The Crowd behind Marduk and Sarpanitu roared. Amongst the cacophony, they could make out Nabu's joy-filled cries. "Guess our boy got your lungs." Marduk chuckled.
"You know, I could drop you." Sarpa eyed him. Marduk met her gaze, still smiling. "Just saying."
In front of them, the Human audience shuffled around. Many of the Samurai in the audience, including Ieyasu and his party, refused to budge while the rest left the bleachers. Marduk turned his attention to them. "Sarpa, can you help me over there?"
"Wait, what?"
"There's someone over there I need to meet. I need to make sure of something."
She sighed. "Please promise me you're not picking a fight." The two shuffled in the opposite direction from their Gate.
"I hope not."
Ieyasu saw them coming towards them, as did the others. Naomasa, Tadatsugu, and Sakakibara shot up, releasing a murderous aura. "All of you, sit down," Ieyasu said solemnly. "Stepping up to fight a warrior near-death would do nothing but stain Tadakatsu's legacy."
"My Lord!" Naomasa said, turning to Ieyasu. "That's the God-" Ieyasu stared back at him, showing no emotion.
"Naomasa," He said softly. "I know, but there are more important things to deal with right now..." Ieyasu glanced at the four below him. Tadamasa, Tadatomo, Nobuyuki, and Komatsuhime sat lifeless. He looked back at Naomasa and nodded towards the four. Naomasa, fighting back his anger, pursed his lips and closed his eyes. He exhaled, then bowed. He walked below Ieyasu with Tadatsugu and Sakakibara in tow. They stirred the four from their near-catatonia and walked them out of the bleachers, leaving Ieyasu alone. He stared down at the arena, seeing Marduk and Sarpanitu near the arena walls staring up at him. "What do you want, Marduk?" He released his aura.
Marduk's body trembled in Sarpanitu's arms. It's not heavy, but damn is it unyielding. This must be him. "Did you know Tadakatsu Honda?" Marduk asked.
Ieyasu scoffed. "Know him? His life and mine were inseparably linked. He served as my vassal and my strongest warrior. Did you see that young woman leaving with my retinue?"
"…I did."
"That was his blood-daughter, and my adopted daughter." Marduk and Sarpanitu felt weights hit their stomachs. "Those two giants of men with her were Tadakatsu's sons."
"…and I killed their father."
"You did, but I'm not here to chastise or blame. That's not what you're here for either." Ieyasu breathed deeply. "I have no doubt the young man your wife was sitting with over there was your son. He'd be without you both now if it had been different."
This guy's spot on. He doesn't look anything special, but he's spot on. Sarpanitu thought.
"What do you, Heroes of Babylon, want of me, Ieyasu Tokugawa?"
"Before I fought them, Tadakatsu and Randgriz willingly met with me and discussed the notion of heroism. Do you know what he told me?" Ieyasu shook his head, his lip curling. "He told me about his hero. A man who thinks too big and too much. Cares too much. But he could inspire people to follow him. Tadakatsu Honda was a true hero." Marduk's eyes teared up. "I don't deserve to say this, but…" A painful smile grew across his face. "He saved me today…and I can't thank him for it…so I thought I could at least say 'thank you' to you." Ieyasu's expression did not change despite shedding tears. "Thank you, to the hero of my hero. That man deserved far more than this…"
"No…" Marduk and Sarpanitu were slightly taken aback. Ieyasu looked up at the dimming sky. "This battle is exactly what he wanted. I know he wanted to win, but I also know deep down he wanted to die in such a battle. He would never hold it against me, but I denied him a warrior's death. You…gave that to him." Ieyasu bowed deeply. "Thank you." He raised back up. "I'm done here. Some things need my attention." He saw something catch his eye. He noticed that same young man running out of the gate earlier, followed by several angels in medical scrubs flying towards them. "Go, and rest well." Ieyasu turned away from them and departed. Marduk and Sarpanitu turned around to see their overjoyed son running towards them.
"That went better than I thought it would." Sarpanitu said smiling.
"Yeah…good men attract good people." Marduk chuckled. You were right, Tadakatsu. That man is a hero.
Up at the top of the arena, Brünhilde stared down at the arena. Damn it. She thought. Tadakatsu was so damn strong…I thought he and Randgriz could win…and they almost did… Her tablet vibrated. She saw the cause: a message from Set. Her face scrunched up, but she opened it.
Contest for Round 8: Workshop
Fighter for the Gods
Hephaestus
Of course, he'd send Hephaestus next. Shit…
Göll looked over to her sister, fighting back tears. "Hilde…Randgriz is gone…and so is Tadakatsu…"
Brünhilde left her thoughts behind as she turned her focus to Göll. "I know, but remember what he asked of us."
"He…left his world to us…"
"Exactly, Göll. That means we must carry on the same way he did." She inhaled deeply. "Göll, I need to make a stop by my room, alone. I'll contact you later when we need to meet up."
"Okay, Hilde…" She sulked. Brünhilde felt her heart break a little, but the situation required it. She tussled Göll's hair a little, growing a soft smile, and departed. "She's…not this quiet when stuff like this happens. Maybe I'll go check on the others…" Göll left not long after, unaware of someone setting their sights on her from the other side of the arena.
"Zeus," Set said. "May I be excused?"
"Hmm? Oh sure." Zeus answered. "However, I need to discuss something with you later."
"Of course. What for and when?"
"Nothing of great concern, and whenever you're free." Set bowed and walked out of the box. "I know who he is." Hades and Poseidon turned to face Zeus. "I had a hunch, and it's hard to picture him. I guess it's been so long since I've thought about him, I forgot his face and name. But seeing how Set reacted to Marduk and how he convinced Nuada to come, I can only come to one conclusion."
"Well? Who is he?" Hades asked.
Back at her chambers, Brünhilde sat at her desk, staring at her monitor, the screen displaying the updated score:
X Philippus Von Hohenheim VS Dionysus O
X Arash VS Indra O
O Samson VS Baldr X
O Johannes Lichtenauer VS Futsunushi X
X Saint Germain VS Nuada O
O Vlad Dracul Tepes VS Prometheus X
X Tadakatsu Honda VS Marduk O
She sighed as she stared at the list. Lord, this is too damn much. Maybe he was right.
In her mind, an image of a familiar room appeared. The light-blue comfortable room is lined with bookshelves and soft furniture. She sat on the brown couch across from Dr. Hohenheim, sitting in a matching chair. His aged yet soft and pleasant features were matched by his brown eyes and auburn hair. "I warned you this would be more than you could handle." He said, smiling softly. "However, you've managed to carry us this far, so I guess you're proving me wrong."
"That's what you'd probably say." She responded into the darkness. "No…you were right, Doctor. This is far more than I expected it would be."
"Yet here you are, still holding it together despite the strain. I'm sure losing Tadakatsu hurt."
Brünhilde bit her lip. "It didn't hurt as much as seeing how his family responded. They were so strong, yet even they fell to pieces at his death. Am I…a bad person?"
"You're fighting to save Humanity. You know who we are, warts and all. Why would that make you a bad person?"
"I don't know…maybe I could have worked harder to build support amongst the Gods to vote the other way. Maybe I could've let go of my pride and pleaded to Zeus. Anything to keep…"
"Us from dying? Unlikely, I'm afraid. We both know anything you'd have done would fall short. Ragnarök was the last-ditch effort. You didn't want it, but there was no other way."
She sighed. "Of course you'd say that…you're just a memory now and I need someone to keep me from feeling guilty."
"Maybe, but we all knew what would happen if we did or didn't fight. The choice was obvious. I knew that, Arash knew that, so did Tadakatsu, and most importantly, so did your sisters. Beating yourself up for our deaths won't bring us back or make tomorrow never come." Tears began falling from her face as she stared up at the ceiling. "You don't need me here to tell you that."
She hunched over and cupped her face in her hands. "Dammit…but I wish you were…" She responded to the darkness. Nothing came out, save for the soft hum of her monitor. Her tablet vibrated on the table, but she ignored it. It vibrated again. "Good grief, what the hell?" She whispered. "Can't even get a damn break to myself…" She slowly reached over and picked it up. Bringing the tablet screen in front of her face while she wiped her face, she saw two messages. "What're they messaging me for?" She opened the first one.
Brünhilde, are we meeting first tomorrow?
"Shit, I forgot to send the notifications." She rubbed her forehead with her left hand while she typed.
Yes. Your opponent is Hephaestus for Workshop. I'll be by early to get you and Hrist.
She sent the message. Another message popped up before she could check the other. "That was quick."
We'll be ready. We're taking it tomorrow! Just watch us! It'll be MAGNIFICENT!
Brünhilde chuckled a little. She closed the message and pulled up another chat. She typed into it a brief message:
Contest for Round 8: Workshop
Fighter for Humanity
Leonardo Da Vinci
She hit send and returned to the other new message.
Hilde, checking in with you. Message me when you feel up to it. Today was rough, but it wouldn't be possible without you.
"I thought Sieg was a worrywart." She smiled. She typed away at her tablet.
I'm fine. Just because Sieg's not around doesn't mean I need you to worry about me in his place. ;D
Until he's back, someone's got to. Also, giving you a heads-up. I'm making a short visit to see old friends. Don't worry, I won't start anything…this time.
"Oh man…please don't do anything stupid, Rommie…" She reclined back in her chair and closed her eyes.
Asgard
"How long has he been at this?" Apollo asked.
"Since the start of Round Four," Thor answered. The two watched from some distance. Týr, alone, stood in the middle of a field. His body lax, he slowly brought his arms up in front of his body, palms towards his face, and stepped his right foot back while slightly pivoting his torso to the right.
"A boxing stance. Looks like out-boxing." Týr slowly returned to his original stance. He raised his arms back up, palms out in lightly clenched fists. His left leg is just slightly in front of the right, his torso facing forward. Apollo squinted and scratched his chin. "Never seen that one before, but it looks like it favors kicks."
"He learned that fighting on Midgard. Most of what he knows comes from there, except your boxing."
Apollo puffed his chest out a little. "Good to see he still knows quality when it's in front of him." Týr returned to his original posture. He stepped his left leg out further than before, expanding his posture just past shoulder-width and slightly crouched. He pivoted his torso to the right as he extended out his left hand, fingers outstretched in a knife-hand. "What exactly is he doing?"
"Not sure. Only Týr knows." Behind the two, a doorway appeared. The two looked back as it opened just in time to see who it was.
"A sight for sore eyes and as beautiful as ever." He was tall and built with broad shoulders. His blonde hair cut short and brushed to the side complemented his strong blue eyes, square jaw, and neatly trimmed moustache and short beard. His t-shirt was a deep orange, sticking out against his black cargo pants and combat boots. "What brings you here, Romulus?"
Romulus
(Rome)
"Old habits, and maybe old friends?" He answered, his voice deep but jovial. "The Rounds for today are over, and I wanted to check in with you all."
"Is that really why you're here?" Týr asked, not looking in their direction.
"Got me there." Romulus walked past Thor and Apollo, patting them on their backs as he did. "The real reason I'm here is because I'm depressed." He made his way over to Týr.
"What for? Humanity is keeping up with us." Romulus stopped in front of Týr.
"I can be sad that Baldr and Futsu are dead too, you know. I may be fighting for the 'other' team, but they were still my friends." His expression hardened as he met Týr's eyes with his own. "Are you still my friend, Týr?" Romulus stepped his right foot back and brought his hands up. Apollo hopped a little in place and did a quick look at Thor. Týr sighed and took the same stance. His left hand immediately flew at Romulus' face. Romulus pivoted his right foot, turning his body to the left and slipping the jab. Týr snapped his hand back and fired another. Romulus pivoted his left foot, slipping the jab. He fired a cross towards Týr's head, but Týr brought his hand back and shrugged his shoulder just in time to block the punch with the meat of his shoulder. The blow was soft, but Týr smiled under the guard. He twisted his body to the left, keeping his guard as he fired a long right uppercut to Romulus' jaw. Romulus got his left hand below his chin just in time to snuff the soft blow.
"You'll never quit being my friend." Týr asked, his hand still cupped in Romulus'.
"Not a chance." They stood relaxed and stepped back, breaking out of their stances. "Týr, I have a few things I need to talk to you about."
"I'm sure you do." He sighed. "What's up?"
"I received some information from a reliable source, I think you and Thor need to know." Romulus' smile vanished. "Vidarr is out on probation."
Thor's grip on Mjolnir tightened. Týr's body stiffened. "What?"
"I was informed he was let out of the Circles for a mission. The only people who could approve that are Yama, Tartarus' Warden, or- "
"The Chief God who put him there." Thor and Apollo started walking over to them.
"Any reason to think Odin would allow Vidarr out?"
"Not a clue, but I bet it has something to do with Set."
"Why him?"
"We believe Set and Father are working together." Thor chimed in. "On what, we're not certain."
"Boys, not my battle, but shouldn't we bring this up with Zeus? If it's those two, he should know what's going on." Apollo said.
"Already taken care of," Romulus said. "I contacted my Uncle. Knowing Hermes, he's already notified Zeus. I doubt the Greeks are going to let this slide, since that's twice now Set's pulled people out of the Circles. Zeus may let it slide once, and may even be gracious on the second, since Prometheus is dead. Doubt it, but possible."
"So why tell us? Not like we can do anything about it." Týr said.
"You're my friends. Baldr once said, through the gruff, that we're all we have sometimes. Our fathers have their plans and such, but we need to look out for each other."
"Yeah…" Týr looked down towards the ground. Romulus walked over to him, placing his left hand on Týr's metallic shoulder.
"I also came to say I miss him, too. Not speaking ill of the dead here; he was an ass. But he was far more reliable and caring than he wanted to admit." He shook Týr's shoulder gently and patted it. "I've overstayed my time here. I would check in with Take…but I think he needs to be alone right now."
Týr looked back up at his friend. "You're right. He needs…time to sort things out."
"You'll both be fine." Romulus looked over to Apollo and Thor, then smiled and nodded. He stepped away from Týr. "Take care, gents. I'll see you tomorrow." He turned and began walking back to the entrance.
"Anything you want us to pass to Lugh?" Apollo asked.
Romulus stopped. The air grew heavy. His back straightened, and his fists clenched. "Tell him…" Romulus' voice deepened into a low whisper. "…be ready. And warn him; if he fights me, I will fight to kill." The aura vanished, and Romulus resumed his departure, reaching the door and passing through. The door closed and vanished.
Týr looked towards where the door was. "Still resolute as ever. Scary bastard."
"He knows what's at stake," Thor added. "He would even kill family to protect his people."
Mount Aetna
(Olympus)
"Set, you better have a damn good reason to bother me right now," Hephaestus said, banging away at a piece of metal on an anvil. "I have two orders I need finished before I turn in for the night."
Set sat on a bench a few meters away from him, his legs crossed. He surveyed the layout of the forge before focusing on the wall on the other side of the room. From one end to the other, weapons of different shapes, sizes, and origins filled every space. There were so many weapons, he could barely make out the deep brown stone wall behind them all. "What's on the list for today?"
"Small talk?" He sighed. "Whatever…they're a new arm for Týr and a new arm, sheath, and grip for Nuada. Round Five did a mean number on the old version. Never thought weapons made by me would melt, but you can never anticipate Cambions and what they're capable of."
"Fair point. When did they ask for them? After Round Three, Týr returned to Asgard to train, and Nuada's…indisposed at the moment."
Hephaestus made a loud, mirthless laugh without looking away from his project. "I know those two well enough to have a few new things ready for them before they even ask. Customer service and all that ridiculous stuff."
"Daaaaad, you're too loud." A young woman's voice spoke from a connecting room through a door. The other room was dark, save for occasional flashing lights and odd sounds.
"Sorry, dear. Got to get these done before the day's over." He did not look towards Set. "Can you close the door for me? Pandora's gotten into this weird hobby of hers. She likes watching Vanir try on new clothes and such made by dwarves. I guess it's like shopping by proxy."
"That's…odd, but who am I to judge your daughter?" Set responded. He walked over to the open door. He refrained from looking in and closed it gently.
"You say that, but you're judging Humanity rather harshly. Leading Ragnarök has gone from some kind of spectacle to a genuine battle for survival." He grabbed the metallic object off the anvil and held it close to his face. "Don't think anyone expected those Humans to keep the score to 4-3. Shit, who would've thought Nuada, Indra, and Marduk would get pushed as hard they did?"
"You're telling me. Honestly, they probably won because of the weapons you made for them."
Hephaestus looked away from the part and eyed Set. "Damn right, and don't you forget it." He grabbed a small pair of tweezers from his left pocket. Gently, he inserted it into the contraption. "Marduk should have come to me about that damn 'Wellspring Vault.' Stupid name if you ask me." He heard a small clicking sound come from where the tweezers touched and pulled. "Good. It's ready."
"He never asked for your help with it?"
Hephaestus stood up and walked to a large stone table, carrying the part in his right hand. "Of course not. His grudge with Zeus was bad enough that he turned me down. Me. Damn thing nearly ate his mind because he didn't put in a filtration system to keep its effects from corroding his mind. Odin had the damn sense to bring me those damn gauntlets after the Dwarves were done with them." He grabbed a wrench off the wall just above the table. "There are Gods waiting centuries for me to work on jobs for them." He whispered.
"Yes, that grudge of his is a…challenge of his he needs to overcome. Listen, Hephaestus. I enjoy talking shop with you, but-"
"You asked the wrong question, then." Hephaestus put his wrench down. "If you're here to talk about tomorrow, then you should have started with that."
Set deeply inhaled and exhaled. Gods, he's worse than Baldr and Nuada. "I digress, then. The first contest tomorrow is Workshop. I have come by to make sure you're ready."
Hephaestus stepped away from the table and turned to Set. He walked slowly over to him until he was barely two feet away. He glared down at Set, dwarfing the leader of their Roster. "I am not Gabriel, Set. Don't get your wires crossed in that helmet of yours. I am fighting tomorrow, and I will win." He poked Set in the chest with his right, gloved hand. "If you keep your promise to me."
"I stand by it, Hephaestus. Zeus has already given me the material needed. It'll be ready for her." Hephaestus slammed his right hand down on Set's shoulder.
"Good! 'Cause if you're lying to me…" Heat and pressure radiated from his body. "You know what will happen."
Set stared up at him. "She's your daughter. What makes you think I would disrespect you and her by lying? More than anyone, I understand how you feel." He placed his left hand on Hephaestus'. "The suffering she went through will not go unpunished."
"Poseidon made sure that was already done…"
"But Humanity survived. They will not get that second chance." Set gripped his hand. "I promise you, we will avenge her."
Hephaestus' hand tightened. "I need more than that. Prove to me that you mean what you say…" His hand gripping Set's shoulder began to heat up.
Set did not look away, but his expression softened under the mask. "When I came to you with the offer, I remember what you said to me. You said, 'You'd give me a chance to kill Humanity? Why?' I told you because there are few, if any, Gods in Heaven, hurt by Humanity as much as you. If there's anyone who deserves justice against them, it's Pandora." Set dropped his hand from Hephaestus'. "I would never use that to manipulate you."
Hephaestus released his shoulder, turning around and walking back to his worktable. "You used Dionysus' issues to manipulate him. How is this different?" Set's brow twitched. "I have eyes and ears everywhere, Set. Good performance, by the way. People would still think you're some maniacal villain the way you're carrying yourself."
"He…needed something different. Unlike you, he needed motivation. You…need an outlet."
Hephaestus sat back down. "And Ragnarök is the outlet?"
"Exactly. I admit I need something from you, but I am not foolish enough to think you can be fooled. It must be mutual; a tit-for-tat with absolute transparency."
Hephaestus began tinkering with the part again. "Damn right. Quit your worrying, Set. I'll fight tomorrow and win."
"Never had a doubt in my mind." Set looked at a clock on the wall. "I must go. I have a meeting with Zeus after this."
"Don't let him have his way too much. He needs a small ego check now and then."
"I will…keep that in mind." Set bowed and walked out of the room, closing the door softly behind him.
Hephaestus put the part back down. He sighed. "Pandora, how long were you listening?" No sound came from the other room. "I hope you weren't." He whispered.
"Well, well. Did not expect to see you around here." Set said, stepping away from the door. Standing in front of him, arms crossed, was Romulus.
"Just minding my own business, Set. Leave me alone and I'll be on my way."
"Can't do that since you are part of Brünhilde's Roster and a traitor, Quirinus."
"Still upset I turned you down?" Romulus asked.
"Not at all. Lugh being added more than makes up for it."
Romulus smiled. "Glad you see it that way. Anyways, just wanted to take some time to check in with my friends. After all, Baldr and Futsu are gone, and Týr and Take are not taking it well. Also knew Hephaestus had a portal to his forge near here and wanted to say hi to my uncle and cousin. Lo and behold, who do I see?"
"That may not have happened if you joined our side when I sent you the invitation."
"Set, do I have to spell it out to you why I declined your invitation?"
Set sighed. "No. A part of me understands why you do what you do, Quirinus-"
"Romulus."
"…You know more than anyone here in Heaven how far Humanity fell. Despite your efforts to lead them, they took your principles and corrupted them. The ones who tried to continue following your example? Far too few to matter, and most ended up as martyrs. Most important of all, what they did to your cousin cannot be excused."
"I know, but that's expected."
"Expected?"
"You weren't there, Set. Many of you don't understand the boots-on-ground perspective I saw. It's a whole different world than we could ever see by standing on the sidelines."
"That I do not deny. Many do not understand, but I understand more than you give me credit for."
"Do you, now?"
"I know of the kangaroo court the Heavens subjected Eve to. I saw Adam's defiance and their journey out of Valhalla into Midgard. I could not fathom the sheer sanctimony and apathy the Gods showed. Were it Marduk, the Dagda, dare I say it, your grandfather Zeus, or his brothers, or me, the Serpent would have suffered a fate worse than Adam gave him. Eve would have been absolved of her crimes, and balance would return."
"If that was the case, why did no one do anything after?"
"Once their minds were made up, nothing could or would change them. You and I both know many Gods have a bad habit of ignoring inconvenient things or flouting their power when it will not catch the ire of their superiors. Were the news to get out that the court was held without approval by a Chief God, their collective reputations would be besmirched. So all parties involved fabricated the story that best fits the narrative."
"Guess that's one of the few times history was written by the losers." Set's brow furrowed. "Enough of that," Romulus said, fanning his hand. "I'm tired of the barbs, but since you stopped me, I have a question, Set. Why Workshop?"
"Pardon?"
"Brünhilde picked it at the start, because she's confident in our Fighter. However, you picked it for Round Eight. I can understand the powerplay here; pick one of the opponent's games and beat them at it. It's what you did in Round One and what she did in Round Four. Here's what bothers me-"
"Romulus, as you insist on being called, do we need to discuss this?"
Romulus raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Oh, definitely. See, you picked Storytelling after just two losses. Not even big losses." He started rubbing his chin and looked off to the side. "I respect Baldr and Futsunushi deeply, but we both know your power-players were Indra, Nuada, initially Gabriel, and Marduk. The others are strong, but those four were no doubt your Aces. So why go with Storytelling so early? My money is that you didn't expect us to tie it up so early, if at all. Must have been one nasty bruise to the ego."
Set squinted and leered. "…It was a miscalculation. Plus, Nuada refused to fight if Lugh went before him. The only exception was if Brünhilde picked the planned contest for him, which, along with the string of losses, demanded I choose Storytelling. After that, I took Workshop from her." Set's right fist clenched, popping from the strain. "It's what she gets for defying the will of the Heavens."
"Hmmm." Romulus nodded. "Pettiness doesn't look good on anyone, Set. Not even you. Personally, I like that streak in her. Keeps everyone here on their toes. Still, this begs the question: why not put Lugh up instead? Don't get me wrong, Hephaestus is a powerhouse compared to the rest of his generation, but Storytelling is over. Nuada's restriction isn't on you anymore. Why not send the strongest God after your Aces to continue the sweep?" Set did not respond. Romulus grew a smug grin. "I see…you're still playing favorites. You favor Nuada and Marduk too much, as usual. Makes sense that you want to wait until the last possible moment to send Lugh out of courtesy. Maybe you're hoping you win the next three rounds and Lugh will never have to fight."
"Nuada is one of the few Gods who deserves such treatment, and you would be okay with another friend of yours dying?"
Romulus sighed. "I've lost more than my fair share in life. This tournament is taking another is, just how things go."
"Even if they may die at your hands? Even Lugh or Hephaestus?"
"Of course. You think Nuada or Marduk would let such things get in their way?" Set said nothing. "Do you think them so weak they would allow their love for Lugh and Nabu to stop them from their duty?"
"That's what you take away from their example?"
"You saw Rounds Five & Seven too, didn't you? Like them, I am a King. Being a King demands more of you than people realize or even bother to comprehend. It's confining, demanding, and unfair more often than not. It's not a position to covet, despite Prometheus' delusions of grandeur. You cannot be too selfless, lest people take advantage of you. Too selfish, and they revolt. It's a tightrope, and you're pulled both ways constantly. That's why, like them, I am ready to fight whoever I must to protect my people."
"What if it's Pandora?"
"…Pandora's situation is far more complicated than you give it due." Romulus' tone did not change. "Her situation was an inevitability due to the Heavens' ignorance of how much Humanity has changed since Adam and Eve. That is as much on the Gods as on Humanity. And like that, you've proven my point."
Set tilted his head.
"Even under a disguise and a new name, you're still the same petty guy you always were, shifting standards when people you can't stand meet or exceed them. Things aren't 'shaping' up to how you hoped, and you react like a brat. You're just like your daughter."
Set slowly reached his left hand to a switch on the point where the mask's face and neck meet. He tapped it, and an aura flooded into the hallway. Romulus felt it smash down on him as the room began to dim. "You watch what you say," Set spoke, his voice deep and distorted. "Were you anyone not on the Roster, I would butcher you. Now leave." The Aura vanished, and Set tapped the switch again. "I won't warn you a second time," He said in his original voice. "Romulus."
"Fair." Romulus stepped back, smirking. "I got what I needed anyway." He turned and walked away, leaving Set alone to glare at the back of Romulus' head.
Einherjar Barracks
On the other side of the arena, Göll was paying a visit. She sat on a wooden stool cross-legged in a walled-in stone pavilion while the darkening sky loomed overhead. Some stars were starting to pierce through the sky's changing colors. Opposite of her was Li Shuwen, eyes closed and completely still. His knees were bent ninety degrees, feet pointing forward, while his arms were tucked into his body. His elbows sat perfectly next to his ribs, and his back was straight without issue. Göll did not know it, but could feel it in her core; the Horse Stance in front of her was akin to a living work of art. Li was still wearing the green military fatigues from earlier, but stood barefoot.
"Göll, why are you here?" Li asked. "Here to pay your sister a visit?" To Li's right, a young woman who could be called Hlökk's doppelgänger was copying Li's stance…to a far less successful degree. She had light red hair braided into two buns on the sides of her head. The dress and headband that she wore matched Hlökk, except for her footwear, as her right leg has a long black stocking while the left leg sports a short one.
"Göll…I'm happy to see you…but please…don't distract me…" She said.
Hervör Alvitr
(10th Sister of the Valkyries)
"If I fall…I'm gonna…" Her legs began to buckle. "Crap…" It grew worse. "Crap-crap-crap-crap-crap-crap…" She continued repeating under her breath.
"Do not falter. Two more minutes." Li did not look in her direction.
"You said that ten times already!" She struggled out.
"I did, but you had more to give. Like you still do."
How did he get Alvitr to do that weird stance? Göll thought. Wait, how long has she been doing it!?
"Göll, my question."
"Oh…" She lowered her head. "Hilde needed some time alone…so I'm trying to give her space."
"And so you thought you could do that here while we trained?" His tone did not change.
Göll shirked a little. She gulped as her eyes darted to the sides. "…I'm sorry, Li. I'll go."
"No. Stay." He said frankly. She looked up towards him. "Frankly, I'm flattered you chose to come here. Is there something on your mind?"
Her heart felt heavy. "I don't want to bother you. Are you sure?"
"I don't joke or offer my time half-heartedly. Speak." His tone was still authoritative.
"Hilde's…changed. She used to be kind and caring. Even if she's the oldest, she's also the one we all look up to and trust as the boss."
"That's how she comes off sometimes, yes."
"But now…she's a whole different person. It just seems…totally wrong."
"Time," Li said. He stood up as Alvitr fell to the ground.
"What the hell, Li!? That was more than six hours!" Alvitr screamed. She began furiously rubbing her legs. "Everything hurts now…"
"Göll," Li said. "Why do you see it as 'wrong?' If it was wrong, do you think Brünhilde is wrong for doing it?"
"…I'm not sure. I just wish things…were like they were before all this."
"That's no longer possible. Too much has happened, and too many are dead now." Li strolled over to a small table near Göll. On it sat a small, ornate tea set with steam coming from the pot's neck. He grabbed one of the small cups and poured hot liquid from the pot into it. He set the pot back down and took a whiff. "Tea. Simple, but refreshing." He poured two more cups. He grabbed two of the three and carried them away from the table. He placed one on the ground next to Alvitr, then walked over to Göll. "Hold out your hand." Göll stretched her right hand out. Li placed the cup gently in hers. "The way your sister handles this situation is hers and hers alone. Graceful or not, right or wrong, she is trying." He walked back to the table and grabbed the third cup. "Rather than fret over your sister, let's focus on something else."
"Like what?"
"Please don't get him started…" Alvitr moaned.
"Ignore her." Alvitr gestured, grabbing something and wringing it. "How are you handling all this?"
"Me?"
"Quite a few died today. Surely some of them mattered to you?" Li sipped his tea.
Göll took a quick sip. The bitter yet refreshing taste of the tea eased her nerves. "...I feel helpless. It just doesn't seem fair. All of them were so kind. Mist, Thrud, Randgriz, and all the Fighters. None of them deserved it…"
"No. It's fair." Göll tilted her head. "I'll be frank; Brünhilde pulling off what she did is nothing short of a miracle. None of us denies that some of what Humanity has done up to this point fits the definition of 'reprehensible.'" Li turned to her. "Do not forget this; we're not fighting to prove we are good or just; we are fighting to survive. That's all."
"That's all?"
"Yes. Good and evil are, in many ways, subjective. What is good to some is evil to others. The opposite is true. Humans and Gods both reduce everything to 'good' or 'evil' to suit their perspectives. Both sides of this battle could claim that what they're doing is 'good' or 'just.' Which side is wrong?"
"How am I supposed to know?"
"You claim the situation is unfair. I say it is fair. Am I wrong?" Göll sat silent. Her thoughts raced as she tried to respond. "This isn't a yes or no question. I say what I say because, from what I can tell, you need to form your own perspective on this situation. You've loyally followed your sister through this, and that to some is admirable. However, I think what you're trying to do is help her, right?"
"I want to, yeah. It just seems like too much for one person to bear."
"Then take what we've talked about and form your perspective. You'd be surprised what you could come up with when given time and space. It may be just what you need to help her."
"I'm…not sure."
"Göll, you never know until you try." Alvitr chimed in. "Plus, if you don't, he'll talk your ear off."
"Ignore her." Alvitr started punching the air in Li's direction.
Göll unfurled her legs and jumped off the stool. "Okay, I'm…going to see if I can figure this out." She turned and walked away from the two as Li walked over to grab the stool. She walked through the door, leaving the two alone. Li walked over to Alvitr and offered his hand.
"Your sister's heart is too big," Li said, pulling Alvitr up off the ground and setting the stool under her. "Sit."
She sighed loudly. "Yeah…out of all of us, she's the one most like Hilde." She stared at the door Göll walked through. "Makes us want to fight harder to support them."
"Are you sure that's for the best?"
She smiled smugly. "Duh! We've got to look out for each other."
Li stretched out his hand. Alvitr placed her empty cup in it. "Well said." He went back to the center of the room and returned to Horse Stance.
Alvitr groaned. "Again?"
"Just me this time." He closed his eyes. "Tomorrow will be here sooner than we think."
Göll stepped through the door and into a precarious situation. Standing in front of her, with his arms crossed behind his back, was Set. He leered down at her. "Ah, Göll. Just who I was hoping to find." He said, his voice full of mirthless joy.
"Set!? Wh-wh-why?" She screamed, backing up to the wall. "Why are you here!?"
"I was looking for you." His tone remained the same. "May we talk?"