Tartarus
The Circles
Well, this just went to hell in a handbasket. Myrddin thought. Suddenly, he felt something scratch at the front of his head. What the… The air around him felt full of static and white noise. What's going on down here?!
"I was hoping you'd show up!" Vidarr yelled joyfully. "You caught me right in the middle of an important meeting with a prisoner. However, I am close to finishing, so don't worry." A manic, wild aura flooded out of his body, filling the pit. "You're next."
"Damn it all," Teddy uttered, crouching down. "Cam, get ready."
Camael grabbed hold of his left shoulder with his right hand. "Ready."
Myrddin stretched out his arm, blocking the two. "Vidarr, I'm not here to fight," He said, squinting his eyes and shaking his head. "And we don't need to."
"Then what're you here for? Arthur?" Myrddin glared at him. "Yet here I am, an old friend wanting to catch up, and yet he's all you care about? You wound me."
"Myrddin, who is this madman?" Yi asked.
"Vidarr, the second oldest of Odin's acknowledged children, and a member of Cerberus." Vidarr bowed. The noise and static continued. "His crimes include attempted murder of a Chief God, and participation in an unsanctioned genocide."
"Flattery gets you everywhere, but we all know Humanity deserves its fate." Teddy and Yi stared daggers at him. "Both of you Humans know this. I can smell war on your souls." He made a slight sniff. "Repugnant."
"Insightful," Yi remarked deadpan. "Another sanctimonious despot."
"Enough already," Myrddin interjected. His mind raced. I need to figure something out! I've been at the game too long to let one slip-up like this get me, not when I am so damn close! Think! "Vidarr, you're right. I am here for Arthur. Hilde needs him as one of her options for our thirteenth Fighter." Showing my hand a little here. Hope this works.
Vidarr paused for a moment. He looked over to Michael, then Skiegul, before setting his sights back on Myrddin. "You can't be serious."
"I am. Is it that shocking?"
"The man who murdered her father is one of her options? And people say I'm vile."
"The fact that she's willing to get him on board shows how important this is. Humanity's survival is essential to stopping Odin. I'd think you'd want that."
Vidarr nodded. "Oh, it is, but you're mistaken if you think you're the only ones trying to stop him. Good ole' Set is trying to as well, and to be honest, I'd rather throw my lot in with him than you."
"Myrddin," Skiegul said. "Why does Brünhilde need Arthur? She has other choices at her disposal. Easier ones to get, too."
Who are you? Myrddin thought. The air around her felt hollow despite the noise and static. I…can't read you. Why? Myrddin cleared his throat. "Yes…"
"Skiegul."
"Skiegul, you're right. There are others: Shaka Zulu, Lagertha, Genghis Khan, his granddaughter Khutulun, Fu Hao, even Leonidas I, and Ramses II. However, Arthur has something that stacks the deck in our favor."
"The Dodecahedron." Myrddin went silent. "We know he has it, and we want it too."
Michael's eyes widened. Arthur has the Dodecahedron?! How?!
Myrddin nodded. "He does, but why do you need it?"
"None of your business," She said, smiling as Myrddin gave her a quick glare. "But you're stalling. Vidarr, I think we should—"
"I am." Myrddin raised his gloved hands. "I am stalling, but for the reason you think."
"Myrddin, be careful," Yi whispered. "We have your back, but if this God is a member of Cerberus like Sieg said, we're in trouble."
"I know." Myrddin looked around for a moment. Something scratched at his forehead again. Where is that—wait. Myrddin's mouth hung open slightly. I know this feeling. Memories flooded back. A massive fortress of a castle, a large make-shift arena sitting in the center of a vast field surrounded by rolling hills, the crowds of Gods and Humans sitting on opposite sides on makeshift bleachers. Standing in the center of the arena was an older, bearded man in armor, his brown hair graying at his temples, stabbing a great sword through the back of a white-haired, aged God in blue robes. Shit! It's happening again! I felt it back in Winchester, too! But why here?!
"Myrddin?"
Myrddin placed his right hand on his forehead. Vidarr was there! But this isn't him! It's someone else! Myrddin dived deep into his memories as the world around him went silent. He found himself standing by the bleachers, watching. He focused on the sounds of the crowd, the smell of dirt, grass, metal, and wood that wafted through the air. It was late afternoon. He recalled looking across the arena, picturing every God he saw. His vision scanned them all. He then saw two figures, under a pair of cloaks and standing on the outer wall of the bleachers, just visible enough to be caught by a focused gaze. Both of them had orange eyes. No…no, no, no…them?!
"Myrddin? Vidarr's losing patience," Yi said, watching Vidarr's fists start clenching.
Could it be?! Prometheus is dead, but they never found her! She couldn't be here! Why would she be here?!
"Is he okay?" Uriel whispered.
If she's here…shit. Myrddin's breathing began to quicken. We're being played!
"What's wrong, Myrddin?" Vidarr asked mockingly. "Not feeling wel—"
"Stop talking! Now!" Myrddin shouted, blood suddenly dripping out of his nose. Everyone was taken aback. Vidarr and Skiegul flinched a little. Myrddin looked in all directions. I dived too far, but I know for certain! She's here! Do they know?! He shook his head. This is bad. I have to figure this out WHILE keeping them from killing us… He breathed deeply. "Apologies. Something…spooked me a little. Vidarr. Skiegul. I admit I don't know why you need the Dodecahedron. I already know you don't know, Vidarr, and you…" He looked at Skiegul. "…I can't read you. However, may I ask a question before things escalate?" Vidarr smiled smugly and nodded. "Why are you helping Yama?"
"Yama is trying to right his wrongs." He glanced at the cameras high above the pit, aiming down at them. "And he's genuine about it. I may not like him, but I know he's trying."
"Like you are." Vidarr tilted his head slightly. "What happened at Winchester, and the fallout, you blame yourself for it." Vidarr looked away. "I know you do, but I don't." Vidarr's gaze locked back on him.
"Myrddin, what are you talking about?" Michael asked from his cell.
"I don't think you're at fault, Vidarr. I know you won't believe me when I say this—"
"Should anyone?" Skiegul asked.
"But, I need you to trust me on this."
"Why?" She asked.
"Because if I'm right, then we'll both get what we need. You two and Yama can save Epimetheus." Vidarr and Skiegul went still. "I can save Arthur, and we can finally figure out what the hell happened at Winchester."
Jörð Arena
The Ring
Back at the Arena, Týr and Li went completely still. The air around them grew heavy as revitalizing power flowed through their bodies. The ball bearings at the base of the platform's legs continued rolling in the air, creating a soft whirring sound that hummed across both fighters' ears.
Let me show you my world. Týr thought. He stepped his right foot forward and stomped down, firing forward as a blur while he brought his arms and hands in front of his body.
He's faster! Li thought as he crossed his arms over his torso, as Týr's palms slammed into him while he stomped his left foot down.
"Bai Hu Shuang Zhang Da!" Týr roared as he knocked Li off his feet. Like a cocked hammer slamming the firing pin into a bullet, Týr's strike launched Li into the wall behind him, caving it in and sending rubble across the building's upper level. Týr brought his feet together and launched himself into the hole. His jump pushed the platform away, forcing it to roll and topple back onto its legs with a nasty thump. As Týr soared through the hole, he caught sight of Li running towards him. Týr's feet touched ground just as Li stepped forward and fired a left palm.
"Long Bao!" Li roared through gritted teeth. Týr swiveled his right arm down and out at the elbow, parrying the move to the outside. Li made a small step with his right foot and stomped down, firing his right palm up to Týr's chin. "Meng Hu Deng Shan!" The base of his palm grazed Týr's chin as he pivoted off his left foot to Li's right. Li eyed as he spun and stepped to his right. He stepped his right foot towards Týr and fired his shoulder. "Tie Shan Kao!" Týr raised his left arm just in time to block it, but the force lifted him off his feet and sent him flying into the wall, caving it in and throwing Týr into the building next door. This is amazing! I feel great! Li yelled in his mind. He raced towards the opening, but stopped just in front of it. Týr was already standing, waiting in Ma Bu. Damn…he recovered quicker than I planned. Is he recovering faster now that we're at this level of power? Slowly, Li walked over to the opening and hopped across the gap to the other building. Týr stayed in Ma Bu, eyeing him. "Bajiquan is not about waiting. It's about breaking down the opponent and blasting through them," Li said.
"Oh, I know," Týr responded. "But I need a moment to get in gear. Been a while since I felt like this."
"You and me both," Li said. He walked up, stopping just half a meter in front of Týr, and dropped into Ma Bu. "Why limit yourself?" Li immediately fired his right elbow up. "Zong Zhou."
Týr shifted his weight, leaning just enough to let the elbow pass in front of his face and slice through the air. "Martial power demands restraint, and my power grows the greater the restriction I put on myself." He fired a right palm at Li's chest, subtly twisting his hips to the left. "Chao Yang Shou." Li parried it outside with his left arm as he brought down his right fist.
"Za Quan," Li declared without emotion. Týr raised his left hand, letting the hammer blow slide down the outside of his arm. "You are correct. Too many oafs and fools just swing their weight around, but such rigidity is dangerous." Li swung his left arm around in a hook. "Bai Zhang." Týr lowered in his stance, letting the swing soar overhead. He rose back up with his left palm and stepped his left foot between Li's as his right palm aimed straight down.
"Ma Bu Ba Zhang." Týr spoke solemnly as the audience watched on, many starting to hold their breath. Li pivoted off the ball of his left foot to face Týr's body. "Without restraint, martial arts is nothing but violence."
"And violence without intent is useless and destructive." Li raised his left hand in a vertical fist to Týr's exposed chin as more in the audience froze in their seats. "Da Tian Bang Chui."
Týr turned his sights to his right, eyeing Li as he rolled his raised left arm down and smashed into Li's hand while pulling his right hand in next to his ribs. "Jin Long He Kou…" Týr stomped his right foot back as he fired his right fist forward. "Into Hei Hu Tou Xin." Týr's fist flew right at Li, but stopped before it could reach its target. Týr paused for just a brief moment before hopping back as Li's right foot rose and shot towards where Týr's head was.
"Sheng Jiao," Li uttered. The two eyed each other for a moment before rising out of their stances, as a collective exhale was released by the audience watching the compact duel. "I'm warmed up."
Týr smiled. "Same. Shall we?"
Heimdall, watching them inside fight the building from his floating platform, felt his jaw drop. "Wh…What a display of martial prowess at such close range! These two treated that exchange like a walk in the park!" Don't act so damn casual, you nutheads! He thought. I know for a fact that each of those blows would have killed someone!
Jörð Arena
The Bleachers
"Warmed up?! Warmed up?! Tom shouted.
"These two are ridiculous…" Oyama added. "You all felt the power behind those blows, right?"
"My body ached just watching them," Pandora added. "I don't know how they're so calm…"
"Funny thing is, they're not," A voice from behind Brünhilde, Pandora, and Göll spoke. The three and the Masters turned to look back, eyeing a short man with black hair in a mod shag, black turtleneck that showed off his physique with matching black leather loafers, white pants, and orange-tinted coke-bottle sunglasses.
Lee Jun-Fan
A.K.A.
Bruce Lee
Founder of Jeet Kune Do Philosophy
(Hong Kong)
"They're just good at hiding how badly they want this fight," Bruce said.
"Thought you didn't care enough to watch, Bruce," Brunhilde said. "I believe your words after I declined your offer were 'Guess you want Humanity to go extinct.'"
"Yeah, that was only because you didn't bother to tell me who you did pick." Bruce took off his glasses and shook his head. "Good grief, Brünhilde. You picked Ghulam and Li? That's stacking the deck. Had I known you picked those two, I'd have bowed out without a fight."
Brünhilde glared listlessly. Liar. She thought as he walked over to them. He then leaned on the railing, looking down at the other martial artists. He shot them a quick, smug look before putting his glasses back on.
"Hey, Bruce," Göll said. "What'd you mean by earlier?"
Bruce looked at her, letting a small smirk grow across his face. "I used to read stories about Li and his duels, and like everyone here, I once fought Týr. I am also not afraid to admit he won that fight, though I am proud to admit it went for three hours!" He looked out to the arena, scanning it for any sight of the two. Suddenly, the roof of one of the buildings exploded, sending debris everywhere as Týr and Li shot into the air and landed on another rooftop. "Seeing them fight is something I never thought I'd have the chance to see, but there lies the problem." Li shot off the roof like a rocket, sending tiles everywhere as he tried to smash his elbow into Týr's chest. Týr jumped over Li before he could make contact, and jumped after him the moment his feet touched down. His arms swung around him, performing hammer fists mid-air. Li jumped to the left, avoiding Týr's crashing blow while it created a hole in the roof. "Those two are as different as night and day."
"How?" Li and Týr dashed towards each other, slipped their leading hands behind the other's back, and crashed their hips into each other. The dispersed air made a loud pop as both winced in pain.
"Both of them are trying to use Martial Arts to live, but they're coming at it from opposite ends," Brünhilde interrupted. "Týr's a Martial Artist in spirit and name, but Li's a Fighter who uses Martial Arts."
"Your friend Týr always went on about a right-makes-might world. I doubt Li would care much about that," Bruce said, cracking his neck. "All he cares about is that he's got an opponent who can finally challenge him."
"He needs to be careful, though. Týr's not the only opponent Li is facing in that ring."
Jörð Arena
Medical Wing
Below the God's bleachers, Johannes Lichtenauer and Reginleif sat on a cushioned bench in the hall, watching the match on Reginleif's tablet.
"How is Li doing all that?" Johannes asked.
"It's Týr's Rune Tiwaz," Reginleif answered, adjusting her glasses. "It gives Týr the ability to create rules that can affect anything, even reality."
"Wait, really?" Reginleif nodded. "Why doesn't he just make a rule that makes Li quit breathing or something?"
"Týr would never do something like that. He's a firm believer in fair play, to the point that he made a technique that enforces it by removing any advantage the other person may have, except skill and their natural physical limitations."
"Well, that's bad." Reginleif looked at him. "I hate admitting it, but Li and I are old men who reached our 'Golden Age' in our senior years despite still being brats at heart. If what you're saying is true, that means Li is as strong as Týr with an old man's body."
"What?"
"Bajiquan requires the user to transfer kinetic energy from stomping to extremities for attacks. To do what he's doing, Li has to allow that power to move through his aged and beaten body, which will eventually break from the strain."
"That's why Alvitr was chosen as his partner."
"The brat that Li was training?"
Reginleif nodded. "Her rune, 'Army Guard,' grants enhanced defense and protection from both external and internal forces. It empowers and creates the Völund, Blast Shield."
"The bodysuit?"
"Yes. It protects Li from both Tyr and his own raw power, but only if Alvitr can handle it." Her grip on the tablet tightened a little.
Johannes grabbed Reginleif's right shoulder with his left hand. "She'll handle, Regin. Have faith in her."
Jörð Arena
Box Seats
Across the arena, in Zeus and Odin's Box, Loki watched on behind the Chief Gods. Hermes shot a glance his way, and saw something odd. Loki was biting down on his right thumb, looking as if he was fighting the urge to blink. Are you…worried, Loki? Hermes thought. Hermes turned his attention back to the ring, letting a small smile appear as Týr caught Li with a straight vertical punch. Don't know why, but it's oddly nice to see you unsettled.
Týr. Loki thought, his inner voice panicking. Please don't die…I don't want to do it! Please don't make me!
Jörð Arena
The Ring
Back in the arena, more stone, tiles, wood, and glass flew into the air as Týr and Li blitzed across the rooftops. Each stomp the two made started making the buildings below them creak and crack. Some windows burst into shards, and wood columns snapped and splintered. Týr jumped and turned to face Li, both their faces contorted with twisted glee. Li stopped just a meter from him. Both inhaled and roared.
"KAI MEN GAN FA!"
Their breathing synced as dozens of fists, elbows, and palm strikes flew from both sides from nearly every angle. They skated across the rooftops' slopes, flats, and curves, dodging and striking, dodging and striking. It was as if they had entered a trance: the moment they reached near the edge of a building, they instinctively crossed the gap and continued their assaults. The Gods and Humans watched on as the twin storms of martial prowess tore the arena apart from just the force of trying to tear the other apart. Heimdall watched on in stunned silence. The Gods and Humans mirrored his awe. Zeus felt his blood start to boil again as the scene made him remember his glorious fight and victory over Týr when they crossed fists. No one knew who would take the initiative, except for one, and she knew when it would happen.
Týr's feet finally stopped as Li's left palm struck his right bicep, his arms flailing out from the impact. Pain surged through Týr's body, but he knew what he needed to do. Just as Li's punch struck him, Týr exhaled and twisted his body with the punch. The strike's kinetic energy flowed from Li's palm, through Týr's back, strengthening the twist. It passed through his left shoulder and turned his arm down. It then passed through his upper arm, then forearm, and then ended at his fist, which slammed down on Li's right shoulder. "Hua Jin Za Quan!" Pain shot through Li's body as the blow hammered him through the roof into the building below. He spread his stance as wide as he could to disperse the force, but he broke through the second floor, and more pain shot up his feet. He landed on the second floor with a heavy thud, but the floor held firm.
He…used Hua Jin to take my power and hit me with it! I've never done that! Li thought as his eyes widened. Can I do that?! I want to do that! I want—!
Li! Alvitr shouted. Get a grip! I'm trying to keep you from breaking apart, and you sound like a preschooler!
Never!
What?!
I have an idea! Keep holding me together!
Damn it, fine!
Li looked up, seeing Týr drop down to the floor above him. Li steadied his breathing and flexed his muscles. Let's go.
Týr dropped down to the second floor, but Li was gone. What the…I saw him! Týr thought. Where is he? He heard a heavy cracking sound from behind.
"Huan Ying Chuang Bu." He heard Li's voice say from behind.
Týr turned, finding nothing. He looked down and saw one of the floor's stone tiles now heavily cracked. He heard something above him and looked. Nothing. To his right, turning to see nothing. Then his left, then in front of him, then behind him again. Soon, the room and floor were littered with shattered stone and wood, and webs of cracks filled the area around him. He then saw something that sent a chill down his spine. It was only for a moment, but at the center of one of the webs, he could see it. The sign of a new and dangerous force that made his instincts fire. It was a footprint. Týr turned and scanned the area as fast as he could, catching sight of a blur and more wall-shattering, floor-splitting footsteps. How is he doing this?! The building began to shake. He then heard the loudest crack happen right behind him and felt something shoot him straight back up the hole.
"SHENG JIAO!" Li roared. Týr flew up and out of the building and landed with a heavy thud. Li shot up out of the hole and landed a few meters away from Týr. The moment his feet touched the roof, pain erupted throughout his whole body, and he collapsed. Damn it, not now! He screamed in his mind. Not after so long! I finally found him! My Bajiquan is evolving! Please! Let me keep fighting!
<>
In the era near the tail-end of the Qing Dynasty's reign, Cangzhou, despite its history and prestige as a sacred ground for Martial Arts, suffered. Unlike many regions nearby, it was barren and poorly suited for agriculture. Many of its populace, therefore, starved and had to survive through other means. The old adage 'Place them in death and they will survive' became a mantra for many souls seeking escape from Cangzhou's poverty, and many did so the only way they knew: their fists and their kung-fu.
Northeast of Cangzhou was the town of Tianjin, a bustling port town. While Beijing was not much further North, many of those desperate souls from Cangzhou stopped in Tianjin with the goal to prove their martial prowess amongst their peers and establish a school. Kung-fu schools meant students, and students meant fees. Acting as enforcers or bodyguards for those within the Chinese underbelly could yield an even greater profit, but the risk of an early death pushed many young Martial Artists towards the 'safer' path. Many, however, found someone far more dangerous on that 'safer' path, and few would survive encountering him.
Tianjin
Hebei Province
1890
At the center of one of Tianjin's parks, a large crowd encircled a tall square wooden Lei Tai. Reaching nearly three meters tall with an area of one hundred square meters, this simple platform was the proving ground for Martial Artists, with two making their claim atop it. One, a tall, stout man in a pastel-red changshan and black pants with matching kung-fu sandals. His head was nearly bald, save for a long, braided ponytail and a neatly trimmed moustache. Across from him in a deep green Tangzhuang jacket and gray pants with black sandals stood Li Shuwen. He had let his neatly trimmed black hair grow out into a loose ponytail, and his jawline was covered in black stubble.
"So you got the rules, right?" The large man said, wearing a cocky grin. "Fall off the platform or say 'I give up!' Otherwise, the beating will continue."
Li sighed. "I get it, already. Not my first time doing this, oaf."
"Ha!" The man laughed. "It'll be your last!" The man charged forward. He only moved a single meter before Li had already reached him and stuck out his right elbow. The man's body crumpled around it as Li stomped the platform, shaking it.
"Limen Dingzhou." The man sailed back, bounced a few times across the platform, and fell off with a nasty thud and the sound of something cracking. Li walked over to the platform's edge and looked down, seeing what remained of his opponent. He had landed head-first into the pavement. Blood pooled around his cracked skull, and his eyes had rolled back into his head. A few in the crowd cheered, while others looked on in horror and fury.
"That's our Laoshi! Another one-hit kill!" One of the young men yelled.
"Murderer!" Another young man opposite the platform yelled. "You murdered our teacher, you monster!"
Li rose without a word and turned in the direction he heard the outburst. That was better than yesterday. He thought. The step-in was stronger, and I got the elbow right where I needed it. He scowled. A perfect technique wasted on a buffoon, and another oaf felled by one blow. Where is the challenge in all this? He stopped at the other edge and looked down at the crowd, and he found a group of young men glaring at him, all of them in white, sleeveless shirts and kung-fu pants and sandals. Some even scowled and bared their teeth. "Who called me a murderer?"
"I did!" The one in the front yelled, his black hair cut near the scalp. "How dare you kill him!"
"How dare I?" Li asked, slightly amused. "I dare because I could. I wonder if you would call your Laoshi a murderer if he killed me instead?" He grinned. "Would you? Or would I be just another fun little story your 'Laoshi' would tell you all to sell his dance routine of a Martial Art?"
"Tell him, Li-Laoshi!" One of the young men on the other side of the platform yelled. Li stomped his foot down, shaking the platform again. A crack appeared on the platform's edge just below his foot. The group went silent.
"Ignore them. Just a group of tag-alongs who think, because they're learning from me, they can act like that buffoon I just put down." Li crouched down. "You want revenge? You want justice? You want to put down the 'evil' man who killed your Laoshi? Ignorant Dancing Pig. This is Kung-fu. We are learning to kill, and if it doesn't do the job, then it's useless. Justice, good, and evil are nothing but fancy window-dressings you want to wear so you don't look like a thug trying to satisfy your ego." He stood up, and his gaze hardened. "Come up here, and show me what your Laoshi couldn't. I'll send you to him."
The glares faded into looks of terror, and the group left. The rest of the crowd looked on, their expressions a mix of awe and discomfort. Li turned around and walked back to the other side of the platform and jumped down, landing in front of his students. They straightened up. "Li-Laoshi, I apologize for my outburst." The one in front said. He wore a white shirt and black pants, similar to the other group of students. "It was…uncalled for."
"Yes, it was," Li answered. He gently gripped the young man's left shoulder in his right hand. "That oaf up there had that same attitude. There's nothing wrong with being happy for your Laoshi's success, but unless it serves a purpose—"
"It is useless." The young man bowed. "I understand, and am grateful for your patience, Laoshi."
Li let the smallest hint of a smile grow on his face. "Well said. Now then, do you think anyone will want to sign up?" The group looked around, watching the crowd disperse, save for a few young men. "Looks like we got a few."
<>
Jörð Arena
The Ring
Back in the arena, Li's body rose and sank with each breath. His body screamed from every extremity, but he tried to focus on the opponent in front of him.
This pain! This technique! This effort! Li thought as he slowly rose. Had I known my greatest opponent waited on the other side, I would have screamed to the heavens and demanded you come fight me! Do you know?! The frustration?! The disappointment of constant fools seeking me out only to die?! To be hated by their petty friends and family?! To be denied a worthwhile death by one of them POISONING me?! No! But I do know! I feel it in your strikes! I feel in your stomps! Each one begging for someone to recognize you! To hear you! Li crouched down and brought his arms close to his body. "Týr!" He roared. "I cannot remember ever feeling this alive!"
"And nothing makes you feel like that other than being so close to death, right?!" Týr asked.
"Nothing! Which is why, to honor you, I will break you with one of Li Baji's three great Juezhao!" Li stomped down on the roof, shattering tile and caving in the roof below his foot, and vanished.
"What the—?" Týr's instincts flared, and he crossed his arms in front of his body. Li's right fist struck the intersecting point and slammed Týr's arms into his body, pushing him back towards the roof's edge.
"Yanwang!"
Týr dug his feet in and came to a halt just as Li reappeared in front of him, aiming an elbow at the same point his fist struck. Týr tried to cup it, but the blow stopped. His eyes widened. A feint! He thought. Li whipped his left hand up and over, slamming it down on the crown of Týr's head. Týr's mind went blank.
"Sandian!" Li stepped in, stomped his right foot down, and smashed his right elbow into Týr's exposed chest. "Shui!" Týr's body shot forward, his feet lifting off the ground as his body flew off the rooftop. He began to descend towards the ground below.
Did we get him?! Alvitr asked. Suddenly, pain shot up Li's body from his shins. Li!
"Damn…I pushed it too far…" He kept his gaze on Týr, feeling hope begin slipping away as Týr landed on top of the cruising platform.
What the hell?! How'd he get that lucky?!
"Not luck, Alvitr." Li watched as the platform traveled away from him. "Týr's ability is still active. Did he plan this? Why?" He saw Týr begin to stir. Slowly, he lifted himself, his body trembling as he tried to stand. Li kept his sight on him as the platform cruised away from the row of buildings. "He's still alive after taking Yanwang Sandian Shui?" He whispered, his body shaking from exhaustion. "What is he—no…no, did you see it coming?" He saw the split-second moment Týr lurched down along with the palm strike and hopping back as Li's elbow made contact. "You dodged both at the last moment with Hua Jin again?! To get away?! Ha! Absurd!"
We need to go after him! Alvitr yelled.
"I'll try, but I'm starting to run out of steam," He answered, breathing heavily." It may be better to—"
"Hey Li!" Týr roared, putting all his strength into his legs. "Wu-Laoshi would be proud of that move!" Li's head tilted slightly. "That was his favorite!" Pain erupted from his torso and arms as more bruises began to form. I can't…I can't believe it!" He looked up towards Li, his eyes full of joy. "I can't believe you almost killed me! That was amazing!" Slowly, he rose, his body trembling all the while. "Only one person has ever done this much to me, and I let him!" He breathed slowly and deeply. "But you…you did it all on your own! I love you, Li! Ha!" He rolled his shoulders, wincing slightly. "And so, you have earned the honor…" Týr's voice reverberated as his golden arm began to glow. "To experience the second ultimate technique of my personal Martial Art, Sannleikr..." Purple flames erupted from the slits and joints as his voice echoed off the walls. The scar over his right eye ignited with the same purple flames. "Allow me…to strike you down with all my love…" Týr stepped his right foot back into an orthodox stance and brought his hands to his face. "This technique can only be used when I am close to death." He slowly inhaled. As he slowly exhaled, his upper body rotated slowly to the left. His right foot slowly pivoted onto the ball of his foot, letting his hip fully rotate. As he turned, he slowly, gently, extended out his burning, golden arm, rotating it to the point his curled thumb was pointing down. It reached its maximum range and stopped. A perfect right cross. So perfect, Muhammad Ali, nay, every boxer, nay, every martial artist in the stands looked on as if they just watched a painter create a magnum opus. "Sannleikr: Jotunsbani."
Tartarus
The Circles
Back in the Circles, Vidarr felt a tinge of fear run through his mind as Týr's attack was unleashed. "What are you on about?" Vidarr asked, his expression growing concerned.
"Here me out. Do you remember Prometheus?" Myrddin asked.
"Who doesn't? He was down here before going into Round Six."
"Yes, but why?"
Vidarr's left eye twitched. "You know why. He ratted on the Human Extermination Army. In return for his efforts, the kill-on-sight order was revoked, and he was placed down here for eternity. Granted, he escaped one last time and gunned for Zeus before the G.F.O.C. and Hephaestus put him down here, but here he was."
"Right, but hear me out." Myrddin inhaled deeply. "What about his sister, Mnemosyne?" Vidarr squinted and blinked a few times. "Vidarr, his sister."
"What're you talking about? Prometheus doesn't have a sister named Mnemosyne."
"What're you talking about?" Skiegul looked over to Vidarr. "Of cour—" Myrddin felt more static and noise bombard his senses from his left as Skiegul grew a confused look. "Wait…what're we talking about?"
That's it! Got you! Myrddin thought. He looked over to his left, eyeing the source: a cell in the wall. He scanned the wall. Now for the power play. "Vidarr, if I can prove I am telling the truth, then I believe I can prove your innocence, or at least that you were manipulated." He looked back at his team. "Stand down and do not do a thing until I tell you." Yi, Teddy, Camael, and Uriel stepped back. He could see the worry and confusion on their faces. "Trust me."
"I'm in a humorous mood. Plus, Eris is quiet, so I am not upset."
"Fuck you," She spat from her cell.
"Eris, this concerns you too," Myrddin said. She eyed him, but kept quiet. Myrddin looked over to the cell and pointed at it. "Vidarr, what am I pointing at?" The four behind Myrddin looked towards the spot he pointed to.
"…The wall."
"No." Myrddin's pulse quickened. "I'm pointing to a cell."
A cell? Michael thought.
"You're fucking with me," Vidarr said.
"I'm not," Myrddin responded. "That's a cell. You don't see it."
"Pray tell, why?" He asked mockingly.
Please tell me I'm not losing my mind in desperation. Myrddin thought. "You don't see it, and no one else sees it but me, because someone is stopping you from remembering it existed."
"Uh…what?" Uriel asked.
"Vidarr, how many cells are in the Circles?"
"What're you, dumb? There are thirteen."
"Was this place full before Winchester?"
"It was. A few were killed to make room for Michael, Prometheus, and me."
"How many were there?"
"If it were full, it would be fourteen. What're you—" Vidarr went silent. His body went lax as his gaze shifted towards the floor. "What?"
"What the hell are you on about?!" Eris shouted from her cell.
"Vidarr, you know something is wrong," Myrddin said, sweat starting to form on his brow. "You have no reason to trust me, but—"
"Skiegul!" Vidarr interrupted.
Skiegul shuddered. "Right!" Skiegul began to shine and flew towards Vidarr. She transformed into pure light and shifted into her axe form.
He took the axe in both hands. "I will not be made a scapegoat again!" Vidarr yelled as we began swinging the axe.
"WAIT!" A woman's voice cried from the spot Myrddin pointed to.
Vidarr stopped mid-swing. "Gotcha," He said, eyeing his target. In the center of his gaze, embedded in the wall, a cell appeared, and everyone but Myrddin felt memories smash back into their minds as the noise and static vanished from Myrddin's. "You're a sneaky little shit as always." He saw a pair of spite-filled orange eyes staring back at him, and could barely make out the vibrant orange hair that framed them. "Mnemosyne."
Mnemosyne
Titaness of Memory and History
(Greek)