Mimir Hall
Chinese Box Seats
Lao Zi, Erlang Shen, and Lu ban watched on as angels in nurse scrubs flew out of the North Gate towards Epona. They landed around her and gently lifted her onto a gurney. Hunahpu slowly lifted himself off the ground as Huitzilopochtli walked in through the South Gate to meet him. He wrapped his arm around Hunahpu's body and helped him walk through the South Gate as the Angels carried Eona back through the North Gate.
Lu Ban sighed and rose. "Lao Zi, excuse me," He said, bowing.
Lao Zi waved his wrinkled hand and nodded without looking at him, and Lu Ban departed.
"Sir," Shen said. "Earlier, you said something about Gu regarding Hunahpu. What did you mean by that?"
"Hmmm…" Lao Zi mumbled. "That Demigod…is poison…"
"Sir, humor me. Please be less vague."
"…Fine…" Lao Zi grumbled, looking away. Trying to look impressive here. He thought. "That boy is the result of a Gu ritual. Pure coincidence, I'm sure, but according to Lu Ban, after Quetzalcoatl's death, Hunahpu and his brother allied with the Aztecs when the coalition fell apart and civil war returned. They're fighting constantly, but they also survived Xibalba and defeated the rest of their fellow disciples to stand at the top. Whether Quetzalcoatl intended it or not, those two survived not one, but two massive Gu rituals." He leered at the South Gate. "And they're here now. This tournament is just another Gu ritual, and whether they know it or not, they're turning into a poison that threatens the Heavens."
"That's ridiculous. They defeated Epona, but—"
"Think about what you said." Lao Zi interrupted, feeling a smile grow almost instinctively across his face. "He defeated…Epona. Epona."
Erlang Shen sat silently for a moment. "That's a good point."
"And he didn't do it through strength. He outplayed her. I don't know how, but he did."
"So how's he threatening the Heavens?"
"He defies strength and certainty. Our world is built upon the strongest ruling and keeping each other deterred under the pretense of the Accords. What are we to do against someone who doesn't rely on strength, can defeat 'strength,' and whose life is a series of Gu?"
Erlang Shen thought through Lao's words for a moment. "I don't know."
"The only thing that can beat him is another Gu. A Gu so powerful it devours his efforts without issue." Lao smiled. "And if things go the way I predict…he'll face nothing but that for the rest of the tournament." He chuckled.
Erlang Shen's eyes widened slightly. "The B Block. Lu Ban and the others. All four of them have lived through constant war and struggle. It's another Gu?"
"Exactly. If Hunahpu can survive Barong…he will have to face something far more terrifying, and the victor of this tournament may be far more powerful than the Heavens can tolerate."
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Mimir Hall
Game Master Box Seats
Back at the Arena, Set was leaning back in his chair, staring blankly at the arena below.
"Wind knocked out of your sails?" Oludumare asked, leaning forward. "Won't lie. Kind of feel the same way. I thought Epona had it."
"Hunahpu fooled her," Lugh said, his gaze focused as his mind raced through the match.
Both Set and Oludumare looked his way.
"She got him four times. I've seen Gods killed by that technique. It's sure-fire. But Hunahpu figured out a way to bypass it…but I don't know how."
"How does it work?"
"Gods, like living Humans, are souls within vessels. Each blow weakens the connection between the soul and vessel until she literally punches your soul out of your body. There's no way to reverse the effect unless Epona is either killed or she willingly removes it. Hunahpu only having one mark after the fourth punch isn't possible."
"…maybe it is," Oludumare muttered.
"Huh?"
"Those hoofprints. Are they marks on the vessel or the soul?"
"On the soul. Why?"
"Shot in the dark, but what if the person getting hit by those attacks has more than one soul?"
"I mean…maybe? I've never seen it happen, and I don't know if it works like that."
"Damn. Thought I had it."
Set sat in silence, letting his mind ponder the questions as his eyes darted in all directions. Wait…there is something that does it…Quetz, did you teach him that?! I only showed that to you for you and Xolotl to use! He sat up. Do you trust Hunahpu that much?
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Mimir Hall
Outside the South Gate Entrance Hall
"Did you really have to push yourself like that?" Huitzilopochtli asked, supporting Hunahpu's right arm over his shoulders. The pair slowly made their way down the hall. Hunahpu struggled, but managed to keep the Pitz Ball firmly in his left hand's grip. "You could have done more than just shoot the ball out like that."
"Nah…" Hunahpu grunted, feeling pain stab into his body from his ribs. "…I can't play my hand too early. That was the best I could do against her…and it still nearly got me killed…"
"But it worked."
"This time…Money's on the fact that Epona won't fall for that again…and she's going to be stronger if we fight again…This will probably be the only time I ever beat her…"
The two began slowing down, feeling something creeping out of the end of the dimly lit tunnel. Huitz felt another, similar, chill flow around him. "Well…damn."
Barong appeared at the hall's end. He crept closer, his heavy footsteps echoing softly off the walls. The pair saw him extend his right arm out to the side and touch the wall, dragging his claws along it and filling their air with a dull grind.
Huitz and Hunahpu stopped as Barong closed in. Barong extended his left arm and dragged it along the other wall. The pair could see the trails of claw marks following Barong. Shit…What's he doing?! Huitz thought.
Barong stopped in front of the pair, towering over them. He brought his arms back in…and started clapping softly in perfect tempo. "Well done, Hunahpu!" He said, joyfully. "I had a feeling you had something up your sleeve, but didn't expect that, and you to defeat Epona! I thought she would be the only one who could rival me!"
"Ha…." Hunahpu chuckled mirthlessly. "Aren't you confident?"
Barong stopped, and the joy vanished from his face. His gaze hardened, yet seemed calm. "It's not confidence. It's reality, and don't mistake my nature for ignorance. I, like you, have fought constantly to this day despite the Accords. Unfortunately, quite a few beings exist who scoff at them."
"Barong, I need to get Hunahpu to the infirmary," Huitz said. "Please let us through."
Barong's gaze shifted to Huitz, and a tinge of anger appeared. "I'm not talking to you. I won't be long." He looked back at Hunahpu. "I look forward to fighting you." He crouched down to Hunahpu's eye level. "Both of you."
Hunahpu's eyes widened.
"I'm aware of Quetzalcoatl's efforts to consolidate power and collect abilities for his people from outside the coalition. I admired that about him, but it also reflected his dark side." He rose back up. "Don't repeat his mistakes." Barong walked past them. The pair watched him and saw him stop. "Ah. Forgot to say. The path to the infirmary is cleared. You can cancel it now, and I won't tell anyone."
"How do you—?"
"Your rhythm. It's the same as the Humans who fought earlier: Two rhythms synced in perfect harmony. Two united by trust and devotion to a cause. The other Gods can't see it, but I can. Epona didn't see it, but I did, so don't think it will trick me." Barong continued walking, leaving the two.
As soon as they were alone, the Pitz Ball started glowing. A brief flash of light erupted from it, and it vanished. Now standing next to Hunahpu was his mirror image, but with a mohawk and silver eyes, which stood out from Hunahpu's now-golden ones.
"Shit," Xbalanque said, putting his brother's arm over his shoulders, helping Huitz support him. "He figured out we can use Völund…"
"Doesn't matter," Hunahpu said. "It's less about what he doesn't know and more about what we have and how we'll beat him with it."
The trio started walking again. "For Quetz…" Xbalanque started.
"…We'll beat that bastard," Hunahpu finished.
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Mimir Hall
Parashurama's Waiting Room
In a large, brightly lit room, decorated with a variety of potted plants, weapons, and statues, Parashurama sat on a stool in front of a large metal table, hunched over an opened prosthetic limb that matched his skin tone. With a magnifying lens on his left eye and a sawdering tool in his right hand, he tapped and burned at a few points on the limb's internal mechanisms, occasionally peering at the limb's fingers before refocusing on his work.
Behind him, leaning on the wall next to the entrance, was a short God in a black suit with long silver hair and piercing red eyes. His mouth was covered by a mask with a bared-tooth design attached to a headband with black veils that covered his temples.
Vishnu
God of Preservation
(Hindu Pantheon)
Next to him, standing tall and arms crossed, was a hulk of a God. He was clean-shaven with a dark complexion and had a gold ridge on his brow embossed with a pink lotus. He wore only ceremonial purple beads on his arms and deep purple pants.
Brahma
God of Creation
(Hindu Pantheon)
Parashurama placed the tool on the table and gently closed the opening on the arm. He reached his left hand over to his right shoulder and twisted his palm. The joint hissed, clinked, and made a slight thud. He grasped it and slowly detached his right arm, placing it gently on the table.
Still gentle with it. Vishnu thought.
Parashurama grabbed the other arm by the shoulder and lifted it to the terminal. He placed it on the terminal, letting it set itself in place. It twitched and convulsed before going limp. Parashurama raised it and took a look at his palm, noting an embedded small red gem. He stretched out his hand to the right towards a pile of axes. All of them shook before one flew towards Parashurama and slammed into his palm, tilting him and the stool. Parashurama slammed a mechanical foot down and stopped his fall. He regained his balance and placed the axe on the table.
"Too much output?" Vishnu asked.
Parashurama turned around, or at least the part above his waist turned, to face Vishnu. "Not at all. This power is necessary to deal with my opponents. Depending on how today goes, I may need to up it more."
"Seems a bit much," Brahma said. "Do you think disarming you will be their priority?"
"If I were fighting myself, yes. They'll soon learn such plans are doomed to fail." His legs and waist spun around to sync with his upper body. "Why are you two here, anyway? There are more important things for you to focus on."
"Eh, can't have one of my Avatars going out there without some support," Vishnu answered. "You've got some tough matches ahead, especially against guys like Lu Ban. Shoot, things may happen, and you've got Hunahpu to deal with. If he could win, then anything's up in the air."
"Have faith in me, and allow me to prove nothing's up in the air. Nothing can face this axe and survive."
Brahma nodded, smiling. Vishnu chuckled a little. "Go show Lu Ban what you're made of."
"I will. On that note." Parashurama stood up with a heavy thump. He reached back with his left hand and grabbed his axe. He extended his arm out, and his hand spun at the wrist, spinning at the wrist. "I need to go and meet with someone before the match starts." It immediately stopped. "Excuse me."
"No worries. Good luck."
All three bowed, and Parashurama departed.
"Still a buzzkill."
Brahma nodded. "But reliable," He said.
"Yep. Shall we meet up with Shiva and the gang?"
"No way. He's hanging out with Hanuman. Can't stand that guy." He turned towards the exit. "Let's go check on Indra."
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Mimir Hall
Outside the Northern Entrance Hall
Around the same time Parashurama began his trek, Lu Ban sat cross-legged on the floor in silence across from the arena's entryway. Sitting on his lap was a sheathed straight-edged sword. He breathed deeply and slowly, letting silence enter the hall and join him as his mind went blank. His body went lax, and the world vanished around him.
Slowly, his hands went limp, and his body went still.
There… He whispered in his mind. His presence vanished, and if anyone were to enter the hall without the intention to find him, they would pass him without realizing it. It was here, in this quiet void, that Lu Ban knew peace like no other.
However, that peace began crumbling. His ears twitched in response to the vaguest hint of sound. The flutter of loose cloth, the jingling of loose metal, the brush of leather against cloth, the occasional tap of a foot on the carpeted floor. The world slowly flooded back in, and the side of his mouth started curling. A vein popped up on his forehead as his hands slowly wrapped around his sword. He opened his eyes and looked ahead, feeling the small semblance of peace he had crumbled.
Standing in front of him, in a half-circle, were four Gods. One of them, standing in the center, had spiky red hair, red eyes, and a long nose on his handsome face. He wore a buttoned-up white shirt with the sleeves rolled up on his long arms and purple slacks with black shoes.
Zhuque
The Vermillion Bird
Leader of the Four Beasts
(Chinese Pantheon)
"Been a minute, Lu Laoshi," Zhuque said, smiling. "You still seem in good health!"
Lu Ban scowled at him without blinking.
"Laoshi," The God standing next to Zhuque's left said. He had slicked back pale blue hair and wore an undone gray long-sleeved robe that showed his chiseled torso and black leather pants and shoes. On his hip was a large, curved dao. "Did we catch up at a bad time?"
Qinglong
The Azure Dragon
Member of the Four Beasts
(Chinese Pantheon)
"'Course we did!" The God to Zhuque's right said. He was tall with short spiky white hair buzzed at the sides with angular sideburns pointed towards his nose. He wore a tight, sleeveless shirt and baggy white pants held up by a belt, leather wrist guards, and kung-fu shoes.
Baihu
The White Tiger
Member of the Four Beasts
(Chinese Pantheon)
"Fucking damn it. Sorry, Laoshi," Baihu continued. "We shouldn't have bothered you while you were preparing. We just wanted to check in with you and wish you luck!"
"Aren't you lucky to have students like us looking out for you?" The last God said. He was shorter than the others with messy gray hair and large eyes. He wore a cropped jacket with a hexagon pattern on the shoulders and trim over a cropped black t-shirt, and a pair of blue shorts with a black belt and black boots.
Xuanwu
The Black Tortoise
Member of the Four Beasts
(Chinese Pantheon)
Lu scanned the four, then rose, holding his sheathed sword in his left hand. He breathed in deeply and released a dejected sigh. He started walking towards the Hall's entrance. Zhuque and Qinglong stepped aside to give him room as he passed.
"Laoshi," Zhuque said just before Lu reached the doors. "Still won't talk to us?"
Lu Ban stopped. "Have you returned what you stole?"
"You know we haven't. We'd be out of a job if we did."
"Then I have nothing to say to you." Lu pushed the door open.
"Laoshi! Please!" Qinglong yelled. "We know you're pissed, but what's the point of staying angry?! Lao Zi and even Zhurong hire us for missions!"
"I don't care. How you got somewhere matters. Now go. If I see any of you again and you haven't fixed what you've done…" He pushed the sword out of its scabbard a few centimeters with his thumb. All four saw the subtle movement, and all but Zhuque backed away. "…I will kill you. It's the least I can do."
"Laoshi—"
"You four lost the privilege. I am not your Laoshi."
"That doesn't mean we can't cheer you on at least." He said, smiling a little.
Lu Ban slowly turned around and eyed Zhuque with a look that could only be described as a slowly cracking façade.
"You…have no damn clue, do you? Of what you've done? The collateral damage? No, I guess not. Nothing's going to get in the way of Zhuque, the 'Unfair' Outer God, not even a conscience." He shook his head. "I can't stand the sight of you four. Why in the hell do you think I even want to see you?"
Zhuque's smile faltered.
"You got what you wanted out of me. Now do what you did before and leave." Lu Band turned back around and pushed the door open, and walked into the hall.
Zhuque turned back to his team and sighed.
"I'm sorry, guys. I guess I underestimated Laoshi."
"Eh," Baihu uttered. "Whatever. Guy did us a favor, but that doesn't mean we have to bend our heads to him all the time. Ass."
"Yeah…" Qinglong whispered, looking down at the sword at his hip.
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Mimir Hall
Game Master Box Seats
Back at the Box Seats, Set stared down at the tablet in his left hand, reviewing the information on the screen.
Contest for Round Eight: Workshop
Fighter for Humanity
Leonardo Da Vinci
She picked him. He thought, his inner voice a deep baritone. Hephaestus may have his work cut out for him.
Brünhilde said she planned to use Wrestling in Round Eight if Tadakatsu won. The wispy voice said. Do you think she'll push for it for Round Nine?
If she does, we have Takemikazuchi. To be honest, I feel lucky we got him, considering the man she will likely send.
That Ghulam-guy?
Yes. Among the Heavens, I can only think of three other Gods who may have a chance: Hanuman, Barong, or Thor. Hanuman is too capricious for Ragnarök, Barong…is Barong, and Odin forbade Thor from fighting because of me.
If you trust a protégé of Izanagi's son to be a representative, then that means something.
Sano'o can be a bit odd, but he is his father's son and represents the best of him, like Tsuku and Ama.
Huh.
What?
Been a while since I heard you use nicknames.
Has it? Must be the day getting to me. Suddenly, the tablet vibrated, and a notification popped up.
ROUND ONE MATCH THREE BEGINS NOW!
Talk later? And I'm sorry for earlier.
Stress affects us differently. No harm done. The wispy then vanished. Set pocketed his tablet and looked over to Zeus and his retinue, Oludumare, and Lugh.
How will you handle yourself without Nuada around, Lugh? Set thought.
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Mimir Hall
Arena
"Ladies and Gents! Time to get things revving and a-running!" Jarl yelled through her microphone, floating on her small floating platform. "After the crazy and hair-raising excitement of Match Two, we're going to move on to the next stage! Behold our underground slice of heaven!" Below her, the arena had changed to look like a piece of Eden had been ripped from the surface. The stone floor was covered in fresh, green grass, and nearly three dozen large trees sprinkled the arena. A small, bubbling creek cut the arena in half, flowing from one wall and out the other. A few trails snaked their way through the trees, and a boulder or two stood alone amongst the beauty. "We got this arena custom-made as per the request of both Fighters to bring out their maximum potential! Now, without further ado, let's get them out here!"
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Mimir Hall
Northern Entrance Hall
A few minutes before the Match.
"You're in the wrong hall," Lu Ban said to an unwanted guest. "Parashurama."
Parashurama stood in front of Lu Ban's stride, his mechanical legs and two-toed feet standing in contrast to his simple robes and decorative rug on the cobblestone floor.
"No," He said. "I am where I am supposed to be."
"I don't follow."
Parashurama rested his axe on the wall. "Lu Ban, I do not want to fight you. I respect you too much to stomach it. Your skills and experience are irreplaceable in the Heavens and on Midgard. Only the ignorant fail to see how much you have contributed." Be bowed, deeply. "I beg you, please concede."
Lu Ban shook his head, but couldn't help but smile. "Rise, and I appreciate the kind words, but buttering me up won't convince me to concede. If I didn't want to be here, I would've turned down the offer."
Parashurama rose. "You're right, but I couldn't help but try. Please don't take offense."
"None taken. Though I do wonder why you'd ask me to concede instead of doing it yourself."
Parashurama's brow furled. "There are those amongst the Fighters I must put down. They have yet to answer for their crimes against the Heavens and Humanity."
"Pakkanen?"
Parashurama nodded. "Him and potentially Barong. Barong has done nothing but act on his own whims, and he laid untold havoc in Svarga before Shiva and Rudra made their bid for leadership. Svarga was lawless before their rise, but that doesn't mean Barong's crimes and rampages should go unchecked.
Lu Ban nodded. "Fair, but what if I beat them for you?"
"…"
The older God smiled. "I get it now. You don't think I can beat you?" He stifled a laugh.
"It's more than that. I will enter that arena each time with the intent to kill. Not just win. I need to advance to make my mission possible, and you are dangerous. I must fight to kill to win against you."
"You're heaping genuine praise my way, but I'm declining. Let's get the show on the road, Parashu. Can't keep them waiting."
Parashurama nodded slightly and walked past Lu Ban.
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Mimir Hall
Arena
Back in the present, Jarl aimed her free hand to her left. "Fighting out of the South Gate!" The double doors slowly opened, and the echo of heavy footsteps flew out into the arena.
"After the rise of Shiva, the land of Svarga found stability for the first time in eons! However, that stability was threatened by Outer Gods who refused to bend their knees to Shiva and the 1,115 gods he and Rudra defeated!
These monsters of that once lawless land became known as some of the most dangerous Outer Gods in the Heavens!
Nowhere was safe! No one could hide!
To aid Shiva in his efforts, Vishnu created a group of warriors, Godroids born with the explicit task to eradicate these Outer Gods and bring true peace to Svarga!
Among them, these Avatars of Vishnu, the protectors of Svarga, is this fearsome beast of a God!
As a Human and blessed with Shiva's sacred axe Parashu, he purged the world of the corrupted king Kartavirya Arjuna and his followers in the Kshatriya class after he stole the sacred cow Kamadhenu! Twenty times over!
As a God, he brought that same righteous fury onto any God that threatened Svarga, and butchered Outer God after Outer God until none dared to threaten his new homeland!
He is the Condemner of Corruption!
The Brahmin-Kshatriya!
The Sixth and Mightiest Avatar of Vishnu!
PARA!
SHU!
RAMAAAAAAA!"
Parashurama stepped out of the hall and onto the grass, his gaze focused ahead as his right arm swung slightly, axe in hand. He then lifted it and set it on his shoulder with a loud thump. As he walked, each step sank into the ground, leaving an imprint. After a few seconds, he stopped at the center of the arena and stared at the North Gate.
Jarl, floating above him, raised her free hand to the right. "Fighting out of the North Gate!" The doors slowly opened.
"Within the Chinese Pantheon, there is a legend! Among the many Martial Gods, the once great Yu Huang designated five powerful Gods as his greatest fighters: the Wu Xing!
Earth, Fire, Water, Wood, and Metal!
Among these Martial Gods, he made his claim through his strength in battle and his war weapons: the Cloud Ladder, Grappling Hooks, and Ram! But he is more than a warrior. This God is both Warrior and Gardener! Destroyer and Creator!
He is the master architect, stone-mason, and carpenter that countless souls seek the works of and to learn under!
Any God and Mortal who learned under him went on to create architectural wonders of the Heavens and the foundation of Earthly empires!
From this one God blossomed unknown technique and art!
For he is the Sage of Wood!
The Apex of Carpentry!
Wu Xing's Quiet Azure Dragon!
LUUUUUUUUUUUU!
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!"
Lu Ban walked out of the Hall towards Parashurama. He wore a listless stare, but Parashurama knew the focus and intensity hiding under it.
In a matter of seconds, Lu Ban stopped under Jarl's platform and stared up at Parashurama. He gripped his sword's scabbard tightly and slowly drew his sword, revealing a straight-doubled green sword with a brown circular handguard over his fingers.
"Are both Fighters ready?!" Jarl yelled. Both nodded. "FIGHT!"