Mount Aetna
Hephaestus' Workshop
As the barrage played onscreen, Apollo and Pandora continued overseeing Epimetheus' body as the monitors around his body continued their rhythmic beeping. Raphael and Armaiti joined Heracles and Dionysus, and the quartet watched the battle continue.
"Raph," Armaiti said. "Is Yama an Angel?"
Raph's wrinkled face scrunched up a bit under his gray beard and moustache. "No…? Where'd you get that idea?"
"Those arms, they look like Dad's wings, back when he was around."
"Huh. You may have a point. Yamaraja is manifesting the soul, like how our wings used to work. But we were designed to do that. No one else should be able to do that."
"Is it a big deal if he can?" Dionysus asked, keeping his gaze on the monitor.
"I haven't the slightest clue. Yama is an anomaly, but I think it may have to do with his attempts to enter Niflheim."
The three looked at Raphael. "What? Didn't think it was important to share. Plus, it's not my business to talk about a peer's secrets."
"But he's fighting against our teammate," Armaiti said.
"Yes, but Hilde already knows how to fight against it. It's why she and Georgios teamed up specifically to fight him."
"He has those same Enlightened eyes as Vlad, right? Is that how he's doing it?" Heracles asked.
"Correct!" Raphael let out a small tinge of joy in his response. "Enlightened Humans possess unique abilities that directly interact with souls. Vlad could cause paralysis and fear in souls he wished to, and Georgios can touch them. If you combine that with Hilde's Rune Bright Armor that converts injury or pain into amplified, you get what we're seeing: Banner of The Cross Bearer! A Völund that can harm an opponent through their soul and grows stronger each time Georgios gets hurt! It's genius!"
"Is it?" Armaiti asked.
"Maybe," Dionysus answered. "It may be one of the only ways around Zagreus' abilities…did Hilde put that much thought into this?"
"She had to," Heracles added. "To be prepared for whatever God stood in the Arena…makes me wonder what she would do if it were Apollo or me."
"She wouldn't do…" Armaiti paused. "No, she probably would…"
"Yes…" Raphael said solemnly. He felt his tablet vibrate in his coat pocket. "A text?" He pulled out the tablet and froze when he saw the number. It vibrated a second time in his hand as his eyes widened. The other three saw the change in mood.
"Raphael, you okay?" Heracles asked.
Raphael shook his head and took a few quick breaths. This is some joke by Uri. It has to be. He tapped on the notification.
I am heading to the usual training spot. Bringing an Old Friend, and I think it would be good for you all to be there if you can.
No… He looked at the other notification: a message from Gabriel.
Raph, it's me. It's not a prank. Stay where you are and keep an eye on Hrist and the others. I'm heading out with a few people here to see what's going on. If you don't hear from me, you know what to do.
Raphael tucked the tablet back into his coat pocket. "Yes, sorry. Saw a bad joke my brother sent me."
<>
Einherjar Barracks
Samson's
-Hlökk's Tea Room-
"There," Gabriel said. "That'll keep Raph from panicking. Moving on, we need to be discreet about this. The only numbers on that text were our Dad's and the seven of us boys."
"Five, technically…" Camael muttered.
"I would rather keep the girls and a few of the Einherjar here as backup. Uri, Cam, you two stay as well. Despite making it back, you two are in no shape to fight."
Both nodded.
"Teddy. Yi. That takes you two out, but you're still capable of Völunds with the girls. Be ready."
"We'll follow your lead," Yi said. Teddy nodded.
"Vidarr. Michael. Can you two handle going with us?"
"Us?" Vidarr asked.
"Only one person was referred to as an 'Old Friend' by our dad: Odin. You're needed for this. And you need an Axe."
Vidarr's gaze shot between Gabriel and Michael. "Are you sure?"
"Mike, do you trust him?"
"Hell, no," Michael responded. "But, I know him, and that's enough."
Vidarr looked back towards the Valkyries, eyeing Skeggöld drinking tea and talking with Reginleif.
"We'll keep an eye on her," Johannes said.
Vidarr nodded.
"Vlad, if we go get Geir, they'll get worried. She just got back, and they'll notice something is wrong. You and I will hold fast here."
"I'll follow your lead."
"Arthur. Siegfried. I hate saying it, but you two are going to put everyone on high alert if you go. But, that's where you come in, Vidarr."
"He can," Arthur said, nodding.
"You and Michael get these two over there. It's not ideal, but if Odin is acting mid-fight, then he's probably expecting a lack of attention his way. We'll use it to our advantage."
"We'll make it work," Siegfried said, grabbing the sword at his hip. "If it's to protect your dad, count me in."
"Hey, wait," Myrddin said. "I'm going too."
"No, you're not," Arthur said. "You're staying here. Göndul would have my head if I brought you along."
Myrddin pursed his lips, and nodded. "She'd be cross with me..."
"I'll be back," Arthur said, smiling.
"Move quickly," Gabriel said. I'll cover for you four, and keep me posted."
The four exchanged glances, nodded, then vanished. Gabriel saw the door open, then close.
"I hope this works…"
Gabriel felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned and saw Vlad.
"It will. You know what you're doing," He said.
Gabriel grew a confused smile. Geir warned me you changed after your fight with Prometheus. He thought. It's unsettling! But I'll take this Vlad over the other. "I hope so."
<>
God's Barracks
Indra's Chambers
On the other side of Jörð Arena, watching the fight on the monitor bolted to the stone wall was Indra, while Arjuna and Karna were busy stringing bows and assembling arrows, respectively. Sitting next to Indra was an older god with a deep olive complexion, gray spiky hair that made his head look like an old sun, and brown eyes. He wore yellow pants under a short green hip-wrap and a yellow vest.
Surya
God of the Sun
Member of the Navagraha
Para Brahman
Father of Yama and Karna
"How's he doing, Lord Indra?" Karna asked, focusing on the arrows while swiping his long black hair out of his eyes.
"He's not letting up," Indra said. "But the match is far from over. Georgios is keeping up with him, and even outpaced him a few times."
"When Yama's focused, it's hard to stop him. He's got this."
"Gets that from me," Surya said, smiling. He then glanced at Indra. "Anyways, going to explain where you've been?"
"Nope."
Surya shrugged. "No point in trying to force it out of you. I asked Shiva where you went, but he was at a loss. Heard Vishnu and Brahma went to check with you last night, but you already left the medical wing."
Indra glanced at him from under his spiky white hair. "I had business that doesn't involve Shiva, so I don't bother him with it. Plain and simple."
Surya nodded, then leaned back on the couch.
"It seems Yama's control has improved," Indra said.
Changing the topic. Surya thought. "He's been busy at it. He's still trying to get back to some semblance of normal. He's got my determination, and my recklessness, too!"
Indra looked down at his feet and nodded softly before focusing back on the fight, seeing Georgios and Yama continue their exchange.
Surya breathed deeply. No, that reckless bravery comes from those Primordials you talked about! Maybe I should have listened to those stories more!
<>
Creation
Eons Ago
During the Cosmos' infancy, back when the notion of war was a novelty, back when being a God meant nothing more than just living, existence was simple. Time began its flow, space began expanding, and the first few Gods began to build under the guidance of their progenitors, the Eighty-eight Primordial Gods.
However, there were a few who deemed these Gods insufficient and unworthy of their inheritance. Unworthy to stain Creation with their existence. Yggdrasil, four of these progenitors and their seven allies, sought the destruction of all the Gods and desired to start everything over.
But this story was told already. The price paid, and the span of time between the end of that Ragnarök and the start of this one. What many do not know is that the great sacrifice made by the remaining Primordial Gods was observed by countless Gods, praying and begging for their victory. All those Gods of countless shapes and sizes watched on as the rift in space-time was activated, sealing away monsters that hunted them down.
Then, they saw the cost. Those brave, stalwart fathers and mothers of the Gods began to break, shatter, and fade, save for a few. Many of the Gods wept at the cost for their safety and future. The ones who taught them, trained them, laughed with them, and cheered for them were gone.
One young dark-haired God of olive-complexion, small and young enough to still be held by his father, could feel his father's arms trembling. He looked out at that decimated battlefield, and then at his father, seeing his joy and sorrow.
This one moment would forever etch itself in this boy of a God's memory, and burn one question into his heart.
Why?
<>
Jörð Arena
Yama's barrage continued, and Georgios could only stay on the defensive. Elbows, knees, fists, shoulders. Each became a shield to keep Georgios standing despite the pain and the lost ground. In those brief moments between blows, he could see his banner getting further and further away.
Hilde! Georgios roared in his mind. I need you to wake up! I can't fight him like this!
Silence.
Keep your promise to me, damn it!
<>
Jörð Arena
West Gate Entrance Hall
A Moment Before Round Eleven
"Hilde," Georgios said, walking beside his teammate.
Silence.
Georgios raised his left hand and flicked Brünhilde's ear. She flinched and turned to him
"The hell?!" Brünhilde yelled.
"Don't ignore me."
She blinked a few times.
"I know you're trying to focus, but you're mucking it up."
"What're you on about?" Hilde groaned.
"The Hilde that's been leading the charge, putting everything together, and standing tall is not the Hilde I am going out there with. 'That' Hilde is gone."
Brünhilde pursed her lips.
"Sieg is back. The Old Man is alive, and you and Pan are mending fences. There's a lot for you to answer for, but I am not going out there to die. I am going to win, and I need you to say that."
"Of cour—"
"Don't lie to me, Hilde. I need you to tell me what we're going out there to do. Not some slogan or battle cry. You. Hilde. What are you fighting for?"
Brünhilde stood still, her eyes locked on Georgios'.
"I need the big sister who will cuss up a storm, punch her way out of an argument with her best friend, love harder and laugh louder than anyone in her family, and wage a war to save the man of her dreams. I don't need Brunhilde. I need Hilde."
Brünhilde couldn't stop the small smile forming on her face.
"I want…to eat Salmiak pies with Sieg and Pan."
"Those things are disgusting!" Georgios said, laughing. "Do they like them?"
"Not at all!" She laughed. "I want to help Pan save Epi." Light began to emanate from the pair.
"And she needs you."
"I want to see my brothers and sisters again."
"Can't go without that. It would be awful if you died now."
"And drag my dad back in front of everyone and take him to task!" The light grew brighter.
"And how do we make that possible?!" Georgios yelled.
Brünhilde clenched her fists. "By fucking winning!"
The air went calm despite her energy and the light enveloping them. "Then promise me. Promise me you will fight with everything to make that happen." He extended his right hand.
Brünhilde smacked it with her own and gripped it tight. "Let's make it happen!"
VÖLUND!
<>
Jörð Arena
Hilde! If you don't wake up, he's going to bowl us over and make a break for the banner! He roared. Don't let them watch us fail! FIGHT HILDE! I'LL EAT A DAMN SALMIAK PIE IF I HAVE TO!
Yama's right hand locked on Georgios' left wrist and pulled him forward. Three of his spectral arms locked on Georgio's left and right ankles and right wrist. He swapped his right hand for another spectral hand, clamping it down on Georgios' left wrist.
Oh…oh no. Georgios thought as the limbs stretched him out.
"Two can play that game," Yama hissed. His free right fist slammed into Georgios' face. Then his left right after. Then his right and left again. His hands blurred as they pummeled Georgios.
"Georgios is caught!" Heimdall roared. "And getting beaten like there's no tomorrow! There might actually be no tomorrow at this pace!"
Georgios tucked his chin down as Yama's fists continued to rain down on him.
HILDEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! He pleaded.
Suddenly, a surge of energy roared through the pain enveloping Georgios' body. A spectral white fist shot out of Georgios' torso and smashed into Yama's throat. He gagged and flinched, but his grip held firm. Another fist and a right leg kick smashed into Yama's chin and left ribs.
"Cheap shot, Hilde!" Yama roared as he fired another punch at Georgios' face. That same spectral hand parried his fist to the outside of Georgios' head and swung in as a hook, crashing into Yama's temple. "You damn stubborn brat!"
"About time you woke up!" Georgios yelled.
"Takes one to know one!" Brünhilde roared. "And two can play this game!" The spectral fists pulled in towards Georgios' torso as Brünhilde's spectral form flowed out of Georgios.
Yama's face contorted into unbridled fury. "BRÜNHILDE!" Yama roared as chills ran through his body and soul.
"Celestial Rush!" Her fists and feet rocketed out, raining down on Yama's entire body. Pain erupted from every corner and overwhelmed. His feet skid slowly across the floor.
I can't let go! Yama thought. They didn't! They stared down far worse than you two! They gave EVERYTHING! What have you given, Brünhilde?! All you do is TAKE! TAKE AND TAKE AND TAKE! How many more bodies will you stack on that mountain you built for Siegfried?!
Brünhilde's right fist shot at Yama's chin. He ducked down, letting it collide with his forehead. Georgios and Brünhilde flinched in pain.
You're…no better…than Yggdrasil! Yama declared in his mind as his fist smashed into Brünhilde, then Georgios. He released his grip on Georgios' limbs, and they flew away. "You spit on the legacy of your father and the souls who died for us!"
Georgios flipped in the air, landing back on his feet. Brünhilde appeared next to him, keeping her left hand on her head.
"I am trying to keep their sacrifice from being undone by you and the rest of the Gods! My Dad and Gollnir…all of them…what would be the point of it all if you idiots undid it all?!"
Yama flinched a little, as if he tasted something vile. "Undid it?!"
"But that's why I'm here! That's why I'll pay the cost!"
"Attagirl, Hilde!" Georgios whispered.
"Now get ready, Yama—what the…" She stopped dead in her tracks.
Yama's gaze emptied.
"Hilde, something's wrong," Georgios whispered.
"What happened?"
"You know…" Yama said.
Both Brünhilde and Georgios turned their right ears towards Yama.
"You know the truth…everything?"
<>
Svarga
Eons Ago
Not long after the end of the first Ragnarök, in a vast cave deep within the tallest mountains in Svarga that would one day be the home of the Trimurti, a father-son pair stood before the culmination of decades of research. Surya, his gray hair now possessing its original black luster, was joined by a towering young God in matching white robes and stood in front of a large, floating, jagged glass pane, surrounded by sixteen columns formed into two circles, one encircling the other. Each of the sixteen columns was carved into a fine point and emblazoned with a different name.
"Yama, ready?" Surya asked.
"I think so…you think this'll work?" Yama asked.
"I'm not sure…no one has ever tried to open a path to Niflheim. Even Gollnir spoke against it. Said even that was knowledge he couldn't bring himself to seek."
"You'd think he would…" Yama recalled that day, replaying the deaths of his saviors without end.
"I want to trust him. I do, but it doesn't sit right with me," Surya turned away from the pane and out towards the cave's entrance. "To never even try? After what they did for us?"
"When they didn't have to…" Yama shook his head. "Maybe Yggdrasil was right about us…"
Surya walked over to his son and gripped his left shoulder in his right hand. "Yama, if you ever say that again, I'm taking away the books." He grew a sad smile. "They didn't need a reason. We don't need to be greater than those who came before us to matter. All we need to do is live our lives to the best of our ability."
"And we're doing that now." Yama returned the smile with the same one Surya wore. "If this works."
"If it does, then we can save them."
Yama nodded.
The two walked out of the array and over to a small stone podium. A bright-orange hard light panel appeared on the podium's stone surface.
Surya tapped away on the panel, "Initiating the Surya Majapahit." Surya tapped on the panel one last time. The eight columns closest to the pane began glowing, and eight beams shot toward the pane's center. "This scale from Vritra is solidified chaos. If we can empower it with enough solar energy…" He slid his index finger across the panel, and the beams intensified. "We can use it to cut a rift in space-time. The only issue…" He tapped the panel a few times. "…Is aiming the cut towards Niflheim."
"Which the outer eight pillars are for," Yama added. "If the cosmic guide Gollnir wrote is correct, then Niflheim sits on the outskirts of Valhalla, near the point where Gleipnir was used."
"Exactly!" Surya tapped a few more times on the panel. "And here…we…go…" He tapped it hard one more time. The other eight pillars glowed and fired eight more beams towards the scale. The scale began to glow with an orange sheen, its translucence slowly blurring from the light and heat.
Please work. Yama thought. I know you guys didn't ask for this. But…what happened wasn't right. There had to be another way! There had to be! A life for a life is not the way things should be! Please! For my dad! For my mom! For everyone who misses you all! Please let this work!
Light enveloped the scale, and it turned a bright white. A loud hum filled the air.
"Coordinates are in!" Surya yelled. "Making the cut…" The humming intensified. "…Now!" He slammed his fist on the panel. The scale dropped down, cutting the air and tearing through the world. The scale crashed on the floor, shattering. Above the debris, a large black tear floated in the air.
Yama felt it first. He never figured out why, but he felt it before his father. The air in the cavern dropped dozens of degrees. The slowly growing pull that gripped his bones, muscles, organs, and even his soul. He saw ice forming on the glowing towers, and the pitch-black darkness seething within the tear. On pure instinct, he shoved his father away from the panel and behind one of the outer columns. Yama wrapped himself around the podium.
Both men shared one last look before the rush of air and light raced towards the tear, the force pulling both Yama and Surya.
"YAMAAAAA!" Surya yelled in terror. He tried to reach his hand out, but the moment his hand appeared from behind the column, a golden spectral hand appeared and began tearing away from his arm. He pulled it back, and the hand vanished into his body. No…No! He looked over at Yama and felt all light slowly vanish from his life.
A specter matching Yama's appearance clung to his frozen body. All the color in Yama's hair and flesh vanished, turning pale white. The color and light in his eyes vanished, and they now matched his hair and skin.
"YAMAAAAAA! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Surya cried.
Ice began growing on the columns as they continued to fire their beams into the tear.
I have to stop it! I have to stop it! Surya thought. He looked up at the column he hid behind, and an idea hit him. I need to break the power source! Please work! Surya clenched his fist and threw it at the column. It smashed through and destroyed it. The other columns started blinking, and the tear began rippling. The columns started shaking and cracking while the specter tried to keep its grip on Yama's lifeless body.
Then, a chain reaction started. One after another, the columns shattered. The cold wind faded, and the tear started shrinking. Soon, the last column exploded, and the tear vanished.
Surya surveyed the devastated and ice-filled cavern. He turned his attention to Yama and felt the vanished tear pulling at his soul. Yama, lifeless and pale beyond recognition. The specter was holding onto his shoulder for dear life while it slowly started phasing through the floor.
"…Dad…" It said.
Surya stood frozen in place, unable to blink or move.
"What…have I done?" Surya whispered.
Svarga
Several Weeks Later
Temple of Surya
**"**Son, can you hear me?" Surya said, standing before a cushioned stone slab. Yama's pale body lay atop with a few sheets over it, and a few pillows under his head that spread out his snow-white hair.
"…I'm still here, Dad. And…I can still hear you…Like I did a few minutes ago…" Yama's voice said. Surya did not see his lips move, but knew better now. A golden specter floated out of Yama's body and sat up, turning to Surya. "It's odd as hell, but…I kind of feel like I'm floating in quicksand."
"I've never seen anything like this," Surya said. "We're lucky Kavacha reinforced your body. Without it, I couldn't have put you back into your body without destroying it…"
Yama placed his spectral hand on his chest, tapping something metallic underneath it. "At least you have a few spares. Imagine if we had to use Kundala."
"I'd have used it to save you, regardless."
Yama chuckled. "Dad, we'll get through this. It's not the end of the world. I'm still linked to my body."
"It's not the end, but things can't go back to the way they were." Surya sat down next to the chair. "Why did you do that?" He asked.
"I don't know. I just couldn't let you get hurt, Dad! Who wants that?"
Surya nodded. "I know…I just wish you didn't."
Yama shrugged. "Sorry, but it's who I am. Can't let my old man carry it all on his lonesome!" He smiled. "So…no more research into trying to bring back the Primordial Gods?"
Surya looked over at him, puzzled. "What're you talking about?"
Yama tilted his head. "Dad, that's what the whole thing was for. We were trying to get into Niflheim and bring them back! It's one of Gollnir's old projects!"
Surya blinked a few times. "…Son, who's Gollnir? That project was an attempt to build a route for the Bifrost into Svarga, and the Primordial Gods are a myth." He stood up. "Are you okay? Do I need to grab Kundala or another Kavacha? I can—"
Yama raised his golden hand. "Dad, I got mixed up. I'm sorry. I'm still recovering, and maybe my memory needs some time to get unjumbled." He lay back down and vanished into his body. "Going to rest now. Talk to you tomorrow."
Surya turned away. "Yeah…yeah. Let's try to see if we can get your soul to start working in tandem with your body again."
"Deal!"
Surya walked out of the room, leaving Yama alone.
He…doesn't remember why we did the experiment? That doesn't make a lick of sense! He knew exactly what we were trying to do! Why would he think it's something else?! And when did he think they were myths?! We both saw them die! A heavy lump was slowly developing in Yama's stomach. We…saw it happen…right?
<>
Jörð Arena
"How do you know?" Yama asked. "No one else knows, save for a few, to whom the truth was revealed."
"It doesn't matter. All that matters is I know what's at stake, like you and my Dad do," Brünhilde said.
Yama's eyes widened. He revealed himself to you… Yama sighed and shook his head. "Stupid old bastard," He whispered.
"So are you done acting like only you know how to save the world?"
"No."
Brünhilde and Georgios blinked in tandem.
"You have the gumption to take this on. I was wrong. You get it, and you've proved you're strong. Now, it's time to see if you're still willing to see this through." The golden arms vanished back into Yama's body, and the faces on the sides of his head sank back into his body. Golden tendrils flowed out of his body and wrapped around his legs, forming into large legs ending in clawed feet. "Yamaraja: Rakshasa." He stepped to the side, leering at the pair. "We're beating each other senseless, but we know why. Capture The Flag demands it. We cannot yield, we cannot side-step, or turn away. We must move forward." He clenched his fists, popping his knuckles. "I won't stop you two, but the time for fists is over…" He crouched down, turning his body slightly to the right. Georgios' instincts shot like lightning, and he crouched. "Now…is the time for speed!" Yama kicked off the ground, dashing past Georgios and kicking up the floor with every step.
"Shit!" Brunhilde yelled. "We've got to run, no—"
Georgios…burst off the floor as if lightning. He raced across the corridor towards his banner. Yama's clawed feet dug through the floor with each step, pushing him and gaining speed. Both raced as if the end waited for them at the other end of the arena. The pain searing their bodies dulled as their wills pushed them forward. The Human audience roared to life, screaming their names with each step.
"Get 'em, G!" Jeanne D'Arc roared as she prayed fervently.
"Wiiiiiin!" Nicholas of Myra bellowed from beneath his red cloak and white bushy beard.
On the other side, several spirits and Gods of the Underworld roared.
"Don't let that Human win!" the emaciated Ah Cizin roared. "Get that damn flag, you bastard!"
Next to him, a young Goddess with a face half rotted away waved an axe in the air while another God in a suit with skeletal face paint roared to the Heavens.
"Come on, Yama!" Hel screamed.
"This is nothing!" Baron Samedi yelled.
Heimdall flew higher and higher, trying to keep both Fighters in view. "It's like watching two bolts of lightning! It's insane!" He yelled.
Both fighters raced without a care for slowing down. Both knew any hesitation led to defeat and one step closer to the worst possible outcome. The banners grew closer with each step. Neither knew how close the other was. They only knew, the moment they grasped their banners once more, it was time.
And it came quickly. Both closed the distance. Both skidded past their banners and turned, stopping just in front of their respective towers. Both could barely make out the other in the distance, but they now knew.
Time was not on either's side.
They both crouched down again, putting every ounce of strength and will into their legs.
For those who gave their lives for us! Yama declared in his mind. I shall never retreat! I shall never hide! I will ALWAYS RACE TOWARDS THE FUTURE!
Our Banner! Georgios rallied to himself and Brünhilde. Will billow in the wind! As we raise it high for the FUTURE!
Both sides kicked off…and obliterated the towers behind them. Their hands snapped tight on the banners as they flew. The locked eyes on the line that divided the arena and determined the end.
"Who will cross first?!" Heimdall roared. "Will it be the Saint or the King?! The Slayer or the Conqueror?! Hold onto your HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATS!"
Both kicked against the arena, picking up speed. Both saw the world vanish into their tunnel vision as the roar of the audience intermingled with the wind. Neither could stop. Both fought against every instinct to slow down. The climax was upon them.
They raced down the corridor so quickly they turned into two blurs, the sound barrier yielding to their speed…and they rocketed past the line.
Both slammed their feet down, kicking up the floor. They came to a screeching halt and turned back to the center, breathing heavily as sweat poured from their brows.
We crossed it first! Georgios thought, feeling new pain rise from his feet.
I crossed it first! Yama thought.
Heimdall floated above them, staring down at the centerline, then at each of them. Both eyed him, waiting for their fate.
He blinked a few times, then breathed deeply.
"Folks!" Heimdall yelled, blinking frantically beneath his goggles. "I…I couldn't tell who crossed the line first!"
"Are you blind?!" A woman from the Human's audience yelled.
"You're the damn ref!" A snake-headed God from the God's side added.
More and more of the audience joined in as the few yells turned into walls of anger and fear that flooded into the fortress. Georgios and Yama did not care. Both held tight to their banners, now eyeing the other, refusing to blink. Both knew that the call, whatever it would be, was the end.
"Hey! Give me a darn minute!" Heimdall yelled. He tapped the hearing piece hidden by his hood. "Guys! Anything?!"
"We're going over the film now! We got a few humans up here, too! Some guy, Red Cashion, is getting into an argument with Jarl!"
I knew something like this could happen… Heimdall thought. It happened in every other Round, for Pete's sake! I mean, it was going to happen eventually, but now?! Round Eleven, of all places? The tension's too damn high!
The roar of the audience and the cacophony in his ear from the analysts' booth crashed into Heimdall. For the one who witnessed the moment, the desperation of the souls below him, ready to die, more than anyone, he best understood what the call had to be.
Fair. Objective. Without a hint of corruption.
Heimdall tapped the earpiece again, turning it off. His platform descended into the fortress below, stopping between Yama and Georgios. He stepped off and turned off Gjallarhorn with a tap of a button.
"Gents," He started, his tone now calm and assertive. "You both fought hard, but I need to make the call. Regardless of what I say, will you accept it?"
Both Fighters looked his way and nodded.
"Alright." Heimall holstered Gjallarhorn and pulled back his hood, revealing his slicked-back black hair. "Here goes." He lifted his goggles off his eyes, and the world froze in place. Doing this gives me a headache…let's see… A glowing picture full of runes appeared to his left, and he started tapping away at it. Noise reduction…slow down to .25 speed… Coverage from the top, six different sides, and from below. Just in case. A dial appeared at the bottom. He placed his left hand on it and turned it counterclockwise. Now rewind… He stopped, then tapped it. Action.
The event played out. He watched without blinking once. The same moment played out in his mind from all angles. Slowly. Silently. His heart felt otherwise. It beat loud and fast in his chest, so much so that he could feel it through his hands and feet. Sweat beaded on his brow as the moment played.
This must be done right. What's the point of my title if I play favorites?!
Then it came. The moment. The single, climactic moment.
You…are kidding me…
Slowly, he put his goggles back over his eyes, and the world returned to normal. The noise flooded back in. He tapped Gjallarhorn and his earpiece.
"Boss!" A woman's, Jarl's, voice came through. "We got the call! It's—"
"I know."
"What?! How?!"
"Used the good ole eyes of mine! Can't have it any other way!"
"I'll get the headache medicine…"
"Is the reel ready?!"
"Definitely!"
"Ha!" Heimdall walked back to the platform and ascended. Now floating high above the arena, he took a deep breath. "Everyone! Gods and Goddesses! Ladies and Gentlemen! We have the results!"
Four massive hard-light screens appeared above him, playing out the same scene he saw.
Yama and Georgios crossed the line… simultaneously. The toes of their leading foot crossed the line while the tips of their banners passed over.
"IT'S A TIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE!"
The noise intensified and rained down, but Heimdall became numb to it, barely able to handle his joy.
"Don't know if I could handle the suspense much longer!" Georgios said, chuckling nervously.
Yama sighed and shook his head, but nodded shortly after.
"Now we move on to, for the first time, the Special Rules for a Round! Capture the Flag Round Two!
Your Soul is now your Banner! Should it be removed from its stand, your body, you will lose!
The more damage you take, the weaker your tether between your soul and body becomes!
The damage from the start of the battle remains!
The Fighter alive is the Winner!
He flourished his banner, and the flowing flag wrapped and folded around the top of the pole, forming a pointed tip. "Guess we're still in this, aren't we?"
This could always happen, but that it happened now sucks. Brünhilde answered.
"Ha! You can say that again."
Across from Georgios, Yama tightened his grip on Yamāyudha, and the golden flag stretched out and hardened into an edge, forming a cleaver.
"You're the first person in eons to face Yamāyudha," Yama said.
"Color me proud."
"No. Not pride."
Georgios squinted a little.
"Condemned."
<>
Svarga
Temple of Surya
Eons Ago
One night, as a full moon hung in the starry sky above, Yama looked up at his room's ceiling, his spectral form breathing. It's time to try. He thought.
Slowly, his eyes began to flutter. Slowly, they opened, revealing the beginning of his silver eyes. Slowly, his body rose in tandem with his soul. He turned and rose out of his bed. He looked to his right, seeing Yamāyudha resting against the wall, right where he left it that fateful day. He walked over to it and picked it up, slowly and tenderly. He eyed it and grew a sad smile.
"No one remembers them, Yamāyudha," He whispered. "Not Dad. Mom. None of my friends…Am I going crazy? All the books I collected, and the ones at the schools and temples, are missing information. How?" He shook his head and placed Yamāyudha on his back. "I can't stay here. I need answers…"
He stepped away from his bed and walked towards the room's entrance.
"There's only one place I haven't gone." He walked through the doorway and into the darkened hall. "I'll be back soon." He walked down that hall and departed the temple.
And thus began, not with a desire to conquer but a desire to preserve, the campaign of Helheim's First King.