Tartarus
Avalon
Myrddin slowly rose. He looked around at the slowly growing, but unlikely, party. "Get out?" He asked. "Well…that was kind of the plan for those two over there." He pointed towards Uriel and Camael, the latter maintaining a stone face despite crying as he held Skeggöld while the former patted him on the back. "Problem is…it's not a guarantee. We'd be cutting through space, or something like that, and try to get back to Valhalla that way. A bit of a walk, but that was the plan."
Arthur nodded. "Myrddin, that plan would be fantastic," Arthur said, twisting his torso to the left, letting out a series of pops."…if I were thirty years younger and hadn't been sleeping on a stone slab for a millennium." He chuckled a little as he ran his gloved right hand over the white hair on his temple.
"Well, we don't have another option…Your Majesty." Myrddin smirked.
"Myrddin, knock it off." Arthur grew a wide grin. "That was my father." Arthur's eyes suddenly widened. "Wait. Hold on." He looked back at Vidarr and Xolotl. "You two have Bifrost shards, right?"
The pair exchanged a glance. "We do," Vidarr answered. How does he know that? He thought. He's been asleep all this time. How would he even know what they're called?
"Ah. I'm a bit off-putting, aren't I?"
Both Xolotl and Vidarr stayed quiet.
"Like I said. I've been stuck with the Dodecahedron for a good thousand years or so. The blasted thing wouldn't turn off, so I was forced to see through the eyes of every single angel in existence. Felt like I was being pulled in every direction!" His gaze darted between the two. Ah, there's also Myrddin. He and I have a soul-tether, so any memories he collects, I can see them, too." He turned back to Teddy and the others. "It's how I know everything you all went through to get here, and what's happening up in Valhalla. Any word on Round Eleven?"
Myrddin fished out his tablet. His eyes lit up. "It's Yama…and Georgios. Capture The Flag."
"Yama's going," Vidarr whispered. "That'd be a sight to see…"
"I digress. We need the Bifrost Shard. May we use one? To get all of us out of here?"
"No," Xolotl answered. "You are still a criminal charged with the death of a Chief God. You are to remain—"
"Hey!" Geirölul yelled from several meters away. "Vidarr!" She yelled with a hint of vitriol
Vidarr straightened as panic set in. Oh no… He thought.
Xolotl looked at him, shocked. He turned back to see Vlad, Geirölul, and her siblings walking up to the group. Wait…isn't that…
"Oy, Dumbass!" She roared. "You come down and drag my baby sister into a death match—"
"He didn't!" Skeggöld yelled behind her, trying to keep up. "We are a team!"
"And what's this I hear that she almost fought Teddy—your ass is mine later," She pointed back at Teddy, who flinched. "—alone?!"
"It was a ploy to get Vidarr to focus on us!" Camael yelled behind her. She's on the warpath. He thought.
Helheim's cooler than Geir when she's like this. Uriel thought.
She walked past Xolotl and stopped in front of Vidarr, locking eyes with him. "You. Explain. Now."
Vlad watched from a safe distance and couldn't help but smile. He saw Geirölul's light continue to shine amongst the rest, but saw a familiar glow from Vidarr. One that grew as they got closer.
Is he… Vlad thought. …I mean, at least he has taste. He covered his mouth as Vidarr started.
"Skeggöld and I were asked by Set to go to the Circles and interrogate Eris about her involvement in the Sin Cluster. As we were working, these guys showed up." He pointed to Myrddin's group. "They gave me a Tablet of Destiny, and the fighting started…and we lost."
"But he kept me safe!" Skeggöld yelled.
"Bet you had to knock some sense into him, though."
Skeggöld looked away.
"Sounds about right. Wait, what the hell does Set have to do with this? And why the Hell is Skeggöld down here?!"
"Sis, I've been down here."
Geirölul turned to her. "…What?"
"Since my birth. Dad didn't have the Dodecahedron anymore, so when I was born, he couldn't finish my soul. Helheim is a place where…" Skeggöld looked over at Myrddin. "…beings without souls can survive. If I went up to Valhalla or Midgard…"
"She's telling the truth," Myrddin added. "The cavern Ythyr found me in all those years ago was one of the gates between Midgard and Helheim. It was one of the few places I could hide without a soul-tether." He looked over at Skeggöld. "You didn't have that chance, did you?"
She shook her head.
Lord…had I known about you, I would've acted sooner. Myrddin thought. At least I had a way to leave here…
Geirölul blinked a few times. She looked over at her brothers, seeing their looks of shock and confusion. "All this time?" She whispered.
Skeggöld nodded.
"Fuck…why didn't anyone tell us?"
"Dad and I were living down here. It wasn't bad, to be honest. I got to hang out with Osiris a lot, and he's nice!"
"But…but Osiris is supposed to be dead…and…." Her eyes darted in all directions. "Dad?" She groaned and rubbed her forehead. "I need a minute..." She felt a hand rest on her right shoulder. She looked over and saw Arthur. "What, do you have something to surprise me with?"
"Not at all!" Arthur said. "I do need your help, though." He looked at Vidarr. "Vidarr, if Geirölul asked, would you give her the Bifrost shard?"
Vlad turned away, still covering his mouth. Gabriel looked back at him in concern before shaking his head and sighing.
She looked up at Vidarr, scowling. Slowly, she raised her hand, then beckoned with it. Vidarr stared down at her, refusing to blink.
"Vidarr."
He said nothing.
"Did you protect her?"
"I…I fell short here and there, but I wanted to get her back home to you and the others." He looked down at his feet. "I know what it's like to feel disconnected from your family. It's too late for me, but not for her."
Geirölul nodded as memories of bickering with Baldr and chastising Týr returned. "It's not. Please let me take her home."
"Are you taking the others with you?"
"I am, and neither of you two is stopping me, unless you want Arthur to undo what he did, but slowly."
Didn't know I was getting tasked! Arthur thought joyfully. Even down here, she's still the Pride of the Valkyries!
Vidarr looked over at Xolotl. "Xolo, they could have killed us."
"Your point?" Xolotl asked sternly.
"The guy we were trying to kill healed us."
Xolotl looked at Arthur. "Did you do it expecting a favor?"
"No," Arthur said.
"Then why bother?"
Arthur's smile faded, and Xolotl saw a brief glimpse of something mournful. Arthur took a glance at his gloved hands and smiled softly. "I did not want that battle. Frankly, I wish it had never happened. I lost three knights that day who were closer to me than blood. I know the deaths of those Gods, your brother included, had ripple effects that turned parts of the Heavens upside down." He pointed to his right eye. "The Dodecahedron linked my senses to all the Angels. I didn't even plan to take it. It just happened. And for a millennium, I rested on that stone slab, full to the brim with a power that drove me insane and helpless to use it. So much could've been different..." He met Xolotl's stare and shook his head. "The roundabout way to say I can, because I've spent all this time unable to do a damn thing, and I'm tired of doing nothing. And the first thing I wanted to do was say I am sorry for Quetzalcoatl. He was a just soul."
Xolotl nodded.
"I know why he did what he did. It was why you all admired him, I imagine. But I am a King, and my duty is to my people. When two kings on opposing sides of a battlefield meet with that mission in mind, one will die. End of story. Would you blame Cei if he sought revenge against your brother for my death? Or does our Humanity invalidate revenge?"
Xolotl straightened a little.
"He made his choice. He could have stayed home. Stayed and guided his people. No one dragged him there."
Xolotl's eyes widened. "Do you know what happened after he was killed?!"
"In a war that he didn't need to be a part of? Yes."
"You—"
*"*It happened to me, too." Xolotl stopped.
"I saw it happen to Camelot. Smaller scale, yes, but my kingdom too is gone." Arthur sighed. "I can imagine many of my people were furious with me for my reckless actions. Knowing this, I can say, without a doubt, you can be angry at him, too."
Xolotl blinked a few times. The rest of the group exchanged glances, then focused back on the pair.
"As rulers, we not only bear responsibility for our people, but also their love and hatred. We will do things that make them resent us or throw themselves at our feet. It's our burden, and one we should take wisely and carefully. I will not speak ill of the dead, but I respect and am disappointed with Quetzalcoatl."
"…What for?"
"He put his fears over his people. Even if it was fear for his people, it ruled him and pushed him to Winchester. Any ruler who is ruled by fear…is a tyrant in waiting." Arthur extended his hand. "Xolotl, I don't believe your brother was that kind of God, but he made mistakes. I made mistakes, and I am one of the few who, despite my initial belief, are capable of starting meaningful change. And to do that, I need to leave here quickly." He is soft gaze met Xolotl's. "Will you give me your Bifrost Shard?"
Xolotl's gaze locked with Arthur's for a moment. Slowly, his eyes drifted to the side towards Vidarr. He met him with that same gaze Arthur gave him. *You…*Xolotl thought. *That's right…you just lost your brothers, too…*He looked down at his dog-like feet. *Will you forgive me, Quetz? I'm just…*He shook his head as he fought tears. I'm just…too damn angry with you…please don't hate me…
Slowly, Xolotl reached his left hand into his mantle and pulled out a rainbow-colored crystal. He briefly looked at it before placing it gently in Arthur's hand.
"I'm…angry beyond words," Xolotl whispered, fighting against his soul. "I can't forgive you…And I can't forgive my brother." He breathed deeply. "But I understand what you're saying. If you can do some good, in our names, then I will trust you."
Arthur wrapped his fingers tightly around the shard and lightly nodded. "It will not be in vain," He said.
Xolotl looked over at Vidarr. "Vidarr, go with them."
"Oy, he's done enough," Geirölul said, to Vidarr's disappointment. "He can stay—"
"No, he hasn't. There's unfinished work." The pair shared a glance and nodded. "I am ordering him to go with you. Trust me, you'll need it."
"But—" Vlad's left hand grabbed her shoulder gently and squeezed. She looked back at him, seeing him smile. "Why're you happy?"
"Things are falling into place," Vlad answered. "But we need to leave."
She sighed and ran her fingers through her twirled hair. "Fine…"
Arthur stepped away and pointed the shard straight ahead. With a quick sweep, the air in front of him cracked and tore, and a large tear expanded in front of him. "Gang, shall we?"
<>
Jörð Arena
Gods' VIP Section
Odin's Private Quarters
Back in the VIP section of the Gods, far from prying eyes, Odin stood alone in his chambers, bare-chested. Dust had gathered on the cushioned chairs, couch, and varnished ash desk from disuse. The matching bookcases behind the desk were full of dust-covered books in various languages, both living and dead. In front of Odin was a large, oval-shaped mirror, showing his reflection glaring back at him.
Yama acted without my consent, and Siegfried has gone into hiding. He thought as he extended his right hand out to the side. The flesh of his palm twisted and stretched out, changing color into a dark metal as it flattened into an edge. It continued to extend, forming a jagged hand guard, grip, and pommel. Odin snatched the blade out of the air and gripped it tight. On his chest, three metallic objects slowly appeared out of his skin: a pair of interconnected rings, a chain of star-shaped medals, and a skull eerily similar to a goat's. Humanity has scored five wins…I cannot allow this to continue. He scanned the sword. There's only one place he'd be, and that's with… He scowled, bearing his teeth. …that obstinate Valkyrie, Brünhilde. The objects vanished back into his flesh, and the sword melted back into his hand. If I can't find her…I know where I can find one of her sisters. His scowl twisted into a smile. You proved useful after all, Týr…
Suddenly, a large crack erupted in the air behind Odin. He turned around, watching the crack expand and spread into a large hole. He stretched out his right hand, summoning black energy from his palm and forming Gungnir. He leered at the crack as a bright white pole jutted out, followed by Zahhak. The crack mended behind him, and he slowly looked over at Odin.
Looks like the gateway Vidarr prepared held up after all this time. Now, time to try a play. Zahhak thought. "Greetings, Odin. Thought it would be Vidarr?"
Odin's eyes widened. "How are you here?" He asked.
I planted the seed. You really didn't know he was a part of Cerberus. Well, that'll at least keep you on your toes for Vidarr. Maybe you'll kill him, too. Zahhak blinked a few times. "When opportunity knocks, you take it."
Odin tapped the ground with Gungnir's pommel. Cracks spread out on the floor. "You have a death wish?"
"No, but I do have an opportunity for you."
Odin continued leering.
"Two of your sons have died in 24 hours. Shocking, yes, but we both know you didn't give a wit for either. Another son is probably on the prowl to put you down. Loki spilled his guts before giving you a chance to fix things and bit the dust after. Now, your reputation is slowly eroding amongst the Chief Gods, Siegfried is in the wind, and your chances to revive the Primordial Gods are fading with each win Humanity achieves." Odin's eyes widened. "Yes, I know what you're planning, but that's not important. What is important, and something I offer in the name of cooperation, is who planned it all."
"You think…someone planned all this?"
"It's nothing certain, but there is someone who has it out for you far more than my little sister, but who knows? He did ask for two of your sons to fight, and both are dead."
"…Set."
"You don't sound surprised. He also makes quite a few trips into Helheim and even Tartarus. I've been watching him for a while now."
"Why tell me this?"
Time to lay the final play. "Ah. See, here's why. In truth, Set was just a part of the Extermination Army. He has no skin in the game against you…unless he's not Set."
Odin's eyebrow cocked up.
"What would you do, Odin, if I told you that Set…is my father? That he didn't die at Winchester? That he's been hiding in plain sight, waiting for another moment to deal with you and Humanity in one fell swoop? Would you believe me?"
Odin shuddered, and he lowered his head. Zahhak's eyes locked on him.
Come on…take it…
Odin reared his head back and burst out laughing. A slight chill ran down Zahhak's back; his grip on Ascalon tightened.
Huh…that was odd.
"You think…I'd believe that?! That he's alive?!" Odin said, catching his breath.
"I would hope you do. He's dangerous to both of us, and neither of us can achieve our goals if he's around to muck everything up."
"I'm guessing you're telling me this, hoping I'd want to put him down myself?"
"Maybe. I can't force you to do anything, and tackling things head-on continues to make things harder for me. Plus, I assume you'd want the satisfaction of putting down an old friend."
"…You'd be right."
"Good. Set's probably around. Have fun." Zahhak pulled out his Bifrost Shard, swiping it through the air to create another rift, and vanished through it.
Odin turned back to the mirror, eyeing his manic smile.
<>
Jörð Arena
Gods' VIP Section
Ares Chambers
Not too far from a potentially new and foreboding alliance, Ares sat at a large wooden table with a plate of cheese and grapes next to a wine bottle and glass. To his right, in new armor that matched his original set, sat Nuada with Argetlam resting against the table in its scabbard. Across from Ares, still in his camo pants, orange shirt, and steel-toed boots, was Romulus. Nuada watched on in mild amusement as Ares and his bearded near-spitting image sat in awkward silence. Occasionally, Romulus would run his fingers through his beard.
"Alright," Nuada said, tapping the table with his left hand. "This has gone on long enough. Talk."
"About what?" Romulus asked. "We've both already said what we wanted to say before this all started."
"We did, but things have changed," Ares said, struggling to meet his son's eyes. "Ragnarök has continued longer than it should have. Hephaestus has…" He shuddered. "Hephaestus fell. Dionysus almost died. You've lost friends, too."
"I know. I watched everything happen, Dad." His tone was weary, but firm.
"Rommie…the score is 5-5. Yama is fighting next against this Georgios guy. Once he wins, that leaves you against Lugh."
Nuada shot a side glance at Romulus as his left hand slowly balled into a loose fist.
"Don't underestimate Georgios. He's far stronger than anyone thinks, and Hilde picked him specifically for Yama."
Ares grabbed the wine bottle and glass. He poured a dark red wine gently into the glass and set it down. "Don't underestimate Yama. He put all of Helheim under his thumb before passing it on to Hades. If there's anyone on the roster besides Nuada and Marduk who can guarantee a win, it's him."
"That's what people said about Baldr and Týr, too." Romulus shook his head. "Dad, just get to the point. If Yama wins, what do you want?"
Ares took a quick sip of his wine, swished it in his mouth, then swallowed. "I want you to concede. Give Lugh the win, and let Ragnarök end."
Romulus looked over at Nuada, who briefly met his gaze, then back at his father. "You want me to concede."
Ares nodded.
"The man who started an empire that most of the world grew from. That led people through uncertainty, turmoil, war, prosperity, peace, and happiness. That was seen as a King, a Founder, and a standard all his successors held themselves against."
Ares nodded as a few beads of sweat rolled down his temples from under his helmet.
"The man you raised, hoping I would be that for people. Who killed his own brother to ensure their safety. Now. After all that. After all this…you ask now?"
Ares gulped something invisible. "…I do. As your father."
Romulus rose out of his chair. "As my father, who shows his true damn colors." Ares' eyes widened. "You think we're going to lose this, and I'm going down with a sinking ship, don't you?!" Romulus yelled.
"Humanity will lose," Ares said, his voice getting louder as he rose. "You have done everything you could for them! You went above and beyond what even Heracles did! Even Skalmöld's father! And look what it did to him! Drove him to despair and attempt to kill all of Humanity!"
"I am not him, and do not bring Skalmöld into this."
"She is my daughter-in-law and is pregnant with my grandchild. Your child. Are your dreams and ideals more important than ensuring your kid has a father?!"
"That's what Marduk and Nuada did yesterday, and what Hephaestus did today!"
"AND LOOK WHAT IT GOT HIM?!" Ares' aura burst out, knocking the bottle over. "What it got Pan?! It's not fair!" Ares teared up. "She…" His voice died down. "You have so much here…you have no obligation to Humanity anymore. Please don't do this…"
Romulus sighed, looking down at the table as the wine slowly spread across it. "Dad, you say that, but I disagree. Like you, Hermes, Athena, and the rest, just because I am up here does not mean my obligation ended. I went from being a King to a God, but I am always Romulus. That gave me more to do, not less, and Rome is threatened by a force that no mortal can face." Romulus kneeled and picked up his shield. "If I can stand in front of my people, all of them, and face down that threat, I am going to do it."
"Even if…"
"It kills me? I'm not planning on dying, but I have to be the example. If my kid learns only to stand up for something when it is convenient, then I failed as a father. I will also fail as your son."
Ares pursed his lips.
"Dad, to be the man you raised, the man you hoped would be better than you, I can't run even if I wanted to. I will not disrespect you like that."
Nuada nodded silently.
"Nuada."
"Hmmm?"
"Do you think I should quit? That I would be doing right by Lugh to step away from that fight?"
"Rommie, I trained you to make your own decisions. Like I did for Lugh. Make your choice and stick to it."
"N…Nuada…" Ares whispered.
"Lugh will be coming at you with full force. If you go out there and don't give it your all, you're screwed." Nuada rose and walked over to him. He looked up Romulus and extended his right hand. "Give it your best, but know I am rooting for my boy."
Romulus gripped his hand in his own and shook it. "I'd be surprised if you didn't." Romulus released his grip and walked around the table, stopping in front of Ares. Slowly, he wrapped his arms around his father's and hugged. "Watch me, Dad, and you'll understand." He stepped away from Ares, then turned and walked away. Ares watched him go, feeling something stabbing his heart.
*Why…*He thought as Romulus exited the room. Why couldn't you be a loser like me… He dropped back into his chair, eyeing the spilled wine.
Nuada walked over to him and patted his right shoulder. "You raised a good boy. Against all odds, he's a good one," He said.
"Yeah…" Ares answered, dejected. "I'm sorry I asked you to be here. I don't think he'd be as honest if it were just the two of us."
"No sweat. Lugh needed some time alone. He doesn't need anyone to psych him up. And he'll need it." Nuada looked back at the door. "I don't even think I could beat Romulus the way he is now."
<>
Valhalla
Northern Chapel
Far from Jörð Arena, near the Northern Sea separating Jörð Arena from the realms of the Norse, Finnish, and Slavic Pantheons, sitting square in the rolling hills that stretched from the Sea's sandy shores and cliffs towards the vast forests in the South and East, was another chapel. Unlike its Eastern sibling, its gable roof was a dark green and arched high with two towers pointing up towards. Both towers held bells that anyone could tell had been covered in rust and grime from lack of care. A single dirt road ran in front of it and cut through the hills, leading to the shore and around the forests. A few souls traveled on it here and there on that road, but several gathered at the front of the chapel and slowly filed in.
Inside that chapel, filling the wooden pews, were men and women from different eras and lands. You could not find anything that showed they shared anything in common, save for each one of them had their hands clasped together in silent prayer. At the front of the chapel, under a stained glass window displaying the image of a short, portly man next to a tall woman holding hands, were Brünhilde and Siegfried, holding each other's hands, eyes closed. Around them, forming a large circle, was a myriad of men and women in silent prayer. Some had their hands held out towards the pair. Behind the circle, with his back to them, in silent prayer, was Georgios. Who they prayed to, now knowing what awaited them behind the veil of death, was unknown. Who would answer their prayers, if they would even be heard, was unknown. However, what was known was that the one thing they had, their greatest, and sometimes only, gift they could give to those they loved in dire straits, would not be denied to these three. To some, it is wasted air and time. To others, a precious gift. To those souls in that chapel, to those who cannot fight, it was all they could do for those who placed their lives in the line of fire for their people.
Georgios continued to pray silently as three people walked around the circle and stopped behind him. One of them was a large, burly man in brown robes holding a large axe, his gray hair tied in a ponytail. Next to him was a young woman with short dark hair and brown eyes, wearing a cuirass over a pair of overalls. In her left hand was a shepherd's crook. On her other side was a young man in green robes with blonde hair and green eyes, holding a staff embossed with a shamrock at the top. All three placed their free hands on Georgios' back and joined him in prayer.
Boniface
(England)
Patron Saint of Germania
Jeanne d'Arc
(France)
Patron Saint of France
Patrick
(England)
Patron Saint of Ireland
In the quiet space of his mind, Georgios prayed.
You who hear me. Thank you for helping Hilde and Sieg humor this. It's not their thing…but they trust me, and I hope this helps them. He breathed deeply. I know I may ask for too much, but I am human. I'm selfish. Many are praying for me. Praying for my victory. I…I can't do that. Like so many here, I died in service of a cause, but I really, really didn't want to die. I think my death also made things worse, so I can't pray for victory. But I ask, if you can, hear my prayer for them. Brünhilde and Siegfried appeared in his mind. I only know Hilde as she struggled and fought through all this. I never met Sieg until now. Seeing them together now? That joy…is envious. He smiled a little. I understand better now…I know from the deepest pit of my soul that they have suffered enough. His fingers intertwined and tightened. I do not pray for victory for myself, but so that I can keep these two from being torn from each other again. That I may help Rommie stay with Mold. That my strength will be enough to protect them, help them heal, and keep Humanity alive. That I can face the Old Man again as a friend and not an enemy. His smile faded. I am one man. One soul…and I am terrified of what's coming. So much so that I don't know if I can keep my promises. He could hear the three behind him begin whispering their prayers, placing more weight on the hands resting on his back. But today…I refuse to die. They will be separated forever if I fail. The Old Man will break in two again. So, I can't hesitate now. Please help me remember that. Remember who I fight for. Remember who I am and the love I am blessed with. I deserve none of it, but I will fight for it. He opened his eyes and looked up at the stained glass window. Behind him, a fourth figure appeared. He was a man of olive complexion, dark wavy hair, and a thick beard framing a soft, knowing smile. He raised his hand and placed it on Georgios' back. That single act made the hair on his neck stand on end. And I will win for it.
<>
Gods' Barracks
Outside Yama's Quarters
"Oh come on…" Yama whispered as he walked down the hall. "Why are you all here?" Ahead of him and crowding around his door was a large group of otherworld spirits and Gods. Among them, he could make out the fair-skinned Jeoseung Saja in their black robes and brimmed hats, the ox-headed Niutou and equine Mamian, the whisps of black smoke, the Shinigami, who served under their patriarch, the Outer God Death, Phi Kam, guardian spirits who protect the departed as the Valkyries brought them to the afterlife. "I was told there was a disturbance outside my room, and it's you guys?"
"Lord Yama," Niutou said, bowing. The others followed suit. "We are here to see you off."
Yama rolled his eyes. "I haven't been a 'Lord' in a while, and none of you should treat me like it."
"That's true," Mamian added. "But we owe you more than we can ever pay. So until the day we die, you are Lord Yama in all but title."
I can't argue with these guys…whatever. "Well, you're here. Is this all you wanted?"
"No."
Yama tilted his slightly to the side.
"Once more, like back then, may we follow you? May we follow the banner of the First King of Helheim? In honor of our brethren and you, will you allow us this privilege?"
Yama's expression softened. He chuckled a little, then nodded. "You're still willing to follow me? After I stepped down?"
"You are our King to this day. We show fealty to Hades, but our hearts are with you. Always."
Yama sighed, then turned around. "Let's go." He reached back and grasped his banner, pulling it off his back and resting it on his shoulder. He then raised it high. "To Battle!"
The crowd roared, and they departed.
<>
Valhalla
Mount Aetna
Far from Valhalla and the growing parade, another battle began in Hephaestus' workshop. Next to Hephaestus' worktable, A platform with dozens of ports and terminals sat flat on the floor. A few meters away, Heracles and Dionysus carefully carried Leo's healing pod toward the platform as Pandora stood over a platform on the other side of the shop. Lying on the platform was Epimetheus, still lifeless, as if he had just fallen asleep. Pandora's gentle grip was around his right hand as she stared at his face. Apollo circled her, assembling monitors and stations around the table, and connecting them to Epimetheus. He was careful and graceful enough, much to his delight, that he never touched Pandora, letting her focus all her senses on her husband.
Dionysus and Heracles wordlessly set the pod down on the platform as Hrist entered the shop, laptop in hand. She placed it on Hephaestus' table and opened it. She then walked over to the pod and platform, attaching the pod's wires and plugs to the platform. It whirled to life, and the gold liquid glowed. Hrist turned a dial on the platform. "Testing. Testing," She said. "Leo, can you hear me?"
"Loud and clear," He answered through the speaker. "Didn't realize it would take a bit to get this all set up. Did you bring the laptop?"
"Of course." She tapped her fist on her chest. "I also brought the interface terminal." She pulled a plate-shaped, transparent tablet out of her coat and placed it next to the laptop while connecting it. She then ran a wire from the platform to the terminal and connected it. "I'll transform into the Völund after we confirm everything here's ready to go."
"Hrist, you're best."
She huffed in pride and smiled. "Duh."
"Is there anything else we can do?" Heracles asked.
"I'd like it if you guys hung around. Heard from Mold that Zahhak popped in the chapel."
"Zahhak?! He's out?" Dionysus asked.
Hrist nodded. "Having you two along with Apollo and Pan keeps us safe. That guy's nuttier than a tree."
"We'll do our best," Heracles added. He looked over at Pandora and Epimetheus. "Do you think we'll pull it off?"
"No clue, but we got Leo here, so anything's possible."
"You're too kind, Hrist," Leo added. "Before you transform, can you place the Cluster's container and Hephaestus' gauntlet on the interface terminal?"
Hrist grabbed both off the table behind the laptop and placed them on it. "Done."
"Wait!" Dionysus said. He walked over to the table and grabbed a remote, and turned on the monitor to their collective left. Heimdall appeared on the screen, wearing a suit of armor. "It's starting."
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" Heimdall yelled through the screen. "We appreciate your patience as we repaired and renovated Jörð Arena for the next Round! Behold!" The camera panned past him, showing the arena.
Where the village was in Round Ten, a massive stone fortress now stood as if someone ripped it out of medieval times. Two massive towers jutted out of opposite sides of the fortress, with a single long path connecting them, while the rest of the fortress was sealed off. A single, massive Jumbotron floated above the fortress.
"The score is 5-5!" The Jumbotron displayed the faces of the fighters from the last ten rounds and the score for the audience, while the monitor at Aetna displayed the score. "We are reaching the final lap of Ragnarök! Despite Gods continuing to prove their might, Humanity continues to prove its unyielding strength and determination! Will Humanity finally pull out the lead, or will the Gods regain their unyielding lead?!"
Heracles and Dionysus watched the monitor while a brief flash of light erupted behind them and entered through a small opening in the pod's top, and Leo regained his goggles.
"Now…let's get the show on the road!" The score vanished, and a single announcement filled the screen.
Round Eleven:
Capture The Flag
Yama
VS
Georgios