Chapter 2:
Dosage Makes The Poison
"Sis, where are we going?" Göll asked. She could barely keep up with her sister's stride. Brunhilde said nothing, continuing her trek.
The two made their way towards a stretch of Valhalla where the souls of deceased humans lived. Not nearly as lavish as the home of the gods, yet perfect for those continuing to hone their skills and knowledge. Each soul had their own custom-made room to give each one a sense of familiarity. One such room was where Brunhilde and Göll stopped; its massive wooden door embedded with a large egg bizarre symbols around it in a triangular formation.
"Here, Göll. Behind these doors rests the man who will lead our counter-attack. When fighting poison, you use a cure. When fighting a god of toxicity and madness, you need a doctor who fought it in a way no one had done before. A doctor who revolutionized medicine to this very day and beyond." Brunhilde pushed the door open and walked in.
Göll was in awe. The entire room from the high ceiling to the floor was filled with shelves of glass containers, tables covered in more bizarre glass containers and tubes, metal tools, burners, and scattered papers. On the walls were several blackboards covered in chalk-written formulas and notes. As she stared up at the ceiling, Göll saw several stars and the moon painted on the ceiling shining down with a faint glow and could see Scorpio and Orion among them.
Brunhilde left her to observe the room and walked over to a hunched-over man measuring mixtures in flasks on the left-side of the room. The man put down one of the flasks, grabbed a quill, and wrote something in an old book to his right. Standing a few feet away from him, she lightly clapped her hands. The man stopped writing, emptied his hands of the flask and quill and turned to meet her. His auburn hair hanging around his shoulders and his brown eyes staring intensely at Brunhilde. His clothes were modest; a white camicia shirt under a brown sleeveless doublet. His hose were a deep black with matching black leather shoes. A single gold chain rested around his neck with an emblem resembling his door's design hanging on it.
"Brunhilde! What a surprise to see you so early!" The man said full of joy. "Are you here for your sister?"
Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim
A.K.A
Paracelsus
(Sweden)
"I'm afraid not, Doctor Hohenheim. I'm here to inform you that you're going first, and your opponent will be Dionysus. Göll will lead you to the arena." Brunhilde said while giving a weak smile.
"I see," Hohenheim replied. "Didn't think you had so much faith in me! Guess I should started then, eh?"
"Please do."
Göll observed her sister and her conversation with Hohenheim. Other than interacting with the gods, Brunhilde never acted so respectful and deferential to someone.
"Already have. Dr. Mist, if you would be so kind?" From above them, a young woman floated down and landed gently next to Hohenheim. She wore light blue robes and her pale blonde hair in braids over her shoulders. Her horn-rimmed glasses rested gently on the bridge of her nose, her piercing blue eyes aimed right at Hohenheim. She stood just a few inches shorter than her older Sister.
Mist
(8th Sister of the Valkyries)
"All ready, Hohenheim. The last of the prescriptions were finished. Do you need anything else?" Mist responded in soft tone.
"Mist, it's time." Mist's expression did not change.
"Who's the patient?" Mist responded while adjusting her glasses.
"The Greek god, Dionysus. Based on his records, this will be a nasty one so we need to start making contingencies."
"Already on it." Hohenheim puffed out his chest and smiled wide.
"Mist, you're a spectacular soul you know that?"
"Of course." Mist responded without a change in expression. However, her cheeks changed to a slight red tone.
She was never good at admitting she loved being praised, Göll thought.
"Mist, you aid me in curing the sick and continuing to advance medicine. I need your help now more than ever. Will you work alongside me now with our most important patient?" Hohenheim moved to gently grasp Mist's hands with his own. Their gaze met.
"You'd be lost without me otherwise." She answered smiling. Bright light enveloped Mist, turning her into energy. The energy began to envelope Hohenheim's body.
VÖLUND!
Cloak of the Poison Master
The light dissipated, revealing a simple black cloak enveloping Hohenheim. Thick black gloves covered his hands and the sleeves of his cloak his while a sharp-beaked plague mask covered his face. Tinted lenses covered his eyes and a large brown belt lined with pouches sat on his waist. In his right hand an ornate wooden staff appeared, its pommel black with gold decorations and its tip fanned out like wings. At the tip rested a red gemstone below a white point.
"Brunhilde, we're ready. Please lead us to the operating room… and our next patient."
Far away from Hohenheim's lab and among the upper levels of Valhalla, Set found himself stuck in a frustrating situation. In front of him was his first Fighter, fast asleep sprawled out on the floor of his chambers while surrounded by empty goblets and bottles. The god wore a wine-stained toga, his unkempt pale brunet hair, beard and moustache sticking out in multiple directions.
Dionysus
(Greek Pantheon)
He tried yelling earlier to rouse Dionysus but he failed. He could hit him, but knew if word got out he struck Dionysus he may have to deal with Zeus.
As he paced across the room, an idea came to him. He grabbed an empty goblet and walked over to a fountain in the room and filled with it fresh water. Why Dionysus had a fountain in his room Set did not know. With the goblet full, Set walked over to the sleeping god and quickly turned goblet over on Dionysus' face. He quickly woke up, coughing and gasping.
"What the hell!?" Dionysus screamed. He quickly wiped the water from his face, his blood-red eyes darting around to find the assailant he woke him from his bender. Set roughly cleared his throat and Dionysus turned to him. His enraged face quickly turned to fear. "Oh no."
"Oh, yes." Set responded. His contempt for the Greek god palpable. "Guess who's going first?"
"Please not me."
"Yes! You will be the first of Heaven's mightiest to strike down mankind's…attempts. Now get up and make yourself presentable. Your match is about to start." Set stepped back to give Dionysus room to collect himself. "You are of the Olympian Twelve after all; some of the mightiest gods in Valhalla. No human will be able to match you, but that demands you carry and present yourself commendably."
"I don't want to do this. I'm not a fighter. I just sit around, party, or drink."
"Sometimes all of the above, and I'm well aware of your pastimes."
"You could've picked anyone else, so why me?"
"Getting to the point I see." Set walked over and placed his hands on Dionysus' shoulders. The god trembled under them. Set thought it was a hangover. "I could have. I could've picked your sisters. One's a better strategist and the other an unrivaled hunter. Apollo is a nutcase but also unmatched in countless fields. Your brother Ares is a fool but strong. Hermes…" Set tensed for a moment but relaxed "...is off-limits to me. Hephaestus signed up immediately, and none of the other Greeks agreed to sign on, so that leaves you. You." Set's aura began to leak out as a he gave two light slaps to Dionysus' face. "The drunk baby-of-the-bunch who's too afraid of his own power and the responsibility that comes with." The aura began to recede. "Are you going to accept that?"
"What?" Dionysus responded confused. Set let go of Dionysus and began to pace around the room.
"Everyone looks down on you and sees you as an embarrassment and a waste of potential. I mean, you kind of are, but you possess power beyond many of the gods. You are a son of Zeus and a champion of the Titanomachy! Many would die for your position and prestige!"
"They can have it if they want it so badly." Set appeared before him barely an inch from Dionysus' face, the nose of his mask a hair's width from Dionysus' own.
"It is your birthright. Your blessing. The opportunity that so many want and you would toss it away? Madness. Just admit you're scared. It's not that you're weak, you're terrified of proving you're the disappointment they think you are, right?" Set stared straight into Dionysus's eye almost daring him to look away.
"Yes."
"THEN SCREW THEM!" Set roared in Dionysus' face. "Who are they to say who you are!? They don't control your life! They don't have your name and walk in your sandals! Why should their opinions matter?" Set stepped back and readjusted his coat. "Now answer my question; are you a Fighter or a coward?"
Dionysus remained silent.
"Will you die for the gods who mocked you? Will you fly the standard of this battle as a Martyr knowing you will be wrapped in it when you die and make the other twelve carry the load? Or will you carry it into and out of the stadium as the first of our many Champions and remind them of who you are and what you can do?"
Dionysus met the mad god's gaze. He couldn't tell what Set wanted, or why Set trusted him. He only knew he was trusted, and that was enough.
"I'll do it, and I will be back."
"Splendid." Set clapped his hands and angels soared into the room with a fresh toga, belt, arm bands, leg bands. and sandals. While three swapped out Dionysus' clothes, two others rapidly trimmed his hair and beard. A few seconds later and Dionysus looked like a whole new god. "Now go out and there and prove our strength."
The young god took a quick breath in and walked past Set with the angels in tow, the doors closing behind them. Set stood there completely still and breathed slowly. He then began to jerk and laugh softly. The wall around his bearing began to shatter as mad, roaring laughter erupted from behind his mask. His body contorting out of pure joy at what was about to start.
Valhalla Arena
As the two fighters and their parties made their way from their respective homes, the stands for the Valhalla Arena, the floating battleground for Ragnarök, began to fill with both people and anticipation. Designed in a manner similar to the Coliseum, stage for the battles was set at the base of the structure with the audience able to look down and view everything unobstructed. Many beautiful and ornate luxury boxes decorated the arena where many top gods and their entourages would view the upcoming battles to come. All in all, a beautiful structure dedicated to violence.
As the seats filled, a diminutive god made his way to the center of the arena. He was garbed in purple robes baring his rock-like torso and arms but covering his head and slicked-back black hair, black pants that stopped just below his knees, and shoes the color of circus tents. The most remarkable thing about him was his face; stone-like as the rest of his body with a jagged maw, a pointed nose and rose-colored goggles over his sharp eyes. In his hand rested a large horn.
Heimdall
Watchman of the Apocalypse
(Norse Pantheon)
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to Valhalla Arena!" Heimdall roared into Gjallarhorn. "The curtain on Ragnarök is just about to rise! ARE YOU REAAAAAAAADYYYY!?"
The side of the arena filled with the gods roared in pure excitement, their vitriol for humanity palpable. Many of the humans in the stands kept silent, while a few roared back in response and prepared to cheer for their champions.
"In an exciting twist to these 1-on-1 battles, it was decided each of these fights will have unique rules and challenges to push the fighters to the limits of their abilities! Can mankind show it's innovation in the face of destruction and come out on top, or will the gods prove once and for all their superiority!?"
Heimdall pointed to the East side of the area with his free hand.
"Introducing the Fighter for the Gods in Round 1!"
"Madness and Violence incarnate; a god who bends the world to his whim!"
"A sleeping giant amongst the Olympian Twelve and a nightmare amongst their foes! "
"His strength, like grapevines, ever growing! "
"His resolution, like wine, bold and strong!"
"Once he begins he cannot be stopped!"
"Help me welcome Heaven's Juggernaut!"
"The Champion of the Titanomachy!"
"Dionysus!"
The East entrance to the arena flew open, unsettling the dust on the arena floor as the gods roared in excitement. Stepping out of the darkened tunnel came Dionysus, his stride and expression resolute. He came to a stop at the center of the arena to Heimdall's right and began to wait. Heimdall quickly took in a deep breath and then pointed at the West side of the arena.
"Introducing the Fighter for Humanity in Round 1!"
"The dosage makes the poison!"
"These words were spoken by a man who led the way in medicine during the German Renaissance!"
"Across Europe and the Northern shores of Africa, in the halls of academia and on the fields of battle, this man sought the truths that evaded mankind for centuries! Why? To save them from the perils of disease, illness, and ignorance!"
"Fire, Earth, Air, Water, Salt, Sulfur, Mercury! The very essences of creation and mankind ignited this man's soul and now brings him to his next great challenge!"
"Introducing the Trailblazer of Medicine! The man who would strive to outdo Celsus and claim the name 'Paracelsus!'"
"Philippus von Hohenheim!"
The West entrance opened slowly, and dark purple gas began to flow out. It wafted softly into the air and created a cloud enveloping the gate. Out from it, Hohenheim walked quietly, barely making a gesture. As the cloud began to rise, Hohenheim stopped. Softly, he tapped the pummel on the ground twice. The gas quickly froze in the air, and began to flow towards Hohenheim as if sucked into a vacuum. The gas quickly flew to the tip of Hohenheim's staff, flowing into the staff. In an instant, the gas was gone. Hohenheim then walked towards Heimdall and Dionysus, standing parallel to his opponent.
"Hey uh….that gas wasn't poisonous was it?" Heimdall asked. Last thing he wanted was to send the crowd into a panic, especially if the Fighters were negligent.
"Hmm? Oh! No, no, no, no." Hohenheim answered, his voice slightly muffled by his mask. "Purely theatrical! If it was in a contained space for prolonged period, yes. But here? No."
Heimdall breathed a sigh of relief, but decided to have transparent barriers set up around the arena to protect the audience just-in-case.
Dionysus remained unaffected by his opponent's theatrics, waiting for the call. Set's words still resonating in his mind while trying to confirm if the human in front of him was worth the worry.
"Now that both Fighters are here, let's get onto the fight! Behold!" Heimdall jumped straight up in the air. Below him, the arena floor opened and a large statue rose from the opening. More openings appeared sparsely throughout the arena and from them erupted tall, white marble columns. A floating platform flew from the ringside and Heimdall landed gracefully on it, while the statue set in place. Dionysus looked at the statue and could barely hide his irritation. The likeness of his father Zeus smiling mid-dance embossed on dark-green marble was not something he hoped to see today. He did not notice however, Hohenheim was focused more on his response to the statue than the statue itself.
"The rules for Round 1 are simple! Red-light/Green-light! While the statue remains green, the Fighters can move about and fight to their hearts' content! However…" Heimdall gestured towards the statue. The statue's emaciated appearance suddenly swelled with muscle and turned bright red, the smile replaced with a nasty toothless grin. "should the fighters move on the ground while the statue is red, they will receive a nasty shock! To let the Fighters know that colors changed, the statue will shout 'Red Light' or 'Green Light.'
Heimdall moved to float above the fighters. "Now enough about the rules! Let's get to the action! Fighters, ready!?" Dionysus crouched down while Hohenheim widened his stance with his left foot in front and took his staff in both hands, pointing it straight at Dionysus.
"Mist, are you ready?" Hohenheim asked.
"Always." Mist responded in his ear.
Heimdall reared back, inhaled, and threw his whole upper body forward.
"FIIIIIIIGHT!"
Gravel flew into the air as Dionysus kicked off the ground, dashing straight at his opponent for a tackle. Hohenheim anticipated this, quickly jumping off his left foot to the right. Quickly recovering his footing, Hohenheim swung his staff at the rushing god. Dionysus ducked into a roll at the last moment, feeling the wooden shaft pass through his hair. He quickly recovered and dashed again, this time slower while bobbing and weaving. Hohenheim did his best to back-pedal and swing at his opponent, but Dionysus weaved around every swing. Hohenheim tried to thrust his straight down the middle towards Dionysus' chest but it was parried away his left, throwing Hohenheim off-balance. Taking the chance, Dionysus dashed pass the danger-zone of Hohenheim's staff while continuing the pivot from his parry. Tightening his right fist, Dionysus threw a swift right cross straight at Hohenheim's face.
RED LIGHT!
The statue swelled and began to glare at the fighters. Dionysus' footing was firm and his fist just inches from his opponent. Hohenheim held his breath, using every fiber of his being to stay still. The cold realization of being saved by the rules sent a tinge of panic down his spine, but he pushed away and did his best to regain his focus.
"Hohenheim, he's too physically strong for us to deal with. We need to move to one of the contingencies as planned." Mist said.
"Hmm." Hohenheim murmured. One of their signals.
"Preparing Contingency A, Sub contingencies One and Two."
"Hmm."
"It's complete."
GREEN LIGHT!
Dionysus did not waste the moment. With his fist blocking his opponent's sight, he began to pivot his body back to the right, tilting his massive frame set up an uppercut from below Hohenheim's field of vision. The strike made clean contact with Hohenheim's chin and launched him into the air…at the same time a massive cloud of yellow gas erupted from Hohenheim's staff. Dionysus' face caught the brunt of the burst, and he began to choke. His eyes began to water and he grasped at his throat as he jumped away from the cloud as it floated to the ground. Hohenheim landed a few yards away with a loud thump. His head was dizzy from the punch, and he was certain his lower jaw was fractured despite the Völund's protective qualities.
"Incredible folks! In just a quick exchange we've already seen our Fighters try to deal death blows before a minute's even passed!" Heimdall yelled. "Though he took a solid blow from the juggernaut, Hohenheim still managed to release a surprise attack and leave his opponent reeling!"
Up in the stands, the crowd began to talk amongst themselves to determine what the attack Hohenheim used was, two among them Brunhilde and Göll in the top level.
"Sis, what was that? How is it hurting Dionysus?" Göll asked.
"That, Göll, was Hydrogen Sulfide."
"Hydro wha-?"
"It's a natural gas that can inhibit breathing, cause convulsions…" Brunhilde turned to her sister, sliding her throat across her throat with a wild gaze "and certain death. Normally, it's colorless but I'm guessing the two of them added coloration to make it easier to see."
"How can a gas like that hurt a god? I thought we were immune to things like that!"
"Simple, Göll. The Völund Mist performed with Hohenheim created a Divine Treasure, blessed with her power "Cloud;" the power to create any gas she needs to." Brunhilde spread her arms out to her sides. "With Mist's powers and Hohenheim's knowledge of chemistry, the two of them are a walking chemical weapon capable of killing nearly any god."
Göll shuddered at her sister's words, returning her attention back to the ring. Her thoughts focusing now on her sister's safety.
On the other side of the arena from the Valkyries, in a private luxury box, sat Zeus who couldn't be more excited by what he saw.
"Well isn't this exciting? Didn't expect Dionysus to rush out the gate like this!" Zeus said laughing to Hermes and his other son Ares. "Interesting though. Wasn't that boxing?" Zeus asked Hermes.
"Yes, Sir. From what I recall he's been practicing with Apollo." Hermes answered. Ares groaned.
"He's practicing with Apollo? Man, I hope Dio doesn't pick up any of his weird habits." Ares lamented.
Zeus chuckled at the idea.
"I wouldn't mind it. It'd be a nice change of pace for him rather than his usual sulking. However, that human is more dangerous than I thought."
"How so?" Hermes asked.
"That poisonous gas could only affect Dionysus if it came from a Divine Treasure. Brunhilde…you made this really exciting, didn't you?" Zeus' power began to pour out from his body and shook the box.
I might actually regret not fighting now.
"Hohenheim, are you okay!?" Mist said.
"Maybe. I'm….a little roughed up but I'll survive." Hohenheim said struggling to his feet. Several yards away, he could see Dionysus floundering from the gas. "This is our chance, let's go! Keep the adrenaline drip going along with the analgesic!" The pain from his jaw made his words a struggle to get out, but he managed.
"On it." From within his cloak, a small, square mechanical pack located on his lower back piercing his skin with two small needles and continued to inject the chemicals into his body. The effect would take some time, and he knew he had to manage the doses or they would kill him. Still, the chance to attack his physical superior was not an opportunity he could waste.
Hohenheim broke into a dash. With his staff in one hand, he rummaged through one of his belt pouches and pulled out a deep blue crystal and quickly attached it to the tip of his staff. Contingency E. He thought to himself.
His opponent was still too debilitated to notice him, and just a feet away from Dionysus, Hohenheim jumped into the air.
RED LIGHT!
Lightning surged from the statue towards Dionysus and engulfed him. Hohenheim ignored it and committed to his attack. His spear held above his head; he drove it straight into Dionysus' back just below his left lung. His lack of combat experience, Dionysus' convulsing from the electricity and the damage from the punch was coming back to haunt him, but he was still able to stab Dionysus. As his foot touched ground, Hohenheim felt the immense surge of electricity envelope him.
GREEN LIGHT!
Hohenheim collapsed again, the spearhead breaking off from his staff and remaining in Dionysus' back. The adrenaline was kicking in too late, but the pain was being dulled.
"Hohenheim! The Chalcanthite is embedded. Copper poisoning should be setting in shortly."
Hohenheim was thanking his stars. Thanks to Mist turning everything they use into Divine Treasures, not only was it making the chemicals effective, it accelerated their effects.
RED LIGHT!
Hohenheim went completely still, but he could still hear the crackle of the energy as it shot towards what he thought was his opponent. However, the screaming and coughing stopped. Was his opponent dead? Was he able to defeat him that quickly?
GREEN LIGHT!
Hohenheim managed to lift himself up. The pain from the electrocution and the new burns covering parts of his body were fresh and would have overwhelmed his mind were not for the analgesic.
He looked over to where Dionysus was, but he was gone.
"Wait, what happened?" Hohenheim asked.
"Sorry human, should have aimed a little higher." A raspy, but familiar voice said behind him.
Hohenheim turned quickly, then shifted to his left to barely avoid a fist aiming straight for his skull. With the adrenaline now set in, Hohenheim reacted quickly and released another burst of Hydrogen Sulfide at the figure out the corner of his eye.
"Not going to work anymore, human." The voice appeared behind him again. This time, he rolled forward and dodged the right kick aimed at his ribs. Recovering his footing, he and turned and finally caught sight of Dionysus after avoiding his attacks.
He looked wretched.
The Chalcanthite was sticking out his stomach. The skin around the crystal turned yellow and dried blood clung to Dionysus' chin and his eyes nearly matched the color. His body was covered in electric burns and his breathing was hollow and raspy. His toga was stained red from the burn wounds and the blood he coughed up.
"What just happened folks!? Dionysus took an onslaught of poison and lightning, yet is standing like nothing happened!" Heimdall roared from above.
RED LIGHT!
The statue swelled up. Hohenheim went still, but Dionysus began to walk towards him. The electricity raced towards him and struck him as he walked.
To Hohenheim's horror, no new burns arose. Dionysus did not flinch, shudder, or crumble from the assault.
"Like I said, it's not going to work anymore." Dionysus continued his stride. He then grabbed at the crystal poking through his stomach and ripped it clean out before tossing it aside. The spot where it jutted out began to close.
"Now die."
GREEN LIGHT!
Hohenheim ran opposite of his opponent's direction. Dionysus immediately broke out into a sprint and began to catch up to him.
Well this isn't good. Hohenheim thought to himself. If the Sulfide doesn't work anymore, and the electricity doesn't work anymore that can mean a few things. One's the most likely.
"Hohenheim, he's gaining on us!" Mist shouted.
"I am aware, but thank you for giving me situational awareness that I appreciate!" The pain from his jaw and burns has only slightly subsided, but Hohenheim knows it'll only last so long. He had to think quickly.
An idea popped into his head.
Unlikely to work, but possible. He thought to himself. Hohenheim quickly veered to his right and headed towards one of the columns. Like in the days of his youth full of large trees, Hohenheim sprung onto the column and climbed as if his life, and indeed it did this time, depended on it.
His initial spring onto the column and climb just barely kept him out of range from Dionysus' punch. His fist pierced through the marble as if it was foam.
RED LIGHT!
The electricity raced towards Dionysus as he pulled his arm out of the column, but did nothing to him. Above him, Hohenheim continued to climb and reached the top.
Hohenheim looked down and saw Dionysus staring back. Dionysus sighed, twisted to the right, and smashed his arm through the column. Hohenheim knew this would happen and hopped from his current column to another near by and began to create space between him and Dionysus.
His gamble paid off. The columns did not count as the "ground." As long as he stayed on them, he would avoid getting electrocuted.
Irritation began to set in and Dionysus began to lose his patience. He followed after Hohenheim, smashing columns as we went. Far ahead of his opponent, Hohenheim aimed his staff down and began releasing more bursts of Hydrogen Sulfide.
"Mist, I've got an idea." Hohenheim said as he jumped and continued releasing the toxic gas. Dionysus roared behind him.
"Please tell me it's something that will kill him." Mist groaned.
"Maybe, but I'll need you to generate as much as of the Hydrogen Sulfide that you can while retaining enough for our trump card."
"I'll make it happen."
"Damn, what would I do without you?"
"Well right now you'd probably die."
Hohenheim laughed. "Maybe!"
The game of cat and mouse continued. Hohenheim continued to release the gas Mist provided, while Dionysus continued to destroy every foothold he could. Red and Green continued to flash, but neither fighter cared.
"What is going on!?" Heimdall yelled. "The entire ring is getting decimated and Hohenheim continues to stay out of Dionysus' reach, but for how long!?"
How long was right. Hohenheim did everything he could, but he was down to one column and Dionysus was ready to knock it, and him, down.
It was time to strike back.
"Hey Dionysus!" Hohenheim yelled.
"What, you coward!? Dionysus roared. His rage at a fever pitch.
"I wonder…who's the coward here?" Dionysus' eyes widened.
"What?"
"I mean, who's the coward here? Me, the one fighting against a god who becomes immune to the "poison" that is "injury," or the invincible god who's afraid of life is nothing but fear?"
"What is Hohenheim doing?" Heimdall shouted. He just accused- aggh!" Heimdall barely avoided a large chunk of rock that flew in his direction.
"Heimdall…shut up." Dionysus ordered. Heimdall complied and stayed quiet. "You know, I thought you were smart doing what you've done up to now, but you just screwed up. Must have been dumb luck you got here."
"Maybe, but…there's too much poison in you. Anger, fear, and a swath of other insecurities. That's why you'll lose."
"I'll make you choke on those words." Dionysus rushed at Hohenheim's last foothold. As Hohenheim braced himself for one last jump, Dionysus grabbed another rock and tossed it straight at the doctor. Hohenheim barely avoided it, but lost his stance. Dionysus jumped into the air after he tossed the rock, ready to tackle Hohenheim off his perch and finish him. Hohenheim saw him careening toward the top of the column and did the only thing he could; he rolled back and fell off. Dionysus flew past where Hohenheim was and landed dozens of yards further than he wanted to. He turned back and saw Hohenheim holding himself in place by bracing his staff against the column. He then quickly climbed up, took his staff, and attached a ball of cloth to the tip and ignited it.
"You should probably pay attention to this, Dionysus!" Hohenheim shouted.
"What!?"
"Two things about Hydrogen Sulfide; One, it's heavier than air. All the gas I released has collected at your feet and across the whole arena." Dionysus looked around. How could he not notice? The entire floor was covered in it!
"Why does that matter!?" Dionysus broke out into another charge. He wouldn't make the same mistake this time. He'll break down the column and catch Hohenheim mid-fall.
"Two; it's flammable." Hohenheim dropped the small burning ball into the gas.
The arena floor ignited like a flashfire. All the gas collecting on the floor in a contained space made for the ideal incinerator. Hohenheim could hear Dionysus's screams amidst the flames and explosion. "Contingency F."
The displaced air threw Hohenheim off the column. Thinking quickly, managed to aim himself towards one of the broken columns; just enough of it sat above the flames. Hohenheim managed to land on top of it and recover his footing. He then looked toward where Dionysus last was and could see the outline of his body amidst the flames.
"This is not how I wanted to help you, Dionysus. I wasn't let with much of a choice, though. Rest In Peace." Hohenheim bowed his head and muttered a small prayer.
Heimdall floated above and took in the destruction.
"AMAZING! Is this what humanity is capable of!? Not only did he protect himself from the shocks, but he even setup a blast to incinerate his opponent! Is this the end of Dionysus!?"
In the luxury boxes above the burning arena, Set stood and watched over the battle. Barely moving from his spot, his gaze never left the fight.
"Looks like you messed up again, Set." A voice from behind Set said. The source was a large, stocky god adorned black robes with red trim, his pale skin contrasting his robes, black boots, and neatly trimmed mustache and slicked black hair.
Yama
Heaven's Jailkeeper
(Bhuddist Pantheon)
"If that's all you thought Dionysus had, then I would almost assume you think little of Hades too, considering he's chosen Dionysus to replace him as the ruler of Helheim one day." Set said without even turning to face his Fighter.
"Hard to do that when you're deader than the souls you're overseeing."
Set inhaled slowly and exhaled.
"Yama, are you familiar with the Greeks' war against the titans?"
"Who isn't?"
"We all know Zeus and his brothers defeated Cronus and overthrew him, but the titans outnumbered the gods, and even killed a few. One especially…or so they thought."
Yama couldn't follow Set's story.
"Many of Zeus' sons were fighting at the time. One was surrounded and torn apart by the titans. However…he came back. All the pain and suffering the titans poured on him turned into power and strength. In retribution for his pain, he inflicted it ten-fold, nay maybe a hundred-fold, in return. That god is now down there suffering a few more burns." Set then turned his head to glance at Yama. "Do you really think a Valkyrie and some human doctor will put down the god who butchered the titans?" A deafening roar flew out of the arena below, unsettling the dust and knocking a few people out of their seats. Yama felt a chill run down his spine.
Set resumed his observation of the arena.
"Welcome back, Zagreus."