Two weeks before the Alliance Talks
Deep in an underground cavern in an unknown location, the only light to illuminate the darkness being crystal's that are embedded in the wall. All would be silent were it not for the sound of water falling from the ceiling, splashing on the ground and even in some puddles showing this has been going on for a very long time. But those were not the only sounds coming from this underground cavern, the sound of footsteps echoes all around.
"Aaarrrgh! We've been walking for hours and still no sign of the source!" The sound of what appeared to be a man, a very mature man, voice could be heard.
"Calm down, I'm sure it should not be much longer this cavern can't go on forever." The sound of another man was heard as well slightly irritated as the other but had more of a composure to his tone. "Besides, grandmother did say you could use some discipline in patience Modi."
That was the name of the person who sounded irritated. Modi, the son of Thor. Coming around the corner his appearance was that of what seemed to be a vikings outfit but on his back and over the head was a pelt of a bear one he slew and wears as a trophy. Like many Asgardian males he had a pretty long hair and beard that went down to his chest, it also having braids being a symbol for how many victories in battle one wins. His weapon of choice was that of a Mace, an aseir weapon made for god because of being able to channel his family's signature lightning.
"Yes grandmother Frejya says that all the time as much as Grandfather Odin says you need to have a bit more backbone Magni."
walking beside Modi was his half brother Magni, him also being the son of Thor but difference between them was having different mother's. Having more a dirty blond hair and a shorter beard then Modi, still he had lots of braids from the victories in battle. His attire was that also of a viking but unlike his half brother he didn't have a pelt on him. He mostly was shirtless but with traditional paintings on his chest, stomach, and back. His weapon of choice was a great sword also crafted from Aesir, it was also able to channel their families signature lightning.
"Hey now I love a good fight as the next warrior otherwise I wouldn't have gotten all these braids now would I?" Magni chuckled while having his great sword over the shoulder.
"Hmph with that attitude you might as well have come by yourself. Unfortunately for you I have no plans tell you take all the glory." Modi crossed his arms looking around at the crystals embedded on the walls.
"Glory now? This is a mission to see what that power fluctuation our grandparents felt out here in Midgard," Magni made sure to remind his brother what they're here for. "Still though, you don't find it odd how the einherjar couldn't find this place but when we come it shows up?"
"The scouts clearly must've missed something to not see or feel this underground caverns presents. Regardless I hope there's at least something down here that I can fight, all this walking has got my fingers itching for some action." Modi held his Mace tightly smirking at the thought of finally getting to hit something.
"Who knows brother maybe you'll get your chance, unless I get to it first haha."
"Just try and see brother, you'll...,"
The mace wielding god would finish his sentence were it not for his half brother raising his hand and coming to a halt.
"What is it?" He said raising an eyebrow.
"Hm, I could've sworn I heard something." Magni looked around, his free hand resting the hilt of his great sword.
Modi did the same with his weapon looking around, he couldn't hear anything other than the sound of water hitting the floor.
"I hear nothing but the dripping of water brother, has your hearing gone to shit?" Modi said with a chuckle at his own sense of humor.
Magni however wasn't having any of it, the feeling of his hair on the back of the neck and arms was sticking up. "I'm a serious brother, I can...sense something off now."
Modi stopped his laughter now with a puzzled look. He may take jabs at him from time to time but when Magni had a worried expression he knew something was off. Finally taking it a bit more seriously his Mace began to crackle with electricity, looking around for whatever his brother could sense. Suddenly the smell of something strong hit his nostrils, he sniffed the air with a stern expression. Magni walked forward a bit, hand still on his weapon, just waiting for something to pop out.
"Hmmmmmm, maybe my imagination. Alright let's get g...,"
"GHAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!
His words were cut off from the sound from the blood curdling screams of his half brother Modi from behind him. Looking back he saw something lift him up, slam him to the ground, and pull him away around the corner.
"MODI!"
He called around ready to save his half brother but stopped in his tracks from large chunks of the ceiling falling down on him. Pulling his weapon out he easily slashed the debris in half.
"Dammit! What in Hel's name is going on here!?"
The sound of snarling mixed with hissing came from behind him, he turned around, his eyes widened with shock from what he was seeing.
"RHAAAAAAH!"
Current Day, Asgardian Throne Room
The meeting for today was cut short, Odin needed to make an announcement for all to hear, no one was to be left out.
"I have an important announcement to make," Odin raised his hand for silence. "A special mission that might benefit from both sides, one that could show how well both realms can work together. Frejya, if you would?"
She nodded now speaking to everyone. "Two weeks ago my grandchildren Magni and Modi were on a mission I entrusted to. It has been two weeks since we've last heard from them, it is not known if something bad has happened but their absence is worrying. So, we will be sending people from both sides to investigate and find them both."
Baldur raised his hand for permission to speak which he was granted. "I was told the einherjar scouts found nothing before Magni and Modi went to investigate. For them to just vanish, it could be possible that something dangerous is there."
Frejya knew there was a possibility of something being there but the scouts have not seen anything out of the ordinary.
"Possibly, but there have been no signs of anything out of the ordinary." Said Sif with her arms folded.
"Either way those two brothers would have come back if they'd found nothing. If there was a fight and they were outmatched they'd have no trouble using the bifrost entrusted to them to leave in a hurry." Tyr added in his two cents.
Leon and the rest couldn't help but see how strange that was, he'd never met them since coming to Asgard but heard of how strong those two were. Both fighting side by side made them a powerhouse to not take lightly, at least from what Thrud said.
"All those points are a possibility," Odin said to tone down the back and forth talking. "Which is why we will be sending a squad of four to Midgard, to find out what has happened to my grandchildren and put this matter to rest. If you would Hera."
Hera nods looking at the Norse pantheon. "We cannot send to many people along with figures on our side because this alliance hasn't been completed. So, I will send two people I trust to get the job done. Leon and Bennia."
If Leon and Bennia could do a spit take without looking stupid in front of everyone they'd do it by now in a heartbeat. Both figured someone like Achillia or Hecuba would be the ones to be picked because of their experience.
"I understand, and I'll do my best Hera," Leon bows his head to her.
"As will I," Bennia bowed as well, surprising Hecuba in the process.
Hera smiled at them both before looking back at Odin who nodded in approval.
"I definitely chose. Now then because we are still in the unknown at this point I will send a prodigy as well. Rossweisse, you will go with them as I'm sure your magic will come in handy."
Rossweisse bows her head to the All-Father. "I'll make sure to keep everyone safe."
"And she won't be the only one to be sent, Loki if you would." Frejya asked of the long white haired god.
Smirking and holding a hand up Loki utters his choice of words. "We need a skilled warrior as well, I pick the young but skilled Einar."
The doors open and out comes Einar himself, bowing to his gods in respect for being chosen. "I'm truly honored to be chosen for this mission."
"Oh?" Baldur said intrigued. "Our up and coming warrior along with a master of runic magic, a very good combination."
"We do need all the help as Odin said," Loki smirked crossing his arms. "I felt it was right to pitch in however I could."
"Very much appreciated it Loki," Hera said grateful for the help.
"With that out of the way and no objections this meeting ends quickly today," The All-Father taps his weapon on the ground dismissing everyone.
Outside of the Throne Room
Leon and everyone gathered around making sure everything was ready, to be trusted to find the sons of Thor was an honor in itself.
"I'll admit I wasn't expecting me of all people to be picked," The young reaper scratched the back of her head still a bit puzzled with the choice.
Leon couldn't agree more as well, despite all he's done he still at best lacked the long experience Achillia and Hecuba had. "Same but we should see this as an opportunity to show we can work together."
"That's the attitude I love to hear," Hera said with a bright smile. "But do be careful, both of you, I don't want there to be any heroic actions that'd put your lives in danger."
Athena agreed as well, "She is right, if there is a situation that requires you to leave, rossweisse will activate the bifrost to leave in a flash."
"I'll make sure to keep your people safe." The sound of the Valkyrie came from behind, this time however she wasn't in her usual formal outfit but now dawned on her own Valkyrie armor. It consists of a white breastplate, boots, fingerless gauntlets, and hip guards. On her hair was winged shaped hair clips possibly for style as a Valkyrie. But that wasn't all as she wore a black leotard, black thigh high stockings, and a pale blue cloth wrapped around her hip guards.
And she still doesn't have a boyfriend!? Leon said out loud in her mind. As much as he really likes Achillia her beauty could be a match with the Valkyrie, not that he was about to shoot his shot at her.
Maybe she's just that much of a hard worker she doesn't have time for dates? Phyra just as confused as him and could hardly believe it.
Hera bowed smiling at the Valkyrie, "I appreciate it Rossweisse, your skills in runic magic will definitely come in handy."
"O-Oh! You give me too much credit," Rossweisse not to use to hearing how good her magic is slightly blushed at the praise.
"Give yourself more credit," Her childhood friend Thrud said with a smirk. "It certainly gave me a run for my money when we last fought."
"You still technically won though...," Rossweisse said with a deadpan look but appreciated the praise nonetheless.
Achillia chuckled turning to Leon, "Try not to get into too much trouble."
"Haha not if I can help myself," He smiled at her rubbing the back of his head.
"Ah I'm sure the lad will get his glory somehow," Einar leaning against the wall said, fully in his own viking armor with an axe and shield on his waist.
"Don't worry I'll make sure he gets all the glory," Bennia pointed at Leon.
"Try to keep your shenanigans at a one," Hecuba crossed her arms at the thought, the young half reaper giving her a look of mischievousness.
Okrney Islands
The bifrost opens up on the edges of the island, the sky clear blue along with the sea winds blowing gently. Leon, Bennia, Rossweisse, and Einar walk out looking at their surroundings.
Bennia whistles in amazement, "Nice place, Olympus still has it beat but not bad."
"Strange how Magni and Modi went missing in a place like this," Leon tries to sense around the area but nothing comes up.
"Looks can be deceiving, in an open area if hidden well the presence can be avoided. But, here not so much." Einar closes his eyes breathing in then out.
"I agree with Einar, it's very faint but I can sense it," Rossweisse looks around, her silver hair blowing in the wind.
"With any luck we can find them and get going," Bennia floats in the hair drawing out her scythe.
Suddenly Einar points to the sea with a stern look, "There."
Leon and the others look only to see just water, nothing out of the ordinary.
"Uuuuhh...I mostly see water." Bennia raised an eyebrow.
"Unless...wait, is the power your sensing under the sea?" Leon's answer got a nod from the warrior. "So we have to go under the waters, I don't think we have material to dive down in the sea."
"We may not have too." Rossweisse points down over the cliff she was leaning over. "There's an entrance to a cavern, our luck that we hit a certain mark."
Leon and everyone else looked down over the cliff surprised, the thought running through if this was man made or the weather elements did this. Either way it started and they had to take it.
"Better than looking around for hours, if this entrance can take us to the source of the power and the brothers then we gotta take it." Leon dawned his Spartan armor from the magic ring he was gifted and jumped down to the cliffs of the entrance.
"Someone's eager heh," Bennia floats down along with him.
Rossweisse and Einar go down along with them, all four now staring at the entrance of this seaside cavern entrance.
"It will be pretty dark here. Rossweisse, can you conjure up some light?" Einar asked the Valkyrie.
"Most definitely," She smiled holding up her hand shining a bright yellow light illuminating the cave.
"Fantastic! I'll walk up ahead, if anything tries to rear its ugly head I can take the brunt if it's an attack." Einar pulled out his finely crafted axe and shield.
"Sounds good," Leon summons his sacred gear. "We'll cover you from behind."
"I can harass anything with my portals," Bennia poked her head through a portal next to Einar before popping it back out, startling him a bit.
"And I can hit them with my runic magic from a distance," Rossweisse says.
I'll be on look out Leon, if I see anything you'll know asap
Thanks Phyra, always awesome to know you've got my back
"Excellent, now we march forward."
All four walked into the cavern with Einar taking the lead, walking slowly with rossweisse shining the light to see their surroundings so nothing could possibly try to sneak up on them from the darkness. This cavern seemed to be going down further and further as they walked for almost half an hour, nothing but the sound of their footsteps and now the occasional sound of water falling on the ground.
"We definitely must be far below now to the point the sea can slip through the cracks of the ceiling." Rossweisse said looking up.
"We're that far below? Leon asked curiously. "Hope this cavern is strong enough..."
"Well that's comforting," Bennia shuddered at the thought of the ceiling crashing down with water on them.
"I wouldn't worry too much," Einar assured her while still walking in front of everyone. "If it hasn't succumbed to the pressure of the depths of the sea it's far stronger than ya think."
"Just in case I'm keeping the portal happens," she said back with a slight pout.
"Hah that's the spirit," Leon smiled looking at her, she in return stuck her tongue at him.
As they continued walking Einar squinted his eyes at the sight of some faint light from afar. He stopped putting his hand. "Hold." All three did as he said coming to a stop being ready for the unknown. He walked forward slowly keeping his weapon on hand, though it was a few seconds of silence it still felt unnerving. "It's okay! These are... crystals."
Leon, Bennia, and Rossweisse walked up beside him in awe at what they saw. Many crystals adorned the walls, big and small they seemed to be able to shine enough to bring in light to an otherwise dark undersea cavern.
"Wow!" Leon looked at a piece to his right as this was the first time he'd ever seen a crystal in his life, but these ones had a weird feeling to them. "These crystals I think I can sense...magic off of it."
"I feel it as well." Rossweisse looked at one as well. "Every last one of them."
"Same, though we probably shouldn't touch them you know how that can go." Bennia floated up to the ceiling looking at one that looked almost like a stalagmite.
Einar couldn't agree more with that smart thinking. "Good on you, they look marvelous but we don't know what they truly are. A crystal that can emit magic might do something to the body."
Leon walked around but still made sure he was nearby not walking far off. He wished he could take one home with him but wasn't going to get greedy, especially not on a mission Hera and Athena trusted him with. Suddenly he stopped in his tracks, looking down with a raised eyebrow in confusion that soon turned into one of an uneasy feeling.
Is that...blood?
I think so Phyra
"Hey guys you're gonna wanna see this," He called out to his squad mates.
Everyone walked up to the sight Leon pointed at. On the ground there was blood, dry blood at that indicating it's been here long enough to dry out.
"That's definitely not good, you don't think...," Bennia looked at Leon, a look of thinking the exact same thing as one another.
"We don't know for certain, with no body we cannot jump to conclusions." Rossweisse although slightly thinking the same thing needed to stay focused.
"She's right though I can't blame ya both." Einar got on one knee examining the dried up blood. Looking up he could see a few more drops up ahead. "There's a trail, everyone stays close as we go deeper."
All nodded in approval walking in the same formation as before. Though the blood wasn't big it still didn't look good to see it going on and on as they kept walking.
"That's a lot of blood loss going on here." Bennia said not in a humorous tone but one of worry.
"A few loss of blood wouldn't keep Magni and Modi down, there that stubborn." Einar reminded of them both still being gods who handle much more punishment than most would think.
"Like Thrud no doubt, still doesn't mean not to be worried." Rossweisse kept both hands up ready to unleash her magic on any threat.
"Hm?" Leon looked ahead spotting what seemed to be an opening. "Look over there." He pointed towards what seemed to be a large hole in the wall, the sides having the same crystals all around it.
"The bloods leading into there." Bennia noticed as well as everyone else.
"Then that is where we go." Einar said with an almost leader-like tone. "Be ready for anything."
Depths of the Undersea Cavern
Everyone walked in slowly through the hole, all standing back to back in case an enemy wanted to get the jump on them. No light was needed as the inside, while very large, was brighter than outside. Very large crystals, but this time seeming to have a rainbow hue to every last one, was all over the place. Each one had the feeling of magic energy to them but this time more stronger than the smaller ones.
"Wow...," Leon said in awe, a far stronger feeling than outside.
"Wow is definitely an understatement." Bennia chimed in, her eyes sparkled at how beautiful they were. I know we can't really be touching them but just maybe I could get one for him...
"What in the world!?" Rossweisse said, while not yelling it out loud, caught everyone's attention. "Look up there."
She pointed up at the upper part of the cavern walls which left everyone intrigued by what they saw. It seemed to be that of a very large light blue crystal in the shape of an orb embedded into the wall. But that wasn't the only thing that'd caught there attention; two silhouettes of what seemed to be that of two people in a fetal position, one on the left, and the other on the right. And yet it wasn't all there was, with what seemed to be another silhouette in between the two figures a very large item but couldn't fully make out what it was.
"What in the world is right," Leon agreed with the Valkyrie. "It looks like they're people in there, are those Magni and Modi?"
"Possibly. Though what is that thing in between them a weapon?" Bennia asked very curious about what she was seeing.
Einar walked forward slowly examining the crystal sphere. "Hmmmm, No. These do not seem to be Magni and Modi." He pointed up to the crystal. "In fact on closer inspection the forms seem to be... feminine."
"Feminine? So these are women trapped up in there." Rossweisse along with the others walked up beside the warrior.
"You're right about that," Bennia replied with her arms crossed. "As curious as I am about this we still haven't seen the brothers."
"This will have to be reported to Odin of what we found. But I agree we still haven't found them so we must keep looking."
Leon had to admit they needed to stick for what they came for, the missing brothers came first. Though suddenly he was snapped out of his thinking from a strong scent he couldn't describe hitting his nose.
Sniff Sniff* "What's that smell?"
Bennia looked at him with a confused look. "Smell? Uh I don't smell anything."
"What are you smelling Leon?" Rossweisse with a raised eyebrow looked at the young man.
"I don't know but... it's gone now all of a sudden."
Einar held up his axe with a stern look. "That cannot be some coincidence, something must be in here with us."
Everyone looked around making sure they didn't stray too far from one another. The idea was that the lights from the crystal should've illuminated something in here but nothing else was shown.
Leon Phyra said in his mind, her voice is one with worry in it I'm sensing something in here
Where!? I'm not seeing anything
It feels like it's... everywhere
That made Leon's heart beat a bit faster knowing Phyra was sensing something all around and he couldn't see where it was, added with the fact all four seemed to be surrounded.
Rossweisse suddenly turned her head, "I think I heard something."
"I think so too." The young reaper floated ready to use her scythe.
"Someone or something thinks we'll be easy prey, I think not." Einar twirled his axe ready to chuck it.
Leon breathed in and out to calm his nerves, remembering what Achillia and Athena taught him. Stay calm in whatever situation is thrown at you. Don't let your emotions betray you, stay firm and courageous.
It was faint but the sound of something hit his ears, the sound of something hissing yet with a hint of growling as well.
"There!"
Leon could feel the presence of something huge coming from behind him, in the nick of time he jumped out of the way. Something long had tried to strike from behind and every one could see that. It violently pulled out from the rubble revealing its face.
Bennia's eyes widen in pure shock. "Is that..."
The head of the attacker was that of a beast, it's skin an azure blue color, and it's face that showed it was serpent like with small horns protruding out of its skull. It however was not the only one, more heads from the ground started to emerge, not two or three but nine heads emerged. All except one had a bigger horn, teeth, and on the side of its cheek a red fin. There was no need to doubt it was the leader of all these serpents, it also seemed to have a symbol on its forehead.
"What in Hel's name is that!?" Rossweisse called out loud.
"Hydra!!!" Bennia wasting no time informed everyone of the serpent staring them down. "Not just a regular one but a literal Alpha!"
Leon remembered the stories he was taught by his teacher Mrs Sophia and Gaia about the main beast figures in Greek mythology. Everyone that was written in legend were alpha's that were to be respected and feared. The monsters he fought back in the Outskirts were merely small fry compared to their bigger and stronger legendary alpha's. Between each Alpha of the species only one is born every few thousand years after the older one dies
"How in the world did something this big get here!?" Leon was shocked at his first time seeing an alpha.
"I don't know but we must retreat!" Rossweisse held her hand up high to summon the bifrost to escape, yet nothing happened within the few seconds passing by. "What the?" She held out her hand once more but nothing happened. "The bifrost isn't opening!"
"Oh you've got to be kidding me!" Bennia looked on with a small hint of annoyance.
"Worry about that later and focus on the Hydra!" Einar said before dodging one of the smaller headed hydra trying to bite him.
He was right with more of the heads lunging at everyone, all jumped out of the way in a flash.
"Don't let it bite you!" Leon called out sidestepping the Hydra's attempt at biting his head off. "They have deadly poison."
Rossweisse flying in the air dodges every head that comes her way. "Thanks for the heads up!" She looked down at two heads coming straight at her which she summoned her magic blasting them back with ease. Many more came after her but she showed how skilled she was with offense magic firing down elements of fire, ice, and wind pummeling down four heads to the ground.
Einar used the crystals to his advantage using them as a shield to hide behind when a head came for him. When one slammed his head and shattered it to pieces the young warrior used that moment to slash the beast drawing blood along with it yelling in pain. "You'll have to do better than that to kill me beast!" Though in a life or death situation his Asgardian warrior spirit for battle was showing for all to see.
Bennia wasn't exaggerating when she said she'd have her teleportation portals ready on standby. When almost bitten by the hydra she summoned her portal to another area of the cave. While this was a handing thing to have there were limits to how far she moved from one area to another.
"Peek-a-boo!" The young reaper said sticking her head out of a portal taunting one of the smaller hydras to attack. Before it could sink its fangs into her she disappeared through the portal causing the Serpents head to violently slam into the wall. "I'm over here now!" Her head popped out from the portal on the ground now sticking her tongue out. Irritated and enraged three of the heads began to surround the young mischievous reaper ready to strike but like before she ducked down disappearing and causing all three serpents to headbutt one another.
Leon was either lucky or unlucky from staring down the main head of the hydra, all others were busy attacking his squad mates which made him have less pressure on him but that meant facing the larger head.
"I gotta remember I can't cut off the head or else it'll just grow new ones." He unleashed his Phyra powered blade standing his ground.
The main head flared its gills in intimidation, hissing with its drool dropping to the ground and on impact burned a hole into the floor no doubt the work of its potent poison.
The standoff finally came to a close, Leon making the first move charged at the mighty Hydra and in return doing the same. Quickly knowing a front assault seemed like a death wish he sidestepped the jaws but it didn't let up continuing to try and sink its fangs into Leon.
This one's definitely the leader, far more faster and sharper.
Dodging over and over was out of the question and with a mighty swing of his blade slashed the cheek of his attacker. It merely winced with the tough scales protecting its flesh. Barely slowly it down it charged head on, Leon barely having enough time to dodge unleashed his shield to block.
"Tch!!!"
He was blown far back against the wall, though his weapon could take that kinda damage and it was still strong enough to push the user back.
Are you okay!? Phyra with a worried tone in her voice called out
I'm fine Phyra, but it's clear with its touch scales and sheer size we can't hope to keep this up back and forth.
That inner thought had to cut short with the main head charging at him and having to jump far from the spot. As he turned around he could see the damage it inflicted on the wall, tons of rubble crashed down on it yet that wasn't enough to keep it down. He rushed back forward slashing at its scales again but the same results happened again only pissing the hydra off even more.
I literally have to put in more strength to even make a cut on this beast and all I'm doing is just pissing it off.
While Phyra's blade had helped him with defeated Heracles the sword itself seemed to be the strongest at slicing in half special attacks, physical still required him to use his own strength and against a literal Alpha he was losing stamina fast.
Behind you!!!
Phyra's words caused Leon to look behind him, a large tail, no doubt from the hydra itself, was coming straight down onto him. Once again he jumped out of the way, the tail hitting the ground so hard it shook it almost like a low magnitude Earthquake.
Thanks Phyra, didn't know it...oh crap!
Looking up he could see the main head coming down at him, he already had to use up much energy to block and slash so the fatigue was hitting in. Knowing that trying to jump would result in getting caught in its mouth Leon unleashed his shield and the serpent chomped right down on it. Thanking Hephaestus for his amazing craftsmanship the shield didn't break let alone the dent.
I really need to thank Hephaestus again for this gift
Luckily Leon wasn't too far into the mouth, just being in the front of its fangs enough to stay away from its poison. But he wasn't safe yet as the hydra picked its head up along with Leon in tow. It tried to bite down hard enough to destroy the weapon but just couldn't do it; now more irritated it shook its head slamming into the wall.
Rossweisse who was up in the air was shocked to see Leon caught in its jaws. "Leon! Hang on." She blasts away the smaller heads and flies over to get him loose.
The Valkyrie fires off multiple shots at its jaws but that only makes the grip on the shield tighter.
"Rossweisse behind you!"
Leon shouted from the notice of three heads coming straight behind her, though her magic was powerful enough to push them down it wasn't enough to keep them from getting back up.
"What!" the Valkyrie flies around every one of them avoiding their bites. "These things are truly tough, not even a barrage of my magic can keep them down."
Einar was still dodging and slashing as he could notice Leon in the jaws of his opponent. Though still running he called out to him. "Lad! It's gum, stab them!"
Wait, that's it!
Doing what he was asked he thrust his Phyra's blade into the front gums and drew a lot of blood. This clearly hurt it a great much, finally letting go roaring in pain Leon was freed but now he was heading down onto the ground.
Oh crap!
Thinking fast he put the shield in front of him to take the brunt of the impact. His eyes closed he waited for the eventually 'Thud' sound of slamming down onto the ground but it was lighter than it was supposed to be.
"Huh!?" He opens his eyes confused on how he landed not as hard.
"That would've hurt a lot worse bro," Bennia smirked showing the portal she made. In the nick of time she summoned it to allow her friend to fall less hard from the moment of being so high up, now knowing he was safe her attention turned back to the Hydras.
"Phew I owe you one Bennia," He smiled at her then turned his attention back to his main opponent.
Okay so this blade isn't doing much to the Alpha, it's scales are too tough and I doubt I could hold my weight inside it's jaws should we try that again...
Hmmmm...oh! Leon your blade, the other one!
The one that's not powered what can that...ooooh!
It's been some time since the thought of the blade that soaked in a beast's blood and gained its powers for a duration of its use. Though the memory of Gaia telling him trying that on one the literal legendary beast at his current power would not work there didn't seem to be any other option but to try in this situation.
I'm gonna have to get bold and get into it's jaws again, it's interest in me and everyone else is keeping it other heads busy, with luck this might work because we can't keep this up forever
Please be careful!
He nodded knowing this risky idea he needed to not hesitate in the slightest. The hydra licked its wounds, staring down at the sacred gear wielder with an intent to kill he could feel the aura emanating off it.
"Here goes nothing, here I am come and get me!" Leon clanged his blade against his shield practically taunting it.
Suddenly it did something no one expected and that was its cheeks puffing up. He had a pretty good idea of what it was trying to do and started to move, on cue with movement the hydra spat out its potent poison that when hitting the ground completely fizzled the spot.
That's gonna be more complicated...
"Lad!" Einar was seeing rushing towards Leon with the other heads following in pursuit of him. "Gonna need to take that main head out, here's for a distraction."
Leon knew what he was getting at, had the heads hit one another, this was a chance that couldn't be ignored. The main head lunged at Leon with great speed, the other heads so focused on chasing Einar they hadn't noticed what they were worming their way into.
"NOW!!!"
On the cue of the shouting both men suddenly jumped backwards, pushing against each other's feet for that extra push to get away quickly. All heads that were chasing its prey collided with one another, some of the smaller ones became entangled trying to break free.
Now's my chance!
Summoning his non powered blade he rushed forward with all his might to the main head who was still slightly disoriented from its head on collision with the others. Seeing the small opening in its mouth he slammed the blade into the Serpents gums.
ROOOOAAAWWWWRRRR*
Again he was lifted up into the air, his blade caused such agony it flaid around.
"Woah woah woah!!!!"
The thrashing was violent but Leon held onto his blade as if his life depended on it. If he had hoped it would slam into something he was greatly wrong when turning his head he could see he was headed straight for the crystal spear with the three silhouettes inside it. Letting down was a must now for being crushed by two hard things was a death sentence. He pulled his blade out falling down again, the blade fully covered in the hydra's blood just like he wanted while also noticing the crystal was heavily cracked but right now he had to focus on not slamming onto the ground.
"This is definitely gonna hurt...huh?"
Leon noticed he was floating down slower, this was not bennia's doing but rossweisse using her magic to float him down gently.
"This for not being able to help last time."
"Thanks Rossweisse you're a life saver!"
His words caught a slight blush around her cheeks at the praise though he couldn't see it from afar, "Just making sure we all come out of this alive."
As he was gently let down onto the ground what he had hoped for came true as his blade began to shine. Everyone could see something happen, feeling the power emanating off of it. As it finally died down Leon could see this blade had fully transformed, the metal being the same color as the hydra's scales, the edges of the hilt had what looked to be hydra heads with also the reddish fins on them. The gem in the middle of the blade along with his gauntlet turned an azure blue color.
"Well now!" Einar looked on amazed.
"Another!?" Bennia while surprised was a good one to be sure.
"So that is how Achillia and Hecuba described how he gains a power," rossweisse muttered to herself astonished at seeing it in person.
This power feels so strong and...wild
Leon this blade I can feel it, it's fully powered!
It is!? Guess when it soaks in the blood of a powerful beast it's fully charged, I feel stronger but I know without much mastery I can't hold it for long like with Phyra blade, I'll need to weaken it but how... that's it!
He looked at Rossweisse calling out to her, "Rossweisse do you know any type of magic that can bind something this big?"
"Y-Yes it is possible but with its strength I doubt I could hold it for long."
"Then we'll need to weaken it to the point it can't move."
Bennia appeared next to Leon scythe ready in hand. "Hope you got a way to weaken it cause slicing it will result in regrowth of another head."
"There," Einar pointed to a large crystal hanging off the ceiling of the cave. "We can use that to stab it, it should hold in place to the point it can't move."
"Then we'll have to break it down on the main head, I'll get its attention but those smaller ones can't come after me."
"Leave that to me Lad,"
"I'll play peek-a-boo with the big guy some more."
Both warriors and young reaper said before rushing off doing what they did before having each head chase after them.
"Rossweisse on my signal I'll tell you when to shoot that crystal down."
"Right I'll do my best!" She said before firing off a barrage of her magic onto the smaller heads that weren't chasing after Bennia and Einar.
"Okay let's do this!"
Leon rushed forward at the main head, in return it did the same in kind, far more angrier than before. With the energy he felt in him he easily side stepped the jaws of the hydra and slashed at the scales, this time he was able to cut much deeper and the serpent clearly felt the pain.
No doubt because it's using the strength of a serpent I can cut more deeper into it, still I can't get cocky right now
He kept running along its body slashing at the scales, the hydra turned its head chasing after him and moving its body away from the blade so it couldn't get cut any more. Leon kept running as fast as he could towards the sharp crystal up top, his opponent inching closer and closer with jaws wide open and poison leaking out.
"Come one, come on...," He suddenly stopped in his tracks from the tail swinging towards him. "Dang it I forgot about that!" He dodged out of the way but at the same time saw the hydra ready to bite him.
Thinking fast he ducked under as best he could to avoid its mouth. The hydra looked around wondering where its prey went hissing aggressively. Leon knew he couldn't stay hidden forever, he was so close to his objective he needed a way to avoid both the head and its tail.
I wanted to deal with one but it looks like I need to with both, or maybe...
Some would call it stupid but there wasn't much choice as Leon ran towards the tail and in between the head, the hydra spotting him wasted no time in lunging at him. Knowing the tail was blocking his path he jumped back avoiding the mouth but this time now jumping onto the head of the hydra holding onto one of its horns. It shook left and right to get him off but that's what Leon wanted, to have it move around until it was close to the crystal.
"Almost there...NOW ROSSWEISSE!!!"
rossweisse heard loud and clear firing off a strong magic blast at the crystal. The object began to crack all around the edges before finally falling. She knew how tough the scales were so used her augmentation runic magic to make it have more power falling down.
Slam!
The sound of the crystal stabbed right into the lower end of where all the heads connected to. Every single hydra screeched in pain since all were connected in that area; their movements became slow trying to move but couldn't budge. The larger head started to fall down onto the ground, the shock and pain taking a toll on it. Leon when he was close enough to the ground jumped off tucking and rolling safely like Achillia had taught him.
Rossweisse wasted no time summoning binding magic around each and every last head so they couldn't move an inch, though so tried to wiggle free the pain was too great to move any more.
"Huff... huff...we...did it...," Leon said trying to catch his breath.
Are you alright Leon?
I'm fine Phyra, I just need to catch my breath. That fight was tough, probably tougher than Heracles
Bennia and Rossweisse floated down beside him, both sweating and breathing to catch their breaths as well.
"You can say that again, I can't believe we took down a hydra, and Alpha at that!" Bennia chuckled wiping away beads of sweat from her forehead.
"Hahaha you did good all of you, why I'd suggest getting your hair braided for this victory." Einar walked up to them putting his axe away on his hip.
"I agree," Said rossweisse with a smile. "You also displayed quick thinking and tactics, very impressive Leon."
"Haha yeah I did learn from the best," Leon said before looking at his newly acquired blade. "Looks like I got a new one."
"So this blade is another fully powered one?" Bennia asked which he responded with a nod. "Wonder if this one can use poison."
"A very useful skill to have," Einar looked at the blade as well before turning around looking at the crystal sphere that was now severely cracked. "Quite the damage done to that thing up there but it should still be okay."
"Odin and Frejya will definitely want to know about this. We sadly haven't found Magni or Modi." Rossweisse put a hand under her chin thinking where the two could be.
Einar shook his head walking behind the group with his arms crossed. "Those two were definitely here, at the orders of a realm that has committed great crimes which must be paid in blood."
All three looked at him with a puzzled look of confusion, where was this coming from? Suddenly the loud sound of a shot being fired echoed throughout the cave.
"Ghah!!!"
Rossweisse screamed out loud in pain, she looked down in horror to see her left thigh was bleeding.
"Rossweisse!" Leon ran over to catch her before she'd fallen to the ground. Thinking fast he applied pressure to her wound to stop the bleeding despite the Valkyrie growing in pain.
"What in the world is happening!?" Bennia looked on in shock.
"About time we can finally show ourselves I was getting bored to death!"
Coming from behind the cavern walls was a group of five men, four were dressed in what looked like black mage robes with their hoodies over their heads. The one who stood out was a man who had white hair, red eyes, and a cleric clothing. In both hands he held a sword that seemed to glow and a pistol in the other one. But the disturbing part was his face that had a maniac look, his tongue sticking out as if he was a deranged psychopath.
Bennia noticing the gun easily put two and two together ready to reap him. "Hey you crazy bastard just what the hell do you t..."
Her words cut off from falling face first on the ground unconscious. Leon's,Phyra, and Rossweisse's eyes widen at the sight they'd witnessed, her attacker was none other than Einar himself using his hand to chop at the back of Bennia's neck.
"What are you doing Einar?!!!
The warrior didn't speak for a few seconds until he turned around with a furrowed brow. "I apologize Leon Alexander, ye had to find out this way." He walked up next to the man with white hair. "I made sure to keep Leon alive for you...Freed Sellzen."
After the fight with the Alpha hydra all seemed to have quite down until the unexpected turn of events with Einar. Him seeming to not be on their side, working with this man named Freed to acquire Leon for who knows what. How will he explain this sudden act of betrayal? More to come in the next chapter.