PRIDE RING, HELL

Kratos marched through the streets, following Stolas' directions. He came across a massive mansion. Decadent and gilded, and surrounded by demons. They weren't like the imps. They were ash-grey skinned, short and with red eyes and sharpened teeth. They had horns, and bone-like claws. Kratos clenched his fists, ready to fight them. But they mysteriously backed away.

Were they afraid of him? Or were they expecting him? If so, what would Shinnok want with him.

He slowly maneuvered his way through the creatures as they parted way and allowed him a path through the door. Then it swung open. A bald man stood illuminated in the orange glow from inside. He had pasty white skin, and various red sigils tatooed over his skin, with black eyeliner that stretched all across the dome of his head. He also had black makeup on his lips. He also had leather straps that left his chest somewhat exposed along with a line of curved metal spikes along the shoulder pauldron.

Kratos said, "Shinnok..."

The man smirked and said, "Sadly no. We can't all aspire to be to the Elder God of Death. I am Quan Chi. My master has been expecting you, Ghost of Sparta."

It was as Kratos expected. Quan Chi gestured behind him, beckoning Kratos inside with a wry smirk. Kratos slowly marched in, eyeing the sorcerer as he entered. A bone filled throne sat in the center of the room. And there he sat. Dressed in maroon robes with pointed shoulders, and with black and gold straps across his chest, and his arms left exposed (though the forearms were wrapped in broken chains). He also had pasty white skin, and milky white eyes. He had a head dress that seemingly formed horns.

Shinnok, the Elder God of Death.

He stood as Quan Chi bowed his head. Shinnok stood a few inches taller than Kratos, even without the headdress.

Kratos, "You...are Shinnok?"

Shinnok said, "I am. And you are the Ghost of Sparta, are you not?"

"I was."

Shinnok said, "Are. Though your Hel was always a bit out of the way for me, Baldur's death still rings loud. Louder now."

Kratos raised an eyebrow.

Shinnok said, "Our worlds have merged. But some of us, like the Elder Gods, knew of other worlds before they merged. Why, is unknown. But there is so much more to corrupt now."

Kratos said, "Lucifer. Where is he?"

Shinnok was almost hurt by how little Kratos paid attention to what was said.

Shinnok said, "Ah...yes. The bouncing clown and his little girl. They are alive...for now."

Kratos said, "The politics of this world are your own. I wish for them to return me to the land of the living."

Shinnok said, "Oh...but they can't. One of them sought redemption for those damned here. If they could allow sinners to return for a second chance at life, you don't think they would?"

Kratos' shoulder's slightly dropped. He didn't want to believe it. Shinnok said, "I, however, am more than capable of sending you home."

Kratos eyed Shinnok again as he slowly circled the Ghost of Sparta.

Shinnok said, "There is someone out there. Far beyond the limits of this city. A warrior who may even surpass your younger self in pure unfiltered rage. The Doom Slayer. He seeks to annihilate all of Hell. If you kill him, and bring me his head, I'll return you to your son."

Kratos said, "And what becomes of you and your armies? If this obstacle is removed."

Shinnok said, "You said yourself my politics are my business. And I agree with that assessment. All you must do is kill the Slayer, bring me what remains, and leave. Do we have an accord, Ghost of Sparta?"

MIDGARD

The group of Katara, Lapis, Atreus, Mimir, Zoro and Freya were traversing the snowy forests, with Atreus and Freya leading. Mimir hung off his hip, turning to the three behind.

Mimir said, "You three seem to have adjusted to the cold rather quick."

Katara said, "I grew up in the South Pole where I'm from. I'm sorta used to it."

Lapis Lazuli said, "I don't really feel temperature like that."

Zoro said, "If you've got the discipline, even the coldest and hottest locales can all feel the same."

Mimir said, "Well, l'm glad we've all got our ways."

Katara said, "Where are we going, anyway?"

Atreus said, "Crota's gonna be coming here with his army. I know we can probably take them, but if we can draw him out without them, that'll just make our lives easier. The only way to make that happen is to camp ourselves in the open. There's a realm gate on the frozen lake, and that's where we'll take him on."

Freya said, "I'll have to charm the gate to make it bigger. In case he doesn't feel like adjusting his size."

Zoro turned to Freya and said, "Right out in the open? No cover?"

Katara said, "We have to make it enticing."

Zoro smiled and said, "Always good to have a challenge."

Mimir said, "Zoro...I can't help but notice that most of your council consisted of children. Hardly even Atreus' age."

Zoro said, "They're young, but they're also wise. They have a needed perspective."

Freya said, "Mimir, perhaps you could join this council. I'm sure they would value the words of the smartest man alive."

Mimir stammered and said, "I'm not sure that title is apt anymore. My knowledge lies in just our nine realms. What can I add for everything beyond that?"

Freya said, "Your input is valuable regardless of what you directly know. I think you give yourself too little credit."

Mimir said, "I suppose it's something to thinking about."

HELL

IMP OFFICE

"YOU FUCKING WHAT?!" Blitzø screamed upon hearing Kratos' recitation of Shinnok's offer.

Kratos continued, "Do not misunderstand. I have no intention of trusting him. I have met many a god like him, with false promises."

Blitzø asked, "And what's stopping you from tearing his head off or something?"

Kratos said, "He knew who I was. What I was capable of. What I was there for. And there was not a hint of fear in his voice. I have to be careful about how I approach him, and if this Doom Slayer presents as big of a problem as he claims, I will require his aid."

Stolas said, "Ghost of Sparta..."

Kratos snapped, "Kratos..." reminding Stolas of his true name.

Stolas sighed and said, "Kratos...I understand your logic, but you don't understand the stakes. The Doom Slayer is not someone to be reasoned with. He may not kill you, but he won't listen to you either. His entire purpose is killing demons."

Kratos said, "My purpose was slaying gods and monsters in the name of other gods and monsters. It seemed hopeless for me. I changed. But that does not matter. If the Slayer is as powerful as you claim, he will prove an invaluable ally."

Blitzø said, "So why'd you even come back here? Shouldn't you be out there doing the recruiting thing?"

Kratos said, "Because I will also require your aid."

Blitzø simply responded, "No."

Kratos grunted in response.

Moxxie spoke, "Mr. Kratos, sir, we've taken on a lot of crazy jobs. But I'd rather not put myself, an imp, in the crosshairs of an imp killing maniac, and the same goes for my wife."

Millie gave a smile and cheerfully said, "I actually think we can handle it."

Kratos said, "I am without my weaponry. I cannot face him like this."

Blitzø said, "Sorry bud. The answer is still no."

Kratos grunted and said, "In my world, I have shed the "Ghost of Sparta" moniker. I am a protector God of the Nine realms. This duty comes with some level of reward. If you help me return to my world, some of that reward can be yours."

Blitzø turned to his two imp colleagues with a smile.

Moxxie said, "Sir...no..."

Millie flashed a wicked smile while nodding her head violently.

Blitzø said, "Let's go catch us a fucking Doom Slayer!"

Moxxie groaned in frustration while Millie leapt up and cheered.

Stolas yelled, "HOLD IT!" stopping the room quiet. He marched to Kratos with his red eyes glowing. "The deal was you take care of Shinnok. Not make another deal with Hell's boogeyman!"

Kratos barked at Stolas, "I will not throw my life away for your politics nor will I be your monster! If you seek my help, then you will receive what I give you and demand no more or less!"

Stolas was taken aback by Kratos' anger. He said, "Fine...Kratos...but if you get my Blitzy killed by this insane plan, you answer to me!"

Stolas flaunted his cape, walking out of the room.

Blitzø said, "Well fuck. Never seen him get that pissy...welp let's load up, M and M!"

10 minutes later

The imps were now armed to the teeth. Millie had a pair of long swords and an axe on her back, with a handle that seemed even bigger than her. Moxxie had a small rifle with a scope, and Blitzø had a pair of pistols. Kratos had nothing but his two fists.

Blitzø said, "Loonie, keep an eye on the place while we're gone!"

Loona half-heartedly said, "Got it...", while tapping away on her phone. Kratos left the building with the imps.

Moxxie said, "I guess we're doing this. Where do we start?"

Kratos said, "Shinnok claimed this Slayer would be beyond the outskirts of the city, in the southern badlands."

Blitzø said, "Alright then. Gang load up in the van, I'll drive."

They walked around the building to a small parking lot, with various vehicles, one of which was a beaten up black Van with the IMP logo spray painted on the side.

The doors on the side slid open, and the four crawled inside, Blitzø sitting in the driver seat, Kratos in the passenger and Moxxie and Millie in the back.

Blitzø hit the gas, and the group set off to find the Doom Slayer.

Crota's Ship

Sasha Waybright was in a cold cell, adorned with calcified spiky matter and bars. Omnigul appeared, standing in front of her cell.

Sasha grimaced as she said, "What do you want?"

She said, "Crota has allowed me a few moments to study you."

She waved her hand and Sasha was lifted off the ground. Sasha said, "If you weren't a coward you'd drop the cheap magic tricks and we'd settle this woman to woman!"

Omnigul said, "I have no interest in fighting and have no care for appearing cowardly to a frail child. The same way you have no interest in fighting an ant or looking cowardly to an ant."

She floated away, pulling Sasha behind her in the air.

Sasha said, "What did you do with Anne?"

Omnigul said, "She's not here anymore. She's one of us now."

Sasha began thrashing as she yelled, "What did you do? What did you do to her?"

Omnigul said, "I didn't do anything. Crota's father has made them his servants. That power will be an incredible asset to us."

Sasha said, "Yet you saved me for last? I'm almost touched."

Omnigul said, "No it's because you're only human that you were spared. And ordinarily I'd have left you on that frozen planet. But this?"

She turned to show the wound Sasha had left in her back with her sword.

Omnigul said, "A mere human catching me off guard like that is nothing short of spectacular. I have to know how."

They entered a chamber with a table in the middle. Omnigul moved Sasha to it and dropped her on top of it. On the wall were various glass bottles, covered in calcium with different liquids of varying shades of green. She grabbed one off the shelf.

Sasha asked, "What is that?"

Omnigul said, "Your belligerent attitude tells me you will not give me answers willingly. This will hopefully make you a bit more open to suggestion."

Omnigul grabbed Sasha by the head, using her power to force her mouth open while she poured the contents of the bottle in her mouth, Sasha thrashing violently as she attempted to not swallow the liquid.

She coughed and gagged as the seeming poison ran down the side of her mouth.

She took a deep breath, once she swallowed and yelled, "You crazy witch!"

Omnigul said, "Tut tut. Now...who trained you?"

Sasha was keen to keep her mouth shut, but a mysterious force began to push it open. Then she spoke in a flat monotone.

"Captain Grime, captain of the Toad Army."

Omnigul tilted her head, chortling, "Toad army? Toads are small amphibious creatures in your world."

"He's...not of my world."

Omnigul said, "I see. This world, is it one where toads are superior?"

"Yes..."

Omnigul rubbed her chin as she asked, "This world. Does it...run parallel to yours?"

"Yes."

Omnigul asked again, "And is it accessible?"

"No. Not without the Calamity power..."

Omnigul said, "The Calamity Power...

Omnigul began pacing around the room as a realization struck.

"Anne Boonchuy..."

Bridge

Omnigul rushed to Crota overlooking his army.

"We need to talk, Crota. About your father."

Crota turned to Omnigul as he asked, "What about my father?"

"Are you aware of Amphibia?"

Crota was silent for about 5 seconds.

"I'm going to need more elaboration."

Omnigul sighed and said, "There is a world tied to Anne Boonchuy's earth. One she can access with her calamity power."

Crota turned his head. "Another world?"

"Yes. One in which toads and frogs rule. It's where she first received this power."

Crota said, "What does this have to do with my father?"

Omnigul said, "Do you not think it strange he kept this from you? He said they were instrumental in restoring Xivu Arath. She could be on that world."

Crota said, "Hmmm. But why take Luz Noceda as well?"

Omnigul said, "Perhaps...perhaps there are two worlds tied to their Earth? One for Luz, and the other for Anne. Their powers are too dissimilar to be for the same place."

Crota said, "Two worlds, and I knew of none...what do we do about this?"

Omnigul said, "We confront your father. Uncover why this was kept from us."

Crota said, "No...he has his reasons. I won't pry."

Omnigul said, "He ordered us to bring those children to him. You don't think it may have been important to mention something like this? We lost our Voshyr for this..."

Crota snapped at Omnigul, "Don't...bring her up. Her absence weighs on me just as much if not more. I know what the sacrifice was for. But I will not throw away whatever goodwill I've built up with my father to chase unclear suspicions."

Omnigul said, "Why is it that your spine ceases to exist when your father is brought up?!"

Crota yelled, "That I won't turn against my father means I lack a spine?"

Omnigul said, "It's not turning against him to understand his secrecy. We're not marching up demanding a war, we simply seek to understand. He never knew we brought that Waybright girl. As far as he knows we never learned of this and will never learn of this. I would at least like to understand why we're not privy to this."

Crota said, "We are not entitled to that unless he decrees it. Considering how you're reacting to something so minor, perhaps he had a good reason to keep you in the dark."

Omnigul scoffed and walked out of the room. She stopped short of the door and said, "Your loyalty to your father blinds you. He has considered no place for you in his grand vision. We could chart our grand vision. Our own empire. But I see you'd rather sacrifice family to chase his empty approval."

Then she left.

Crota sighed as he thought to himself, "She'll join us in the sun, father. Soon enough. Now's the time to rally my legions and begin the invasion."