Eire
The Stables
A Few Minutes Before Match Two
Set stood at the end of a long stable in front of a pair of large wooden double doors. The smell of hay, wet dirt and grain, the smell of hair and soaked fur. He heard the snorts and eating of the horses in the stalls behind him. His body conflicted with itself. He wanted to relax and soak it all in, the familiarity bringing him a long-missed sense of peace. He raised his hand to his mask and tapped the switch by his chin, then gripped the door handles softly in both hands. He heard something clamoring on the other side, stirring.
Brother, can they tell? The voice in Set's head asked.
Set closed his eyes, tightening his grip. It is me. Of course, they can tell. He heard the sound of hoof clops come towards the door and stop. Something snorted, and warm air came through the cracks and hit his chest. "Hello, old friend," Set said. His grip came loose, and his hands fell to his sides. "I'm sorry. I can't face you and the others yet." It pushed against the door gently. "Thank you and the others for being there for the girls…when I failed to." He removed his glove, revealing his pale right hand, and placed it on the door. "Are you angry with me?" He felt something press against the other side and stay there. "Thank you…"
He heard a loud snort to his left. He turned and saw a large white mare with brown eyes staring at him. Set responded with a listless leer. "Hello to you, too, Llamrei. Are they treating you—"
The horse snorted loudly and trotted in its stable. "There it is. Your usual spite. Foolish of me to think you would let go of a grudge." Set turned away from the doors and departed.
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Mimir Hall
Arena
Epona inhaled deeply, her cheeks puffing out, and jumped forward. She leaned her upper body to the right, whipped her body back to the left, and snapped it back to the right, firing her left fist straight down towards Hunahpu's skull.
Hunahpu stepped back and crossed his arms over his chest. Epona's fist crashed into the ground and kicked up a dust cloud. The arena caved under her fist as Hunahpu jumped back, keeping his guard up. Warhorse's Vision! She thought. Her red eyes glowed, and she saw a familiar silhouette through the kicked-up dust. Found you! She burst forward, swinging her right fist at Hunahpu.
She's fast! Hunahpu thought. He stepped his right foot back, widening his stance. He crouched down low and stretched his arms out wide. He slid forward as Epona glided overhead and popped back up on his feet. Epona flipped in the air and landed back on her feet. She crouched down, letting her arms rest by her sides. She makes her body relaxed, then turns it into a spring…then fires off the ground and uses the propelling force's energy to make her attacks stronger and faster…basic athletic and combat physics…but she's so damn strong that even something so simple is just insane!
Epona leaned to the right slightly and kicked off the ground into a sprint and circled Hunahpu. Hunahpu turned to keep an eye on her as she ran. Isn't that cute?! Epona thought. You think you can keep an eye on me! Her left foot stomped down, sending a web of cracks across the floor. Try to keep up then! She accelerated, stomping her feet each time to push herself. Hunahpu pivoted off the balls of his feet to follow her, but before long, she turned into a brown blur with the occasional glare of a predator peeking through. I haven't even reached my top speed! She continued accelerating, turning into a blur of pure raw power racing around the arena. She saw Hunahpu's sight going in all directions. You already lost me? Typical. Here. I'll make it easy for you! Immediately, she turned ninety degrees and raced towards his back. She threw out a powerful right cross as she closed in on him.
Hunahpu stepped his right foot out to the side, pivoted on its ball. He stretched out his right elbow as he spun, twirling as he threw it out. Right towards Epona's temple. Epona dashed forward, the fist and elbow hitting nothing but air. Epona made a sharp turn again and continued racing around Hunahpu.
"Son of a bitch, how did he know?!" Epona yelled as she ran.
Damn it, I thought I had that counter! The timing must've been off. Hunahpu thought. He kept his eyes on the blur streaking around the arena. Worse, she probably figured out I can still see her.
Cheeky, aren't you?!
Hunahpu started tossing the Pitz Ball in the air. "Change of plans," He said. He lobbed it a little higher, and swung his right forearm into it, the heavy impact of the ball and flesh making him grow a smile. "Time to play!"
The ball rocketed forward. Epona slowed down just in time to avoid the ball smashing into her temple. As it flew past her from left to right, she caught something glowing and vanishing out of her peripheral vision. The ball disappeared, and she picked up speed. Something lit up to her left, and the ball soared at her again. She ducked as it soared over and vanished in a brief flash of light. She returned to her run but quit circling Hunahpu. Something's up! "Warhorse's Vision: Full Scope!" She roared. Her red eyes glowed. Her vision expanded laterally. "Where are you…" She whispered. She locked eyes with Hunahpu, who carefully watched her in the distance.
Hunahpu smirked. Here it comes. Epona saw it. The golden light from earlier appeared in front of Hunahpu and formed into a shining, golden hoop. The hoop's interior was black and empty, but Hunahpu knew better. His Pitz Ball shot out of the ring straight at him. He jumped forward, turning his body to slam his hip into the ball and fire it back through the hoop. The hoop vanished as six more appeared around Epona, floating around and encircling her. "Let's see how you like it."
The Pitz Ball fired out a hoop to the left of Epona's head. She ducked and tucked in her ears as it flew over into another hoop and vanished. It fired out from another hoop next to her right knee, but she stepped back, and it flew by her before firing out of another hoop behind her right shoulder. Dumb brat. It doesn't matter if you attack me from all sides. She thought. I can see everything! She turned and backhanded it away and out of the formation. The Ball sailed away as another hoop formed just ahead of it, and it passed through. Even if you recover it, it means jack nothing if it can't hit me! The hoop vanished and reappeared back in formation as the Ball rocketed out of a hoop just behind Epona's head. It smashed dead on and sent her forward as it bounced off her head. One of the hoops changed spots and entered its arc, letting it pass through.
Found it. Hunahpu thought. A golden hoop appeared in front of him again, and the Ball fired out. Hunahpu ran towards it and threw a flying knee into it, firing it back through the hoop. Another hoop appeared behind Epona's head, and the ball flew through, hitting her again before flying into another hoop. You shouldn't have played your hand so early. The two earlier bursts of power and speed played back through his mind. Why didn't the dust obscure your vision? Why didn't you look at me when you dodged my earlier elbow? Battle IQ? Instinct? No. You have Macha's old techniques, don't you?
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Chinese Pantheon Box Seats
Above the arena and a few boxes to the left of Set's, Lu Ban sat to the left of an older, balding God with a long white beard and yellow robes. His eyes were a dim purple, and his face was covered in wrinkles. His rat-like hands and feet peeked out of his robes.
Laozi
Acting Chief God of the Chinese Pantheon
Author of the Tao Te Ching
To Laozi's right sat a younger, raven-haired God in black and silver armor reminiscent of the Ming Dynasty. Resting on his left shoulder was a three-pronged spear.
Erlang Shen
God of Water, Justice, Hunting, Warriors, and Demonslaying
Yu Huang's Sage of Water
(Chinese Pantheon)
"What a…bizarre…technique," Laozi said, his voice raspy and tired.
"I'm not too familiar with it, but it almost looks like cannon fire," Erlang said, rubbing his chin with his right hand. "Lu, you know him. Any idea what this is?"
"Not a clue. He and I don't share too much of what we know. I didn't even know he could make portals. But if I had to guess, it's based on a game he plays called Pitz."
"The heck is that?"
"Not a clue, but heard it is extremely dangerous, and Hunahpu played it to survive his journey through the Helheim Region of Xibalba. How that played into it, I'm not sure."
"That ball…moves around Epona…like a snake…" Laozi mumbled. "Remember…the race…Yu Huang had…the animals run?"
Both nodded.
"The snake…beat the horse." A hoop placed itself just below Epona's chin, and the Ball fired up. Epona's left hand rose between her and the ball, and she caught it. The impact echoed out into the stands, and Hunahpu's expression grew concerned. "But only…because it scared…the horse." Laozi's eyes widened, and a small tinge of life returned to his gaze. "Let's see…if the horse can…trample the snake this time."
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Mimir Hall
Arena
Epona's grip on the ball tightened. "Lucky, aren't you?" She said through gritted teeth. Pain welled up on the back of her head. Found the blind spot right behind my head. The pale aura began flowing out of her body, and the horseshoes on her red gloves began to glow. She grew a manic smile as she slowly walked towards Hunahpu while the hoops continued floating around her. "Gotta give it to you, kid. That hurt like hell."
Hunahpu breathed deeply. Well…this was in the plan, but not this early. He thought. Hold on, I'll get you away from her soon. Then we'll win this. "You know, it's nice to share. Can I have my Ball back?" He asked, stepping away from her.
"Sure!" Epona broke into a dash and vanished. Hunahpu's eyes widened.
Where'd she- Hunahpu felt something slam into his left ribs and knock him off his feet. He flew several meters before rolling on the ground. His vision remained intact, and he saw Epona standing next to him, the ball raised above her head. She's already here?! Hunahpu rolled out of the way, just as the ball slammed into the arena floor. Thinking quickly, he rolled towards Epona and got to his feet. He popped up next to her and slammed his hip into hers, knocking her over. He raised his right elbow and stepped over her. He dropped it down towards her left forearm. Give that back!
Epona moved her left arm up near her head. The elbow smashed into the ground. Epona eyed briefly as a drop of sweat rolled on her temple. Holy shit, kid. She thought. That's kind of scary! She rolled up and drove her right elbow into his ribs. Pain erupted through his body, and he flew several meters again. But I'm FUCKING TERRIFYING! She popped back to her feet, the glow on her gloves intensifying. And now it's go time… Her smile contorted until it enveloped the lower half of her face. The light in Mimir Hall began to dim. The temperature began to drop. Some in the audience could feel something among them. Brief whispers in their ears, something touching their arms or faces. Each time someone tried to catch the source, it was gone. Hunahpu felt the air in his lungs grow heavy and cold, and he bolted up. He exhaled, and he could see his breath. Already? Damn it, I thought I had more time!
No one understood what was happening, except Epona. That touch was hers. That voice was hers. It was a passive reminder to everyone…that no one escaped her. That the one in front of her…was her next victim.
White air-like energy wrapped around her legs. Black murky energy wrapped around her shoulders. Her irises flooded over, turning her eyes pure red. She crouched down onto all fours, her left hand still clutching the Pitz Ball. Hunahpu widened his stance and kept his arms to his sides.
Epona…opened her mouth and released a wail. A loud, soul-piercing wail that invaded every muscle, bone, and nerve of every God in Mimir Hall. She rocketed forward, blurring into a kaleidoscope of raw power and madness towards Hunahpu.
Hunahpu stomped the ground, and space around him rippled. "Unhinged Arena!" He roared. The ripples expanded throughout the arena, and the space between the two Fighters began to expand. Epona continued her assault, but the space between them continued to grow. I need to buy more time! He thought. As long as I can keep expanding the space, I can—!Epona wailed again, and the white energy around her legs exploded. She blasted towards Hunahpu, covering ground faster than the space could expand.
She cleared the gap in space. She was now right in front of Hunahpu, and her right fist fired at his torso. Hunahpu could not react, and the fist found home. It smashed into his body, and he crumbled under its force like a rag doll. She turned and finished her punch, and Hunahpu flew all the way into the arena wall, smashing into it and creating a crater. Hunahpu slid to the ground with a nasty thump.
The energy slowly vanished from Epona's body. She started lobbing the Ball up in the air, smirking. "No different from Ryujin," She said. "Just another upstart thinking he can take on the big dogs."
As it fell back into her hand, a hoop appeared between them, and the Ball fell through. Another hoop appeared next to Hunahpu, and the Ball rolled out and stopped next to him. Hunahpu's right hand slowly reached out to it and grabbed it. Slowly, he rose, but fumbled across the ground. He could feel his ribs barely holding together from Epona's strike. Damn. He thought. Not even expanding space could stop her… Suddenly, he felt something cold on his chest. He got on one knee and looked down at his chest. Pale, translucent crystal in the shape of a horse hoof grew in the middle of his chest above his sternum, then vanished. Well, that's not good.
Epona, dozens of meters away, extended and clenched her fingers as she hopped off the ground by a few centimeters. Her smirk grew back into a manic expression and remained glued to her face. She stared at him without blinking. "Shocked?" She asked. "Good. That's the mark of death. Humans only need one. Gods need four. Unfortunately, I still can't tell if you're lucky or not."
"…Why?" Hunahpu groaned out.
"'Cause you have two more hits before you can concede. Three more and you're dead meat. And believe me: I lost count of how many times people shat their pants from just one or two of my punches. So what'll it be? Concede, or a painful drag until death?"
Hunahpu stood up, the pain from his ribs coiling around him. He raised his right hand to his chest and ran his fingers across it, dusting it off.
Epona sighed, her grin turning into a scowl. "Dumbass."
<>
Game Master Box Seats
Up in Set's Box, Oludumare and he watched as the battle carried on. The door to the Box swung open, and in stepped a familiar red-headed God in a black leather outfit. His mismatched eyes met Set's and Oludmare's as he entered. "Evening, gents," Lugh said. "Appreciate the invite."
"No worries," Set said. "I thought it necessary for you since Epona's fighting. I imagine Nuada would have wanted it."
"Good call. The moment he heard Epona was here, he said, 'Get here on the double.'"
"Hey, guys," Oludumare said, leaning forward and squinting. "That power…is that soul branding?"
"In a sense," Set answered. "Hoof Fall of the Hunt. It is how Epona used to remove souls from the living when it was their time to die. Some accepted it…others did not."
"That's almost unfair. Instant death on contact?"
"It's not that easy to use," Lugh said. "The power's temperamental, and she, despite her efforts, still hasn't mastered it entirely. If she did, that energy wouldn't have popped up at random."
"Doesn't matter if she can punch holes through weaker Gods." Oludumare turned his attention back to Hunahpu. Sorry, kid. Kind of feeling bad for you here.
"Agreed," Set added. "Strength and speed unrivaled by all but the strongest Chief and Supreme Gods. The power to see nearly 360 degrees and even inflict instant death." He leaned back. "And she has all this not because of luck, but because of her character." The other three turned to him.
"Need context here. How?" Oludumare asked.
"Set," Lugh answered. "Don't share that."
Set turned to Lugh. "Why?" He asked.
"It's one of my Uncle's closely guarded secrets," Lugh added. "Nothing personal, guys, but we'd like this one to stay a secret."
Oludumare sighed. "Fine. No skin off my bones." He looked over at Lugh. "But I can guess what it probably is."
They all turned back to the arena and continued watching.
What is this secret? Why care in a time of peace? Simple. Peace is not the absence of war, but a part of it. This is the philosophy of Nuada and his people. War will always be there. War will always influence relations and preparation. War will always demand the will of the strong and the death of the weak. Even in this era of the Valhalla Accords, there is nothing truly stopping one Pantheon from waging war, or a united front of influential Pantheons from wiping out the others. If so, then why maintain peace?
The simple answer: mutually assured destruction, and the Celtic Pantheon knows this more than anyone. They are also far better at inflicting it than anyone wants to admit. Lugh, Nuada, Morrigan, Scathach, The Dagda, Dian Cécht and his children, and Brigid make up just a fraction of the monsters that make up the Celts. However, among their numbers, there is one who rose from nothing, a meager Goddess not blessed with power, but chosen by it.
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Eire
Eons Ago
The Stables
On one sunny morning, as a slight chill ran through the air, an important ceremony was underway. Within one of the Stables' many enclosed pastures, a massive black stallion bucked and kicked as the rider on his back hung on for her dear life. The rider's dull-gray armor clanged and banged against the horse's saddle. The horse reared up, let out an echoing neigh, and stomped back down. The earth trembled and shook, jagged stones erupted across the field, and the rider flew off his back and over his head. She slammed hard into the ground and rolled a few meters before coming to a halt, sitting upright and dazed.
"And that is time…and another failure," A woman's voice in the distance spoke. The rider slowly stood and turned back to the stallion. Her blue eyes peered out through the helmet's visor and locked with the stallion's yellow. The stallion snorted, turned around, and kicked its back feet up before trotting away.
"Stubborn ass," The rider spoke as she removed her helmet, freeing her slightly curled black hair reminiscent of a frantic storm cloud.
Brigid
Goddess of Fire, Health, Fertility, and Craftwork
Celtic Pantheon
"Oy, Brigid!" The voice called out. "Get over here! You're done for the day!" Brigid sighed and turned back to the fence. She patted her back and glutes as she walked, both still sore from the fall. She eyed the source of the voice: a woman leaning against the wood fence. She had red eyes and platinum blonde hair, and wore brown leather pants tucked in silver greaves, a navy blouse under a silver breastplate, and silver, fingerless gauntlets. Poking out from her swept-back hair was a pair of platinum blonde horse ears, and Brigid could see a platinum-blonde horsetail swing side to side behind her; a clear sign she was enjoying herself.
Macha
Goddess of Horses, War, and Fertility
Eire's Dark Queen
Next to Macha was a young goddess with long, brown hair and green eyes, dressed in a white dress and wearing brown leather boots. She too leaned on the fence, but lacked Macha's confidence.
"Macha, what the hell's up with him?!" Brigid yelled. "Comes out here strutting like he's a damn prince, then acts like a lunatic! Thought he was trying to murder me out there!"
"He probably was," Macha answered. "You're lucky that's all he did." She looked to the left and pointed towards a hole in the fence. "Yesterday, Morrigan came by and tried, but he kicked her through the fence before she even tried to get on."
Brigid scoffed. "You're lucky he hasn't run out."
"He's too well-behaved for that, right, Epona?"
The young Goddess smiled and nodded. "He behaves himself around the stable hands. He only gets like this around people he thinks don't deserve to ride him," Epona added, smiling.
"Sounds like an ass more than a horse," Brigide grumbled, eyeing Macha. "They say horses act like their owners."
"Not always, but he's very much like his."
"At least you're honest with yourself." Brigid grew a sly grin.
"Oh, he's not mine. I have the privilege to ride him. His actual owner is Metatron."
Brigid's smile faded. "Oh." Her eyes shot side-to-side. "He's not around today, is he?"
Macha's smile grew wry and formed into a sneer. "Maybe…but he's busy with Nuada, trying to get him to sign the Accords."
"Oh…"
Epona caught a slight glimpse of disappointment. Does she…like the geezer? Epona thought.
She does. A deep voice bellowed in her mind. Epona's eyes widened. Do not answer aloud, but it is why she is unworthy. Epona looked around, trying to find the source.
"Why'd you reach out anyway?" Brigid asked.
"I was hoping he'd let you ride him," Macha answered, watching the black stallion eating grass in the distance. "Things are getting hectic, and trying to keep my role as the Phantom Queen would be burning the candle at both ends."
"Being a Chief Goddess must be rough."
"Yeah…but it keeps Eire and the Tuatha de Danann safe. Nuada's doing his part, and I need to do mi—."
Child. Ignore them. The voice interrupted Epona's thoughts again, drowning out Macha. I am out here. Come.
Can…can they hear you? Epona asked.
The Matron used to, but she is deaf to us now. Her heart is elsewhere. The other's too focused on our Master. You are not.
That's not a bad thing, is it?
No. But for this office, the heart cannot be unfocused. Love, combat, strife, money, pleasure. None can be before the office.
She looked around, still trying to find the source while Macha and Brigid continued talking. Where are you?
You know where I am. Stop pretending.
She froze for a moment. Slowly, she turned her attention out to the field and saw him. The black stallion's gaze locked on her.
Come out here. If you are brave enough.
Epona looked to her right, eyeing the Goddesses. Slowly, she slipped through the fence and started walking.
Why me? She asked.
The Matron needs a replacement. Her judgment is clouded, but her intention is pure. We wish to respect her wishes, but we will pick who succeeds her. And that is you.
Epona's heart started racing.
If you are brave enough.
Epona's pace picked up, and she started jogging. I am!
Do you know what this office demands?
The devotion to protecting the realm—
NO! The stallion rose and stomped down, shaking the earth. Macha and Brigid looked his way and saw Epona running towards him.
"Epona!" Macha screamed. She scrambled through the fence. "Stop!"
Ignore her! The stallion roared. This is not to protect Eire! This office demands you protect EVERYTHING. To enforce the end upon everything that exists within creation! Do you understand what that means?!
Epona's jog accelerated into a sprint. No, but I want to try!
Macha and Brigid sprinted towards Epona as the earth shook under them. "Damn it, not now!" Macha yelled.
"What do you mean, not now?!" Brigid yelled.
"That damn horse picked Epona a while back, but I was hoping I could find someone else that'd he approve of!" Panic grew in her soul. "She's the worst possible candidate for them!"
A stone wall erupted ahead, forcing them to stop. Macha clenched her right fist and threw it mid-sprint. "Don't get in my way!" She roared as her fist smashed through the barrier.
Epona closed in on the stallion. It started trotting towards her. There is no trying. To enforce the end means you WILL bring the end to all things that refuse to die. Stagnation is sin and destruction, and you WILL end it wherever and whenever it appears!
Epona slowed down. Even…even here?
The horse stopped in front of her. Slowly, it nodded as another stone wall erupted between them and the approaching Goddesses. Nothing is eternal, other than the cycle, and you will bear that responsibility. She failed, and let her heart be swayed. Your soul… The horse leaned down and sniffed her. Smells like his. Whoever you are, you have potential, should you take it.
A smile slowly crept on Epona's face as she raised her right hand. She could hear Macha smashing through more barriers as she approached them. She placed her hand on his snout. "I'll take it," She said, her eyes growing manic.
The earth shook furiously, and the barriers began to crumble. Something in the distance smashed through the walls of the stable.
"DAMN IT!" Epona heard Macha yell nearby.
Then it is yours. Epona a loud and bombastic neigh that shook her very bones. She looked to the side and saw the source: a large red unicorn, its flowing mane and tail the color of fire. Behind it, a white Pegasus soared through the air. Behind it, a pale green hippocampus bobbed up and down through the ground as if swimming. All three raced towards her.
Macha and Brigid stopped. Macha could only look on in horror as the other three joined their kin and encircled Epona. All four of them looked her way. Macha could feel it; their disappointment and passing of the mantle. Her horse-like ears shrank, vanishing under her hair as her original ears returned. Her eyes returned to their natural green, and her tail vanished as she felt all the power she had before vanish.
Brigid watched on and saw a pair of horse ears appear on Epona's head, and a bright brown horsetail punctured her dress. Epona looked over at them, and her eyes were now a bright, wild red. The four horses all knelt before her, but Epona kept her eyes on Macha. Her maddening look grew more and more wild.
Macha knew what the horses were saying to her. She knew, because she fought against their demands and desires for as long as she remembered. The role she had to play and the price it required. But now it was gone. The bridle was removed. She was free, and her successor was named.
The new Dark Queen of Eire and Matron of The Hunt. However, there is a third title. One that no one dares speak aloud. It became taboo, and many feared saying it, even alone, for it would incur her madness. A madness that required Nuada, Morrigan, Brigid, Cocidius, Segomo, Belatucadros, and Camulus to quell and tame. A madness that nearly devoured Eire and the cosmos beyond.
For she is now the Harbinger and Executioner of the End.