Chapter 13: Diamond In The Rough
Raiden and Hela made their way to an open area outside, a spacious plane surrounded by ancient ruins. The sky's sickening hue was brightly illuminating over them , casting long shadows across the ground. Hela drew her sword and took a defensive stance, while Raiden took a breath in and focused his mind and summoned a crackling ball of electricity into his hand but it immediately disappeared confusing Raiden who tried again but this time put some effort in.
"Your body will get used to the effect on your power that this place puts on you" Hela remarked
The two of them circled each other, their eyes locked in intense focus. Raiden's confidence was evident with is eyes now glowing a hue of gold as the magic Heimdall gave kicked in ,He lunged forward with a burst of speed, sending a surge of electricity toward Hela. She deftly sidestepped and swung her sword, creating a shockwave that shattered the ground beneath them with Raiden being sent back.
Raiden quickly recovered, using his control over lightning to propel himself back into the air. He unleashed a barrage of lightning bolts, each one striking the ground around Hela, creating small explosions. Hela twirled her sword in a mesmerizing dance, deflecting the lightning bolts effortlessly.
With another sudden burst of speed similar to him, Hela closed the distance between them, her sword clashing against Raiden's crackling fists that he threw up in defence. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the air, and Raiden could feel the sheer strength and skill behind Hela's strikes. Despite her casual demeanour, she was easily overpowering him but stopped just shy of breaking his guard.
Raiden channelled his energy into his legs and performed a lightning-fast kick, aiming for Hela's torso. She twisted her body, narrowly avoiding the blow, and countered with a spinning strike that caught Raiden off guard. The flat of her blade hit his side, and Raiden grunted as he was sent tumbling across the courtyard.
Struggling to his feet, determination etched on his face, Raiden focused his energy, crackling with electricity as he strained to summon a lightning bolt from the sky. Sweat trickled down his brow as he extended his arms, palms crackling with sparks. With a primal shout, he released the pent-up energy, and a lightning bolt streaked down. Hela's sword intercepted the bolt, a clash of power and wills ensuing, Raiden's energy waning as doubt crept in.
But Hela's eyes flared with arrogance as she channelled her power. With a burst of strength, she redirected the lightning bolt, changing its course with a skilful maneuverer. The bolt veered off course, striking the ground nearby.
The redirected lightning struck the ground near Raiden, creating a blinding explosion of energy. When the smoke cleared, Raiden stood tired but he stood proudly as his body surrounded with a protective aura of crackling electricity. He grinned, his confidence renewed.
Hela's lips curled into a smirk. "Impressive, lover boy."
Raiden's eyes flared with determination. He rushed forward, his fists charged with lightning, and engaged Hela in a relentless close-quarter combat. Her sword clashing with his fist, each strike sending sparks flying. Raiden's movements were a mix of agility and brute force, his lightning-infused punches and kicks creating shockwaves that echoed through the courtyard.
Hela, in turn, showcased her incredible skill with the sword, parrying Raiden's attacks with precision and grace. She seamlessly transitioned between offense and defence, her movements a deadly dance that left Raiden struggling to keep up.
In a final, electrifying display, Raiden summoned a bolt of lightning that arced toward Hela. She raised her sword, intercepting the lightning and channelling its energy down her blade. With a powerful shout, she redirected the electrified strike back toward Raiden.
Raiden's eyes widened as the bolt of lightning struck him head-on. The surge of energy coursed through his body, causing his muscles to tense and his vision to blur. He fought against the overwhelming power, his determination unwavering. Slowly, he managed to dissipate the lightning, dispersing it harmlessly into the air.
As the crackling energy around him subsided, Raiden stood panting, his body trembling from the strain. Hela approached, her sword lowered, a look of genuine approval in her eyes.
"You're no pushover, lover boy but still not strong enough to face me" she remarked, a hint of admiration in her voice.
Raiden chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. "I told you, it's Raiden."
Hela sheathed her sword and extended a hand toward Raiden. "Well then, Raiden, you've earned the right to be called by your name."
Raiden grinned and accepted her hand, shaking it firmly. "Thank you, Hela. You're incredible."
Hela's lips curved into a genuine smile. "And you're an intriguing one, Raiden. I guess we can see if your worth that confidence"
As they walked back Hela disappeared appearing behind Raiden sword drawn and pointing at him.
"I could of ended the battle a lot earlier remember that lover boy" she whispered in the ear of the frozen Raiden before she continued to walk as if that didn't just happen.
(Time skip)
Raiden and Hela's training continued over the years, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. Raiden had transformed from a struggling newcomer into a formidable force, his control over his godly powers improving significantly. His lightning manipulation had become more precise and his combat skills had reached new heights.
In the open plains surrounded by ancient ruins and the rigid landscape that screamed it wants you dead, Raiden faced a new challenge - a pair of massive, snarling creatures with sharp fangs and claws. These monstrous beings were unlike anything he had encountered before ,maybe because they recently arrived through the one of many portals opened by a hero to dump that weeks monster, a true test of his growth. He held a staff of crackling energy, his chosen weapon for this battle.
With a burst of speed, Raiden leaped into action, his staff swirling above him ,with electricity as he struck with blinding precision. The creatures roared in agony as they felt the searing power of Raiden's attacks. He moved with a fluidity that spoke of his mastery, each swing of his staff calculated and controlled.
(He looks like the story cover but check here for update)
Within moments, the monsters lay defeated at his feet, their once menacing forms now lifeless. Raiden's chest heaved as he caught his breath, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. He had become a force to be reckoned with in his prison, a fact not lost on Hela who watched from a distance, a glint of pride in her eyes.
As Raiden approached her, the tension between them was palpable. They exchanged a knowing look, a shared understanding of their growth and the unspoken connection that had developed between them. Raiden's heart raced as he met Hela's gaze, his admiration for her mixing with a deeper emotion that he struggled to define.
"Nice work, Raiden but maybe try and use some magic i taught you a good balance is key to strength" Hela remarked, her tone casual but her eyes revealing a hint of something more.
"Thanks, Hela. Your guidance has been invaluable," Raiden replied, his voice tinged with gratitude but also sarcasm.
Hela's lips curved into a small smile. "You've come a long way since that first spar."
Raiden chuckled. "Yeah, well, I had a great teacher."
Their banter was light, but an electric tension lingered in the air, their words carrying a weight that neither of them fully acknowledged. Raiden's heart raced as he took a step closer, his eyes never leaving Hela's.
"You know," Hela began, her voice slightly softer, "I never thought I'd find someone who could keep up with me."
Raiden's pulse quickened. "Is that a challenge?"
Hela laughed, the sound like music to Raiden's ears. "Perhaps. But for now, let's just say you've earned my respect...again"
Raiden's smile widened, a warmth spreading through him. "And you've earned mine."
Their eyes locked, the unspoken tension between them growing stronger. Raiden's heart hammered in his chest as he fought to contain the emotions swirling within him. He had come a long way since their first meeting, and he couldn't deny the connection that had formed between them.
As the sky shifted to what he assumed night the final light began to disappear to the horizon ,Raiden and Hela stood in the fading light. Their journey together was far from over, and the challenges ahead were sure to test their limits. But for now, they found solace in each other's presence, a bond forged through trials and shared experiences. And as the stars emerged in the night sky, their destinies remained intertwined, two powerful gods just surviving in their prison but unknown to them their world was about to flip upside down.
Metaphorically and Figuratively.
Thank you for reading I noticed the want for more but I kept rewriting this and took me forever to get it right and gotta say I love Grammarly and sorry if you think it seems rushed but i have to move the story forward.
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