1,000 years after the first official Ragnarök had ever occurred, the Gods are now meeting to discuss the fate of Humanity for the next 1,000 years.
Asgard
Council of Valhalla, Parliament Building
As the Gods finished entering the building and finding their seats, there was an abundance of whispers and murmurs regarding what the next outcome of Humanity would be. It was evident there was a disparity amongst the views of the Gods. Whilst some had learned to accept they weren't that much different for the values of humans, and acknowledged that they had moved into an age of prosperity and improvements after the events, others still had their minds focused on revenge for, not only the lives lost, but for what they perceived to be the arrogance of the humans.
A figure from above watched on, with a hopeful smile on her face. "Oh please, have mercy on them." She spoke softly.
Valkyrie Sisters:
Goll
A voice at the front cleared their throat, calling everyone to their attention. "So, welcome again everyone, it has been another 1,000 years since we last gathered, and it is once again time for us to decide the fate of humanity." He spoke, with a slight chuckle. "After being bested by them in Ragnarok noless, do we continue to show mercy, or do we proceed with divine intervention?.
Head of the Council of Valhalla:
Zeus (Greek)
There was a temporarily silence amongst the Gods, him being the first to break it.
"If I may, Father." He stood, and raised his hand. "Humanity has certainly shown improvements since the time of Ragnarök, there have been no wars, the state of the planet is improving, and this is arguably the most peaceful they have been in many centuries."
Twelve Gods of Olympus:
Ares (Greek)
"I gotta agree with Mr Muscle Brain over there." Another voice chuckled. "They've been goody-goody ever since Ragnarök."
God of Destruction
Shiva (Hindu)
"Yes, that is true. The survivors of Ragnarök also did provide aid during the War against the Primordial Gods if I might add."
Twelve Gods of Olympus:
Aphrodite (Greek)
After hearing the opinions of Gods with influence, others began to voice their agreement, and so it ended with a vote of 90% to 10%, in favour of allowing Humanity to live again. What Goll was unaware of, however, was another God watching from above, an intensifying anger increasing by the moment.
"I can't believe this!" Goll squealed. "If only Big Sis was here to see what she accomplished."
Zeus brought down the murmurs with a few small bangs of the gavel. "Well, if we are all in agreement, it appears we can call this meeting to a close. Humanity can prosper for another 1,000 years." Zeus began to lower his gavel, when-
"Stop!" Zeus stopped just before he was able to slam down the gavel, as everyone turned to where the voice came in question.
The figure stepped forward from the shadows, making his way down to Zeus, as gasps and surprise looks occured from the crowd. The pale man had long flowing white hair, with a clean white goatee, and line tattoos that went all over his muscular body. He was fitted with gold bands on his wrists, a golden spiked necklace with black on the inside covering, and a green towel covering the lower part of his body. Lower down, he had a singular golden bangle on his right leg, with bare feet.
A few members of his Pantheon bowed and offered their greetings to the God as he calmly made his way down, but he simply waved them off until he stood right in front of Zeus' table.
"B-Bathala? It has been many years since you've made an appearance here!" Zeus said, a slight croak in his voice.
As the crowd heard that name, the tone of the room changed dramatically.
"Well, when I heard of what took place at the last council, I only saw it fit for me to make my presence known." He calmly spoke. His voice may have seemed calm, but the aura and presence he generated was enough to terrify even the Chief Gods.
The Supreme Being
Bathala (Philipphines)
"When I heard of your little competition, I expected something like that from you Zeus, you adrenaline junkie. But to lose? And to allow them survival now? What happened to your pride as Gods? Clearly this counsel needs to be under a new ownership." Bathala suggested.
"With all respect Bathala, you and the other upper Gods from your Pantheon decided to leave the council a long time ago, and we alrea-" Zeus was unable to finish, as he was lifted up by a single hand from Bathala, who immediately slammed him into the table. None of the members present spoke, as Goll put her hand to her mouth attempting to mask a scream.
"Well, it appears Zeus is unable to continue his position, if there are no objections, then I will temporarily step in." Bathala suddenly stepped into the seat, waiting for anyone to raise their voice, to which no one did. "Now, why don't we vote again?"
"Wait, Bathala." A member in one of the middle rows said, standing up.
The man in question wore a white button up shirt, the top button undone, and suit trousers. But with the tightness of the shirt clearly not suit to his muscular body. The Caucasian man had clean curly brown hair, sported with a well kept brown beard.
God of Fire
Prometheus (Greek)
"Prometheus..." Bathala narrowed his eyes. "It has certainly been a while.
"Indeed, and I welcome your return. However, if we are to eradicate Humanity, which will no doubt be the second outcome of this vote, should we not first establish our true superiority over them? Why, to do so when our loss in Ragnarök is public record, most of humanity and some Gods may view it as cowardice on your part, which would be a terrible start to reign as head of the council would it not?" Prometheus stated.
A few of the Gods were surprised by this interaction. Prometheus was always one who spoke of logic, and reasoning, but he was one of the creators of humanity, alongside Bathala. For him to be for siding against them like this was as shocking as one implying Bathala is a coward.
Bathala went to say something, then paused, before sighing deeply and motioning for Prometheus to continue. "What do you suggest, then?"
"I propose, a second Ragnarok. Establish that their win was nothing more than a fluke, and wipe them out with no qualms or asterisk left on this."
"Oh?" Well then..." A God who was eating popcorn by himself in one of the upper rows, suddenly grinned.
The Founder of Buddhism
Buddha (South Asia)
"As logical and understandable as always I see, Prometheus. Very well. We will hold a second Ragnarok. Humanity will have one chance to save themselves, and we as Gods will face them." Bathala suddenly stood, moving across from the table. "I ask every Pantheon to be ready, and every God ready to be called upon, as I will personally be deciding on the roster myself. I'm sure you all are already aware, but declining is not an option." He stopped and looked up towards where Goll stood.
"And you, Valkyrie girl in the stands." Goll suddenly jumped in surprise, although attempting to hide from Bathala's line of vision was naïve in the first place. "As Brunhilde was sent to Niflheim in the last tournament, you will take charge for this one. You have one week to choose your champions. That will be all." Bathala suddenly walked up the steps and left, just as silent, and just as calmly as he arrived.
Goll suddenly looked at her hands, and realised just how hard she was shaking. Another Ragnarok? The return of the Bathala? Just what other Pantheons that have stayed away for some time will be coming back to fight in this war? One thing's for sure, she knew she would have to carry on her sisters work, and find out another way to save Humanity, one more time.
Author Note
Hey! So I hope you enjoyed the first chapter in my Ragnarok story, I apologise for any mythological errors, I'm not exactly well versed and its more of a hobby on my part. I can admit I have not fully decided on the rosters but I'm like 80% sure, and if it wasn't obvious already with the Primordial Gods remark, I kind of did my own take on how the rest of the story would play out from what we got to witness, that will be more revealed as the story goes on (What other humans and valkyries died and what not, hope you enjoy my portrayal of Bathala, and enjoy this story as it continues!