Valhalla Arena
Medical Wing
Below the Arena, far from where Humanity's fate is determined, lies another of the Arena's pride and joys: the esteemed Medical Wing. Manned by the greatest doctors Heaven has to offer, these hand-picked masters of their craft are capable of nearly impossible feats, at least for humans. Lost limbs, brain surgery and repair, memory recovery—nothing is beyond their scope. Within these illustrious marble-white halls rest the Fighters from the past five rounds. Among them is the victor of Round 1, sitting in his nearly crowded personal room. Dionysus, still bedridden with the remains of his left arm encased in a transparent sphere filled with lime-green fluid, slowly sees his arm growing within it while the rest of his wounds are tended to. The lower forearm, just above the wrist, is now complete.
To his right sat his brothers Ares and Hermes. His left was Apollo, now adorned in a pastel mint-green robe and gold sandals that complemented his strawberry-blond mullet. Next to Apollo sat a hulking demigod with bright blue eyes and spiky red hair. On his right shoulder and pectoral was a leather guard held in place by belts wrapping his torso. His sandals matched the dark brown leather of his guard, and he completed his outfit with a gold bangle on his left bicep, a lion-fur loincloth held up by a leather belt with a gold buckle, and intricate and curving red tattoos covering his right arm and chest. All five were watching a monitor at the opposite end of Dionysus' bed. "Incredible…" Ares said. "Who would have thought Prometheus would actually die? And to a human no less."
"Yes…" Hermes added. "Maybe it was karma finally paying him back."
"Maybe, but do you think he deserved to die in such a way?" The redhead asked.
Heracles
God of Justice, Strength, & Courage
(Greek Pantheon)
"Vlad's ascendence was a possibility. The fact that he did so mid-fight was truly odd. His ability to throw off his opponent's perception of time the way he did could only have worked if he reached such a state. What irony; dying to the race he tried to control by one who was transforming into the race he hated. Most of it happened before your time, but he did quite a number on things around here." Hermes answered. "Most of it was not him doing anything directly, but whenever things became difficult…Prometheus was not far. Especially, during our wars against the Titans and Giants."
"Exactly," Ares added, crossing his arms. "The only reason Lord Zeus didn't put an end to him was that Prometheus helped write the Valhalla Accords to keep the peace between the Gods. The non-violent pact and stability we have were possible thanks to him."
"True," Apollo chimed in. "But, it was more for him to stay out of harm's way than maintain order. I don't think the Old Man ever forgave him for that. Such an ugly situation."
"I see, then, and I made things worse when I freed him. I had no idea I did so much damage here…especially towards you, Dionysus." Heracles said.
The Heavens
Eons Ago
Hermes stood in front of a large circular table. Sitting around it were Hades, Poseidon, and a young Zeus, his rugged and muscular features not eaten away by time. Behind Hermes was a large, hard-light screen showing a picture of a large moon. "The remaining forces of the Titans have been sighted here, on this moon," Hermes reported. "Dionysus' forces do routine scouting in this area. They likely chose this place due to his perceived lack of combat experience. Ares reported his forces can be there within a few days to form a joint effort to eliminate Hyperion and his forces."
"Why not just send Dionysus' forces now? Seems like it would be a good opportunity for him to cut his teeth." Zeus said, his voice a deep bass matching his vitality.
"Normally, we would. Hyperion is not a great a threat as Kronos, but Prometheus is with him."
"His knowledge has been key to several victories, but that makes him more of a concern." Hades added. "He may be been feeding us bad information; many of the dead Titans were enemies of Prometheus before he joined us."
"I see your point." Zeus stroked his small tuft of a beard, the scar from his father's last blow still bright pink mixed in with it. "Hermes, contact Ares and have him head to support Dionysus. Gather a few garrisons and prepare them for me. I'm going, too." Zeus manically smiled.
"No." Poseidon chimed in.
"No!? Why?"
"You and Prometheus in the same area is enough of a problem." Poseidon looked over to Hermes. "You go in his stead." Hermes looked over to Zeus. He sighed and slumped in his chair.
"As you command, Lord Poseidon," Hermes said, bowing. He stood back up, touched a keypad on the table, turning off the monitor. He then walked out of the room. Days later, the tragedy unfolded that led to Dionysus' ordeal. What no one knew at the time was that Dionysus attacked Hyperion on his own…at the recommendation of Prometheus.
"I shouldn't have listened to him," Dionysus said, his head lowered. "I should have waited for you two."
"It's in the past, Dio. If anyone is in the wrong, it's me. I shouldn't have saved him from the rock." Heracles said. "I allowed the source of your pain to walk free."
"Heracles…" Ares said.
"No…it's like you said. It's in the past." Dionysus said, meeting Heracles' gaze. "We didn't know better. You…didn't know what he did. I…I didn't know what he was capable of doing." Dionysus struggled to, but he managed to smile. "We know better now, and that means we're better than we were."
"Exactly." Apollo chimed in. "You both are more beautiful now because of it, and now the source of pain is gone."
"The source, yes, but that doesn't mean things are better. True recovery takes time." Dionysus didn't intend for it, but an image of Hohenheim popped into his mind. Wonder what you'd say at a time like this? Hermes caught him mid-thought, but chose not to pester. He smiled a little and stood up.
"Well, personally, I think this room is getting crowded. I think I'll be going. I'll be back to check in from time to time, if you'd like." Hermes said.
"I would, thank you, Brother."
Ares and Apollo both stood up. Hermes glanced at them. "I need to go and help Týr prepare for his fight. He contacted me asking for a warm-up." Apollo said.
"I have some personal things to deal with. Nothing special," Ares added. Hermes shrugged, and the three walked out, leaving Heracles and Dionysus alone. The monitor they were all watching still buzzed with light and sound.
Dionysus remembered it as clear as day. His meeting with Prometheus.
"Why are we waiting? Hyperion and his forces are down to barely a brigade!" Prometheus said, standing in front of Dionysus. He stood just a few centimeters above the young God, but his presence made Dionysus feel minuscule.
"…We received our orders. With Ares and Hermes in the next day or so, it'll ensure we win and reduce potential deaths."
"Please…when have any of you cared about your soldiers dying? The truth is you're scared." Prometheus glared at him. "Scared that you'll screw this one up, too. It's why you're out here in the first place."
Dionysus stepped back a little but regained his bearing. "If I'm out here because of that, then why are you here?" Dionysus retorted.
"Don't make this about me. This is you we're talking about."
"And you. For all your airs, you still can't admit that no one trusts you. That's why you're here with me, on scouting patrols…where you have the least influence."
Prometheus glowered at him. He then exhaled and let his shoulders relax. "You're right. I hate this." Prometheus raised his hands and lightly slapped his sides. "I can't stand it, being out here and not helping. I took a gamble to side with you all…and honestly, it just didn't pan out how I hoped."
"Why did you?"
"Kronos was the worst kind of tyrant: stupid, violent, and insecure. He never heeded my advice, and so when Zeus declared war against him, I thought it natural to change sides. Kronos did not run things well, and I thought his children would do a better job. I didn't realize the apple didn't fall far from the tree."
"Dad's not like that."
"Isn't he? He's not fighting this war for Valhalla's stability; it's a petty war to put an end to his moronic father's legacy. He doesn't care about us. If he did, why would he put us here instead of where we're useful?" Dionysus remained silent. Prometheus' eyes lit up "I say 'screw him.'"
"Wha?"
"You and me. We'll take on Hyperion and prove Zeus and the others wrong for doubting us. What do you say?"
"You're insane. Hyperion's one of the strongest Titans. He's near Dad's level."
"But our combined strength will be more than enough then. What do you say?"
"Heracles," Dionysus spoke. "Am I weak?" The decision he made to work with Prometheus, to put it bluntly, blew up in his face. They attacked Hyperion's forces, but Prometheus vanished. He never figured out why, but without him there, Dionysus' forces were crushed, and he was imprisoned.
Heracles was a bit taken aback. "Not at all. I'd wager you're probably around my strength when you're at full steam."
"Then why did I listen to him? I could have said no, but I went along with it…and suffered because of it."
"That kind of strength, you mean." Heracles leaned back in his chair, looking up at the ceiling. "I don't know. I don't think I can answer that, but I know you can." Heracles held out his right fist. "And I'll be here with you until you can. All the way."
Dionysus smiled and met Heracles' right hand with his own. He reclined back into his bed, pondering over everything, now including Prometheus' death. Why am I still this way? Why…why am I sad Prometheus is dead? Does that mean I'm weak? Did I…want to be the one to kill him? Hohenheim appeared in his mind again. I wish you were here to help. This…really sucks without you.
Valhalla Arena
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Due to the extensive damage done to the arena from Round 6, the next match will be delayed by at least two hours and will be the last match of the day!" Heimdall yelled through Gjallarhorn as he floated above the audience. Many of them started feeling relief after Vlad departed the near-destroyed dome.
"That guy was nuts…" One human dressed in a business suit said to a Ming soldier sitting next to him. "I've only read about guys like him in history or storybooks…but seeing one of them in real life is just too much…"
"I've seen monsters like him on the battlefield. I've served under them, too. No one's ever safe." The soldier replied.
Behind the two, a small group of men and women quickly passed by, bumping into them as they exited the stands. They hurried through one of the entry halls and stopped just as they entered the plaza outside. "Father, we need to get out of here." One of the men said to the oldest one in the group. He wore a regal red blouse and white pants tucked into black boots, his black hair cut short. His father wore a matching uniform, but with medals adorned on his chest, his graying hair hung loose with a matching beard and moustache.
"I know, Mircea. I'm not familiar with this place enough, though. Does anyone have a map?"
Vlad II Dracul
Voivode of Romania
Father of Vlad III
"I do." Said a voice to Vlad's left. "Trying to find a way out?" Vlad turned to see the source. Ieyasu stood before him, surrounded by his Shitenno, save for Tadakatsu.
"Oh, thank you! Yes, we're just on our way to leave."
"Why? The next fight is going to be a good one! One of our own is fighting, and believe me, he will put on a show just like the one, maybe even more." Ieyasu said, smiling.
"…We'd rather not. I confess, we lost our stomach for such fights after the last round." Ieyasu eyed Vlad II and looked over the men and women behind him. All of them dressed in ornate clothing befitting nobility. All three men wore swords on their hips.
"For such fights? Must have lived a nice life if that makes your stomach churn. I've seen my fair share of atrocities on the battlefield, some I've caused…" Ieyasu pointed his thumb behind him to his entourage. "And some I've made them do. The next Fighter has done more than these three combined."
"How nice, can I have the map?" Vlad II asked, his patience starting to wane.
"Sure, if you can explain to me how such a man like Vlad Dracul Tepes came from someone like you." Vlad II's eyes widened.
"Excuse me? I have nothing to do with that monster." The two men behind Vlad II reached for their hips. A massive aura crushed them from above. Naomasa and Tadatsugu stood on each side of Ieyasu.
"You shitheads don't have a prayer if you some much as tighten your grip on those swords," Naomasa said, his face contorted by fury. "No one threatens Lord Tokugawa…"
"Easy, Naomasa. They just don't know better." Tadatsugu said, his face a near match for Naomasa's. "Right? If they knew who Lord Tokugawa was, they surely wouldn't be dumb enough to try something." The two, Mircea and Vlad IV, let go of their swords and stepped away from their father.
"How do you know he's my kin?" Vlad II asked.
"He's a spitting image of you, despite your gray hair. Sadly, that's all he got from you." The aura vanished, only for another to flood the room. "What he did is on your hands. …and the woman behind you is his mother, I imagine. Odd how the sons of cowards often turn out to be far more capable than their fathers."
"What the hell do you know!?" Vlad II asked, his fear and fury mingling in his voice. A powerful aura crashed down on him. Is this pressure his? It's not stronger than those two next to him, but it's…unbearable.
"My father gave me up as a hostage to build alliances. I understand why, but I will never forgive him. You…are no better. Vlad's introduction did you no favors, by the way. Unlike my father, I aided in ending a civil war and ushered in over 250 years of peace. I have my allies and friends to thank for that. It's a shame Vlad couldn't do the same. Not like he had a chance to make such close connections…it's hard to find allies and even harder to trust people, especially when your blood turns against you. Makes one wonder if he was meant to be a monster, or you turned him into one." Ieyasu nodded his head and proceeded to walk past Vlad. "I'm done talking to you. Take the map and go." Ieyasu pulled a small piece of paper out of his hakama and dropped it on the ground as he walked. Naomasa, Tadatsugu, and Yasumasa followed right behind him. All three beamed with pride, watching the man they served return to form. Vlad II picked up the map. Solemnly, he opened it and found the direction he needed to go. Without uttering a word, he and his family made their way opposite Ieyasu and the Shitenno, departing the arena.
Upper Levels of Valhalla Arena
Private Quarters of the Chief Gods
"Vlad, we're not supposed to be in this place. Why the hell are we here?" Geirölul asked. The two stood at the center of a large circular room.
"I made two promises before the fight started. I kept one, and I need to keep the other," Vlad answered. "He should be here shortly." Despite his victory and bravado earlier, Vlad stood only through sheer force of will. His body ached from head to toe; burns, bruises, burnt hair, a missing arm, and dented armor made the former Voivode look like a broken man, save for his eyes. Geirölul could see it now, too. The clarity they now held.
"Vlad, before whatever this is happens, I need to say something." Vlad turned to her; his expression softened. "I… didn't know everything you went through before we met. I'm not here to pity you, but I want you to know that no matter what comes next, you did something no one thought possible. You knocked a schmuck right off his high horse and showed those asshole Gods that Humanity is far stronger than they would ever admit. You got an entire arena of humans and Gods shitting bricks!" Geirölul laughed, then sighed. "You're not a good man, Vlad, but enough of that 'unnecessary' bull crap. Everyone has value, even you. You just don't know where or how."
Vlad could not stop the small smile from forming. "Maybe… maybe…" Vlad reached out his hand, and she took it. He squeezed it gently and then let it go. "Whether that chance comes or not depends on what he wants." The aura slammed down on the two, their feet nearly giving way. Then another, and another. Three heavy, overwhelming auras marked their arrival before they entered the room. Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades marched in, the latter two carrying their trident and bident, respectively. The three fanned out slowly: Hades to Vlad's right, Poseidon to his left, and Zeus right in front. Zeus swelled up to his muscular form. Vlad stepped away from Geirölul. "I am here to keep my promise."
"Are you?" Zeus said. "You don't look to be in top form. Why don't you rest a bit and then come back?" His fists began to crack as he clenched them.
"They won't let me." He looked to his right and left. "I'm afraid this is how you get me." Hades and Poseidon did not make a move.
"You can't be serious."
"I am." Vlad took a moment to observe the inner light of their souls. All three shined, but Hades' glow was softer than his brothers'. "I fulfilled my duties to the Valkyries and Humanity. It is time for me to go."
"Wait, what!?" Geirölul shouted.
"So that's how it is…" Zeus cracked his knuckles while tilting his head side-to-side, his neck popping with each motion. "Can't say this is how I wanted things to go."
"Me neither, but I don't believe I have much of a say in the matter."
Geirölul stood in front of Vlad, staring down at Zeus. "Both of you are out of your damn minds!" she shouted. "You want to kill a near-dead man who cannot fight back and you…" Geirölul turned her head to eye Vlad. "…want to die that badly? Neither of you wants this. You both admitted this, so why bother?"
"It's not that simple anymore," Hades added. "Vlad is turning into a God. You can act like that's not a concern, but we cannot allow another problem to replace an old one… that is our responsibility as Gods."
"But he's not even that dangerous anymore—"
"Quit wasting our time, Valkyrie," Poseidon ordered. "A rampaging monster is no better than one that hides." Poseidon stepped towards Geirölul, his trident ready. His aura began to flood the room. Geirölul crumbled to the ground.
Holy shit… I… can't move… I can't breathe…. Geirölul could not fight back. The sheer force of the Sea God's aura crushed her. The floor below her began to crack. Is this… what the bottom of the sea feels like? Her mind instinctively pictured it: the deep seafloor, light barely touching it. Her body was located on top of a rock formation as air bubbles flowed out of her mouth and nose. It's… too much…
"Brother." Hades chimed in. "You can relax now. You made your point…" Poseidon's aura vanished, and he stepped back. Geirölul coughed as air finally flowed back into her lungs. "…and gave him an opening." Geirölul looked up and saw him. Zeus' upper body twisted, nearly contorting to the right. He snapped it back, firing his fist straight at Vlad. His arm soared above Geirölul. She didn't see the impact, but she felt Vlad's body fly away. She managed to turn around and see the aftermath. Vlad's lifeless body sprawled on the ground. She screamed in horror and fury, her cry echoing throughout the room. Zeus pulled his arm back and stepped away. Geirölul struggled back to her feet, looking up and glaring at him.
"Damn you…" Geirölul gasped out. Zeus raised both hands in the air, pointing his index fingers at the ceiling.
"Whooo! Another brought down by the G.F.O.C!" Zeus hollered in pure joy. He continued chanting G.F.O.C. as he jumped around.
"Brag all you want! Of course, the 'G.F.O.C.' would fight an opponent he can't lose against!" Zeus immediately stopped laughing and stood completely still. He turned and locked eyes with Geirölul.
"Do not misunderstand me." His eyes widened, and his smile grew, contorting his face. "I want nothing more than brutal, violent, unrefined, and destructive battle. I don't care whether I live or die. I want my blood to race, bones to break, sweat to pour, skin to tear from my body…" He walked over to her and leaned down to her eye level. " Life has no meaning to me if it isn't won." Geirölul could not move. Every instinct in her body screamed for her to stay completely still. Was he going to kill her, too? Did she go too far? He leaned back up, exhaled, and shrank back down to his emaciated form. "That's how I live. Life means nothing without strength. The strength of body, mind, will, all of it. Without strength, you're at the mercy of everyone else. And mercy is only ever a virtue of the strong. You know that, don't you, human?"
Geirölul heard moaning and grumbling behind her. She looked behind her, seeing Vlad slowly sit up. He was rubbing his forehead, where a new, large red welt started to grow. "Holy shit…"
"You earned the right to live today. Prometheus was amongst the strongest in Heaven. If there was ever a human who earned the chance to live, it's you." Zeus turned around and started to walk. "I won our little scuffle. And all it took to knock you down…" Zeus raised his arm, pointing one finger straight at the ceiling. "Was this. Don't waste my time showing up here near-dead again." Zeus continued his walk and left the room. Hades and Poseidon exchanged glances. Poseidon walked away without uttering a word and left the same way as Zeus.
"Forgive them. The two of them move to the beat of their own drums," Hades said, smiling softly. He walked over to a column and gently leaned his bident on it. He turned and walked slowly over to Geirölul, who was helping Vlad back to his feet. "The two of them would never say thank you. I'm not one for it myself, but I'm not ungrateful. Quite a few times, the disorder in Heaven could be traced back to Prometheus, both when he was free and imprisoned. With him gone, I think things may calm down… for a minute. However, there's still the issue of you we need to contend with."
"Me?" Vlad asked, struggling to stand under his power.
"Yes. You don't know this, but the fact that you achieved this level of enlightenment means you are now ascending to Godhood. Many Gods of human origin came from this path, but few started it like you. It most likely will be a harrowing journey for you, but when you finish the journey, come find me. Helheim needs gods like you to keep that place in order."
"Wait. What about returning to Tartarus?"
"Hm?"
"I must return. The stipulations state I was only supposed to fight. After that, I was to return."
"You did. I also remember the reward for the winner was freedom. You won; you're free."
"But—"
"I would object to it, of course. Yet, you're not the same person who came down to Helheim all those years ago. I wouldn't say… better. More… complete. Take that to mean what you will, but I have no intention of sending you there." He reached out his left hand. "I think you should use what time Humanity may have left to stay up here, especially now that you have comrades to watch the fights with." Vlad met his gaze. Vlad could see it, the simple light of his soul. It was soft and warm but strong. It shone grander than many of the ones he had seen throughout his life. Only Geirölul's and the ones Vlad could sense down below in the Einherjar barracks glowed the same way.
Vlad reached out his remaining hand and grasped Hades'. "I'll follow your advice. Take care…"
"Hades," Geirölul whispered.
"Lord Hades," Hades smiled. He took a glance at Geirölul.
"Just Hades. I do recommend going to the Medical Wing first. Now that you have comrades worth fighting for, you need to prioritize their health above your own." He walked away from the two, collected his bident, and departed. Vlad and Geirölul stood alone again. Geirölul's posture slacked, and she let out a groan.
"Man… this day's been too much," she said.
"I guess so," Vlad said, looking towards where Hades had been. "Geir…"
"What is it?" she asked, taken slightly aback.
"What they said about me changing. Is it true? Is this what I was supposed to be from the start?"
"I don't have a clue."
"This… is all unfamiliar to me. I don't know what's going to happen from here on."
"Then why did you set this whole thing up?"
"What?" Geirölul rested her right hand on Vlad's shoulder, meeting his eyes.
"When we were fighting Prometheus, you cut off your arm, right?"
"I did. Why?"
"You wanted everyone to think it was part of a ploy to trap him, but I know you did it so Zeus wouldn't want to fight you… yet. You didn't need to sacrifice your arm for the trap to work." Her eyes tore right through him. Past his trickery, his near-madness. He still could not hide anything from her.
"…The ploy, to the audience, was meant to look like I was crazy and vile enough to harm myself if it meant winning."
"Sure, but you did it so you could live afterward." Her gaze softened. "Vlad… you're not defective. There is nothing wrong with wanting to live. Wanting to live despite what you see yourself as is human. Honestly, we struggle with it every day." Vlad raised his right eyebrow. "We Valkyries made a vow to aid Humanity since the beginning. The fact that Humanity is in trouble now… well, a part of it kind of lands in our laps, too. We only guided souls to the afterlife, but we could have done more than just our jobs. Hilde sees it that way, which is why she's fighting so damn hard for you and everyone to get that second chance. It's why all of us will fight alongside you. To right our mistakes, and to support Humanity's will to live." Her light continued to shine but began to change. It glowed softer, warmer, and began to glow in a multitude of colors. Vlad could not make sense of it and would not for a long time. He could not understand the emotions welling within him, but he knew he wanted to cry. He held it in but did not want to lose the emotions he now had.
"You're too kind, Geir…"
Geirölul stepped back, smiling widely. "Damn right, I am! Now, enough of this mushy stuff. We need to get treated."
"Yes, but I need something from you." The two started walking towards the opposite entrance of the room.
"Please tell me it's not another thing like this… I'm beat."
"No." Vlad chuckled. "This journey is a mystery, and I don't know what's awaiting me. I'm… worried I may not come out of it the way I need to."
"What do you want from me then?"
"Will you continue on this path with me and help me become better?" Geirölul closed her eyes and sighed.
"Geez, hard to say 'no' to that." Vlad and Geirölul shared a smile and made their way, which would become a long but worthwhile journey for the two.
Valhalla Arena
Game Room
Not too far away from Vlad's venture in the Chief God's Private Quarters, Set and Brünhilde were once again in the Game Room. The room's interior had not changed, but Zeus' absence made the room feel spacious for the two. "Thank you for meeting with me again, Brünhilde," Set said.
"Spare the pleasantries. Why'd you ask me to come? Planning to kill me?" Brünhilde asked, crossing her arms.
"You mistake me for Prometheus. I am here to win, not kill you."
"About that. Something is bothering me, and I think only you and your vast wisdom can give me the answers I need."
"Snark: a lesser's replacement for intelligence and wit. It suits you, but go on."
"Whatever makes you feel better. Here's what's bothering me. Prometheus was originally in the Circles, yet you got him freed for Round 6. From how Zeus reacted, it wasn't run by him."
"You are right. It was not. When I said Zeus gave me full authority, I meant it. Not my fault he did not think to ensure limitations existed. Anyone I needed for the Roster was at my disposal, save for a few exceptions he named personally. Even Yama is perfectly willing to give me access to the Circles if it means Humanity is destroyed."
"I see," Brünhilde said. Shit…even Yama wants this? He never struck as someone who gave a damn about Humanity. She thought. "So you sent out one of Zeus' worst enemies, promising him freedom?"
"I did. It was a gamble, but it paid off."
"Wait." Brünhilde's eyes shifted to the side and back to Set. "What?"
"I have to hand it to you. Picking Vlad III was not what I would have done. However, once I saw the Roster, I knew a once-in-creation-opportunity finally arisen. A human warrior capable of putting down that treacherous bastard and the perfect loophole-filled situation like Ragnarök?" Set started softly clapping. "I could not have asked for a better ending to Round Six."
"The hell do you mean!?"
"Like I said earlier, you lack intelligence and wit. Prometheus was an element I needed to remove. Someone like him, even imprisoned, is dangerous. You gave me the grounds and the executioner, and now he is gone. Zeus will be upset he did not get to do it, since Prometheus being alive gave him false hope of a rematch. However, I do not care. He tried to turn Humanity against the Heavens…" Set's aura erupted from his body. "and deserved his fate." Brünhilde pushed back against Set's aura.
"Well, I'm glad we could be of assistance. Especially since your little revenge plot helped us tie the score again."
"Trade-offs. Besides, it is the last win your side will get anyway, though I will give credit where credit is due. Baldr and Futsunushi were strong and proved why they were on the Roster. Prometheus, despite his undeserved and karmic hubris, was once an equal to Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. Your Roster continues to prove itself, but do not forget. Marduk is next, and he is leagues above the others. Round Seven is already ours."
Arrogant prick. Brünhilde thought. "If all you wanted me here for was bluster, I'm leaving."
"Hold on. I asked you here because we need to decide which contest we both want for the next round."
"Why didn't you say that earlier?" Brünhilde asked, irritated.
"If you bothered to show proper decorum, that little digression would not have happened."
"Don't patronize me-" Brünhilde raised her hands, lowered her head, and closed her eyes. "Forget it. Let's move on. I intend to choose Wrestling."
"Good. I plan to choose Workshop."
Shit. Does he know what I have planned for that one? Brünhilde thought. "Alright then. We're good to go then."
"So it seems."
"See you around, Set. Never a pleasure."
"Right back at you."
Brünhilde turned to walk away. Proceeding out of the room, she stopped just at the threshold; a thought popped into her head. "One last question."
"I am an open book." Brünhilde turned back around to face her rival, doing her best to hide her concern.
"How much of this have you planned? Everything so far seems to be too scripted for what a supposed God of Chaos would do."
"What would a God of Chaos do, Brünhilde? Throw caution to the wind and blow everything up? Fly by the seat of his pants? Just what do you all expect of me?"
"Pure mania and frenzy, honestly."
"Chaos is not just destruction. It is growth, potential, flexibility, and above all, creation. There is no existence without chaos. Small-minded beings like you and Humanity look at chaos like it were nothing but anarchy. I can plan all I want; I am just not constrained to an established idea. A true God of Chaos makes the most of opportunities and can adapt to any situation."
She nodded and left. Brünhilde sighed. Well, that was a waste of time. She thought. She knew that was likely the best she would get from him. It did not answer her real questions, but it would have to do.
Set sat alone in the room, staring up at the ceiling. He could feel the second voice starting to stir within the silence. "You are awake now," Set said. He removed his helmet and placed it on the table facing him.
Prometheus is gone. Not exactly the perfect run so far, but his death was a bonus. It said, it's rage and mania subdued.
"Indeed. Never knew such a wise being who made so many stupid choices."
Except for us.
"…Yes. Except for us. How many have we made now?"
Too many, but carry on we must. Set stared back at the helmet, squinting his eyes.
"You're oddly calm."
I am, for now. I just…hate how things have gone.
"I do too. The score is tied again, but like you said, we must carry on regardless of how we feel."
Yes, but we must make time. We must allow ourselves to mourn. There's nothing wrong with admitting that losing Baldr and Futsunushi hurt more than you're willing to say. Prometheus dying doesn't take away the sting.
"Why would that bother me?"
Those two were just like some of your students from back then. Nothing wrong with admitting you miss them.
Set looked back up to the ceiling and closed his eyes. Voices from the past played in his ears. Some happy, some sad. Some are even furious. The cacophony stirred his heart, and he sulked into the chair. "I am…just that miserable, eh? And…maybe a little too petty for my good."
Valhalla Arena
Aegir Hall
Among the many wonders within Valhalla Arena, few rival the Aegir Hall. It is a beautiful marble room with large ornate windows and several pools of crystal-clear water, each filled by a waterfall flowing from the ceiling above. The walls and the floor of the pools are lined with various depictions of the Sea Jotunn Aegir, the largest donor for the room's construction. There are paintings, statues, vases, and sculptures of all shapes and sizes. Nothing in the room fails to remind you of him. The room's greatest feature, however, is the central dining area. Surrounded by a meter-tall round stone edifice, four entrances provide access to the area. All four stone walls are adorned with various carvings of Aegir, his wife Ran, and their children. The room, however, is empty save for three items. In the central dining area, three large leather chairs sit. In one chair, across from the other two, sits Marduk. In the other two chairs are Tadakatsu Honda and a young woman with auburn hair. She wears a double-ended golden spear hairpin on the back of her head, held in place by her hair. Her white and black classical dress is adorned with golden plates on both sides of her waist, a turquoise pendant, and black and white high-heeled boots with metal shin guards. Her soft green eyes stare directly into Marduk's.
Randgriz
(4th Sister of the Valkyries)
"Thank you both for accepting my invitation," Marduk said, smiling.
"Just because we're about to fight doesn't excuse bad manners," Tadakatsu replied, returning the smile.
"Glad to hear. I wouldn't be surprised if you declined or didn't even respond. The tension around this tournament is… rather high."
"The fate of humanity depends on whether we win or lose. I don't think it can get more tense than that."
Marduk chuckled a little. "Yeah, that's fair."
"So why did you ask us to meet?" Randgriz asked.
"I have a difficult question to ask. Both hard to ask and probably hard to answer. For what it's worth, I don't intend to fight you here and now."
"Well, that's a relief!" Tadakatsu said, chuckling a little.
Marduk smiled. "Tadakatsu Honda, you were chosen to fight in Round Seven, specifically for Storytelling: Heroes. I'm sure you read and understand the rules."
"I did…" Tadakatsu looked over at Randgriz. She met his gaze and smiled lightly. Tadakatsu began to sweat a little. "After being reminded that it would be a good idea."
"Still the Soft-Steel Maiden, as always, Randgriz? You're lucky, Tadakatsu. Among the Valkyries, Geirölul and Randgriz are Brünhilde's most trusted confidantes. The fact you're teamed with her speaks volumes about how much faith they have in you."
"Guess I need to live up to people's expectations then," Tadakatsu said, exuding confidence.
"Yes, which is why I need to know more about you."
"Okay. So what's this big question?"
"Tadakatsu Honda, what does being a hero mean to you?"