Chapter two: Thor vs. Lu Bu
"Are you sure you don't want to go to that fancy new seafood restaurant?" Daniel asked as Anne opened the door to his apartment.
"One, that place is too expensive. Two, I want to show off my cooking for you." Anne held up a bag of Thai ingredients. "And three, I want to learn more my boyfriend. That's why we're having dinner here." Anne looked around. "Very clean, not what I expected from a bachelor apartment." She then saw a bookshelf. "Let's see what you like read. Norse Legends, Gods and Monsters of Greece, you're a mythology buff!"
"Ha, ha got me. That was my minor. I've been into this stuff since I was kid. I guess that's one the reasons I love your stories about Amphibia. You are a hero of a modern myth."
"That was a long time ago. Well dinner isn't going to cook itself! Where is the kitchen?"
"In there." After Anne went in Daniel sighed and pulled out a small box. "Not according to plan, but I can make this work." Anne was washing some vegetables as Daniel came in. "Anne we've been dating for a while now…"
"Almost a year." Anne smiled.
"Yeah, and no one has ever made me feel the way I do like you. So, I know some people would say I'm going too fast with this but…to hell with it!" Daniel got on one knee and opened the box revealing a ring. "Anne Boonchuy, will you marry me?"
Anne gasped, tears of joy in her eyes. "What? Is this really…Yes!" She slipped the ring on her finger. "I will marry you!" They kissed, deep in joy. "There is so much to do now! I need to tell Mom and Dad, my friends, we need to find a new apartment…"
"Hey, hey. There is plenty of time. Right now, let's just enjoy this moment."
"Right." Anne got out her phone and raised her hand. "Engagement selfie!" As she took the picture Daniel kissed her on the cheek making her laugh with joy.
That laughter echoed in Daniel's head as he stared at where the photo used to be beside his bed. "Anne." He went into his living room seeing Sprig and Ivy asleep and cuddled next to each other on his couch and Polly looking things up on Anne's old phone. "Come on guys. We got work to do. Ragnarök begins tomorrow."
The two frogs woke up. "How are you holding up Daniel?" Ivy asked.
"I'm…trying Ivy. I've taken a leave of absence from the hospital, Tony is using all his sick days, and Lucas is leaving his employees in charge of his shop. I keep thinking that we might not have jobs when this is over but then I remember that if we fail then it will be the end of humanity so there wouldn't be any jobs! Everyone is going about their lives not knowing that they might all be dead soon! We have been researching for a week to find a way to restore the girls to normal with zero leads and found nothing! So yeah, like I said I'm trying." Daniel panted. "I'll get some breakfast ready then let's get back to Valhalla."
As Daniel left Sprig looked on with pity. "As much as the thought of what happened to Anne pains me, he must be feeling even worse. Ivy, I can't bear to think if the same thing happened to you."
"We'll find a way to save them darling." Ivy held Sprig close.
"Yeah, we're team Ragnarök!"
Later they entered the library of Valhalla. "How's it going guys?" Polly asked.
Lucas grumbled. "I feel like I'm back in finals week of high school!" Tony said nothing as he kept going through a large stack of books. "He's barely slept."
"Where's mom?" Daniel asked.
"She and Aunt Goll are in the other room putting the final touches on the list of human fighters. Danny, have you seen it? Yeah, there are definitely some power houses in there but others…well I don't remember our history teacher ever saying anything about some of these guys secretly being bad asses."
"Mom has been at this kind of thing for thousands of years. You know she has a trick up her sleeve. She always does."
"That's what I'm worried about."
"This…this is it! This is what changed Marcy and the others!" Tony shouted.
"Finally! What is and how do we undo it?" Ivy asked.
"The Loom of Fate."
The Loom of Fate. According to Greek myth the destiny of every living creature was weaved into a tapestry by the Fates. The tool they used, the Loom. Legend has it the if one were to reweave the tapestry with the loom, they would reweave the past, present, and future.
Daniel smiled for the first time in a week. "Way to go Tony! We need to show this to Mom right away!"
They came in the middle of a conversation between Brunnhilde and Goll. The images of Brunnhilde's chosen warriors floated in the air. "Lu Bu is first up for the humans? You mean the Lu Bu?" Goll asked.
"Correct." Brunnhilde answered.
"Br…Brunnhilde that guy is way too dangerous! He's the one who said he was bored after taking the lives of countless others! Listen, I know he is the strongest warrior in the Three Kingdoms. But is there even any way that he can defeat a god one on one?"
"Oh no. No there isn't." Brunnhilde said matter of factly.
Everyone was as shocked as Goll hearing that. "Ah! There isn't? Then why?!"
"The source of each god's strength is in their weapons. Weapons which are all forged in heaven to give them their absolute power. Compared to what the gods produce mortal weapons are mere toys. The man who welds them matters not. Goll, it's not possible for any human. Their strength makes no difference." The Planters thought back to the battle they saw Anjia, Sashin, and Marcelia fought remembering all that devastation was brought about by their weapons.
"There's…no…hope." Goll said before falling to the floor. "Why are we even trying?" she cried.
The brothers were about to object when Brunnhilde said. "Your reaction's about right. Anyone would assume the mortals are doomed. But what if the humans had a weapon of gods? And what if blinded by our choice of champion they simply fail to notice."
"Does that mean…" Goll was interrupted by a glowing green light. "…isn't this…"
"What's going on?" Sprig asked.
"A family reunion." Daniel said.
The light swirled into a portal. A red-haired woman stepped through, and ten other female figures stood behind her. "Eldest sister, did you summon us? We eleven Valkyries have answered you call. And by your wishes have assembled here. What is it you need from us?"
"Oh, our sisters!" Goll exclaimed. "This is the first time all thirteen of us have been gathered in one location isn't it. Brunnhilde, may I ask what it is your planning? I don't understand. How can the other Valkyries help?"
Brunnhilde addressed the sister that stepped through the portal. "Greetings Randgriz step forward."
"Right, very well." The fourth eldest Valkyrie said. As the portal closed the brothers couldn't help but see all their aunts smile at them.
"It's nice to see a familiar face." Goll said to which Randgriz smiled.
Brunnhilde cut to the chase. "Let's not dawdle then. I trust you have knowledge of Thor's Divine Treasures."
"Why but of course." Randgriz said. "First, there are the iron gauntlets which can block off any attack, the Jarngreipr. Then, there's Mjolnir, the hammer that became legend when it defeated the Jotunn army."
"That's right. The two powerful weapons wielded by the god of thunder. They're the pride of heaven, but they're damn cheap if you ask me."
"Uh, that language…" Goll said under her breath.
"For us to stand a chance against Thor, we'll need to outclass those armaments of his. If you would be so kind, then go ahead and offer yourself, Randgriz."
Randgriz gave a curtsy. "As you wish, sister. With the utmost pleasure."
"Uh, hold on. Offer yourself how?" Goll asked.
Brunnhilde looked to Goll then to Daniel. "It is time for you all to learn of the Valkyries greatest power. Daniel, Lucas, Anthony, let's face it. I've been a crap mother. But everything I did; I did to keep you safe from the gods. All I ever wanted was for you three to live happy mortal lives. I never wanted any of this for you but given what's at stake, how you three have personally become involved that's not possible now. Fate had other plans it seems."
"This is…this is what I wanted to know since I was child." Daniel thought.
"Oh right! I can't believe I almost forgot!" Tony said handing the book to his mother. "We think we've found what changed the past!"
"Has something happened?" Randgriz asked.
"Cliff notes version, our friends, the fiancées of you nephews, are prisoners inside of the evil Three Goddess Sisters." Ivy explained as Brunnhilde read the book.
"The Loom of Fate, well that explains things. Sprig you said Anjia told you the sisters plan to kill the other gods, correct?"
"Right before she said they'd kill us." Sprig shuttered at the memory.
"In that case, I think I know who our culprit is. The only one with both the skill to work the loom and motive to kill both the gods and man, the goddess of sorcery, Tempestia."
"I've been studying the myths and legends of the gods my whole life and I never heard of her." Daniel said.
"Yeah sis, me neither." Goll added.
"I'm not surprised. Long, long ago, Tempestia stole the Loom of Fate in hopes of using it to make herself queen of all the gods. I don't know who, but someone told the gods her plan. Thus, they stopped Tempestia before she could use it. She was sentenced to suffer eternal imprisonment in the void between the realms and they destroyed her kingdom, Atlantis. And so, humankind forgot all about her. But it seems now that Tempestia has escaped, she could be in any realm in the multiverse. She most likely kept the events of her imprisonment intact purely so the gods will remember the suffering they caused her as she enacts her revenge of which Anne, Marcy, and Sasha are key." Brunnhilde closed the book. "That slut whore witch! Steal my future daughter in-laws and break the hearts of my sons, will she?! When I find that sleazy slut bitch, I'll tear her a new one!"
"Calm down Brunnhilde!" Goll pleaded.
"And that's how the swear jar paid for my college education." Tony said. "If there is anything more about the loom, I might be able use the god's tech to track it…track it down."
"Woah Tony! You're exhausted." Polly said. "You are not going to do Marcy any good if you push yourself too hard. Take the rest of the day off and get some sleep. Don't worry, you got Amphibia's greatest technological prodigy on your side! With this place's infinity G network, I can pull together something that will find that loom."
"Still we're looking for a needle in a haystack multiple dimension big! We can't be dragging our heels on this! We need to find that thing before we get too deep in this challenge!" Lucas yelled making most having looks of shock on their faces.
Brunnhilde looked Lucas in the eyes. "Don't think I haven't noticed Lucas. You've been tense for days, pouring almost as much into this research as your brother, and questioning my every choice when it comes to the Ragnarök. This isn't like you at all, in fact you can be damn lazy at times. So, tell your mother, what is really bothering you?"
Lucas took a deep breath. "The only fighter we know for sure that is representing the gods is Thor. In all these plans to kill the gods to save humanity, have any of you considered the possibility that the girls might be fighting on the other team?!"
Both his brothers faced the floor. "We…try not to think about that." Daniel said.
"With so many gods the odds are they won't be fighting." Tony said.
Lucas clenched his fists. "I'm not sure about that, and saving mankind means nothing to me if we can't save Sasha too! In that research I came across some info on the goddess who has Sasha under her thumb. Sashin is a war goddess! In this timeline her lust for battle is legendary! They called her the most bloodthirsty woman in all creation! There is no way she wouldn't want to fight!"
Meanwhile elsewhere in Valhalla...
"What do you mean I can't fight?!" Sashin shouted causing the three sisters' chamber to shake. Pink flames leapt off her, like a volcano about to erupt.
"I will not have you three wasting your energy on a Valkyries' flight of fancy when the revenge I've waited eons for so close!" Through a dark portal Tempestia spoke. From her head purple horns grew.
"But mother! I would be against just one human! It would only take a second! Less!"
"I said no Sashin!"
"Oh, looks like mommy won't let you play." Sasha mocked.
"Shut up Sasha!" Sashin yelled.
"Mother, we always knew the plan could have setbacks." Marcelia said.
"And I made you a goddess of knowledge to find ways around those setbacks. Tell me Marcelia, how is it that after the five thousand years you spent getting close to the other gods, memorizing all heavenly law, you were unable to stop this!?
"Maybe someone's not as smart as she thinks she is." Marcy sang.
"Be quite!" Marcelia snapped.
Tempestia was not pleased with what she heard her daughter say. "Seriously? After a thousand years of torment, you three still have not utterly broken your mortal remnants?"
"They are only getting mouthy because this this Ragnarök foolishness has given them false hope that they and mankind can be saved." Anjia said. "They are an irritant Mother, nothing more. They are powerless to interfere."
"Your remnant took complete control of your body recently. You do not fill me with confidence Anjia."
"That was…"
"Enough excuses! You will stop pouting and whining like children and act like goddesses! You will keep up pretenses and only observe the Ragnarök. Once it is over, play your parts and use the power of the stones to kill the gods! Remember I made you what you are, and I can just as easily unmake you!"
"Yes, Mother." The sisters said as the portal closed.
"She always ruins our fun!" Sashin stomped the floor.
"We know sister, we know." Anjia said in a soothing voice. "But at least we'll have great seats to watch the fight tomorrow."
"And she was right about keeping up appearances." Marcelia said. "How about we pour you a bath to relax. Now that we're off Amphibia we can fill the tub with the blood of humans this time."
Sashin hugged her sisters. "You two always know what to do to cheer me up."
The next day the Vahalla arena was packed.
"Okay, so all these humans here in the audience are dead?" Polly asked nervously.
"From all over the world, stretching back from the ancient past to the recently departed." Lucas said.
"And the magic here lets us understand any language they may speak. Too bad you frogs don't know more about human history. There are a lot of famous faces in the crowd." Daniel sighed.
"Yeah, I'd feel a lot better about our fighters too if I knew they what they did why it was important." Ivy moaned.
"Guys that hair! Einstein! That's Albert Einstein!" Tony gushed.
"From what Anjia said in her speech, all of Amphibia will be watching this too." Sprig thoughts went to Hop Pop.
"Speaking of…" Polly grabbed the Planter family phone and began recording getting disapproving stares from her family. "What? There are no rules against it here and when we change history back, I want to show everyone this! It'll be bigger than Love Choice!"
"Whoa, looks like they're almost ready." Goll said. "So, it'll start soon then?"
"Yes." Brunnhilde replied.
"There are so many gods here. I wonder which of them they're going to send out first."
"Please not Sasha. Please not Sasha!" Lucas thought.
The Three Goddess Sisters took their seats just below those some of the most famous gods. "Private box, good." Sashin said.
"It's nice we don't have to deal with the riff raff. And we can hear everything Zeus and the others say." Marcelia agreed
"And the best part is as we watch so will our remnants. With each human defeat we'll finally grind their spirts to dust." Anjia sat as the lights dimmed.
In the center of the arena the spotlight focused on Heimdall Norse guardian of the end who was master of ceremonies. "At long last I've been waiting for this for ages. The moment I finally get to blow the Gjallarhorn! It's time to raise the curtain for the main event! That's right, the wildly anticipated Ragnarök! Let's get loud, everyone. Are you ready?" There was a massive cheer. "The rules are straightforward. It's a fight to the death, whether they're human or a god. The victor shall be decided the moment that one party annihilates the other. Our first round begins. Introducing god number one, the legend himself. Everybody knows who this is. His trusty Mjolnir can crush the earth! And if he can't do it no one can, because he lives for battle and dies for battle." The first god appeared in a globe of lightning, a giant hammer before him. "The strength of the Norse. The one and only Thor!"
"They're really starting off with the god of thunder?" Goll panicked. "There's no way we can win against that monster is there?"
"I have faith in our warrior, Goll." Brunnhilde said. "Don't worry. He's got this. Of all the men I've encountered on the battlefield, he's the boldest…No, the most savage and deranged beast that I have ever met." Those words made the frogs gulp.
Heimdall continue. "Moving on. Here's the guy who's representing the humans today. First up for the idiots,"
"Hey!" Anne, Sasha, and Marcy yelled.
"…here he is!" Heimdall finished as a large gong was wrung. A section of the human audience, all soldiers wearing oriental armor, banged gongs and drums. "What was that? Is this where your legacy ends?"
"No!" the army yelled.
"Seven million years of history, is this where you yield your pride?"
"No!" Out of one of the arena doors a horse ran in carrying a man wrapped with cloth and paper talismans.
"Whoa." Goll gasped.
"Here we go." Daniel said.
"So, before cars you humans used that weird animal instead of snails?" Sprig wondered.
"Oh dear." Aphrodite cried with excitement.
"So that's who she's chosen, predictable." Marcelia sighed with disappointment.
"That's right. He's determined to carry the torch for mankind." Hiemdall announced. "There's no one else like him." The wrapped figure flexed his muscles tearing the cloth. "He's a brute! He's ravenous enough to devour the gods. Is there anybody more bloodthirsty?"
"No!" the army yelled.
Sashin was not happy. "Are you kidding me? I should be the one in their just prove my title as the most bloodthirsty woman in creation!"
Heimdall continued his introduction. "He's one of the most vicious barbarians since the dawn of time. Any objections?"
"No!"
The cloth fully ripped off the first champion for humanity was revealed. "He's the champion of China! The flying general, Lu Bu!"
As the humans cheered their champion Team Ragnarok went higher in the stands passing a preying monk. "Hail, Amitabaha Buddha. Hail, Amitabaha Buddha. Hail, Amitabaha Buddha."
"That's enough! Stop praying human." Brunnhilde said as she walked by. "There's something you should realize about the deities you're praying to. They're the same ones we have to defeat. Your prayers, they're for the enemy."
"We're off! It's a dispute of destiny. The last stand-off between god and man, the Ragnarök!" Heimdall said. "We've got a hard pair of heavy hitters for our first match-up! Representing the gods, here comes the Nordic force, the berserker of thunder himself, give it up for Thor!" Thor threw off his long white cloak showing his muscular body. Across from him Lu Bu dismounted his horse. "And his opponent from the human side…"
Unlike everyone else the sons of Brunnhilde looked up to the sky. "This is it guys. Our family's legacy." Daniel whispered.
Randgriz appeared high above the arena. "Divine Treasure Forge! Volundr!" Her body shined, twisted, and shifted into a halberd.
She shot down right into Lu Bu's hand. As Heimdall continued. "The toughest hero from the records of Three Kingdoms…Let's get loud for Lu Bu!" the audience cheered once again. "It truly is the strongest versus the strongest! The energy in the arena is fully off the charts!"
"Lu Bu may be strong, but Brunnhilde, do you think he can win?" Goll asked as the team made it to the top of the arena.
"It seems you doubt that humanity stands a chance. Is that what you honestly choose to believe?" Brunnhilde replied.
"Ah, I don't know!" was Goll's answer.
"I want to believe we can win. It's Anne's only chance." Sprig said. "But what we saw in Amphibia…I don't see how."
Brunnhilde understood. "I'm certain every god gathered here today believes the same thing. Every single one of them. That's why man has a chance. The gods fucked with the human race for far too long. Now's the best time for them to kick their asses."
"Uh, you did not just say 'fuck'." Goll blushed.
"I said what I said."
"So, we're kicking their asses?"
"That's right sister."
"Jeez. You know you have a filthy mouth sometimes, sis."
"How many centuries have known her Aunt Goll?" Tony sighed. "We've known that about her since we were five."
"Here we go. Do you know how long I've yearned for this? I finally get to play that wonderful sound." Heimdall said with tears of joy in his eyes taking a long deep breath.
According to the Edda of Norse mythology, when Heimdall, the guardian of the end, blows the Gjallarhorn, it signals a cataclysmic event. That momentous struggle of epic proportions. Let the Ragnarök begin!
"May they be extinguished." Odin said.
"I couldn't agree more, you old cyclops." Anjia whispered.
"I'm not sure what I imagined, but it's starting. Goll said. "The battle between gods and mankind."
"And the of the souls of the women we love hang in the balance." Daniel clenched his fist. The Gjallarhorn made a thunderous sound that echoed through all of Valhalla.
THE FINAL BATTLE BETWEEN GOD AND MAN
ROUND ONE
THOR VS. LUBU
THE BATTLE BEGINS!
After catching his breath Heimdall moved to the edge of the arena. "Now then, the mightiest of the gods is primed, and the mightiest of men is ready! Without further ado, may the first round commence!" But no one expected what happened next. "Look at that. They've lowered their weapons! And they're… They're defenseless! It seems like they're about to approach each other." The two combatants slowly walked toward each other. "How unpredictable and we've only just begun. Both fighters have left their guards completely open. Yet it appears they're starting to close in on the distance between them!"
"Come on Thor get the lead out of your pants! This is boring." Sashin complained.
"Well sister if he rushes then it would be over too quickly." Marcelia said.
"Huh. Neither of them looks interested in their enemy's next move. As if they don't care about taking advantage of any strategies." Zeus observed.
"I had a feeling things might go this way." Shiva said sounding bored.
Goll was worried. "Brunnhilde, the guy who's defending humanity's honor does know what he's doing, right? 'Cause the impression that I'm getting is he's kind of underestimating what he's up against."
"That's how the so-called strongest live their lives." Brunnhilde thought.
"Uh yeah. He does know this is a fight, right?" Polly asked.
"That's the thing." Daniel said. "From what I've read. They both are used to destroying their enemies in one powerful move." Lu Bu twirled his halberd and swung it down on Thor who blocked it with Mjolnir in one hand pushing the god back several feet. Lu Bu lept up ready for another strike. Thor blocked again pushing Lu Bu back. Thor rushed in and this time Lu Bu blocked the god's hammer, the force cracking the ground.
"It's an even match! Neither can overpower the other." Heimdall said. "Who could have predicted such a shocking turn of events?"
"A mere human matching Thor's opening attack? Rather impressive indeed I'll give the mortal that much." Zeus said. "They may have false hope of victory, as they've yet to witness Thor's true power."
"Lu Bu! Please for Sasha, Marcy, and everyone I know and love you must win!" Anne pleaded.
"Stop embarrassing yourself Anne. You've been with gods long enough to know when we're holding back." Anjia said. "This is how it starts. One by one your champions will fall grinding your hope and spirit away. Until number seven, then I will be rid of you."
Lightning danced across Thor's arm. "What now?" Goll asked.
"Woah look at that lightning!" Heimdall said. "He started this fight with his guard down but now his wielding Mjolnir in both hands!" Thor lend back. "What's this? Is he losing his balance and falling backwards?" Thor then stopped, his hammer and inch from the ground. "No! That's not it at all! He's winding up for a devastating attack!"
"Thor's going to wipe this mortal off the map!" Muninn said. "I suppose he's bored with him already."
"No, you've misjudged him." Huginn argued. "I deduce that this is his way of showing he accepts this human as a worthy opponent." Lightning now surged around Mjolnir.
"Seriously?"
"He wouldn't even allow a human to behold this move if he wasn't serious. Yes! The almighty hammer of Thor!"
"Hm. Seems he's starting to get serious" Zeus observed.
"Finally." Shiva said.
"A shame it's already over." Aphrodite complained.
"End it Thor." Odin ordered.
"I've always wanted to see this move, Thor's Hammer." Sashin giggled.
Thor swung his hammer down creating a flash of lighting and a powerful shock wave.
"Oh well. I guess that's the end of that huh?" Shiva yawned.
"Well, this was almost fun. How about we get a snack now sisters?" Marcelia asked.
"No." Sprig gasped.
"It's, it's…" Polly stammered.
"It's like that time before." Ivy said.
"Come on." Daniel whispered.
"Please." Tony followed.
"Not like this." Lucas muttered.
"This is the power of the gods." Goll cried. "There's no way that we can win." Goll fell to her knees. "Humans defeating gods… We were totally delusional if we believed there was any way that could happen."
"Goll get up." Brunnhilde ordered.
"Brunnhilde I can't. It's hopeless. I can't stand to watch this."
"You must not turn away."
"But way though?"
"You need to observe this closely."
"Huh?"
"You all must bear witness to this moment, as history changes." The crowd was in shock as something pushed back against Mjolnir and an instant later blood gushed out of Thor's chest.
"Ah, I gotta admit, I'm impressed." Lu Bu said.
"There's no way." Shiva said shocked.
"My." Aphrodite interest was piqued.
"How did…" Sashin said before she noticed movement near her.
Faster than the mortal eye could see Marcelia was writing mathematical formulas with her finger. "The force of the swing and the weight of the hammer versus the tensile strength of muscle and the density of human bone… taking in account air pressure and inertia… it doesn't add up! It doesn't add up!"
"This is bad. We haven't seen Marcelia wrack her brain like this since we were children!" Anjia gasped.
"Blood is spilling from Thor's chest." Heimdall said as Lu Bu laughed. "The human, Lu Bu, has managed to injure a god!"
Thor looked at his injury. "You bastard. What a waste it is that you were born with the affliction of humanity."
Their weapons clashing again Lu Bu thought. "I found you at last! An opponent who I can have a battle with using my entire body and soul!"
"Yes! There's still hope!" Sprig cheered.
"Uh, well now. How unusual." Zeus mused.
"Lord Zeus, what's wrong?" Hermes one of the Olympian gods asked but Zeus didn't reply. "I said, is there something that's trouble you, Lord Zeus?" Hermes shouted.
"No. But if I think about it, this should be impossible." Zeus said.
Hermes shouted again. "Are you wondering how a human like him, can hold his own in a fight against a god? Is that what it is?"
"Quit your yelling! I'm not deaf yet, Hermes, there's no need to shout in my ear like that, you blithering idiot!" Zeus yelled. "Anyway, if you must know, there is something. Human weapons can't withstand Mjolnir. They should be shattered to pieces merely by coming into contact with it. What we're seeing here is impossible. There's not a single armament on the mortal plane that can do what this one is doing. There's no way, unless…"
"That's it…the missing variable." Marcelia said angry the old man figured it out first. The Three Goddess Sister and Zeus looked toward Brunnhilde who gave a big smile.
However, inside the sisters the trio noticed something else.
"Sprig and…Daniel?" Anne said.
"Lucas?" Sasha questioned.
"Tony!" Marcy wondered.
"What are you doing here?!" They all said.
"Ah! Is that how you're playing it?" Zeus said stroking his beard. "Well done, Valkyrie. I couldn't have rigged it better myself."
Goll noticed. "Uh, hey, Zeus is looking over at us with a creepy smile on his face."
"Yes, it seems he's finally noticed." Brunnhilde said. "All right, then. It's party time!" a glint of light began to shine.
"Whoa, what's going on?" Heimdall wondered. "There's light from Lu Bu's Halbred. Is it starting to glow?
"Curious. I sensed this." Zeus said.
"Something's strange…" Hermes observed.
"Wait could this be…" Aphrodite wondered.
"Huh? Shiva gained interest.
"Isn't that thing…?" Huginn began.
"That's Impossible!" Muniin interrupted.
"I can't believe it took all this…" Daniel said.
"…to see…" Lucas continued.
"…the power of our bloodline." Tony finished.
Then Brunnhilde thought. "Behold the vast power that lies with each Valkyrie. It's our trick for leveling the playing field against the gods. Cheat for cheat. Witness transcendence!"
"Now that is an unyielding blade, for an unyielding foe!" Lu Bu said as he knocked Mjolnir to the ground. "If this is the afterlife…" Thor blocked Lu Bu's attack with his glove. "…consider me impressed."
When Volundr is cast on a weapon, it inherits the attributes of the Valkyrie who performed it. The fourth eldest Valkyrie is Randgriz. Her name translates to… "Shield Destroyer"! Then there's Mjolnr, one of the mightiest instruments of the Divine Treasures. With enough force to shatter the earth, power flows from it like lava capable of incinerating the very life that wields it. According to the Edda, Thor must wear Jarngreipr to protect his hands from his hammer, as one cannot brandish it without it. Jarngreipr, a formidable counter to the most formidable weapon, and therefore the sturdiest armor of the heavens.
Thor's glove cracked and flew apart.
Till now, this sight should have been impossible to see.
"Now that is going in the highlight reel!" Polly said.
"That's our Griz for you!" Goll cheered.
"The Valkyries' power of Volundr is incredible!" Ivy gasped.
"What? He pulverized it. A Divine Treasure!" Heimdall said in shock. "He's managed to do the unthinkable! Lu Bu has crushed Jarngreipr like a potato chip!" a massive cheer came from Lu Bu's army.
"How curious." Hermes said. "So that's the truth of this entire charade."
"Ah, you're catching on?" Zeus wondered.
Hermes took out a doll. "As you know, a Valkyrie's sworn to duty. She's the bearer of souls. Descending to earth, they look for the finest warriors and summon them to Valhalla, forming a divine army to prepare for some impending heavenly crisis. But conversely, I've also heard some unsavory rumors floating about. They say these preparations aren't merely for an assault against the gods. Now, according to the legends, the Valkyries form a bond with the heroes they have chosen, transforming themselves into the most perfect weapon suitable for that warrior. In this way, the sisters grant them their powers, which rivals those of the gods. And the name of that special skill…" Hermes twisted the doll, her legs making a point like a dagger. "…is Volundr! It's a magical process of metamorphosis. With their newfound ability to face off against the gods, the vanguard will attack. In essence, a Ragnarök."
As Thor was struck again Zeus said. "Of course, I understand now. This isn't a challenge. In truth, it's actually a bold-faced rebellion!"
"Sashin, Marcelia, I've made my choice." Anjia said in a whisper growl. "When we kill the gods, leave Brunnhilde alive. How dare she! She must face my judgement!"
"Yes sister, we agree completely." The pair said as one.
Zeus trembled. "Those girls I never imagined they would take up arms against us. Why, since the Big Bang, this is the most insufferable, unspeakable…extraordinary thrill I've ever felt! My heart is on fire!" Zeus looked toward Brunnhilde. "Brunnhilde! Where are you my sweet?"
"You might wanna stop leering at us, you pervy old lech." Brunnhilde thought.
While Daniel thought. "I've read about Zeus' appetites; I'm not surprised but still…does he have to try and hit on my mom?"
Then the air felt hot, and Mjolnir turned red. "Sprig why is it so warm all of sudden?" Ivy asked looking shriveled along with the other frogs.
"Lucas, Danny, help me get some water! They're dehydrating!" Tony said.
"What's going on here, sis?" Goll asked. "Uh, I'm confused."
Brunnhilde had he suspicions. "Could this be…?"
Daniel was falling back on his paramedic training. "Okay guys, drink up. Nice and slow, don't want anyone to choke." The Planters drank some bottled water.
"Remember they're amphibians. We also need to keep their skin moist." Tony poured a bottle over them.
"We…haven't...felt like this…since the…third…temple." Sprig struggled to say.
"All of this is from Thor's hammer?" Lucas said.
Goll saw something. "Look, his weapon is starting to melt. It's turning into a big puddle of hot lava."
"Well, what a spectacular sight!" Heimdall announced. "It's as broiling hot as the legends say. Talk about unexpected. But whatever the reason Thor may be in trouble. Because now that the god of thunder has lost one of the Jarngreipr, he's going to have a tough time wielding Mjolnir with both arms." And then a strange sound echoed in the arena.
"Hey, do you hear that weird thumping sound?" Goll asked.
"Is that some kind of drum?" Heimdall wondered. "Wait a minute. This is astonishing! It's not a drum. It's Mjolnir's heartbeat."
Thor approached his hammer. "Finally, you've awoken." Mjolnir cracked open and inside its heart could be seen, expanding its size.
"No! Is that hammer actually pulsing?" Goll scearmed. "The hell? Don't tell me that it's a living creature. I'm gonna be sick."
Zeus was laughing. "About time that hunk of junk decided to wake up!"
"Decided'? Like it's alive." Hermes said. "That's frightening."
"There's a fallacy about the legend of the Divine Treasures. However, it's a fairly common one."
"Really? What that?"
"Why those gloves do exist. In reality, the reason that they're worn isn't to protect Thor from his hammer."
"Am afraid I don't follow."
Having already figured it out Marcelia smiled as Zeus continued. "I'm saying those gloves are there to keep his power safely contained. Thor uses them so he doesn't accidentally crush Mjolnir with grip before it activates."
Thor took off his other glove throwing it away making a crater. "Ah, raise and shine sleepyhead." Thor then with one hand lifted his hammer with ease, steam coming off of it as the last of the lava spilled out. The temperature dropped slightly.
"One-handed grip." Hermes said.
"How mighty." Aphrodite was aroused.
"This is going to be good." Sashin licked her lips.
"No, our whole strategy is a bust!" Daniel yelled.
"Wait what's he doing?" Heimdall asked.
Thor turned to his opponent. "Human… No. Your name is Lu Bu. I have one lone request for you." Lightning danced over Mjolnir once again. "Don't you die."
"Eh, what did we miss?" Polly asked coming back to.
Heimdall went back to MCing. "The stakes have been raised! At last, the mortal hero has inspired the Norse Force to start getting serious! It seems like anything could happen next. Not even the gods can predict how this one will turn out. We're in uncharted territory, folks!"
"Oh…" the Planters moaned as a small chime was heard.
"Hey! it's against the rules to check your phone, Brunnhilde!" Goll complained. "Hurry up and put it away before we get into trouble." Brunnhilde ignored her sister and got a shocked look on her face. Have taking a few breathes. "Uh sis, are you okay?"
"Mom what's wrong?" Daniel asked.
"Well, now we know" Brunnhilde said. "The challengers who will be participating was unknown. Until now that is. The official list was released." Brunnhilde held up her phone.
"Ah! Wow. That's a stacked list." Goll gasped. And the list was as follows. For the gods: Thor, Zeus, Buddha, Loki, Apollo, Poseidon, Susanoo No Mikoto, Hercules, Vaisravaan, Anubis, Odin, Beelzebub, Shiva. For mankind: Lu Bu, Qinin Shi Huang, King Leonidas, Nikola Tesla, Kojiro Sasaki, Jack the Ripper, Adam, Tameemon Raiden, Soji Okita, Rasputin, Nostradame, Simo Hayha, Sakata No Kintoki. "That's two team of 13 champions whose actions decide everything. With the fate of the whole human race at stake. It's a countdown. Those 13 people aren't just fighters. They're the 13 last hops for mankind."
"And the girl's 13 last hopes." Daniel thought.
"That sounds desperate." Brunnhilde said giggling. "Don't despair. I have a more suitable name. A proper title that all beings shall know and revere. They shall be the 13 god killers! The Einherjar!"
"The great saviors of humanity. The legendary Einherjar!" Goll said.
Lucas smiled. "Whatever. Guys… Sasha, Anne, and Marcy aren't on that list! They don't have to die!"
"Every small victory counts." Tony breathed a sigh of relief.
"Lord Zeus, the participants who will be representing the human race have been determined." Hermes said.
"Oh, let me take a gander." Zeus looked at Hermes phone. "Oh, that's an intriguing lineup. This could be more interesting than I thought. I can't wait to see how this will go."
Anjia held her phone. "Look sisters, these are thirteen final sacrifices before we make a new world."
Meanwhile the fight went on. "All right, look alive everybody. The tension is unbearable." Heimdall said. "But the first round of the ultimate showdown between man and maker continues. The destiny of the entire human race hangs by a thread. And with Thor now at full throttle, the standoff between the god of thunder and the champion of China reaches the apex!"
"Thor's not kidding around huh? I've never seen him fight like this before." Shiva said.
"I don't suppose I have either." Aphrodite agreed.
"Don't forget now." Thor tossed his hammer the air cooling more as it spun.
A story from the younger Edda, written by the renowned Icelandic poet, Snorri Sturluson. As the tale goes, Thor defeated the Jotnar, smashing his opponent's skulls with his mighty hammer. Because of Mjolnir's magical properties, when Thor throws his hammer, he never misses.
Lu Bu leaned back Mjolnir barely missing him. He licked his lips as he lunged forward! "He's too fast for the naked eye. He dodged the hammer by the skin of teeth!" Heimdall commentated. "Thor is unarmed, and Lu Bu is in for the kill. Wait! Mjonir somehow returns! It'll hit Lu Bu from behind." Lu Bu turned around and stabbed at spinning hammer. "He parried it by twisting with the movement of the spin. Thor's weapon flies back to him!"
"Please hit him, please hit him..." Sprig wished but Thor grabbed hold of Mjonir as Lu Bu lunged at him again.
There is more to the legend than what was recorded. He doesn't merely fling his hammer to sail through the air. That is only one element of his strategy. The true intent behind his technique, is to build speed and momentum. Allowing him to unleash his ultimate attack.
"I know that maneuver." Brunnhilde said shocked.
"What!? What is it?!" Her sons asked panicked.
Marcelia did some quick calculations. "With these numbers… Sisters this is so exciting!"
"Yes! Do it!" Sashin cheered.
"He won't survive this!" Huginn said. "It's the same move Thor used to finish off Jomungandr years ago."
"That was the only time he resorted to it, right? Now he's using it again" Muninn exclaimed.
And the attack's name… Geirrod Thor's Hammer!
The impact was like an explosion, throw sand and dust in the air. No one could see what had happened until. "He… He… He's still standing!" Heimdall shouted. Standing in a crater, Lu Bu held the shaft of his halberd against the hammer. "Lu Bu, what a man! He took Thor's attack and blocked it with ease."
"What is this nonsense? Wasn't that the move that defeated Jormungandr?!" Huginn was confused.
Muninn was angry. "What insolence! That human, who does he think he is?"
Goll called out. "Lu Bu! I beg of you please, don't push my sister Griz too hard out there! I want you to be careful with her, okay?" But something was wrong, Lu Bu trembled and then his leg snapped, blood seeping up.
"Oh, my gods!" gasped Heimdall. "Thor's attack has shattered Lu Bu's leg! This might just be the end of the line for Lu Bu in this bout."
"No! That looks like a compound fracture! He's lucky it hasn't become an open one!" Daniel yelled.
Lu Bu pushed Thor back but when he took on step his other leg broke. He tried to hold himself up with his halberd but fell to his knees.
"Stop the match!" Daniel yelled again. "Where's my kit? He needs immediate medical attention!"
"Danny no!" Lucas grabbed his brother.
"Let go Lucas! He must be in agony!"
"Dan! Listen to him!" Tony said. "I know it goes against everything you are as an EMT, but this is a death match remember?"
"If you go down there, they'll just smite you or something." Lucas explained. "How would Anne feel about that?!"
"Why? First Anne and now this?" Daniel cried. "Why can't I help anyone!"
Zeus had a thought. "Hermes?"
"Yes?"
"I've decided to high stakes fights like these are most agreeable."
"Quite."
"My what a show. Lu Bu trying to block Thor's attack straight on. That certainly enjoyable. However, his body won't be able to withstand much more. Hm. This is over."
"Well, it was entertaining but it's time to put this animal down." Anjia said.
"Look at all that blood! Brunnhilde what are we going to do?" Goll asked before turning back to the battlefield. "Run Away! Hey Lu Bu! Get out of there now!"
It seemed all hope was lost but then there was the sound of hooves. "Look, Goll. It seems we may have an ace in the hole after all, you see?" Brunnhilde said.
Out of one of the gates came… "Lu Bu's steed the Red Hare!" Heimdall said.
"There's a horse? Where'd that thing come from?" Shiva wondered. "This is madness."
"Oh, how exciting. And what a manly steed it is too." Aphrodite said.
The Red Hare trotted up to Lu Bu, licked his wounds and looked him the eyes. "My old friend" Lu Bu said.
Then the gong rang Lu Bu's army formed a human pyramid and the man on top, Chen Gong shouted. "We pledge our lives to the Flying General, our lord and liege, Lu Bu!"
The rest of the army chanted. Hail! Hail! Hail Lu Bu!" The other humans in the crowd began to cheer Lu Bu on. Telling him to fight.
The planters joined in to. "You just got get up Lu Bu!" Polly yelled.
"We need you!" Ivy shouted.
"Anne, Sasha, and Marcy are counting you!" screamed
"Fight on? That what they want?" Shiva asked. "Wow, humans can be so cruel."
"What a reckless man. I think that I like it. I really hope he doesn't quit." Aphrodite said.
Heimdall began to mutter to himself. "There's no way he can get up. I mean, do I want to see him try? It'd be funny for sure. But that's impossible. This fight is over. They can't really expect anything different. I might as well call it…" But the crowd cheered louder. "Huh? What's going on?" Through all the pain, with a mighty roar Lu Bu stood up. "He got up! It would seem that Lu Bu refuses to quit!"
"What?! How?!" The Three Goddess Sisters gasped as Lu Bu got on the Red Hare.
"Lord Zeus, are you going to allow this to happen? It's against the rules, is it not?" Hermes asked.
"Don't spoil the fun, Hermes. Beside look. It may be a one-on-one fight, but that horse is a part of him now."
Lu Bu leaned forward looking his steed in the eye. "My old friend. This could be it. I want to ask if you'll entrust your life to me." The Red Hare stomped and whinnied ready to do as his friend requested.
"Lu Bu is finally back in the fight!" Heimdall said. "The Red Hare has become his legs and is now running circles around Thor. But Thor is not moving. What's Lu Bu' Plan?"
Lu Bu quickly changed his grip to the very end of his halberd. Few in the audience knew that this was to prepare for his secret technique, the attack he named Sky Eater.
Thor could see what he was doing. "How amusing. You mortals are an intriguing bunch. Don't you agree? Are you getting excited?" Thor asked Mjolnir whose heart began to beat faster in response. "Well then let's go." Thor prepared to us Geirrod Thor's Hammer again.
"This is it." Daniel said.
Lu Bu could feel it. He knew the technique he was about to unleash, would the most powerful attack he ever performed in his life. Across from him the god Thor could feel the same.
The two attacks collided making a bright column of light. Both Anne and Anjia wondered the same thing. "Who won?"
However, was clear as much of Lu Bu' body was shredded, and the halberd broke transforming back. "No! Aunt Griz!" the brothers cried!
"Is she okay?!" Ivy asked scared.
"No, don't tell me she's dead." Goll was in tears. "Griz please get up!"
Looking at the state of his body, having lost his left arm and his right barely daggling on, Lu Bu bit into it and ripped it off. He looked to the sky and thought. "I gave it everything I have." He motioned the Red Hare to charge. Lu Bu roared with a bloody smile. "So, this… is it. This is what happiness feels like without restrictions!" Lu Bu felt pure joy to very end as Thor's hammer took off his head.
Heimdall made the call. "So concludes the end of round one of Ragnarök. The winner of this round, first champion of the final battle between god and man…is Thor!" And the gods cheered.
Thor vs. Lu Bu
Time:16 minutes, 28 seconds
Winning Attack: Geirrod Thor's Hammer
Winner: Thor
"How 'bout that? And I was worried how it was going to turn out." Huginn said.
"Well, I never doubted the outcome for a second!" Muninn replied.
"What a thrill." Siva said. "Marvelous. For the first time in a thousand years, my blood boils."
"I know." Aphrodite agreed. "I haven't arousal like this in quite a long time. How grand."
Marcelia was excited too. "This is most stimulated my mind has been in centuries! The physical attributes, the tactics, the psychology, so many variables and equations!"
"So much blood! The struggle! I only wish I was in it! More! I want to see more!" Sashin exclaimed.
Anjia was giggling. "Watching humans push themselves to their limits and beyond, only for them to realize their powerlessness as judgement is cast down upon them! It's the ultimate thrill!"
"Ragnarök round one has ended with Thor as its victor. The human race is one step closer to its inevitable end!" Heimdall concluded.
Inside the minds of the Three Goddess Sisters. They all heard the "no" followed by crying.
On the human side however, things were much grimmer as the gods boasted. "Why do the gods sound so pleased amongst themselves?" Goll asked crying. "They're like children. Aren't they supposed to be the ones in charge here?"
"I'm starting to get why Brunnhilde hates them so much." Polly growled. Spring and the Bentson brothers could only stare at the box where the Three Goddes Sister sat as they cackled.
Brunnhilde turned and walked away. "Hey, where are you going?" Goll asked as the rest of the team followed. They weren't deep in a loud boom sounded. "Whoa, what was that sound just now? Wait Brunnhilde. Slow down a bit will you. Uh…Hey… Do… We know what'll happen with Lu Bu and Randgriz? They took a real beating. What's next?"
"What do you mean, 'next'?" Brunnhilde asked.
"Well, with this being an afterlife they can recover right?" Daniel asked.
"That's a foolish question." Brunnhilde said curtly. "This was a battle of souls. Once a soul is shattered, there is no way to repair it. It won't come back to life or be reborn. One is simply reduced to dust, floating in the universe."
"Huh? Floating where?" Goll wondered.
"Niflhemir. In other words, the soul complete disappears. There's no afterlife. So, there is no next."
"I…I had no idea we're asking these people to risk so much." Ivy said.
"To lose literally everything?" Sprig gasped.
"That defeat means oblivion!" Tony was feeling an existential crisis coming on.
"Why? That's awful." Goll cried. "How can you say that as if it's no big deal? We'll never be able to see our sister again! Why? Are you gonna pretend you won't miss Randgriz's beautiful smile? Are you even remotely sad that we basically watched her funeral?"
"Anne, I…I didn't think saving you…could come at such a price." Daniel thought he and his brothers also had tears for their sweet aunt.
"Am I sad?" Brunnhilde asked as she turned with rage in her face. "Do any of you think we can beat the gods or save your loved ones by crying our eyes out?"
Goll still cried. "Look, do we really have to go this far? Just to win this stupid challenge?"
Brunnhilde turned and walked away. "There is much at stake. The fate of all humanity rests on our shoulders."
Goll continued to cry as Lucas embraced her. "Let all out Aunt Goll. Let it out."
"Polly let's get to work. We need to find that loom." Tony said.
Shortly they were back in Brunnhilde's office as she pulled up the list of human fighters. "The first round is now over. Instead of dwelling on the past, we must prepare for the future. Our next order of business, is to select our representative for round two."
"I don't know." Goll said emotionally drained. "Lu Bu was the toughest hero. And despite the odds he still couldn't defeat Thor in the end. So who else even could?"
"There must be someone. We can't do nothing while Anne and the others are trapped inside those monsters!" Sprig thought.
Brunnhilde flipped through the images. "Excellent question. For our next battle, why don't we send out this fellow? He's a human who despises the gods more than anybody else. Let's bet on the man with the strongest will." She then swiped through the image revealing a number with mostly zeros.
Everyone was as shocked as Goll. "Isn't that file number…one?"