odin acted he did care for Frejya as much as she does with his wisdom.
"Welcome all to the grand halls of my kingdom," Odin raised one hand signaling everyone at the giant long table to take a seat which all did. "Today marks the beginning of the first day for the alliance to find a way to unite both realms."
Frejya pointed her hands over to the other side of the table "We have been in contact with the Olympus Realm for millennia. I've seen how they rule, the discipline of their Spartans, the people that live there, and the potents of their magic. Truly I can say they have much to offer."
Baldur spoke up next after his mother Frejya was finished speaking, "I have no doubt in what you say about Olympus mother that they are just as capable as us. I do however wonder how your citizens are treated and what role they can play."
Baldur was not only considered the most handsome god in Asgard but he was also the god of peace, light, and beauty. Because of his positive attitude he spent much of his time making sure everyone was alright even the common people which made him loved by many. But by no means was he weak since being the son of Odin and Frejya he possesses incredible strength, speed, durability, and is blessed by his mother with invulnerability to never be harmed.
"Your concern of the citizens is most appreciated Baldur. Indeed without them our realms wouldn't be very lively." Hera spoke before holding out her hand towards Leon who in turn handed over an envelope, before coming here he'd made sure to learn to pay attention whenever Hera asked to hand over documents to be presented.
Being handed over Baldur opened it up to read about the citizens of the Olympus Realm, the origin of them being brought from the mortal world, what laws they must abide by, and many others well written by the diplomats who were brought along.
"I must say not bad, no, very good on how your citizens are treated. Especially with what you call "Flames of Olympus" bless many of them; I dare say it sounds like it's alive." Baldur said out of curiosity.
"Not entirely alive," Athena spoke up now. "My father and many others at the time after the defeat of the Titans all poured their energy into one to create the flames of Olympus, a symbol of their power and dawn of a new age. It's what keeps mount Olympus afloat and our realm stable."
"Most fascinating indeed, it explains how your citizens were blessed with certain properties," a fascinated Sif said.
"Indeed, it has been our pride and symbol for millennia." Athena nodded with a smile.
Tyr the one armed god finally spoke up just as curious as the other two "Your Flames of Olympus, they give many strengths especially to your Spartans?" His answer is directed towards Athena.
"I would be most interested to know as well, on behalf of my husband I represent on knowing about your military strength as well." Sif asked as well.
"Of course, most who are blessed with strength often join the Spartans. It is considered a great honor to be among them as it's evolved over generations. Achillia if you would?"
Achillia handed over the documents of the Spartan army written about how they were formed, the training regime, and how generals are chosen.
Tyr with just one hand read and flipped through pages with ease no doubt from having to live with one limb gone. "Strong, well trained, and disciplined a good combination for any soldier. I would hope to see them in the field one day."
"You most definitely will as the days follow Tyr," Athena reassured the Norse god of war. "As well as special forces the Amazon's."
The Amazon's, an all female warrior group that could equal the powers of men in strength/combat once made their home on the edge of Greece near the black sea. Skilled and just as disciplined as Spartans the gods admired them especially Athena who they all worshipped. They would eventually be granted their own island in the Olympus Realm surrounded by sea for the many accomplishments and live there still so long as they not only worship Athena but when called upon they'd answer.
"I've heard of these Amazonians, they are almost similar to our Valkyries being all strong female warriors minus sending guiding the dead to another realm," Sif asked out of interest though she wasn't the only one interested as her daughter listened closely from behind her.
"They have served us well defending our realm and as the god they worship I represent them in this meeting," spoke Athena with pride in her voice.
"Hopefully if all goes well we'll allow both to work together in the future," Sif contemplated the idea of Amazonians and Valkyries working together, of course Frejya being the queen she'd have the final say in it.
Loki who'd been silent the whole time finally spoke up crossing his arms "It's all well and good for soldiers but how does your magic fair to our runic magic?"
"Our ancient magic is very unique in many different spells of course," Hera held out her hand signaling for Bennia to hand over the magic documents to which the young reaper did.
The queen passed it down towards Loki who in turn made it float in the air in front of him and began reading it. "Elemental and cursed spells are not bad I suppose."
Out of all the gods Loki didn't seem much impressed with what was shown, he felt Norse stood above all else and never hid that. Still he wouldn't be foolish enough to do anything to start conflict especially with Odin around to keep people in check.
"Our magic is just as potent as yours I can assure you," Athena told of how over the thousands of years their magic has evolved to become more versatile and unique. "Some are almost quite similar to the Vanir."
"Hoho I'm sure the Vanir would love to test which is better," Odin chuckled stroking his long beard "They are the ones who taught Asgardians how to use magic after all." His words got a nod from his wife.
Loki at best wanted to scoff at this but knee better, disagreeing was allowed but rudeness would not be tolerated for an occasion such as this, "Perhaps I suppose, if the day comes to prove Olympian magic is better than mine so be it."
Leon was quite taken back by the trickster god's attitude figuring he'd have a more charismatic tone, but such things he's only read in books so deciding it's completely facts would be ignorant.
Frejya clears her throat to avoid the soon to be awkward talk "Back on track now we've read the major parts Olympus has but now we must see some of it in action."
"I agree," The All-Father father spoke "Better to see it in action then read it on paper."
"I wholeheartedly agree with my husband," Frejya said before holding up Norse documents to be exchanged to Olympus "We still have more to go over before that."
"Ah but surely a little side tr...," Odin held his tongue with widened eyes as if he was taken by surprise "I mean yes of course so much to be done."
Unbeknownst to everyone underneath the table before Odin could finish his selfish request Frejya stepped right on his toes with the of her heels. The small but sharp pain was enough to change his tone real quick, Rossweisse kept her cool seeing it from the side of her eye though she wanted to chuckle just a bit.
Olympus Realm Infirmary Room
Many doctors stood around the unconscious Alexios laying on the hospital bed monitoring his vitals for any signs of him being close to awakening. The one thing they heavily feared was his heart beat going down, not just because Zeus wanted him alive but also as doctors they made an oath to save life as best they could and all here were experts.
"Nurse, how is Alexios heart beat?" A man in what seemed to be a mix between a lab coat and toga looked at the vials of blood that were drawn from the unconscious warrior to study for anything in his dna.
"Heart beat is steady," said a nurse in a toga that went below the knees "Medicine and magic have been added just in case but so far no further improvement."
"All open wounds he suffered have been carefully closed," A doctor said after cleaning off magic infused needles that had been soaked in blood to close each skin.
The lead doctor nodded his head looking at the screen showcasing Alexios anatomy from the muscles all the way to his bones. Everything seemed to have healed properly except for his brain, there the machines detected magic that affected the electric pulses needed to keep it thinking.
"Hmmm, a mind spell that should be easily dispelled yet it persists, if only...," The lead doctor stopped his inner thinking from the sound of the double doors opening. "Ah Lord Zeus!"
Everyone in the room bowed to their Olympian king of the gods but Zeus waved off the formalities "At ease, all of you continue your work." Everyone did as told except for the lead doctor who was asked for his attention "Doctor I assume you have more news on Alexios brain activity?"
Regretfully he shook his head at the lack of progress "I'm afraid not my king Zeus. His heart beat has been stable but whatever magic is affecting his brain will not allow him to wake. We've concluded it's a mind spell but to disperse it is very tricky."
"He'll die if we are not careful how we remove it your saying?" Zeus looked at the unconscious man's brain scan on the screen, even throughout all his years being alive this was the first he'd seen.
"Indeed King Zeus. Whoever or whatever planted it wanted to make sure he stays quiet for good."
Zeus furrowed his brow at his inability to dispel this curse on Alexios. His powers would be enough to get rid of it had it not been from doing so the individual would die in the process.
"Do what you can to keep this man alive, I will make sure you're well stocked to do so."
"Of course," the lead doctor bowed his head. "More studies will need to be done to find a cure, a combination of many healing types of magic may need to be made for better results."
"Do what you must, this man Alexios, the royal guard of our vault, a child of the Olympus Realm must live. When he wakes we will find whoever did this and bring them to justice." Zeus spoke his final words before turning for the doors.
"Hopefully soon my king," the lead doctor spoke before now returning to his time consuming with everyone else now more determined than ever.
Outskirts
Deep in the middle of the wild jungle in the outskirts the primordial being Gaia sat outside her hut tending to the many exotic flowers she planet in what looked to be her front lawn.
She sang a beautiful melody keeping the area warm and monsters away with an earth magic field. "Ah look at my little children give it another century and you'll grow up to be big and strong like your older siblings."
Her expertise on tending nature would make mortal men and women of nature envious. Pitch was perfect with no mistakes she could turn the entire earth into a garden paradise if she wished but Gaia was at peace here.
"Done and done, now for the fruit trees and...huh?"
Gaia senses sparked at the feeling of something stirring in the jungle. Suddenly a flock of exotic birds flew past her, she could sense they were spooked but this felt different.
"Who dares to invade these lands?"
She raised her hands summoning large spikey vines from the ground all pointing to the direction of this unknown presence.
"No surprise the great primordial being could sense my arrival in the blink of an eye."
Gaia furrowed her brows, her earth magic flaring up ready to strike. "I won't repeat myself state who you are Now."
One lone figure walked through the clearing, the shadow essence forming its whole body revealing none other than the masked woman, the same woman who planned with Heracles before his departure. For Gaia this was the first time meeting her and she could feel the magic radiating off her along with the faint sense of deviousness.
"Now now Gaia I'm aware of what you're capable of so allow me to get straight to the point."
The masked woman showed the back of her hand which was endowed with a reddish orange symbol on the back of the right hand.
That symbol! Where did this woman get that!? Gaia's eyes are wide, this mysterious person had something no one, not even a mortal or god, should ever have. "I don't know how you received that I will take it by force if I have too," Her spiked vines rushed forward at the individual ready to be wrapped tightly.
The masked woman chuckled, the symbol glowing brightly swirling with magic. "Correction Gaia, you're going to be helping me whether 'you' like it or not."
Asgard Training Area
"Haaaaah!!!"
Roars echoed throughout the area for men and women to hone their strength and skills. Spartans displayed for the gods their use of the shield, spear, and sword against one another as if it was just like back at home.
"Every one of them has a fierce stance, no fear in their movements," Tyr watched from above with the rest of the gods from the meeting.
Before coming here Baldur and the other gods shared their information of what they could offer, the many soldiers, ingredients, culture, and knowledge of runic magic. Now everyone could witness how Spartans fought, the one impressive tactic was their historical well known formation to not only fend off hoards of enemies but attack as well when an opening showed.
The einherjar and many other Asgardians sat on the stands to observe their every move. It was to be a good learning lesson of who they might one day join in combat with one another and if all went well they'd get a chance to spar with them in the coming days.
"Keep your bodies straight soldiers! Treat your fellow Spartan as if he was an enemy!" Hecuba down below commanded her soldiers to fight train hard as if their life depended on it. Of course she didn't actually mean for anyone to literally kill each other but to make sure each and every last one kept up with their discipline in combat.
"I must say for someone so young to command that much respect from her soldiers your Hecuba is definitely a prodigy," Odin said being moved by the young Spartans leadership.
"She's been skilled since childhood," Athena remarked on Hecuba's past. "Always looking forward, never wavering in her duties."
"And able to compete in skill with the older generation, the first I've ever seen young to be a commander." Hera added in as well.
"I dare say she may one day become a general at this pace," Sif very much intrigued at the idea of a young prodigy rising up the ranks.
"We seem to have many young ones getting stronger in this day and age," Frejya's attention turned to Leon, Achillia, Bennia, and Thrud. "I do say we're in for more surprises.
Sif looked at her daughter whose attention was right on the Spartans, she knew how eager she was to fight just like her father Thor. "Indeed though I wonder sometimes if most move too fast in their growth."
Odin didn't need to think hard on what his daughter in law was mentioning, his one eye that's still attached to his socket looked at her.
"Young people love to move fast if all people know that Sif. Thrud will make mistakes along the way."
"Of course Odin. My little girl is tougher than she looks, practically wrestled with her older brothers as a child. Still as her mother I worry about the family signature lightning."
Hera looked towards Sif with confusion, "Your daughter struggles controlling your family's power?"
Sif nodded at the question without hesitation, "It's not as if she can't call upon it, only that when she does use it to unlock her father the lightning damages her body over time. Especially when she's in her battle-crazed state she can barely wield it properly."
"As such she must only use it when absolutely necessary," Athena's question got a yes from the mother.
"It's dangerous to be unable to wield that power, it's the one main reason I have yet to allow her to join the Valkyries." Sif sighed at the thought her daughter would remain stagnant for a long time to come.
"I see, for a child who seeks to expand its reach that would be very frustrating." Hera said looking at Thrud from above.
"Trial and error is a must for these younglings," Odin thought out loud scratching his beard, but soon the father got an idea. "How about a trial now. My granddaughter vs that young man Leon you've taken in Hera."
"Surely that may be a bit much for someone still new to mythology," Loki gave his two senses at the idea of a thunder goddess fighting a newcomer.
"Leon has proven himself capable in the battlefield," Hera was quick to come to Leon's defense, "Surviving the harsh wilds and defeated Heracles I say that proves he's capable."
"If you insist," Loki eager to not continue the conversation turned his view back to the stadium.
"Then let us see how well both fair against one another," Odin stood up tapping gungnir on the ground it being loud enough to get everyone's attention. "I call for everyone to clear the stadium. A test of how far improved among the young shall commence. My granddaughter Thrud against Leon of Olympus."
"M-Me!?" Leon was taken back at this sudden announcement of going up against Thrud.
Even Thrud couldn't hold her surprise but wouldn't say no to a fight especially against a sacred gear wielder. "I'm not complaining, this should be fun!" The tomboyish goddess leaped from the stands and down onto the ground.
"...Welp I'll make sure to get the ice packs ready," Bennia patted Leon's back.
"Oh haha Bennia," He said back at the half reaper.
"Fight hard Leon, Thrud is the force to be reckoned with." Achillia gave some last minute simple advice, there was no need to go deeper as she knew he knew about the signature lightning power.
"Thanks," He smiled back at her "wish me luck."
Leon slid down the side of the wall before jumping off it now on the ground. Every Spartan cleared the area including Hecuba for she knew both fighters would need it.
"Call it my lucky day I get to face the man Achillia and the gods have taken a liking too." Thrud spun her axe grinning with anticipation.
"I'm just glad we didn't have to fight back my room, here should be more than enough." Leon walked up to the near center of the stadium. "Now's a good time to test this out."
Looking down at the ring on his finger of the gift from Hers he closed his eyes feeling the magic emanating off it. Soon as both eyes opened the ring burst out magic energy all around his body until finally he stood in his Spartan armor for all to see. Hera more than anyone else was ecstatic on the inside at the sight of her gift finally being shown, though to keep her professional uphold she gave a proud smile.
"Well now this is interesting, a magic ring that can summon a suite of armor," Tyr looked on intrigued at the sight down below.
"A gift for his victory against Heracles," Athena responded to his curiosity. "With the help of Hephaestus crafting the ring and Hera pouring in some of her magic to give it power it's as perfect as it can be."
"I couldn't think of a more fitting gift for Leon than his own personal armor," Hera still smiling reminds the joy of making an item.
"Hahaha it's almost like our traditions, the victor gets his or her well deserved prize," Odin said now more interested in a weapon that was earned.
Sif herself couldn't deny how Leon almost seemed to be a lucky young man to get not one but two gifts from the gods. "Your Leon seems to be on a lucky streak, give it time and maybe he'll stand as another Olympian god,"
That one line got a chuckle from Athena for she found it intriguing and amusing "If he were to go that route then he has a long road ahead of him. For now he's quite happy at his position."
Unbeknownst to everyone Loki raised an eyebrow at the suggestion of someone who's been reincarnated not too long ago become a god, the idea sounded baffling at best to the trickster god.
Thrud grinned at her Greek opponent "Phew! Not a bad look there Leon, hope it's sturdy and strong as it looks."
Leon smirked back at her at "Only one way to find out," He unleashed his shield from the arm gauntlet along with the sword that was normal with no powers.
Starting without your powered up blade huh? Smart to not show all of your cards, Hecuba thought to herself leaning her back against the wall.
Thrud twirled her axe around sparking up electricity, the wind starting to pick up a little "Let's see what you're made of!" She leaped forward with the axe in one hand swinging forward.
Leon was quick to put up his shield blocking the attack but the force behind it was no joke as skid back, both feet planted firmly on the ground to stop himself.
Just as strong as I thought, I'll need to avoid getting hit by that as best as possible
He shrugged off the feeling of his arm shaking running forward slashing his blade at Thrud's arm only for her to parry it. It was like he'd hit a steel wall, the clang sound echoing throughout the stadium but he wasn't deterred by it as he thrust forward with the shield in front ready to shield her. The young goddess did something that surprised him and that was punching the shield with her bare fist. The impact of the force behind it was strong pushing both combatants back along with dust blowing upwards.
"She punched it!? Even Heracles wasn't stupid enough to do that," Bennia shocked at someone punching a near indestructible shield made by a god.
"That's Thrud for you," Achillia couldn't help but chuckle "She likes to fight things head on even if that means punching something indestructible."
Some things never do change Rossweisse thought to herself with a smile but winced as well at the thought of punching metal with your bare hands.
"D-Did you just punch the shield!?" Leon looked in surprise and shock.
Thrud's knuckles on the left hand were quite bruised turning a shade of light red but despite how painful it looked the young thunder goddess smirked. "Never got to punch a shield like that so now's as good a time as any!" She didn't say but despite how strong she was the pain of flesh hitting steel was great. Damn that hurt like hell!!!
She shook it off twirling her axe over head before chucking it right at him. He kept his cool raising his shield up blocking the weapon and making it fly in the air.
"Even her throw is stro...," That inner thought had to be cut with his opponent now face with him closing the gap, she had clearly done what she did to get close through a small distraction.
"Let's see how you can take a punch!"
The first that was lucky to not get bruised aimed straight for his head, a punch with enough force to knock one out. However Leon's quick reflexes allowed him to move his head inches away, just enough that it only grazed the cheek. This was a perfect opportunity to take advantage of this opening, soon as Thrud's arms were in reach he collapsed his shield and wrapped his arm around hers and chucked the surprised goddess over his soldiers aimed at the ground.
"Not bad," She said laughing. Before her body could reach the ground she planted her foot to stop her momentum. "Almost got me there."
"Huh!?" Leon was quite surprised with her quick thinking, the fighter liked the challenge but the kinder side of him knew he needed to get loose before she tried something.
A sparkle in the clear blue sky caught his attention, it was none other than Thrud's axe coming back down from being deflected into the air. She had raised her hand summoning it back towards its original owner but Leon needed to act fast and he did.
"Phyra Blade!"
The silver blade dematerialized and out came the purple colored one with the power of his spirit. With one swing he slashed at the axe in mid air shooting it far across the arena and into the wall.
"Well now!" Odin looked on with great interest at finally seeing the blade that defeated Heracles.
"So that's the very weapon that defeated the other sacred gear wielder how fascinating," Tyr raised an eyebrow ready to see what comes next.
"How in the wor...," Thrud cut off mid sentence finds herself being flipped over Leon's shoulders and thrown back landing on her feet. "Well now I see that blade hasn't just gotten stronger but you as well. You're definitely getting my blood pumping!" Holding out her hand the axe lodged within the wall breaks free and now into her right hand.
"I'm still learning more and more about this power but glad I'm making a good impression," Leon raised his blade at her with a smirk using her to advance forward.
No more talk was to be wasted, Thrud advanced forward swinging the weapon. Leon in kind did the same clashing both weapons against each other. It was clear thrud had more power then she was letting on but he was no stranger to dealing with someone tough, she pushed getting closer but he pushed back with the blade glowing.
"Wow he's doing a lot better than I imagined, guess all that training in the outskirts and beating Heracles did wonders for the body," Bennia was worried a bit at first though she didn't show it, masking it with humor like she does with a lot of situations.
"Had this been a full on brawl Leon would come up short but since this is a sparring match he should be able to hold his own for a bit," Achillia noted the gap in power between the two.
Leon opened up his shield once more the shield bash Thrud away but she quickly blocked it with the hilt of her axe. Taking the opportunity she kicked her leg at his leg to trip him.
Leon look out!
Phyra shouted in his mind alerting him to the incoming attack. It came too late as he was knocked off his feet into the ground but he wasn't finished as he put his shield on the ground before him now upside down. The surprised look on the goddess's face was all he needed to know that she wasn't anticipating this so with both feet he performed a double kick to her abdomen pushing her back with some of the wind knocked out of the lungs.
"He's improving more and more as the days go by," Athena looked to a nodding Hera at the words. "Thinking quickly in a situation will no doubt save his life, more practices are in order of course."
The goddess caught her breath quickly looking up with a battle hardened grin, despite her holding back she enjoyed the fight of someone who could make her get a bit more serious other than her father and brothers.
"It's been quite a while since I was able to use more strength, let's see how you can handle this."
The young goddess began to hold her axe up pointing towards the sky and soon after a lightning bolt struck the weapon and herself as well.
"What the...," Leon got into a defensive stance not knowing what was going to happen next.
Sif looked on with a worried look, a mother concerned for her child ready to step in if necessary. Odin on the other hand just watched carefully.
"Try and dodge this!" Thrud pointed her axe directly at Leon firing off a bolt of electricity straight at him.
The attack was coming in fast as it should, in the split second before contact he raised Phyra blade up in front of him. The blade like it did with Heracles explosion made contact which split the attack in two firing away from the wielder.
Odin leaned forward in the seat scratching his beard "Most interesting, the blade seems to block off attacks making sure it doesn't hit its owner."
Hecuba pointed out how it was back in the trial by combat Just like with Heracles it blocked it off causing it to split shooting somewhere else.
"So that's how you did it," Thrud raised an eyebrow with curiosity. "That weapon blocked off his explosions causing you to go unharmed."
"I count myself lucky when it did, but I don't fully have control over it just yet."
"Hope you're a fast learner then."
She took off rushing at him fast with electricity sparking all around her. Leon responded in kind rushing at her as well, both weapons colliding with one another creating shockwaves through the air. What would have been a stalemate ended with both pulling their weapons back only to swing at each other again and again. Some hits are blocked by the massive defense shield to make an opening only to block with the blade.
Bennia whistles "They are really going at it now, who do you think will get an opening?" She was met with silence from Achillia whose face was that of concern. "Uuuh hey earth to Achillia you enjoying the fight that much? I'm sure Leon can find a way."
"It's not that," she finally answered now out of her deep thinking, "Look at her arms."
Sure enough Bennia looked more closely at the goddesses arms and what she saw made her confused, both arms seemed to be almost completely red and purple like they'd been beaten over and over again.
Sif sighed closing her eyes "I figured this would happen."
"Your family's lightning," Athena analyzed the power "She can channel it but at the cost of her body taking damage."
Even Rossweisse looked concerned at her childhood friend's health, she knew all too well the dangers this drawback can have. Thrud, don't push yourself too hard.
The beautiful haired goddess replied with a "Yes." Thrud had no problem summoning her family's lightning for more power but unlike her father and brothers Magni and Modi using it for long periods of time would damage her body. Yet from the looks on her face she was in a battle frenzy, any pain that should've been felt was blocked off from the adrenaline.
"Come on is that all you've got in the tank swing harder!"
Thrud's attacks grew heavier and heavier with every swing, Leon's blade may be able to block off her lightning but in terms of power he could only do so much.
Her attacks keep getting heavier! I had a feeling she was holding back but it seems like she's putting on more pressure
Knowing Phyra's blade could only do so much he decided to stick to his shield for defense. It held well enough taking each attack never cracking apart but Leon knew he could only keep it up for so long. But with every blow thrown the more her arms bruised, with all this adrenaline she wouldn't be feeling it until she'd calm down.
"Your shield is incredible, truly a weapon made from the gods." Thrud grinned ear to ear loving every second of this no matter how small. Suddenly more electricity began to strike down on her weapon generating more power for her. "Let's try a little mo..."
"That is enough Thrud!"
The young goddess stopped in tracks as if she'd gotten out of a trance now back to reality. Everyone looked towards none other than Sif who'd stood up looking at her daughter.
"Mother, but...,"
"No buts young lady, you've pushed yourself beyond what you can handle just look at your arms."
Leon had been so focused on the battle he finally realized just how bruised her arms were, so reddish purple he was surprised she could still keep them up.
"I...I did it again dammit," Thrud dropped her weapons but not before wincing in pain of the damage.
"Go to the medical room you need to heal this instant," Sif demanded her daughter get treatment immediately no if, ands, or buts.
"I understand mother." Thrud gritted her teeth I'm frustrated but knew better than to defy her own mother.
She turned around not saying a word until suddenly she stopped. "You okay!?" Leon despite witnessing the power gap between the two was concerned for her. "If I'd realized I would've called it off."
She looked over her shoulders chuckling at him being kind, "That's sweet of you but I'll be fine, I apologize for going over board there." With those final words she walked off through the arena gates, both hips swaying a bit as if she was completely fine.
"I see what you mean by the drawbacks," Hera noted from looking at the bruised arms "She has strong power but it slowly harms her the longer she uses it in battle."
"Yes," Sif answered "I have no doubt one day she'll master it but right now she doesn't have complete control over it, and she wants to be a Valkyrie as soon as possible I worry for her."
"I understand your concerns Sif, do not worry because I would not dream of letting my granddaughter join the Valkyries until she's fully ready," Frejya reassured her daughter in law.
"Thank you. Now I must be off to make sure she recovers," She gave a bow to everyone and walked out of the stadium.
Loki who'd been watching the fight this whole time thought to himself, Of course the girl cannot control her powers always wielding it like a maniac just like her father. But that boy Leon, his sacred gear, and whatever is inside of him are intriguing. He will need to be watched closely, only a fool would leave it be.
Leon summoned his armor back into his ring heading towards the stands catching his breath.
"You're alive and not as beat up as I thought," Bennia poked his arm making sure she was right.
"Thank you for the vote of confidence, I honestly wasn't sure how long I'd last."
"You did good Leon one step at a time," Achillia reassured him. "For now just rest for a bit you've definitely earned it."
Odin cleared his through standing up for everyone to listen to him. "Very eventful today the powers of the young ones know no bounds. But for now let us return to the task hand, no, shall we say amp it up a bit. I would like a few of the einherjar to face off against some of the Spartans, Mrs Hecuba included."
Frejya sighed at the notion it would be a few days before practice with one another would grow, but she accepted it for this was a small thing, at best sightseeing the potential of one another.
The meeting has gone off to a good start so far, information about one another shared to know what they can offer for this alliance. Leon gets another tough fight to hone his skills against the daughter of Thor, Thrud, both may need each other to improve their weaknesses in the near future. Can it keep going the way Hera and Frejya hope it does and blossom into something new or will it end in disaster with how different each realm is? More to come in the next chapter.
Also wanted to say thank you to Dunedan(The creator of Roots of Hope) for allowing me to add his Thrud into the story, she's fun to write with her headstrong tomboyish attitude and will have her follow a somewhat different route in this story.