The spear struck, and Tadakatsu's body twisted to the right. The spearhead stabbed into the point of Marduk's attack and sent a shockwave throughout the dome as Tadakatsu's feet dug into the ground. The knockback sent a surge of pain throughout Tadakatsu's body. He could feel the immeasurable weight behind the gargantuan frozen weapon pushing down on him. Son of a bitch, this is heavy! Tadakatsu thought.
"Honda Tadakatsu…stopped the javelin!?" Heimdall shrieked, losing his voice. "This is insane! I haven't seen an attack of this magnitude since the destruction of the dinosaurs! Yet, Tadakatsu Honda…stopped it!"
"This…is nothing!" Tadakatsu said through gritted teeth. The spear dug deeper. Cracks started to grow from the point of entry. Don't think I didn't notice what you did earlier. You're finally becoming a real one! His feet slowly skid back. He dug his toes into the ground. His sandals tore away under the pressure. Is this the weight of your world? All this? Do they mean this much to you? He smiled as his gaze went wild. About time you finally understood! However, you're too late, and worse, you are fighting me! Tadakatsu's body began to turn back to the left. I told you earlier! You aimed your intent at my world! The spearhead dug deeper as he turned back. The cracks extended and spread up the glacier. And for that, I will tear this all asunder!
Marduk, far up the funnel and encased in ice, could feel what was happening below. "I…am…not…losing!"He yelled. He flexed every muscle in his body and concentrated with all his might, forcing the attack down. The tip of the Javelin shattered away. The remnants of the shaft's tip slammed down through the shrapnel onto the spear tip. Tadakatsu's legs began to buckle. I made this attack to defeat Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades simultaneously! What could make you think you'd match it by yourself, let alone beat it? More of the gargantuan shaft broke away while the remains slammed down. Tonbokiri Kiwami's shaft began to crack. Through the ice, Marduk finally saw Tadakatsu and could not help but feel awe. His upper-body muscles tearing through the remains of his Hakama. However, seeing this one human struggling was not what stirred his heart. Nay…it was what he saw behind him. They were barely noticeable, yet he could see the apparitions behind him, bracing him. He only saw a few, then more appeared the longer he stared. They faded into each other, combining their strength to stand behind Tadakatsu. He did not recognize them. He did not need to. He knew who they were. More ice broke away than before. The shaft, now only half of what he started with, sailed down at Tadakatsu. Incredible…so that's what it was. They trust you that much. Marduk pulled his arms back and placed them next to his ribs. He shot them forward, accelerating the meteoric javelin. Then I'll respect your spirit with the strongest blow I can muster!
The brief moment before the attacks collided, Tadakatsu crouched down. Tonbokiri Kiwami retracted down to its base form. "LET'S GIVE HIM EVERYTHING, RANDGRIZ!" He roared.
"I'm with you…" She appeared next to him, placing her left hand on his right shoulder and her right on his forearm. Her eyes lit up like wildfire. "ALL THE WAY!" Tadakatsu sprang up and twisted his right arm. Tonbokiri Kiwami spun and extended forward, the air fleeing from the thrust. Both roared in unison.
"Honda-ryū: TEN O TSURANUKU RYŪ NO TSUNO!"
The spear and javelin collided once more as Humanity continued its united prayer. The gods in the audience watched in silent amazement. Above them, Set jumped from his seat and screamed. "Let's go, Marduk!" He pumped his fist in the air. His spirit infected the Gods below him, and they joined him. Many roared and cheered. Few could stop the infectious sentiment. Before long, the Gods' side of the arena became a cacophony of voices standing in defiance of Humanity's unity. Even Zeus could not fight it and joined, despite his brother's exasperated sighs and amusement.
As it neared Nabu and Sarpanitu, Nabu gripped his mother's hand tightly and stood up. She followed him, and the two cheered. Do you hear them, Marduk? Sarpanitu thought, her voice joining the rest of the crowd. They believe in you! Please answer their cheers! She looked up at the score above the dome;
Marduk 100% Honda Tadakatsu XXXXXXX%
Win, Marduk!
The Javelin pushed down, but more cracks grew along the shaft. Marduk could hear them reach his location. The ice surrounding him cracked more and more, growing louder with each passing millisecond. The shaft…broke apart. The sheer force of Tadakatsu's attack spread up, smashing the breaking ice into Marduk's body along with the force of the thrust. No…way… Marduk thought.
"What the hell is that human made of!?" Zeus howled, popping up out of his seat. Is he this strong because his score is so damn high!? I haven't seen a blow like that since I fought my father! His muscles convulsed under his skin. I WANT TO FIGHT HIM!
The force of the combined attacks releases one last shockwave in all directions. The dome reverberated. Cracks grew on the outside. Heimdall snapped back to reality as they grew. "Oh crap!" Heimdall said as he pushed a button on Gjallarhorn. Large, translucent barriers erupted from the arena's borders between the dome and the audience. The dome exploded, sending deafening noise and debris everywhere. Chunks large and small slammed against the barriers. The gods panicked, but not a single human flinched. All of them continued praying.
Heimdall floated high above the decimation. "Ladies and gentlemen, please wait while we try to survey the wreckage! I can't see either Fighter!" The massive cloud of dust slowly settled. Large mountains of debris and ice began to appear. Parts of the floor began to show. Come on! Where are you guys? Moments like this can't go on forever! The audience can't stand the tension! He continued searching for them. If you two killed each other, then the ratings are going to plummet for this! Do you know how long it took Hephaestus to build this dome!? Not long…but still! Something began showing within the settling dust. Sticking out from the dust stood an imposing figure in a black hakama, standing stalwart amongst the rubble. Randgriz came into view behind him, flat on the floor and struggling to get up. Finally! "Ladies and gentlemen, we have our sights on Tadakatsu! But where's Marduk!?" Sarpanitu tried looking for her husband, but to no avail.
"My Sun…" She said. "Damn it, you said you'd come back to me…"
"Dad…" Nabu said, clutching her arm.
Tadakatsu breathed slowly as he looked ahead. "You better not be playing dead on me." He spat some blood to the right. "I know that was not enough to kill you."
Mirth-filled laughter erupted from the settling dust. From the area around its source, the air began to clear. Marduk, sprawled out on the floor and back to normal, was covered in bruises and cuts from head to toe. His boots and gloves were gone; what remained of his vest and pants was bleached white. "Damn! I was hoping you'd just let me pretend to be dead so we could end this." He said, smiling. "Uuuugh...everything hurts…" He stared up at the barely legible score above the destroyed dome.
Marduk 74%
Honda Tadakatsu XXXXXXX%
"Guess you got me," Marduk said. "How'd you even get the score that high?"
"The hell are you on about?" Tadakatsu asked. His body screamed from head to toe. Randgriz managed to get her onto her hands and knees behind him.
"The Wellspring Vault is gone. All the weapons I brought with me have been destroyed. My body feels like a mountain was dropped on it and ground into me for good measure."
"You mean like the one you tried to crush me with?"
Marduk could not help but chuckle. "Yeah, kind of like that." He sighed. "It's your win. This is all I am capable of."
Tadakatsu scanned the audience behind Marduk. He could make out their faces as clear as day. Where are you? He asked himself. "Is it now?" Marduk turned his attention back to his opponent. "There's something here telling me otherwise."
Marduk sighed, leaning back and propping himself. "You're being too merciful. I know when I'm beaten."
Tadakatsu continued to look for something, ignoring Marduk. It took him a few more seconds before something caught his eye. "Hey."
"What?" Marduk answered exasperated.
"Do you have a son? There's a guy in the audience behind you who looks like you."
Marduk straightened up. His pulse quickened, and he instinctively rose to his feet. Randgriz quickened her recovery in response, getting back to her feet and walking to Tadakatsu. "I do. Why?"
"Is that woman next to him your wife or daughter? Kind of hard to tell from here."
Marduk's pulse sped up. "That's my wife." Marduk squinted at Tadakatsu, his right fist clenching. "Why?"
"This fight isn't over. Go prepare properly. While you're doing that…" Tadakatsu slowly grabbed his hakama and tore it away, revealing his chiseled frame. Burns, cuts, bruises. All colored his mighty frame. If they hurt, no one knew. "I'll be here catching a breather." He plopped down on the ground. Randgriz stopped next to him.
"Are you sure this is wise?" Randgriz whispered.
"Can you do a Völund right now?" She shook her head. "What about after a little rest?"
"Maybe…but neither of us is in good enough form for Tonbokiri Kiwami. We'll have to go with the second one."
"I'm…not a fan of that one, but the situation calls for it."
"I agree. It's not my strong suit, but we'll make due."
Marduk stared at the two, unable to hear their exchange. He sighed and shook his head. Mustering what strength he had left, he turned away from the two and walked. "Marduk is walking away from his opponent, and Tadakatsu is just sitting there!? What's happening here!?" Heimdall shouted.
Don't know what's going to happen. Cold shoulder? An earful? Marduk stopped a few meters from the arena wall. Several large chunks of the dome littered the area between him and the audience. He inhaled and braced his core. "Sarpa." He said firmly, but softly. He closed his eyes briefly, opening them up and meeting his wife's. "I did it again. I disrespected your wishes." Sarpanitu and Nabu, along with several attendees on the gods' side of the arena, stared down at Marduk. Marduk's wife and son stayed silent, their expressions uncertain. "I am not asking for your forgiveness. What I am doing, though, is what I should have done at the start of this fight and what I promised you after I defeated Tiamat." Marduk got down on one knee. "Sarpanitu, Queen of Babylon, mother of our child, my Moon and Stars." She blushed when he said the latter. "I can do anything, but only because you're there with me. We can do anything, and right now…I need you here more than ever." Marduk raised his right hand to her. "Will you fight beside me?"
"The hell is he saying!?" Someone on the Human side of the arena shouted.
"2-on-1!? Cheaters!" Another yelled.
"Whoever is talking, bite your tongue!" Ieyasu yelled, veins popping up on his forehead as his voice echoed throughout the arena. "If Tadakatsu is not stopping this, then who are we to go against his wishes!?" His aura cascaded over the audience around him. Weak, yet unyielding, firm but not overbearing. "If you want it to be fair, why don't those who spoke go down there and fight alongside him?" He looked around. No one met his gaze. This Shitenno and Tadakatsu's family continued to watch Tadakatsu, but their backs straightened a little bit, smirking. "No? Then keep your opinions to yourself." He turned back around and sat. His aura vanished as he turned his attention back to his friend. I trust you. You know what must be done. Show them why you are the Hero of our Era.
Sarpanitu looked down at her husband. "…Is that what you want?"
"What more could a man be foolish enough to ask for?" Marduk met her eyes. Fire burned behind them.
She felt a tinge of nostalgia in her chest from that gaze. "I'm not a fighter."
"I never want you to be anyone or anything you're not. We will fight as one, like them." He gestured with his open hand to Tadakatsu and Randgriz. "Their bond is strong, but ours?" He brought his hand back in front of his face and clenched it tightly. "No force in creation could defeat us. I should have known that before leaving you behind and fighting Tiamat alone. I should have known better today. I won't make that mistake ever again."
Her lips quivered as she fought back tears. She turned to her son. He placed his hand on her shoulder and nodded. She turned back and reached into a satchel on the bench, pulling out a short, bladed tool. She turned back to her husband and stepped up onto the stone railing.
"Heimdall! Lower the barrier and let her in!" Tadakatsu shouted.
Heimdall flinched. "Wait, what? Oh, right!" He pulled out a small controller and pushed a button. The transparent barrier vanished. Sarpanitu inhaled and jumped down. She fell several meters, landing gracefully on the arena floor. She trekked over some of the debris and made her way to her husband. She stopped just a few centimeters from Marduk. He looked down and saw the tool in her hand: a small garden spade.
"You still had it?" Marduk whispered, slowly taking her hands into his.
"Of course I do…it's how I keep you near me." She smiled.
"What in Heaven would I do without you?" Light began to glow from the shovel between their hands.
"Probably pick more fights."
"Maybe…but with you I'd win them." Light erupted from their hands and enveloped them.
"Sis…is that…?" Göll asked. Her heart started to flutter. Next to her, Brünhilde put her hands over her heart as a soft and gentle pain swelled within her. Images of a young, platinum blonde-haired man in armor smiling at her, holding her, joking with her, flooded her mind.
"…It is what you think it is, and this is one not formed by warriors aiming for victory." A small tear ran down her cheek from her left eye. "It's a Völund powered by love."
The light slowly faded away. Marduk stood alone now holding his spade. Firmly grasping it in his right hand, he flicked it to the side. Out from the spade's blade, a stream of water surged forth and solidified into a thin, translucent blade.
Flowing Blade of Moon's Embrace
"Tadakatsu, what was this called? A Völund?"
Tadakatsu returned to his feet, smiling all the way. "It sure is." Marduk turned back around to face him. "But we'll show you how it's done. Ready?" Tadakatsu reached out his right hand to Randgriz.
"Let's win this." She answered, grabbing his right hand with her left. The same light erupted between the two.
VÖLUND!
RECAST!
The light faded, and within Tadakatsu's hand now rested a new weapon. It's a simple meter-long cured edge shined with a pristine sheen. On the blade were connected circular markings starting from the saya up to the blade's point. The handle was wrapped in white cloth, and the saya was emblazoned with a deer's antlers.
Nakatsukasa Kiwami
Marduk whistled. "Now that's a sword." Marduk took his sword in both hands. "But it won't be enough."
"We'll see about that." Tadakatsu began to exude his aura once more. "Come. I gave you your last chance. Now fight me." He whispered. A visage of a massive building erupted behind him.
Even broken down like you are, it's still like standing in front of an impregnable fortress. Marduk thought. A visage of a storm at sea appeared behind Marduk. We will blow you away. Marduk dashed and jumped. He brought his sword above his head and swung down. Tadakatsu caught the swing on the strength of his sword and let it slide down past his right side. He swung to his left, but Marduk crouched under the slash. Marduk hopped back and braced his sword against his chest. He stepped forward and thrust. Tadakatsu pointed Nakatsukasa Kiwami out in front and swatted the thrust away to the left. He gently lifted his sword back up and swung down. Marduk jumped to his left, barely avoiding the slash. The sword's edge slammed into the ground, tearing up the floor. Tadakatsu stepped to his left and brought Marduk back into his line of sight. He's barely moving, but I can't touch him! You are that damn stubborn! Tadakatsu's body trembled slightly. But even you can't keep this up forever! Marduk rushed in, his body running on pure adrenaline now. Tadakatsu went completely still, keeping Nakatsukasa Kiwami out in front. Right at the perfect point, Tadakatsu stepped forward and thrusted. Marduk side-stepped to the left once more, getting in range to perform a right slash. It sailed through the air at Tadakatsu's neck. Tadakatsu could not crouch; his legs were too badly damaged. His stamina was too low. However, he could still do one simple move. Just as the slash neared his neck, Tadakatsu did the simplest but most effective dodge one could do.
He hopped back. The blade's tip barely missed his Adam's apple. Tadakatsu stepped to the right and swung at Marduk's exposed right ribs. Marduk panicked and kicked off the ground with his right foot. He brought his sword in front of his body to block the slash. The blades made contact, and Marduk's sword shattered. Nakatsukasa Kiwami's edge cut across Marduk's chest as he fell away. He turned his fall into a roll and got out of Tadakatsu's reach as the new injury bled. Tadakatsu stepped forward, but fell to his knees. Dammit, not now! I broke his last weapon! I need to finish this! Come on- He stared at Marduk's sword as the blade regrew. "You've got to be kidding me."
"Won't be breaking this one," Marduk said, smiling. "It's made of love."
Tadakatsu burst out laughing. "Of course it is!" He stopped himself after a few seconds. "Shouldn't have laughed at that. That was uncalled for."
"Not a problem. Life's just funny like."
"It can be."
"Excuse me! Pardon me!" A familiar voice to Komatsuhime's right could be heard saying. It was frantic but firm and authoritative. She turned and saw a young man in a blue hakama and black haori, his short deep-brown hair held up by a white bandana. On his Haori just above his shoulders was a mon of six coins arranged in two rows of three.
Nobuyuki Sanada
Husband of Komatsuhime
Eldest Son of the Sanada Clan
"Komatsu!" He yelled as he ran in front of the occupied first-row seats. "I'm sorry I'm late!" Tadatomo slid to the right, making space for Nobuyuki. "I got caught up in some stupid skirmish between my father and younger brother!" He made it to their seats and plopped down, breathing heavily. Damn, this place is big. Took me a minute to find you guys. I've been watching the whole fight through the broadcasts. Your dad's still the crazy guy he always was-"
"Nobuyuki." She interrupted. He turned to her. She did not meet his gaze; she didn't need to. Nobuyuki stopped talking and slowly entwined his left arm with her right. He softly wove his fingers into hers and gripped her hand.
"I'm here." He whispered, looking back at the arena. Her grip on his hand tightened as she pulled herself closer to him.
Below them, Tadakatsu barely got back to his feet as Marduk did the same. "That's one hell of a woman you have there," Tadakatsu said, beaming despite his heavy breathing. "She should've been down here from the start. I can already tell…the you now is far stronger than the you before."
"You think so?"
"I do. It's almost unfair that I never got to fight the real you until we're at death's door. Just a pale imitation stood against me most of this fight." Marduk felt a small twinge in his heart. "Now you understand. This right here, this is your strongest. Not alone." He nodded to his Völund. "No…never alone. With her here, I am fighting the real you, the best you. With my comrade by my side, you are fighting the real me, the best me. So I say it with absolute joy once again, that's one hell of a woman you have there."
"You don't have to tell me! Every day's challenges are nothing when she and I are together…except when she's the problem!"
"Or you." Sarpanitu chimed in, laughing.
Tadakatsu felt his heartstrings tug at him from the sight of their exchange.
Japan
Honda Estate
(1587)
"Nobuyuki, do you know why you're here?" Tadakatsu asked the young man in front of him. Both sat in a large open room that opened out into a garden to Tadakatsu's right and Nobuyuki's left.
The young man stalwartly met his gaze as sweat began to form on his brow. "…It's about my upcoming wedding to Ieyasu's adopted daughter, Komatsuhime," Tadakatsu raised an eyebrow. "…who is also your actual daughter."
"That's right. Komatsuhime will do right by you as long as you do your best to take care of her. She's coming into her own both in martial and court arts. Far better than me in the latter!" He beamed with pride. "That's why I need to know something." Sweat continued to pour from Nobuyuki's brow.
"…Is it about my loyalties? I have already proven myself to Lord Tokugawa."
"I don't doubt your loyalty. You willingly stood on the opposing side of your clan and swore fealty to the Tokugawa clan, and did so openly. Very few have the guts to do that so boldly."
"I didn't like the idea of it, but I have to ensure my clan survives."
Tadakatsu sighed. "Is Komatsuhime a part of that clan?"
Nobuyuki straightened up; his gaze hardened. "Forgive my impudence, but what are you implying?"
"If your clan's survival means that much to you, would you sacrifice my daughter to achieve it? The Sanada Clan is strong both in power and strategy. However, I would not put it past anyone to do something as nefarious as-"
"Lord Honda," Nobuyuki whispered as his body shook. "Damn formalities, but how dare you."
A heavy aura slammed into Nobuyuki, but he withstood. "How dare I? You are from an enemy clan, and my daughter is betrothed to you, without my consent. You will be Lord Tokugawa's Son-In-Law. Do you understand how that looks?"
"That your Lord trusts me, sees me as an ally, and a trustworthy man for your daughter," Nobuyuki said, his voice louder than before. "Do you doubt Lord Tokugawa now?" Tadakatsu leaned back slightly, squinting his eyes. "Here's a question for you: if this bothered you so much, why did you not say something to our Lord? Why question my loyalties now?" He placed his right hand over his heart. "Do you have any idea what it was like to come here? To choose this faction over my family?" Tadakatsu said nothing. "I…am trying to keep the things I love alive despite this damned war. I don't know if I can. I don't know if the path I chose was right, but damn it I am here. The Sanada Clan must survive, whether through me or Yukimura." An aura, small but firm, began to erupt from the young man. "But know this. Come hell or high water, the Sanada will survive and Komatsuhime with it. Once we marry, my Mon shall fly proudly alongside hers and Lord Tokugawa's. It will never leave their side, and I would rather die than allow it. If you stand in the way of that…then I will fight you."
Tadakatsu chuckled a little, maintaining his glare. "You? Fight me? You'd die before you readied a bow or spear."
"I don't care. Whether it's you or the Buddha himself, I will not yield when someone threatens-"
"Your world?"
Nobuyuki paused. He blinked a few times and squinted towards Tadakatsu. "…My what?"
"Your world. Lord Tokugawa likes to call the things and people he loves and cherishes his 'world.' It's a vast one, Nobuyuki. Bigger than mine and maybe yours. You right now…are trying to hold a world too big for your hands."
"…What do you mean?" Nobuyuki's gaze and tone softened.
"Up until this point, your world was the Sanada Clan. With your alliance to our faction and your marriage to my daughter, it's growing. More is demanded of you, just like Lord Tokugawa and I. Now you have Komatsuhime, and everyone who serves under our Lord's banner. Do you understand that?"
Nobuyuki looked down at the floor. He sighed. "No," He looked back up to Tadakatsu, his gaze melancholic, but resolute. "but I cannot to allow that to stop me. I have to stand strong beside Lord Tokugawa. I have stand even stronger beside Komatsuhime, so she can stay strong. If I can do that, then I know everything else will come together."
"Does she mean that much to you?" Tadakatsu's glare waned.
"I don't know, yet. We're both too young to truly know love, and this marriage is a strategic play, but I am to be her husband. That demands a duty of me that I must fulfill to her, Lord Tokugawa, and you." He leaned forward, his hands outstretched on the floor in front of him, and bowed. "All I ask is you trust me with this small, but irreplaceable, part of your world."
Ah…Tadakatsu thought as he smiled, making sure Nobuyuki did not see it. You're getting it faster than me. That's not fair!
Ah…that's why it's nostalgic. It's not mine you remind me of. Nobuyuki, he reminds me a whole lot of you. However… Tadakatsu stomped his foot and raised his sword in both hands in front of his right shoulder. I'm going to be a bit more selfish today! I'm not handing my world over to you again! Not when I can keep fighting for it!
Marduk and Sarpanitu felt the flowing surge of energy. "My Sun, it's time." She said.
"I agree, my Moon and Stars. Let's end this," Marduk unleashed his aura, clashing it against Tadakatsu's. "and get back home to our son." He brought his sword to his left hip, pointing the sword behind him.
"Randgriz, whatever happens, I want you to know something," Tadakatsu said.
"I already do."
Tadakatsu laughed. "At least let me say it!" He sighed. "I'm grateful. I never thought in this second life I'd find another friend to fight for and with." Randgriz stayed silent. "Left you speechless, eh?"
"No…just not something I'm used to hearing." She materialized ever so slightly next to him, the sword remaining in his hands. "I'm proud to be your friend, and thank you for fighting for my world, too...and trusting me to fight and protect yours."
"Always."
No one looked away. Every God and Human able to watch the fight found themselves glued to the exchange. From the stands, through the streams, through any and every mystical medium able to be thought up. They all sat and watched. The final clash between the Bringer of Order and the Hope of the Sengoku Era, nay…the Greatest Heroes and their greatest partners was about to happen. The arena once again flooded with unbearable silence. That monstrous pressure, combined with the presence of these larger-than-life warriors, created the ignition point no one anticipated.
Set and Brünhilde in perfect unison, prompted only by pure raw emotion and instinct, roared. "LET'S GOOO!"
The crowds below them erupted into pure frenzy, throwing themselves into the air and screaming at the top of their lungs. Every Samurai in the Heavens raised their spears and swords. Marduk and Tadakatsu roared and were off. The distance between the two? Just thirty meters. If you asked them how far away the other was, it felt like miles. Yet, they ran with their swords ready. Marduk, revived for one last blow by the love shared with Sarpanitu. Tadakatsu, pushed forward by his love for his tiny, yet heavy, world. They gained speed.
Sarpa, I will keep my promise to you!
Everyone! I will win this!
The two closed in. They reached the range of their final strikes. Tadakatsu swung down with all his remaining power. Marduk swung across as fast as he could muster. "Now, Sarpa!" He yelled.
Tadakatsu's slash cut through Marduk's vest, cleaving through his shoulder and straight down. Marduk's attack found its mark in Tadakatsu's stomach. Both slashes sent shockwaves past their targets, kicking up stone and dust, and slammed into the protective barrier. The barrier reverberated violently. "Sis, we need to move!" Tadamasa screamed.
"I refuse to move!" Komatsuhime retorted, hunching down in her seat with her right arm wrapped around Nobuyuki. Nobuyuki hunkered down with her as both continued to gaze at unfolding events.
"I'm here with you," Nobuyuki responded.
Across the arena, Nabu sat unmoving, refusing to blink. I cannot be down there with you two, but I will not leave this spot. He thought. Regardless of how this ends, as your son, I must see this through to the end!
The crowd quieted down as the vibrations ended. Soon, silence returned. Heimdall, sailing above, forgot his role and stared. Set still stood from his earlier roar while Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades leaned in their chairs, staring down at the arena.
Please win, Marduk! Sarpa, please win! I'm begging you two! Set screamed in his thoughts.
Tadakatsu. I won't shout or scream. I know you won this! Ieyasu thought. Please…please show us you won this!
The two figures began to move. One stood, the other fell. Standing tall, Nakatsukasa, still edge-down, was Tadakatsu. His breathing was shallow, but he stood firm.
"He did it!" Sakakibara shouted triumphantly. Naomasa grabbed his shoulder and pulled him in.
"No…" Naomasa said quietly, still staring down at the arena. Tadakatsu lifted Nakatsukasa and stabbed it in the ground while placing his left hand on his stomach. The stone floor around his legs began to flow with blood. "No…" More blood flowed around Tadakatsu's left hand and in-between his fingers. His face scrunched with pain. "DAMMIT, NO!" Everyone around Naomasa screamed in horror and fury.
"Tadakatsu, stay with us!" Sakakibara yelled, tears starting to fall.
"This is nothing for you!" Tadatsugu shouted, the despair on his face betraying his words. "You…can still fight!"
Ieyasu did and said nothing. He stared down at Tadakatsu, refusing to look away or even blink. I can't believe it. He played the scene back in his head. He remembered when he saw it happen. When his hope began to die. Marduk's sword, mid-slash, extended. He…copied Tadakatsu's attack from earlier!? He lengthened his sword just long enough to slash him, while baiting him to attack. The differences in blade length were close enough for both to slash the other, but just far enough for Marduk to avoid suffering a fatal blow…He gripped the stone bench, cracks forming under his hand from the strain. Damn it, damn it, DAMN IT!
Marduk lay sprawled out; the frozen blade of his sword was covered in blood. His breathing grew shallow as he tried to regain his strength, as pain seared his mind from the newest cut. Struggling, he raised his head, catching sight of Tadakatsu. He got his left foot under him and pushed up. Like a newborn calf, Marduk rose and stood, his body shaking all the while. Sarpanitu reappeared at his right side and supported him. He put a little weight on his right as the two faced their opponent.
"That…was one hell of a gutsy play…" Tadakatsu groaned out.
"Learned…from the best…" Marduk said. He turned to his wife. "Had too much riding on this to not try…"
"Well said…That was…a pretty good move, you two…"
"You're too kind…" Marduk gasped. The light in Tadakatsu's eyes vanished. His left hand dropped, and his organs fell out onto the floor. The two could hear Komatsuhime's screams from the arena's upper levels. They inched closer. "No final words…" He sighed.
"…We robbed him of that, too," Sarpanitu said. Suddenly, a monstrous aura slammed down on the two, causing them to collapse. What the hell is this!? She strained against it, barely lifting her head. Tadakatsu's lifeless face lit up with pure energy.
"I am not done!" He roared, the light returning.
He came back from the dead!? What is he!? She thought. This was the man Marduk had to fight this whole time!?
"I, Tadakatsu Honda, refuse to die until I say my final words!" Cracks began to grow from his wounds. "Everyone! Hold out your hands!" The crowd remained still. Tadakatsu's aura flooded into the stands. "HOLD THEM OUT, DAMMIT!" Bit by bit, person by person, each member of the human audience slowly reached out their hands, palms open and raised. Göll and Brünhilde joined them, doing their best to fight back their grief. Johannes, Samson, and Vlad, in their room, did the same, all without a shred of sadness in their bearing. Hlökk, Göndul, Reginleif, and Geirölul did the same before Hlökk broke down and fell into Geirölul's arms. "Do you feel it!?" Some in the audience began to quake and shiver, fighting back tears. Others felt their backs straighten up and their shoulders flex, their expressions hardened. Ieyasu, the Shitenno, and Ieyasu's children all stretched out their hands. Tadakatsu smiled. "In your hands…is my world. I can't carry it anymore…" Tadakatsu raised his left hand to the sky, pointing his index finger. "My tiny world…is in your hands! My fellow Einherjar! The fight must be fought! I can't fight it anymore, but I know you can carry it all to the end!" The cracks grew and reached his legs. He looked down at his opponents, meeting their eyes. "You two won this Round, and you earned it. Never deny yourselves the chance to leave the battlefield and hold your world in your hands." Tadakatsu's features softened as he smiled. "I sure as hell wish I could." He lowered and extended his left hand, clenched into a fist, towards Marduk. "Take care of your family."
Marduk smiled a little and sighed. Slowly but surely, he raised his right hand and formed a fist, tapping it gently against Tadakatsu's. "Of course." He whispered.
His fellow samurai shed tears at his words, save for Ieyasu, who stood stalwart and silent, smiling softly. His hands were still outstretched amongst the many who refused to lessen the load. Once more, you refused to die on anyone's terms but your own. Still the stubborn one as ever. Ieyasu thought. Your world…we will protect it.
Randgriz reformed from the sword, standing behind Tadakatsu and bracing against him. She looked up towards her sisters as she glowed green and cracks spread throughout her body. "It's all up to you, Hilde…I'm sorry…and stay strong…" She said, smiling softly.
"I had my say…guess it's time to go..." Tadakatsu said, closing his eyes. "Wait… that's a lie." He chuckled. Tadakatsu raised his left arm above his head. He bent his elbow and pointed his thumb down behind him. "Tadatomo, Tadamasa, Ina…no, Komatsu and Nobuyuki. Live…live and become strong enough to hold your loved ones close…I love you all…" The cracks spread throughout his entire body. "You are… the greatest part…of my tiny world…" The two shattered and flew into the wind.
"You were so damn determined, you willed yourself back to life." Marduk looked up at the scoreboard.
Marduk 90%
Honda Tadakatsu XXXXXXXXX%
"Even in death, you're still inspiring them." Marduk sighed. "You're truly insane, Tadakatsu…"
"It's over! Round Seven has come to a close, and Storytelling is over!" Heimdall shouted. "The winner of Round Seven's titanic clash and Storytelling: Heroes is MARDUK!"
Honda Tadakatsu vs Marduk
Victor: Marduk
Match Length: 17 Minutes 16 Seconds
Deciding Move: Flowing Blade of Moon's Embrace
Humans 3 – 4 Gods