Brünhilde sighed. "What do you want, Set?"
Set cleared his throat. "I was looking for you to see if you made your choice for Round Ten. It is still your turn." He looked at the field around the two women, taking in the devastation. "I see you two were in the middle of something. Did I interrupt?"
Pandora shook her head. "No." She groaned. "We were just working through some things. Girl stuff. You wouldn't understand."
"Like I told Brünhilde once, snark is a lesser's replacement for intelligence and wit. You are both better than that." He looked back and placed his right hand on the table, ignoring Pandora's glare. "Ah, I remember this. This was crafted by Lu Ban, the Carpenter God, as a gift from Yu Huang for your birthday, Pandora. I recall it was after one of his times in Midgard, masquerading as a Human to teach people woodwork."
"…How'd you know that?"
Set didn't look back at her. "Not important. He also crafted the tea set as request from your father, Brünhilde. It seems it is still in good shape despite the ages…and your rougher habits." Both women looked at each other, exchanging worried glances before turning their attention back to Set. "There are supposed to be four chairs, though."
"That's not common knowledge, Set," Brünhilde said.
"And yet I know it. The 'why' or the 'how' is not what is important, right now." Set's aura began to exude slowly and softly from his body, his back still turned to the two. "What are important are 'who,' 'what,' & 'when.'" He turned to face her, his gaze soft and solemn. "Heimdall needs to know the contest so he can prepare the arena, I need to know so I can pick my Fighter. I will not downplay or mock what is happening here," He turned his gaze to Pandora. "But we must continue forward."
Brünhilde felt something hanging in the air between the two and Set. What happened to him? Yesterday, he was the same smug prick he always was, but he's…sad? Depressed? "I get it," She said, her tone slightly irritated. She walked over to the table and walked behind her seat. She crouched down to pick up her tablet. She tapped the screen to bring up the app. She tapped the screen a few times and brought up the icon 'Select Round.' She tapped it, bringing up 'Your Turn.' She inhaled and tapped it, bringing up the list.
Contests Remaining
Beat The Drum
King of The Mountain
Capture the Flag
Einherjar
Georgios
Li Shuwen
Romulus
The Heavens
Lugh
Yama
Týr
Shit… She thought, looking at the options. Only three are left, and all three of their remaining fighters are strong. I needed Ghulam and Tadakatsu to come through…
Pandora walked over to her and stared at the screen over her shoulder. "Týr? He's on there?" She said.
"Please don't remind me."
"The Ace of Eire, The Lord of Specters, and Heaven's Greatest Martial Artist. It's a loaded lineup…"
"I am glad you think so," Set said. "It took time and effort to get their support. However, the Einherjar continue to prove their abilities. Have faith in them."
What is wrong with him? Why's he being nice? Pandora thought. "Hey, what's your deal?"
"Hmm?"
"All this nice crap. What's your deal?"
Set looked around for a moment. Pandora and Brünhilde saw his eyes look down and to his left, and lock on something. He blinked a few times. "I guess, maybe I am trying to refrain from my usual vitriol out of respect." He looked at the two. "Enough have fallen over the past few days that I feel compelled to be more reverent to their losses. To carry on like nothing's happened—mocking the dead—is disrespectful."
"You expect us to believe that?" Pandora glared at him.
"I do not care what you believe. I am going to honor them in my way, just like you two do." He looked down at the table and the tea set. "Such rituals are important. They ground us, remind us of what we are fighting for, and most importantly, who." He ran his hand slowly across the table's varnished finish. "Like Hephaestus fought for you, regardless of how you think I manipulated him." Pandora's eyes widened. "I know you think I tricked him. I am a God of Chaos after all. Tricking people sounds like something I would do. However, your father was not a fool. We knew what the other needed, and he needed to fight for you." He closed his eyes and sighed. "Hate me and condemn me all you want, Pandora. But if you do, you will need to condemn your father along with me. I gave him the chance; he could have turned it down." Pandora bit her lip and continued her glare. She clenched her fists tight enough that her knuckles popped. She sighed and let her body relax. She shook her head and waved her left hand at Set. "Do not think so lowly of him, or how much you meant to him."
"Whatever." Pandora retorted. Something sent her instincts on alert. Brünhilde and Set felt it, too. Two rippling, rainbow-colored gateways opened behind Set, several meters away and just a few meters from each other. Out of the one on the left, Týr sprinted out, wearing a panicked look.
"Hilde!" He yelled. "Are you—?!" He slowed down and came to a halt. "Oh, you're okay."
Out of the other gate walked Li Shuwen and Alvitr in a calm stroll. Li looked over to his right, catching sight of Týr. "Looks like we weren't the only ones who thought to come here." Týr looked over at him. "Haven't seen you since Round Three."
Týr's eyes widened in manic joy. "It has been a minute, but this needs my attention." He turned to Brünhilde, his gaze relaxing. "What happened?" He looked at the table and the tea set. "Never mind. Brew and Bruise?" Brünhilde smiled sheepishly and nodded. Týr sighed. "What the hell? Seriously? You two finally fight it out, now? I felt Pandora's power from down in Helheim, thinking she was coming to kill you!"
"Why would I kill, Hilde?" Pandora asked, taken aback.
Týr blinked a few times, flabbergasted. "I…" Týr recalled the notification of Hephaestus' death. He also recalled the numerous times Pandora and Brünhilde fought and drank tea. "I guess that's fair. Didn't think it would work out this time."
"Fucking nervous wreck," Pandora mumbled. "That explains what you're here," She looked over to Li. "Why're you?"
"Simple. I'm here to say I'm going in Round Ten." Everyone turned their attention to him. "Make the call, Brünhilde."
Brünhilde stared at him in bemusement. "You're…volunteering?"
"I'm not volunteering. I'm going." Li's tone did not change.
"Hilde, just set it up…" Alvitr said, dejectedly. "He's not leaving until you do."
Brünhilde paused for a moment, taking in Li's declaration. She glanced at Alvitr, noticing the stern glare in her sister's eyes despite her tone.
"Brünhilde," Li said. "Do not impede me." Brünhilde smiled and typed away at the tablet's screen. She tapped it one last time and looked back at Li, Set, and Týr. Both Týr's and Set's tablets vibrated. Set pulled his out of his pocket and looked at the notification.
Contest for Round 10: Beat The Drum
Fighter for Humanity
Li Shuwen
Set quickly typed away at the screen and sent in his choice.
"It's done, Li," Brünhilde said confidently. "Go win." Her tablet vibrated. She looked down at it and felt a weight slam into her gut.
Contest for Round 10: Beat The Drum
Fighter for The Gods
Týr
Shit. She thought.
"I kept my word, Týr," Set said. "He's all yours."
A massive, violent, and frantic aura exploded out of Týr's body. The area around the six was dimmed as shadow enveloped Týr. The only thing visible out of the flooding aura was his gold arm and the piercing, mad golden irises of his eyes. "Appreciate it, Set," Týr said, his voice reverberating. "You…" He turned his sight on Li, who met his gaze with a glare. "Better be ready." The aura faded, and light returned. Týr looked at Set, his stare hardened. "We need to talk. Not here, but soon."
"Fair," Set said listlessly. "I must be off, everyone. Have to prepare our next Fighter, since Týr will win." Set stepped away from the table and walked towards Týr. He turned slightly to walk past him, but stopped right next to him. "I wish she chose you instead of Sieg." He whispered.
Týr's eyes widened in shock. He looked over at Set, staring into his cyan eyes. Set turned away and continued walking. Another gateway appeared in front of him, and he passed through.
"We're going as well," Li said. "We must prepare."
"You can count on us, Hilde," Alvitr said, her voice stern and resolute. The two turned around and walked through another gateway.
Týr looked over to Brünhilde and Pandora, his expression softening. "Pan, can I have a moment with Hilde?"
Brünhilde nodded to Pandora, and the latter backed away several meters and turned to look out to the horizon. Don't fuck this up, Týr. She thought.
"Hilde," Týr started. "I didn't want to forget to pass this onto you, but Sieg says hi." Her expression softened as she grew a sad smile. "He's worried about you, but he knows you better than to underestimate you. He's confident you'll save him."
"Did he say that?" She asked.
"No, but I know him well enough to see through him." He chuckled a little. "You're still on is mind as always."
"Thank you, Týr." She met his eyes. "Týr…why are you helping end Humanity?"
"You know that's not what this is, and you're not telling me what's going on." He sighed. "No one ever does, but I can tell with you. This isn't just about saving Humanity, is it?" She shook her head. "You're trying to save him by winning Ragnarök. I don't know how exactly you plan to do it, but you're playing with fire. Odin's not the kind of God to take this lying down. Even if you win, and he still has some sway, you're going to die. The Norse are might-makes-right, and you insulted him to his face by declaring Ragnarök."
"I know…"
"Do you have a plan to free Sieg?"
Her gaze turned cold. "If I do?" She answered.
Oh, you do, alright. Týr smiled and nodded. "Then you're the Hilde I know." Her gaze softened. "And love."
Her eyes widened. "What?"
"Please don't pretend, Hilde. You've known forever, and I was bad at hiding it despite my efforts."
"…I did." She whispered.
"But I knew then and know now there's nothing that can come between you two. If the roles were switched, he'd be gunning for Odin just as hard as you." He shook his head. "I had no chance."
"Týr…"
"Hilde, when Sieg was imprisoned, I tried everything to prove his innocence. I know Sieg is innocent. I even found evidence to prove his innocence, but Odin ignored me. But now they can't." He clenched his right fist. "I am going to win, Hilde. I will prove my might surpasses everyone in the Norse, and make them see my side."
"Why not just fight for Humanity?! Why help Set and Odin?! Do you know what they're planning?!"
"No, but I have a feeling it's something bigger than just Ragnarök. However, I cannot fight for Humanity. They're on the chopping block for a reason." Týr's gaze hardened. "They got themselves into this mess, and it's their mission to get out of it. My role is to be the unbiased executioner of their fate and ensure their chance is fair and earned."
"Even if it means standing against Sieg and me?"
Týr paused for a moment. "I might have if you asked, but you never did."
"I…didn't want to give you false hope."
"Hilde, you wouldn't have, but I guess I failed as your friend to make you think you couldn't trust me. So now I stand against you to protect you and Sieg rather than beside you."
Brünhilde hung her head. "I guess so."
"That's why I said what I said. Hey," She looked back up at him. "I'm still your friend, come hell or high water, and we will free Sieg somehow. This situation means there's one more shot to save him. Do you trust me now?"
She nodded, pursing her lips. "I do."
"Good. Now, I have to go prepare." He turned and walked away. A few meters ahead, a gateway appeared out of thin air. "Hey, Hilde." He did not turn back to her.
"Yes?"
"Is Sieg worth all this?"
Her back straightened despite the exhaustion and the pain. "He's worth everything."
"Then fight on and never look back. That's why Sieg loves you." That's why I love you, too, Hilde. He walked through the gateway, and it vanished.
Pandora walked over to Brünhilde, rubbing her nose a little. "Melodramatic, much?"
"It's who he is. Honest and fair to a fault." Brünhilde said, gazing solemnly where the portal once was.
Valhalla Arena
Medical Ward
Takemikazuchi's Room
Back in the Medical Ward, Takemikazuchi lay in a reclined bed across from a large flat-screen monitor. To his right, watching the monitor, was Radgridr. To his left, standing awkwardly in silence, was Susano'o and his family.
"Sensei," Takemikazuchi said. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah!" Susano'o responded. "Just surprised…to see her here. Did we come at a bad time?"
"No," Radgridr said gently. "I just wanted to make sure he made it back safely." She rose from her chair. "If you need me to leave, I can. I don't want it to be uncomfortable."
Why are the Valkyries and Humans doing so much for Take? Amaterasu thought. This…just doesn't seem normal.
"Only if you want to," Takemikazuchi said. "Sensei, what's going on?"
"They're currently working down on the land below Valhalla Arena. A second arena had to be built because your battle with Ghulam did severe damage to the Arena's foundation! Gotta admit, Take, that was an incredible match!" He said, smiling widely. "You really pulled it off!"
"Thanks," He said with a small smile as he stared at the monitor. A banner running on the bottom of the screen read 'Contest for Round Ten Decided!' "It was a rough match, but worth it." He turned his head to face the group. "Sensei, I don't know how to repay you for today. Facing Ghulam was something I did not know I needed. But you did," He raised his left hand. Susano'o grasped it with his own, and both tightened their grip. "And it was amazing."
Guess I didn't need to worry after all. Susano'o thought. "Take, I'm afraid the day has come."
"What?"
Susano'o stood tall. "I am no longer your Sensei."
Izumo
Years ago
After the Namazu Battle
"Sensei, you don't mean that!" Takemikazuchi yelled at Susano'o, both standing on the shoreline under a full moon. "Why?!"
"Take, you defeated a Primordial Beast. You are already at a level where you don't need me anymore, and more importantly, you've done something I didn't do. You created a Martial Art, where I just copied them. I can't be your Sensei anymore." He smiled and spread his hands out. "You've outgrown me, and I can't be happier! You even have Humans learning from you!"
"But…what about Futsu?"
"I'll still train him. He has a ways to go, but he'll catch up to me in swordsmanship before too long. And you two will be Masters of Arts that truly suit you two!"
"But Sensei…I don't want to stop learning swordsmanship."
"Take, you're not suited for it. You're strong and you work hard, but you're not a swordsman. You're a…"
"I call it being a Rikishi."
Susano'o snapped his fingers. "Yes, that. That's you. That's your path. If I allow you to give up Sumo just to stick around and use swords, I'd be a terrible Sensei! I can't do that to you, Take!"
"Sensei, I am not ready to strike out on my own. I cannot build Sumo by myself. It was your teachings that helped me, and I am not done learning from you!"
Susano'o sighed. "Is that how you feel?" Takemikazuchi remained silent. "Damn it, Take…fine. However, you're going to build Sumo alongside swordsmanship."
"Of course! Thank you, Sensei!"
Izumo
Years Later
"Sensei," Takemikazuchi said, standing opposite a sitting Susano'o of a small, roaring late-night fire on the beach. "These cloth wraps…"
"They swap your weight with Futsunushi's. Now he weighs as much as you naturally do, and you're a lightweight."
"Did you do this to keep training me, even after I put Sumo together as you requested?"
"You told me years ago I still had things to teach you. This is my final lesson to you, Take."
"…I see. Thank—"
"Don't thank me." Susano'o looked at him, his eyes sharp and grim. "Those cloth wraps will only come off when Futsunushi reaches mastery, or dies. Your future is now tethered to his by your choices. Therefore, you will never reach your full potential until he does."
"Oh."
"Take…I know you love your brother. He and I are lucky to have older siblings who look out for us! But you are hindering yourself out of fear. Those wraps aren't a training tool; they're shackles. I can't take them off either, so don't ask."
Takemikazuchi lightly nodded. "I understand, Sensei."
"Good, because there will come a time when they come off. And when they do, you may not be ready."
Medical Ward
Present Day
"I know," Takemikazuchi said. "And you were right. I wasn't ready before, but I am now."
"Are you certain?"
That fight with Ghulam…was beautiful. It was clarity I needed more than I knew. He…" Ghulam's powerful and loud presence echoed in his mind. "helped me see that. I'm ready, Susano'o."
"Pffft!" Susano'o snorted. Then, he burst out laughing, unnerving his siblings. "What do you know?! Take's finally left the nest! That's wonder—"
"Take," Radgridr interrupted, pointing to the monitor. "Look."
The group turned to see what she was pointing at. Displayed on the screen was a picture of Týr and Li Shuwen.
"Oh man…" Takemikazuchi whispered.
"What?" Amaterasu asked.
"Týr's next…. We get a chance to fight to see him fight."
"Why? He doesn't seem all that special compared to you or Thor." Tsukuyomi said.
"You're right. He's not, but I've sparred with him hundreds of times, and I don't remember the last time I beat him. I don't think I ever really beat him."
"Huh?"
"I don't remember the last time anyone has beaten him in a spar. Not even Thor, Apollo, Baldr, Futsu, or Lugh. I think the only one who got close was Romulus." Týr's shadowy aura and golden eyes appeared in his mind, sending chills down his spine. He looked back at Susano'o, who met his gaze. "He's…dangerous. Not strong…just dangerous. I still don't think I can beat him, and I don't think even you could beat him." They both looked back at the monitor, waiting to see what was about to unfold.
Medical Ward
Leo's Room
One floor down, Göll, Hrist, and Komatsuhime sat around the table, watching the monitor. Leo continued to float behind them in silence, letting the pod heal his severely broken body. Hrist and Göll sat in silent concern as they saw Týr's name fly across the screen along with Li's. "Damn…Li really is a man of his word," Hrist said, crossing her arms. "Hey, Leo."
"Yes?" He asked.
"How strong is Li?"
"That's a hard question to answer," He answered.
"Why?"
"It's because he's not strong," Komatsuhime replied. Hrist and Göll looked at her, confused. "My father was strong. Samson was strong. Ghulam was strong. Those three all out-muscle Li without a doubt." She did not look away from the monitor while she recalled Li's short visit. "Yet, he would have no issue killing those three."
"Li's strength is not in power, but in how he makes power," Leo added. "He has a natural talent for understanding biomechanics, thanks to the Martial Arts he practices, Bajiquan and Piguaquan. It's why Brünhilde chose him."
"Really?" Göll asked. "He just seems like a regular old man, except for that really weird aura he has."
"Göll, what do you know about Li?"
"He's kind of mean, but in a nice way, I guess? He's easy to talk to."
"He's also a murderer." Göll and Hrist's eyes widened. "Sorry, a bit dramatic. Heh." He cleared his throat. "Not like a serial killer. No, he's a martial artist from one of Kung Fu's holy grounds, Cangzhou. It was there he was molded and formed into a man capable of generating enough power to kill despite his…frame. Let's go with that. Throughout his life, he fought and killed several people who challenged him. Whether it was spearmanship or unarmed combat, he was dangerous, and few lived to tell of their fights with him."
"Really? He didn't seem like the kind of guy who would—" She remembered her talk with Li the previous night.
None of us denies that some of what Humanity has done up to this point fits the definition of 'reprehensible.' Do not forget this; we're not fighting to prove we are good or just: we are fighting to survive. That's all.
She went silent.
"Li is a man of Cangzhou, where Martial Arts is near religious. Combat there was life and death. To hold back was to insult your opponent and your schools, and for Li, it was a necessity to prove himself and master his arts."
"Why?"
"Martial Arts is not dancing," Komatsuhime added. "It is technique designed to attack, maim, defend, and kill. My era saw many Martial Arts born and erased from history. If it didn't work, it vanished."
"She's right," Leo continued. "Li's not a killer by desire, but necessity. It doesn't make it right, but when your life depends on your fists, sometimes you kill to survive. It's not pretty, but it was his life."
"Wow…"
"So the guy's dangerous. He's still going against Týr," Hrist added. "I don't remember ever seeing him lose a match or spar after he lost his arm."
"Do you think Li will lose?"
"I…man, I have no clue." Hrist sighed. "I just wish this would be over already."
"You and me both," Leo said. "But right now, all we can do is pray Li wins. If he doesn't, we're at 4-6, and one loss away from the end."
"He'll win," Komatsuhime said. "Trust him."
Jörð Arena
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" Heimdall roared from Gjallarhorn as he flew over a near-perfect replica of Valhalla Arena cradled in a vast forest. Above him, Valhalla arena continued to float in a slightly cloudy sky. Unknown to most, small cracks were now forming on the base of the arena, much to Heimdall's extreme concern. "We have completed our move to the Jörð Arena and completed the setup for Round Ten! Behold!" Below him, smack dab in the middle of the raised bleachers, was a circular arena. The center was barren cobblestone, but the border was lined with colossal thatched wooden houses, Taoist and Buddhist temples, and Martial Art Schools and various stores with tiled roofs. At the epicenter of the city-sized arena was a large white circle embedded in the floor. Floating above it was a four-screen Jumbotron displaying the center of the arena. "We have recreated the stomping grounds of our next two fighters! But don't let these modest accommodations fool you! It is from these modest places these two monsters of Martial Mastery were born! Are you ready?!" Jörð Arena erupted in cheers and jeers. "The Gods lead the score 5-4! Humanity is once again on the back foot and needs to clinch a win here to stay in the run! Can they do it?!"
"Never!" One God in Egyptian robes yelled.
"End them!" A Goddess in Roman armor screamed, raising a spear.
"Let's see if they can pull it off!" Heimdall yelled. "However, Ladies and Gents, I have an announcement to make!" The audience looked up at him. "I have been given a formal request not to announce the next two Fighters!" The audience started mumbling and talking amongst themselves, both God and Human. "Nay, these two would rather let their fists do the talking for them! Make some noise!"
East Gate Entrance Hall
Týr stood quietly, letting the audience's muffled cheers and cries slowly wash over him. As he stood there, he could hear the faintest sound of footsteps growing closer. He turned back, seeing Set walk his way. "I came as you asked me," Set said.
"I'm surprised you showed," Týr replied, his tone slightly angry.
"I am not one to break promises."
"Sure." Týr glared at him. "Set, before I go, I need answers on a few things."
"Depends on what—" A wave of purple energy erupted from Tyr's body, flooding through the hall and enveloping Set. Set's eyes widened.
"Sorry, but I am not in the mood for putting on airs. I need a candid conversation and honest answers."
Set struggled to move his body, but was held in place as if by a giant hand. "I cannot move?"
"Not while this is active. Don't worry, it won't kill you…maybe." Týr raised three fingers in front of his face. "I get three questions, and you give me three answers. That's the rule."
"How are you doing this?!"
"I am a God of Justice, but that's not really true. I am a God of Rules. Rules of Warfare, Rules of Fairplay, and Rules of Combat. You and I know combat without rules of engagement is just violence that needlessly escalates. Rules are a necessity. Therefore, your situation."
"When did you learn how to do this?!" This is not right! No God should have this power! Not even the Primordial Gods could do something like this! Set thought.
What's he going to do to us? The voice asked, panicking.
"I'm gonna warn you. Those three questions have penalties. If you lie, you lose your powers for twenty-four hours." He lowered his ring finger. "If you refuse to answer, you instead lose your powers for one year." He dropped his middle finger. "If you do either of the first two or a combination of them three times, you lose your powers permanently." He lowered his index finger.
Fuck! We're screwed! If we lose our powers, we'll die!
Set glared at him. "Fine. I can't get out of this, can I?"
"Nope. We're stuck here until you answer the questions. You have sixty seconds for each, by the way."
Set sighed. "Get on with it."
Týr's glare hardened. "Did you intend to get Baldr killed?"
"No. I chose you and him, because out of all of Odin's sons, you two were exceptional in your abilities and skill. I knew how dangerous Samson was and believed Baldr could defeat him. His death is on my hands, and I will carry that burden to my dying day."
Týr heard a soft chime in his head. "You're telling the truth—Next question: What are you planning with my Father, Odin?"
"Odin wants to bring the Primordial Gods back. I am working with him, intending to undermine his plans and prevent their return while simultaneously eradicating the growing threat of Humanity. Prometheus' influence on them cannot be erased, and therefore, they must die."
Týr heard the soft chime again. Shit, he's telling the truth?! Wait, Primordial Gods? He shook his head. Questions for later. Last question—who else knows who you really are?"
Set's eyes widened. He knows.
We're doomed.
"Zeus and his brothers, Osiris, Isis, Thoth, Susano'o, Nuada, Marduk, and likely Romulus. My actions earlier may have revealed my identity to Brünhilde and Pandora. Your father does not know and I intend to keep it that way."
The purple energy vanished. Týr let out a dejected sigh. "It really is you. Did Nuada and Marduk know who you were before fighting?" Set nodded. "Well that makes sense. You're really too much like Brünhilde. Always playing your hand too close to your chest. You have to know it makes it hard to trust you."
"I acknowledge that, but it is necessary."
"Set, I have to know. The power is off and can't be used on you for another day, but I have to know. Please tell me you're not trying to kill Sieg." Týr saw the change in Set's eyes. The softening and tenderness beneath the calculative mind.
"Sieg is too kind for his own damn good. It makes it hard to hate him."
"A part of me wishes I could sometimes…"
"I know. It's because of who he is, Hilde is trying to save him…and why I am trying to save him."
"You are?"
"I have my reasons, and my methods are mine alone, but I will not allow Sieg to suffer or die. If my plan comes to fruition, Sieg will be free and back with Hilde."
"You really mean that, don't you?"
"I am nothing if not honest."
Týr turned around, facing towards the East Gate. "Then I'll make it happen, watch me."
West Gate Entrance Hall
In the opposite Hall, under the dull roar of the Human audience, Li stood over a heavily bruised and sweat-covered Samson. His military fatigues were replaced with a pair of charcoal gray cuffed kung-fu pants, a deep green changshan, and a pair of black slippers and white socks. A black, skin-tight suit covered his entire body under his clothes, except for his head.
"Geez, man," Samson said. "You could have at least told me you were going all out."
"I wasn't, and you weren't taking it seriously," Li retorted. "Quit overreacting and get up."
Samson stared at him, slightly irritated, and rose. "You warmed up now?"
Li looked down at his right hand and clenched his fist. "I am ready."
"Go get him, and get us a win," Samson said, smiling.
Li walked away from him towards the gates. He stopped just short of the closed doors.
Jörð Arena
Heimdall looked down at his tablet, looking at security cameras showing Li and Týr standing at the closed gates. They're ready! He mentally shouted. "Everyone! They're ready! Let them hear you!"
The Gods' side of the arena suddenly went quiet. One of them then began to stomp his foot. "Týr…Týr…Týr…" He muttered in rhythm with his stomps. The Gods around him joined in, stomping and chanting. Then the Gods around them joined in, and then the ones around them, and before long, the entire Gods' side of the arena was stomping and roaring "TÝR! TÝR! TÝR! TÝR!"
The human side of the audience started to follow their rhythm. Slowly, a few began to say "Li…Li…Li…" More joined in, then more, and then more until the entire Human side of the arena erupted in unified cheer "LI! LI! LI! LI!"
Both sides roared their champion's name across the arena. At the top of the Human's side, Brünhilde stood, arms crossed, letting the wave of intensity and spirit wash over. Next to her, Pandora looked on in awe. Neither saw, but felt, Göll walk up and join them, her gaze strong and resolute.
Win, Li. Göll thought.
Beneath the audience, on both sides of the arena, Li and Týr moved slowly in unison. Neither knew what the other was doing. Neither knew they were performing the same technique beat for beat, step for step. They both stared down the gate in front of them, ready to face what lay beyond it. Both inhaled sharply and stepped their left feet forward. Their feet stomped down, sending out tremors as they leaned forward, aiming the back of their left shoulders towards the gates.
"Tie…" They spoke in unison
"Shan…"
"KAO!" They both roared.
Their shoulders truck the gates simultaneously. The Gates burst off the hinges, flying several meters out onto the arena floor. Týr and Li saw each other immediately and dashed towards the center of the arena. Just before they reached the white circle, both transitioned their dash into a heavy, simultaneous stomp with their right feet. The white circle rose out of the ground into the air. Four legs flipped out from below, and it landed with a heavy thud between the two Fighters. Both stomped the ground with their left feet, shooting themselves into the air and onto the platform. Týr and Li stared each other down as Týr entered into a Southpaw boxing stance and Li entered into Kaimen Bajiquan, bringing his left elbow up and bent with his palm facing upward, his right hand palm-down near his waist, and his feet shoulder-width apart. The arena roared at the sight.
"It's time to get this started!" Heimdall roared. "Onto the rules for Round Ten's Contest! Beat the Drum, better known as Lei tai!
Striking Martial Arts only! Neither fighter is able to grapple, clinch, or hold the other! Any spot on the body is fair game!
The platform is the only safe area! Should either Fighter fall off the platform to the floor below, blades will spring up from the floor and impale them!
Last Fighter alive is the Winner!
On this sacred thirty-meter diameter battleground, Heaven's Greatest Martial Artist and the Demon of Cangzhou shall determine the fate of Humanity!" Heimdall floated above the two, staring down at them. Neither moved nor looked away, refusing to blink. Their breathing became shallow and rhythmic. Time for the surprise! Heimdall tapped his tablet's screen. Below him, the platform began to slowly move, carrying the Li and Týr along the arena floor. It began to pick up speed as it neared one of the thatch houses. It slammed into the house with a heavy thud and began rolling along the house's side and onto the neighboring building.
High above them, Göll grabbed Brünhilde's hand in her own. Brünhilde looked down and met her youngest sister's gaze. "He's got this, Hilde." She turned back to the arena. "Have faith in him."
"Are you two ready!?" Heimdall roared, looking over the railing of his floating platform. Both nodded. He reared back as he inhaled. He lurched forward and roared. "FIIIIIIGHT!"