Tartarus
The Circles
"Well," Vidarr said. "Never thought I'd see the day Myrddin was not trying to pull the wool over my eyes." He glared at the woman behind the bars.
"Shit," Mnemosyne said.
"I'll take that as a compliment," Myrddin said as his pulse began to slow.
"I wouldn't," Vidarr said.
"Yeah, you shouldn't," Mnemosyne said, her low alto voice full of spite. "So you caught me. Happy now?"
"Not a damn bit." Vidarr's glare stuck to Mnemosyne. "What scheme were you trying to pull by hiding our memories of you? Who else forgot you?"
"Mnemosyne, for the love of all that's good and decent, just answer honestly!" Michael yelled from his cell. "You already saw him torture Eris and kill a few of the prisoners. Trying to delay or obfuscate will just make things worse!"
"Make things worse? They're already worse!" She yelled. "Prometheus is dead, and I'm stuck down here because of his stupid plan! There's literally no way it can get worse!" Energy began to exude from Vidarr's axe. "Okay, maybe it can."
"Talk," Vidarr said. "Explain yourself."
"Will I be set free if I do?" Vidarr looked back at Michael. Michael nodded, and Vidarr sighed as he turned back to Mnemosyne. He nodded silently. "I want your word."
"You will be set free, but I'm not guaranteeing anything else. You're down here for hiding Prometheus, even after all the shit he pulled." Vidarr placed his left hand on his temple, massaging it softly. "Now speak, and don't lie. I want the spirit and the letter."
"…Fine."
"Wait," Myrddin said, walking over to Vidarr's side. "I have skin in this game, too." His eyes darted from Vidarr to Mnemosyne, then back as he placed his right hand on Vidarr's left shoulder. "I'll help make sure she doesn't pull anything."
"You'd trust a Cambion, Vidarr?" Mnemosyne said snidely.
"Hey guys, still bleeding over here!" Eris yelled.
"He's the only one being honest here. I'll throw my hat in with him."
Fucking shit. Mnemosyne thought. You screwed me again, Promi. "I'm guessing the Cambion can see through my abilities."
"His name is Myrddin, and it seems that way."
Mnemosyne shook her head. "Just get on with it, you soft-hearted ass."
"Fine. Were you complicit in the Sin Cluster incident?"
"I was." She said monotonously. "I was asked by my brother to help him create a way for Eris over there to pass info to him in Midgard from here. Best way to do that is through a single person who has access to both. And who might that be?"
Myrddin looked over to Vidarr. Vidarr looked up and around before pulling out his tablet. With dexterity that betrayed his large frame, Vidarr unlocked the screen and typed a message with his large fingers and sent it. "I know who it is. I'm guessing you futzed with his memories?"
"More like fixed them. The link between his memories of being an Angel and a Human was severed by his dear old dad. It was easy to fix permanently."
Who are they talking about? Myrddin thought as his power passively peeked into their minds. He began to see an image popping up in their minds. A tall, tanned being with wings made of bright orange light, his short black hair slicked back with gel, and his cold, empty, gold eyes. Who are you?
"Why should I believe you? He's a self-serving prick who thinks he's too good to work with anyone."
"You probably shouldn't. I can't prove what I'm saying, but if it meant taking his dad down a peg or two, then you'd be surprised how willing he'd be to help."
"His father?" Myrddin asked.
"The guy who created the Angels. His name and face escape me, but Zahhak despises him."
"Enough. Who else here was affected by your powers, and what does he have to do with the Sin Cluster?" Vidarr asked.
Mnemosyne eyed Vidarr. "Yama, Michael, Eris, and the other members of Cerberus. Anyone who could pin me to the Cluster and Winchester. I had just enough targets left to get Myrddin and the two Sancti, but it looks like trying to use it on you gave me away." Suddenly, her eyes widened, and a smile crawled across her face. "No way…you didn't figure it out." She turned to Myrddin. "He didn't figure it out, but you did, right?" Myrddin's breathing quickened as he pulled back the layers of her memories. "Tell them. You can surprise them."
You can't be serious. This can't be! Myrddin thought as he ran through the ocean of memories. His eyes locked on hers. "You're a petty soul. Didn't matter who got in your way if it meant revenge against Zeus."
"Zeus?" Vidarr asked.
"Hmmm, partly," Mnemosyne answered coyly. "The Titans being usurped and killed was my reason for joining, but Zahhak and Prometheus had a bigger target with the Sin Cluster. Eris was just along for the ride and giggles."
"I'm…starting to get woozy…" Eris droned from her cell.
"Who?" Myrddin asked.
"Who? Obvious. It's whoever was hurt the worst by Pandora and Hephaestus' suffering. Promi and I hoped it would kill Pandora and take the piss out of Zeus and Zahhak's dad, but Epi got in the way. Two birds, one stone."
Myrddin's mind was battered by thoughts running through Vidarr's head. Countless images of Set and another being whose face he turned to static flooded his mind.
"Him…" Vidarr said.
"Bingo. That was just stage one, though. You only get the rest if you free me."
"No need," Myrddin spoke. Both Vidarr and Mnemosyne turned to him. "I got them all."
"Got what?"
"All your memories. Now I have the privilege of wondering if you or Prometheus is worse."
"How?!" Mnemosyne screamed.
"Like you said earlier, I'm a Cambion." He leered at Mnemosyne. "I have my ways." He turned to Vidarr, removing his hand from Vidarr's shoulder. "I'll give you all the information I have in return for one thing."
"I'm not letting you leave here with Arthur," Vidarr answered forcefully.
"I know, but can my team have at least a head start in trying?"
Vidarr felt the tablet in his hand vibrate. He looked down at it, seeing a message notification. He tapped it.
Give him thirty and demand everything. Do not spread word of this to Xolotl or Zahhak. We'll deal with the latter once the intruders are dealt with.
Yama, I hope you're onto something. Vidarr thought. "I'll give you thirty minutes."
"Well, that's oddly charitable of you."
"Should I go down to fifteen?"
"No, no. I accept. I'll throw in Eris' memories for good measure." Myrddin dug his left hand into his robe's side pocket, pulling out a small, clay-colored rectangular stone. He placed it against his forehead, letting black, coiling energy flow from his brow into it.
"How did you get a Tablet of Destiny?" Vidarr asked.
"Spent some time in Babylon and won it off of Nergal in a bet." Myrddin offered it to Vidarr, who took it. Myrddin then stepped away as Vidarr put the tablet to his forehead. He stood there motionless, and his eyes went blank. His eyes came back into focus, and he blinked a few times while shaking his head.
"Is that everything?" Vidarr whispered, staring at Myrddin.
"It is. I held nothing back. Wouldn't do either of us any good, and I think Yama desperately needs something like that. Besides, you'd be able to tell when I'm lying, right?"
"I would." He turned to Mnemosyne, his expression still vacant. "Do we need her?" Vidarr held the tablet aloft, and it vanished.
"No. Free her." Myrddin glared at Mnemosyne briefly before turning around and walking back to his group.
Mnemosyne sighed. "Finally," She said. "I can get—" Vidarr swung the axe, flat side down, and a nasty crunching sound erupted out of Mnemosyne's cell. He then swung it towards Eris' cell.
"Oh...oh shit—" Eris said. A sickening crunch erupted from her cell. Blood pooled in the cells as Vidarr stood in silence.
Myrddin's team watched the scene unfold as Myrddin walked back to them. "My word," Teddy muttered. "Not even a shred of mercy."
"They didn't deserve it," Camael said. "Look at those two." His sight shifted from Myrddin, who looked furious beyond compare, to Vidarr, who looked like the wind was knocked out of his sail, then turned to Teddy. "Whatever they found out, that may have been the most merciful thing they deserved."
"Gentlemen, we need to move," Myrddin said, walking past them. "We've got thirty minutes to get down to Arthur, break him out, and leave."
"Wait, what?" Yi asked.
"No time to explain. I got important info and traded it for time. We need to leave, now." Yi and Uriel exchanged glances, then turned to follow Myrddin. Myrddin looked back, catching Teddy and Camael remaining still. "Teddy. Cam."
Teddy waved his right hand. "You three go. We're staying here for a minute to make sure Vidarr keeps his word."
"You think me a liar?" Vidarr asked, gripping the axe hard enough to pop his knuckles.
"No, but I'm getting tired of just sneaking around, and I doubt you'd give us that much time if getting Arthur out was that easy." Vidarr smiled mirthlessly. "We won't be long." Myrddin turned forward, and the three ran back through the entrance. "Are they gone?"
"Yep," Camael answered, looking back to the entrance.
"Good." A monstrous aura exploded from Teddy's body. Vidarr's eyes widened, and Michael felt a massive surge of panic run through his body. "I'm not giving you a chance to do anything. We are leaving with Arthur. The only part you have say over is whether it's over your dead body or not."
Vidarr's eyes lit up, and he took his axe in both hands. "Gods, I hope you can back up your words. Today's going to shit real quick."
Suddenly, a wave of pressure washed over them, setting their nerves on end. "What was that!?" Teddy asked. "A tremor?!"
"No," Vidarr whispered. "I know this feeling…" He set his gaze up at the ceiling. Týr… He thought, resisting a smile. You've done it! Show them all what you're capable of! Show them why the Jotnar never dare invade Asgard again!
Asgard
One Century Ago
Not long ago, atop a Pegasus, Týr soared through the air towards a single stone tower amidst a vast forest. He wore a pair of metal gauntlets and boots along with his black pants, but his body was covered in burns and bruises, and his golden arm was dented in at the shoulder and had a few warped spots on the knuckles. The sound of rumbling thunder echoed behind him. "Ha!" He yelled. "Can't believe I pulled that off!" He recalled standing over a lifeless body made of stone and magma, its head crushed under his metallic fist. "Who'd have thought Surtr was the kind of Jotnar to fall into such a simple trap?" He looked ahead, eyeing the top of the tower and a small figure there coming into focus. Týr's eyes narrowed. "There you are…found you…"
As he got closer, the figure came into view. A youthful-looking God with green two-toned hair in a purple cloak and a black sleeveless shirt and pants tucked into matching pointed boots. Over his arms, he wore black sleeves held in place by belts just below his shoulders and gray fingerless gloves over his hands. Týr started to make out the snide look in his purple eyes as Loki watched him get closer.
"Hi, Týr!" Loki said mockingly as Týr descended amidst more rumbling in the distance. "Finally leaving the front lines to the real Norse Gods?"
"Well, that would explain why you're here, sending clones to fight for you." Loki shot him a snide glare without losing his smile. He turned back towards the way he came and focused his gaze. Several kilometers away, visible despite the distance and slowly lumbering across the land of Asgard while clad in armor, were Jotnar. Some the size of castles, others mountains. Some looked no different from Humans, others looked like they were made of stone, ice, or molten rock. At the front of the army, towering over them all with ears nearly touching the clouds, was a massive black wolf. Even in the distance, Týr could make out its yellow eyes and the metal collar around its neck. "Looks like Fenrir and his forces are heading for home."
Loki gasped dramatically. "Fenrir? The wolf who bit off your arm? The one who got away with embarrassing a Son of Odin?"
Týr nodded. "Yeah, he did!" He looked over at Loki, smiling wryly. "But that's old news."
"True, but—"
Týr raised his metallic hand. "Mockery later, Loki." Tyr clenched his fist, and purple flames shot out of the openings and joints. The scar around his eye ignited with the same burning energy. He stepped his right foot back and took an orthodox stance. "Not ashamed to admit it; I did take a nasty beating from Surtr. But, I had to, to make this happen."
Loki looked on in shock. "What is that?"
"Like it?" Týr asked, his voice reverberating. "It's the second technique I made! First, Allir Hlutir Jafnir, and now this. Stay clear, Loki. One…" Slowly, he twisted his body and extended his right hand out, slowly clenching it into a fist as it spun. The moment his arm fully extended and his fist turned until his thumb could point down, he went completely still. "Two." Loki looked at him in confusion and worry, and heard a pop in the distance near where the Jotnar marched. He turned to look, and all color drained from his face. Something massive, either invisible or too fast to see, had caused Fenrir's head to explode off his neck. Blood, bone, and organs flew off to the side in a downpour as Fenrir's body fell forward and collapsed. As he slowly pulled his arm back, Týr stepped his left foot to the side. "One." Slowly, he lifted his right foot off the ground and carefully swung it out towards the other Jotnar, who began to panic at the sight of their decapitated leader. His leg swung down, and his toes gently touched the floor. "Two." A series of loud pops and cracks echoed through the air, and as if a steel bar was swung through them all, the Jotnar were smashed to pieces. Armor, weapons, and body parts fell to the earth, creating tremors that Týr and Loki could feel from their tower. The Pegasus Týr rode on panicked and flew away.
Monster. Loki thought.
Týr breathed deeply and the flames vanished. He looked at Loki, still wearing the wry grin. "My aim was off," He said, the reverberation gone. "Meant to aim a little lower to make sure I got them all, but looks like I still got them."
Jörð Arena
The Ring
Back in the ring, Li's instincts roared through his weathered frame and compelled him to move. He dashed to the right, just in time to feel something large, heavy, and fast sail through the air behind him and crash into the arena wall, sending chunks of stone into the air. Li looked back and exhaled. Carved into the wall, in perfect shape, was the image of a clenched fist.
"What in all of Heaven was that?!" Li said. He turned to look at Týr, seeing his manic grin amidst the purple flames flowing from his outstretched armor and right eye.
"This is technique, Li!" Tyr roared, his voice echoing throughout the arena. "Technique carved into this feeble body of mine through countless years of effort, combat, and sheer unyielding will! It is my final gift to all those who dare to walk the true path of martial combat! It is my will! My burning soul manifested and Sannleikr's ultimate technique! Where I prove once and for all that RIGHT. MAKES. MIGHT!!!" The flames on Tyr's body grew. "Now grit your teeth so you don't bite your tongue! One…" Týr's voice echoed from the cruising platform as he slowly brought his right fist back to his face. As he did, he stretched out his left arm in a hook, slowly pivoting off his left foot to swing his arm across his field of vision. "Two!"
Li stomped down, firing himself up in the air as something scraped across the rooftops, tearing them off the buildings in a flurry of rubble. Li fell back down on the third floor near the hole he made, catching sight of Týr pulling his left fist back to his face as the platform hit the building on the opposite side of the ring and began rolling along the buildings' front walls. He then dropped his right shoulder, lowering his hand. "One…"
Li! We need to move! Alvitr shouted. Li exhaled sharply and dashed towards the wall to his right.
"Tie Shan Kao!" He roared, ramming his shoulder into the wall, shattering it, and flying into the wall of the neighboring building. He crashed through it and rolled onto the rubble-covered floor.
"Two." Týr swung his fist up in an uppercut, and the building Li was in exploded, debris flying everywhere as something scraped along the arena wall up, tearing away more stone. Run, Li. Run. Týr thought as he brought his right hand back to his face. This is the ultimate technique of MY Martial Art Sannleikr. He caught sight of Li through the building's windows as he dashed. I lost to your Bajiquan, but nothing and I mean NOTHING will defeat Sannleikr!
Helheim
Hade's Castle
Sitting on his throne, Hades rested his chin on his left fist as he watched the fight continue on the tablet he held delicately between his right index finger and thumb. He saw Týr slowly drop and raise his left hand in another uppercut, causing another building to explode and another gash to appear on the arena wall. "Hmmm," Hades uttered. "So that's what he meant. Guess it wasn't just talk. Well done, Týr."
Jörð Arena
Box Seats
Back at the arena, Zeus and Hermes looked on in shock as Týr performed another perfect right cross. Li crossed over to a multi-level thatched house just as the stone building he was one exploded, and another fist imprint appeared on the arena wall.
"What…what is going on?" Hermes whispered.
"I don't know," Zeus muttered. "I don't think I've ever seen this before."
"Jotunsbani," Set spoke reverently. All four turned to face him. "You all watched Round Nine? Takemikazuchi vs Ghulam?" They remained silent. "Takemikazuchi performed a similar technique to win, but this…this is it refined." He leaned forward, staring intensely at Týr. "This technique is technique, flawlessly performed in such a way that when performed, Týr can strike anything within his line of sight with enough force to decimate anything he sets his sights on."
"How are the attacks so large?" Hermes asked.
Set pointed his right index finger at his right eye. "This. The further away something is, the smaller it looks. Therefore, Týr's blows will replicate that and grow to match his perspective. If he can see you, he can hit you, and the further away you are…" Set brought his fingers together in a steeple. "The larger the attack."
Odin and Loki looked on solemnly, their expressions grim and focused on Týr.
Jörð Arena
The Bleachers
In the bleachers across from Zeus and Odin's Box Seats, the Martial Art Masters watch on in a mix of awe and dread as the circle of buildings slowly gets torn apart. Every so often, they saw Li dashing and jumping across the rubble to avoid the gigantic invisible attacks. Pandora gripped the railing as she impulsively bared her teeth in panic, and Brünhilde looked on in calm dread as she too held the railing. Göll had clasped her hands together as if in prayer.
Li! Please win! She thought.
Far from them, Wu Zhong sat alone and felt something tug at his heart. Tyr. Is this what you were trying to become? He thought, his eyes welling up. To see this, to be one of your teachers. I know your victory dooms us, but you honor us all with such a beautiful expression of your soul. I never thought I would see such a thing!
Jörð Arena
The Ring
This isn't working! Li thought as he ran, feeling more aches and pains shoot through his body. He's attacking me with such power from so far away! How?! Suddenly, Li turned around and ran in the opposite direction.
Li! What're you doing?! He's attacking us in that direction!
I know, but I need to test something! Li dashed back through the decimated buildings as the platform cruised alongside the buildings.
Týr saw him and felt his pulse accelerate. Are you figuring it out, Li?! Týr thought. Good! I never do things haphazardly! Everything follows rules! Including Jotunsbani! You'd better figure it out quick, or you'll die like the Jotnar did! Týr slowly brought his right arm close to his chest and twisted his torso to the right. "One…" He then twisted back to the left and swung a slow right body blow up diagonally across his body. "Two." The row of buildings caught in Týr's perspective exploded as the invisible force crashed through them. Li hopped up just before it struck him, but he felt the dispersed air hit him from behind, and he smirked.
I was right! He thought. He got back on the platform to attack, because the move has range, and grows larger the further away he is from me! And he's counting out loud. A time limit? A charge up? Why two?! There are so many questions, and I just can't help it! He stomped down hard as Týr fired another hook, launching himself up as another blow tore through the town. I'm having such a blast! Alvitr!
I got you, Li! No point in trying to hold you back! She shouted.
WELL SAID! Li landed and resumed his sprint. Either way, two seconds seems to be the window of opportunity. I have to close the gap in such a short window…too easy! Pain continued to arc through his body as he felt the body suit tighten. Huan Ying Chuang Bu! Li stomped down and vanished. Tyr quietly gasped as Li disappeared again. He breathed slowly and softly and shut his eyes. His ears twitched just a little as he tilted his head left and right. He could hear the rhythmic pattern from before. The cracking of stone and ceramic tiles, the minimal contact between Li's feet and the floor, and now his labored breathing. It grew closer with each passing millisecond. It then went quiet, and Týr opened his eyes.
He stepped to the left and pivoted off his left foot, just in time for Li to stomp down on the platform right where he stood. Li turned his head to look back, only to see Týr right next to him, his metallic hand flat with the tips of his fingers barely touching Li's back. Bruce Lee felt a weight smash into his stomach as he watched in horror what was about to happen. "One," Týr whispered. Jotunsbani doesn't need range to maximize damage, Li. He thought as he clenched his hand into a fist and tapped Li. "Two." The 'force' just gets spread out. Being this close means… Li felt his body begin to fold and lift off the ground. He flew up and off the platform, flying like a bullet. He crashed through the remains of a nearby rooftop, sending more rubble airborne, and crashed into the arena wall, dislodging more stone before bouncing off and skipping across the decimated buildings before crashing into a pile of rubble. You'll take the full force of that entire move in just one spot.
"Li…Li's down!" Heimdall yelled from high above the arena, his palms sweating. "Týr just destroyed an entire town and bounced Li off the terrain like a stone skipping on a pond!"
The platform cruised by the sight of Li's fall, and Týr watched on as he went by. The energy still flowed out of his arm and eye. Li, if that killed you, then be proud. I made Jotunsbani to fight alongside my brothers, and despite the cost to use it, you MADE me use it. This was not an exhibition. Týr felt something fill his chest. It rushed up his throat and made him choke, forcing him to lurch forward and retch blood. To use this power means Tiwaz is going into overdrive, and my body can't take that forever!
Jörð Arena
Medical Wing
Not too far from where Johannes and Reginleif watched on in disbelief, Takemikazuchi, Susano'o, and Radgridr watched the same scene unfold from his room. Susano'o, sitting next to Takemikazuchi's bed, grew a small smirk. "You got to be kidding me…when did Týr learn, no, master Musouken?" He asked himself.
"Mastered?" Takemikazuchi asked without looking away from the screen. "You mean that thing Ghulam and I did?"
"Yes, but I don't know how he's doing it! Even using Musouken once can destroy the heart if the body is not in peak form!"
"Could it be his Rune?" Radgridr asked sheepishly, her fingers running across her tablet without looking at it. Both Gods turned to her, confused. "Týr's Rune Tiwaz creates rules. Maybe he's using it to…control it?"
"Can Runes do that?" Takemikazuchi asked.
"I don't know…knowledge of Týr's Rune Tiwaz is scarce, and the last one researching it was Baldr."
"No, I think you're onto something," Susano'o said, looking back at the monitor. "Týr's movements earlier had no power behind them. Maybe he has to perform those moves a certain way, at a certain speed, or something like that to use Musouken without it outright killing him?"
"Almost like…funneling an explosion through a shaped path?" She asked. "I've seen things like that with bombs in some games I played before.
"Possibly, but I'd never think such a thing was possible," Susano'o answered. Týr…what pushed you to go this far? You're already powerful, but this is too much!
Jörð Arena
The Bleachers
Back at the Human side of the Arena, Brunhilde felt her heart begin to break as Týr continued to stand tall despite the toll. *Týr…*She thought. Suddenly, her eyes widened slightly. Out of the rubble, opposite of Týr's location in the arena, Li slowly rose. His green changshan was torn up, revealing more of the black bodysuit. His face was littered with cuts, and he was bleeding from the side of his mouth and nose. He stumbled out of the rubble but fell to his hands and knees after just a few steps. Li… She shook her head.
Valhalla
A Couple of Months Ago
Far from the arena, near the base of a mountain, Brünhilde stood with her Pegasus behind her as she stared at Li in silence. He had his eyes closed and was holding Ma Bu, his breathing in perfect rhythm.
"What do you want, Brünhilde?" Li asked without opening his eyes.
"The Human Extermination Council is meeting soon. I heard word their vote will be unanimous for Humanity's end." She answered stoically.
"Why do I care?"
"You're Human. This means the end of your species. The end of Kung-fu and Bajiquan."
"It means nothing other than Humanity has reached the end of the path it took. We're not poor little animals for you to fret and pity over. If this is the end, then so be it."
"You're letting the Gods dictate the future?"
An aura exploded out of Li's stalwart form. "Do not attempt to play to my ego. Greater fools died for less." The aura vanished. Li rose and sighed. "Do you think the Gods are evil for doing this?"
"No, but they're not right for it either." Li stood quietly. "Humanity is not good, but it isn't wrong for existing. They have the right to exist, and the Gods acting so callously is disrespectful."
"Fancy way to say we deserve to live despite our flaws, just because we exist." He smirked a little.
"Maybe, but it's true and deserves the weight."
"Well said. So why are you here? Why tell me this?"
"Ghulam told me about you." Li shook his head and clicked his tongue. "He said you'd be perfect for Ragnarök; Humanity's revenge against the Gods through one-on-one fights."
"I…would be fighting a God?" Li's eyes grew a little light.
"Yes, and I can guarantee if this works, it'll be a fight worthy of you and your Bajiquan," She said, growing a wicked smile.
Li grew a wry, but wide, grin. "If what you say is true, then I might be willing to join."
Jörð Arena
The Bleachers
I pulled you into this, Li. Brünhilde thought. Like everyone else. Like Ghulam. I know I'm selfish, but please forgive me for doing this.
Jörð Arena
The Ring
Li struggled and shook as he rose off the decimated floor. He looked up, catching sight of Týr in the distance, watching him. Something cold and wet dripped into Li's left eye and obscured his vision. He reached his left hand up to his eye and wiped it, then looked at his hand. Blood.
He sighed. "I got careless," He whispered.
It's…it's okay, Li. Alvitr said softly.
"How are you holding up?"
Won't beat around the bush. Everything hurts. It took almost everything I had to keep that last blow from shattering your ribs and spine. I'm sorry, Li. I don't think I have much left…
"It's not your fault. You did well and helped make this one last good fight possible." He placed his right hand over his chest. "But I can't stop now. There's still more to do...Alvitr, will you help me one last time? Not to survive, but to win?"
To win? Li felt a small surge of aura from the suit. To win?! Damn right to win! Don't you start getting sappy on me, Li-Laoshi!
Li smiled wryly. "Must be old age." An aura began to flow off his body. "To think I was motivated by a student's drive." Li stood straight and walked over to the edge of the building's remains. He stopped just at the end, focusing all his senses on his opponent.
Týr, eyeing him, grew a wide, childish grin. "How the hell did you survive?!" He shouted. "Who cares! I'm ready to keep going! You?!"
Li inhaled and roared. "Always!" Li stood at the edge of the floor, eyeing Týr. His body screamed at him with pain, begging him to stop. He pushed the screams away as he watched Týr slowly prepare his next blow from the rolling platform. This…is absurd. No, even absurd doesn't describe what he's capable of. He sighed. I wonder if I could do that, too. A jolt shot from his brain down to his feet. His eyes widened. There is…more to learn. That means I can still find more tools to use! And my Baji can still grow! He breathed slowly and deeply. That means new tools to try…or new ways to use what I know…
Týr just returned to his orthodox stance, ready to fire his next blow. What's he doing? He thought. Týr's brow furrowed. Baldr, Thor, and even you, Vidarr...today was not possible without you three showing me what true brotherhood was. This life would not have happened were it not for you. Please watch me. Please watch your baby brother show creation his true power! "GET READY!" Týr roared. "One…" Li remained still, continuing his breathing. The world rippled around Týr's body. Týr slowly rotated back to the left and extended his right arm out, rotating it until it was fully extended. "Two." The air in front of his fist rippled and cracked. The invisible force shot out towards Li.
Li felt the destructive wave sailing towards him. "Alvitr, keep me held together one more time."
Go get him! Alvitr yelled. He let his body go lax. He stepped forward and dropped. His body was perfectly parallel to the ground. He heard a crash above him and saw debris out of his peripheral vision. The Human audience looked on in horror. Brünhilde and Pandora felt their hope vanish. Göll…looked on without fear or dread, watching as Li demanded.
He looked ahead, eyeing the moving platform and Týr on top of it. He was already slowly twisting back into his stance. Two seconds. Li thought. He looked down, taking in the closing-in floor littered with holes. He looked at the house's wall, noticing the abrasions from the platform grinding and colliding with it. He looked back at Týr. More than enough.
LET'S GOOOOO! Alvitr roared, using all her strength to hold the bodysuit together.
Li inhaled and coiled his legs. He roared. "ZHEN JIAO!" Li stomped into the wall with both feet. The house exploded behind him as he fired off like a cannonball. He saw Týr's look of horror as he flew right at him. Up in the stands, Wu Zhong looked on in utter shock.
Li…performed Zhen Jiao on a wall…while falling!? Wu Zhong screamed mentally. Does that man have a death wish?!
Li flew right into the path of the platform. The air roared around him as he flew. Týr readjusted his posture to aim straight ahead. He twisted. "One—"
Li closed the gap. His left foot slammed down hard enough to shake the platform and the arena floor beneath it. He felt his femur snap in two under the force of the Zhen Jiao as his body twisted to the right, and he thrust out his left hand. "Bajiquan Juezhao: Meng Hu Ying Pa Shan!" Li's palm collided with Týr's fist. The air between the strikes burst out in all directions. The milliseconds dragged on as both Martial Arts Masters felt the force of the collision sail through their arms. Li's palm shattered into pieces as bone pierced through the back of his hand, as his fingers folded into his decimated palm. He felt the bones up to his shoulder shatter and heard Alvitr screaming in pain. Týr's golden arm…burst into pieces, the remains flying behind him and scattering across the stone floor.
He stopped Jotunsbani before I could finish the punch?! "Holy shit…" Týr muttered. "That's what I'm talking about!" He roared, stepping his left foot back and turning into a Southpaw stance. It was in that moment, the sheer maddening sight of an old man firing himself like artillery at a moving target, that Týr felt inspiration rise once more. The second loss of his dominant arm, the sheer desperation that may come from it, the potential moment that it may one day happen again. Today was that day.
Týr brought his left arm in tight and twisted back to the left. "One…!" He fired his left hand. "Two!"
Li twisted his crumbling body to the left mid-fall, and pain shot up his left leg as he put all his weight on it. He stomped his right foot down, shaking the arena once again. His right femur snapped on impact, but his right vertical fist fired up towards Týr's chest. "Bajiquan Juezhao: Li Di Tong Tian Pao!"
Týr's left fist…scraped against Li's body suit and the sleeve of his Changshan, cutting clean through it. It scraped against Li's right cheek and tore it open before ripping Li's right ear off. The invisible force smashed into the arena wall, leaving behind another colossal imprint of a fist.
Li's fist…smashed into Týr's sternum, lifting Týr off his feet. Li's right fist exploded with broken bone piercing out of his mangled hand and forearm.
Li crumbled to the ground with Alvitr trying to stifle her screams in his head, but Týr landed back on his feet. Týr's body shook as he forced himself to stand straight. On that moving platform, in front of the entire audience, in front of every God and Mortal who called themselves a Martial Artist, the end of the match finally arrived.
Týr stood tall as the platform slowed down to a crawl and stopped. He looked down at Li's crumbled and mangled body as the purple flame around his right eye extinguished. He breathed slowly and retched blood. He then looked down at the spot Li struck him. A fist-sized dent sat in the center of his chest, and it started bruising. He could feel his ribs piercing out of his back and the blood trickling down from the open wounds. He opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out but more blood.
Thor looked on in shock at the monitor in his room. Odin and Loki felt an overwhelming sense of dread as Zeus looked on solemnly. Hermes hung and shook his head. Vidarr felt a sharp chill make his hair stand on end.
Fuck, Li! You punched my chest so hard, I can't even speak! Týr thought as he smiled. Cracks started to grow from the blow. Man...I don't get any last words…guess I didn't need them. He looked back at Li, and their eyes met. Týr smiled softly as Li's stone-cold glare vanished into a solemn gaze. Týr shook his head. You dare start pitying me, I WILL come back from Niflheim to kill you!
"Týr…" Li uttered as Alvitr appeared next to him, the bodysuit vanishing. Her mangled body was a mirror image of Li's. "I won, but I know…if I ever fought you again…I'd..." Li struggled to breathe. "I'd lose. Thank you…for taking it easy on me…and for the greatest moment of my life..."
His body began to glow green. Damn it...DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! DAMN IT! Tyr thought, pursing his lips and closing his eyes. Don't say that! That's not fair! I can't even say it back...Damn it... The cracks began to spread. It was a pleasure, Li! I tried to give everyone I loved and respected the best fight of their lives…but you gave me mine! I wish I could tell you that, but I bet you already know… He opened his eyes and looked up at the audience, spotting Brünhilde. She was crying and gripping the rails hard enough that they bent under her strength. Tyr caved and smiled softly at her. Hilde, you could never return my feelings, but…you were my friend, and all I ever wanted was for you to be happy. I hope you understand how happy you…no…how happy you AND Sieg made me…and I wish I could have done the same. I hope you can forgive me…see ya. The cracks reached every point of his body. He closed his eyes slowly, and he shattered. The green shards floated into the sky before vanishing. All of the Martial Artists in the stands hung their heads. God, Demigod, Angel, Demon, and Mortal. Each and every one of them knew, just like with Ghulam, just like with Futsunushi, one of their kin had passed.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, it's over!" Heimdall shouted over the decimated arena. "Round Ten's Martial Arts Madness has come to an end! The Winner of Round Ten and Beat The Drum! LI! SHU! WEEEEEEEN!"
Li Shuwen vs Týr
Victor: Li Shuwen
Match Length: 10 Minutes 12 Seconds
Deciding Move: Li Di Tong Tian Pao
Humans 5 – 5 Gods