A day has fully passed from yesterday's fiasco of Leon and Thrud sparring for all to see in the arena. The rest of the hours before night fell in Asgard was the Spartans showing their skills to the einherjar and suffice to say neither group disappointed the other. While they could not show everything in their arsenal the power and skill left no doubt how capable a warrior both were.
Bedrooms
Early morning rose, the lights shined through the windows hitting Leon's face in a way that was saying "Time to wake up."
"Ugh, morning already? I slept like a log."
Morning Leon
Morning Phyra hope you slept well
I slept like a baby haha. Ah, also I...wanted to apologize if I interfered in your fight from yesterday
Hm? The fight with Thrud you mean, no worries, in fact you definitely saved my butt back there.
Really!?
Well yeah, I'm still learning so I didn't see that low kick she was doing until you pointed it out.
Then I'm really glad I helped even if it was just a little
Of course Phyra we are a team. I do need to be able to focus more but I won't turn down help when it's needed
That made Phyra giggle, a first time for Leon to see and hear in his mind he couldn't help but find both cute and adorable.
Achillia who'd already been awake long before Leon was busy with her morning work out in her night clothes, doing sit ups and sweating it was clear she had to have been doing it for well over an hour.
"Morning Leon, hope you had a good rest,"
"I did thanks," He smiled though thanking he didn't have to go through what he saw yesterday morning. "Wait your training this early in the morning? I figured if you were doing that you'd wake me up to do it as well."
"Nah," She shook her head, "After what you've been through yesterday you deserve a rest. Don't worry because next time I'll make sure you're up and early."
He couldn't help but nervously chuckle at that being woken up to work out since he wasn't much of a morning person to begin with. Still that was for another day as for now he needed to get out of bed to attend the next meeting for the alliance.
Downstairs in the mess halls
Rossweisse, Hecuba, and a half sleepy Bennia made their way with Leon and Achillia down to the mess halls for breakfast. Half way to their destination they looked up on Thrud who seemed to be fully healed from her injuries along with a large back hunched over her shoulders. But she was not alone, Einar, a strong young warrior they met two days before seemed to be striking up a conversation.
"Yeah, sadly it happened again," Thrud chuckled at him. "But make no mistake Einar I'll show then I've got what it takes."
"Hehe that's the spirit Thrud you giving dew to minor set backs is unbecoming of you." He was glad to see the young goddess was still headstrong as ever despite yesterday's ordeal. "Hm? Ah, if it isn't Leon himself," He noticed Leon walking along with the girls.
"Hey Einar good to see you again," Leon gave courtesy back at him. "And you two Thrud, glad to see you're doing better."
"Hah! It'll take more than a few bruises to keep me down," Thrud said while she flexed her arm muscles, no trace of any damage from before.
"You had me worried you know," Rossweisse chimed in at her childhood friend. "But I'm glad you're doing fine now."
"Oh don't you start turning into mom now," She chuckles putting an arm on Rossweisse's shoulders, "Had to hear an earful yesterday after all."
"And I doubt it'll end anytime soon warrior," Hecuba was more than impressed with how fast Norse realms healing was.
Thrud could only shudder at that statement sje may be strong but an angry mother will drive a point home to do better. But she shook it off, snapping her fingers and she remembered what she was going to say.
"Almost forgot! Hey rossweisse remember when we used to sleep over?"
"Well yes when we were kids and sometimes teenagers, why do you ask?"
"Cause you're gonna get a new roommate for a while, thank Grandma Frejya for that sje figured it would be good to spend time with one another while the chance is here."
All became clear why she had that big bag over her shoulders because she'd be staying with her childhood friend.
"I think that's a good idea, and who knows maybe we all can have a sleepover," Bennia suggests something out of the blue.
"If Frejya allowed it then I don't mind, it'll be just like old times," That bright smile she had on her face soon turned to confusion now realizing what the young hybrid reaper just said, "A what now!?"
"Well yeah duh a sleep over something fun what's wrong with that...ooooh," She smirked looking at Leon with a devious expression making him a little nervous, "Nothing wrong with having a boy in a girls sleepover."
"You're too much sometimes you know that?" Hecuba with her arms folded looked down at Bennia who was snickering.
Rossweisse could only blush at the insinuation she was getting at, the Valkyrie who'd never had a boyfriend being near a boy in a sleepover in nothing but jer night clothes. Leon couldn't help but get a little flustered in the face for he'd never been to a sleepover before let alone with just girls.
"I don't see the problem with it," Achillia's words made everyone turn towards her, "Leon's a good guy not some leeching pervert, hasn't once tried to spy on me in the showers."
"Pffft I wouldn't mind a well it's just one guy," Thrud shrugged her shoulders with a smile, no doubt with her having brothers she was used to dealing with guys in a room.
Rossweisse clearing her throat to calm herself simply replied to both of her friends, "If it's deemed appropriate by our gods of course, we wouldn't want people to think we're doing something mischievous."
"Hahaha I doubt that'll be the case Rossweisse. If anything it sounds completely harmless," Einar laughed at her embarrassment with amusement and no harm to it. "If you do go easy on the lad here, one man against a room of women wouldn't have an easy time," he patted Leon's back which made him cough a little.
"See! No harm whatsoever just a group of friends having a good time," Bennia jumped up smiling ear to ear.
"Y-Yeah are just friends spending time with one another," Leon laughed nervously.
"Ah but I've kept up your time I should be on my way hopefully after your meeting we all can sit down for a few drinks. And Leon, good job on holding your own against Thrud not many can last even one of blows." Einar gave a thumbs up to him along with waving goodbye to the others.
"He's right you know," Thrud patted Leon's back. "Now how about we get some breakfast already?"
"Finally, I'm starving!" Bennia wasted no time running into the cafeteria as if she'd left everyone in the dust.
Alliance Meeting Throne Room
"And that is how our nine realms were born."
Frejya spoke about the history of how the nine realms of Norse mythology were born. From the very beginning of how Ymir was born to his death which from many parts of his body was made to hold the realms together. Even how the giants have survived, the dwarves born from Ymir's flesh, and the light and dark elves. Though Hera and Freyja knew much of their history it was deemed important to be shared with the others for better understanding just as they would do for Asgard.
Leon and the others like before stood in their respective spots, speaking when asked to and handing out work related envelopes when asked too.
"Fascinating as always my friend. Very different from how our realm and stories began." Hera replied with a large book in front of her.
"I'm very much intrigued by these Jotunn's especially the ones from muspelheim," Athena asked the Valkyrie queen "They seem to be the ones most left out in your history."
She would answer her questions but Tyr was more than willing to answer them instead. "Ah yes the fire giants, more times then I can count it's mainly been because of the prophecy of Ragnarok. Told that once they march out of Muspelheim the beginning of the end is to start."
Ragnarok, sometimes called the twilight of the gods, is the prophecy that a great battle would result in the death of many gods, natural disasters running rampant, and finally the world being submerged in water. Once it was over the survivors would repopulate the world, birthing it anew for the next generations. However many fear this to the point many ideas were used to stop this Armageddon.
"And because of this prophecy the fire Jotunn's haven't been fully trusted," Athena spoke knowing this was the case but wanted to hear how they felt about it.
"I'm afraid so," Sif said with an almost ashamed tone "It has been that way for generations, some have tried to find alternatives but with no success."
"I worry the utmost on this ongoing threat, but to slaughter all of them should not be necessary."
Odin told of how some were hunted down long ago, Thor was one of them, but Frejya quickly put a stop to it seeing there was no need for bloodshed as she saw enough of it during the Asgard Vanir war. As such Odin made sure to distance the realm to try to keep the peace though some tensions still lingered it was better than an all out war despite the Asgardian's need for combat.
"You have your hands full years to come Odin, I know what that's like trying to keep the peace especially from a prophecy of ours," Hera told the king of Asgard.
"Your realm calls it twilight of the Gods as well I believe," Loki chimed in.
"Half and half though it has gone by many names, twilight is its prominent one for many," Athena replied. "Many prophecies for-tell the downfall of Olympus and the gods, one in particular from the monster my father sealed, Typhon."
Typhon, the father of all monsters and mate to Echidna, was one of the most fearsome creatures to ever exist in Greek mythology. A devastating cataclysmic was fought between him and Zeus, he wanted to overthrow the king of Olympus and rule over the cosmos but was ultimately defeated from one hundred thunderbolts and sealed into the lower depths of Tartarus. Many have speculated the end of Olympus would come from Typhon should he ever break free from his prison. Echidna however was not so lucky as years later she was slain by Argos Panoptes in her sleep for the threat she still posed, along with her part in trying to bring down Mount Olympus.
"This Typhon you speak of I believe I've heard legends about him from mortals, somehow getting mixed up with being a giant," Sif asked.
"Mortals somehow find ways to mix up their stories with different tales. No doubt when ours came into contact with your people speculated which was right and wrong," Athena used her wisdom to answer that question even if she didn't have all the answers to give.
"But still this is also another reason we must unite our realms, not just for this alliance but to combat these prophecies should they come to pass," Hera reminded everyone what could happen and how to move forward through hard times.
"Agreed, though we have a long way to go. Though many things have changed over the millennium the idea of marriage to unite realms has not been forgotten." Frejya suggested it to her old friend.
The queen of Olympus chuckled "Uniting by marriage, a tradition many realms still have."
"There are many options but that one isn't off the table," Odin agreed to the idea.
"Who would be the one to get married though," Baldur asked "It would not have to be two individuals let alone random ones."
Frejya thought for a moment how that was a good point, it would have to be someone pretty important or at least be quite the symbol. "Hmmm, would your young man Leon be available for it?"
Leon held his composure well but that could not stop the blush of embarrassment of being chosen for marriage.
"Hahaha," Hera laughed with one hand covering her mouth. "I appreciate the thought you think so highly of Leon but should the day he chooses to get married I would love it if he decided."
Frejya giggled back at her "Oh course, merely a suggestion. One chosen by the gods has always been special."
If Leon could sigh in relief he could, marriage didn't sound bad but he felt he was too young for that kinda commitment, especially when he would want to marry someone he loves and cherish. Unbeknownst to him Achillia when she heard the suggestion raised an eyebrow but quickly went back to her stoic face when it was dropped, fortunately it hadn't gone unnoticed by bennia and Thrud.
Mount Olympus Throne Room
In the middle of the day Zeus sat in his throne room reading the documents of how Alexios condition was doing, still no new news but the fact his heart still heated was good enough.
Suddenly a knock on the door stopped his reading to look up "You may come in."
Both doors open simultaneously and walking through was Hermes and Azazel, the fallen angel that had checked Leon before his trial by combat to see if his condition was one hundred percent standing beside the messenger god.
"My King Zeus I have brought Mr. Azazel as you asked,"
"Long time no see your King," Azazel bowed his head.
"I see your sense of humor is still intact. Thank you Hermes you may take your leave now," Zeus said with both his hands together on the desk.
"Of course," Before leaving Hermes turns towards Azazel saying "Do behave yourself."
"Hehe don't I always Hermes?" Azazel looked back at him with a chuckle. He walked towards the chair and took his seat in front of Zeus. "I figure you've got time to talk to little ol me now."
"Yes, you know why you've been called here. The events that happened in the city of Athens need to be addressed."
"No doubt they do, I would've told you as soon as possible but you've had problems of your own. I do hope your Alexios survives so you may get the answers you need," Azazel this time sounding less cocky and more sorry for what has happened to the honored vault guards.
"I appreciate your words Azazel. But back to the matter at hand of the part one of your people played in." Zeus looked at the fallen angel with a stern expression.
"I take full responsibility for what happened, I did send one of my own to investigate that strange power fluctuation in Athens, but, I did so for another reason." Azazel said in a calm demeanor like a business man getting ready to do business.
"Had this been in my younger days I'd have not been so lenient with you but," He looks outside the window in thought before turning back towards him, "Things have changed over the years, I've changed, so I'm willing to hear your side of the story."
"You definitely Haha felt like you'd strike me down with your legendary thunderbolt," Azazel leaned back in his chair.
"Hmph, so long as you don't do something to anger me your feathers remain free if burns," Zeus smirked at him with his own set of humor.
"Hehe nice one, but in all seriousness now you'll need the full story on this," reaching into his coat he pulled out a large envelope and handed it over. "I had my suspensions for a while but after the reports I got they seem to be baring fruit."
Zeus opened it looking through the notes Azazel himself has written down, this immediately caught his attention to what he was reading. "So you've been investigating the whereabouts of this so-called...Khaos Brigade?"
Azazel nods his head yes at the question "This organization is still mysterious but I've heard lots of things about them and not the good kind. Suffice to say one of their own, an ex-priet who works for the Khaos Brigade, I believe was the individual my scout ran into."
"And from this encounter a fight broke out, was there no way for this to be avoided?" Zeus asked still looking through the notes.
"If there was that priest who wasn't willing to do that. He just attacked my scout on sight, didn't seem to care who got caught in the crossfire and given we need to remain hidden on earth trying to stay secret wasn't easy." Azazel responded leaning forward.
"I see. Though I must ask why you did not report this to us immediately," Zeus finally looked back up at the fallen angel leader.
"In truth I would have but the fact that a lone priest shows up in Greece, at the exact time a power fluctuation happens and heads to the exact spot, I had to act fast,"
"Hm, and caused a commotion that would seem very out of the ordinary. Be glad my wife and daughter were there to erase the people on that train's memories."
"And as I've said I take full responsibility for what happened. My scout shouldn't be punished for something he was told to do by his leader." Azazel looked directly at the king of Olympus with a non threatening expression. "If need be I'll stay here to answer all your questions until you're satisfied."
"I suppose that'll have to do for now."
"And if nothing else you get my witty charismatic charm for free," Azazel jokes.
"See if you think my wife will be okay with that," Zeus leaned back in his seat.
Asgardian Commons Area
With the meeting done for the day Hera gave Leon, Achillia, Bennia, and Hecuba the day to themselves until tomorrow. Thrud and rossweisse joined in as well, at the behest of Sif who asked them to spend the remaining day for themselves.
"So much reading I almost fell asleep standing up...," Bennia groaned rubbing her eyes relieved to be able to move around.
"You'd think you'd be happy two realms potentially becoming full fledged allies," Leon said walking beside Achillia.
"Hey I got no problem with this alliance talks, it's the standing still for hours that's boring. In case you forgot or something I like to move around," She puffed her cheeks floating in the air.
"I'm with her," Thrud replied, "Standing still feels like I'm a statue."
"You'll both be fine, in a way it shows your respect," Hecuba said walking beside rossweisse.
"I'm sure you'll both get favors I mean this is very important, plus this could help get your mom off your back for a bit Thrud," the silver haired Valkyrie words could not be denied, her childhood friend groaning knowing she was right.
Leon thought how to cheer them up a bit, looking around he noticed many shops in the area and snapped his fingers. "How about we look around for a bit? This area has a lot of shops and the days are still young."
"I'm game, could buy a souvenir here to bring back home." Achillia looked around too at the shops that caught her eyes.
"I know some good ones, expensive ones as well if you're up for that kinda spending," Thrud said.
"I hope you aren't planning to spend all your money on one item," Rossweisse shuddered at the thought of spending so much money, she wasn't known as the cheap spending Valkyrie for nothing.
"Nothing so crazy I promise," Leon reassured her, "Hera gave me just enough money to spend on stuff I'd like." He didn't say but it almost felt like he was a son being told to be careful spending his money from his mother.
"I got my savings from what Pa gave me," Bennia pulled out a bag of money from her cloak, how she managed to hide it well was beyond what Leon could think of.
"I've got some of mine as well from the Spartan army," Hecuba replied as well.
"Family of warriors has its benefits," Achillia also showed her bag of money.
This will be so much fun! Phyra said in his mind giggling.
"Sweet! Let's go see what this place has to offer, if you could show us around Thrud." Leon said excitedly.
For nearly over two hours the gang went shopping and sight seeing in the commons area. Many other species such as the elves, dwarves, and Vanir made shops to sell items from their home realms. The Vanir with their gold coins, dwarves with fine crafted weapons, and elves with their magic from alfhiem. All had pretty good prices to sell for anyone, rossweisse was more than ecstatic not having to pay over her budget.
"See I told you they had decent prices, gotta keep the customers coming," Thrud jokingly said nudging rossweisse's elbows.
"Please I saw you eyeing up that golden dagger," Bennia floated beside her.
"It's like what they said dwarves know how to craft weapons and items, that knife could stand on the tip without falling," Leon was highly impressed never seeing anything like that.
"Dwarves are responsible for making legendary weapons, a dagger must be a child's play." Achillia added in.
Hecuba thought out loud "If this alliance works out we may just see more dwarves help craft weapons for Spartans."
"Such a thing would make your army more formidable than ever I believe." The voice of Einar came from behind everyone alerting his presence. "Good to see you all I hope the meeting went well."
"So far so good," Leon shook hands with the young warrior, "Didn't know you were here."
"I enjoy the sight seeing from time to time, especially from the dwarves their craftsmanship is next to none."
"On that I must agree, though don't count the Olympians weapons out for the count," Hecuba chuckled.
"Haha wouldn't dream of it. Ah but I almost got off track, hope you girls have been giving the lad too much trouble."
Bennia laughed at his sense of humor "If Leon here could survive a hothead like Heracles a group of women should be nothing."
"Oh haha Bennia," Leon rolled his eyes trying not to blush.
"I wouldn't doubt it though the young man needs to breathe from time to time. Leon, shall you join me at the bar? I've been itching to get to know more about the young man who's got the gods eyes on him."
"Hmmm, I have no problem with that, plus we haven't gotten to talk more since I've arrived." Leon agreed now realizing him and Einar have barely gotten to know one another.
Achillia chuckled "You two try not to have too much fun now."
"We'll be careful it's a promise," Leon smiled back at her before waving goodbye and now walking with Einar.
"Have fun at the man cave!" The young reaper yelled out loud making sure to get one last joke in.
Odin's throne room
Frejya paced back and forth in front of the room, the supposed calm goddess with concern in her voice like it'd been on her mind for days, looking at her husband she said "It has been two weeks, far too long for Magni and Modi to be gone."
"I share your concern as well Frejya. A simple reconnaissance in the Pentland Firth should've been done in at least two days."
Pentland Firth, a strait that separates the okrney islands from Caithness in the north part of Scotland. One of the einherjar had sensed a power fluctuation that disappeared as quickly as it appeared. Odin wanting to know what was there had his two grandchildren Magni and Modi go investigate, if there was danger he had no doubt they could handle it. But with two weeks going by and no answer from the two this greatly worried Frejya and Sif, many einherjar were sent to the mortal realm to find their location with no success so far.
"I didn't want to worry but being gone this long for something so simple doesn't make any sense," Frejya felt stressed at not knowing the whereabouts of her two grandchildren.
"Have faith they will be okay," Odin got up from his seat, "This would not be the first time they've been gone for some time, they are like their father."
"That gets me more worried," Frejya sat on her chair thinking to herself if this was an immediate threat. Finally she looked out the window having thought of an idea "How about we send some of my friends warriors to look for them. It can be a show of good faith in cooperation."
"Hmmm, that does sound intriguing but sending an army while we have yet to make an alliance will raise concern to many. I propose we send only a small few to Midgard, people we can trust." The All-Father suggested.
"I'll need to speak with Hera and Athena about this. Sending gods while there is a meeting would divert this too much." Frejya got up from her seat. "With any luck this problem will be done and over with."
"Do not worry so much my precious Frigg, you're more beautiful when happy and proud,"
"Smooth talker, how you can't be like this forever is beyond me," Frejya smiled at her husband. She leaned in for a kiss but got interrupted from a knock on the door. "Sigh, come in."
The door opened and in came Loki who bowed his head before speaking. "Pardon my intrusion I hope I have interrupted your talk."
Odin if he could would ask Loki to come another time seeing he was about to have a private time with his wife, sadly it would have to be for another time. "Loki is there something you need to discuss?"
"I came to discuss the documents that would need to be filed but as I came to the door I overheard you talking about the situation with Magni and Modi's disappearance and I figured I would point to one of our own who could help." Loki said before he shut the door behind him.
"Oh?" Frejya from going annoyed to now intrigued listened to what the god who is Odin's blood brother despite not being from blood had to say.
Asgardian Bar
Leon and Einar found open bar seats at the local bar, the many seats taken had plenty of drunk men and women Asgardians, many making bets on who could drink the other under the table.
It did not take long for a waitress to come up ready to take an order. "What'll you men be having today?"
"A good mug of your strongest one, my friend here I'll let you decide." The young warrior looked to Leon for his own answer.
"I'm not really old enough to drink so a glass of water will be fine."
The waitress chuckled, "You're new around here it seems, don't know how it is elsewhere but here the drinking age is sixteen."
Leon would do a spit if he didn't care about being embarrassed, "Sixteen!?"
Einar gave out a hearty laugh at his confusion, "We Asgardians love our alcohol, so much to the point we lowered it just a little bit. But I understand if you do not wish to drink no harm done."
Leon scratched the back of his head making a choice to either drink just a small bit or go for the glass of water, "You know what I'm here in your realm so it's best to be respectful of your customs. I'll have a small cup of your alcohol, along with a glass of water please."
"Coming right up sugar," Writing down the orders on her small piece of paper she walked over giving it to another employee of the bar.
"Hahaha there you go lad not too big yet not yto small," Einar laughed leaning on the table.
"First time drinking alcohol," Leon said with a chuckle, "I hope it won't be the strong stuff where one sip makes you pass out."
"Nothing too serious lad, the strongest one would stun most of your nerves in your throat from just one glass."
"Hah definitely not for me it sounds like something only a heavy drinker could stand."
"Oh indeed, Thor being one of them. The red head and beard could drink a whole gallon and still be standing." Einar told of Thor drink so many people under the table until midnight and was still standing, whether weak or strong alcohol it was like the god of thunder was immune.
"If I were you sweetheart I'd not challenge Thor to a drinking contest," The waitress came back with their drinks and placed them on the table. "Saw so many einherjar try to put drink him, none succeeded."
Leon took his small cup to his face sniffing it which gave off a strange smell. "I'll definitely keep that in mind, thank you."
"My pleasure son, tell me if you need anything," the waitress bowed to both men and turned to help other customers.
"Well," Einar raised his mug. "Here's to the hope, friendship of both realms."
Leon raised his small cup and clanged it against his, a toast to the hopeful future of an alliance. As he drank the full glass he coughed a little realizing even though this wasn't the strongest they had it was still strong.
Wow so that's what alcohol tastes like? Pretty strong stuff
You can taste it Phyra?
Of course, er well...sort of in a way. I'm linked to you so whatever you feel I can feel, at least when I want too
You learn something new everyday, though let's not try and get drunk anytime soon. His humor made Phyra giggle, every time she did that he couldn't deny it looked cute.
"Haha one glass and still standing from that stuff," Einar joked before chugging down his drink like a natural.
"We all can't be as natural as you," Leon joked right back at him.
"Ah lad give yourself credit where it's do you have the makings of a fine warrior." Placing his now empty mug on the table he turned his attention to Leon. "So how do you like Asgard so far? It is as spectacular as they show in the books I hope."
"I'll be honest the books don't really do this place justice, it's far more beautiful and incredible in real life. Honestly I'm honored to even be here." The young sacred gear wielder said before taking a sip of his water.
"In a way you honor us as well, not many get to meet someone from the realm of Olympus. I hear it's an incredible view."
"The first time I saw it I literally thought I died. Well I technically did but after I got reincarnated even though I didn't know until Hera told me."
"You died and got a reincarnated lad?" That caught the warriors attention.
Leon retold the tale of how he ended up here, explaining that Hera, despite here many years of experience, had difficulty reviving him. Even telling him about how he unlocked his sacred gear, gained a shield from Hephaestus, and defeated Heracles.
"I see lad you've had quite the experience yet you still stand strong, be proud of your accomplishments." Einar patted his back. "Not many would be mentally well, you've got good friends to back you up."
"Thanks Einar," Leon said cheerfully. "Honestly I'm lucky to have good friends who supported me."
The warrior chuckled taking another sip, "You got beautiful friends if I say so lad."
A slight blush ran across Leon's face at those words. "W-Well yeah they are pretty, they're strong though as looks can be deceiving."
"True, though the black haired one I can see has caught your eyes."
He almost choked on his water before finally swallowing it, Leon gasped for air before looking at Einar. "Well she is my teacher in a way I couldn't have gotten this far without her."
The young warrior chuckled at the way he was trying to sway the situation. "No need to be a shy lad, I've seen how men look at women with interest nothing to be ashamed of."
"It's not that!" Leon's eyes went wide realizing he just shouted out loud. "I'm sorry it's just...I don't know. Achillia is strong and beautiful."
"You think you don't stand a chance of getting together with her lad?"
"I'm just a guy who came from a normal background, she's someone who comes from a line of descendants from Achilles and the goddess thetis. Pretty sure she'd have eyes for someone else than a student."
"And how do you know that?" Einar's words made Leon look up at him. "You say you may not have a chance but how can ya know if ya don't try?"
"I...I don't know Einar. I've never really confessed to a girl before." Leon looked at his almost empty glass of water.
"It's your decision lad but I'll tell you this, would you rather confess and get an answer? Or would ya spend the rest of your life wondering if you could've done something?"
For the longest time since he had been reincarnated into the Olympus Realm he hadn't thought to sit down and think on a big life question like this. School and training was no problem but a relationship was something all too new for the young man.
"I...I'd need to think about it."
"You're still young so take all the time ya need, just try not to take too much time no need to let an opportunity pass by."
"True thanks Einar. If it's not too much to ask do you have a wife? or girlfriend."
The once up beat young Asgardian warrior facial expression turned into a frown, he looked in his mug before speaking. "I didn't have a wife but I did have a lover, a beautiful woman."
"What happened?" Leon said curiously but shook his head realizing he may be digging into something personal. "If you don't want to say it I understand."
"It's alright Leon, suffice to say an incident happened and...I lost her." He pulled out the necklace from his armor. "The only thing I have left of her."
Leon felt sad, even though Einar said it was alright he still felt guilty for asking and now wanted to find some way to make it up. "I'm sorry for your loss. If it helps there's a saying I learned from my grandpa before he passed away. "Even when our loved ones are gone we still have their memories with us, never truly gone. We keep going no matter how painful, and we keep going."
From a slight glance Leon could've sworn he saw a single tear fall down from his cheek, if Einar was getting emotional he certainly wasn't going to show it.
"Your grandfather taught you well," he then raised his mug. "To those we have lost, may they never be forgotten."
Leon smiled making his glass of water in his mug, even though it was a short time Einar felt like someone that was a good person like with Cora and Elias back home.
Hotel Dinning Room
"What!!?"
Achillia said out loud from a smirking Thrud with her hands under her chin, the descendant of Achilles taken aback by what she was told.
"Oh come on I've seen the way you look at Leon, especially that face of the suggestion of him getting married." Thrud chuckled at the blushing Achillia.
"T-That was just...did Bennia put you up to this!?" the Spartan said gritting her teeth.
Thrud raised both her hands as if she was to show she's innocent. "Nope, but she kinda figured as well. I'm just the first one to ask you up front."
While Rossweisse, Bennia and Hecuba went to get their food the daughter of Sif took this opportunity to ask how Achillia felt about Leon knowing she wouldn't say a word with Bennia let alone Leon around.
"And what makes you think that way? I'm responsible for training him to hone his battle skills."
"Pffft, when has that ever stopped attraction from blossoming? Look, I get that much your responsibility for him being safe but the way you glance your eyes at him, and smile a lot was kinda obvious."
"She's not wrong." Said Hecuba who was behind her childhood friend smirking with a plate of food. "Call it a woman's intuition but it was kinda obvious."
"oh my gosh..." Achillia wanted to die from embarrassment, just dig a hole and bury herself for a long time.
"Haha jeez it's not so bad. I mean why not just up and say you like him?" Thrud replied before eating a piece of lamb.
"It's not that simple, plus...,"
Achillia didn't get to finish that sentence before her Hecuba cut her off. "She's not too good with romance even though she likes a bit of that stuff."
"I was gonna get to that..." Achillia frowned at her but couldn't deny it was the truth.
"Riiiiiggghhhht," Thrud chuckled after swallowing her food.
"Honestly Achillia I've known you so long I've seen you take interest in some guys before. They all came and went when you lost interest but Leon you've had your eyes on for a while, what makes him catch your eyes?" Hecuba looked at her with a smile not making fun of the situation.
"Fine but this stays between us for right now." As soon as she saw both girls nod their heads she began to explain. "I don't know what it specifically is but...he finds a way to be strong in tough situations he's faced. He may not know it but he has a way of making his friends smile, he gives off that kind of aura I guess. And given what he's faced he doesn't waver he just keeps moving..."
Both women listened to careful understanding of why these feelings happened. When she was done talking Thrud made a remark that made the Spartan blush again.
"And he's cute, you almost forgot to say that."
"Fine fine yes there's that as well..."
Hecuba chuckled but then hugged her friend from the side "No need to be embarrassed, this is just girls talk."
"we're back!" Rossweisse sat down next to Thrud along with Bennia sitting next to Hecuba.
"We miss any juicy gossip?" The young reaper said with some food in her mouth.
"No and please chew with your mouth closed," Hecuba flicked the top of her head which was then met with a pout.
The depths of Tartarus
The clang of metal hitting metal echoed throughout the deepest part of the underworld known as Tartarus. Here the most dangerous enemies to the Olympians were sealed here, guarded by the three Cyclops's Arges, steropes, and Brontos. They were known to be the ones who forged Zeus's thunderbolt as a sign of gratitude for their release from Cronus.
Arges clanged his hammer onto a fine crafted sword to pass the time, far from the powerful lightning bolt him and his brothers made millennium ago but he saw the finer things in making something average yet strong.
"Hehe finely crafted, may give that Hephaestus a run for his money in speed making." He rubbed the sword with care and the edges so sharp that a small press on it drew blood from his thumb.
Suddenly he was snapped out of his admiration from the sound of a loud hole in the cavern wall. "Steropes, Brontos! What are you doing there?" The cyclops was met with silence and this only irritated him. "Hey! I know you two can hear me, what is all that ru..."
Agres three eyes went wide at the sight that was in front of him. His brother Steropes limped through the cavern wall, his skin was heavily burned like he'd been set on fire.
"Steropes! What in Tartarus's name happened to you!?"
"R-Run...Brother..." With those last words the burned cyclops fell face first onto the ground fully unconscious.
"Steropes!!!" Arges rushed to his brother's side dropping all of his equipment on the ground in a heartbeat.
"Now now there's no need to be worried about your brother," the voice of women was heard coming through the entrance. The masked woman walked in as if she owned the place chuckling to herself. "So a dreaded place you've been asked to watch over but it has its uses."
"Who are you? How did you manage to get down here?" Arges glared at her, the intent to kill was strong he would've leaped at her had it not been to make sure his brother was okay.
"I have my resources, one you may take interest in." With a single hand pointed at the entrance the woman's mask eye holes glowed an orange hue. What the cyclops saw next shocked him so much he couldn't speak the right words.
The primordial goddess from the beginning of the Greek mythology Gaia stepped through the entrance, an orange symbol marked on her forehead seemed to be controlling her as her expression was simply blank with no emotions. But she was not alone, wrapped in her vines was Brontos, barely able to breathe as it grasped his throat tightly. Arges could not believe Gaia, the woman who birthed him and his brothers, was doing something like this.
"What have you done too mother!?"
"Your mother was...quite rowdy that I needed to calm her down a lot." The masked woman showed the same symbol that was on Gaia's forehead was on her hand as well. It did not take long for the cyclops to put two and two together with what this mysterious individual had done to his mother.
"You!!!" He got up bawling his fist so tightly they seemed to bleed. "Release her this instant!!!" Arges charged straight at her, even without his weapons he was by no means weak as cyclops are known for having brute strength on their side.
"Such a nuisance, take care of him." She raised her hand shining the symbol and Gaia obeyed with a question wrapping vines around Arges completely immobilizing him completely. But she wasn't done for the vines soon violently threw him up on the cavern ceiling, then right back down hard on the ground creating a crater.
"Ugh..." Arges could hardly move a muscle, multiple bones in his body broken from the attack he cursed in his mind at how this was happening.
"Nice to see you've calmed down," She walked towards the bested cyclops and knelt down in front of him. "You're in luck cyclops for I have a need for you specifically to... unlock a gate to your other siblings."
"W-What...are you...talking...about?" He struggled to speak and look up to her while still constricted by his mother's vines. But once again he put two and two together knowing just what exactly she was getting at. "No! You can't mean them, why them?"
"Because I have a need for them, and because if I don't receive what I want I can cut your two brothers lives short," she laughed at the sadistic idea of letting Arges watch his siblings die.
"Damn...you..." He gritted his teeth in anger.
"You know what will happen should you defy me." She raised her hand showing the symbol right in front of his face. "If you value their lives you will unlock the gate to your siblings, you will show me to the Hecatoncheires."
Things are beginning to heat up in the realm of Olympus, this mysterious woman using a symbol to get what she wants even if it hurts people is proving more and more of a threat. Meanwhile in Asgard things seem to be going off without a hitch, even some feelings begin to be known by a few. Can it blossom to a full blown romance? More to come in the chapter.