Darkness, that was all Leon could see. He didn't know how long he'd passed. The young Spartan wasn't even sure if he was dreaming right now, all he'd remember was the fight with Apate and then...just falling over.
Where...where am I?
Leon looked around, nothing but darkness, it was as if he was in a void. As he became more aware he started to feel chills all over his body.
Cold. It feels...cold. Phyra, what's going on?
Silence, that was all Leon had. He tried to call out again for the spirit but got no reply. Just the sound of his voice echoing through void into nothingness.
D-Did I die? This must be the afterlife, but I don't feel dead...
As Leon was lost in thought trying to explain to himself what was even going on he felt a presence. He called out thinking it was his spirit friend.
Phyra is that you? Where are you?
There was no reply but the faint sounds of something growling. He called out for Phyra again but was only met with the same growl, it was as if an animal that seemed invisible was with him. They started to get louder and louder, Leon wanted to think this was Phyra playing a joke on him but the feeling he got from it didn't seem normal.
As if having a fight or flight instinct Leon held out his hands to summon the sacred gear but there was nothing. The growls began to echo, his body vibrating which was clear who ever or whatever it was is very large.
Who are you?!
The Spartans shouts was met with large eyes that eclipsed him. Large, blood red eyes had it's sight on the young man as if he was it's prey. Leon tried desperately to summon his sacred gear but again there was nothing.
The instinct to run was too much and he began to run the other direction. Looking over his shoulders the eyes did not seem to follow, perhaps it didn't see Leon as anything but nuisance and not worth wasting energy on. Like a feeling one would have of escaping a dangerous situation, that feeling flooded Leon's senses. It wasn't just how big and terrifying those eyes were but the sense of dread that came from it, maybe that was why he could not summon his sacred gear.
Crap!
Leon stopped in his tracks, to his horror another set of blood red eyes towered over him. They seemed more narrow but still had the same feeling of dread to them. Trying to fight this was out of the question as he turned the other direction. Only to stop as another one appeared before him.
W-What the...
He backed away slowly, looking desperate to find a way to escape. It was at that moment he realized he was surrounded. Many blood red eyes, seven in total, were looking down at him. It was like they were a pack of wolves that had finally cornered their prey.
Who are you?! What are you?!
The only reply Leon got was all seven letting out a roar, sound loud and strong he felt his will to fight melting away. They inched closer and closer as if ready to swallow the Spartan whole, all he could do was shut his eyes tight embracing the inevitable of death.
Bedroom
The room was what many would consider royalty, all the walls, ceiling, and floor was made of marble. It was huge, bigger then what two living rooms combined with so much space you could practically have a big party.
In the center was a very large king sized bed. If one wanted to have multiple people sleep in it that wouldn't be impossible. Fortunately only one person occupied the bed, Leon was lying face first on the bed. Many feel like they are floating on a cloud, for the young man that seemed to be the opposite. Beads of sweat dropped from his brow, and he tossed and turned like someone having a nightmare.
"Ah!!!" Leon shot up from bed. Breathing in and out, his fist clenched thinking he was about to die. "W-What. Where am I?"
The Spartan looked around to see he was no longer in the void but now in a large room. He had to stop and look around just to be sure this wasn't a dream, looking towards the window and seeing the sun in a clear blue sky day allowed Leon to calm down.
"It was just a dream. Well, more like a nightmare."
As Leon wiped the sweat from his brow he felt the cool breeze that blew inside the room he laid in. One would only feel it on their face and arms but Leon felt it all over the top half of his body. The young man was shirtless, after so much fighting and training his body had become somewhat buffer then how'd he look before becoming a Spartan. Luckily he still had pants underneath the sheets so that was crossed off the list. That wasn't the only thing that caught his eyes, a scar between his chest and abs was there. It brought back memories of how he got it, with this type of injury the Spartan should've died but there he was.
Leon furrows his brow touching the scar, it had closed no doubt from someone attending the wounds but it still felt fresh. "So that fight wasn't in my mind after all. All that rush of power that flowed through me and Phyra...wait, Phyra!"
Leon called out for the spirits name in his mind but there was no reply. Anxiety crept in, where was Phyra? She was not in that nightmare but she was not here as well.
Phyra! Where are you?
Just before the worried Spartan would jump out of bed he felt something soft as a pillow in his hands. In fact he seemed to have felt it from upon waking up but didn't think much of it, Leon simply assumed he was touching the sheets that made him feel like he was floating on clouds.
"Mmmmm..."
The sound of a woman mumbling was heard, very close in fact. Bumps in the sheets that looked like a human figure were seen. Leon, hesitant for a moment not sure who it was but had to see, pull the shears back.
"Phyra!...Ah!!!!"
The young spartan nearly jumped out of the bed from the sight before him. The spirit was not only in his bed right next to him sleeping, but she was completely naked, far different from how he saw her in his mind with clothing. His heart nearly skipped a beat where his hands were, resting on her breast that looked to put Achillia's to shame.To cover the spirit up was strong that Leon pulled the blanket over her for her dignity.
"Not how I expected to wake up," Leon's face was nearly beet red from the sight of a fully naked woman. There during the final battle he saw Gaia naked but he was too focused on defeating Apate to even acknowledge it. But, here was the girl that had watched over him for a long time, naked as one would be when they first came into this world.
He suddenly stopped being flustered upon seeing Phyra curled up in a fetal position. She looked to be shifting uncomfortably, mumbling and shaking like a frightened puppy.
"N-No..." Tears began to flow down her eyes, it looked like she was having a very bad dream. Even though asleep her hands touched Leon and squeezed them tightly.
"Phyra. Phyra, wake up!" Leon shook the spirit a few times and as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders the purple haired spirit finally awoke.
"L-Leon?" She didn't let go of his hands but that was fine by him. Slowly getting up with the covers fell to which Leon instinctively turned around.
"S-Sorry! I didn't mean to...you know..."
Phyra was confused as to why her friend was looking away with a flustered expression. Finally it dawned on her that she was completely naked and sheepishly covered herself with her blanked.
"I-Its fine you didn't know!" Phyra blushed as well looking down. It's not so bad...if Leon is the one to look
The situation would've remained awkward had Leon not spoken up, albeit still looking the other way. "I'm just glad your okay Phy...!" The Spartans words were cut off. Phyra had wrapped her arms around around Leon behind him in a hug. He could hear she was sobbing, and looked over his shoulders worried. "What's wrong?"
"I... I was just so worried. The fight with those Exorcists, Einar, Apate. You've put yourself in so much danger and when I was dreaming I... couldn't see you, and that thing that...I don't know what it was."
"You too?" Leon was surprised at her to hear how similar her dream was to his. "I couldn't find you either, and some creature appeared. I don't know what it was but I'm just glad you're safe." He wiped away her tears which made the spirit smile. "Still I'm surprised, you are outside of my mind right now."
"I'm a bit surprised myself." Phyra said scratching her head. "Normally I would do so at my own free will now that we're more linked together but this, I don't fully know why. Maybe because of your balance breaker?"
Leon had now pondered on that as well, answers that peaked curiosity but for now they just needed to get their bearings. "We can think about it later, I'm just glad you're safe, you're okay right?"
"I am," Phyra's smile made the man she inhabited gleam with joy, a smile he showed to people he could call friends, ones he could trust. She blushed a bit, her hands instinctively pushed in between her breasts. "I ..."
Before Phyra could say what was on her the sound of the handle on the door was heard. The spirit gasped and in an instant she turned into sparkles of light and disappeared inside of Leon.
"Phyra?" Leon was taken back by her just up and leaving back inside his head but he could assume she was shy, he couldn't blame her given how he was the only one who sees her due to the circumstances.
As the door opened a man Leon had never seen entered. A monkey, small in height that would make him the same height as a kindergartner in stature. His fur was a dark beige, the outfit consisted of a monk's cossock, prayer beads, and a headband. In terms of facial appearance he was a wrinkle old man wearing shades though one would be a bit confused as the monkey was not outside for the sun to beam on the eyes.
"So much time to do so little...Ah!" The monkey noticed Leon sitting up on the bed fully awake. "Your finally awake dear boy, I have expected you to be out two days or more."
"A day or two, was I asleep that long? Wait a minute, who are you? Where's Achillia, Fenja, Gaia.."
Leon would've said more had the monkey not jumped on the bed and held out his hand for silence. "Easy now boy you're still recovering. As for your female friends, lovely I do say so myself, are just fine. In fact they've been anxious for you to awaken for some time."
"Some time? How...How long was I out?" Leon wanted to guess it was at least a few hours, worse case scenario a full day if his injuries were that bad.
"Oh you've been out for ten days," The shock of Leon's face was natural and the monkey knew that though he said it so nonchalantly. "I've seen people knocked out for a month though. In fact, I figured you'd be out for a month or more, especially when absorbing the flames of Olympus so prematurely without dying."
"Ten days?! I mean, I'm glad I'm not dead right now but ...wait. Who are you? I've never seen you before, did you take care of me while I was out?"
The monkey shifted his glasses, even though you couldn't see his eyes the expression was that of surprise that one gets when they forget something.
"Ah! Where are manners. The name's Sun Wukong! I'm sure you've heard legends about me."
Sun Wukong, The legendary Monkey Daiyoukai from the tales 'Journey to the west,' where he caused trouble around Heaven.Though the youkai monkey was a trouble maker it was said his strength could not be underestimated.
"Wait you're the Sun Wukong from the Chinese tale? I haven't heard it for so long." Leon remembered reading about in a library with his grandpa, it was to just pass the time though the young man ended up reading the whole book. "I just didn't expect..."
"For a wrinkly old monkey to show up at your home you mean,"
There was now the sound of another voice, it was rather high pitched yet had a snarky attitude towards it. Leon turned towards the window that was opened, he didn't know if he was now still dreaming or not. A squirrel with reddish brown fur, standing on its two legs like a human would, leaned against the window with its arms crossed. This squirrel also had markings on its body that looked like Norse mythology in its origins.
"I'll have you know wrinkles are a sign of maturity. You'd look mature yourself if you changed your form more." Wukong said nonchalantly towards the squirrel.
"Hey, some of us just have a natural look towards us. For me you can call it a handsome squirrel." The squirrel easily jumped on the bed right next towards Leon. "So what's the news doctor, Sparty here able to get outta bed and be a hero again." The squirrel chuckled and elbowed Leon's arms.
Sparty? Leon and Phyra said in sync from what could be called a silly nickname for Spartan.
Sun Wukong pulled out a pipe and started smoking much to Leon's dismay as he was never one for smoking. "The boy will be fine. Can't say he should be fighting anytime soon but he'll be up and about in no time."
"Uh." Leon held a finger up to get both of their attention. "Can I ask who you are, Mr. Squirrel?"
"Squirrel?!" The squirrel jumped on top of the Spartans head and looked at him upside down. "I'll have you know I'm no ordinary squirrel, far from your average. You may call me Ratatoskr." He jumps down on the bed and gives a bow as one would do after a good show.
Ratatoskr, from what Leon remembered reading during his time is Asgard, a squirrel who runs up and down the world tree Yggdrasil to carry messages between the eagles perched atop it. Given the fact Yggdrassil wasn't in a world of it's own this was the first time Leon had seen the squirrel rather then from pictures.
"Oh I remember that name now. But wait, you're supposed to be in Yggdrassil's branches. Why are you here, or at least how did you get here?" Leon asked curiously at the squirrel.
"Right. You've been out for ten days so naturally your pretty out of the loop. Let's just say due to the big incident in Asgard that could've started Ragnarok, Yggdrassil herself, beautiful woman I tell very kind." Ratatoskr would've went on had it not been for Sun coughing for him to get back on topic. "She sent me here herself to see what All-Father and Zeus would do to prevent something like this from happening again. Your gods are looking for an alliance between two realms after all."
"Right the peace talks!" Leon remembered how they went to Asgard for that specific goal though it got interrupted from incidents in both realms.
"Haha glad to see your memory is still intact dear boy." WuKong sat in a pose that looked like mediation with both his monkey feet clapping together. "I'm sure your goddess Hera will...,"
Suddenly the door opened again and all three turned their heads. "Well speak of the...," Ratatoskr did not get to finish his sentence as both were pushed out of the way and off the bed in what some would call a comedic style.
Leon found his head tightly nuzzled against the bosom in a loving embrace. Hera, who had entered with a tray of medicine, dropped everything at the sight of the young man she revived and ran up to him while pushing the others out of the way.
"Leon! Thank goodness you are awake!" Leon could only accept the queen of Olympus being excited he was now awake. Pulling his head back Hera placed both hands on his cheeks and looked him up and down. "Are you alright?! Does it hurt anywhere? Do you feel ill!?"
"I-I'm alright Hera," Leon, despite being happy the woman who took him was concerned for his health, felt overwhelmed with the questions.
"Big momma I was about to say," Ratatoskr pulled himself up from being pushed towards the wall.
Wukong simply dusted himself off with a chuckle. "There's no waiting around for her it seems."
Leon held Hera's arms assuring her he was okay. In fact he had a ton of questions, "I'm okay Hera I promise. I'm just glad to hear everyone is doing okay." He soon got a bit serious, "Apate, did we catch her?"
Shaking her head not to make Leon worried but she placed a hand on his head. "She may have gotten away but without you and the others stopping her Olympus may have fallen." Her words made the Spartan blush but in a way of pride though wasn't about to say it. "We know who she is and she cannot run and hide forever. But enough about that, I'm just so glad you're awake and I'm positive your friends will be as well."
Leon would've gotten out of bed had Hera not ushered him to sit back down. Sun Wukong jumped right back on the bed along with ratatoskr. "Easy boy, you can get up in a bit but you've just woken up."
"Don't worry, you'll be up and about kicking ass in no time," Ratatoskr's comment earned him a slap up across the head from Hera. "Well it's true!" The squirrel rubbed the back of his head, Sun chuckled glad it wasn't him this time.
Leon did not neglect to ask about Wukong and Einar. Though it was kept secret from a few Hera trusted Leon enough to tell him, Zeus had been poisoned by something that was not of their realm. Luckily Azazel had an idea of what it was and contacted Sun Wukong as he was an expert at healing people.
For Einar his story was a tragic one, during his time on earth he had run into a group of fire Jotunns that seemed to prefer Midgard yet still had a disdain for Asgard given how they saw the Jotunns from Muspelheim bringers of Ragnarok. All except for one, her name was Hidde, and the two grew close. Unfortunately there was a conflict of the fire Jotunn group plotting to attack Asgard with the might of Musphielhiem but failed. That resulted in Hidde, who had second thoughts thanks to Einar, and her group's death along with the unborn child. Einar pleaded to Odin but he could not grant that request given the stigma around fire giants. This all made it clear as to why Einar did what he did, Leon didn't agree with it, but now he just felt sorry that it had to come to this.
It was never found out who had came up with the plan but upon investigation it's more then likely someone outside of the fire Jotunn group had a part to play in this plan.
Einar, I just wish ... there had been a better way then this
Mount Olympus
A day had passed since Leon finally awoke, Olympus was still recovering but the day was good enough for both Olympus and Asgard to come together. Almost every god from both realms, Spartans and Einherjars stood together.
Leon appeared side-by-side with Hera in a summoning circle just outside of Olympus doors. Upon seeing their queen the Spartans that formed separate lines all got on one knee and bowed their heads. But not just to her, many bowed to Leon which confused him.
"Queen Hera and Leon Alexander the Savior has arrived," A spartan who looked to be the captain called out.
"All hail Queen Hera. Leon Alexander the Savior, thank you for saving our home."
All the Spartans shouted which made Leon feel a bit embarrassed being called a savior. Hera nodded and ushered Leon into the throne room. "Come Leon, you have friends waiting for you."
With a nod the Spartan followed Hera inside, As he walked by each Spartan kept their heads bowed in respect, only lifting it when the two had passed by them.
I feel kinda embarrassed even though you're the one getting praised Leon
Trust me it's a bit much, I kinda envy you right now phyra Both shared a laugh in the mind, it felt good being said they did a good job though naturally Leon didn't consider himself a hero, just a man doing what he thinks is right.
Throne Room
Leon and Phyra were taken back by the amount of gods, Spartans, and Einherjar in the room. Around the flames of Olympus there were two multiple sets of rows of marble seats, each god from Olympus took one side while ones from Asgard took the other.
"Leon!"
The familiar voice had Leon turn his head in its direction. To his utter joy he saw Achillia run up to him. The Jotunn Fenja was walking up just as well glad to see he was alive.
"Achillia! Fenja! You're alright!" Leon smiled brightly glad to see the two women were okay.
"We should be saying that, you've been out for ten days," Achillia said while placing both hands on his shoulders.
"If it wasn't for your gods and that monkey sun Wukong you may have been out for more days," Fenja remarked at how skilled Olympus healing methods were along with Sun Wukong.
"About time you woke up!" Leon jumped back from the reaper Bennia appearing upside in-between Leon and Achillia. "You know how worried you made everyone?" She plopped down and crossed her arms.
"Haha sorry I worried everyone." Leon said sheepishly even though they knew it wasn't his fault.
"Oh leave him be Bennia, we're just glad our friend is alive and well."
The next to chime in was Hecuba, but the Spartan was not alone. A male who was a few inches taller than her, had curly brown hair, a face that many would assume he was a handsome celebrity, and had standard Greek clothing. He walked up towards Leon, he was unsure of what to make of this man.
"I hear I have you as well to thank for saving all of Olympus," He extends a hand out to Leon. "Names Alexios, Alexios Macedon."
The man offering a handshake was the same one who was the guard of the vaults. The man who was left under some kind of spell that left him in a coma, luckily he was now awake and looked to be in good health.
"Ah! You're the Alexios Macedon I heard about!" Leon quickly shook his hands, the firmness and strength was undeniable from the man. "And thank you, though I did have help haha. Also I heard you were in a coma."
Alexios laughed as well before ending the handshake, "Your very humble Leon. Don't do it too much, from what I've heard you've grown a lot thanks to Achillia. As for your question they believe when Apate was defeated the magic she must've used on me to keep me silenced was broken."
"That's good to hear."
Bennia floated behind Hecuba with a mischievous grin, "Red head here was worried sick you wouldn't wake up." The reaper ducked down from the Spartan, who had a red face, looked to try and strangle her.
Alexios and the others couldn't help but laugh, even after a life and death battle it was good to be able to have moments like these where they can come together and be themselves.
"He still has a lot to learn," Achillia looked to Leon, her words made the young spartan blush a bit, rubbing the back of his head agreeing with her.
"I'd say he's learned a lot," A familiar voice came through the crowds and towards the group. Azazel, leader of Grigori, walked up with a smirk. Despite some bandages around his face he looked almost no different than before. He was asked to have more healing done on him but the fallen angel declined saying he would heal on his own and that the Spartan and civilians will need it more. "I heard you finally achieved Balance Breaker, congratulations kid, wish I could've seen it."
"Oh! Mr. Azazel it's been some time. And yeah I guess you could say I did though it didn't last long."
Azazel places a hand on Leon's shoulders, "That's how it normally is for first timers. Don't worry kid, keep practicing and you'll be a major powerhouse."
Hera chuckled, "I'm pleased to see this reunion of all you had gone perfectly. Now we must get ready for this special occasion."
Hera walked off towards the throne leaving Leon a bit puzzled. "Special day, are we resuming the peace talks now?"
"Oh it's more than that now, a unity between two realms at last." Hecuba said before she walked away with a smile, Alexios followed her.
"Let's go and get into places people, it's gonna be a big day today." Azazel with his hands in his coat pocket walked into position. Bennia, Leon and the others followed as well.
The mumbling of everyone came to a halt, walking towards the throne up top was none other than Zeus and fully healed. Beside him was his wife Hera, Athena, Ares, Poseidon, Aphrodite, and other Olympus gods. Athena had come back a few days ago after dealing with the alpha Hydra and helping bring it back to Olympus where it belonged. Baldur himself helped as well and even captured and disabled the construct that the beast had been fighting.
"Let's go and get into places people, it's gonna be a big day today." Azazel with his hands in his coat pocket walked into position. Bennia, Leon and the others followed as well.
Zeus and Odin as if on cue raised their hands for everyone's attention, every Spartan and Einherjar stood talk awaiting what their gods would say.
"People of Olympus and Asgard," Zeus was the first to speak, his voice echoing around the room. "Today we stand in victory, we have avoided the catastrophe that would've brought our realms to ruin. Though this came at a cost, the many men and women who sacrificed their lives so the many could live will be honored and not forgotten.
Everyone in the room nodded in agreement, there were some casualties but it could've been a whole lot worse. Odin was the next to speak to everyone.
"This is not the first time we've fast catastrophe from either side. Olympus and The Norse Realm have had their fair share, but today showed we don't have to face those challenges alone. Our two realms have had a history of standing strong on our own, but today proved it does not have to be so." The All-Father's words made everyone nod in agreement as well, many from different realms looking at each other in understanding.
Hera and Frejya both now stand up and stand next to one another, along with their husbands.
"This attack would've weakened and divided us, to make us think we have to rely on our own realms." Hera said that surprised Leon at her speech, he'd never seen her talk like this with such passion. "But our attackers have failed, this only served to join our two realms hand in hand."
Frejya nodded at her old friend with pride, "We will recover, but we will do so together. Our realms shall become stronger than ever."
"Today marks the day of a new era, this day shall mark an Alliance between Greek and Norse mythology! We join hand in hand for a brighter future!"
Zeus words made everyone clap, cheer, and roar in applause. Today was the day Olympus and Asgard formed an everlasting Alliance with one another.
Standing together in a line Leon and the others stood in front of both thrones in front of Zeus and Odin. Hecuba was the first to be called to step forward, the red-headed Spartan stands tall with her hands behind her back.
"Hecuba, you've not only done well at presenting the Spartans as a whole in Asgard, but you have shown how far you've come. Rallying your fellow men and women in the face of what many would consider impossible odds." Zeus ushered two of the Spartans who held large boxes in their hands to stand in front of Hecuba. "For your deeds and courageous actions in helping save not only Asgard but Olympus as well, by my name, I grant you captain of the Spartans. And as such you deserve the best weapons and armor fitting for one such as yourself, made by Hephaestus himself."
The two Spartans opened the boxes to show Hecuba's reward. In one there was a well built Spartan armor, steel that was more durable red cloth that spoke of high authority. The blades however were much different, a Xiphos and a Falcata.
The Xiphos appearance had the hilt that looked like a beast, the blade a dark shade with razor edges, and in between the metal was a symbol of fire that glowed.
The Falcata was a single edged blade curved but still all the same just as sharp. The symbol of Olympus was etched in the hilt, the steel silver but in between were other symbols of wind, a horse, spartan helmet, and spears crossed. It all glowed a golden hue.
"Blades that will suit a dual wielder such as yourself. The Xiphos made to slay many mythical creatures, made from the bones of many creatures that threatened to overrun our realm. The Falcata, made from one of the best metals here, engraved with the symbols to flow our magic through you for strength, fitting for a Spartan captain," Zeus described both weapons, how both were powerful in their own right.
Hecuba was in awe at both weapons and armor, to be crafted by Hephaestus himself was considered a great honor. She picked up both the Xiphos and Falcata, looking them over with pride and will use them to do her Spartans proud but to defend both Olympus and Asgard. "You honor mr greatly Zeus," She bows her head, takes both boxes heads back in the line.
"Lydia, Azazel, step forward," The Spartan walked up towards the throne at Athena request.
Lydia, mother of Elais and the sole Spartan that rallied the Spartans from confusion in the beginning, but also defeated an alpha Chimera stood in front of the throne with her hands behind her back.
"Your bravery in the face of not only a horde but also an alpha cannot be ignored," Athena ushered a Spartan over to present a gift to her. Presented to Lydia was a spear but far different from the others.
"Such courage cannot be denied, Spartan Lydia, by my name I present you with a spear crafted from the materials leftover from the Alpha Chimera and crafted by Hephaestus."
The spear had the same colors of the alpha Chimera. Around the spear the head of a lion, the long hilt the carvings of a goat, and at the pommel, a metal snake's head.
"But that is not all I offer you," The daughter of Zeus remarked. Such courage allows you to be the guard alongside a god, and I have chosen if you will allow it."
Lydia's eyes widened at the proposal to serve under the goddess Athena. While gripping her new weapon she knelt down on one knee and bowed her head. "You honor me Athena, I will serve as your guard proudly for as long as you'll have me."
"Your bravery in the face of not only a horde but also an alpha cannot be ignored by the gods," Athena ushered a Spartan to present a gift to her. Presented to Lydia was a spear but far different from the others.
To which Lydia did just that. Next to step forward were the three fallen angels Azazel, Baraqiel, and Arakiel. All three men stood side by side facing the god of thunder Zeus and Hera.
"Azazel, Baraqiel, and Arakiel. You are not from the realm, in fact you did not have to help defend it seeing you had your own objective to explain yourselves. But you did, and for that we will be indebted to you three." Hera walked up and placed Olympus symbols on their suits, a sign of respect for those who do not reside in their realm.
Zeus was the next to speak as Hera took her seat. "Azazel you have shown the power of a fallen angel and helped defeat an alpha beast. Baraqiel, despite fighting against three Hecatoncheires, never wavered in battle. And Arakiel, you have our deepest thanks keeping the people of our hospital safe but also making sure Alexios did not come to harm. All three of you are brave men in your own right, and all of Olympus welcomes you three."
"The benefits of living long enough to see an alliance between two realms," Azazel joked but was unsurprising to Zeus.
"I will make sure your hospitality will not be wasted on me," Baraqiel bowed his head. Despite being defeated in the battle that did not damper his spirit, especially when it worked out in the end.
"You honor me King Zeus. I did what I thought was right and I'm glad it paid off," Arakiel's words had Hera smile at his humble nature.
All three stepped back in line, now it was Rossweisse who was asked to step up in front of Hera.
"Rossweisse the Valkyrie, you've displayed your incredible magic in the defense of your realm and ours. You've done your all Father and Asgard proud."
"Of course a reward is in order," Odin chuckled. One Einherjar and Spartan walked up and gave Rossweisse two large books.
"These are...," The Valkyries eyes widened at her reward. A book that had history on Olympus magic, she loved learning about different realms and their magic that differs from theirs. The other book was one that contained many discount pages and tags for many places, it was known she could be very cheap in her spending so this was perfect for her just as well. "I...T-Thank you! Both of you!" She hugged both books tightly to her, bowed her head, and went back in line.
"Consider that a gift of friendship between our realms for a person such as yourself," Hera smiled warmly.
"Do try not to use that discount book too fast haha," Odin's comment made his wife shake her head but with a smirk.
Achillia was the next to step forward, this time near Odin and Freyja. "Descendant of Achilles, Achillia your battle prowess helped when it was needed the most. As a sign of goodwill for this day, and with the blessings of Zeus, we share our runes to strengthen our ties." Freyja presented three runes, one of fire, ice, and electricity."
Achillia was given to them by an Einherjar, she looked at its amazement as this was something she never thought would happen. This served to continue fighting and making her family and realm proud. "Me and my family are honored by this gift. I will make sure these runes are well treated."
"I do not doubt it Achillia, may they grant you strength and make your foes tremble," Odin said to a bowing Achillia before she went back in line.
Bennia was the next to step forward, floating in the air like she usually does, even with all eyes on her she seemed almost nonchalant about the situation.
"Bennia the reaper, you have shown how capable a reaper of your level is. I imagine Hades to be proud of your accomplishments," Zeus said but Bennia knew the god of death wouldn't say that if it were his last days.
"I'm grateful for your words Zeus, and I have a request to make if you'll allow me?" The reapers words made Zeus raise an eyebrow. "If it can be arranged I'd like to work with whatever this new has planned, specifically with Leon, Hecuba, and Achillia."
"Oh? Are you unsatisfied with your work under Hades?" Hera asked intrigued.
"Ah, I wouldn't say it's bad but I feel like I can do a lot more outside of there." Anything to get away from Mr. skull and bones Bennia said internally.
"I see, then your request is accepted Bennia. We hope to see you give it your all," Hera smiled and the young reaper bowed and went back in line.
The next to step forward was Fenja, Odin giving her a look of sorrow. "Fenja, you've suffered from one of our own. Your sister Menja fought bravely to stop Einar from bringing Ragnarok to Asgard. We owe you both a debt, one that will be remembered and 'Never' forgotten."
His words nearly brought the Jotunn to tears, she had struggled with the death of her sister Menja. Even though Einar was defeated it didn't stop the pain of knowing she'd lost her.
Frejya then spoke up after Odin was finished. "We cannot make up for our mistakes, but we can atone for it, you deserve that much."
The wife of Odin held out her hand summoning a bifrost she had planned for this day. A lone familiar figure walked out, Fenja's shocked expression soon turned into happiness with tears running down her cheeks. "Menja!"
Menja walked out with a smile and open arms. "Long time no see sister."
The two Jotunn women hugged one another, it was an emotional scene that made everyone smile. Some were brought to tears at this happy ruin.
"Menja you're here, but how?" Fenja looked at her ice Jotunn up and down. "Don't tell me, are you..."
The answer to her question was met with a happy nod. "Dying an honorable death has its benefits, I'm now officially an Einherjar."
"I would not see someone, even when they lived outside our realm, not be honored to live in Valhalla for her noble deeds. Fear not, because of her sacrifice Menja may visit you from time to time." The All-Father promised and made sure by his words it would be delivered.
"Thank you, thank you," Fenja wiped away her tears with a chuckling Menja patting her back. She knew her sister would have to reside in Valhalla given it was where Einherjars reside but seeing her sister healthy and happy was a gift she would treasure.
Fenja walked back in line along with her sister. The last to walk forward was Leon, he couldn't help but feel a little nervous having all these eyes on him but knew this was a day to be proud of.
"Leon Alexander," Zeus voice echoed through the throne room. "You have served Olympus proud, protected both realms from catastrophe. Your quick thinking despite being known, you've earned the right of being called a savior. The weapons and armor given to you have not been wasted, you have done us proud."
Odin was the next to speak to Leon, "Leon Alexander, me and all of Asgard owes a debt it can never repay. You stopped one of our own from destroying our realm which saved not just mine but many others."
"Thank you Zeus and Odin," Leon bowed his head. "I did what I simply thought was right, and I didn't do it alone." The young Spartans words made Hers smile proudly.
"Indeed you have Leon. Still, your accomplishments cannot go unrewarded," Zeus said with a smile. "What is it that you would desire? As long as it is within my power I shall grant it.
"I agreed, as the All-Father of Asgard I see it fit you are rewarded you as well young man," Odin chimed in just as eagerly. "More power? Infinite wealth? Any women you'd fancy given your youth."
Odin and Zeus's nodding in agreement with that last suggestion would've gotten them both a slap across the head from their wives. Ratatoskr even gave two thumbs up to the idea which made Frejya pinch her brows.
Leon's face blushed from the idea of having multiple to choose from, almost any man would go for that reward. However Leon shook his head no, "Y-Your both are too kind but I have a different idea."
Achillia, Hera, and even Rossweisse were pleased at him turning down that kind of offer. Ratatoskr, and Odin had their mouths wide open in disbelief. "WHAT...THE...F...," The squirrel was soon seized by Frejya from Odin's shoulders and had his mouth shut tight with her firm grip.
"Are you... positive Leon?" Zeus asked but in some ways expected the young man to turn down the offer.
"I am Zeus. I have a request for Odin," The all Father raised the eyebrow over his fake eye curiously. "If it is within your power, can you perhaps have some sort of talk with Muspelheim's Jotunns? I understand there's caution because of the tales but, maybe you can talk with them, maybe find a better way where both can work together."
This request shocked everyone in the room, Odin especially given how he had upheld the lore of Musphielhiem giants. He stroked his beard loss in thought but ultimately spoke up. "What you ask is a difficult request young one, but we would not be having this conversation if not for you. So per your request we shall have talks with the fire Jotunns, you have my word."
Leon smiled at his request being granted, it may not entirely work but if it were possible they had to try. "Thank you Odin. And for Zeus, I'd simply like to keep helping Olympus, it's my home and I'll defend it."
Hera wiped away a tear at the Spartans eagerness for peace and to continue to defend Olympus. Zeus chuckled with a smile, "I can most definitely grant you that Leon." The All-Father and Odin stood up side by side, raising their hands over their heads. "Olympus and Asgard are now allies, this shall now call for a celebration!"
A few hours later
Everyone in the throne room sat at many tables eating food and drinking beverages from both realms. Small talk, laughter, even Spartans and Einherjars challenged each other to games or even arm wrestling.
Fenja and Menja talked with one another, spending this time to celebrate the ice Jotunn becoming an Einherjar. Hecuba and Alexios enjoyed the many goat cheese, much to Bennia finding it disgusting.
The one who stood out the most was Thor himself, surrounding him with many Spartans and Einherjars passed out from trying to out drink the god of thunder. Only two were left standing, Azazel and Baraqiel though very drunk.
"Hahahahaha!!!! If you told me fallen angels would still be standing after the tenth drink I would've hit you with Mijolnir!" Thor raised another mug and downed one of Asgard's special alcohol.
"Hehe, don't underestimate us old men here, I've had plenty of wine that's just as strong," Azazel grinned practically ear to ear and chugged down Olympus's fines wine.
Baraqiel himself was still standing though quite wobbly even when sitting down. "We'll need to rest for week after this," He chuckled and drinks though some spilled on his beard and robe.
Leon was standing next to Thrud, completely awe struck at how they managed to out drink everyone at the table. Thor was on a different level but his daughter wasn't all that surprised.
"Yeah, and this is why I say to never try and out drink my dad, especially his special brew," Thrud chuckled with her arms crossed.
"Noted, very much noted," Leon couldn't imagine he'd last maybe five brews before he'd pass out or throw up.
"Would you at least do it for five hundred bucks?" Bennia gave a mischievous grin to Leon. "Imagine having that on your resume hehe."
"You want to get me killed?!?" He retorted back at her but she was already floating away giggling.
Back at the table Thor seemed to be pointing to Thrud, "You see that there men, my daughter could out drink you both, Hel, maybe me one day haha!" His comments made the strawberry blonde goddess shake her head at her father's teasing.
"Must be good having your own flesh and blood. Never got the chance myself but if I did I'd show their old man a thing or two." The Grigori proudly stated though it was more then likely the alcohol talking that made him have more of a smart mouth.
"Your still in prime shape Fallen Angel. What about you Baraqiel?"
The burley Fallen Angel scratched the back of his head, the question clearly seemed to be an unpleasant topic. "I have one child but...we are not on speaking terms."
Thor despite drinking so much put in a stoic face and placed a hand on Baraqiel's shoulders. "Ah father daughter problems. Is your child at least all right?" His answer was received with a nod, "That is good at least, hold onto yer daughter fallen angel, like a special gem."
Baraqiel smiled a bit before saying, "Despite us not being close she's my beautiful Gem, just as beautiful as her mother."
Azazel raised a mug overhead, "A toast to both of you drunk dads." His words had the two laugh and they hit their mugs together and drank again.
A beautiful gem huh? His daughter must be special even though it sounds like they aren't on good terms
Leon looked outside of the balcony a bit lost in thought. "I'm gonna go get some fresh air."
"I'll be here holding the fort rival," He words made Leon give her a confused look. "Hey you're strong, and you managed to get that balance breaker while I still haven't fully controlled my family's lightning. Don't think I'll be left in the dust, when we fight again I'll show you what a goddess can do."
Thor held out her hand for a fist pump to which Leon smiled and fist pumped back. "Never had a rival, I feel pretty honored it's coming from a goddess."
Turning to leave Leon rested his arms on the balcony outside, the sounds of the celebration were still loud enough to hear.
"Not a big fan of crowds?"
Leon looked over his shoulders at Achillia walking up beside him. She had gotten done mingling with talks about the runes she can implant in her family's spear at any time.
"You got me there. First time I've ever had that many people thank you."
"Well you deserve it," Achillia leaned on the balcony next to Leon. "You've come a long way from the guy I had to drag back to his room on the first day.
Her words made him laugh, he couldn't deny it even if he tried. "You got me there. Still, I had help from good people like you."
If it weren't for self composure Achillia would be blushing like a then and there. "Well I couldn't leave you to do all the work, think of my reputation." She joked and nudged his shoulders.
"Haha I'm serious. If it weren't for Hera, Cora, Elais, and you I may have felt I wasn't good enough."
Achillia smiled, looking out the balcony with Leon at the night sky. The wind blew which made the Spartans black hair flow in the air. Leon felt like his heart just skipped, this woman despite being tough was very beautiful in his eyes. His smile soon faded into a frown though Leon did not show it. Memories flooded his mine of Einar, words that despite how things turned out we're pretty true. Don't go your whole life keeping something bottled up unless you want to one day regret it. In fact, it almost sounded similar to what his late grandpa said.
Leon furrowed his brow looking away contemplating what to do in moments like these. Achillia noticed this and spoke up, "Leon, are you alright?"
The young spartan nearly jumped coming back to reality. "Huh! Oh yeah it's just..." He rubbed the back of his neck, his free hand gripping the stone marbles tightly. "I just ... it's just that..."
"Leon if you have something to say don't be afraid to, you can talk to me," Achillia said with a smile trying to comfort her fellow spartan.
What was a short moment between two people felt almost like an eternity with Leon trying to say something, anything of how he felt. In the end he gave a big sigh and stood tall in front of Achillia.
Phyra sensing what he was about to do encouraged him, You can do it Leon!
"Achillia," There was no turning back from this, it was now or never for Leon. "I know the days are gonna be busy with the new alliance but ...if you're free sometime and when we're not busy would ...like to go on a date together?" The blush on his face was clearly showing, he finally said what was on his mind though stuttered a bit. "If you don't want to I won't be offen..."
"Yes," Her words made Leon's eyes widen not expecting her to say yes, he half expected he was still dreaming. "When we're not busy, I wouldn't mind spending time with you."
Am I dreaming?! Is this really happening? Or am I in Elysium, I hope not because this...is... amazing! Achillia despite having a smile on her face internally she was jumping with joy at being asked out on a date.
"Really! Ah, I mean, that's awesome to hear. When we're not busy I would of course we love, I mean like, to take you somewhere," Leon felt both happy yet embarrassed he was stumbling on his words, Achillia however was smiling at his enthusiasm.
"He finally did it," Hiding from view around the walls was Bennia along with Fenja, Menja, Thrud, Hecuba, Ratatoskr, and Rossweisse.
Hecuba smiled softly at the sight of her childhood friend being asked out, "Looks like she'll have to get used to being romantic soon."
"Should we really be spying on them?" Rossweisse says though her curiosity got the best of her, thank and the fact Thrud had dragged her along after she grew frustrated at Odin's shenanigans.
"Oh they won't know we're here, they're eyes are glued all over each other," Menja giggled. "Now we just need to find you a man sister."
"Huh?!" Fenja blushed hard at her sisters teasing but quickly covered her mouth so they weren't heard.
Thrud fist pumps at Menja, the two already forming a bond as friends. "Nice one Menja."
"He saves two realms and doesn't get rejected by his crush, I owe the kid a few acorns from yggdrassils branches." Ratatoskr on top of Thruds shoulders crossed his arms with a grin.
Olympus and the Norse Realm have officially formed an everlasting Alliance. Their armies join and learn with another to strengthen and show despite the many differences they can join hand in hand. A good day for Leon as he finally worked up the courage to ask Achillia for a date who he was captivated by her beauty since the very beginning, along with many others having new futures ahead of them. More to come in the next chapter.