Asgard
Odin's Study
A Few Months Ago
A knock came from the door as Odin pored over an open book resting on his table. He looked up from his latest read, but ignored it and resumed reading.
Another few knocks rattled against the heavy wooden door, but Odin ignored them, too.
Another knock sent the door flying off its hinges straight towards him.
Odin raised his right hand and caught it by the edge before it could hit him. He placed it to his right, then turned to the entrance.
Standing on the other side of the table, eyeing him in cold fury, was Týr.
"Father," Týr said, barely above a whisper.
"Trying to pick a fight with me now?" Odin asked. "Did not know you when you grew so bold."
"Hard to take your friend getting accused of dracoside when the only proof is Loki's word."
"You need to take that up with him and not waste my time or my patience."
"I thought fathers were supposed to make time for their kids."
Odin rose. "You forget your filial piety, boy."
"Haven't humored that in ages. None of us has, so don't pretend it exists."
Odin's aura exploded outward, drowning the room. The shelves crumbled into pieces. The table between father and son cracked and turned to dust. Dark energy swirled into Odin's hand, forming into Gungnir.
Perfect. Týr thought. "I bother you, and this is how you respond? Blowhard."
Odin raised his spear.
Týr stepped forward, jabbing his finger through his father's overwhelming aura and tapping his chest.
"Tiwaz Thrigjarra Thraut," Týr uttered.
Purple energy erupted from the spot, enveloping them both. Odin's aura vanished instantly, and he froze in place. Gungnir twisted and vanished out of his hand.
"You…ROTTEN…" He uttered.
"Congratulations, Odin. Surprised?"
Odin's eye wore a look that could burn a hole through Týr's head.
"Take that to mean 'yes.' Never really paid attention to anyone but Thor. Oh well."
"Release me, and you might survive."
Týr blinked. "Do…do you hear yourself? 'Release me, and you might survive?' Make me release you."
Odin strained and struggled, but nothing.
"You can't transform or use your Galdor either. However, you might get free if you answer my questions."
"WHAT?!"
"Answer three questions. It's easy. But there are rules. I am a God of Rules after all."
"You dare—"
Týr clapped his hands, drowning out his words.
"Shut up already. Let's get started."
How…how is this possible?! Odin thought.
"Answer three questions. You've got sixty seconds to answer each one. If you lie, you lose your powers for twenty-four hours. Refuse to answer, and you instead lose your powers for one year. Do either of the first two or a combination of them three times, you lose your powers permanently."
"I will not humor this!"
"But you're stuck here."
"Do you think you can force me to do anything?!"
Týr nodded. "I am right now. First question: Do you genuinely believe Loki? Without any evidence whatsoever other than his word?"
"You…" Odin's face contorted into a furious scowl.
"Stop being obtuse about this. If you're going to devolve into a snarling dog, at least learn how to speak. Forty seconds."
Odin squinted.
"Are…are you so obstinate that you'd rather lose all your power than answer—"
"I didn't."
A soft chime rang in Týr's head.
The fuck what? Týr's jaw hung in shock. "But…you still imprisoned Siegfried in Tartarus!"
"Of course I did."
Týr's hands clenched. "So…I now have proof you had no evidence."
"Where? I don't see anything capturing this." Odin smiled. "Next question."
Týr froze. Oh…oh no. "Why do you still keep him imprisoned if there's no proof?"
Odin's smile vanished.
"Time's running."
The seconds passed between them. Each one ticking slowly by. Týr's heart raced with each passing moment as his father stared him down.
He answered one, so he can't die, but I know he's hiding something! Is it so dangerous that he would risk this?! I know I didn't tell him every rule, but still! That's supposed to be a trick!
"You sure about this? Is it worth hiding?"
Odin did nothing.
A horn blared in Týr's mind, and the purple aura vanished.
"Wow…that's it."
Odin smiled, his grin stretching across his face to his ears. "Time's up, Týr."
He nodded. "It is, but not for me."
Odin's smile faded. He looked at his empty hand, as if something should be there.
"Sorry, but I kind of cheated. I'm charitable, not stupid."
The Tiwaz Rune appeared on his head.
"You only answered one question. Time for the penalties."
Odin stepped forward, grabbing for Týr's neck.
Týr slapped his hand away, then fired a right punch into his solar plexus, shooting him into the wall. Odin slid down as pain coursed through him.
"For failing to answer my questions, you are not allowed to kill or impair me per that Rune. You cannot act against me. Keeping it vague so you can't work around it. Learned that from Loki. For failing to answer two questions, I can impose a limit on your power." Týr walked over to his father and stared down at him. "I'm charitable. I'll let you have use of…three Galdor. Only three. And it's the only three you'll ever have again."
Slowly, Odin rose, towering over his son.
"Oh, and just in case something happens, if I die, be ready to suffer another penalty." Týr smiled and turned around. "Loved the father-son chat, Dad."
The Heavens
Eden
Mountain Biome
Odin felt something warm on his forehead.
One thing I never learned from you, father. A familiar and frustrating voice said. And that was how to keep a promise.
He reached his left hand up and tapped it, and his eyes widened in fury.
You useless brat! He thought.
I'm still charitable, though. I consider that a gift from Metatron.
Odin's face contorted into a scowl.
But don't worry. I'm sure Hades won't figure it out! I'm sure you picked the right Galdor to use for the rest of your miserable life. If I'm dead well…you don't want to know. If you see Sieg and Hilde…actually, I hope you don't. Good luck, 'father.' It was not fun talking to you again.
TYYYYYYYR! He roared in his mind.
Odin twirled Gungnir, then reached his right arm back.
I only need three to destroy this worm!
"NÍUNDI GALDOR: VINDSKǪGGULL!"
Runes and energy wrapped around Gungnir, and Odin tossed it.
Hades grit his teeth and gripped his bident just below the spearhead. His right foot stepped forward, and he swung overhead, letting the Bident's shaft slide through his grip.
"PERSEPHONE-TITAN!"
The thrown spear and swung bident crashed into each other, and the displaced air knocked everything away. Metatron scooped up his helmet and tried lying flat on the ground, but the gale scooped him up and threw him.
Hades' eyes widened as his swing sent Gungnir flying and buried the Bident's head. He kicked it, dislodging it, and dashed at Odin.
"Persephone-Lore!"
"Fimmti Galdor: Fafnir!"
Hades' thrust smashed into the Rune-covered shields. Odin felt the force course through it, and he pushed against it, his feet skidding back as the shield started cracking.
Gods are not supposed to be this strong! Odin thought. They don't deserve to be this stron—
The bident pierced through the shield and impaled Odin through the chest. He gripped it with both hands and swung it hard to the right.
"Persephone-Hemera!" Hades threw Odin off the bident towards the mountainside. He smashed through like an arrow.
"Do not look down on me just because you got Gungnir back!" Hades yelled. He heard something whistling behind him and ducked down. Gungnir flew overhead, almost skewering him as it flew towards its master.
"Damn, I can't let him heal!"
Gungnir flew into the hole.
Odin flew out, fully healed, towards Hades.
They both thrust their spears, sending more shockwaves out and dislodging rubble from the valley and surrounding mountains. They both sailed back and landed on their feet.
Hades breathed heavily, eyeing Odin.
He healed faster than—wait. He squinted.
There were the faintest of cracks at the two spots in Odin's armor where he stabbed him.
No. He didn't fully heal. Why? Is he desperate? Wait, the throw from earlier. He rolled the bident between his fingers. It wasn't as strong as the one before.
Odin bared his teeth and readied Gungnir.
Is…is he getting weaker?
Jörð Arena
Outside the East Gate Entrance Hall
Far from the fated reunion, Lugh walked down the curved passage, feeling each step grow heavier the closer he got to his assigned entrance. As he walked, he rolled Assal's shaft in his left hand, feeling the smooth gold on his fingertips.
Please no more surprises… He thought. I just want to get to the hall. Fighting feels easier than I've been doing…
He then pictured Macha and Nuada holding something. Something Lugh could find no words to describe, except that the sight of it made him feel that holding it in his hands would crush him.
Then, he stared down at his right hand. The same hand he gripped Marduk's with. That same hand, beaten and bruised, that exchanged fists and farewells with a monster of a man.
But I now understand why. Guess I can't be too upset.
He clenched it tight, raised his head, and continued.
As he turned the corner to the hall entrance, he saw a familiar sight: Nuada and Macha, standing at the door. The pair saw him, and their eyes lit up.
His brow raised. "Uncle? Aunt Macha? What're you two doing here?"
"We were waiting for you," Nuada said. "It didn't feel proper to have you do this alone!"
"We can't go out there and fight with you, but we can at least do this!" Macha added, smiling. "We…also need to talk with you."
"…Sure. About what?" He asked, feeling a small weight hit his chest.
"Lugh, we're…" Nuada cleared his throat. "We've been talking."
Oh no… He thought.
"We're not great at things like this. We…were never planning to be…you know."
"Our jobs and the protection of Eire were demanding," Macha added. "We both went through a lot, and it took…a lot from us."
Lugh nodded.
"And so, we were worried…" Macha started tearing up. We weren't able to give you enough, or what you need." Her lip quivered a little. "So we're sure you…" She blinked a few times. "You understand that we probably weren't the best with you."
Lugh shot her a puzzled look.
"After what happened to Cian," Nuada said, forcing a smile. "We didn't think it was right to leave you alone, especially with why Cian was taken from us. But that didn't mean we were qualified! I mean, ruling and fighting are one thing!" He huffed a little. "Being a parent is a whole other challenge."
Lugh smiled. "I mean, you guys weren't perfect, but you did the best you could!" He looked to the right, looking out the window. "I just hope I was worth it."
"Lugh."
He focused on Nuada.
"We have made so many mistakes, but adopting you was never one of them. " Nuada shook his head. Macha reached for his right hand and held it. "I made so many mistakes. Many of them affected you, and that's not right. I…" He cleared his throat. "We…adopted you because we realized that the Eire we were building was not what we wanted it to be and you deserved better."
Macha nodded. "Bres and Balor—"
"Please stop," Lugh said, raising his left hand. Gently, he placed Assal on the ground. He walked over to the pair and looked them in the eyes.
Slowly, he wrapped his arms around them and pulled them into a hug. "Please don't apologize." I can't stand seeing you two like this. His fears washed away as he held them. "I…can't even begin to say thank you. I don't know how to, for everything you two did."
Macha and Nuada slowly wrapped their arms around each other and their son.
"Everything I have is because of you two." He felt the weight of his world in his arms. "I am only who I am because you two were there."
He remembered that day. When he was a small godling, standing alone in that house. The overwhelming silence that stole the joy from its walls, like the bitterness that took his father. He remembered the pair appearing shortly after, walking through the threshold. With but a few words spoken, they scooped him up and took him to Tir Na Nog, his future home.
His hold tightened just a little. "I'm sorry if I ever made you two feel like I didn't love you. I just wanted to give back to you everything you gave me."
They broke their embrace, and Nuada placed his right hand on Lugh's shoulder. "Never. We…we don't know what's on your mind, Lugh, and we wish we could help you."
"It's why we asked Marduk and Sarpanitu to meet with you," Macha said. "They're better at this than we are."
Lugh let out a small laugh. "I think Nabu would argue that, but I understand. They did help, but I need you two to understand something."
The pair stayed quiet.
"I didn't do all this, go through all that training, and deal with all that bitterness back home because it was my duty." Lugh smiled, letting a few tears run. "I did it because Eire's my home! It's where you two are. It's where Brigid, Epona, Ogma, and everyone else are. I love my home, warts and all, and I want to fight for it. Protect it. Like you two did."
"By All, I hope you do a better job," Nuada said.
"I will." Lugh's expression hardened. "I promise. But if I do that right, that means I am stuck with you two for a while longer!" He smiled again. "And I'd like that."
"Aaaaah," Macha said. "And here I thought we'd get to travel. Shame…"
"A good son is humble enough to know when he needs his parents, right? And wise enough when he needs to do things on his own."
Nuada nodded. "We can at least walk with you up to the exit."
"I'd like that."
Nuada and Macha turned, walked up to the double doors, and pulled them open.
"Oy! The hell took you so long?!" A woman's voice roared through the growing crack.
Lugh stood, frozen.
In the hall, lining both sides as far as he could see, were familiar faces. The closest to his left was a Goddess with brown horse ears and tail, her brown vest and white shirt pristine, paired with black trousers. Her red eyes carried that same smug look, but now with a hint of warmth.
"Epona," Macha said sternly.
Epona looked away, and Ogma, standing across from her, snorted, covering his mouth, his wheat-colored moustache and goatee with his free hand, while he held something covered in a blue cloth.
"Behave yourself," Nuada said, matching his wife.
Ogma lightly bowed, still smiling.
Standing next to him, in her green dress, was Brigid, smiling warmly at Lugh.
"Uncle, what's going on?" Lugh asked.
"Ogma," Nuada said, beckoning him. Ogma walked over and passed the object to him. He bowed, then stepped back to the wall. Nuada pulled the cloth off, and Lugh's heart accelerated.
It was a simple, silver crown with two long prongs. A simple crown that weighed more than Lugh could describe. In Nuada's hands, it seemed so light. Almost boring, even.
I'm sorry, Lugh. For the first time in a long time, we had to lie. "Face me, Lugh," Nuada whispered as Macha stepped next to him. Every God and Goddess in the hall, of all shapes and forms, kneeled.
Lugh looked down the passage for a few seconds that stretched into eternity. He turned to the pair who were his parents in all the ways that mattered, and knelt.
"I, Nuada Airgetlam, Supreme and Chief God of the Celtic Pantheon: Of The Tuatha De Dannan, of The Gauls, and of The Welsh, have summoned all those who stand under my banner. Today, we stand in the presence of our new King. A King forged by our hands, united by the dream of peace." Nuada stared down at the crown, then at Lugh.
"Lugh Lamfada, son of Cian and Ethniu."
My boy. Our boy. He thought.
"You have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with many here today. You have saved their lives, grown alongside them, laughed with them, and mourned with them. There are many here who would not be alive were it not for you."
How can I help you see that you've already done so much? That any soul would be blessed to have you for a son?
"Kings and Council deem you worthy to wear this crown. To be the next ruler of our people."
That any land would be blessed to have you as a King?
"Much has been given to you, and much, if not more, is expected."
The fools among us who cling to hate are a minority. We have given everything we can to you.
"To protect this land and her people."
I am so sorry so much is asked of you. I know you fear the unknown. I know you're scared of something happening to us because of something you may do. That fear is monstrous, and I know it too well.
"To guide them in dark times, and live in the joy of the moment."
The fact that you feel that way for us fills me with so much pride I can't stand it! I failed as a King, but you! You showed us we could still succeed as parents and raise a better King than all the ones before you!
"And so…today…" Nuada stepped forward, struggling to keep his kingly bearing. He felt the yearning. To hold it. To keep it from potentially crushing his chosen son.
Thank you for being our boy, because you, and only you…
Slowly, gently, he rested the crown over Lugh's brow.
I trust only you with this.
"Rise."
Slowly, Lugh rose. He stood tall and extended his right hand. Assal wiggled, then flew right into his grip. He dropped his hand.
The three of them turned to face the hall.
"I present to you all! King! LUGH! LAMFADA!"
The hall…roared. Roared so loudly that the thick walls could not deafen it. So loudly the crowds of Gods above them could feel their seats shake under them. A roar of pure joy and triumph.
And all Lugh could do was stand there, taking it in. He breathed deeply and took his first steps into the hall. He took them all in: their cheers, their joy, and their hope. Brigid pulled him into a strong, strangling hug before cupping his face, feeling his ears. His fear vanished as she smiled and mouthed. I believe in you and make us proud.
He bit his lip and nodded, fighting back tears. He stepped away and walked down the hall. As his people slapped his back or tussled his hair, a young Goddess with deep black hair tied up in a ponytail and her eyes perpetually closed, stepped up to him and placed something in his left hand. She whispered something in his ear, but he couldn't understand what she said. Yet, he could feel her hands gripping his left and knew the weight of them. Three other young Goddesses pulled her back, all cheering for him as he walked. He pocketed what she gave him as he walked down that hall.
Walked to face his first greatest challenge as King.
Walked the path that he could not turn back from.
Nuada and Macha watched him go down the hall, but it soon became too much. The pair walked away from the hall, far from their people. Lugh was king now, but expectations are expectations.
Far from the cheers and hopes of their people, Nuada and Macha allowed themselves that one grace they could share with only each other, the one person they trusted more than anyone else.
Macha fell to her knees and cried, but no sound came out as the tears fell. Nuada knelt next to her, wrapping her in his arms, and wept.
The Heavens
Eden
Mountain Biome
Far from the coronation, Odin exhaled. I was right. He's not stronger. He felt pain's shock from his two new wounds. Týr's trick is weakening me even more! Of course, you couldn't defeat me. He leered. But I can't keep this up. I don't know if using the Galdor more will weaken them, or if it's time. Týr's been dead for a few hours, so it's more likely the former. I may have to use them, but doing that will…no. No. If it means Metatron dies, and I can put an end to all of this, it will be worth it!
Odin smiled again. "Hades," He said. "You will—"
"No talking!" Hades rushed forward. "Persephone-Lore!"
Odin swung Gungnir up, parrying it.
"Bad move!" Hades gripped the bident with both hands and brought it back down. Persephone-Sphyrokópos!
Odin raised Gungnir and blocked the strike. The blow hammered him into the ground, burying his legs.
UPSTAAAAAAAART! Odin roared in his mind.
Hades jumped back, then jumped high, preparing another stab.
"Persephone-Kallichoron!" He shot back down, Bident aimed right at Odin's head. "Heal from this!"
Odin snarled. Now!
Bone erupted out of Odin's head. No. Something made of bone swam out of his head, sitting atop his skull. The bident struck it, and vibrations poured out of the point of contact.
Hades jumped back as a pair of rings flowed out of Odin's chest and floated around him. Two ghostly arms extended out of the rings and connected to Odin's back, the rings sitting firmly on their wrists. The spectral hands touched the ground. The first below them turned to mush, and they lifted Odin out of it.
Far away, Metatron saw the moment transpire and felt hope slowly die.
Those are…Draupnir: Chaos' Alchemical Bracelets?! He thought. And Satan's Helmet, Egil! He did have them?! "Hades!" He yelled. "Forget fighting him! He is using Yggdrasil's weapons!"
Hades sighed. Too late for that. He's not going to let me escape.
"You…will regret halting our progress, God…" Odin said, his voice reverberating.
Hades' eyes widened.
Odin appeared right in front of him and tapped his chest with his finger. "Egil: Skelfibylgja (Trembling Wave)."
Vibrations flooded through Hades body and fired him back. His feet skid against the ground until he came to a stop, covered in tears and coughing up blood.
"The tremble of fear is natural when facing us. Your body is so terrified of us that our mere touch causes you to shudder and flee, tearing your own body apart to get away!"
Black Stars floated out of his body, growing and encircling and floating around his neck. A jagged edge erupted out of his left hand, turning into a sword. Odin grasped it firmly.
"The Necklace of Ymir, Brisingamen, and Odin's sword…Gram," Metatron whispered.
He has all four! Set yelled in Metatron's head. When?!
"It does not matter. We are doomed."
Hades rolled his shoulders. He scanned the floor around, seeing his blood everywhere.
Perfect.
Hades slammed the pommel of his bident on the ground. All the blood around and on him floated up and flew around the bident before encasing it. The prongs bent, stretched, grew, and combined into a large, silver point.
"Ichor Desmos!" He roared. "Fear, huh? Well, what do you know. To think I could feel fear over something so trivial."
"Trivial? A sign of your ignorance."
"Hmm. I read about Yggdrasil. I was hoping for something more…substantial."
"Then allow us to live up to our reputation!"
Odin started floating a few inches above the ground, then rocketed towards Hades. Odin thrust Gungnir, and Hades matched with Ichor Desmos.
The tops of the surrounding mountains tore away. Metatron stabbed his arm into the ground, nailing himself in place as the wave of air washed over him, destroying his eardrums. Blood poured from his ears, and he passed out.
Hades pushed through and sent Odin back, the skin on his palm tearing away as he tried pushing Desmos through. Odin flew back, landed, and sneered.
"You are strong, God!" He said. "Strong enough to survive two blows from us!"
"I have no use for your flattery!" Hades roared.
"We do not waste praise on the weak. Why not join us?"
"And do what? Slaughter the rest of the cosmos?!" Hades twirled Desmos and charged. "Ichor…EOS!" He thrust.
The eight stars making up Brisingamen lined up in front of Odin, intercepting the thrust. They spun and vibrated, sending waves through the Bident.
Damn…IIIIIIT! He thought as he pushed through the fear and pain.
"You decline our offer? Decline the divine privilege and rite of destruction, only we, the strongest, possess? You are strong in body, but weak in mind."
The stars vibrated faster, then shot forward, knocking Desmos away and slamming into Hades, sending him into a distant mountainside.
Odin stared off into the distance where Hades flew. Then, he scanned the valley and found his target.
"Wonderful."
He vanished and reappeared, floating above Metatron's unconscious body.
"We remember you. We remember your strength, Metatron. We had hoped you would understand why we did what we did. Alas, you are still the soft-hearted fool who bent to Gǫllnir's whimsy, and Eir and Eirin's kindness. What has that gotten you?"
Odin raised his hand. The stars floated high above him and started vibrating.
Please wake up, Metatron! Set yelled. I know I can undo the Völund, but damn it, I can't abandon you like this!
"Farewell…old friend."
PLEEEEEEEEEASE!
The stars shot down.
Right towards Vidarr, standing over Metatron, his helmet in Vidarr's large palm. They vanished just before the stars tore through everything below them.
Suddenly, a massive boulder smashed into Odin's left side. He looked over, eyeing Michael surrounded by a small colony of boulders.
"One of his little projects?" Odin said.
"One of his sons, you callous barbarian," Michael uttered through gritted teeth. He clapped his hands together, and bright yellow wings made of energy burst out of his back. "Maṭṭar Avnīn (Rain of Stones)!"
Far from the new conflict, Vidarr reappeared on a small jut, breathing heavily, and laid Metatron down and put his helmet next to him. "I got them!" He yelled. "Shit, that still takes a lot out of me…"
Arthur and Sigfried rushed over. Arthur knelt and placed his hands over his old foe. "Vidarr, get Sieg down to help Michael. Michael's nowhere near as strong as he needs to be. Then, grab Hades and get him here."
Vidarr and Siegfried nodded. The pair locked eyes, and Vidarr placed his hand on Sieg's shoulder. "Here we go…" The pair vanished.
Set, can you hear me? Undo the Völund. I can't heal him properly if you're still linked to him."
He's insane if I'm going to believe him.
"I was stuck in a cave for almost fifteen hundred years. Could anyone stay perfectly sane?"
…You can hear me?
"More importantly, do you trust me?"
…
The helmet started glowing. The light glowed and expanded, revealing a God in old Egyptian robes, his once bald head now covered in long black locks.
"Can you save him?!" Set asked.
"I can, please wait." Arthur started chanting in his mother tongue. Energy flowed from his hands over Metatron's body as blood started flowing from Metatron's chest.
Then, the flow slowed, and Metatron's eyes fluttered as the pain and aches of old wounds started fading. They slowly opened, and he squinted towards a familiar face resting his hands over Metatron's chest near that familiar wound.
"Sorry, we took so long to get here," Arthur said. "It should not be long until you're back in good shape."
"….Ar….thur?" Metatron whispered.
He nodded as several booms and explosions littered the distant air.
"Let's hope they can hold him until we can join the fray."