"Huh?" Tadakatsu said.
"I said, what does being a hero mean to you?" Marduk repeated.
"You mean, 'what does it mean for me being seen as a hero, or what makes a hero to me?'"
"I…" He sat there for a moment. He turned his head side-to-side slightly, his eyes darting around. "…Let's go with the latter."
Tadakatsu inhaled deeply, then exhaled slowly. "I don't know."
Marduk raised his right eyebrow. "You don't know? How do you not know?"
"I honestly never put a lot of thought into it. I'm a rather simple man, to be honest. What makes a hero…I don't even know if my general idea would stay the same over time."
"Was there ever anyone you admired? Someone whom you wanted to emulate?" Tadakatsu sat, diving deep into his thoughts and memories.
"Lord Marduk, what is a hero to you?" Randgriz asked. "It may shed some light on this while he thinks."
"Wonderful idea." Marduk shuffled in his seat and sat straight up. "A hero to me is someone who seeks the good of others and acts genuinely to make such a thing possible. They don't have to be perfect. Rather, it's the attempt and intent that define someone." His brow furrowed. "There are many here in Heaven deemed 'heroes', but all they do is fight monsters or wars, wear the title like a medal to brag about, or are just arrogant fools who like to throw their weight around. Many Gods admire or envy them, but they don't try to build others up or lead." He looked down to his right. "They pat themselves on the back whenever any good happens because of their actions, intended or not."
"I can tell it frustrates you." She spoke. "It's difficult to try and be a positive example when the alternative outnumbers and holds influence."
"It is. I remember times when the Gods took their roles seriously. They didn't just sit around and marvel at themselves. I remember helping lay the foundation of Creation. A foundation that required constant maintenance and care. When we made Humanity, it remained our responsibility to raise them and help them get their feet under them. Once done, we could only hope they would one day not just be our children but our peers. It's something every parent should want for their kids."
"If that's how you feel about it, then why do you stand against Humanity? It seems counterintuitive for someone who holds your views to seek its destruction." Tadakatsu looked over to Randgriz and then to Marduk. Marduk's expression shifted. His stare became cold. Tadakatsu could feel the air drop a few degrees. If it affected Randgriz, she did not show it. Her gaze did not shift or waver.
"Humanity took the life of a dear friend of mine long ago. Honestly, he kind of deserved it." Marduk lowered his head into his right hand, massaging his forehead with his index finger and thumb. "He acted out of a misplaced sense of accountability and sought to destroy them as a form of self-punishment. He, just like me, was one of the creators of Humanity."
"The Winchester Incident." Marduk's brow raised. He leaned up and looked at the two.
"You know of it."
"I don't. What is it?" Tadakatsu asked. Randgriz and Marduk looked at Tadakatsu and each other. Marduk gestured his left hand, palm-up, to her in approval.
"Over 1,000 years ago, the God's Council held the vote on whether or not to exterminate Humanity. The vote at the time was fifty-three percent against. However, one God refused to accept it. He believed Humanity needed to be destroyed regardless of the outcome."
"He did so under the belief that if allowed to continue, Humanity would continue to grow in depravity and eventually self-destruct. If that happened, he believed they would do so on such a scale that it would do irreparable damage to Creation." Marduk added.
"Indeed. The council at the time did not heed his words and, thanks to the words of Gods like Heracles and Buddha, they left Humanity alone."
"So what did he do then? Go on a killing spree or something?" Tadakatsu asked. Both Randgriz and Marduk stared at him with blank looks, saying nothing. Tadakatsu leaned back in the chair. "You can't be serious. He did?"
"Tried to, but he was stopped. The army he built was stopped by the Heavenly Choirs, led by the Archangel Michael and the other Sancti; the seven most powerful Archangels in Heaven." She turned to Tadakatsu. "You almost saw one of them had Gabriel not left."
"It was later found out that Prometheus passed on the information to the Choirs. Taking matters into their own hands, they met this Human-eradicating army and allied themselves with the first human group that stood a chance of fighting back."
"To prevent the massive amount of bloodshed that would occur, Michael demanded an unofficial Ragnarök in the land of Winchester."
"And they won, right? Humanity is still here."
"It was a draw," Marduk answered. "The final match was interrupted by Zeus and the arrival of his forces. The leader of this army, my friend, was supposed to fight. Before anything else could happen, the Human fighter…stabbed him through the back, killing him."
The room went quiet, save for the sound of the falls and bubbling pools. The weight of the story sat on Tadakatsu's mind. Why would someone go that far? Only someone who felt such a painful burden could not be carried by others, perhaps. Marduk and Randgriz also refrained from saying this God's name. Why? "What happened after?" Tadakatsu asked.
"The God killed was a Chief God. While what my friend did was not sanctioned, the crime of a Chief God's murder cannot go unpunished, regardless of the circumstances. In return for the safety of his people and the Angels, the murderer was imprisoned within Helheim. He shall remain there until Humanity's end. Alongside that, due to the actions of the Choirs, the voting rights of everyone not a God of divine birth were revoked. Which brings us to the here and now."
"So it's revenge," Tadakatsu said bluntly.
Marduk grew a slight grin. "Cutting to the bone. Maybe…maybe it isn't. I don't think what my friend did was right. I don't think he was wrong, either."
"So you think Humanity is one step away from disaster, and you're just trying to minimize the damage?" Tadakatsu tensed.
"In a sense. I do not hold Humanity to a lesser degree than I do the Gods, but I can manage them to some extent. Sadly, Humanity has grown too big, too dangerous, and too uncontrollable." Marduk leaned forward. "I've put down the living embodiment of chaos. The chaos of Humanity is nothing compared to her."
"I see…" Tadakatsu slapped his hands on his knees. He leaned forward and slowly stood up out of the chair. "Well then…I guess I have answers to your question."
"Let's hear it."
"First, is my hero. He's the kind of man who thinks too big and too much. Cares too much, honestly. However, he never did anything without considering all of us. His peers sought conquest; he sought peace. Our country was ravaged by war for centuries. Glorious, loud, and exhilarating war." Tadakatsu smiled, lighting up the room, "I loved every minute of it!" His smile faded, and his gaze became soft and pensive. "He hated it. Hated it more than anything. He wanted not only something to be here after he passed, but something in the now for his loved ones. You know what he did?"
"Couldn't tell you."
"Charged onto battlefields, raging like a seasoned warrior. The man was too ill-equipped for it, so we had to save him constantly. Yet…his gaze was on a sight beyond the horizon. None of us even bothered to see or dream of it. Because of him and others, our land found peace, and I…" He grew a soft smile. "…got to die an old man, instead of as a war hero on the battlefield."
"You…sound almost disappointed."
"I was! Still am," Tadakatsu turned to Randgriz. "But…I respected that man and his dreams enough to put my desires aside. You see, my hero was not the strongest or greatest warrior but a man I knew, from the pit of my soul, could accomplish something I never could."
Marduk smiled, and his eyes gained a soft shine. "He sounds like a wonderful man."
"He is. Randgriz' sister is very much the same. It's why, for the first time in both of my lives, I went against my hero's wishes for me and decided it was time I was selfish. And now…" Tadakatsu released a massive aura from his body. The floor shook underneath him. The water in the surrounding pools flowed away from him and spilled onto the floor. "…We will wear the mantle of Hero and crush you. Like the ones from a millennium ago, the twelve who fought before me today, and the twelve who will fight tomorrow. We will walk out onto that arena and fight you with everything we have."
Randgriz stood up and stepped right up to his right side. "Without a doubt."
Marduk stood up. He stood a few centimeters shorter than Tadakatsu, but his presence matched his human opponent. "Well said, Honda Tadakatsu. Be the hero Humanity needs. One that could only be born from them and their ways. May our upcoming fight be every bit of thrilling as the ones you used to have." Marduk bowed slightly and departed. Randgriz turned to Tadakatsu.
"He's going to come at us with everything he has. I do not doubt that." She spoke.
"How dangerous is this guy?"
"Remember when he said he put down the living embodiment of chaos?"
"Yeah, why?"
"His clothing, from his boots to his gloves and even that necklace, is made from her skin and bones."
"So he wasn't exaggerating? He actually beat chaos?" Tadakatsu asked, his eyes widening.
"Yes, and his strongest weapon is the same. We have our work cut out for us."
"So does he." He walked past her towards one of the openings in the stone wall. "Let's get ready, Randgriz. It's time he sees what kind of hero Humanity has in store."
Yama sat in the box alone, staring down at the ongoing construction. The still-standing remains of the space-distorting dome were held up by several metallic beams, while several gods and machines bustled around the site.
At the speed they're going, they'll finish up in an hour or so. That gives me enough time. Yama thought. Standing up, he rolled his shoulders and then twisted his back. Popping and cracking sounds could be heard under his armor. I'm getting too old for this. The box entrance opened behind him. Yama turned and saw Zeus walking back in, his arms holding up a small mountain of snacks. Poseidon and Hades walked in behind him, both carrying their small mountains of morsels. Yama fought back a small chuckle at the spectacle. Speak of the devil.
"Yama, you're still here. Thought you would've taken the chance to resupply." Zeus said. The three walked back to their seats, laying their new mountain range of snacks down in preparation for the next match.
"I needed some time to collect some information. Our VIP is currently absent, so I took the opportunity to do more work." Yama sat back down, relieved he would not need to seek out his employers.
"What do you have?" Yama pulled out a smile packet of papers and placed it gently in front of Zeus.
"It's as you three surmised. Set, or whoever he is, does not communicate with anyone in the Egyptian Pantheon. Not even his wife, Nephthys. Furthermore, we still do not have any conclusive evidence of who 'Set' might be."
"Any theories you may have?" Hades asked. Yama shook his head.
"None that hold any weight. My connections in the Egyptian Pantheon stated Ra-Horakhty is fuming from this perceived betrayal by Set, despite their bad blood. Anubis and a few others are keeping him at bay for the moment. My concern is whether or not he'll come barreling in trying to find 'Set' and kill him before we find out who he is, and what he's planning."
"Are we to take that as proof of Set's identity?"
"Not at all," Poseidon interjected. The three stared at him. "Ra-Horakhty is the type to use any excuse to throw his weight around. Set's real identity is irrelevant to him. He's angry at the fact that someone calling themselves an Egyptian God does not cater to him."
"Sounds like him," Zeus said. "Anything else to report?"
"'Set' is far more organized and connected than we're giving him credit for. His attempts to hide his identity aside, his interactions with all the Fighters so far are…odd." All three turn to Yama. "He showed a distinct level of care and respect towards Futsunushi, Nuada, and Indra. To Dionysus and Baldr, he seemed more irritated but motivating, but his interactions with Gabriel and Prometheus piqued my interest."
"Go on," Zeus said as he grabbed a large packet of fruit snacks.
"During his recruitment efforts, 'Set' showed an immense glee, yet bitterness towards Gabriel and Prometheus."
"Set was amongst the Extermination Army a millennium ago. Not surprised he'd have it out for one of the Angels who stopped him and the God who tattled on them."
"Not including the fact that Set likely held some inferiority towards Ra," Hades added. "He succeeded to a point in his efforts several millennia ago. It could just be his ego." Yama removed his helmet, revealing short, spiky hair with a close shave on the temples.
"I would like to believe that, but I saw their interactions first-hand…and it felt uncomfortably personal. I don't know Gabriel or Prometheus' past with the 'Set' we know, but he had it out for them."
"Had it out for them? He wanted them to lose?"
"As much as I hate to say it, yes. I believe his efforts to win Ragnarök are genuine, but I am certain he's using this tournament to circumvent the Valhalla Accords and Constitution to get rid of the Gods and Humans he has a vendetta against."
Zeus leaned over to Hades, whispering something. Yama did not try to listen in. He knew better than to try. Zeus leaned away and turned back to Yama. "Continue to monitor Set. Use every resource at your disposal, and if you need our assistance, let us know." Zeus said. Yama stood up and bowed.
"Understood. With that said, I need to return to my duties. Enjoy Round Seven, gentlemen." Yama turned and walked towards the back of the box and left through the entrance.
"He's rather motivated at his work."
"He has to be. Otherwise, he'll end up back in the Circles rather than just watching over them." Hades said. "Now with that out of the way, I think it's time we get comfortable. Marduk is up next."
"Ugh…that guy's a pain," Zeus said.
"Still holding grudges, little brother?" Hades said, smiling.
"How can I not? He had the gall to challenge all three of us at once. Still ache now and then from that week."
"Won't deny you there. While his self-righteousness was annoying, there was no doubt about his strength."
"He believed in himself and his convictions enough. That alone made him worthy of challenging us." Poseidon added. "That said, such faith may be his downfall today as it was then."
"Hey! What's a girl got to do to get some damn help in this place!?" Geirölul shouted into the patient's room. Her sisters were sitting around an ornate table drinking tea when she burst in, knocking Hlökk and Reginleif out of their chairs with her sheer presence. Göndul continued sipping her tea despite the new turmoil.
"Hello, Geir. Did no one stop you two when you entered?" Göndul asked while her sisters got up.
"Hell no, they didn't! The wing's been empty ever since we entered!"
"It may have something to do with the man behind you," Göndul said. Geirölul looked behind her, confirming Vlad's presence. "However, that's incredibly unprofessional of them. We will see that he gets checked in. Hlökk, please call them."
"On it," Hlökk said.
"Appreciate the help. You'd think Heaven's greatest doctors would be a bit braver."
"I doubt they've met anyone quite like Vlad," Johannes added from his bed. He and Samson were both wearing medical gowns and were covered in bandages and gauze. "Speaking of which, why is he standing out there?"
"You're better off coming in here and taking a load off while you wait," Samson said. "I doubt you're doing yourself any favors staying on your feet after that fight." Vlad blinked a few times and shifted his gaze side-to-side. Geirölul saw what was going on.
"Vlad, get in here. We've been standing too long, and I need a break," Geirölul said, smiling.
"…Of course," he said, stilted. The two walked in, with Geirölul walking over to the table in front of Samson and Johannes' beds. She sat down next to Göndul and sighed, her body relaxing. Reginleif poured a cup of tea and set it in front of her. Hlökk floated over to a metal plate on the wall with two buttons below a speaker.
"Hey," she said mockingly. "We have some injured people in our room! Can you please send someone down here to check them in? Or are you all too scared to do your jobs?" Johannes gestured to Vlad to sit in a chair between his and Samson's beds. Vlad walked slowly over and sat down between them.
"They get noisy whenever one of their sisters makes it back," Johannes said. "Hope you can tolerate the noise, Vlad."
"They're not so bad," Samson said. "Beats the alternative, if you ask me."
"I… agree, and I think I can manage," Vlad said. He looked over at Geirölul, talking with her sisters.
"Vlad."
"Hmm?"
"You did well out there. Thank you for winning and getting back. Those three won't admit it, but they were scared out of their minds for Geirölul." Vlad did not meet his eyes.
"I… was just doing what was asked of me."
"We all are," Johannes chimed in. "That means we've got to root for each other even more."
"I…" Vlad grew a small smile and chuckled. "…I guess you're right." How odd it was to him. It was only a few hours ago that he was in Helheim. How did all of this happen? How did he go from a cell to this room? How did so much irreparably change in such a small period of time? Was it all just a fever dream? Was he really back there, and all this just too good to be true? Comrades. Genuine brothers-and-sisters-in-arms fighting for a united cause. It did not seem real. He wanted it so badly to be true, and the idea of the alternative terrified him. Lost in his thoughts, a slight shot of pain to the right side of his head brought him back. He looked to his right and saw Samson's hand stretched out to him. The large man smiled after flicking him.
"Time to get out of your head, Brother. The next match will start soon, and you won't want to miss it," Samson said.
Vlad looked at the large monitor opposite the room. The door opened, and a few doctors and nurses poured in. Following them was a bed that matched the other two. The team staged it to Johannes' left. They ushered Vlad to the restroom, and one walked in with him with a gown. How they did it so quickly and without irritating his wounds, he would never know. They got him back in the main room and laid him down. A large crystalline sphere was connected to his arm's stump while the other doctors tended to his burns and bruises.
Life can be too good to be true sometimes. However, sometimes, things just work out.
We just arrived in Helheim. TR and YSS are with us now. CL and UL will meet us enroute to Tartarus. Myrddin typed away on his tablet. Will let you two know if something changes. He did a quick review of his message and pushed the 'Send' button before stowing the tablet in his cloak's inner pocket. The air around him smelled ever so slightly of sulfur, the pitch-black sky above him stretched out in all directions without a single shred of life within the darkness. He could see it in the distance; embedded into one of Helheim's largest mountains was the infamous prison Tartarus. "Gentlemen, time we continue." He said, turning around. Theodore and Yim were sitting on some rocks a few meters from him. Further away was Gabriel, his head constantly shifting and turning as if following something.
"Any updates from Buddha?" Theodore asked.
"Vlad won Round Six. Score's tied 3-3 going into the last round of Storytelling."
"Who do we have fighting for our side?" Yim asked.
"A samurai from Japan's Warring States Era. He's one of the ones Brünhilde sought out rather than recruit from our numbers."
"You don't sound confident in him."
"Quite the opposite. He's almost too strong."
"And why's the bad thing?"
Gabriel walked over to the three. "Warriors like him are great for having on your side, but he's fighting Marduk. In all of Heaven's history, the only times he ever got pushed to his limit are when he fought one of the incarnations of Chaos, Tiamat the Dragon Queen, and when he took on Greece's Big Three alone."
"How'd the fight end?" Theodore asked.
"No one knows, but Marduk is still alive, which counts for something."
"Well, he sounds like a monster. However, Humanity has a history of beating monsters. I'm throwing my bet on the Samurai."
"Same," Yim said. Two brief flashes of light appeared behind the four. "That should be them, right?"
"Yes. Let's wait for them here." Gabriel said. "We won't have to wait long. Both of them want this as badly as us." He could see them in the distance. Two figures were walking towards them, both in matching khaki trench coats. One wore a light-blue button-up shirt with a navy tie that hung loose on his thin frame. His pants were a pale gray, contrasting with a light-brown belt and white sneakers. His messy curly black hair framed his tan face, his piercing blue eyes noticeable despite the distance.
Uriel
(Abrahamic)
To his left stood a taller and broad-shouldered angel. His clean-shaven head stood out against his lavender-colored button-up shirt, indigo tie, brown loafers, and black slacks, while his deep-blue eyes were full of vigor.
Camael
(Abrahamic)
Gabriel could feel the hair on his neck stand on end. Both Theodore Roosevelt and Yi Sun-sin, and now these two. He could barely contain his newfound excitement and the eerie sense of nostalgia. "The stain of Winchester on our names will be washed away today."
Valhalla Arena
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Thank you all for your patience!" Heimdall roared as he soared above the stands on his floating podium. "I just received confirmation that not only is maintenance finished, but troubleshooting and QA are finished as well! YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS!?" The crowd below him roared. "EXACTLY!" We can get back to the violence!" Heimdall waved his hand to the center of the arena, where the newly-repaired dome stood and shone. The sun began to set on the horizon, turning the sky a myriad of blues, oranges, and pinks. "As the sun sets on the first day, we find ourselves in an unexpected situation. Humanity, despite its meager origins, has pushed the Gods to the brink and tied the score at 3-3! And now…we welcome to the stage these two powerhouses whose clash shall rock the foundations of Heaven and Earth, unlike anything we've seen before! Who's ready!?" Both sides of the arena erupted in cheers. On the humans' side, several warriors equipped from head to toe in samurai armor flooded the bleachers. Amongst them, near the lowest level and surrounded by his armored retainers, sat Ieyasu, the only one not wearing armor. On the other side, the Gods flooded in. In their hands, they carried banners, fans, and flags adorned with Marduk's image. One of them, a youthful near-mirror image of Marduk in orange robes that exposed his chiseled torso, stood at the front of the crowd.
"Go get 'em, Dad!" He yelled.
Nabu
Son Of Marduk
God of Wisdom, Literacy, Science, & Scribes
(Mesopotamian Pantheon)
The crowd of Gods behind erupted into cheers. One Goddess, standing next to Nabu, screamed louder than the others, her aged features betraying her vitality. Her flowing silver and blue robes and gray hair rippled in the wake of her ferocity.
"Knock 'em flat, Dear!" She yelled.
Sarpanitu
Wife of Marduk
Queen Goddess of Water, the Moon, and Childbirth.
(Mesopotamian Pantheon)
"We're all here behind you!"
Down in the entrance hall, Marduk could hear his wife's cheers. He could not stop the small smile from creeping onto his face. Still know how to calm my nerves, don't you? Keep cheering, Sarpa. I'll be coming back home after this. Marduk thought. He heard a soft chuckle ahead of him. Standing in the center of the hall, between Marduk and the arena's entrance, was Set. "Well, well. Do what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"
"I felt it would be a disservice to you if I stayed up in the Box Seats for your fight. It didn't feel right sitting with them." Set said.
"Please forgive me for not feeling flattered." Marduk continued to walk down the hall and stopped in front of Set. "Please move."
"I cannot."
"Why?" Marduk asked, getting irritated.
"I do not want you going out there half-heartedly." Set touched a small spot on his mask just below his chin. "Every time you have ever done that, things went to hell in a handbasket." Marduk stepped back. He recognized the voice. "It is only when you are focused and motivated do you truly fight at your best."
"You…"
"Sorry to keep you in the dark for so long. I have things in the works that require me to stay in this persona, but I did not want you going out there not knowing I was still here."
Marduk blinked a few times. His mind raced at how it was possible. "Wait, so Set is…"
"Dead? No. It's…complicated, and Ra-Horakhty breathing down my neck occasionally does not help. Just know I am who I say I am."
"Heh…" Marduk's eyes welled up. He inhaled sharply to keep composure. "So, that's why you picked me for Heroes."
"You're the only one in Heaven who deserves to be called one."
"You know, it's still annoying as hell that you hold me in such high regard!" Marduk laughed. He then sighed and flexed his back muscles. "Makes a guy want to meet such lofty expectations."
"Win, Marduk. Win and come back." Marduk walked past Set, patting his left shoulder as he went.
"Don't worry. When I say I'll win, I will win." Marduk continued down the hall towards the roaring crowd.
I am sorry, Marduk. I failed you once, and I admit I am most likely an awful friend. I should have told you sooner. I should have saved you from the heartache. My blood-brother, I hope you can forgive me for everything I do is for the good of Creation.
"What're you doing here?" Tadakatsu said. Standing in front of him was a young woman, equipped head-to-toe in oversized black samurai armor. On her head was a Kabuto helmet adorned with deer antlers and a mengu mask obscuring her face. Her head barely reached Tadakatsu's chest. "And why are you wearing my armor, Komatsu?"
"How…did you know it was me!?" The young woman said as she removed her mengu, revealing her youthful face.
Komatsuhime
Daughter of Tadakatsu Honda
Onna-Musha
(Japan)
"Because you've done this before." Tadakatsu smiled. He walked over to his daughter, putting his arms under her armpits, and lifted her. "How many times have I found you running around as a kid wearing my armor, going 'I'm gonna be the next Dadakatsu!'" Randgriz stood a few meters away, chuckling a little at the scene.
"Please don't bring up the lisp…and put me down…" Her face turned bright red. "It's embarrassing."
"So is wearing armor three times too big for you. A lot of good it would do you." He placed her down gently. Carefully, he undid the knot holding the helmet secured, a sad smile appearing on his face as he worked. He lifted it, letting Komatsuhime's long, slightly curly black hair hang loose. "You also cannot hide those eyes." His gaze met hers. Large brown eyes reminiscent of a doe. "Those eyes are a gift from your mother. Every time I angered her, she'd-"
"Stare you down until you were a puddle. Yeah, I know…"
"You should remember to give Nobuyuki a nice glare whenever he acts like a fool. If he knows what's good for him, he'll get back in line. Now go get back to him. I can't be late." He held his helmet in front of her. "I also can't wear this out there. If I go out there fully armored, it may give the wrong impression." Komatsuhime could not meet his eyes and stood still. "Ina, take the helmet."
"No…"
"No?"
"I said 'no.'"
"I heard you. I may be dumb, but I'm not deaf."
"Tadakatsu," Randgriz said. Tadakatsu looked back at her, meeting her eyes. That same soft stare she always wore.
Damn it, she's staring at me like my wife, again. Did I mess up again!? Tadakatsu thought. He turned back to Komatsuhime and sighed. He put the helmet on the ground. He stepped towards his daughter and gently wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sorry, Ina." He could feel her body tense up under the armor. She struggled holding her arms by her side.
"This is stupid…you've fought more than anyone. I trained all those years to fight alongside you. I did fight alongside you and helped you claim victory after victory for Lord Ieyasu. It's not fair, damn it…I can fight…I can fight for Humanity." Tadakatsu could feel her tears drop onto his hakama. "Why does it have to be you again?" She looked up at him, tears streaming. "Let me fight! It's my turn to carry the burden! I can wield a spear just as good as you!" She buried her face in his chest. "Please…"
I'm still a shitty father…what good am I if I make my daughter cry like this? He thought. He could still remember the days of her youth, when he went off to war. She always cried. She refused to admit it as an adult, but she always did. Now, he was doing it again. What would you say, Ieyasu? "Ina."
"What?" She said, her face still against his chest.
"I can't explain it. I don't know why it's me. I'm just one man. I've always been just one man. Honestly, I can't believe I'm saying it, but a part of me does not want to go."
"Then why!?" She wrapped her arms around her father. "Why not Ii or the others!?"
"I don't know…but right now, if I don't go, I may live, but Humanity will be one step closer to death. That includes you, your brothers, Nobuyuki, your children, and your descendants. The twelve men and women who went before me likely had loved ones they were willing to fight and die for. I cannot ignore that call-to-arms. Not if it means putting you and everyone else in harm's way."
Randgriz nodded. Komatsuhime gently pushed away from her father. She kneeled to pick up the Kabuto. "I…knew you'd say that. Tadatomo and Tadamasa would say the same if they were picked…I'm sorry I'm being selfish."
"Be selfish, Ina. If we were not selfish, we'd all be martyrs. Now…let me be selfish and fight once more."
Komatsuhime rubbed her eyes and glared at her father. "You better win, father. If you don't, mother and I will never forgive you!" She ran past her father, then Randgriz, leaving the two alone in the hall.
"Randgriz." Tadakatsu said, not facing her.
"Yes?" She asked.
"Am I a bad father?" The room went quiet, save for the dull roar of the crowd above them. Tadakatsu had never asked her such a question, but she knew he trusted her if he asked such a painful one.
"I don't believe so. I have seen many souls pass through the afterlife. The ones who seem to always hurt the most before they move on are parents. Especially ones who selflessly loved their children. For her to act that way…" Tadakatsu covered his face with his right hand, hoping she could not see him tearing up. "She must have been raised by a wonderful father, whom she saw as her hero."
"Ah…" Tadakatsu said, exhaling. He turned back around, his eyes full of spirit and fire. "Thank you, Randgriz."
"I only speak from second-hand. Now then, shall we go?" She walked over to him.
"Absolutely," Tadakatsu stretched out his right hand. "Randgriz, fourth sister of the Valkyries, will you fight alongside me?"
Randgriz smiled softly, matching her eyes. She stretched out her hand and placed it in Tadakatsu's. "There's nowhere I would rather be, and no one I would rather fight alongside." Light erupted from their hands, enveloping the two.
VÖLUND!
Komatsuhime had just entered the bleachers at the lowest level, still wearing Tadakatsu's armor. Ieyasu saw her and yelled to get her attention. She noticed him and the other three Shitenno surrounding him, all of them urging her to hurry. She ran, awkwardly, and found her seat next to Ieyasu, her second father. Some of the other samurai snickered and pointed at her. Naomasa, Sakakibara, and Tadatsugu stared them down with glares that could only be described as just below homicidal.
"Everyone! It's time for what you've all been waiting for!" Heimdall yelled. "Let me hear you scream!"
It was such an odd scene. The crowd on both sides, for some unknown—nay, unfathomable—reason suddenly went quiet. Komatsuhime, on one side of the arena, and Nabu, on the other, both stood up. They walked to the railing and turned around. Neither knew what the other was doing, or even why they were doing it. Both inhaled, nearly bursting their lungs with the amount and force. Like a dam breaking, the two roared in unison.
"LET'S MAKE THEM HEAR US!"
Starting from the group in front of them, the crowd's yell was low and quiet. It soon began to grow and spread. More and more, the roars of the children of Heroes stirred something primal in the arena. God or human, it did not matter. More and more of the crowd joined in. The samurai roared as if they were running into battle, weapons raised. The masses lifted their fists, hats, bottles, weapons—anything they could hold—to the sky. Both sides of the arena turned into walls of pure emotion and sound. Words could not truly encapsulate the scene. Both sides roared, refusing to allow the other the notion that they were the louder side. Nabu and Sarpanitu screamed their hearts out. Komatsuhime roared, but felt two more people standing next to her. In armor matching hers stood two tall young men, spitting images of their father.
Tadamasa and Tadatomo Honda
Eldest and Youngest Sons of Tadakatsu Honda
Both roared their hearts out alongside their elder sister.
We refuse to allow our sister to stand alone! Tadamasa screamed in his mind.
We're with you, big sis! Tadatomo roared mentally.
The wave of sound continued to grow. The box seats vibrated. The halls vibrated. The upper levels, where Brünhilde and Göll watched, vibrated. Neither could hold back and joined the crowd, both now possessed by the same raw spirit born in the arena. Deep within the Gods' entrance hall, Set roared with all his might, his soul almost begging for his friend's victory.
"You demanded it, now here they are!" Heimdall could not help but get pulled into the momentum. He waved his free hand to the East Entrance.
"Introducing the Fighter for The Gods in Round Seven!
At the dawn of creation, this God stood against the forces of Chaos seeking destruction and ruin!
When all other Gods shuddered and quaked in the presence of the mighty Dragon Tiamat, he refused to stand by and watch everything he knew and loved fall!
Made the Champion of his people, he armed himself with all manner of weapons, spells, and incantations for battle!
In his climactic battle, he changed the course of history forever when he slew the great dragon and used her body to build Creation!
Now, he returns armed with everything at his disposal to answer the call of his people once more!
He has arrived! The Greatest Hero within all of Creation!
The Chief God of Babylon! The Bringer of Order
MARDUK!"
The East Gate doors burst open, slamming against the dome walls. Marduk walked out into the dome, and the Gods' side of the arena erupted. He continued to walk until he stood at the center of the arena. He extended his right hand. From within his dragon-skin vest, a long, thin bottle opened, and green liquid flowed out. The liquid spiraled in the air around Marduk before forming into a bright-green liquid sphere in Marduk's outstretched hand.
Heimdall waved his free hand to the West Entrance.
"Introducing the Fighter for Humanity in Round Seven!
Long ago, in the land of the Rising Sun, this man rose to the pinnacle of combat!
During the tumultuous and chaotic era of the Warring States, this man fought in over 100 battles and dominated his opponents without suffering a single wound!
Armed with his mighty spear, Tonbokiri, he smashed, cleaved, pierced, and battered everything in his way.
Through his mighty strength, alongside his sworn brothers, the Shitenno of Tokugawa, he ushered in a peace many thought impossible.
Such a fierce warrior, untouched by mortal peril and danger, could only die when HE said it was time, and no one else!
His antlered armor, iconic!
His body, powerful!
His spear, deadly!
His will, unbreakable!
His devotion, WITHOUT QUESTION!
He now takes up his spear once more to protect the future he fought for! Everyone, raise your voices for his return to the battlefield!
The Mightiest Shitenno!
The Hope of the Sengoku Era!
The Black Samurai!
TADAKATSU HONDA!"
The human side of the arena exploded. The doors of the West Gate opened, stopping just before they hit the dome's walls. Out walked Tadakatsu, wearing his black hakama, his juzu beads strapped across his right shoulder and under his left arm, and a white sash across his waist held in place by a yellow rope belt. His straw sandals were immaculate over his tabi socks. In his right hand was a single meter-long black metal pole, with a long decorative blade at the pommel. He fixed his gaze on Marduk, who matched it. Neither recognized the other from earlier that day; both carried a fury and duty within their bearing, unlike anything they had seen before.
Tadakatsu stopped just in front of Marduk and rested his spear on his shoulder.
"Ladies and Gentlemen! It's time for the rules of Round Seven: Storytelling: Heroes!
1) The arena you're about to fight in will be the only location you will fight in. No changes whatsoever!
2) Each of you is empowered by the emotions you instill in the audience. For Heroes, it's how much hope you can inspire in the audience! This is represented by the score displayed at the top of the dome. The higher your score, the more of your natural abilities you have access to! Should your score fall, you will grow weaker along with it!
3) The last one alive is the winner!
This will be a battle where your ability to inspire shall determine victory! Do both Fighters understand!?" Heimdall shouted. Both nodded in silence, refusing to look away from the other. Tadakatsu's grip on his spear tightened. "Perfect! Let's set the stage!" The dome began to glow, and the environment faded away. Both Fighters stayed completely still and silent as the world began to take shape. The floor beneath them turned to gravel and stone. Both their feet went cold and wet. Water began to appear and rose to the middle of their shins. Other than the small sunken island they stood on, they were surrounded as far as the eye could see by water. "Fighters ready!?" Both jumped back several meters, Marduk pulling his liquid orb back behind him, Tadakatsu taking his spear in both hands, aiming the point towards Marduk as he placed his left foot forward.
"FIIIIIIIIGHT!"