Tohka123: Thank you so much for the kind words
Mount Olympus
The view was pitch black. Pain, sickness, and despair was all the king of Mount Olympus could feel. After having the arrow the masked woman shot into his chest he fell unconscious yet even blacked out he could feel everything. He tried to move but couldn't; it was not because of how weak he felt but because something had him wrapped up. Becoming more aware he felt sharp spikes jabbing all over his body, almost as if they were vines that stab you whenever you try to touch one.
"Where...where am I?" Zeus groaned now being more awake but that only made the pain he felt even worse.
"Ah good you are awake," That voice Zeus knew all too well, the masked woman who had attacked the realm of Olympus, was just a few inches away. "I trust your nap was pleasant."
"You...," Before Zeus could try and lunge at her the vines wrapped around him squeezed tightly.
"Try not to move too much Mr. King. Those vines will drain your energy should you get violent."
She wasn't lying, the moment the vines began the squeeze they sapped some of his strength. It seemed like it was a regulator to keep Zeus in check and make sure he cannot leave.
"Who...are you? Why...are you...doing this?"
The masked woman chuckled treating this almost like a joke, but it soon turned into a serious talk as she walked back and forth.
"Who I am. I am someone who has the guts to stand up to your tyranny and win in the process."
"Who are...you? That I've wronged...to have you attacked everyone else?"
"Oh Zeus, you've wronged so many people you can't even remember them all can you?" The masked woman held up her hands snapping them so that Zeus could see again.
The king of the gods eyes widened. "Y-You are...,"
The masked woman had removed some of her mask, her eyes a black yet the pupils were red. She chuckled, the amusement of witnessing someone who believed a certain individual was dead and gone.
"It's been a very long time my dear Zeus." She laughed enjoying this so much. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
"You... you're supposed to be dead! How are you still alive...Apate..."
That was this mysterious woman's name, the one who had caused all this destruction, the very woman who had the king of the gods in her grip.
"You should've known someone of my being is not so easily killed. Your arrogance lets you believe that you've struck the finishing blow on my, and yet...here I am."
Apate held her arms open, she relished in the look Zeus gave her.
"But don't worry Zeus. I myself have use for someone like you. With your power I can make use of the flames of Olympus, and with it the treasure that lies inside its majestic glow."
Zeus narrowed his eyes at Apate at what she was suggesting. "You assume you know you know about the powers of flames of Olympus but you really think you can command it? Your mere presence would be burned before it allows you to touch it!"
Apate chuckled at his claims and with a flick of her wrist the symbol on her hand began to glow. Zeus felt himself getting up and walking towards Apate, he tried to resist but his body wouldn't budge to his command.
"That's where you come in my dear Zeus. I'd be foolish to underestimate your strength. So of course you needed to be severely weakened so the mark of Prometheus could make you more... susceptible to follow my orders."
That was the power Apate had in her arsenal. The mark of Prometheus, the same mark that had tricked Zeus long ago to give fire to mankind so they could advance. Because of that Prometheus was punished and the mark became forbidden to be used, even by the gods.
"How did you... acquire...the mark of Prometheus!?" Zeus was in shock, he always made sure it was kept locked up in the Olympus vaults. "Wait...the incident of the vault...you..."
"That's right," Apate smirked at his realization that she was responsible for not only the death of the guards that watched over the Olympus vaults but the theft of the Adamantine scythe that had castrated Uranus and dethroned him. "I can see the look on your eyes Zeus, you should've known something was missing in the vault. Hehe, to make a decoy of the mark of Prometheus wasn't easy but it was enough to fool the likes of you, the scythe was just a bonus to catch more of your attention."
"How dare...," Zeus didn't get to finish his sentence as Apate commanded him to be silent.
"Now now Zeus don't waste your breath on being angry we have...hm?"
Apate's attention was soon focused on the entrance of the doorway, she could feel something was being summoned outside.
"It appears we have guests, you be a good boy and stay out," Apate commanded Zeus to kneel and stay still which he could not disobey.
Apate made her way outside, her dark magic crackling around her hands as she prepared for possible combat. What she saw was none other than the bifrost. "Oh? He's back sooner than expected it seems."
Coming from out of the Bifrost was none other than the fallen warrior Rinse. He fell to ground still wounded from the attack he received from Leon's frost Jotunn blade that pieced his skin deep. Even while wounded he managed to pull himself up just enough to be on one knee.
"From the looks of it you have failed to bring Ragnarok to Asgard Einar...," Apate looked down at him with an emotionless expression."
"The plan...took an... unexpected turn..." He coughed up blood trying to catch his breath. This fight...is far...from over..."
Apate expression soon turned into that of satisfaction. "Wrong my dear Einar. This fight was over before it began, and you've served your purpose well."
Einar looked up at Apate confused at her remark, they were supposed to allied with one another, to help bring down the gods that had wronged them.
"My purpose?" He said with a narrowed expression. "My purpose...is far from finished! Heal me, I can...still fight...I won't...lose...I will bring back my beloved...Hidde..."
"You still don't fully understand the situation Einar." She began to walk around in circles around Einar, her hands behind her back with a sense of superiority. "Your fight is over, you've served your purpose, you were...a nice little distraction."
"Distraction?" Einar looks up at her confused. "What do you..."
Apate leans down to be face to face with him. "The plan was simply an experiment, you played the role perfectly and now your role is finished."
Einar couldn't believe what he was hearing, everything he did, his vengeance against Odin, to bring all of Asgard to ruins, it wasn't to happen because he was simply being used.
"Y-You... how dare...you...use me..." Einar coughed up blood, he tried to get his hands on Apate but was too weak from the loss of blood.
"You've played your role well my dear Einar." She gets up with a smirk behind her mask. "You have my thanks, know the plans that have been put into motion wouldn't have been possible without you."
A whole wave of emotions flooded in Einar's mind. Rage, sorrow, hopelessness. Apate raised her hand, dark magic swirling in her hands ready to finish him off.
"Goodbye Einar. Hm?" Before she could kill him she noticed something familiar in the sky, it was the bifrost. "What the..." Her eyes widened from the sight of a lone finger falling down, lightning danced around the individual and it was heading straight for the Hecatoncheires. "It can't be..."
Asgard
"We have to return to Olympus!" Leon looks at Hera with a serious expression despite how she held him as if he was a child she hadn't seen in years.
"Return to Olympus? Why are you so eager Leon, are you alright?"
"I don't know how to explain it but...I met someone on our mission, a woman who spoke of Mount Olympus being in danger." Leon said in a hurry hoping Hera would fully understand.
"A woman?" Freyja chimed in who was just as curious. "It was to be you and the other three down there."
"I know, I don't know how she got there or why she told me but we have to get back to Olympus asap," Leon looked into Hera's eyes practically pleading for her to agree.
The queen of Olympus could see it in his eyes, no hesitation or doubt in Leon's face gave her all she needed to know, Olympus was in grave danger. Hera turned to look at the other goods with a serious expression. "How many of you can still fight?"
Sif looked at everyone around, they were exhausted from trying to keep two realms from collapsing on all of Asgard. "We are exhausted, I'm not sure if we have enough strength to fight what you say Leon."
"Nonsense," Odin despite kneeling on the ground held himself up on one knee.
"Odin, you're in no position to...," Freyja was about to finish but her husband held up a hand interrupting her.
"Leon has saved not just us, but all of Asgard from the catastrophe." He looks at Leon while getting slowly to his feet. "Young man, if what you say is true I will go to Olympus. Your home should not have to suffer from my mistake."
Freyja couldn't help but be at awe in her husband's conviction, in many ways she adored when the All-father acted like this then being a pervert. "I shall go to."
Sif looked back at the destruction Asgard was in, the people in disarray before turning back, "You all go, I will stay here and help clean up the mess. I can't leave, not without knowing what happened to my two sons."
"They are safe," Hecuba's words made the wife Odin's wife as if she had finally heard good news in a long time. "Thrud us taking care of them down below, they both live."
"Go see to your children," Freyja placed a hand on Sif's shoulders, "We'll take care of the rest."
Before her daughter in law could respond the sound of the hydra's roar from down below echoed. The beast was still in battle against the four armed constructs that seemed to never end.
"What in the name of Hades!" Hera was shocked to see the alpha Hydra not only not in its domain but here in Asgard of all places.
Athena placed a hand in front of Hera, "I shall take care of it, Olympus will need you my queen."
"Not without my help," Baldur chimed in standing beside her. "One fighting two wouldn't be much of a fair fight now would it? We shall handle this mother."
Both Hera and Frejya nodded in approval and watched both jump from the tower and headed towards the two colossal giants.
"I will go as well," Fenja stood beside Leon. He wanted to say she should stay here with her sister's body but she refuted his concern. "Einar must pay for what he's done, Menja would've wanted that."
"I understand," The young spartan couldn't fault her wanting to go.
"I will keep watch over her," Heimdall appeared from walking up the tower. Still wounded but looked to be healed enough to walk. He was not alone as multiple Einherjar passed him and kneeled before Odin, ready to help their All-Father. "Go and avenge your sister." It was all Fenja needed to hear knowing someone was gonna watch over Menja until she got back.
"Then I believe we are ready," Odin with still enough strength held his hands. Out in the distance a weapon came flying towards the All-father and placed it in his hands, the weapon gungnir, the spear of Odin. Taping the weapon on the ground he summoned the bifrost. "It is time to end this."
Suddenly above everyone the sky became dark with dark clouds floating overhead. Lightning crackled, thunder boomed, and the figure of what looked to be a man could be seen from.
Freyja chuckled in delight, "Seems we aren't the only ones ready for a fight."
Olympus City
The Spartans had done their best protecting the section where the citizens stayed for protection. Forming a defense line they managed to keep many monsters at bay but the constant onslaught was taking its toll. Too many were being wounded while the horde kept coming, many prayed to the Greek gods to give them strength to protect their home.
"Keep those lines up! Make these damned beasts pay for every inch!" A Spartan captain who took Lydia's place while she faced off against the alpha Chimera. He grabbed a spear stabbing any monsters that tried to climb over, though wounded and exhausted his will would not yield and would make the gods proud. "Keep the flanks..." His words cut off from one Spartan pointing to the alley way. "Lydia!"
Coming into view was a heavily damaged Lydia and the grigor leader Azazel hunched over her shoulders to keep from falling. The captain and a few others rushed over to help them both, keeping their enemies at bay until everyone was behind the defense line.
"Are you alright Lydia?"
"Yes.. we'll live," Lydia clenched her bruised abdomen where her armor would've covered.
"Your tough hehe I'll give you that, ugh." Azazel looked no better, his black feathers smoking from being burnt by the blast. "That big bad...and ugly won't be a problem anymore."
Lydia placed Azazel on the ground, a few spartans held the fallen angel to wrap any remaining bandages they had. "What is the situation here?" Lydia asked.
"We have kept the hoard at bay but I fear we will not last long. Too many keep coming and our defensive lines will crumble."
She gripped her weapon, knowing they would have to fall back but that puts the civilians at a higher risk. Where are the gods? How could this be happening Lydia shook her head putting such thoughts in the back of her mind, all they could do was hold out for as long as possible.
She didn't have long to think, the ground began to shake. One of the Spartans pointed up and shouted in horror. One of the Hecatoncheires appeared before them, even though it was far away its colossal size could be seen for miles.
"What in the name of Hades...," Lydia and many others said, a legend that they learned was to be chained underground was up and about. The massive creature's heads began to open, it's mouths glowing ready to decimate the entire city.
"We could really use some reinforcement right now, or any gods at this point..." Azazel didn't want to be the bearer of bad news but the situation was reaching a critical point. "Please tell me more are coming..."
As if the gods had answered the fallen angel from up in the sky the bifrost appeared. The portal reaches down just a few meters from the capital. Many Spartans looked in surprise and awe, Lydia felt ecstatic.
"Right on cue then," Azazel chuckled, even though he was caught completely off guard.
A lone figure was seen jumping out of the portal and right towards the Hecatoncheires. This from a person's point of view would be nothing but madness and suicide. Fortunately there were many who would take such a challenge, Thor, the god of thunder with his famous weapon Mijolnir cracking with intense lightning came crashing down on the one hundred headed creature. His long red hair flowing in the wind almost like a majestic mane, and he grinned ear to ear almost like a mad man. That was not the case however, Thor himself had fought giants in the past so a Hecatoncheires seemed like just a bigger opponent to fight.
"Hear me creatures who torments Olympus, you will face the wrath of Odin!" The god of thunder's voice below, the sound of thunder boomed all around. With one mighty swing his Mijolnir hit the Hecatoncheires right on the top of it, lightning struck down on the target causing the giant behemoth to roar in pain falling down on its back.
Azazel unlike the others smirked, it had been a long time since he'd seen Thor and he was still the mighty god of thunder. "That redhead will definitely have the time of his life."
Thor was not the only one to emerge from the bifrost, Odin on top of the mythical eight legged horse of Norse Sleipnir. The horse cried out galloping in the air, Odin with his spear pointed down at the horde shooting out lightning that obliterated a chunk of them.
"Look!" One of the Spartans pointed up at the bifrost. Thor was not the only one, multiple people came out and down onto the city. The battle cry of many Einherjars were heard as they rushed out of the bifrost slaying many monsters in their wake. Yet they were still outnumbered but not outclassed. Another figure rushed out and joined the battle, Tyr the one armed god of war with a single blade in hand helped turn the tide slashing through the beast.
Lydia felt ecstatic, if there were to be anyone else to help save Olympus it would be the battle hardened einherjars and gods. The sound of magic bombardment shook the ground, the Spartans cheered at the sight of their queen Hera, her powers even though weakened were enough to weaken the horde.
Besides Hera was her old friend Freyja, she held a hand up signaling the remaining einherjars behind her to ready their arrows. On her mark she ordered them to fire, a hail of arrows rained down on the enemies cutting the horse almost down to size.
"You were right Leon," Hera looked at Leon who was standing next to her. "If we hadn't come back sooner..." The queen of Mount Olympus clenched her fist, her fury at the destruction caused knowing whoever was responsible must pay.
Leon had a feeling he was right but to see it for himself was something else. It was almost as if this was a nightmare, if he could just pinch himself to wake up. Fenja could see the serious yet pained expression on Leon's face. "We shall avenge your people," She said while placing a hand on his shoulders to which the young spartan nodded not needing to speak what everyone was thinking.
"I will go and help the Spartans," Hecuba unsheathed her sword. "I will bolster the men and women and push these beasts back." Before the young spartan woman left she looked back at Achillia, Leon, Rossweisse, and Fenja wishing them good luck.
"I'm going as well," Rossweisse held up her hand to stop Hecuba from rejecting the idea. "I still have some magic left and the Spartans will need all the covering fire they can get."
The Valkyries words had the Spartan smirk. You're more bold then before especially with an injury, you'd have made a good spartan
"Not without me your not!" Bennia chimed in with a cheery smile."You'd both be lost without me." Her words would've had Hecuba scold her but just this once allowed it for now.
"Be careful Hecuba.You too Rossweisse, Bennia." Achillia muttered, this was everyone's fight.
Rossweisse would have chimed in but was cut off from a loud booming sound. "What the!?" The Valkyrie stumbled on her feet from the ground shaking, everyone was caught off guard. Many assumed it was another Hecatoncheires coming over to obliterate the entire city but it was something else. At the very top of Mount Olympus a pillar of light, green in color, shot up into the sky.
"That energy...," Hera looked at the direction of the light and felt large amounts of energy pouring into it. "That is Gia!" She yelled.
Leon didn't like the sound of that, a guy wrenching feeling that something had happened to the goddess who watched after him.
"It seems that most definitely is the heart of all this chaos," Odin on top of Sleipnir rode down towards the group. "Come, we must find this threat and end it."
"I'm coming too!" Leon said with conviction. Hera looked at him with concern, she did not doubt the young Spartans ability but all the same cared for his safety. "I have to Hera, I can't stand here if Gia is in trouble."
"Not without me either," Achillia placed a hand on Leon's shoulders with a smile. "Someone's gotta make sure you don't get into too much trouble." Her words made the young man blush a bit but her altogether understood.
"Me as well," Fenja gripped her mighty battle axe with conviction. "I said I would honor my sister's wishes and help you and I mean to keep it." One would be almost slightly intimidated by the Jotunns face, Leon and Achillia however knew they needed all the help they could get.
"Then we must hurry before all of Olympus is destroyed." Clasping her hands together Hera channelled some of the magic into Leon, Achillia, and Fenja allowing them to fly but felt a tremendous boost. Even with how exhausted she was Hera was still the queen of Olympus and had power to prove it.
"I shall stay here and help my einherjars and your Spartans," Freyja turned to the battle and leaped forward shouting a battle cry.
Enough time had been wasted, all five leap into the air headed for mount Olympus. Down below Thor kept up his assault on the single Hecatoncheires by smashing it away from the city. It was one thing to hear about the god of thunder but another to see him and his Mijolnir in action, Leon although amazed at the sight hopes he wouldn't have to face a juggernaut like Odin.
As they all flew away the sounds of battle from below became less heard. Reaching closer and closer to their destination.
"My queen Hera," Achillia was the first to break the silence. "Do you know who would dare attack our realm, to unleash a Hecatoncheires?"
Hera was just as confused as anyone else, "I do not know but to not only have Asgard attacked but Olympus as well..."
"It's too much of a coincidence," Leon filled in the gaps for Hera.
Maybe someone is working with Einar? Phyra thought of that possibility to which Leon couldn't disagree.
I think your right Phyra we'll probably be dealing with both him and another threat. How much energy do you think we've got for both Phyra and the Hydra blade?
With some of Hera's magic flowing through us we've got a bunch now but not enough to keep going for hours, please be careful Le...look out!
It was not just Phyra's voice but Hera's as well. A blast came straight for them and everyone scattered. "There's more of them?!?" Achillia said in shock dodging many more blasts that came there.
"So all three have been released...," Hera looked at the remaining Hecatoncheires that were standing guard to Mount Olympus.
The hundred headed Colossus shot out blast from each mouth in all directions, Sleipnir even though the horse was fast and struggled to dodge so many. Everyone had to scramble in the sky, staying in one spot was suicide.
"These creatures shall not stop us," Odin emited pressure in his spear, power coursed through it and with a mighty throw the spear lodged Itself in on the heads causing it to roar out in pain.
Hera shot out a magical bombardment to the other Hecatoncheires, it used many hands to cover itself. It seemed like the queen of Olympus's attacks were having an effect but suddenly it stood up and fired off more blast.
"Look out!" Leon said and tackled Fenja out of the way on incoming attacks. "Ugh," He held his back, the attack grazed him but it left a burned mark on his armor.
"Are you alright!?" Fenja held Leon making sure he didn't fall out of the sky.
"I'll...be fine."
Achillia looked on in worry, they couldn't stay up here like this as sitting ducks. "We need to find a way past those two or we'll be shot down in no time," The descendent of Achilles shouted doing her best to not get hit knowing it could be fatal.
Hera and Odin looked at each, nodding in agreement for what they must do. "All three of you listen, me and Odin shall distract the Hecatoncheires. When you see an opening go and do not look back."
"But what about you Hera?" Leon knew it was the right idea but didn't like the fact of leaving the woman who gave him a second chance at life to possibly die.
"I'm not so easy to kill," She said with a smile. Turning towards their enemies she channeled as much magic as she could into both palms of her hands.
Odin summoned back gungnir in his hand and channeled a large portion of power into the tip of the spear. One cue from both gods, they fired at both Hecatoncheires, creating a mighty explosion and pushed both to the ground and created smoke. All three warriors knew this smoke screen was deliberate to all of them to fly past them.
"GO!" Her's ordered to which they did immediately. Leon gave one look behind his shoulders, she smiled and muttered "And good luck, to all of you."
Leon, Achillia, and Fenja sped last as fast as they could to Mount Olympus. Still they couldn't help but be at awe, the power of two gods combining their powers into one, anyone not strong let alone durable would be obliterated easily. As the smoke cleared the Hecatoncheires stood back up, though both were damaged their expressions were one of anger and irritation. Odin, Sleipnir, and Hera readied themselves knowing the fight was far from over, to hold out as long as they could.
Mount Olympus
All three flew up the mountain, it was good Hera gave them some magic to boost them because with how tall mount Olympus is this would've taken longer.
"We're getting close," Achillia confirmed with the approach of the white clouds that shrouded the top.
Leon's heart pounded a bit faster, the anticipation and unknown of what they would be facing was just up at the top. But he kept those feelings in check in order to face this threat head on. Soon they breached the clouds, the view of Mount Olympus in all its glory despite the chaos.
"This is your mount Olympus? I've heard tales back then but to see it for myself...," The Joutnn said in awe, her expression was almost as similar to Leon's when he first laid eyes on it.
Achillia scanned the area looking around for Gaia and many others but there seemed to be no one. "I don't see Gaia or anyone else. We saw that pillar of light so surely...wait down there." The Spartan pointed down at the entrance to Mount Olympus.
"Is that...Einar?"
Leon said what everyone was thinking. Down below the figure was Einar, he was not moving while lying in a pool of his own blood from no doubt receiving the wounds from Asgard.
Without saying a word Fenja was the first to skyrocket down towards the fallen warrior. "Fenja wait!" Leon called out the angry Jotunns and followed her. Achillia close by behind the two keeping watch just in case of any nasty surprises.
Fenja stomped her feet right behind Einar, anger clearly visible on her face. "You!" She gripped her axe tightly to the point her knuckles were turning white.
Despite the blood loss Einar was still alive although pale. He coughed, turning his head to look at the sister of Menja. It was not one of surprise and fear but one of sorrow and regret, yet Fenja didn't care and readied her axe overhead. She would've slammed her weapon in the back of Einar if not for Leon calling out her name.
"Fenja wait!"
"What?!" She looked back at the Spartan with an irritated look. "This man is the cause for Asgard nearly falling, he hurt you and your friends, he killed 'My' sister!!"
Leon understood her anger, he was just as angered by Einar's actions, practically livid. "I understand Fenja and it's very justified," He held up his hands showing he doesn't want to fight. "He will answer for his crimes but please don't do this. Einar clearly couldn't have been acting alone especially being able to use the bifrost, and now he comes here to Olympus while such a destruction is happening just as well?" He took a step closer to Fenja, placing a hand on her shoulders. "I understand what it's like to lose a family member, but don't do this, you aren't a murderer, he'll answer for his crimes I promise.
Fenja gritted her teeth, not letting go of her axe for a few seconds. staring down at the man who took her sister's life, it felt all too much to just kill him and get her revenge. "Dammit!" She yelled and lowered her axe, despite her fury she could tell Leon was sincere with his words, if Einar had any more information about this attack he needed to be questioned by the gods, at least so nothing like this happens to anyone else. "I... understand Leon. I don't agree but...I trust your judgement." She walked past Einar and looked out at the sky. "Just make sure he's punished, that's all...me and Menja would ask..."
"I promise," Leon nodded his head. He soon turned his attention to Einar who coughed up blood. "Einar..."
Einar chuckled despite his injuries, clutching one of his wounds. "I knew... you'd find a way...to get here." He coughed moving his body slightly then winced with pain. "Maybe...you and the others...can fix...my...mistake."
Leon clutched Einar's hands not concerned blood was getting all over it. "Why Einar? Why would you do this? All this death and destruction...for what?"
"I was promised... revenge. To be able...to bring back my beloved Hidde...and...my... unborn child..."
This came as a shock to everyone, unbeknownst to them minus the gods it was the first time hearing Einar having a lover and would soon be a father. But, it was clear something had happened that made the fallen warrior go down this path.
"Hidde...was this someone you talked about in the bar?" Leon asked for a response to which Einar nodded slowly. "Einar there...there had to be another way. To do all this..."
"It was a... promise...I could not...pass up," Einar's grip on Leon's hand began to loosen. "A promise made by... individuals...one I now regret...please Leon...set this right...please...protect your loved ones... don't...make...the same mistake...as...me."
Everyone watched as Einar's eyes slowly closed, his entire body going limp. Achillia checked for a pulse but there was none to be had, he had finally passed away from his injuries. Leon couldn't help but feel sorry for him, what he did is not justified but the Spartan could see he meant what he said.
Standing up and summoning his Hydra blade he looked towards the others, "Come on, it's time we finished this madness and go home." His words were a serious yet conviction tone to which both women nodded and followed Leon inside Mount Olympus.
Olympus lower cities
Lydia walked through the city but not alone, two einherjars followed behind the Spartan to watch over her. With the help of the new army making a path she headed over to the place where her son and his friend hid, she promised to come back and she meant it despite Azazel's protest on it being dangerous to which she chuckled saying "You've seen I'm not that easy to kill."
Upon arriving at the hiding spot her heart sank a little, the place looked torn up with many scratches and burned marks. The two einherjars went in first to make sure the coast was clear, giving a whistle Lydia entered inside with her weapon in hand just in case.
"Elais! Cora! Are you in here?" The Spartans shouts got no reply. Remembering Adonis has a wine cellar she looked down the stairs to see the door had been busted open.
"We shall...," One of the einherjar didn't get to finish his sentence as Lydia cut him off by running down the stairs.
"Elais! Cora!" She yelled out ready to strike at any mythical creature that must've gotten in. To her surprise she saw a dead Cerberus dog lying on the ground. "What the?"
"Mrs. Lydia is that you?" The voice of Adonis was heard, his head peaking around a broken shelf with a broken wine bottle in hand. "Thank the gods you are alright!"
"Adonis you live," She walked up to the man, the einherjar lowering their weapons seeing that he is no threat. "Adonis, where is my son and Cora? Are they..."
The shop owner held up his hands chuckling to reassure the Spartan mother. "They're okay. As you can see, we had a bit of a run in with that hellhound, but your boy, and Cora put that threat to sleep."
"They...did?" Lydia was confused, glad both were alive but didn't expect this. Adonis ushered her over to the corner and there she saw Elais and Cora sleeping together, the young man resting his head on her shoulders while her face resting on his head. A sigh of relief escaped her mouth, she noticed the scars on her son but knew it could be healed, hell she figured Elais will keep the scars for his first ever battle. "My son did say he'd be a Spartan someday like me, guess it had to happen someday." She placed a hand on their heads with a smile, it was like a heavy weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
Inner chambers of Mount Olympus
All three warriors walked Inside slowly, checking every surrounding. It seemed too easy for them to just walk inside without a fight, no doubt whoever or whatever was expecting them.
I can feel something just up ahead, be careful Leon
I'll be fine Phyra, I've got you and the others with me so we'll handle what comes out way
If Leon could see the spirit right now as she blushed from his words it would stop to make the young Spartan assume he had said something wrong. Soon they arrived at the inner chambers, at the back of the wall was the flame of Olympus, the same flame that was at Leon's trial. It brought back memories, unpleasant memories of him being framed but they needed to be put aside.
"What the?" Achillia noticed what everyone else saw.
Around the walls were vines, long vines that were bigger than all of them. Each one bigger than all of them, they all covered the walls which made it look like a living plant room.
"This must be the work of this Gaia woman you've mentioned," Fenja readied her battle axe. "Yet we do not see her."
Before the two Spartans could respond, a summoning circle, one they had not seen before, appeared before them. Two figures emerged from the circle, the sound of hands clapping was heard by one of them.
"Very well done I must say."
All three readied to attack at the slightest movement, that would be the case had both Leon and Achillia stopped for a moment to see none other than Gaia. But she looked far different from when Leon had first met her on the outskirts. Her skin color was dark green, her eyes an orange hue, and most of the lower half of her body was entirely vines with rows of spikes.
"Gaia!" Leon called out but the goddess did not respond. Her eyes seem lifeless as if she was in a trance. "Gaia? What did you do to her?!" Leon was stopped from moving forward by Achillia. "What are you doing?"
"Look." She pointed at the goddess of earth. There they could see the symbol on her forehead, the symbol of Prometheus. Leon had read about it in class, how it had tricked Zeus into giving mankind so it was naturally powerful. "The symbol of Prometheus, Gaia is under its control."
"Hahaha. Very good to see a descendant of Achilles use her brains instead of brawns."
The woman in the mask, even though one could not see her face, could tell she was smiling underneath.
Leon angrily pointed his Hydra blade at her. It didn't take much for the young to realize she was behind the mind control of the goddess of earth. "Let go of her!"
"How very rude you child, no manners in some youth to introduce yourself." The woman's slit eyeholes in her mask glowed a darkish purple. "But I know of you Leon Alexander." Her words caused all three to widen in surprise. "That look is understandable, but for someone like me, Apate who lives in the shadows, is accustomed to gathering information."
"What!?" Achillia's tone turned into that of shock and confusion. "Apate? No it can't be, Zeus killed you millennium ago!"
Apate laughed at everyone's expressions. "Killed me? Oh your arrogant god almost did, but for someone like me I am not all so easy to kill."
"Then you're about to wish Zeus slayed you long ago!"
Achillia readied her family's spear, going to charge and pierce through this woman but she was stopped by a vine that slammed right in front of the group. Everyone jumped back to get distance but another vine shot up from the ground behind them. Gaia had her hands outstretched commanding her vines to attack.
"Gaia it's us," Leon yelled but it was in vain as he dodged another another take.
"She can't hear us!" Fenja chopped off an incoming vine. To her surprise instead of being injured it grew two more vines as a hydra would do when one head is cut off. The Jotunn hacked and slashed as best she could but all it did was allow the plant to grow more and more of itself.
Achillia was also having a hard time, seeing how cutting the plant apart was useless she relied on defense with her spear. In theory it seemed good but too many vines were coming from all directions. "Ah!" Achillia felt a sharp pain on her leg, a vine that had rows of spikes you'd see on the bottom side of a rose had wrapped it.
Before the Spartan could stab at it she felt light headed and fell on one knee. The vine wasn't just holding her, it was sapping her strength.
"Achillia!"
Leon rushed through the waves of vines slashing and bashing many that tried to slow him. But it was not a controlled Gaia that would put the young man's attempted rescue to a halt.
"Oh no you don't," Apate raised a hand and shot what looked to be a shadow in the form of a blade.
Behind you!!!!
Phyra, Achillia, and Fenja's heart sank at the sight of Leon who stopped suddenly.
"W-What the...,"
The Spartan felt a sharp yet cold pain in his chest. Looking down he saw a shadow that pierced in-between his chest and abdomen, a shadow shouldn't be able to do this. That raced through his mind to process what was happening, this feeling of darkness that seemed to make his blood run cold.
Apate slowly pulled Leon towards her as she began to float in the air, heading straight towards the fire of Olympus.
"LET HIM G...," Fenja was cut off from the intense squeezing pressure of a vine with spikes wrapped around her neck, arms and legs. It began to sap away her strength forcing the Jotunn on her knees. "Damn...you."
Achillia tried desperately to lunge forward, to break free from her binds but it was all in vain. "L-Leon...," She held her hands out. So many thoughts rushed in Achillia's mind. She helped train Leon and watched him grow, only to see him about to die before her eyes. How despite her heritage of being a descendant of the goddess Thetis, having gods blood in her veins, she could not activate it to try and make a difference right here and now. Anger, fear, hopelessness. All these emotions rushed in her mind as Achillia could only watch Leon being dragged away.
Apate floated above the fire of Olympus, Leon completely immobilized tried to move but the pain was becoming too much.
"You surprised me Leon. I do not know how you managed to escape capture. Clearly that crazed freak of nature Zeed can't handle a simple job, especially with all the help he had." The masked woman sighed. "But it is of no consequence, your little crusade is over. Normally I would keep you around but...," Apate taped the under part of her mask. "I already have an arsenal of gods at my disposal now. And who knows, when you die and your sacred gear appears into another human. Hehe, I can make good use of it my way. Goodbye Spartan."
With those final words the shadow blade that was stuck in Leon disappeared. Without it to hold the Spartan afloat he fell right into the flames of Olympus. Achillia and Fenja cried out for him, trying to break free but it was now used against the Greek goddess of earth.
Inside the Flames of Olympus
"I...failed...,"
Leon could only mutter those as he felt the flames consume him. To feel defeated after everything he's done, it just seemed too much to bear. Leon closed his eyes embracing the inevitable of death, to wake up in the afterlife so maybe this painful feeling may go away. And yet, though he still felt the piercing wound Apate inflicted on him, he slowly opened his eyes.
"W-What? Am...dead...,"
The Spartan groaned clutching his wounds. He looked around to see the color purple that seemed to be mixed with yellow.
"Huh?"
The sound grunting was heard in his mind, it was Phyra. The spirit sounded as if she was trying to lift something heavy, and increasingly getting out of breath.
L-Leon Phyra in his mind gritted her teeth, her hands outstretched. I...I can... barely...hold on...
It became clear now, the bubble that Leon was in was made by Phyra. It was impressive how she managed to protect the young spartan, but that hope would be fleeting inch by inch. This was only temporary, the bubble soon began to shrink inch by inch.
"Phyra how did you...,"
I'm...not too sure... myself...but I...can barely...hold on...
Leon, despite the pain in his chest looked around for something, anything. Before he could cry out he felt metal on his chest. Looking down his saw his right hand that still had the sacred gear on was clutching one of his blades. It was not the Hydra or Phyra blade but simply a regular blade. Similar from before it needed something to power it up as Leon didn't have enough energy for the other two. Phyra could've been a substitute if not her trying to keep the barrier up.
The young Spartan felt hopeless, time was not on his or Phyra's side. But suddenly a flicker of hope was on his mind, a very risky move that if failed there will be no second chances.
"P-Phyra...I have...an idea...but it's a long shot." His words perked up the spirits ears. "This blade needs... something to power it right? Then...then maybe, just maybe, it can absorb the power of the flames..."
Phyra's eyes widened at the idea, naturally as this was very risky. Leon...I.. It's too dangerous!
"I know. But, we don't have...much of a choice. Please...trust me on this Phyra..."
There was a moment of silence, doubt kept into Leon's mind thinking Phyra would say no. Luckily with a heavy sigh the spirit nodded her head.
Okay, I trust you Leon The spirit smiled even though her worry for the man she inhabited did not disappear.
Slowly the barrier began to dissolve, Leon held up the blade as best he could. The heat was naturally given it was fire but it didn't just burn Leon's body but it felt like it was burning his soul as well.
"Come on. Come on,"
What was a few seconds felt like an eternity for both. The lingering doubts that this wouldn't work was always there. But suddenly the blade began to glow.
Leon I..I think it's working!
Leon felt a glimmer of hope, he could feel the sword's power increasing. Rather it was increasing faster, too fast to the point the sword was shaking.
"That can't be good!" Leon held onto the blade, its glow growing brighter and brighter. It violently shook in his hands as if it was ready to explode.
No!
Phyra held out her hands. Leon felt like her hands were on his own. Power began coursing through his whole arm, yet the brightness only got brighter.
Please let this work
Throne room
Apate floated down in front of the two women. Standing beside Gaia with her hands behind her back, pleased at what she'd done. "Ah, don't feel too bad now. As they say, the strong thrive, while the weak perish.
Fenja had a vein show on her forehead, this woman was despicable to her. The Jotunn hated how the vines kept her bound and had no energy. "You won't be getting away with this. When the gods..."
"When the gods get here I'll enjoy having them as my thrall," The masked woman held up her hand showing the symbol of Prometheus on the back of it. "It is good to have power at your disposal haha."
"You..."
The sound of Achillia, although weak was still able to talk. The Spartan had the look of pure anger on her face and tears running down her cheeks.
"Ah, do not be so sad. I'm sure it was 'perhaps' quick and painless. But who will know for sure," Apate chuckle.
Fenja was about to reboot those words but she noticed something from Achillia. It seemed faint but there seemed to be blue streaks flowing across her hair.
"I will...make you...p...,"
The Spartans words were cut from the bright lights the flame of Olympus was emitting.
"Huh?"
Apate and everyone turned around, confusion turned into shock as the flames began to grow bigger and bigger. Soon it began to condense and swirl.
"What is the meaning of this!?" Apate shielded her eyes with her arms, the strong gust of wind blowing her robes as if there was a storm inside the chambers. "No...it can't be!"
Apate's worries came true, it shouldn't be possible for someone to fall in the flames that held up mount Olympus. Someone like Leon should've been burned to nothing but the young spartan was there, floating above the fires. He had both his hands on his weapon but it was different from before. The blade had the symbol of Mount Olympus in-between the hilt and the blade. The entire colors were that of golden bronze and red.
"Leon!" Both Spartan and Jotunn yelled out, ecstatic to see he was still alive.
Leon looks at Apate, his face furious at this woman for hurting people he cared about. "Apate," His voice seemed to echo throughout the chamber. "I'm going to stop you, here. And. NOW!!!"
Leon let go of the blade but instead of dropping it floating right into his body. The young spartan began to glow an orange reddish hue, his arms outstretched almost divine like. From bottom to top the light began to dissipate and there floated Leon in what looked to be a Spartans armor. The big difference was the fire igniting where the helmet is and his cape being completely made of fire as well. The armor is bronze-gold and red, its features drastically changed.
"Impossible! Do not tell me...," Apate gritted her teeth beneath her mask.
"Achillia...what happened to him?" Achillia was just as confused as Fenja, still they were both in awe.
Leon breathed in then out before speaking for everyone in the room to hear.
Balance Breaker: Olympus Might
"He did. He...he achieved it," Achillia said with a smile despite the situation.
"Tch. Gaia, kill him now."
Taking no chances Apate had Gaia use all of her vines in the room to lunge. Many even attacked one another to grow in size, it's thorns practically bigger than Leon.
"Leon look out!" Achillia cried out, but what worries she had were quickly thrown away.
Leon stood in place, completely unbothered by all the attacks from every direction. Widening his eyes a burst of flames expelled from his body. Every single vine in close proximity was burned to nothing. Gaia who's faced seemed emotionless and winced in absolute pain.
"What?!" Apate's worries turned into anger. "I did not come all this way to be stopped by a brat like you!" She raised her hands shining the symbol of Prometheus. "Kill him with everything!"
Gaia's body began to grow thorns, her finger nails became so sharp they looked like they could slice through anything. The goddess screeched almost like a harpy and lunged at Leon with incredible speeds. The vines soon began to circle the Spartan once more. This time however, Leon didn't expel fire but lunged straight at Gaia herself. The speed he had far surpassed the controlled goddess, surprising everyone with such speed. Even Gaia l, while under control, eyes widened in shock herself.
"I won't let you take control of you Gaia."
Leon up close and personally placed a hand on the symbol on her forehead. It was not forceful but gently clearly showing he did not want to hurt the goddess who helped him prepare for the trial by combat.
Phyra!
Right! Pour the power into the symbol!
Phyra, while still in leans mind, had looked just as different. Her body was the same color as the flames of Olympus, her hair fiery hair danced majestic as she helped channel the power they had just gained.
Gaia would've tried to attack the Spartan, but never got the chance as the symbol on her forehead began to burn away.
"How could you have...," Apate raised her hand to control Gaia, but nothing happened. twice, no, three times she tried but nothing happened. "What have you done!!!"
Leon floated to the ground gently with Gaia in his arms. The goddess of earth was now unconscious, her skin turning back to how it used to be, and the vines that made up half her body dissolved until she was back to normal.
Fenja couldn't help but smirk, never did she think she'd see power like this from someone as young as Leon.
Soon both the vines around the two women began to dissolve as well, their binds gone and now they were free.
"We're free!" Achillia just like Fenja felt good they could move again, though they had wounds on their bodies from how tight the binds were.
Leon upon landing on the ground gracefully, gently put Gaia on the ground. He would've blushed at how naked she was if not for the feeling of finally freeing her. "You're free now Gaia," The Spartan said with a smile.
As he turned to look up at Apate, the finally person to defeat, his eyes widened in horror. The masked woman had not one, but multiple shadow swords. Each one pointing at Achillia and Fenja ready to skewer them.
"Not a step closer," Apate sneered causing Leon to stop in place. "I don't know how you managed to survive being dropped into the flames of Olympus. But your little crusade ends here."
"Let them go!" Leon shouted, despite his newfound power he still worried about the safety of the two women.
"Oh don't you worry, they won't come to harm." Apate held up her hands towards Leon. "I made the mistake of thinking you were worthless, I won't do it again. You clearly have potential, to be able to harness the powers of the flames of Olympus, you are an asset. Therefore, you will submit me to, unless you wish to see your friends die in front of your eyes. Oh?"
The masked woman noticed something different about Leon, his breathing was heavy as if he'd run a marathon non stop. She could tell he was forcing himself to keep standing.
"Hahaha!" She laughed at Leon who shot daggers at her. "All that power, yet you can hardly control it. Still, my offer still stands." Her symbol of Prometheus shines.
"No Leon don't d...," Achillia's words were cut off from multiple blades now aimed at her throat. Leon would've jumped forward if not for Apate willing to make good on her threat.
Fenja gritted her teeth, one of the shadow blades directly aimed at her eyes. She new Apate wasn't bluffing. "Damn you," Was all the Jotunn could mutter under her breath.
Leon relaxed his arms, Phyra herself could do nothing as the form she had was already beginning to burn out, she herself was just as out of breath as the Spartan she inhabited.
"Very good," Apate chuckled and ushered Leon to walk towards her, slowly. "Just be a good boy and all this will be..." The masked woman words were cut from the pain she felt on her legs. "What the?!"
Behind Leon, Gaia still lying on the ground yet still managed to raise one shaking arm up, summoned a vine to keep her in place.
"Take the shot now Leon!"
Leon didn't need to hear twice the opening Gaia had presented for him.
One last push Phyra
Let's do it!
Leon and Phyra mustered up enough power for one final attack. Engulfing his whole arm in bright orange flames shot forth at Apate. In desperation she fired the remaining shadow blades at Leon. The sheer force of Leon's armor managed to deflect or burn away every last one of them.
"G-Get away!"
Apate's last words fell on deaf ears as Leon with all his might punched her. The force was enough to throw the woman back and crash straight into the marble walls.
Outside
Hera and Odin were nearly on their last leg. They'd done considerable damage to the Hecatoncheires but there was a reason they were locked away, the threat they could pose to the gods was undeniable. Both beings stood above the two gods readying their attack.
Sleipnir was not about to leave Odin and stood beside the All-Father ready to make a sacrifice if necessary.
Damn these behemoths. Had it not been for keeping two realms from collapsing on each other we'd have the strength to put them down.
Hera wiped the bead of sweat from her brow, charging up as much magic as she could. Odin was not about to stand by as he readied Gungnir, charging lightning into the very tip.
As both Hecatoncheires were about to unleash their attacks they suddenly stopped. Both gods didn't let their guards but they could soon somewhat relax. Both behemoths suddenly dropped to their knees and fell face first into the ground.
Odin looked at Hera, a sly smirk crossed his face understanding what had happened. "Hehehe. Well Hera, it looks like your boy and the others did it."
Hera laughed while lowering her arms, taking a deep breath, "That they did Odin..."
Back in the battlefield everyone was stunned to see the Hecatoncheires that were fighting Odin suddenly collapsed face first on the ground. In fact, every monster seemed to suddenly stop attacking and became docile. Some fled back into the outskirts while others simply stood down and looked around almost as if they were in a trance.
"Please tell me I'm not dreaming right now," Bennia was about to slice into a minotaur if not for it stopping its rampage.
"They're no longer attacking, I think...I think we've one," Rossweisse looked around at Hecuba who seemed to have come to the same conclusion, the battle was finally over.
Throne room
"Huff... huff...," Leon felt the last of his strength slipping away. The power was becoming too much for his body to handle. "It's...over...,"
The sound of cracking was heard, the right side of Apate's mask broke apart. Pitch black hair fell out and draped over her eyes that were darkish purple.
"Y-You...," With what little strength she had left raised a single finger at Leon who was now down on his knees. "You, and everyone you know...will pay..."
Before anyone could respond Apate had summoned a magic circle behind her back and slipped through.
"Get b...,"
Leon hunched over, his balance breaker armor fully shattered. Suddenly he threw up blood from his mouth, his body had been pushed to its limits and refused to move any longer.
"Leon!" Achillia with all her strength rush over to catch him. "Leon! Wake up! Wake up!"
The Spartan she caught was not responsive, she could feel his pulse slowing down. Gaia and Fenja rushed over to help tend to the unconscious Spartan, desperate to make sure he survives.
The battle for Asgard and Olympus draws to a close. Einar and Apate who were behind this attack had seemed to have been taken care of. Leon had achieved Balance Breaker at last but now is in critical condition. Both realms will now have to rebuild.
Apologies for the lack of chapters life has gotten busy so I'm hoping to get back to writing more of the story. I talked with my good friend Dunedan(Creator of Highschool DxD Roots of Hope) about a writing plan so I don't get burned out from writing, I do wish to continue with this story so I hope it works out.