– Yessss!

Jingū gathered strength to make a second jump, despite all the injuries. Her face was radiating the enormous happiness she felt.

Once both feet touched the surface of platform, which was more like a puddle of water submerged by destruction done to the arena, turned her head to look around:

All humanity was united in shouts and cheers of celebration; there were no more complaints or doubts, but joyful union. All it moved the woman, so her cheeks were bathed in tears…

This time, tears of happiness.

« We made it Himiko! »

« We won this fight! »

– Yes, misses Hrist… – embraced the sword and armor as she could – I thank you… for helping me!

– Jingū Kougou has achieved the feat of defeating the second Tyrant of the Seas! With this, humanity obtains its first victory and first tie in this Ragnarok!

Oujin began to jump, taking the shirts of everyone around him to show off:

– She's my mom! She did it!

Ameno smiled with both fists clenched.

– Great, dear Himo! That was splendid!

– Heh! – her teacher smiled with both arms crossed. – Nothing bad. I'm very proud of you, Okinaga.

– You did it, daughter! – Hime and Nosukune were excited; for first time in their lives they were able to see their daughter fight.

One of the most excited of them was her husband Nakahiko: he had never imagined her in a fight, and now could see her rising as winner of humanity.

– Sweetie… – that touched his heart greatly – You did it!

Sasaki also wanted to be carried away by his emotions, but advanced age not to mention Einherjer title wouldn't allow it. He could only afford to say a few good words to her.

– You did very well, Jingū!

In her special seat the Valkyrie sisters went overboard in celebrating.

– She did it, she did it! – Lifthrasir shouted to the sky – Thanks to Jingū, humanity has her first victory!

– With this, the heavens will tremble! – Lif accompanied her with same feeling – We'll kick all of them in ass again!

For her part, the purple-haired Valkyrie was able to let out a contented sigh and relax her expression.

– They… Jingū and elder sister Hrist… They did it! They were able to beat the second Poseidon!

Inevitably the Valkyrie reacted much the same as her previous older sister: let a greedy smile spread to lips with a proud thought in her head.

– They… the gods will fall again… This time it will be thanks to me--! – After expressing that, her old expression returned to herself which reassured – No, no, no!

She slapped both cheeks a few times to react.

– Don't sing victory before time. Big sis Brunhilde told me: I still have 6 more wins to go.

A metal gate opened on the eastern side of arena along with a corridor leading into the stadium and connecting to central platform. The woman looked at the corridor very tired.

– So… Should I walk there…?

As soon as realized Sasaki was surprised, so walked to the edge of the stands; jumped into the water despite his clothes.

– Huh!? Mr. Sasaki!? – Oujin was very surprised by that.

– Why walk…? I'm very tired…

Instantly Jingū's eyes closed and her body fell to the ground, also dropping her sword without hesitation. The viewers were quite shocked.

– Sweetie…! – Nakahiko, realizing it, was also about to enter the arena.

But she wouldn't hit the ground: on way, samurai armor and sword flashed back to her Valkyrie form, the second eldest sister Hrist with wounds and wet from head to toe.

As she appeared, Hrist grabbed Jingū to prevent from falling, while Sasaki came out of the water to help them.

– Jingū…! – Sasaki took the woman to try to make her react – Jingū, wake up!

– Don't worry Sasaki – the Valkyrie smiled at him calmly, giving her a thumbs up to make sure – She just passed out, but will be fine.

The Einherjer breathed a sigh of relief at such information, while together with Valkyrie they carried Jingū's body down the corridor to the infirmary.

For their part, the gods were completely astonished and bewildered.

– It can't be, it can't be!

– M-Mr. Sobek… just lost…?

Among them there was a mixture of terror with discomfort realizing the death of new Poseidon; only very few expressed anything other than anger.

For example admiration: Thor with his smiling gaze could express such a feeling, just like Shiva in the midst of his wives.

– That human doesn't do anything bad. I like it~

In the Greek seats Athena in her own chair raised both arms and legs in victorious emotion.

– I knew it, I knew it~! Pretty Jingū could never lose!

So much talk from Athena bothered Ares a bit, who could no longer contain his emotions.

– Which side are you on, Athena?

– From the highest bidder, obviously!

– Just as you behave, it seems you're with humans! As if you were a traitor!

Such an expression quite annoyed Zeus, who looked up at Ares with deep resentment and hatred:

– Don't call your sister "traitor" again.

Ares was quite scared; he hadn't seen his father with that expression for a long time. Athena, realizing this, got involved with pranks to fix the situation.

– Don't get mad, daddy… In this place, I'll only betray my brother Ares to get some fries!

– Is Ares worth that much? – Hermes chuckled.

Now the Greek of the war felt especially humiliated; with nothing to do, got up from his seat to turn around to the exit.

– I'll go for a walk…

Once had disappeared, Athena jumped up to speak now standing up with more energy than before.

– I always bet on the best; my pretty Achilles was a great candidate, but wasn't always the best. On the other hand, Jingū was my favourite, plus I never supported Sobek to fight… Look what happened!

– Rather, by acting recklessly – commented Hermes with a hand on chin – Sobek had many open doors to obtain victory, but didn't take them.

– Just like her; Jingū was the first to take those windows before he did; a small mistake in it would only have left Sobek with a few wounds and that's it.

» Although, as I had said before; she has too many legends it's back so if she had lost the fight, I would take a great disappointment from humanity.

Athena only managed to clench her fists with emotion.

– Humanity is so cool!

On the other hand, the gods also expressed a third feeling: sadness.

Hathor was with broken feelings; with both knees on the floor hit it with clenched fists until they broke and bled. At all time her eyes gave off tears of a broken heart.

– My love! Sobek… You shouldn't die…! No, no, no… It didn't have to be you…! Why…?

– You… damn fetishist…

Khonsu had both fists clenched, his expression serious and cold.

– Idiot… Always interposing your damn fetishes on top of us, your friends… You're the worst brother I've ever had…

However, a new expression came over his face as lifted up into the sky, in the direction where Sobek's soul had disappeared.

– But congratulations… You did it! You fulfilled your dream, as weird and silly as it may have been! You can rest now.

Hathor wept softly, feeling even worse at his friend Khonsu's words. However, being in that state, her mind began to wander, reaching hasty and unfounded conclusions…

Excuses.

« Forgive me, my love… But… I know the truth…

» You didn't… You wouldn't have wanted it, right? You… You wouldn't have liked to leave me like this… You would never allow it! »

She looked up at human next to the Einherjer and Valkyrie who had just left the stage; her eyes radiated great anger.

« You… Damn human… You're responsible for this! You killed my husband…! »

Among the tumult there was a very important silence: the Trinity of Egypt.

Isis was shocked by such an outcome, showing impotence and anger in eyes. Osiris had a dark look to the ground, as well as Horus whose feathers reflected his courage.

However, the 3 shared the same feeling: shame.

Humiliation and shame for being them, the powerful Egyptian pantheon 1000 years ago was intact, who brought the first defeat of the Heavens in the second Ragnarok.

Osiris destroyed part of his throne by clenching both hands into fists in rage, while Horus looked up to fix his golden eyes on the seat of Valkyrie Geir.

His mouth released a death sentence.

– This won't stay like this.

She didn't show it in combat arena, but Hrist was very tired from her injuries, so Sasaki almost had to deal with both women to get them to the infirmary.

– We're almost there, miss! Hold on a little more!

– Yes… – Hrist 'who trembles with anger' took control to persist – I can still go on…

They reached the infirmary; a huge set of rooms and stretchers available to care for women. In the closest one left Jingū, with heavy movements but, even with that, didn't the woman wake up.

– I'm surprised she's such a heavy sleeper! – Sasaki commented mockingly.

Sasaki and Hrist found everything they needed to help her: bandages, alcohol, gauze, etc. They immediately began to treat Jingū however they could, cleaning wounds, especially the cuts Sobek made with weapon and claws, to wrap her in many bandages.

– It's very tiring… – Hrist 'who trembles with anger' commented, being herself also injured although to a lesser extent, and looked up around them – Why aren't any nurses around!?

At the end they gave an exhaling sigh; closed the curtain on the stretcher she was on and sat down on a couple of benches outside.

– Fine. We're done.

– No miss. Not yet.

Hrist turned to her Einherjer in surprise, noticing he was holding ointment, alcohol, and more gauze and bandages.

– Sasaki?

– You're hurt too. We must attend to you immediately.

– Don't worry. I'm fine--

The Valkyrie was going to get up to leave, but felt quite a bit of pain run through body (more pain she had before); so had to sit down again.

– On second thought… I take it back.

– I was hoping to hear that.

With care and delicacy, Sasaki began to clean the wounds of her former Valkyrie to proceed to wrap them in bandages; for some reason, perhaps 'cause of them connection for Volund, doing it didn't even make him nervous but was comfortable.

Hrist 'who trembles with fear' was the one who spoke.

– Thank you.

– I'm just doing the duty of a gentleman  – Sasaki laughed a little at that comment – That's what Jack would say, wouldn't he?

– Very sure!

Both remained silent while the Japanese continued with his medical work, and the Valkyrie spoke again. It was from 'who trembles with anger', although with a curious kind and calm tone.

– I… During the Volund, I could see everything you did for her… – she let out a mischievous smile – I saw everything you did with her last night.

– Huh!? – this time Sasaki blushed – No, no! Nothing of that! We just train--!

– I know! – Hrist laughed a little – I was just playing! But now seriously…

» She tried quite hard all this time to please you as her teacher and first winner of Ragnarok. I must confess she reminded me a lot of you; her effort, dedication, strength… – 'who trembles with fear' take the last control.

» She was like a small copy of you.

– It's true… – Sasaki continued to give answer, already used to Hrist's constant change of personalities – She was insistent I stay with to help her.

– Yes… I'm glad you agreed.

Finishing his job of bandaging arms and part of abdomen, Sasaki wiped his sweaty forehead with a hand.

– I'm done, miss. Although I recommend you visit a real doctor; so you will avoid serious problems.

They both got up from their seats, while the Valkyrie stared at her covered hands.

– Maybe I will, but… – a blush lit up the Valkyrie – I prefer to stay with this.

They were about to return with Jingū, when small and frantic footsteps were heard in the place, giving way to the entrance of a couple of girls.

– Sasaki! Sasaki!

– That was cool!

The little pair, Lif and Lifthrasir, ran to the swordsman's legs, being closer to both, and hugged them each one at time, climbing up a little and smiling broadly.

– Hi, little ones!

The Valkyries could barely contain their excitement.

– It… was amazing! A battle like no other, thanks to your teachings!

– Our first victory, at hands of the blessed of the Gods!

They both laughed a little, although gave each other negative looks because of what had discussed a while ago. Sasaki laughed a bit too.

– That's true, but… Aren't you forgetting the person who helped her in arena?

– … It's true! It was big sis Hrist!

The little Valkyries detached themselves from Sasaki's legs, like a pair of cockroaches, and ran to climb onto Hrist's legs.

– You were amazing too, big sis!

– With your experience from fighting Poseidon, you beat Sobek!

– To tell the truth, I was scared when the sword broke… – Lif confessed with some sadness – But… seeing the re-volund revitalized me!

– It's true, big sis! – Lifthrasir agreed with same emotion – Your re-volund was… amazing!

The younger one looked up at ceiling of the infirmary.

– Thank you gods for allowing me to feast my eyes on this moment!

– Hey! – Lif scolded him immediately – You can't say that! It's those same gods we have to defeat!

Hrist laughed, though at time she, too, reflected on the re-volund had made.

– That… It also took me by surprise. I didn't think I could take that form in re-volund…

– But… But, big sis Hrist! – Lifthrasir was instantly alarmed – You broke the rules!

– You said you wouldn't participate in this Ragnarok! – Lif agreed, showing some childish jealousy – Big sis Geir said it, and you confirmed it! Now I want to do Volund!

– The divine punishment of big sis Geir will fall on you!

The light but in our annoyance tapping of a shoe caught Hrist's attention, who raising eyes a little already guessed what would happen next.

– Yes… you both are right…

A few feet from the group, stood the thirteenth Valkyrie sister, with arms crossed and face screwed up in annoyance, while continued to hit the ground with a shoe.

Geir let out a sigh seemed to be holding back.

– Lif, Lifthrasir… Would you mind going to the Akashic Records room for a moment? Maybe you can pick the next fighter.

– Really…!? – Both sisters' eyes shone at same time – Are you serious!?

– Let's say for this first victory I'll be a bit flexible. – Geir smiled at both of them – You can go.

The little ones took off from their sister's legs to leave the infirmary, although returned later to ask for directions to where the registration room was.

Once they left never to return, Geir was left alone with Sasaki and Hrist.

The Valkyrie stood with both arms crossed, breathing heavily, as looked at the pair who had no expression other than waiting.

The silence would've been eternal had it not been for Geir who spoke again.

– How is Jingū? Is she okay she?

– Yes, although was asleep – Sasaki replied – She's passed out, but bandaged as we could.

» Fortunately she doesn't have any life-threatening injuries, although… I'm worried there aren't any nurses here.

Geir recalled an unpleasant scene from a millennium ago, just after the end of fifth round, located in Valhalla's infirmary and with just no nurses nearby.

« Why are they not used to being here? »

The Valkyrie took her phone to send a message.

– I'll send a message to… to Nostradamus to take care of Jingū, and one to lord Thor to take care of the situation.

– Okay… – Hrist 'who trembles with fear' turned around to go to an empty stretcher – You know? Sasaki healed some of my wounds, but I'm in worse condition I thought, so I'll stay here--

– Why the hell didn't you tell me about your change of plans!?

In an instant the purple-haired Valkyrie jumped on top of Hrist, throwing her to ground as well as Hlokk. Sasaki was scared by such an attitude, and especially by the speed she used.

– Lady!?

– S-Sister! I just fought, I'm hurt! – for first time in her life, Hrist begged Geir – Please…!

– Hlokk already confessed what you did. Your change of fighter, the talk with Cleopatra and Jingū, and maybe with you too Sasaki! – Geir looked away to nail murderous eyes to the Japanese, with which left him in his place – Also you did Volund behind my back to fight with Jingū, even though Brokk and Eitri already had their weapons! I already know it all!

Hrist 'who trembles with anger' could only let out a giggle.

– Surprise?

– What the hell do you have with word "surprise"!?

Hrist wriggled under the little Valkyrie, though wasn't so little anymore. Geir reluctantly moved aside so Hrist could get up.

– You'll see sis. I hadn't done it maliciously--

Hrist addressed Geir, in fact, quite calmly, although saw her younger sister with an attitude she didn't expect: The minor was crying softly as covered her face with sleeves of her jacket.

– Geir!

– You're a fool! – her complaints were interrupted by sobs – Silly, fool, idiot…!

» You made Volund and fought though… though you knew you might die… Just look at you! Look how Sobek left you! You were so close to getting more hurt…!

The minor looked from her tearfully to Hrist.

– I… I already have it under control… I already have a plan to prevent them from getting hurt; to take care of all of you, but… You didn't listen to me… It makes me angry, even more remembering how worried I was! I almost… jumped into the arena and snatched you away from Jingū or… I don't know what I would've done--!

Hrist 'who trembles with fear' interrupted her with a hug, which Geir immediately reciprocated. Being that way, the older one felt a little guilty for what did.

– It's true… You're right. I must have told you.

– Idiot! You shouldn't even have thought of doing it! – the way Geir complained was like a childish tantrum, which caused Hrist to laugh lightly – Don't laugh! Is seriously!

– Sorry.

Once she had calmed down a bit, Geir managed to keep talking.

– Why… why did you do it? Before you say I would have prevented it; it's obvious I wouldn't have let you go, even facing your 2 faces, but…

» Why do it behind my back? Why did you keep it from me until… it could have been too late?

Hrist took a deep breath, feeling unable to say it. Geir began to work her mind through some options.

– Don't trust me?

– No, isn't that! It's just… – the Valkyrie decided to blurt out the conclusion – It was a mistake you chose Cleopatra as Sobek's rival.

– … Huh?

– You see: thanks to lord Thor, during this millennium we were informed of what was happening in other pantheons, and among all that the succession of Sobek as the new Poseidon.

» Since we known he got that title for facing and defeating all gods of sea, I knew was someone much worse than Poseidon and I verified it: even without a divine weapon was still a killing machine. The only thing held him against us was Jingū's position as queen; otherwise, no… I don't think we would be here with you.

» When you told us Sobek would be the second to fight, I knew we had to send someone just as capable as Sasaki: someone with the training and knowledge passed down from him, so my experience on the Volund would be enough to defeat him.

– I was guilty of that – Kojiro affirmed immediately – The lady sought me out for that purpose, and without hesitation I told her about miss Jingū whom I trained almost the whole night before.

– I didn't tell you 'cause I know you wouldn't allow me to participate. But I did everything so we could win; and we were able to win.

Geir sobbed some more, though now satisfied by their words showed in shake of her head.

– O-Okay. Thank you for explaining to me.

Hrist hugged her again, more calmly now to close the moment.

– I would like to apologize again, but… I don't regret this. In fact, I feel good about helping us get this win.

» I know you want to do everything just like Brunhilde did, but… Remember we're with you. We're 6 more sisters with you who know in advance how painful Ragnarok can be.

» You don't need to carry everything by yourself. We're here to help you.

– Yes, thank you very much!

Sasaki then helped Hrist seeing staying with wounds made her more exhausted.

– It seems now it's your turn to take care of me… – smiled Hrist 'who trembles with anger' coquettishly.

– It's just a settling of scores, miss.

– I entrust my big sis, Sasaki!

Having said it, Geir wiped her cheeks and left the infirmary to go to records room; on the way she began to think about all of the above.

« I'm glad everything is okay. Things seemed to get out of control, but now everything… went as I expected, though…

» Was choosing Cleopatra a resounding mistake? According to what I knew from Brokk and Eitri, she would've been wearing armor capable of withstanding Sobek's blows, but…

» Without the knowledge and experience with Volund she would have lost…? So if she had lost this second round, the blame would have… »

Thinking about it made her feel bad; therefore had to slap her cheeks a couple of times to snap out of such a feeling.

– Nope! It doesn't matter! My big sis Brunhilde would never forgive me for thinking like that.

Shook her head a couple of times, before taking a long breath and concluding with continuing her journey to Akashic Records' room.

– I can't waste my time thinking about it. I must choose the next fighter.

In a special conference room commissioned by the GFOC, the most important gods in second Ragnarok were gathered: the leaders of pantheons.

All gathered and seated around a round table, with 2 or 3 representatives per pantheon, being illuminated by windows covered by curtains and a hologram located in the center of the table.

Everyone was separated into a section; and everyone with different emotions.

In Greek section, Zeus sits on his throne with both feet up on the table whistling one of his favorite songs; at his side stood Hermes the messenger, with expression calm despite his father's attitude.

In Norse section sat Asgard kings: Thor and Syf.

The Thunder Berserker stared into space with his typical blank and bored gaze; it seemed the lifestyle replacing Odin didn't change his attitude. On other hand, Syf was calm though with inner nerves being in front of so many important gods.

She moved a hand to take her husband's hand, slipping his fingers under palm and squeezing it a little; to such a gesture Thor responded in same way, although Syf didn't feel emotions in him.

In next section were 3 Svarga's representatives:

First of all Shiva, the strongest of the 1116 and their leader; lying bored on his floating mattress, upper limbs under head and the rest on chest. He seemed to be asleep, but his facial expression indicated he was just waiting for the meeting to start.

Second, sitting to left was his best friend and storm god Rudra. During that millennium, Rudra capriciously became the second in command, for now could be present without problems; arms relaxed, Rudra was more serious than Shiva.

Third, behind Shiva's right side, there was a guest goddess: very beautiful, with a transparent veil covering her shy gaze and arms crossed in front; tried not to keep her eyes up for too long so as not to look rude. She was Lakshmi, Hindu deity of beauty and fortune, and representative for the second Ragnarok.

The other section was the scariest at the time: the main Trinity of Egypt.

The 3 were sitting next to each other, with gloomy looks, mouths twisted on the floor in anger, and arms crossed. They were with the least original postures, but gave to understand their feelings so angry.

Finally, the most normal section of all: the Mexica pantheon.

In name of Huitzi, king of Aztlan still wounded by his combat, his older brother Cuahui and his mother Coa attended the meeting.

The Captain of the Centzon was on the throne of his brother with a table next to him where left his crown of feathers; taking advantage of the fact he was now the leader, had a bad face in front of the other gods. On side, his mother Coa was on a comfortable spherical cushion, looking around her curiously and holding between her fingers the cup of chocolate she had ordered.

Around there were also other relevant gods from other pantheons: Takamagahara of the Shinto gods, Tian of the Chinese gods, Tuatha of the unified Celts, among others.

Hermes took a step forward, to touch the screen made the floating hologram and show a summary of the tournament.

– First fight, Huitzi against Achilles; victory for the gods. Second fight, Sobek vs. Jingū Kougou; victory for humanity. Right now we have our first tie.

Khonsu slipped into the room to take place beside Isis, announcing arrival in a whisper immediately afterwards.

– I have arrived, lady Isis.

– Khonsu…? – her discomfort disappeared for a moment – Where is Hathor?

– She's indisposed. Won't be able to appear with you until further notice.

Shiva let out a loud, long yawn caught everyone's attention; opened his eyes and spoke without showing much importance to the subject.

– The humans have shown they can face us… What a surprise! Only now had their first victory faster than I expected.

– For this reason we'll leave it like this!? – Horus was the next to speak, showing himself really annoyed – We won't leave it like that!

– Of course not – Thor's cold and serious voice calmed down Horus – That's why we're here.

– In that case… – Hermes spoke again – Who will offer a volunteer?

It was at that moment everyone fell silent: none wanted to dare to raise their hands to face the humans.

Shiva turned Lakshmi on his cushion.

– What do you say? Do you want to go?

The goddess froze for a second, turning Rudra as if expected an answer. Rudra didn't answer her but smiled, so it made Lakshmi more nervous, and for it she flatly refused.

– Very well… – Shiva looked back at the table to raise a hand – Svarga will wait a little longer.

Syf leaned over to whisper to Thor.

– Do you think we should offer… Hela?

– I'm not sure. She's never in a good mood.

Seeing the silence of all pantheons, Zeus got up on seat and began to move from side to side as if he were dancing.

– In that case… I would like to offer myself to be next! I've waited a thousand years to feel this excitement of battlefield in Ragnarok again… And it made me want to see the previous ones--!

– No! – Horus had the audacity to interrupt Zeus – I'm so sorry, lord Zeus… But, because of this defeat, I can't allow it! We must be next!

– Nope! You all can't~

The sound of smashed and chewed potato chips rang through the room, breaking the tension and drawing everyone's attention:

Lying on a sofa behind Zeus's throne, her daughter was eating chips from a bag on stomach. Licked her fingers several times before speaking again.

– It goes against the plan to send to Egypt again. Everyone can go except you.

– Huh!? – Horus stared at her – Who do you think you are!?

– Don't you know me? In that case, I'll have to introduce myself!

– Here it comes again – Hermes laughed a little.

Athena ate another potato before sitting down on the sofa.

– I am the goddess of wisdom, war, strategy, justice and freedom. The number one of Olympus, daughter of my daddy Zeus and niece of the oldest brothers. Representative of the gods for the second Ragnarok, the most beautiful in Greece, and… I don't know what else to add…!

» I am ATHENA ♡!!

The gods were somewhat surprised; they knew Athena had controlled contact with other pantheons especially by order of Zeus.

The first to comment was Shiva with a smile.

– So you're grandpa's darling. In fact, you don't even look like him.

– What can I tell you!? – Athena shook her head like a little girl – Genetics are so weird!

– What is this girl doing here? – Horus asked Zeus directly.

However, Thor intervened on Athena's behalf.

– She's present to help us make the strategy of the second Ragnarok. I've seen her skills and knowledge: we'll not lose 'cause of her.

– Enough, cutie Thor! You embarrass me! – Athena feigned emotion with those words, to continue with boast – But he's right; I personally chose the pretty Huitzi as first fighter… Just look at results!

Coa and Cuahui looked at the Greek with interest.

– Did you send my brother first?

– Unfortunately it didn't turn out as I expected – Athena continued speaking, ignoring Cuahui – He had to fight against my student, my pretty Achilles; other than it, he came out as I expected. Now…

The goddess jumped up and walked a few laps around the gods, eating potatoes from the bag she was holding. After finishing the second lap, her eyes shone a childish gold.

– I'll tell you how the plan should've been. The second representative must've been one of the following: I, Athena; Lakshmi or Chang'E. This considering our opponent were Jingū Kougou, the blessed of the Gods. The odds of winning were practically 100:

» Obviously I would've won against Jingū Kougou; Chang'E has a ranged attack strategy would've given her victory, and Lakshmi has those crazy lucky powers would've been a match made against swordswoman's blessings.

Those who didn't know Athena were surprised by such a detailed, meticulous and perfectionist explanation. One such person was Syf, who approached Thor.

– How… How could she do that?

– It's the special ability of the daughter of Zeus – Thor replied by way of explanation – I think she calls it "War Awareness": an ability allows her to analyze any person sees long enough to predict its movements, in addition to create a strategy can counteract it.

– Really!?

– That's how it's; as a fight occurs, she can predict its pace and outcome using that ability at all time. In the end she can face and win anyone, because learns to counter her opponents.

Syf's eyes widened, being able to only look at the daughter of Zeus: a spoiled girl in appearance, but with skills of a military general.

– Unfortunately we have a problem! – Athena sighed with exaggerated sadness – You, the gods of Egypt, were able to convince my daddy and others to send Sobek, and although it wasn't a bad option: his attack strategy was aggressive without fatigue; fighting head-on, taking advantage of the arena he requested, with same speed as my uncle Poseidon but greater strength and external resistance, for which he trusted never to defend himself.

» Such confidence in his scales, able to withstand even our best divine weapons, was his downfall ever since Jingū was able to cut that scales the first time. Also, his ideals so… rare of royalty led him to lighten his blows; I could tell they dropped a small but constant percentage of damage on each thrust landed.

» But it can't be his fault; I would say it was the change of fighter from human side. Still it was foolhardy to send him to fight when he was going to fight until sixth or seventh round; sending him in early was a terrible mistake cost us a win.

None of the 3 Egyptians believed what they had just heard, or rather interpreted; Osiris got up from seat slowly showing his growing anger.

– Are you saying… the Heavens lost the second round… because of us? Choosing Sobek was… our mistake!?

– What an ugly and condensed way of expressing what I thought… – despite the consequences, Athena responded maliciously – But it's true. 'Cause of you we lost.

– How dare you!? – Osiris exploded and immediately, slapping both hands on the table – Who do you think you are to express our decision as if it were a mistake!?

– Not like. It was.

– Damn girl…! – Horus also got up from seat with the feathers on head bristling – If you weren't the daughter of Zeus… I'd kill you for saying such blasphemy!

Athena proceeded to stick her tongue out at them, whereupon both Egyptian gods ran to chase the girl.

Everyone else was either quite amused or embarrassed by the scenery; the only ones who saw it as some normal situation were Cuahui and Coa, accustomed by attitudes of the Southern Hummingbird.

Thor jumped up to stop the theater, interposing himself between Athena and the Egyptian leaders.

– That's enough!

Such an exclamation was same as one made by his father when an altercation happened in Valhalla gardens between Buddha and Loki; nowadays, which one caused total silence in the assembly. With all attention taken, the Norseman proceeded to speak in a serious and cold tone, like his father.

– Fighting each other will cause our defeat, in next fight and in whole tournament.

Syf cautiously rose to accompany her husband; she spoke in a warm tone.

– I think we should think about our next fighter.

– I like it, cutie Syf! – Athena jumping back to her father – The next must be this gentleman with abundant hair! His attack is fast and instant, with a steady spirit, infinite barrage and a lot of destruction power… Mathematically, it'll be an epic fight!

Zeus smiled and laughed at such a statement from his daughter; the other gods began to nod their heads.

– I don't care… – Shiva yawned again – As long as it's a good fight, I don't care.

– I do not accept it!

Horus, along with Osiris and Isis, were the only dissenters.

– I won't accept it… Not until we've avenged the shame those humans have put us through! We want the next position in Ragnarok…

» We propose lady Nut!!

Immediately there was a grave silence and pale faces for mentioning that name; they all turned to look at each other, showing fear and uncertainty at such a statement.

– No.

The first to speak was Thor, with a negative.

– This matter was already discussed yesterday. The Ancient Ones won't fight in the early rounds.

– I don't care! – Horus' feathers flew due to euphoric exclamation – We must recover the honor we lost due to this defeat.

– That will be later.

– We won't wait! – Isis accompanied him; her expression was one of clear defiance – It's not a question either. Next up will be our mother Nut.

The atmosphere was filled with tension between both parties; but Rudra, speaking for first time at the meeting, commented to try to calm them down.

– I think it's a good idea. Perhaps we've been soft on them; we should send them a heavyweight.

– No, pretty Rudra! – Athena immediately refused, already annoyed by the attitude of the Egyptians – Thor is right; they're things not even all of us understand; it's very early and dangerous to send someone.

Isis immediately spoke up.

– She must go to fight… It'll be a victory in name of Poseidon and Sobek, our symbols of divinity! I'm sure she would agree with that… Especially Sobek! Sobek would want to be avenged for being so humiliatingly defeated!

– She's right! – Osiris agreed immediately – Lady Nut's victory will be in memory of Sobek!

Horus also nodded letting himself be carried away by his emotions; the only one who disagreed was Khonsu.

« "Revenge for Sobek". What nonsense. You all didn't even bother to meet him… »

– Those humans created a debt against Egypt when they snatched our Poseidon… – Horus spoke with his fists clenched, head bristling, and eyes contracted – We would love to return the favor to those scum… Don't you think it's appropriate?

They all fell into resounding silence; Zeus took on a more serious posture, sitting down dutifully on his seat.

– Let's decide this how it should be. Those against raise your right hand.

Thor immediately raised a hand, as did Athena.

Hermes looked at the indecision of those present and decided to accompany them; Syf was one of the indecisive ones, but decided to follow her husband's refusal; Lakshmi felt quite nervous but was the only Hindu who raised her hand.

Other pantheons accompanied the few were in negative; after a few minutes of silence, Zeus decided to count the votes.

– 9 against. Now, those in favor raise the left one.

Immediately the main Trinity of Egypt raised their hands; Khonsu wanted to refrain from it, but at pressure felt from Isis's gaze he had to lift her up.

Rudra raised one of her hands, while Shiva settled back on his mattress with an envious smile.

– How much I wanted to send my Ancient One, but… Now I want to see how this will end. – After this he raised a hand.

Zeus didn't hold back anymore so laughed a little and raised a hand.

– Since I defeated my father, I haven't seen one of them in action… I'm excited!

Instead, Coa and Cuahui had more contact with such a group of deities in the past; therefore both deities raised their hands.

Many other gods accompanied the initiative, whether it was for revenge of Sobek and Poseidon, to recover the lost point on the scoreboard, or simply… to see humanity desperate before its new enemy.

Zeus counted the votes and a mischievous smile was evoked from his mouth.

– 21 in favour. I guess this decides it.

They all nodded silently;  Thor was upset although he accepted the result, except for Athena who showed her anger in the pout made. Instead, the Egyptians were quite happy and satisfied.

– Lady Nut will be the third fighter of the gods.

Publication Date: 09/27/22
ASFD

Author's note: Attention; soon we'll have the second part of chapter, so wait it!