Valhalla Arena
Ghulam and Takemikazuchi crashed into each other. Both gripped the other by the mawashi and langot, respectively. They lowered their centers of gravity, refusing the other the opportunity to lift. How the hell is he making himself so heavy!? Takemikazuchi thought. Wait… He felt pressure at his hips pulling him in different directions every few moments. That's what he's doing!? Ghulam shot his right arm up into Takemikazuchi's armpit and lurched to the left. Takemikazuchi's feet left the ground as Ghulam slammed him into the ground.
"Ha!" Ghulam shouted, dashing to the ground. Takemikazuchi rolled away just in time to avoid Ghulam's body slam and pin. Ghulam sprawled out on all fours and sprang forward.
Takemikazuchi rolled to his feet and twisted forward, firing his right palm. "Harite!"
Ghulam twisted to the right and stepped in, avoiding the strike. His back slammed into Takemikazuchi's solar plexus and gut as his arms wrapped around Takemikazuchi's outstretched arm. Takemikazuchi felt his center of gravity shift forward as Ghulam pulled him over his shoulder. "Dobi Pachad!" Takemikazuchi slammed into the ground again, and Ghulam let him go.
"Ghulam's going ham with both Sumo and Kushti!" Heimdall shouted. "Power and Control! Speed and Endurance! He's not allowing Takemikazuchi any breathing room!"
Takemikazuchi jumped back up in time for Ghulam to slam into him again. What the hell is going on!? He thought. He used Yobiomodoshi without even seeing me use it!? Is he figuring out Sumo without needing to see me use it?! What's going on?!
Take! You're a beast! Ghulam thought. There's no doubt you got me in power, speed, size, everything! I can only take you on with experience! And with experience… Ghulam flared his elbows out, forcing Takemikazuchi's arms out to the side. He slipped past him and grabbed the front of Takemikazuchi's mawashi. Comes control and understanding! He lifted Takemikazuchi off the ground over his chest. "Khanda Patak!" Takemikazuchi crashed down as Johannes jumped for joy.
"What the hell!?" Heimdall shouted. "How many Humans are going to keep using that move!?"
"As many as it takes!" Johannes shouted while laughing in the workshop.
"As many as it takes!" Ghulam shouted. "Here I come, Take!" He dashed straight towards Takemikazuchi again.
Takemikazuchi jumped up and jumped to the side, avoiding Ghulam's charge. Takemikazuchi braced himself. Ghulam turned to face him and crouched down low. Try me, Ghulam! "Inazuma…Fu!" Electricity crackled across Takemikazuchi's body. His muscles flexed and grew. His entire body tensed up as if it were made of stone. Come at me! Nothing can move me in this state! Ghulam sprang forward, kicking dirt off the ground. What-
"Harite!" Ghulam's palm struck his chin, and his eyes rolled back. In that single moment, just before Ghulam jumped, it happened. The gears began to align. The mechanism that is Ghulam's wrestling began to move in sync. Ghulam the Pehlwan, born from countless hours of training. Ghulam the Rikishi, born from emulation and experimentation. Both 'Ghulam's' have begun to converge thanks to the power of his Völund Zenith of Wrestling, meshing the two together! Now, Ghulam is no longer just a Pehlwan! Nay! He has become WRESTLING!
Ghulam dropped his right knee and drove his shoulder into Takemikazuchi's right hip. As he sank, he clasped his left hand on Takemikazuchi's tricep and pulled him down. He wrapped his right arm around Takemikazuchi's right thigh and dropped his left knee and rolled to the left, throwing Takemikazuchi over and across his shoulders. "Kalajangh!" Ghulam moved quickly and stood over Takemikazuchi, and grabbed the sides of his mawashi. He felt dirt covering his fingers as he tightened his grip. He tightened his lats and lifted Takemikazuchi off the ground.
"Tsuridashi!?" Shiganosuke shouted. "Since when did he know that!?"
Ghulam, what's going!? Imam thought.
Ghulam lifted Takemikazuchi, still dazed from the Harite, up and threw him down to the side. "That looked like Yaguranage!" Another Rikishi yelled. Ghulam quickly wrapped his arms around Takemikazuchi's legs and brought them together in a tight squeeze. He lifted him again and slammed him down.
"Duheri Pat!" Ghulam roared. He slammed Takemikazuchi down hard and lifted him again using the rebound from the slam. He slipped his arms around Takemikazuchi, stepped to the side, spun, and pulled him forward. "Gardan Dhak!" Takemikazuchi's body slammed off the ground, sending dirt in all directions. Ghulam raced towards his mid-air opponent. This is what you showed me! I can't move as fast as you, but I can do this much! Ghulam stopped behind Takemikazuchi, grabbed his mawashi, and threw him back to the ground. "Tsuriotoshi!" This is my gratitude to you! For making me feel unthought-of amounts of pain! My body is screaming at me right now! Do you know what that means Take!? DO YOU!? Ghulam stepped next to Takemikazuchi, still airborne, and grabbed his right arm. Ghulam twisted and pulled Takemikazuchi over his shoulder and down to the ground. "KOSHINAGE X DOBI PACHAD: HEAVENLY GADA!" Takemikazuchi struck the arena floor, cracking it. Vibrations travelled from the arena up to the stands, shaking the bleachers and shifting the audience in their seats.
"That Human is insane!" Tsukuyomi shouted from his box seat as the shocks threw him around. Izanagi sat between him and Amaterasu, unfazed by the shaking. His gaze was still aimed down at the arena.
"This…isn't…what I expected!" Amaterasu said, trying to keep her composure. Next to her, Susano'o was trying and managing better than his older brother.
"This…is the guy I picked for Take. I expected this, but come on!" Susano'o said through gritted teeth to keep from biting his tongue. "Not even the Namazu was this bad!" The shaking continued. Dust began rising, and loose gravel began moving across the ground behind them.
Ghulam plopped down on the ground as Takemikazuchi lay flat on the ground a few meters away, unconscious. "Son…of a gun…" Ghulam gasped out in between heavy breaths. "I thought…throwing stones back in the day was rough, but damn you're a beast!" He leaned forward and brought his legs under him. Slowly, he stood. "I wanted you to see it, Take. That beautiful Sumo of yours mixed with Kushti. Power, speed, endurance. Everything. It's unlike anything I have ever experienced." He started walking. "It's such a damn shame I could only experience this fighting you to the death. Opponents like you don't come around often!" He stood over Takemikazuchi. "But I've got to take this win now." He started lowering himself down. "So long, Ta-" Ghulam jumped back a few meters. He stared at Take, his eyes wide in fear. "What the hell!?" He saw small arcs of lightning shoot across Takemikazuchi's body. His eyes opened, and Takemikazuchi raised his feet and stomped them in the dirt, raising himself into a wrestler's bridge. Ghulam could sense the grip of his toes on the dirt and stone. Slowly, Takemikazuchi lifted himself, his arms and hands hanging limp as he rose. "You're lifting yourself with just your back and legs!?" Takemikazuchi stood tall once more, his eyes staring ahead, focused. Slowly, he turned to fix his sight on Ghulam while breathing heavily.
Einherjar Barracks
Leo's Workshop
"My God…" Johannes said, chills running down his spine and into his soles. "Futsunushi did the same thing…"
"There he is," Susano'o said up in the box seats. "Good to see you in top form again, Take."
"What a damn good day! So you do have some gas in the tank!" Ghulam muttered. "Guess I should have put more strength into those attacks." Ghulam twitched as pain shot through his body from his muscles. His hands spasmed in odd shapes. Damn it, I'm cramping up now!? How dehydrated am I? I can't be tired already! His eyes widened. Wait. I'm tired. I'm tired!? His arms shot up. "I'M TIRED!" He yelled joyfully. Takemikazuchi continued staring him down. "What a rush! Do you feel it, Take!?"
Electricity continued arcing around Takemikazuchi's body. A small smile broke through his stoic bearing. "I do…" Takemikazuchi found himself on the mountain again. Despite his bruised and near-broken body, his grip remained strong. He continued the climb, finding the holds he needed to place his hands and feet. I need to keep going. He started to breathe harder and deeper. His hands snapped up faster, and his grip dug deeper. I cannot stop…He started picking up speed. I will not stop. Faster and faster, he climbed. I refuse to stop! He looked up. Far above him, he could see Ghulam standing there at the edge, staring down at him. "I feel it, Ghulam!"
The stands behind them roared. The armies of Pehlwans and Rikishi cheered and through their fists in the air.
In the Box Seats, Hanuman jumped out of his and screeched, bearing his fangs and beating his chest. "Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! Go! GOOOOOOOO!" His last roar threw Shiva off his cushion. "FIGHT, GHULAM!"
"GET HIM, TAKEMIKAZUCHI-SENSEI!" The army of Rikishi roared.
Ghulam's aura began flowing out. Takemikazuchi felt a chill in the air. "Then let's make history!"
When anyone within the Shinto Pantheon is asked who Takemikazuchi is, many will say the following: 'Susano'o's Star Student,' 'The Victor of the dispute between the Heavens and Earth,' and 'That one God who slayed a giant catfish.' Many knew that Takemikazuchi, whether he knew it or not, and wanted it or not, found himself at the epicenter of several key events that changed the course of Humanity and the Shinto Gods. Why this happened, he did not know. But what very few knew was that Takemikazuchi accomplished those feats and more…without realizing what he had done or why he was there in the first place.
Izumo
Inasa Beach
Thousands of Years Ago
On the shoreline of the Izumo Province, which would one day become a part of the Region of Chūgoku, a monumental moment was underway. It was on this day, before the written word would recite it, that Ōkuninushi, the leader of the Earthen Gods, the Kunitsukami, would hand over control of the land to the Amatsukami, the Heavenly Gods, led by Amaterasu-Omikami.
On that shoreline, Susano'o stood with Futsunushi and Takemikazuchi behind him in dull blue and yellow robes, respectively, with their swords at their hips. Unlike his more regal siblings in Takamagahara, Susano'o now wore simple blue robes with a white sash holding them in place. On his left hip was the Ame-no-Murakumo, the double-edged blade used to slay the Yamato-no-Orochi. Across from the trio stood an older God with a pointed and stylized gray beard and mustache. His black and purple striped robes hung loosely off him, and his short gray hair stood out at odd angles.
Ōkuninushi
Leader of the Kunitsukami
God of Nation-Building, Agriculture, Medicine, and Protection
(Shinto Pantheon)
To his right stood a taller, youthful God with wild, deep blue hair barely contained in a formal bun. The soft colors of His striped green and blue robes contrasted with his sharp features and the red face paint encircling his eyes. Sitting on the tips of his right hand was a stone the size of his head.
Takeminakata
Son of Ōkuninushi
God of Wind, Water, Hunting, and Warfare
(Shinto Pantheon)
"So," Ōkuninushi spoke with a listless gaze, his cadence casual despite his deep tenor. "Your champion ready?"
"Yes, he is!" Susano'o declared.
"Oh…which one are you sending?" Ōkuninushi looked past him, eyeing Futsunushi and Takemikazuchi.
"Good question!" He turned around to his pupils. "Which one wants to go?"
Futsunushi and Takemikazuchi turned to each other, then looked back at their teacher. "Huh?" Futsunushi uttered.
"Wait, what?" Takeminakata asked while Ōkuninushi stifled a smile.
"Who's going to fight Takeminakata? Guy's strong, so it'll be a rough challenge for either of you." Susano'o made a quick side glance at Takemikazuchi. Takemikazuchi sighed and glowered.
"I'll go…" He responded.
"Excellent!"
"Wait, what about me?" Futsunushi asked.
"If Take loses, then we'll wait for the next opportunity to fight. This is a one-on-one fight. Plus, if I may be honest," Susano'o stepped in a little. "This kind of opponent would be too easy for you right now, Futsunushi. I need to find you a better opponent."
Futsunushi sighed and nodded. "I understand, Sensei." Takemikazuchi could hear the tinge of disappointment.
"Take," Susano'o turned to his other student. "This is your moment. Do it how you wish."
Takemikazuchi blinked a few times. "Wait. Really?"
"You've been working on it now for a while. Time to test it out."
"But Sensei, the unification of our kingdoms is on the line! Why now?!"
"There's never a better time to field test something than moments like this!" Susano'o stared straight into Takemikazuchi's eyes. His pupil stared right back, feeling the weight of expectation.
Takemikazuchi sighed again. "If you say so." He grabbed his sword and pulled it out of his sash, and placed it on the ground. He walked past his teacher and stood before the Kunitsukami. "I, Takemikazuchi, shall fight for the Amatsukami today."
Futsunushi watched his brother, puzzled. Wait…he's not using his sword?
Takeminakata glared at him. He walked past his father and squared up with Takemikazuchi. "I, Takeminakata, shall fight for the Kunitsukami today." He responded.
Susano'o, Futsunushi, and Ōkuninushi stepped over to the side opposite the shore. "Think your boy has this?" Susano'o asked, whispering.
"Not a chance," Ōkuninushi whispered. "But he's adamant that we solve our problems ourselves. He's a good kid, but the truth is, the land here is full of monsters and creatures that we aren't equipped to handle. Despite our lineage, we never reached levels of strength equal to you and the Amatsukami." Both young Gods stepped back a few paces from each other. Takeminakata clutched the stone in his hands and gripped it. The stone warbled and stretched into a silver double-edged sword. "We're also disorganized and constantly infighting. Because of that, humans are suffering, and we're too reactive to the threats here in Ashihara no Nakatsukuni. Gods like you and those two may be the change needed for this place. Plus, your sister offered up a nice place for us to settle and rule from!" He smiled wryly.
You're still a wily one as ever. Susano'o thought. He turned his attention back to the fight.
"You're not even using your sword!?" Takeminakata said, veins popping up on his arms and brow. "Do the Amatsukami look down on us this much!?"
Takemikazuchi crouched down, spacing his feet just outside his shoulders. Wait…what's that stance? Futsunushi thought.
"Wouldn't know, but Sensei trusts me, and I won't disappoint him," Takemikazuchi answered.
"To hell with your arrogant Sensei!" Takeminakata's aura burst forth as he gripped his sword in both hands. "We don't need your patronizing help! Especially from two louts like you two!" He stepped forward, bringing his sword up. He swung down at Takemikazuchi's head.
He's… Futsunushi thought.
The strike flying down dispersed the sand and air in all directions. Takemikazuchi watched the attack descend towards him. He flicked his left hand up…and caught the blade in-between his index and middle finger. The force of the blow sank his feet a few centimeters into the sand. Takeminakata's eyes widened.
So slow…Futsunushi continued. But he's powerful! Yet…Take stopped his attack…with his fingers?! When could he do that?
"I may be a lout," Takemikazuchi's aura began seeping out, stifling Takeminakata's as he tried wrenching his sword free.
I can't move! I can't pull my sword out! What the hell?! Takeminakata thought. His eyes locked with Takemikazuchi's, and he felt all blood drain from his face as the death stare Takemikazuchi aimed at him tore away at his confidence.
"But don't you dare insult my Sensei or my brother." He pulled Takeminakata in by his sword and struck his face with an open palm. Takeminakata's eyes rolled back as his grip loosened. Takemikazuchi flicked the sword behind him, and it skipped across the sea until it crashed into the depths with a mighty splash. Takemikazuchi stepped in and around Takeminakata, lifted him by his hip bones, and threw him down in the sand, sending out a massive shockwave that pushed the waves back from the shore.
"Well," Ōkuninushi said, staring at his unconscious son. "Guess that's it. Time to get packing!" He walked away, leaving his son and guests. Susano'o watched him for a minute before turning his attention back to Takemikazuchi, who had already walked back and picked up his sword. Futsunushi ran towards his brother, slapping his back and cheering for him.
Not surprised in the slightest, Take. Susano'o thought. You're getting closer every day.
That Evening
Under the waning moon and star-filled sky, Takemikazuchi stood on the shore, alone, his eyes closed. He breathed slowly as he envisioned Takeminakata standing in front of him again, sword ready. He stepped forward and swung down. Takemikazuchi stepped his left foot back and pivoted off his right foot. The sword struck the ground as Takemikazuchi reached for and grabbed Takeminakata's left arm and pulled back, imagining Takeminakata's weight shifting forward, falling to the ground. Yeah…I let my temper get the better of me. I could have done that instead. He thought. Someone whistled behind him. He turned and looked, seeing Susano'o standing a few meters away. "Sensei, what're you doing here?"
"Checking in with you. That was the move you wanted to use earlier, right?" He answered.
"Yeah," Takemikazuchi looked down at his feet. "But I let his words affect my mood. I went for the riskier play. Had he been any stronger, I would have lost my hand, and this land would still be under Ōkuninushi."
"Nah. He'd still give Ashihara no Nakatsukuni it to my sister." Takemikazuchi stared at him in shock. "What? You didn't think it came down to one match, did you?"
"…You made it sound like it did!"
"Did I?"
"Yes!" Takemikazuchi's voice rose an octave.
Susano'o smiled. "I don't remember, but that's not important now." Takemikazuchi sighed in exasperation. "How is it coming along? Your martial art?"
"Sumo? Slowly, but making progress. Those two moves today, 'Harite' and ' Tsuriotoshi,' are close to being ready. There's still a lot I have to fix when it comes to hand placement, footwork, shifting weight, and conditioning."
"Good to hear." Susano'o walked over to his pupil. "Take, why did I tell you to try out Sumo today?" Takemikazuchi shifted his gaze to the left and right. "Take."
"Because if you didn't, I wouldn't have tried it."
"Yep. You're still doing it." Susano'o's bearing hardened. "I know how you feel, but if you keep trying to fade into the background, you're doing yourself a disservice."
"Sensei, you and I both know this is Futsunushi's dream. I'm just tagging along."
"We both know Futsunushi's dream, but we don't know yours. I'm trying to help you find it, but you keep trying to stop yourself. Why?"
"Sensei…I don't know if you can understand."
"Try me."
He sighed. "I…cannot see my future without my brother. He and I have always had each other, and often we only had each other. I thought this would be just another crazy idea of his, but now things are changing."
"Why is that a bad thing?"
"Sensei…through all this, the training, the duels, and now building Sumo, I…I can't see a future with my brother. I'm not as skilled as him in swordsmanship, but this," He clenched his fists. "Feels right. But I have this feeling it will pull us apart if I go down this path…"
"And you're afraid of being alone."
Takemikazuchi's gaze met his Sensei's; he could see the slight tinge of somberness. Oh. You do know. "I am. I'm not as strong as you. I can't split from Futsunushi to do this."
Susano'o sighed. "I'm not strong. I just love swordsmanship so much, it keeps me going! That, and I want to share it with you two and anyone who wants to try." Susano'o stepped closer and patted Takemikazuchi's left shoulder. "There's nothing wrong with loving this and loving your brother. Sometimes, the path of martial arts asks more of us than we may think we can give. When those times come, who we are and what matters to us will be revealed. Whatever choice you make, I will support you.
Takemikazuchi's lip quivered as he hung low. "Thank you, Sensei…"
"Of course, but that moment may be here sooner than you think." Takemikazuchi looked back up. "Starting tomorrow, you two are going throughout the land to put down everyone who refuses to follow Ōkuninushi and pledge loyalty to Amaterasu."
"Wait…that sounds…"
"By everyone, I mean monsters, spirits, and such creatures that have been threatening the people and the Kunitsukami. This will be an effort to build goodwill between our two people, and I volunteered you two. Takeminakata vouched for you as well."
"He did?!"
"Yep. So get some rest. Tomorrow, things get interesting."
The following day, Takemikazuchi and Futsunushi began their trek East from Izumo. Despite the beauty of the land they traveled through, the true goal of their journey revealed itself.
Battle. Constant battle. Day in and day out. Yokai, rebellious Gods, wild beasts, and even weather spirits tried to take their lives. Neither could rest for long, nor take time to practice. Each day felt like their last, but that last day never came. Each battle, each struggle, each bizarre monster or great warrior tested their mettle and skill. Over time, word of the two would spread back to Izumo and Takamagahara about their exploits, and it became commonplace for many to say the words 'No surprise there.' Susano'o's first two students, two no-name Gods of unremarkable renown, had cut their way through the tumultuous wilderness of Ashihara no Nakatsukuni.
One day, the two stopped in the land that would later be known as Kashima. Word had reached them of a Yokai terrorizing the masses through raids and earthquakes. They made their way there and found themselves travelling deep into a seaside cave.
"Take…"
"Yeah, I feel it too…" Both gripped the swords at their hips. "Something's here, and it's…"
"Old and powerful." Both walked deeper into the cave. Before long, they could make out the soft glow of light and voices. "This place is getting worse," Futsunushi whispered. Their footsteps began to echo, signaling a large space ahead. They stepped out of the tunnel and found themselves in a massive underground dome. The ceiling high above them was smooth and round. The walls were lined with lit torches casting a dim and ominous glow. Below the tunnel was a large stone staircase descending into a pit lit by more torches. In the pit, the group of humans holding large baskets of vegetables, meats, and clothing crowded at the rim of a large, dark pool of water. Behind them was a large stone with a thick piece of rope wrapped around it. Takemikazuchi and Futsunushi stayed at the top of the stairs by the tunnel's entrance and watched.
"Futsu, I think they're waiting for something."
"I think so, too. Some kind of Yokai?"
"Maybe." A chill ran down their spines. The ground below them and behind them rumbled softly. The pool below them began to stir. "Shit, something's coming!"
In the depths of the pool, a pair of massive, bright yellow eyes came into view. Just one dwarfed the entire group of humans. The pool's water flowed out and washed over the humans' feet. Takemikazuchi stared at them, shivering in the water from fear. Slowly, a creature emerged from the water, its round head and whiskers rising out first. Its yellow eyes had slitted irises that stood out against its dark blue skin and fish-like face. Sharp slits lined the sides of its neck and stopped just at the edge of its massive mouth. Two dark blue arms slowly rose out of the water and rested on the edges of the pool. It stared down at the humans, its contempt palpable.
Namazu
"What…is this?" It spoke, its deep basso voice echoing off the cave walls.
"This…this is all we have for this month." The young man at the front said. "The other Yokai attacked our crops, and many in our village were harmed in the last attack. We're sorry!" He and the others dropped their good baskets and bowed.
"Pitiable…you should have prepared for it. If you can't do that, then why even show up?" He looked at the stone behind them. It raised its massive right hand over the people and aimed its index finger at the stone's base. "State your village's name."
"…Why, Lord Namazu?"
"If I know which one it is, I can aim accurately. No point in keeping a village around that can't maintain sacrifices...unless you're going to offer humans."
"Lord Namazu, please have mercy!"
"No." Namazu extended its arm to strike the stone.
Shit! Takemikazuchi thought. He dashed forward.
"Take, wait!" Futsunushi yelled. He failed to stop him. Takemikazuchi dashed down the steps, encircling the stone to get between it and the Namazu. He stuck out his right hand and dug his feet into the wet stone floor. The massive finger slammed into his palm, but he did not budge. Takemikazuchi gripped the finger's side with his left hand, flexed his back muscles, and gritted his teeth.
I have to adjust it just right to get the joints! Come on! He wrenched it to the right, forcing the Namazu to the left, and slammed its left shoulder into the wall. The collision echoed throughout the cave and knocked several torches loose. "Futsu!" He yelled. "Get them out of here!"
"What the hell are you doing?!"
"Distracting it! Get them out of here now!"
Futsunushi shook his head, but rushed down the stairs and past the massive scaly arm. He stopped in front of the Humans, kneeling to grab a few baskets. "Oy! We're leaving! Either get up and follow or die here! Who's coming?!"
The humans exchanged glances before collecting more of the baskets and running past the two.
The Namazu began to pick itself up and pulled on its captured finger. It could not budge it. What is this? It thought. Are these two…Gods? It felt Takemikazuchi pull it to the left. It tried to resist, but the force of the pull slammed it into the other wall. More torches fell off the walls, some fell in the water, while others clattered on the stone floor.
"Futsu! I'll catch up! Get them out of here!" Takemikazuchi shouted, keeping his grip tight.
"Don't you die on me!" Futsunushi yelled as he led the humans out of the cave.
"You're going to regret hurting those humans."
The Namazu, still leaning on the wall, eyed him. "Am I?" It raised its left arm and struck the base of the stone just behind Takemikazuchi. He felt the cave rumble around him. He heard something cracking behind him near the tunnel. Then the sound of falling rocks crashing down.
Takemikazuchi turned around, barely making out the decimated tunnel. "FUTSU!" He roared. "Tormenting those humans brought a God to me. Would have been nice to have two-" Another surge of force pulled it forward. More of its massive body surfaced out of the water and crashed onto the stone floor. Pain shot up its arm from its finger; it looked down at its right hand and saw its index finger was bent ninety degrees.
"I will break you!"
Who is this God?! It thought. Suddenly, it shrank down and escaped Takemikazuchi's grasp. It
continued to shrink until it was only three times Takemikazuchi's size.
"What the-?"
"State your name, God."
Takemikazuchi's face began to turn a bright red. "I am the Thunder God Takemikazuchi! Disciple
of Susano'o-no-Mikoto! Older brother of the God you buried and the one who will smite you!"
The Namazu's eyes widened. "Susano'o? The one who slayed the Yamato-no-Orochi"
"The one and the same!" Takemikazuchi felt the wind leave his sail.
A massive, toothy grin grew on the creature. "Did not think this day could go my way…but lo and
behold!" The creature began to melt and become translucent. Its eyes stayed a bright yellow, but its
pupils vanished. Its scales turned to liquid, its bent finger melted back into a semi-normal shape.
Takemikazuchi could now see through its entire liquid body. "I get not only a God, but a disciple of the
one who killed my kin!"
"You're a…Primordial Beast?!"
A massive toothless grin grew under its glowing yellow eyes. "Today's a good day."
Takemikazuchi stood before the Primordial Beast. The hair on his neck stood up. He breathed deeply as the Namazu stared down at him. Futsu, I can only hope you made it out of the tunnel in time. He crouched down and lowered his left fist until it softly touched the ground. I may not make it back to you, but I make a vow here and now!
"What kind of stance is that?" The Namazu asked.
I will fight with everything I have! Electricity sparked all over his body. I will not hold back! Come what may, I will not regret this day! He slammed his right fist down and burst forward like a bolt of lightning.
Outside the Namazu's Cave
"Is everyone okay?!" Futsunushi asked, standing outside the collapsed tunnel entrance. All the humans, surrounded by overturned and ruined baskets, looked around to check.
"We're all here! What about your friend?!" The leader asked.
"I…I don't know." Panic began to descend upon Futsunushi. "This never happened before." He turned back to the entrance and began pulling at the stones. "I need to get back in there!"
The Humans looked at him, moving any stones he could wrap his hands around. They nodded to each other and ran up next to Futsunushi and began moving stones with him. Suddenly, a massive tremor erupted below them. The stones in front of them came loose and fell towards them. Futsunushi moved quickly, grabbing and throwing each of the Humans away from the falling rocks before they could get hurt. Another tremor started, loosening more rocks.
Damn it! I need to get through!
"Futsunushi!" A familiar voice yelled behind him. He and the humans turned to see the source: Susano'o running towards them. "Futsunu-!" Another tremor erupted. "What's going on?!"
"Take's sealed in that cave fighting the Namazu! I can't tell what's causing the tremors, but we need to get Take out of there!"
Susano'o saw the panic and took action. "Futsu, stand next to me. Let's clear it."
Futsunushi's eyes widened. "Everyone, stay back!" Futsunushi stepped next to Susano'o and stepped his left foot back while grabbing his sheathed sword. Susano'o drew his sword and held it behind him while extending his left hand out in front of his face. All the humans stepped away, watching.
"Ready?!"
"Let's do it, Sensei!"
Susano'o swung his sword in a horizontal slash. Futsunushi drew his sword faster than he ever had before.
"Secret Technique: Ama no Magaeshi!"
"Futsu-ryū Second Kata; Cleaving Gust Shuriken!"
The two slashes formed a powerful blast of wind straight at the tunnel. They collided with the stones and pushed them out of the way, opening the tunnel. "Futsu! I'm going in! Stay here and guard the Humans!"
"But Sensei!" Susano'o glared at him. Futsunushi closed his mouth and nodded. Susano'o ran into the tunnel. What…what is happening?
Takemikazuchi's bloodied body slammed into the wall next to the stairs and began falling. He landed on his feet and dashed forward again, slamming into the Namazu's torso. His body vibrated upon contact; he could feel each of his bones rattle in his body. Damn it, it hurts to tackle this thing! He circled around it and linked his arms at its waist. He lifted it and slammed it into the ground. "Tsuriotoshi!" The Namazu crashed down into the ground, letting out a loud grunt. It quickly regained its footing and swiped its fin tail at Takemikazuchi's left shoulder.
This God is no one! No one! The Namazu thought.
"Inazuma…Fu!" Takemikazuchi's muscles expanded from electrical stimulation as he spun towards the Namazu's tail, catching it inside his elbow joints. He leaned down and pulled the Namazu's tail with him. "Tottari!" Electricity crackled around his whole body. He dashed towards Namazu's left side, hooking his right arm under its translucent left arm. He lifted and pulled it forward before slamming it back into the ground. "Kakenage!" He could not waste time. He stepped back and grabbed what he thought might be its hips and tightened his grip. I can't hold back! I need to hold this thing off! Futsu had to survive! He had to! Takemikazuchi lifted it.
Shit! The creature thought. I think I picked the wrong Go-
"Okuritsuriotoshi!" Takemikazuchi slammed it back down into the ground. "MORE!" He shouted. "I NEED MOOOOOORE!" More electricity sparked off his body. INAZUMA….MI!" Takemikazuchi's brain shut off. Within that span of a few seconds, all the theoretical throws his mind pictured and his body practiced meshed into one single idea. He let his mind go silent, and his body came alive.
"Kotehineri!" The Namazu fell. Takemikazuchi lifted it as quickly as he threw it. "Yobimodoshi!" He slammed it down again. The creature's vibrations began to weaken. "Tsukaminage! Sotokomata! Koshinage! Susotri! Komatasukui! Sotomuso! SHITATENAGE!" Takemikazuchi bounced the creature off the ground and up in the air. He stepped his right foot back, twisting his bruised, cut, and bloodied body to show the dazed Namazu his back. He pressed his right fist into his left palm, pushing them together. "You dared to harm my little brother, you bastard!" Lightning sparked off every surface of his body. "If you're so damn hungry, eat this!" He snapped back to the left and fired his right palm at the Namazu's face. It slammed into its face right between the eyes. It suddenly stirred from its daze as the force of the blow travelled from its head down to the tip of its tail. Suddenly, its entire body below its neck exploded and splattered across the floor as its head plopped to the ground.
"What…what the hell are…you…" It muttered out. Its yellow eyes went dim. Takemikazuchi stared down at it, breathing heavily. He then reared back and roared. Roared so loud that anyone would mistake it for thunder. A loud crash erupted behind him. He turned and saw the tunnel mouth cleared of debris and Susano'o standing there.
"Hey…Sensei…" Takemikazuchi muttered. He plopped to the ground. "Got it done! With Sumo! Ha!"
"Holy cow…" Susano'o raced down to his pupil. "Take, what happened?!"
"Well," Takemikazuchi tried speaking between heavy breaths. "This thing was forcing humans to sacrifice to it. I think it was striking that stone over there to cause the earthquakes earlier."
"Was it causing all those outside just now?"
"No? That was me…I think." Takemikazuchi fell down. "Sensei, is it dead?"
"Yeah…it's dead, alright."
"Good…don't tell Futsunushi what it was. It'd scare the shit out of him, and he'd give me an earful for being reckless…" He chuckled. "Him! Lecturing me!"
He's dazed from the fight…Thank the Heavens he's okay. Susano'o thought as he looked around the pit, scanning the creature's remains. Ōkuninushi was right. It was a Primordial Beast. He looked back at his student, now asleep. And you beat it. I can't believe it, Take. You…you already attained Mastery and with an art you made! He looked up at the ceiling, barely able to hold back his tears. What a day!