Unlikely Heroes

Chapter 52: The War Begins

The shields of the Spartans glimmer in the moonlight as they stand in the battle formation, their roar echoing across the field. Spears facing their foes. As if it is a replay of the Battle of Thermopylae. Three hundred Spartans have answered the call. One of the Spartans comes towards me with Greek battle gear and a large round bronze wooden shield.

"Sparta answers the call, Your Highness. We are yours to command," the man says. "Honored to fight with you, Spartan. Form up in front of the magic wielders. Kill anyone that stands in your way." The man gives a firm nod as he turns back to his man, barking orders.

I walk towards Vincent and his siblings as they were about to join the Spartan wall. Selina trailing behind me as she looks around. "Vincent, I rather have you at a distance. Use spells with range. Destroy them from afar. I will shout the signal," I say and turn to Selina, "I know you are not the best fighter. But morale needs to stay high. Keep it high, Selina."

"You heard the lady! Prepare ranged spells Allistar and Leana, prepare your protective barriers! Keep our army safe from their missiles. Make your spells count, everyone," Vincent calls out, walking among his siblings. Spark of all kinds of colors and elements swirl around them.

"Aileen, I can't find Xandra..." Selina says worriedly as she walks with me towards the front line. "I know, I haven't seen her either. Let's hope she stays safe. She may even surprise us, she is a smart one. Luckily, we only need to worry about Luke. The rest should die easy enough with what we have. I will make sure Luke is occupied." I stop walking and look at Selina.

"Believe in your girl, Selina. I had to leave Annabeth behind too as she went on her Quest, but they are capable, smart, and let's not forget, deadly," I say while is tap her chest. "Keep your heart strong, Love Girl. I am not sure if I can defeat Luke. His presence is different, and he was always an amazing fighter, but we will see another day."

Selina smiles and hugs me tightly. "You're one of the greatest person to grace the camp, Aileen. We have been blessed by your presence," she says. I softly smile as I pat her back. "Save your gratitude. I want to hear it when Xandra is next to you, and we have survived this. Stay safe, Selina."

I broke our embrace and turn to the army of monsters. Giants, hellhounds, and serpents march towards us. I steel myself and stride forward, clad in my armor of darkness. My sword is instead of the Stygian blade, one made out of darkness.

The Spartans part way to lead me through. Each of them have a hardened face, determination shining in their eyes, and an eagerness to fight again. Their bravery is commendable. Even in their mortal days, they never faced these foes. Their shield wall close again as I stand in front, facing the horde as they close in. They number at least around four hundred. The ground shakes more heavily as the monsters switch from a march to an almost full sprint.

"Spartans! Stand your ground, Elysium will be waiting for you. Your honor and bravery will be sung of once more. Fight your way to victory!" I call across the Spartan line. A resounding defiant roar comes from the Spartans, their shields lock together, bronze spears resting on them facing the enemy.

Luke emerges from the horde as he locks eyes with me. A certain level of disappointment and anger as he sees me. He unsheathes his sword as he comes straight for me. I do the same as I walk towards him while shouting to Vincent.

"Vincent, fire! Take them down!"

The air starts to shine brightly as colors of all kinds fly through it, sounds of crackling electricity and the hum of energy pierces the ears. The colors soon came soaring down to the ground. Large and earth shaking explosions fill the space as they touch down. Luke looks angrily and frustratingly around as large holes in his army appear.