Jörð Arena
Battlefield
Yama stood in quiet awe as something pulled at his heart. Ascalon Magnum shone, illuminating the other side of the arena in soft white light, clashing against the golden radiance emanating from his body. The tension throughout his body vanished, and he breathed gently.
You wear one's coat…and wield his weapon. Yama thought. And you fight like the other; forthright and to protect… He smiled joyfully, and Georgios squinted in response.
Helheim
Yama's Castle
Millions of Years Ago
Yama sat on his throne, reading from a scroll. Opposite him stood Hades, his bident resting on his left shoulder. Hades scanned Yama as read, and smiled. Last time I saw you, you were as white as a sheet. Seems some color and life have returned to you. Yama's pallid complexion now took on a fairer shade, and the roots of his white hair showed tinges of black. On his face, the start of a moustache began to show. To his left was a pile of scrolls and books resting on a small table.
"Lord Yama," Hades said, bowing.
"Hades," Yama answered as his eyes scanned the scroll. "You got my message?"
"I did, but I'm confused by what you're asking for."
Yama looked up and met Hades' gaze. "You're not an idiot. You being here means you understand what I'm asking."
"A bit of an abrupt way to tell me you want me to succeed, but yes, I do."
Yama smiled. He rolled the scroll up and placed it on the table. "Good." Yama rose, then snapped his fingers. A door to his far left opened, and two Jeoseung Saja floated into the room. "Gentlemen, these documents pass. Well done, and tell Zhong Kui I appreciate his help with this. I'll have Lu Ban and his team commissioned to visit Diyu in a few days."
They bowed. "Sir," The one to Yama's left said, looking at Hades. "Is…today the day?"
Yama nodded. "Everything you do for me, you'll do for him. No less and no drop in quality."
Hades saw a glimpse of sadness in their eyes, but they bowed again, turned, and left. He turned back to Yama. "I can't really refuse, can I?"
Yama's wry grin appeared. "You dare defy your King?"
Hades stifled a smile. "I fail to recall the last time you gave an order. I seem to lack the proper decorum."
Smartass. Yama thought, smiling. He stepped away from the throne towards Hades. "Ah Cizin and Baron Samedi, Hel and Zhong Kui, Ala and Igbo, Veles and Ereshkigal, Scathach, Adamas, Kalma, and the rest. I have the pick of the litter for successors, but it will be you. Do you know what makes you stand out?"
Hades closed his eyes. He rubbed his chin and slightly tilted his head to the left. "Dignity," He answered.
Yama nodded. "That and the strength to back it up. A lot of the old souls here are too set in their ways to change. Unifying Helheim meant showing them their ways barely held this madness together. The younger ones, like Hel and Scathach, have potential. They're still too green, though. But you…are perfect."
Hades chuckled and rested his right hand on his chest. "Moi? How?"
Yama laughed. "No one likes false modesty!" He stopped a meter shy of Hades. "Zeus, Poseidon, Adamas, and you put down that dumbass Kronos. That moron couldn't rule the Heavens even with everything running perfectly." He smirked. "Didn't help that he was a shit father, unlike mine."
"Hmmm," Hades uttered while nodding.
"But the aftermath is why. You're the oldest, but you let your brothers have control over Valhalla and the Seas."
"I had no need. My brothers were safe, and that's what mattered."
"That…is why you're going to be Helheim's second king. This place was no different from the Heavens under Kronos' rule. When I came down here, it was chopped up into small kingdoms and regions constantly at war or terrorizing the land." Yama's brow furrowed. "That is no way to live or rule. I couldn't abide it. The Jeoseung Saja and other beings like them only know peace because I beat everyone into submission."
"And they and many more are forever grateful. My entrance to Helheim was easy because of that peace."
"That and only the dumb ones fought you, but…" Yama turned from him and walked over to an open window. He stopped at it and gazed at the pitch-black sky. "When you arrived, I knew…" He nodded to himself. "…I knew Helheim's true King arrived, and you have the power to take it."
Hades blinked.
"I am not a king, Hades, or a conqueror. In my heart, I never was. I am a scholar and an archivist. I am not afraid to say I am selfish, and didn't do this to bring peace."
"Then what could compel a near-dead scholar to roam Helheim and bring it to heel?"
"I wanted to find lost knowledge. And I found the last of it a few days before I sent the message."
"There are less-noble intentions for conquest. What could you find here that wasn't in Valhalla?"
Yama turned back to him, scowling. "Things no one wanted found. Erased pieces of history, logs, instructions, and memoirs. I drove myself near mad trying to find everything I could, and Helheim was both an obstacle and a tool to collect it."
"All this…was for that?"
"And nothing else. I know I am right about this, so don't argue with me. I am not fit to rule, and have no intention to rule after today." He breathed deeply. "There is a greater role I must perform, but no one can lead this place but you. Character. Strength. Prestige. Those, along with the knowledge I collected, will make the King this place desperately needs. And you fit it perfectly."
"I understand the other reasons, but why would I need that knowledge?"
"This role is more than just kingship. You will defend this realm and its hidden knowledge. Most importantly, you will be the first line of defense against the threats those records speak of."
Yama walked over to his throne and tapped the right armrest. Hades raised his right brow as the throne slid to the right and the wall behind it split open. "Come."
Slowly, Hades walked across the throne room and entered the opening, standing next to Yama. The stone door closed slowly behind them, and a single light illuminated above them. Hades felt something shift around them, and the room descended.
To go this far…Hel and Kui were right that something's amiss. He thought.
A minute or so passed, and they stopped. The doors opened, and a dull light poured in. Hades' eyes widened slightly as he took in the vast room, seeing row upon row of towering bookshelves filled with books and scrolls, worn and new.
Yama stepped out, and Hades followed him silently. Ahead of the pair was a small open area filled with rectangular tables and wooden chairs. On the center table was a small stack of four books. The top two looked brand new in pristine hardback covers, while the two below them looked worn with frayed and folded pages.
"Behold," Yama said with a hint of pride. "My labor of love."
Hades scanned the area from top to bottom. "All this?"
"Absolutely. Built it myself, and only we know about this place." He walked over to the center table. "In this library, you will find notes, biographies, and epics of a time we lost. Heroes, villains, monsters, and most importantly, the truth." Yama stopped at the table and placed his right hand on the stack. "I read every single piece of work in this room and consolidated it all into these."
Hades stopped next to him as Yama laid the books in line.
"These two are mine." Yama pointed to the two on the left. "I spent years searching through everything to ensure I did not miss anything, and any conflicting stories were corroborated or dismissed. Think of them as companion books for these two." Yama pointed to the other two. Hades looked down and studied the covers and titles.
The First Ragnarök: The Primordial Twilight
Yama
Before The Void: The Lost Years
Yama
The Origins of The Eighty-Eight
Metatron
The Book of Gollnir
Gollnir
Metatron? Hades thought. Why would an Angel's work be here?
"These books are irreplaceable, and will tell you everything you need to know. No one can know they exist," Yama continued. "I trust you with them."
Hades stepped back a little. "I still haven't accepted this all yet. I still need to know a few things."
"Too bad. You can't make me."
Hades huffed. "Make you?! Ha!"
"I am still the King. If you want to know everything, then you need to force me to tell you."
Hades ran his free hand through his white hair. "Seems like you're more of a selfish king than you think. Very well, once I take this place from you, you will do everything I command you to."
I'm hoping you do. Yama thought, smiling. "I'm grabbing Yamāyudha. I will be out in the courtyard, waiting." He walked back to the lift and departed.
Hades placed his left hand on Gollnir's book. "Only he could get away with something like this." He looked down at the book next to it. "Helheim's king must be stronger, wiser, and more vicious than any other. If you believe I can be that kind of King, then I guess I have expectations to live up to."
Jörð Arena
Battlefield
Yama aimed his banner at Georgios. I sense it in you two, now more than before. He thought. He swung Yamāyudha to the side, and it ignited into a wave of golden flames. Then, he stretched out his left hand…and beckoned his foe.
Hilde. Georgios thought, eyeing Yama's request. Do you still trust me?
Ha! Now?! She asked. You ask that now?! She appeared next to him in her original state. "Since when do you have to ask?!"
Georgios forced a smile. "Sanity check!" Yama…Whatever's going on with you…it's terrifying. I don't know if Hilde sees it, but whatever changed in you puts all the Beasts I slayed to shame. He widened his stance and brought Ascalon Magnum to his right side, its point aimed behind him. Georgios breathed deeply, feeling the accumulated pain gripping his body.
"G, there's no one I'd rather fight this fight with than you."
He closed his eyes, visualizing a dream. A familiar chapel, full of familiar people. His friend and mentor, Metatron, stood behind Siegfried and Brünhilde at the front of the chapel. The couple wore a black suit and a white dress, respectively, and Brünhilde's sisters and Pandora stood next to their sister. He saw them, happier than he believed possible. Chills ran up from his feet to his temples as his muscles filled with unyielding strength. His body looked as if he used little, if any, effort to remain standing.
Be light and formless as a cloud… An old, familiar voice said. They have no set form. Expecting patterns is a death sentence. They are like water. To hunt them, you must become like them. Only then…
"Only then…" Georgios whispered, "Can you kill them…" Georgios started leaning forward. His feet lifted off the ground, save for the tips of his toes. He pushed off the ground…and vanished.
Air did not flow. No stone was uprooted. Yama scanned the area, his calm expression unperturbed. His golden hands flattened into sharp blades. Two flicked out to the side and clanged against something unseen—the other two cut at something to the left. Yama stepped back and parried away at two unseen blows. He did not blink as his arms and banner whirred into a frenzy, creating a cacophony of clangs and screeches that filled the air.
High above, Heimdall watched on, unblinking. How is this possible?! He thought.
One of Yama's left arms shot back in a thrust, but was knocked up. Another two shot to the right, grazing against something. Yama inhaled and spun off the ball of his right foot and swung his burning banner. It smashed against Ascalon Magnum and sent Georgios flying. Yama locked eyes with Georgios as he flew away, seeing the resolute calm.
That fire is gone, but you're more dangerous than ever! Yama thought. Two of his arms stabbed the ground and pulled him forward into a dash. He barely touched the ground as he ran, reaching Georgios before he could land. He thrusted three golden arms. Georgios twirled his banner, parrying the blows as he turned mid-air. The fourth shot through Yama's torso was parried out as well. Before Georgios could land, Yama raised and swung Yamāyudha down. Georgios caught the swing on Ascalon's shaft, letting it push him down. The moment his feet touched down, he snapped it down to the right, letting the attack slide down effortlessly. The banner slashed through the ground like a hot knife through butter, erasing the floor where it cut. Georgios gently twisted to the left and swung. Two of Yama's golden arms caught the blow without Yama looking away.
Is he condensing his soul? Georgios thought, jumping back and avoiding his other two arms, trying to skewer him. To put so much pressure on his soul that I can't cut it…he's incredible. Could anyone else do this? He landed back on his feet. Time to test a theory. He burst forward as before. Yama stepped to the side as Georgios closed in and swung down, erasing the ground Ascalon touched. The pair turned and swung at each other. Their banners collided briefly, but Georgios snapped his back faster and swung at Yama. One of Yama's golden arms blocked it, but the moment Georgios felt the impact, he snapped back and swung again. Yama's eyes widened slightly as a barrage of swings and thrusts fired his way. Celestial Rush. Georgios thought.
Yama blocked and parried each blow, but he could feel the change. Through each block and parry, he felt the weight of Georgios' attacks slowly vanish. As they grew lighter, more blows emerged.
Are you exchanging power for speed? Good. Yama thought as he continued. You're trying to sniff out a weakness in this form. It's the right call; even I don't know what you'll find! The barrage intensified.
God's Barracks
Indra's Chambers
Surya watched on as his son fought against the barrage. Chills filled his grizzled frame as he rubbed his hands together.
Kavacha isn't perfect invincibility without Kundala. He thought. The rules of Capture The Flag are keeping you in one piece, Yama. But…I don't know if it's the same for it.
Einherjar Barracks
Samson's
-Hlökk's Tea Room-
"Hey, Cam," Uriel said, watching the monitor.
"Yeah?" He answered.
"Georgios…"
Camael nodded. "He does."
"He's what?" Göll asked, sitting next to Uriel.
"He looks a lot like Dad out there…" Uriel answered.
Jörð Arena
Battlefield
Yama heard something crack and felt a slight tinge of pain in his chest. He flinched, and Georgios saw his chance. He thrusted. All four of Yama's golden crossed his chest, but nothing happened. No force. Nothing.
A feint.
Georgios tilted his banner up slightly and thrusted it at Yama's face.
Without thinking, Yama swiped his banner up and parried the thrust to his right.
Oh, come on! Georgios yelled in his mind. How are you still that on point?!
All four arms fanned out, and Georgios snapped Ascalon back in front of his body. They collided, and Georgios skidded back several meters.
Yama glanced down at his chest.
A crack.
I see…so it doesn't count as a part of my body? He thought. Damn bad habits. Who'd have thought, now of all times, it would crack again? He twirled Yamāyudha, twisting the golden flames into a long, curved edge. I'm running out of time. And you…
Georgios came to a stop. He took his stance again.
Are getting stronger with each passing second.
Georgios raced back his way. Yama breathed deeply and charged. Yama jumped over Georgios' oncoming swing. Two of his golden arms punched the ground, firing him back. A third twisted and stabbed the ground and the unwound, spinning Yama. He swung as he turned and flew back. Georgios crouched and side-stepped under the swing. They faced each other and paused. A single second passed. In that second, their minds pictured numerous different attacks. Thrusts, swings, kicks, shoulder checks, punches, elbows, knees, biting, and headbutts. Each blow was thrown…and cut down.
That single second stretched into what felt like minutes. Hours. The number and types of exchanges multiplied.
Then, without fail, the overflow of information vanished. Their eyes glossed over as silence and darkness entered their minds, and instinct took over. Neither knew it, but over the course of this fateful battle, the God and Human who threw themselves into the hellscapes of uncertainty in the past, once more, found themselves in the space that made their names legendary.
'God' and 'Human' vanished.
The Conqueror and the Slayer returned.
They swung, and their blades collided. The sounds of bells ringing filled the air. They swung again, and again, and again, and again. Their feet started skimming the ground as they spun around each other, swinging at any opening they could find, large or small. Yama's arms stabbed at Georgios or pulled him along the ground as they continued their exchange. Slash and thrust. Block and parry, bob, weave, slip, roll, and step. The two felt the rhythm of the other flow out into creation as their strikes cut the air.
Zeus, for the first time in his life, could not fight the urge to hold his breath as his fighter's instincts screamed to jump into the fray. Every God and Human in the audience felt the struggle of hope and despair. Susano'o, Takemikazuchi, and Johannes Lichtenauer could not look away from the frantic, yet smooth and graceful, dance in front of their eyes. They knew, within that frantic battle of instinct and skill from one end of the passage to the other without pause, that one error turned the tide of the match. When it would come, no one knew, save for the two fighting against each other and their immortal, but failing, bodies.
"They're going for the kill!" Heimdall yelled. "Yama and Georgios are flying like two beams of light all over the arena! They race like twin stars, trying to outshine the other! Who will fall first?! DON'T LOOK AWAY!"
Incredible! Yama thought, stepping back to avoid a right swing. Even with five blades, I can't touch you! But…this is where I take it! Georgios started to swing back, and Yama stepped forward. His left hand shot out, and Ascalon's pommel...stabbed through his palm. Pain shot up from his hand to his mind, and his golden arms twitched and flailed about. His fingers clenched down on Georgios's left hand, holding him in place.
The frenzy ended.
Yama raised his blade high.
"NOW!" He roared, swinging down on Georgios' head.
Georgios inhaled deeply as the blade flew. His right hand flew up Ascalon Magnum's body and gripped it tight. He thrust it forward, sending it through Yama's palm. His right hand smashed into his left and spun his torso.
Ascalon Magnum's point…pierced through Yama's chest, just above his heart. His golden arms wrapped around his body and dug their fingers into his body. His golden soul ejected out of his body and pulled him with it.
Yamāyudha's edge…cleaved through Georgios' shoulder, shaving flesh off the outside of his left arm and thigh.
"HILDE!" Georgios roared as pain shocked his system. Her arms and legs wrapped around his torso, and he felt the world vanish under his feet. He flew several meters, Brünhilde holding on for dear life as they flew back. They crashed down, but the force of Brünhilde's ejection pulled them along the ground.
On the other side, Yama crashed and bounced off the stone floor without slowing down. The world spun as he tumbled, and he felt the cracks on Kavacha spread. He crashed into his tower, pressed against its outer wall as if by a giant hand. Georgios slammed into his tower, and both Brünhilde and he felt like something smashing them flat against it.
Both sides crashed to the ground, and Brünhilde flowed back into Georgios. Suddenly, a massive burst of golden light exploded outside of his vision. He looked up and saw its source: Yama, standing tall with Yamāyudha held high. Dozens of monstrous, golden arms, dwarfing his body, flowed out of his back and wrapped around Yamāyudha. Some clasped their hands together while others flattened them into a glowing edge. More and more smashed and flattened each other until only two remained, and a titanic glowing blade stretched high. Higher than their towers, and higher than the nosebleed seats of the arena. The last pair retracted and formed a golden lotus at the blade's base.
They were too far to exchange words, but Georgios knew.
Yamāyudha:
Blade of the Night Sky's Sun
Did…did he plan this? Georgios thought as his vision blurred.
I…I don't know… Brünhilde answered. Each blow released more of his soul…maybe?
That means he will get stronger until the fight's over…damn it.
Or… Brünhilde felt a surge through her soul. Kavacha breaks. I saw it cracking, and we stabbed through his hand…
He cut through us, too. Georgios looked at his left side, eyeing the smoking wounds. Is Capture The Flag messing up?
No…Georgios…I think we're too strong for the rules to contain us
I sense the irony.
…and that's our chance.
Georgios chuckled. Hilde, you're nuts, you know that?
You're one to talk!
He nodded. Of course! He rose to his feet. You gotta be to stare death in the face.
Syria Palaestinia
Coastline
Over A Millennium Ago
Under a spring day's clear sky, Georgios and Metatron stood on a coastline, staring out at the sea as dusk settled around them.
"Sir," Georgios said, stifling a yawn. "How long do we have to stand here?"
"Until it shows. The locals said they saw something that looked like living water attack one of their fishing boats and pull it under."
"It's been a while since we came out. Maybe we should go out in a boat. You know, to lure it?"
Metatron shot him a listless gaze. "Are you able to walk on water?"
"Jesus could. Peter could for a bit." Georgios raised his eyebrows. "Maaaaaaybe?"
Metatron sighed, fighting a laugh. "I would rather not."
"Alright…Hey, Sir."
"I am not in your Chain of Command. Metatron works, but no nicknames."
"Not a fan?"
"Not anymore."
"Fair. Just wanted to say thanks."
Metatron blinked a few times.
"I thought killing these things would make me feel better. The first few did…after that, I can't believe I'm saying this, it got boring."
"It feels empty, does it not?"
"Yeah…I still remember them, you know. Back in Silene, both my soldiers and those villagers. Sometimes I see them in my dreams."
"They are still there?"
"I don't think they'll ever go away, but I am learning to keep them without letting them weigh down so much."
Metatron nodded. "I wish I could have told you how to do that, but you needed to figure it out on your own. What changed?"
The ocean, half a kilometer out from them, began rippling from something moving under it.
"I had to look at things differently. My men wouldn't want me torturing myself. Like killing these things, it wouldn't bring them back. Those villagers will never see me as anyone other than a hero who arrived too late. I can't change that, no matter what I do. Some things…just can't be fixed."
A pale, golden light began shining under the water. Muffled moans and cries crept out of the foam.
Georgios reached for the spatha at his side. "But, that doesn't mean I still can't try. As you said a few years back, people still need my help. These things keep popping up out of nowhere, and beating myself up won't save the citizens."
"But you cannot ignore it."
"No…no I can't." A ball of light rose from the water, pulling up the sea as it rose. The water whirled around it, forming a main of tentacles as a makeshift maw formed around the glowing orb. "I have to acknowledge my part in all of it. Where I failed, but where I also succeeded."
The creature roared at the pair.
"Step back. I got this one."
"You sure? I took the last two."
"I was ill! I'm back in peak—" The creature lunged at Georgios, its mane spreading out like a flower. Georgios eyed the golden light and burst forward.
Before any of the tentacles could reach him, he rushed past the golden orb, drew the glowing white Ascalon, and slashed it clean in two. The water construct fell apart and dropped back into the ocean.
He sheathed Ascalon, standing in the knee-high water, and looked back at Metatron. "—condition."
Metatron nodded and smiled. "That makes fourteen. Excellent work as always."
"Please. Praise me more." Georgios walked out of the water and onto the shoreline.
"No."
Georgios jutted his jaw out and groaned. "Lord, you're stingy."
"Maybe." He looked out at the setting sun. "Georgios, are you sure about this?"
"I am. You've been with me the past few years. It's time I take care of things on my own." He rested his hand on Metatron's shoulder. "You didn't stick around for me to be dependent on you forever, right?"
"You are right…but this situation does not sit well with me. There should be no reason so many Primordial Beasts are appearing here. Fortunately, they are juveniles, but still."
"Well, you sticking around here won't get you the answers you need. Let's make a deal. You go and do some research, and I'll keep killing the things. Ascalon points me to them, so it shouldn't be an issue if I handle them alone."
Metatron looked at Georgios, then the sea, then the vast land behind him. In the distance, the small lights of a village shone in the distance.
"You promise to be smart about this?"
"When haven't I?"
"When you got us lost, claiming you found a new training ground."
"Hey, it became a camping trip. That made it worthwhile."
Metatron chuckled. "Oy…you are too much." He exhaled, letting his body relax. "I concede. Just so you know, if something happens, Ascalon will lead me to you. I had it set you as its rightful owner when I gave it to you."
"Overprotective as always."
"I am to my boys."
Georgios looked to the side and tapped his foot.
"My girls, too."
"Speaking of them, you could put in a good word—"
"No. Not happening."
"Ugh….fine."
Metatron grew a wry smile. "…Maybe." White, glowing wings appeared from his back, and he floated up. "Maybe not." He rocketed upward and vanished.
"Hey, it's a win-win, but I guess I'm the only one who sees it."
He turned from the shoreline and started his trek back to the village.
Lydda
Georgios' Home
A Few Days Later
A knock came from Georgios' door. He rose from his desk and walked over. He wasn't gone long. He thought. Hopefully, he found something.
He opened the door, and his excitement vanished as he saw Titus Flavius Severianus standing with a few Roman centurions standing behind him.
"Good Morning, Sir," Georgios said, getting to attention. "Performing your rounds?"
"I wish I could say yes, Georgios. Sadly, I am here regarding a pressing matter."
"How can I help?"
Titus looked nervously to the side. "Georgios, I hope you and I have built a good rapport since I took office as Legatus Legiones."
"A bit of a rough start, but I always supported you, and you had my back a few times regarding my excursions around Palaestinia."
"And your efforts bore fruit. So many of the citizens praise you…"
Georgios scratched his temple, smiling a little.
"And your God."
A weight hit his gut.
"You were warned before, Georgios. I had to speak on your behalf to Marcus. Had I not, you'd have been dead long ago. But word of your exploits reached Rome, and I must now act." He stepped back, and his expression hardened. "Denounce your God and never speak of Him again. Anyone who asks you about Him is to be taught to follow your example."
"If I don't…Sir?"
"You will be executed in the town square today."
Ah…hard to think right now. Georgios thought. I've fought monsters and men scarier than this guy. It'd be easy to just shut my mouth and play along. I'd grow old, maybe get married if I can convince Metatron to introduce me to his daughters. Geirölul, Hrist, and Randgriz. Ooh, or Thrud! I'd get to fight more of those monsters and protect the people. I would… He saw Beast from Silene encroach on his thoughts. … His men appeared, like they did when they celebrated after their many battles together. …damn it…none of you would forgive me for this, would you? Sorry, Old Man. "I guess I don't have a choice."
"Good. As long as you—"
"My God gave me a chance to do some good in the world. I screwed up bad enough that you and everyone took everything I worked hard for. My own family ignores me. "But Him? No. He took this failure and did some good before it came to an end." He extended his arms towards Titus. "Make sure the whole town's there. They'll be glad to see me go."
Titus shook his head, then motioned the soldiers. The pair exchanged a mournful glance before putting shackles on Georgios' hands.
"Take him to town. I'll be there shortly." The pair nodded and departed with their prisoner. Titus sighed, then nodded. He looked back one last time before walking into the house. "You are a stubborn soul, Georgios. Forthright, but stubborn." He walked over to Georgios' desk, eyeing his spatha. Immediately, his pensive gaze went blank. "There you are…" He walked over to the sword, picked it up, and unsheathed it. The glowing blade radiated in his hand. "Good to see you again, Ascalon." He tapped on the blade's flat a few times. It hummed under his touch, then he sheathed it. "Why Father gave you to a Human is beyond me."
Lydda
A Few Hours Later
Georgios kneeled in the town square, his arms broken and bound behind his back. His face, bare chest, and back were covered in lacerations and torn skin. The only scrap of clothing he was afforded was a pair of worn pants. He scanned the growing crowd, eyeing a woman he shared his eyes and smile with. She met his gaze, and despite her absence in his life, she curled into a ball and cried.
Sorry you had to see this, Mom. I'm still disappointing you… Georgios thought. Old Man, I'm sorry. I really wanted to see you one last time before…I saw you again! Ha! Georgios fought against a small laugh as Titus walked over to him, unsheathing his spatha. He kneeled next to Georgios.
"Nothing I can say to change your mind?" Titus whispered.
Georgios shook his head.
"Not even if I say he's here?"
"Who?" Georgios asked.
"Metatron. Up and to your right, on the rooftop."
Georgios followed his directions and felt his world shatter.
Metatron, eyes filled with horror and tears, breathing heavily.
"Oh…oh no…"
"It's his fault, you know." Titus rose and placed his spatha atop Georgios' neck. "He should have let my beast kill you back in Silene. Fathers, am I right?" He raised his sword.
"You…are you—"
Titus swung down, and Georgios' head fell to the ground. It rolled a little before coming to a halt. His body fell to the side as blood pooled around it.
Titus pulled out a cloth and wiped the blade clean, letting a soft glow show under the cloth. For your crimes against my pets, I will punish you with an old trick. Titus thought. I used to lock my siblings out of Valhalla with Ascalon until they learned the error of their ways. Enjoy being stuck on Midgard.
Metatron turned back to Georgios' home and vanished. Titus looked up where he stood and smiled. He shook his head. Damn it, why am I smiling? He thought. Am I happy? Ah! This is happiness! So this is what you wanted me to learn…right, Father?
Jörð Arena
Battlefield
I stared down death so many times… Georgios thought. I can't help but get the chills! Yama's figure in the distance was dwarfed by the titanic blade pointed to the sky. Time to do it again.