Valhalla Arena
Barracks of the Gods
"He's been sitting there since the start of Round Five yesterday," Susano'o said, looking over at Takemikazuchi, who was sitting cross-legged in the middle of a small grassy patch in his dojo's garden. Across from him, resting on the ground, was Futsu-no-Mitama, still sheathed in its scabbard. "I don't have any idea what he's thinking." He turned back to his guests: a youthful-looking, raven-haired woman wearing loose robes and a crown that resembled a sun and a man with silver hair, styled in a bowl cut and a thin ponytail, in purple, ornate robes. Behind them sat a God wearing a white kosode, deep blue hakama, and white tabi socks. His gray hair was styled into two large and rounded loops on either side of his head, with his bangs falling slightly off-center in thick, angled strands.
Izanagi
Former Chief God of the Shinto Pantheon
Father of the Three Precious Children
God of Creation
Last Primordial God
"He's preparing himself for his upcoming match," Izanagi answered softly. "Does anyone know when he's going?"
"No, Father," Amaterasu answered. "But last I heard, Rounds Nine and Ten are Brünhilde's to pick."
Tsukuyomi sighed. "Hopefully, he'll put up a better fight than his brother." Amaterasu slowly walked over to her younger brother, snapped her hand around his ear, and yanked it down. "Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow!" She let go and sighed. "What was that for!?"
"For being tactless, especially within earshot." She looked over to Takemikazuchi. She heard his tablet ring, seeing it light up in the grass. He opened his eyes and slowly grabbed it, checking it. He sighed and slowly shook his head, then set it back down. "Imagine if it were Sano'o or me who died out there. Would you respect someone so callous? Especially someone in charge of your Pantheon?"
Tsukuyomi rubbed his ear, looking dejected. "…Yeah, you have a point."
Izanagi smiled at the two, then looked over to Susano'o. "Any idea what that notification may have been?" Susano'o shook his head. His tablet then vibrated in his pocket. "Oh, that's surprising. Who'd message me?" The screen lit up as he opened the message.
Been a while, Brother. Are you here to watch Takemikazuchi's match?
Izanagi smiled. He knew only one person who called him that and would talk so casually with him. He typed up a response.
I am. My kids insisted we come and support Susano'o's prized pupil today. Neither will admit it, but they felt guilty not being here yesterday to support him after Futsunushi died.
He followed up with a quick message.
You know how it is. We do not realize when the last time we get to do something comes until it has passed. How are you?
He sent the message and waited. Susano'o turned around to him. "Someone messaged you?"
"An old friend, actually. I think it would be better to say an old war buddy. He and I went through untold horrors together a long time ago and were amongst the few survivors of it." His tablet vibrated in his hand. "He has a bad habit of holding himself to unreasonable standards and used to be bad about holding others to them, too." He sighed and smiled softly.
"What changed?"
"The same thing that happened to you and me." He walked past his son and looked out to Take. "He took on a greater responsibility than himself or his duties. I told him it would change his world." He looked from Susano'o to Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu, who were looking around the dojo. "It did me a whole lot more good than I could ever imagine."
Susano'o smiled. "I can't argue that."
"By the way, Sano'o. You seem unreasonably calm. Futsunushi fell in battle yesterday. But neither you nor Take seems worried. Why?"
Susano'o looked to the side as he scratched his head with his right hand. "I must confess something, Father. Among the two, Takemikazuchi is stronger and has been for a long time. And I mean far stronger than he would ever admit." His face went stern as he stared at his student. "Remember the Namazu? The giant earthquake-causing catfish?"
"The monster Takemikazuchi slew?"
"Yeah…He and I have been lying about that thing. He asked me to." Susano'o recalled the scene, staring in awe at what unfolded. Takemikazuchi, his back torn up, bloodied, and bruised, was standing in front of a massive city-sized dead monster. Both of his fists were still clenched as a powerful aura exuded from his exhausted body. "It turns out it was a Primordial Beast. One on the same level as the Yamata no Orochi and Vritra."
Izanagi dropped his tablet. His shocked expression shattered his calm demeanor. "Why would he ask that?"
"Take's a good big brother. The journey for Mastery was something Futsu cooked up, and he tagged along to keep him out of trouble. Didn't even realize until they were already on the journey that Take…was an absolute powerhouse of skill and untapped potential. Had he not held himself back, he might be at the same level as the Norse Trifecta by now."
"Oh."
"Yep. He'll be fine. His match isn't about reaching mastery as it was for Futsu…no." He turned away and started walking back into the dojo. "It's about accepting that he's already there. He just needs to get out of his own way, and the man he's going to fight will make that happen." Susano'o walked over to his siblings as Izanagi picked up his tablet. He opened the message.
Been better. I just received confirmation that Hephaestus lost. We are now tied 4-4 with Brünhilde's 'Einherjar.' She is choosing Wrestling for Round Nine. I am forwarding you the notification.
Another message popped up.
Contest for Round 9: Wrestling
Fighter for Humanity
Ghulam Mohammad Baksh Butt
I researched this Human. He was the first Einherjar Brünhilde recruited. Without a doubt, he is strong. Susano'o knows, and it is why he specifically asked for Takemikazuchi to fight him and only him. Do you think he can win?
Izanagi looked over to Take in meditation, pondering over the revelation from Susano'o. He smiled and typed away on the tablet.
Without a doubt. However, my concern is with you. Hephaestus was special to you. He reminded you a lot of yourself back in the day when the girls were young.
He sent the message and waited. I know you, Brother. I know you better than anyone. That is three young Gods dead now, and you never admit how much it pains you to see it. Especially… The tablet vibrated.
I am not well. Hephaestus is dead, Pandora is without a father, and the Heavens lost a God who broke down the barriers between Pantheons through his incredible works. I am not well, and it is my fault.
When you take all the blame on yourself. You can only take on so much before it wears you down.
Tartarus
Beneath the Circles
Deep below Tartarus, far below what common knowledge leads the denizens of the Heavens to believe, Set stood at the opening of a titanic cavern. However, it was as if a slice of Midgard was cut out of existence and buried. The cave was illuminated without a source of light in sight, and the floor was covered in fresh, green grass. The ceiling was replaced by a slightly cloudy blue sky. A few sparse trees dotted the meadow, along with two small clear ponds. The only indication that he was underground was the stone archway behind him that led into a dark cave. Over a hundred meters ahead of him sat a large and flat stone platform. Set could still make out the motionless figure lying on its back on top of the platform, hands clasped and eyes closed.
Set sighed as he stood watching it, tablet in his left hand. I wonder…He thought in his deep baritone voice. Are you still in there? Has the passage of time taken your mind, despite age no longer applying to you? He reached out his right hand and saw the vision in front of him slowly creep away from him. The rift in space still holds firm…and here I thought this prison would hold Odin someday. Maybe Prometheus or such. He dropped his hand back down. Then again, it is still appropriate for you.
Footsteps began echoing in the cavern behind him. Set continued to gaze upon the scene as they grew closer. Heavy, with the soft scraping of leather against stone. Some clinging of metal on leather with each step. Set's heartbeat sped up with each step. Good. They are here. Now, we can proceed. The steps stopped just behind Set. "I was wondering when you two would show up." Set turned around to face a hulking God towering over him. His deep black hair was brushed back, revealing his slightly pale face. His beard and moustache were both thick and well-combed. He was wearing a thick, faded black coat with dark cyan trim and a pale blue fur lining. He wore metal pauldrons held in place by leather belts and metal bracers over cloth wraps on his forearms. Across his waist was a leather band over his coat with a purple sash hanging by a gold ring. His pants were a pale tan and tucked into fur-lined brown boots with a gray trim. He stared down at Set with a pair of yellow eyes with black sclera, the calling card of the Sons of Odin.
Vidarr
God of Silence, Space, and Vengeance
Second of Odin's Sons
(Norse)
Floating to his left side was a young girl with short, straw-blonde hair and long bangs. She wore a black leather coat over a long white summer dress and matching black tennis shoes and white stockings. Her cyan eyes pierced through her bangs towards Set.
Skiegul
(?)
"What the hell is this place?" Vidarr asked, looking around.
"It is a pocket dimension named Avalon," Set said in his reedy voice. "When Tartarus was first built, it was intended to be a type of prison that was impossible to enter or escape from once the dimension was severed. Only the worst of the worst, that even the Circles were deemed too good for, would be imprisoned here. However, it was deemed excessive even by the standards of the old days, and so only one this one exists." He turned back to the field. "They could not get rid of it after that decision, so here it remains."
"Huh, and this is where they put him? Seems a bit much, even if he was accused of killing a Chief God."
"I believe your father had a hand in it to spite me."
Vidarr sighed. "Of course he did. After all, if he would put me in the Circles at the drop of a hat and imprison Sieg, this isn't beneath him."
Set turned back to him and eyed him. "You mean after you tried to kill him."
Vidarr smirked. "And failed at it. But now we have a second chance."
"Exactly, but something must be done first, and you need to remember that." Set walked up to him and rested his right hand on Vidarr's left shoulder; his stare intensified. "You are helping me like last time, but unlike last time, you cannot act on your own." He gripped Vidarr's shoulder and squeezed tightly. "Understand?"
Vidarr sighed. "As long as you don't make deals without my knowledge again, yes…I won't fail this time." He flicked Set's hand off with his right. "Is that why she's here?"
"Yes, and more. Skiegul will be necessary for you to start the plan. Her power, combined with yours, will be able to do what no one thought possible." He looked back at the field. "And break this boundary to finally get to him."
"If he's able to use my power properly," Skiegul said.
"He is, or at least will be given time." He turned back to the two. "I have…a few things I need verification on. Vidarr, do you have the info I need about Yama?"
"Almost. He recently returned to Tartarus. Ragnarök is making him anxious, especially since he allowed you to release Prometheus. Only a matter of time before he slips up."
"Good. Proving that he and Eris were complicit with Prometheus' plans is proving to be difficult, but you work with what you have. Continue monitoring him." He stood in silence for a moment. "Ah." He stopped. "Actually, I have an idea."
"What?"
"The power you two need to break through and get to Arthur. It may be better for you two to get some practice in before trying here. Why not head to the Circles? Since Eris is there, you may get two birds with one stone."
Vidarr and Skiegul smirked. "Not a bad idea. Been wanting a chance to do some work there."
"Couldn't have thought of a better plan," Skiegul added. "Viddy, shall we?"
"Let's." The two turned and departed.
Einherjar Barracks
Leo's Workshop
"Li," Ghulam said.
"What?" Li asked while the three continued to watch the monitor.
"You know what," Johannes added. "Pay up."
Li sighed. He pulled out a few packets from his left pocket. "Tea bags as promised. Honestly, why did we bet in the first place?"
"'Cause you underestimated Leo," Ghulam added, grabbing one of the two tea bags from Li's open hand. "Can't have you getting away with that!" He chuckled a little. Johannes grabbed the other and slid it into his shirt pocket under his cyan tabard.
"He was awkward as hell in that fight, but he proved himself in his own way. Honestly, I wouldn't have thought up the idea to use the damaged wall." Johannes added. "Do you think he planned that the whole time?"
"Doubt it. Leo is not the type to come up with a static plan. It's more like he was working on the fly and adapting as he went." Ghulam studied the arena walls as the camera focused on Leo being carried away in a gurney by angels in nursing scrubs. "He probably thought it up after Hephaestus tore through the walls and partition with that laser-spear thing."
"Not only that, but he handled himself well under pressure, especially for his first and only real fight."
Ghulam's pocket vibrated. "Oh? What's this?" He pulled out his tablet, seeing the message from Brünhilde. He tapped the screen,
It's time. You're going. Your opponent is Takemikazuchi, as promised.
Ghulam tapped on the screen.
Getting ready now. He better not disappoint.
Ghulam sent the message, then tossed his tablet to the side. Suddenly, his muscles flexed, and his shirt burst off his body in tatters. His sweatpants tore down the sides and fell off, revealing a black loincloth. His sandals snapped in two from him curling his toes. "YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!" He shouted, his voice echoing off the hangar's wall and ceiling. "FINALLY! IT'S MY TURN!" Li and Johannes stepped back, shocked. "Radgridr! It's time!" His voice boomed out.
"Just a minute, please!" A young girl's voice high above them spoke. "Have to finish a game real quick!"
"Fat chance you are- wait, wait, wait! Stop that!" Alvitr cried out. "Crap!"
"Done!" All three heard Alvitr groaning from above them. They looked up and saw the three sisters busy on their tablets on the scaffolding. One of them jumped over the railing and slowly floated down. She wore white heels and a long blue dress with a white trim that was adorned with feathers on the back and a pink bow. She tied her light pink hair, which matched her eyes, in a huge bun. Over her ears, she wore ornate coverings with two feathers pointing upwards from each that framed her ornate bun.
Radgridr
12th Sister of the Valkyries
She landed gracefully in front of Ghulam and curtsied. "My apologies for the delay. Alvitr wished to play a game and was rather demanding."
"What kind of game?" He said, his manic smile growing.
"Just a fighting game. Nothing special."
"Did you win?"
"Naturally. I dare say when it comes to such things, I am the best."
"Then you and I are a pair to be reckoned with! Let's get going."
"Gladly." Ghulam walked past her. "But…shouldn't you put some more clothes on?"
A massive, heavy aura began to flow from Ghulam. He stopped dead in his tracks. Johannes instinctively raised his left hand to his hip despite being unarmed, and Li widened his stance. "Radgridr…I'm a Pehlwan." She could hear his bones begin to pop all over his body from his muscles flexing. "This is all a Pehlwan needs."
She smiled. "Then let's be off." She walked towards him, and the two departed the hangar.
Alvitr and Reginleif floated down shortly after the two departed. "Ugh…those two are going now?" Alvitr groaned out. "This is going to get crazy real fast."
"You're right," Li said. "Out of all of us, I don't think anyone wanted this more than him."
"He wants this? That's just insane! What would make someone like him want the end of Humanity?
"Loneliness," Johannes added, his gaze slightly pensive. "And nothing is lonelier than just being that damn strong." Alvitr grimaced. "What? It's true. Events like this are the only moments where people like him get the chance to stand against their equals. I have no doubt he wants to protect Humanity, but..." Ghulam continued down the hall towards the arena, his manic smile nearly contorting his face. "he craves a worthwhile battle, and there is no Human alive or dead who could match him in wrestling, for he is now more monster than man."
Tartarus
Siegfried's Cell
"Man…I'm popular today!" Siegfried said, his bright smile illuminating the room. Myrddin, Teddy, Sun-sin, Camael, and Uriel stood in a semi-circle around Seigfried. Nostradamus was busy digging through the crates set off to the side next to the wagon. "And even better, Uri and Cammy!" His joy was near diabetic.
"Look, I'm out of the loop here," Teddy said. "but I admit you're a bit too positive for someone stuck here. And in such a dreadful state, lad."
"Life's like that sometimes. You've got to take the good with the bad, you know? First Set, then Týr, and now you guys! Other than you three, I've been visited by plenty of familiar faces and appreciate the visits!"
"Uh…sure, I guess." He looked over to Sun-sin, who met his eyes and shrugged his shoulders a little.
"So what brings you all down here?"
"We're here for Arthur," Myrddin said. "Also, if we can pull it off, we intend to get you out of here."
"That's…a bit of a stretch. While it may not seem like it, this place is under heavy security. I'm amazed the alarms aren't going off right now."
"All thanks to Camael here," Uriel said in a high tenor, lightly slapping the back of his hulking compatriot. "He's created a kind of veil that separates us from the current space."
"The catch is it only works while I stand still," Camael added in a basso profundo. "It's still nothing compared to Vidarr's abilities."
"Vidarr's an exception rather than the norm, so don't hold it against yourself," Siegfried said.
Camael nodded. "God, you're still the same as ever. Nice enough to cause cavities."
"Gents, I'm happy you're catching up, but Sun-sin and I are still kind of lost here. Who is this guy?" Teddy asked.
"Ah," Myrddin said. "Yes. Gentlemen, this is Siegfried the Dragonslayer. Infamous throughout the Heavens for his jovial nature, martial prowess, and for being Brünhilde's ride-or-die boyfriend."
"Boyfriend?" Sun-sin added. "You're Brünhilde's boyfriend? The cold-hearted warrior-woman who waged war against her kind? You two?"
"Yep! A guy can't get much luckier!" Sieg smiled and blushed a little. Sun-sin looked over to Teddy, who shrugged. A mutual understanding began to form between them as the bizarre circumstances began to unfold.
"And Sieg, these two are Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, and Yi Sun-Sin, Lord of Loyal Valor and an Admiral in the Korean Military during the Joseon War."
"Wow….I have no idea what those mean, but that's just my ignorance!"
Uriel chuckled quietly. "Fair, but now onto business. Sieg, I did some digging, but I need to verify something. Do you know who is currently in Cerberus? Is it true Vidarr is out?"
"Is that why they're here?" Sieg looked at Teddy and Sun-sin.
"Spot on. Nostra over there," Nostradamus waved his hand as he continued digging for medicine. "is kept in the dark about the members as a security measure, and none of the Chief Gods are made privy to all members to prevent influence. These two are amongst the strongest of a personal cadre I've put together for the sake of fighting in Ragnarök and breaking you and Arthur out. I didn't want to risk it."
"Gotcha. Well, the change is recent, but Vidarr is indeed a part of Cerberus and is in charge of security. The other two last I recall are Zahhak and Xolotl, but they're in charge of interrogation and executions. I doubt you'll have to deal with them."
Myrddin snapped his fingers. "Well, let's hope that's the case. Vidarr is trouble, but those two make the breakout harder than planned." It's a good thing he offered his services.
"Gents, quick question," Teddy said. "I am still missing something. Why are you even down here, Sieg? From what I can tell, you don't seem like the kind of man to deserve such treatment."
"Sieg is down here because he matters a great deal to Odin," Myrddin answered. "I will try to be brief, but Sieg here is one of two things Odin, the Chief God of the Norse, needs to bring back: an old threat to Creation called Yggdrasil, a group of eleven Primordial Gods who want to kill everything that isn't them. The other thing is the eradication of Humanity. Hilde's holding this off with Ragnarök, which is why we need to win and why we need Arthur. His strength will turn the tide in our favor. Ironically, Set wants the same thing: to stop Yggdrasil from returning. But he wants both them and Humanity gone. How the hell he's going to pull that off, I'm not sure."
"If he can get his hands on a complete cube, he could do something about it," Uriel said.
"Impossible, the cube has been destroyed since Winchester," Camael responded.
"But if he can repair it, then it's possible," Myrddin added. He turned back to the group. "You four now know what's at stake and who we may end up fighting. As much as I want this to be a trip down to Avalon and back, the possibility that we will run into Tartarus' forces is high. Are you ready for that?"
"We wouldn't have come if it wasn't necessary," Sin-sun answered.
"What he said," Teddy added.
"Good. We need to get to Avalon as quickly as possible once Camael drops the barrier." Camael nodded and exhaled. The space around them rippled for a moment. "Then let's be off."
The five exited the cell. Sieg listened in as their footsteps began to fade. "Do you think they'll make it far?" Siegfried asked.
"Hmmm…" Nostradamus popped up out of the crates and spun around to face Siegfried. His eyes were shut tight, and he pursed his lips. "Nope! I think they'll get torn to pieces!" He said, smiling while sticking out his tongue. Siegfried just stared at him without blinking. Nostradamus' cheeks puffed out, and he let out a loud laugh. "Kidding! Ah, you're not as easy to bother as Hilde!" He turned back to the open gate. "But I know for certain it's going to get interesting in here."
Valhalla Arena
Barracks of the Gods
Back in the dojo, Takemikazuchi sat in silence. His master was having tea with his family, but they were speaking softly enough that he could only hear every other word.
Futsu, He thought as he stared down at the sword in front of him. I'm going next. The score is tied again, and Hephaestus has fallen. He slowly looked the sword over. The pristine wooden sheath was polished to a shine, the tsuba still gleaming, and the handle lacked discoloration from use. I remember when he forged this sword for you as a favor for Sensei for teaching Pandora some sword techniques. I had never seen you so happy. I…want to avenge him. Avenge you. He looked down at his crossed feet. But I don't have it in me. If you saw what Hephaestus turned into…I don't think you'd forgive me for doing the same. Can you forgive me for not trying, at least? Johannes' face surfaced in his memories. He…mourned you, too. The Human who cut you down mourned you. What a weird old man. I think I should have talked to him more, but that'd just be weird. I also went back and watched the footage from your battle. I don't know why, but I felt I was missing something important. He looked at his tablet and saw the icon showing the paused video titled 'The Newest Sword Master Dies, The Rise And Fall Of Futsunushi.' I found it near the end. I saw them. All of them. Every God and Human we thought of as Masters raised their swords to you. He looked up, his breathing shaking for a moment. We couldn't imagine such a thing! It was beyond cool! They saw you as a peer! Our Sensei did! He laughed softly. And I missed it because I was too angry at losing you. I'm sorry for that, Futsu. He shook his head. I'm sorry for failing you. I'm sorry for lying to you for all these years. I…was scared of being alone. We were always alone. When you wanted to start all this, I went along just so we wouldn't split. But then… I was scared of robbing you of your joy. I had no idea of this talent. He clenched his fists. Of this power dwelling in me. I couldn't bear the idea of you hating me. So I waited. I waited all these years for you to get here. I waited for you so we could go together, but now we can't. So now…He rose. He grabbed his sash and pulled it, untying the knot holding his yellow kimono together. It slipped off his body, revealing his muscular form and yellow mawashi. He looked at the cloth wrappings on his feet and arms. Slowly, he pulled them off and laid them on the ground across from Futsu-no-Mitama. I must go alone. Watch me, Futsu. Watch your idiot brother make you proud. His brow furled as a heavy aura slowly crept out of his body. He turned away from the sword and walked.
Susano'o felt a powerful chill envelop him as Takemikazuchi got closer. Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi felt it shortly after him. Izanagi just looked at Takemikazuchi and smiled softly. They turned and watched him walk silently from the garden into the room and out the door.
"What was that?" Tsukuyomi whispered.
"I…have no idea," Susano'o answered.
Set listened to Vidarr's steps trail away. He waited patiently, allowing the slow, intentional sound until silence returned. He raised his tablet back to his masked face and read his last message. He sighed and walked over to the archway before turning around and leaning back against it. He looked up at the sky and slowly slid down until he sat squarely on the ground. He raised his left hand, and a small blue orb appeared. It expanded and enveloped him. "That should maintain the Völund's effect for a minute or so."
Are you sure about this? The reedy voice in his head asked.
"I need a moment. It should not take long." He tapped on the three switches on his chin and faced the field.
Do what you need.
"You are too kind." He breathed deeply and exhaled. "You know…I lost another protégé today, Arthur." He shook his head. "Not that you care, you violent cretin. Do you know how many Gods I took under my wings after the war against Odin and his band of thugs, Yggdrasil? Dozens, if not Hundreds. You only had your stupid kingdom and your paltry band of knights, and yet you could not just roll over and die like I wanted you to. No, you had to fight. Like all Humans do. Just fight belligerently and with ANY REGARD FOR THE CONSEQUENCES!" His voice echoed through the cavern and the tunnel. He shot up to his feet. "All of this! All of this is your damn fault as well as mine and yet you get to sleep it away! You damn cur! Have you no shame!? Back then, could you not even be bothered by seeing your people turning against you!? Your whore wife running around with your philandering right-hand man!? I did you a favor! Was it an accident? YES, but it worked out for you in the DAMN end!" He turned his back to the archway and punched it with his right hand. Then his left, then another right. Faster and faster until his hands blurred. And yet you had the gall." He stopped punching the wall, his gloves torn away, revealing torn pale skin and bloody knuckles. "To literally stab me in the fucking back. And now look where we are!" He threw his hands up and let them fall limp by his sides. "You are stuck in a prison I made for someone else, and I am forced to be someone else to put down that same bastard, and everyone else gallivanting around the Heavens acting just like him! And I bet you would not even care if you knew this as long as your precious kingdom remained intact." He turned back around. "What about the Gods who died at Winchester? What about here? Baldr, Futsunushi, and Hephaestus!? Pandora-" He froze. His body went limp. "Pandora…is fatherless because of us." His voice was barely above a whisper. "And I cannot even go console her. I doubt she needs me, considering the rest of the Greeks care about her despite their eccentricities. But Hephaestus was my friend, and I cannot act on his behalf because of all this." He crumbled to the ground and sat. "All of this was to right the wrongs of the past. What is the point of it all if there is no one left at the end?" He sighed and tapped the three switches. "I am done, Set."
Better?
"No, but I can think of a way to maybe help, and the best part is I can fulfill the promise I made you for saving me."
Wait, you mean?
"Yes, I forgot why I was doing this, and I owe you for being disrespectful to you for the past day or so."
Yes, you do.
He turned back around and walked into the tunnel, the blue sphere dissipating as he walked. "I think we should pay a visit to Manu and say hello to Ra."
The reedy voice began cackling in his head. FINALLY!
Valhalla Arena
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" Heimdall roared from atop his floating platform. He was now wearing a referee's outfit, complete with a bow tie and black and white vertically striped shirt. The arena below him was hidden from everyone by a massive maroon curtain. "Welcome back!" The audience below him roared to life. "The score is once again tied, now at four wins for the Gods and four wins for Humanity! Despite the Gods taking day one, Humanity shows its tenacity and continues the battle without a shred of hesitation! But now is the time…yes, now is the time…for Round Nine!"
"Let's go!" An older man in a three-piece suit cheered from the Humans' stand.
"Destroy them!" A few Gods could be heard screaming.
They're more pumped than usual. Heimdall thought. Hopefully, I can keep the momentum with this. "Before we start, folks, let's take a look at the arena!" Heimdall snapped his fingers, and the curtain rose and vanished into the air. The once great tower that stood in the center for Round Eight was gone. In its place was a massive pit full of red-colored dirt, freshly raked and smoothed with two short white lines painted in the center. At the corner where the floor met the arena walls was a thick rope encircling the arena. The audience slowly went quiet at the sight. Ah crap. This is such a downgrade from the previous Rounds. Let's give it a shot. "From such humble beginnings came monsters of profound strength, skill, and determination! From the beginning of time, from East to West, from the aged to the ageless! Below is just one origin of these countless legends! The Valhalla Fighting Pit!"
"Is he serious?" A dark-skinned woman in the audience asked.
"FOOOOOOLS!" A booming voice roared from near the top of the bleachers. The whole of the Human audience flinched and turned around. At the top was a chiseled man of olive complexion wearing nothing but a loincloth, his short, curled hair styled to perfection to match his spectacular moustache. Behind him stood dozens of men with similar physiques and equally spectacular facial hair.
Manzoor Hussain
aka
Bholu Pahalwan
(Pakistan)
"That is more than a mud pit! It is the battleground of Kushti! The birthplace of every great Pehlwan and the home of my uncle, the Greatest Pehlwan!" He roared. All the men behind him roared in excitement.
Several rows below them, in a blue three-piece suit that could barely contain his muscles, was a brunette, mustachioed man, smiling proudly.
Stanisław Jan Cyganiewicz
aka
Stanislaus Zbyszko
(Poland)
"Go get them, Tiger." He said.
"EXACTLY!" Heimdall yelled. "This is the epicenter of strength and might! And it will be the battleground for these two titans of power! Are you ready!?"
The crowd started to pick back up. The Pehlwans in the stands stood tall and proud near the top. Heimdall waved his free hand towards the East Gate. Storm clouds began to brew overhead.
"Introducing the Fighter for the Gods in Round Nine!
Come Thunder! Come Lightning! Let loose like a mighty bolt, he descends from the Heavens!
Alongside his brother Futsunushi, he cut down countless evil Gods and brought peace to the land of Izumo!
Alone, he stood against the mighty Namazu at Kaname-ishi and slew it with nothing but his strength and the Martial Art he created: Sumo!
Every throw, the boom of thunder! Every strike, the crack of lightning!
Evil fears the oncoming storm clouds that signal his arrival and his fury!
Now he arrives to prove his strength! To prove that nothing survives the strike of lightning!
He is the Thunderclap! The Heroic Bolt! The Rising Star!
HE!
IS!
TAKE!
MIKA!
ZUCHI!"
The East Gate opened slowly. Takemikazuchi appeared in the crack between the massive stone doors with a large satchel on his right side, pushing them aside without any strain. He stepped out of the threshold and onto the red dirt, his feet sinking up to the ankles. The dirt felt smooth between his toes as he slowly marched to the center of the arena. All of the Pehlwans could sense it, the silent but heavy aura exuding from him.
"Think your Kushti can handle Sumo!?" A booming voice to the right of the Pehlwans yelled. They looked over and saw a large gathering of large-bellied, muscle-bound men wearing different colored mawashis. All of them wore their smooth black hair in ornate topknots. "I'll admit it may seem like you guys might be strong, but nothing compares to Sumo!" A shorter, broad-chested man near the front of the group yelled, smiling.
Shiganosuke Akashi
The First Yokozuna
"Why are you rooting for a God!?" One of the Pehlwans shouted.
"We're not rooting for Takemikazuchi! We're rooting for Sumo!" He replied. All of the Pehlwans looked at each other but shrugged and ran with it.
"Bring it then! Kushti will never fall!" Another yelled joyfully.
Heimdall raised his free hand to the West Gate. A massive aura began to spill out of the crack between the doors.
"Introducing the Fighter for Humanity in Round Nine!
From before dawn and after dusk, the soul of the Pehlwan never yields!
Day after day, week after week, month after month, YEAR AFTER YEAR! This man trained and fought, trained and fought, TRAINED AND FOUGHT FOR OVER FIFTY YEARS!
Honing his body, mind, and technique to their utmost limit, he became the king of the arena and an undisputed wrestling champion across the globe who brought Kushti to the world!
Countless Fighters and Martial Artists emulated his training, following his footsteps towards greatness, but he ALONE stands at the top of the world of not just Kushti but all Wrestling and left Midgard uncontested!
Now, he comes to Valhalla because no Man or Beast can challenge him! Can the Heavens hope to match the man who stands at the peak!? Nay! He who is the peak!?
The Man turned Monster!
The Rustam-e-Hind!
The Rustam-e-Zaman!
The Great Gama!
HE!
IS!
GHULAM!
MOHAMMAD!
BAKSH!
BUTT!"
The Human audience erupted in cheers as the doors slowly opened. Ghulam walked through the threshold, carrying a red stone Gada hammer over his right shoulder, his bearing cold and stoic. His manic aura spilled out of his body with each step. He walked through the dirt, letting the smells waft up. Lemon, Turmeric, Salt, Buttermilk, Oil, and Red ochre. Nostalgic. He stopped just in front of Takemikazuchi, locking eyes with him. He raised the Gada off his shoulder and clasped the head in his left hand. His back muscles flexed, and the hammer caved into dust under his hands as he brought them together. He rubbed it all over his body from head to toe until he was caked in it. He breathed deeply. You… He thought.
You… Takemikazuchi thought.
Are strong. That single thought permeated their minds.
The Gods' jeers from earlier were crushed under his bearing. Some even shook a little. They all knew what stood before them. The man, Ghulam, was here.
"Now! Let's get started with the Rules! This Round's Contest: Wrestling!
1) All techniques of Kushti and Sumo are allowed! Both Wrestlers are free to use every technique at their disposal!
2) If you are pinned to the ground and your back is flat, a three-count starts! If the three-count is completed, the downed Fighter loses!
3) There is no boundary, and there is no time limit!
4) The Last Fighter alive is the winner!
Do both Wrestlers understand!?" Both nodded without looking away. "Excellent!" Takemikazuchi backed away a meter and loosened the satchel from his side, letting it drop down in the dirt. Slowly, he reached his right hand into it and pulled out a massive pile of salt. He tossed it overhead, letting the salt sprinkle onto the dirt floor. Slowly, he lifted his left leg from the side. Higher, higher, and higher until his legs formed a straight line from the ground up. He slammed it back down, shaking the arena and displacing some of the dirt. He lifted his right leg and did it once more, shaking the arena. He then crouched down, placing his left fist on the ground, and locked his sights on Ghulam. Ghulam smiled and slapped his thighs and chest. The sheer force echoed like a thunderclap, and everyone in the highest levels of the bleachers could hear him. He crouched down and reached his open hands just ahead of his body. "Are you ready!?" Both nodded. Heimdall silently raised his free hand and furiously chopped it down. Takemikazuchi touched the ground with his right fist, signaling Tachiai, and burst forward.