A/N: How's it going everybody!

Round 2 officially starts now!

Also, depending on the sentence, Public Universal Friend will be referred as The Friend.

WARNING: The scene contains elements of dead-naming. Reader discretion is advised.

"This is it folks!" Heimdall announces with glee. "Lakapati vs Public Universal Friend. Two individuals scorned by their fellows by breaking traditional norms, now in a fight using the most unconventional of weapons! It's anyone's game here!"

"Careful Public Universal Friend," Reginleif begins, her voice speaks from the book. "Although Lakapati focuses on agriculture, those rice stalks have killed many plagues over the years."

"Calm yourself my dear." Friend stated. "It is never wise to underestimate an opponent."

"Please survive this, Friend! We still have so much to discuss." A voice calls out, revealing a middle-aged woman with long, black hair, wearing a black 1700s dress with a white shawl.

Founding Leader of the Shakers

Mother Ann Lee (Great Britain)

Friend pays Ann no mind, as they begin to open the book, before they begin chanting.

'I don't think so.' Lakapati decides, before they gently stroke one of their rice stalks, before they bloom, sprouting seeds that begin ticking.

"It seems that Public Universal Friend is beginning the first move, but Lakapati begins retaliating not soon afterwards! Heaven knows what is to come." Heimdall announces.

"I will show you the true power of agriculture! Kumpol ng Palay!"

As the seeds edge closer, the ticking soon starts to hasten, but Friend is still unfazed, before they blurt out.

"Ecriture: Stab!"

At the casting, letters are conjured, before flying quickly towards the seeds. As soon as the letters make contact, an explosion occurs, decorating the arena in small craters, but the rest soon fight through, and stab Lakapati at various places of their body, much to the shock of the gods, and excitement of the humans. Each struck letter soon begins to bleed gold ichor.

"Amazing!" Heimdall comments. "From an explosion of rice seeds, to letters that stab! Folks, I knew this would be an interesting bout" 'But I feel sorry for Hygeia though. What a mess.'

"What in the world?!"

"The book did that?!"

Lakapati recoils as they quickly pull out each letter from their body. "I knew I was right not to underestimate you. You really did surprise me."

Back at the gods' VIP section.

"Man… What idiots they are" Shrugs a god, as he sips tea. The god was a very muscular god with styled blond hair, who wore almost nothing, save for a long red cape, a black loincloth, and an intricate black helmet. "Cheering because of a bunch of flying letters. I'd hardly call that impressive."

Greek God of War

Ares (Greece)

"I figured as much." Amaterasu rolls her eyes. "Such things are too complex for a simple-minded oaf like you."

"Considering how long I've known him; I'm inclined to agree." Hermes nods.

"Still, at least Lakapati knows better than to underestimate an opponent." The Dagda grunts.

All the while, Bathala watches in worry for his kid. "Come on my child, I know you can do this."

Arena

"I'm glad you're impressed." Friend smiles. "But I sincerely hope you do as well."

"Indeed I will." Lakapti nods, before striking the ground with the stalk, before sharp blades of grass pierce up.

Bitag na Damo

"Solid Script: Barrier!"

As the rows of grass grow closer, so does a barrier around Friend, each portion seemingly made up of letters. When the grass made contact with the barrier, the barrier successfully blocks it.

"Second times the charm!" Heimdall announces. "Once again, Public Universal Fried manages to counter Lakapati's moves!"

Back in the audience, Ann continues to cheer in excitement. "I knew it! Friend always has the answer to anything, don't they?"

"Indeed, they do, my dear." Came the gentle voice of a man in a light-gray suit, and bowtie.

Fairy Tale Author

Hans Christian Anderson (Denmark)

"My word! Hans!" Ann realized in shock. "I'm surprised to see you here."

"Why would I not be?" Hans questions. "This is a fight worth watching and supporting, especially considering that Friend is a part of this, wouldn't you agree Adam?" Hans finished, gesturing to a man beside him.

Beside Hans is an athletic, handsome man with platinum-blond hair, naked save for a single fig leaf covering his groin. In the man's hands is a peculiar fruit of unknown origin.

The Father of Humanity

Adam

"Indeed, I do." Adam nods. "I do believe that Public Universal Friend no matter what."

"Oh Adam. You always knew what to say." A man smiles, nodding at Adam's words. The man was an androgynous human with both noticeable breasts and groin, and short hair.

Autobiographer

Jennie June (United States of America)

Meanwhile, back to the Valkyries, Goll was at awe at the power both Public Universal Friend and Reginleif.

"Gee. I was wrong to quickly judge The Friend and their chosen Volund. They have been amazing so far."

"Of course, Goll," Brunhilde responds. "That is the power of reincarnation. When a soul is reincarnated, though they begin a new life, everything they have learned from their past life is retained, allowing knowledge to even further."

"And that's why you chose Reginleif, correct?"

"Correct." Brunhilde nods. "Reginleif's power involves both the gods and their respective power. Combined with the reincarnation of The Public Universal Friend, that power is multiplied even further."

A brief pause

"You can even say that Friend is pretty much a god among humans." Brunhilde smirks.

Back in the arena, Lakapati is once again shocked at Friend's reaction. Their attack was blocked for the second time in the match.

"I should've known that they were going to block that." Lakapati says to themselves. "I'm starting to get annoyed. But if I get careless, it will be paying with my life."

The power of Public Universal Friend is indeed like no other, but how Public Universal Friend got there was no easy feat, for no one accepted it. At least at first anyway.

October, 1776

"You are speaking nonsense Jemima!" spoke a man. "Cease this nonsense at once!"

"I told you already, I am no longer Jemima, nor will I answer to such a name." Friend affirmed. "The soul of Jemima Wilkinson has ascended into heaven, but her body has been reanimated, and given a new spirit by God himself to preach his word."

Public Universal Friend then stood tall, as they tidied their clothes, before proclaiming. "Standing before you now, is the name of which thy Lord has given: Publick Universal Friend."

Upon the announcement, scholars debated on the whole identity of the Public Universal Friend. Some agreed that Jemima has indeed passed away, and has been dead for an extended time before the body was reborn anew. However, others state that the entirety of the illness has been feigned for either attention or money.

Regardless, The Friend stayed true to their word, and refused to answer to the name 'Jemima Wilkinson' any longer.

"My fellow people," The Friend started, as they preached before a crowd of spectators. "Do no worry on what you wish to refer to me, for I am neither man nor woman. Instead, just call me either The Public Universal Friend, The Friend, or P.U.F."

All throughout the northeastern United States, The Friend preached. Soon, many followers began approving, and following The Friend, before later being known as the Society of Universal Friends.

"People have asked me what I believe in." The Friend began. "Personally, I believe that everyone has the free will to choose how to act and believe, because anyone can gain access to the light of God. I also request everyone to free their slaves, for we should always practice humility and hospitality over everyone."

"Is there anything else?" Asks a follower.

"Yes." The Friend nods. "Though I am aware of the status that a lot of you have, I have always favored sexual abstinence, and disliked marriage."

A few of the audience whisper at the revelation.

"Ah, I see that a lot of you are confused." The Friend notices. "Well, to make it clear, while I dislike marriage, being a celibate is not a mandatory thing, and I still accept the concept of marriage. I just see it as much more preferable to breaking the abstinence without resorting to wedlock."

Until The Friend's death on July 01, 1819, The Friend was described as a pioneer, recruiting many followers of all races, and allowing many unmarried women roles their own community usually meant for men.

The Present Day

"Ecritures: Stampede!"

At the command, the letters jumbled up into the shape of various animals, as the letters bellow in anger, charging forward, leaving clouds of dust in their wake.

"What an incredible feat!" Heimdall announces in excitement. "I've heard of poetry in motion, but I don't think that I have seen anything like this before in all my years."

Lakapati then took both of their rice stalks, and waved it around above their head, then around their body, then around the ground.

"Putik Madulas!"

The arena ground quickly covered in a thick pool of mud. The stampeding figures that made contact quickly melt in the muck, with others slipping over. However, because of the sheer amount, the rest pass through, and slam into Lakapati, sending them backwards, skidding off on the arena floor.

The crowd, especially the gods are in a state of absolute shock. This was the first time in their history that a human has managed to knock one of them down.

"What the heck did I just see?!"

"No! This can't be real!"

Meanwhile, Xolotl just rolls his eyes, as his senses let him know of the fight. 'They really should've just let me do this…'

Back in the VIP section, in anger, Ares snaps his cup, before shooting up to the railing, yelling out in anger:

"What is the meaning of this?! How can that weirdo counter everything that Lakapati is casting?!"

Meanwhile, Hermes casually stands up, walks up to Ares, coughing slightly to get his attention.

"So it is true. That peculiar human has powers that indeed exceeded our expectations."

"What do you mean?!" Ares demanded.

"It's simple really." Hermes begins. "As this particular human is a reincarnated soul, everything that is to happen has already been foreseen. As such, anything that Lakapati tries will all be for naught."

As Hermes finished, he felt his coat being grasped, before he is suddenly lifted several feet in the air by none other than Bathala himself.

"Hermes," Bathala begins. "Are you telling me that Lakapati has no chance of survival? That my child is doomed to fail?"

Hermes has no reaction to being lifted, before he calmly states the following:

"One can say that. Of course, there is still a chance of survival. Lakapati just needs to be smart on their next move."

Without any other choice, Bathala slowly lowers Hermes back to the ground. Not a word escaping from his mouth.

Meanwhile, the humans cheer in absolute excitement.

"Yes! We might actually have a chance!"

"Public Universal Friend, I'm sorry I ever doubted you!"

"What a display of power!" Heimdall announces. "Despite the mud, Lakapati has been knocked to their back! I didn't think it was possible, but a human has managed to knock down a god!"

For a while, Lakapati is motionless, the wind knocked out of them. Then, Lakapati gets up, but struggles, and falls back to their knees.

"Folks, I don't mean to call it early, but it seems that Lakapati is down for the count. This could be the birth of a new miracle for all of history!" Heimdall announces.

'Damn it.' Lakapati grumbles under their breath. 'I am failing this battle. Father must be so disappointed in me. The rest of the gods must think of me as a waste of a spot. Why did I insist on volunteering?'

Before Round 2

God's VIP Section

"Well," Zeus begins. "With Round 1 in our victory, who do you think we should choose for Round 2?"

"Not Xolotl that's for sure." The Dagda crosses his arms. "Did you hear him when everyone else was chosen? He's just going to cause us a victory."

"Agreed." Aphrodite shrugs, still resting on her manservants. "We need someone who will take this seriously."

As Bathala was about to speak a familiar voice catches his attention.

"Excuse me father," Revealing the voice belonging Lakapati's. "Forgive my eavesdropping, but if it's all right with you, I would like to volunteer for Round 2?"

"Is that so, my child?" Bathala turns to his child. "As much as I would gladly agree, I just cannot see you going out this early."

"Father," Lakapati slowly approaches. "This whole thing is ongoing because of our hatred of the humans. Humans have treated people like me like garbage for centuries, regardless of all that I have done. It is time I teach them a lesson."

"While I agree with your reason," Zeus starts. "Perhaps someone with a better chance would be the better choice."

"Lord Zeus," Lakapati starts. "Please, I insist. The longer I wait, the angrier I become. This anger needs to be quelled one way or another. Please Lord Zeus, I beg you."

Zeus turns to Bathala, who starts. "Fine my child. You can be our representative for Round 2. But I only ask one thing of you."

"Yes father. Thank you, father. Anything." Lakapati turns to their father.

"You come back alive." Bathala sternly says. "I cannot bear to lose you."

"You have my word father." Lakapati affirms.

"Very well." Hermes nods, before walking away. "I shall let Heimdall know."

Present Time

Forcing themselves, Lakapati gets up to their feet, using one of their rice stalks as a makeshift cane.

"Looks like I spoke too soon!" Heimdall announces. "Lakapati might be seriously hurt, but in no way are they willing to give up just yet!"

"It's over when I say it's over!" Lakapati declares, before they take one of their rice stalks, before peeling off all of its leaves and grains, finally revealing a sword with a peculiar hilt.

Ang Kampilan

"Just so you know," Laparti begins. "I only unsheathe this in times of great need. It looks like now is one of them."

"Folks, things just got interesting." Heimdall begins. "Lakapati has brought out their legendary weapon. Could Public Universal Friend's book still be effective?"

A/N: And we're clear!

Sorry for the delay folks, I've been busy the past couple weeks, so completing a chapter was not on the agenda. So no, I did not plan this chapter to release this month. Quite the coincidence, but not an intentional one.

Also, apologies if it got too preachy for the most part. It had to be done when it comes to researching about the Public Universal Friend.

Anyway, next chapter, the origins of Lakapati.

Until the next chapter, BYE!