u/Thebeanmanboi

Chapter 69

Hinewai gritted her teeth before throwing her body forward, throwing Sena over her shoulder.

Sena gracefully lands and immediately cycled back around, scuffing the dirt before launching herself forward.

Hinewai leaned her body backwards, narrowly avoiding a strike to the face. She shuffled her body back, hoping backwards as she reached up behind her to find the cleaver in her back, pulling it out.

Hinewai: Trusty thing ya got ‘ere!

Sena dashed for Hinewai again, her brows furrowed in frustration. Hinewai cackled as she threw the cleaver full force at Sena.

The large slab of sharpened metal flew right into Sena's shoulder as she barely avoided a cut to the face.

She stumbled in her running but pushed on, ripping the cleaver from her shoulder and swinging it up at her opponent.

Hinewai spun her taiaha around as Sena came close, parrying with the end meant just for that before spinning her weapon to jab right into Sena once more!

Hinewai: Don't get slow on me now!

Sena slumped into the weapon as it's stabbed into her abdomen again…But her feet kept moving.

She trudged forward, pushing herself deeper into the weapon as she swung the cleaver high into the air, burying it right into Hinewai's arm and moving in the motion of trying to sever it!

Hinewai pulled back as hard as she could to get away, tearing the taiaha from Sena's abdomen before grunting in pain. Sena had cut right down into even the bone.

As she stared at her arm, she glanced forward to see Sena somehow still moving! The ferocious woman flashed forward, Hinewai prepared to block, as the cleaver came crashing into the shaft of the weapon.

Hinewai stomped her feet down as she felt herself being pushed back, then suddenly…Sena unleashes a strong uppercut as Hinewai was distracted with trying to block!

Her head instantly rocks back, giving Sena the chance to continue the assault as she crashes her cleaner into the taiaha again, shattering it in two.

Sena shot her cleaver into Hinewai's chest, cleaving deep.

Hinewai stopped still for a moment…

Then she reeled her head further back, before slamming her head into Sena, disorienting her for a moment!

Hinewai stomped a foot forward over Sena to prevent her from attempting to back up before delivering a powerful punch to the face, her brilliant green flame surging as she delivered a terrible flurry of blows!

Hinewai: You almost had me, ya really did! But y'just weren't strong enough!

Hinewai didn't stop to miss a single beat as she continued her ruthless beat down…

Sena then collapsed, her body hitting the ground with a heavy thud.

Hinewai took heavy breaths as she stood there, her body quivering…But stomped a foot back and yelled out.

Hinewai: MŌ TŌKU IWI!

She shifted her feet, one stomping backwards, her one working arm slamming down to slap her thigh as she continued.

Hinewai: MŌKU AKE!!

As she continued her haka, Sena simply laid there. But she wasn't fading.

She shifted slightly, before her eyes suddenly shot open. That two-colored flame in her eyes turned back to one.

She slowly stood to her feet, Hinewai's eyes widening in surprise.

Hinewai: Well I'll be damned…

Sena stared at the ground, swaying. Then she slowly looked up at Hinewai, her head tilted to the side.

Sena: Ahan…I feel good as new…

Her stance widened slightly.

Sena: Now…Can you beat me a second time, friend…?

Chapter 68

Hinewai stomped hard into the ground before dashing forward, her large kakahu cloak fluttering behind her, clashing her weapons against Sena's.

Hinewai: Ya really puttin' in the effort…Lemme atcha!

She kicked forward, slamming Sena back before following with another dual-handed strike, which Sena was only barely able to avoid by falling down onto her back.

She springed her legs down, shooting them right up into Hinewai's chin, knocking her back.

She rubbed her chin before spitting out a tooth, grinning.

Hinewai: Smart one, y'are!

She jumped forward as Sena remained on the ground, her rolling out of the way.

Hinewai shifted her body for an all-fours landing, getting on hand and knees and launching herself right at Sena.

Her body collided right into her, sending them both tumbling.

Hinewai stood up, hardening her grip on her weapons as Sena stood with her.

Sena swayed a little, her head slowly tilting from side to side to pop her neck before looking forward, grinning wide.

She tilted forward, following it with a mad dash as she suddenly threw her cleaver high into the air!

She grabbed Hinewai by her cloak, shifting her back. Hinewai's eyes followed the freefalling cleaver, deflecting it in time with her kotiate.

Suddenly, Sena threw a fist into Hinewai's face while she was distracted with the cleaver, causing her to stumble and giving Sena the chance to attack.

Sena made another dash at Hinewai, raising her razor. Hinewai shook her head and saw the oncoming strike.

Swiftly, she raised her arm up, taking the damage as she didn't have time to calculate and accurately deflect.

The razor was torn from her arm and Sena made an attempt to follow up the strike, only to be met with a faceful of cloak!

Sena scrambled to get the heavy kakahu off of her, then grunted as Hinewai plunged her Taiaha right into her through the cloak!

Hinewai pulled back the taiaha with a heavy tug, Sena stumbled back as the cloak fell with the spear.

Sena clutched her stomach tightly with her free hand, gritting her teeth and looking up.

Hinewai: Already stoppin'? I'm jus’ gettin’ warmed up!

She stomped forward, Sena having to make a split decision…

Suddenly she threw her razor, which Hinewai easily deflected…but as she was distracted, Sena got into a running stance.

Sena scuffed the dirt under her feet before running forward, jumping into the air, and delivering a heavy dropkick at Hinewai's face!

Sena hit the ground with a hard grunt, and Hinewai wasn't much better. The both of them hit the ground.

Hinewai clutched her nose, then a pop followed, her realising Sena had just broken her nose.

Hinewai slowly stood back to her feet and approached, her voice coming out more nasally with the broken nose.

Hinewai: Good on ye for that, but I ain't stoppin’ just yet!

She lifted her taiaha off the ground, going to slam the hard wooden shaft on Sena.

Sena narrowed her eyes as the taiaha was coming for her…Then, suddenly…

A glow in her left eye, brighter than her orange flame, and one darker, almost black, in the right.

The taiaha came down, but when the dust cleared, nobody was in the spot Hinewai had aimed for…

Hinewai grunted as something sharp had just slammed into her upper back.

Hinewai turned her head to see Sena behind her. Sena grinned as the multicolored flames in her eyes surged…

Chapter 67

As soon as the match began, Sena narrowed her eyes and leaped forward, that orange flame sparking as she raised both her razor and cleaver over her head.

Hinewai: Awright!

She brought up her taiaha, thrusting an end right up to snatch Sena out of the air. Her eyebrows furrowed in an angered expression and she twisted her body midair, narrowly avoiding the strike and landing on the ground.

Sena crouched low and dashed forward again, scurrying at Hinewai like a bug.

Hinewai jumped back as she narrowly avoided a slash from the razor. She continued to leap backwards, her numerous equipped weapons shaking and rustling with each movement.

Hinewai slammed the sharper end of her taiaha into the ground and hoisted her body up, using her strength to stay off the ground.

Sena scoffed and knocked the taiaha loose from the ground, which Hinewai used to her advantage by simply stomping right on her!

Hinewai: This ain't nothin' like the last fight I've seen ye in!

She leaped off Sena, pulling out her tewhatewha, the sharpened wood cleaving downward at Sena.

She rolled to the side and stood straight, nearly gliding forward with how fast she moved toward Hinewai and clashing her cleaver into the tewhatewha.

She grunted and cleaved right through the wooden pole of Hinewai's weapon!

Hinewai: Hah! Ya keepin’ me on my toes!

Immediately she spun the cleaved weapon in her hand and stabbed the pointed end into Sena's arm, releasing her grip on it and suddenly shooting up a fist right to Sena's face, knocking her back slightly.

She approached, stepping forward with heavy stomps. She grabbed the front of Sena's shirt and clotheslined her, the woman immediately hitting the ground!

Sena made her way back to her feet, that orange spark turning into a flame as she leaped forward, her body practically performing a barrel-roll midair, only to be countered as Hinewai shot her leg into the air!

Sena was kicked upward, falling to the ground again.

Sena: Stop playing around…

She dashed forward again, Hinewai taking surprisingly smooth steps backward as she narrowly avoided heavily swung strikes.

From her hip, she swung out her kotiate, the violin-shaped, whale bone-made weapon arching upward that caused Sena to step back.

Hinewai pushed forward, deflecting a strike with the gap between the two lobes of the kotiate’s body and spinning with a strike in return.

Sena nearly tripped as she avoided the strike, Hinewai taking the opportunity to swing it downward. Sena just barely managed to stop the strong swing, making just enough space to leap backward.

Sena: You are ‘aving too much fun wit dis…

She took a heavier step forward, her flame surging slightly.

Sena: You are reminding me o'my friend…

She took another step, then suddenly closed the distance with a wide grin on her face.

Sena: Ahan! Come now, then! We shall fight like friends if you want that so badly!

Hinewai's grin dropped slightly at the sudden closeness, gasping as Sena stomped a foot in her chest with strength she didn't seem to have mere minutes ago.

Hinewai: Hah…That's more like it!

Sena stomped harder before gliding down her body and slamming the cleaver into her shoulder, tearing away, jumping back, then closing the distance yet again.

Hinewai blinked for a second, then her own flame reformed, a vibrant pounamu green.

She pulled out her mere pounamu, holding both the mere pounamu and the kotiate in her hard-gripped hands.

Hinewai: Make this a fight to last!

Chapter 66

At the center of the arena stood the nameless god in his usual prepared attitude, ready to announce yet another match.

Nameless god: HELLO EVERYBODY! IT'S TIME FOR THE NEXT MATCH!

He waited for the cheering to die down so that he could commence the match.

Nameless god: ON THE LEFT, WE HAVE THE WILDCAT OF WEST AFRICA! GIVE IT UP FOR OUR AGODJIEEEE!

The gate opened and Sena trudged in, an expression of serious determination crossing her face.

She stopped, shifting to stand on her toes, the ball of her heel on her left lightly patting the ground in impatient waiting.

Nameless god: AND ON THE RIGHT! THE FIERCE WILD BOAR OF THE POLYNESIAN ISLANDS! THE MAORI WARRIOOOOOR!!

The gate opened and in stepped Hinewai, who seemed more casual compared to her opponent.

As she approached, she suddenly stopped before Sena, stabbing her taiaha into the ground and clasping her hands together with a wide, toothy grin on her face.

She raised a leg high into the air, akin to a sumo wrestler in movement, before slamming it down into a wide stance, shaking the ground beneath her.

Then she widened her hands apart, like a bird splaying its wingspan. She took in a deep breath before spitting out her words.

Hinewai: MŌ TŌKU IWI!

She raised her leg again, stomping in front of her.

Hinewai: MŌKU AKE!!

She then jumped forward, bumping her chest against Sena as she flashed her mouth open, sticking out her tongue and bulging out her eyes, carving Sena off guard!

Hinewai: LA PATUNGA KA HOATU E AU!!!

She leaped backwards into a lower stance, her hands crashing down as she slapped her flexed thighs.

Hinewai: HE TIKANGA WIKITŌRIA MŌKU!!!!

She then grabbed her taiaha and shouted the last words to her booming haka, thrusting the weapon forward, unleashing one final, hard stomp forward.

Hinewai: HOOAAAAAH!!!!

Her voice shook the arena, but Sena kept her straight, determined expression, as if her own will had blocked out everything Hinewai had just roared out.

Hinewai grinned and stood straight, amused at the straight face.

Hinewai: Not even a peep of fear from ya! This'll be fun!

She got into a defensive stance, waiting for the nameless god to begin.

Nameless god: alright then…FIIIIIIGHT!!!

Chapter 65

Machines beeped through the room as Fergus sat there in a medical bed. He grimaced and winced at every movement he made, and was pretty pissed he couldn't get himself a drink right away.

Fergus: Dammit, he roughed me good…

That's when the door to the room opened to reveal…Snaefrid, the wife of the now-gone Asbrand…

Fergus: Oh, aye! What's bringin’ ya, ma'am!

She stood there for a moment, a strangely empty look in her gaze, before she began to shuffle forward.

Snaefrid: You…Were my husband's opponent, right?

Fergus: Aye, I sure was! Th’big man was a mighty fine fighter. I was damn beat in m’last two fights, so I'm nae thinkin’ I can keep goin’ like this…But that's just all the more reason to keep trainin'!

She stopped her movement as he began to speak.

Fergus: I gots to say, that husband is yours was no man to scoff at…

He grinned at her, pained, but genuinely proud that Asbrand was so close to beating him.

She looked down, down to her hands…She exhaled, and took out a small pen from her pocket and approached him.

She squatted low and gently wrote out a rune on the shoulder of the arm missing the forearm.

Uruz. A symbol of vitality.

Snaefrid: You speak highly of him. He would've wanted you to keep going.

Fergus let a wide grin cut across his face at the rune marking, feeling touched that she decided to do this.

Fergus: I'll make sure my next match is a win for me, then!

Snaefrid smiled softly before turning to take her leave.

Snaefrid: Best of luck to you…

The scene shifts to the nameless god dashing down the hall to go collect his next fighters.

Slamming the door to the room of our Maori warrior, Hinewai, the nameless god can't help but feeling happy as he found her passed right to sleep with her little Kurī right in her lap.

Nameless god: Awww…WAKE UP!

Immediately, both her and the dog jolted up, her looking around confused.

Hinewai: Oi, what's all that shouting for!?

Nameless god: Your match is up!

Hinewai: Finally!

She stood to her feet and lifted her precious puppy in her hands.

Hinewai: I'll be right back, my little Pihi!

She planted various little kisses on the top of his head before setting him down and turning to the nameless god, her already putting on her equipment.

Hinewai: G'on, I'll be on my way soon enough!

The nameless god left, giving her time to put on some new equipment she's been waiting to test out.

Alongside her massive taiaha spear, mere pounamu, and wahaika, she equipped the Tewhatewha, a long-handled, axe-like weapon made of wood.

Throwing it to her side, she also pulled up the patu ōnewa. It looked like her mere pounamu, except it was made entirely of volcanic stone. Finally, hung off her waistband like a keychain was the kotiate, a wooden club with a shape similar to that of the violin.

Hinewai: And I'm off, Pihi! Keep m’seat warm for me, my sweetie!

With that, she promptly marched out of her room.

Shifting to the room over, the nameless god opened the door to the room of Sena, our Agodjie warrior.

She sat in her seat, bouncing a knee up and down in anticipation.

Without giving the nameless god a chance to even speak, she rushed out of the room with nothing but her giant razor and…a butcher's cleaver?

The nameless god racked his brain for a moment, before realising where that cleaver came from…

Quietly, he followed behind to go announce the beginning of the next match…

Chapter 64

Asbrand stood before his opponent, the sun shining on his golden hair and practically mystifying his figure.

His dark blue flame flickered and glowed, bringing light to the shadow over his face. He raised his skeggøx high.

Immediately, Fergus kicked his one good leg into the air and Asbrand immediately jumped back without thinking, as if there was some other gun trick Fergus conveniently had.

Fergus stood straight, squatting down before leaping for him and, from his back, pulled out his shillelagh club, holding it high over his head in preparation to clock it over Asbrand's head.

Asbrand shifted his stance to go wide before dashing forward himself.

Fergus: GIVE IT'CHA BEST SHOT! YE NAE HAVE A CHANCE IF I HITCHA!

Asbrand raised his skeggøx in an arching slash upward, prepared to cleave Fergus in two…

The crowd gasps. Fergus falls to the ground with a hard thud, wincing as he clutched…A limb stump?

Not where his leg was. But his arm.

Asbrand had just cleaved the arm wielding the club away.

Fergus tore his shirt and wrapped the wound as he stood to a shaky leg, Asbrand turning around to look at his opponent.

Asbrand: Hardly a limb left in you. You sure you can keep going?

He approached as Fergus simply stared down at the ground.

Then, a white flicker, sparks like glitter fluttering in Fergus’ gaze…

Then, suddenly, he leaped up in a surprisingly sturdy front flip.

Asbrand raised his skeggøx upward to try and catch him, but Fergus, almost too skillfully for somebody in his state, brushed over the edge without barely a touch and landed with a roll.

He seemed to be scooping at the dirt with his teeth. Asbrand rushed for him, Fergus rolling over and jumping up to stand in any way, spitting spare gunpowder from his gun prosthetic right at the fighter before him!

Asbrand was suddenly blinded in the moment, his momentum thrown!

Fergus gritted his teeth as he scratched across the dirt before suddenly throwing something right at Asbrand.

The Nordic man gasped as a dirk was thrown right into his stomach, giving Fergus a chance to catch his breath.

Asbrand tore it from his stomach and clutched, gritting his teeth. The voice of Beowulf spoke up at the predicament.

“This is truly troubling…He simply refuses to go down.”

Asbrand: Wow, very helpful, Beowulf…

He trudged forward, knowing that it's wraps for him if he stopped moving.

With a grunt, he jumped forward, Fergus using his remaining energy to jump forward instead of dodging. He had Asbrand grappled by the waist, unwilling to let go.

Fergus: Just drop dead, why don'tcha!

His leg suddenly went limp and rolled Asbrand across the ground. He rammed his arm into his throat in attempt to choke Asbrand out.

Fergus: I watched ye last match yaknow…

He slammed the stump of his arm in place of his other and scooped a handful of dirt, ramming in into Asbrand's mouth.

Fergus: Shove it!

Asbrand struggled for air, grabbing at Fergus for release. With what strength that remained, he weakly shoved the sharp end of his skeggøx against his side, enough to lightly cut the skin, but not enough for brutal wounding.

Asbrand began to go limp, his vision fading and his eyes shutting. When he opened, he found himself on an empty void, looking up to see a large and imposing man with armor like his own.

Beowulf: Took you long enough. You were good as dead soon as the match started, so it was only up to me to make sure he's hardly in condition to make his next match fair. But you did good.

Asbrand simply grinned.

Asbrand: Think I can still carve wood where I'm going?

Beowulf: Only one way to find out, friend.

Asbrand chuckled a little.

Asbrand: Can't wait to find out…

Back in the real world, Asbrand began to fade. Fergus made an attempt to stand, but his leg finally gave out under him.

Fergus: Tch, bum of a leg, yer ‘possed to be better than that…

He simply raised his arm into the air, a tired yet victorious look on his face.

Fergus: Ya…owe me ya life's worth o’drinkin’, Baenard…

Clansman Fergus vs Karl Asbrand

Winner: Fergus

Deciding move: Choking

Match length: 15 minutes, 17 seconds

Chapter 63

A long silence fell over the crowd as the blast of smoke cleared.

Fergus stood up to his feet and waved the smoke away, thinking he'd won, only for the face of an axe to suddenly cut through what remained and slicing right into Fergus’ shoulder!

A solid side of Asbrand's face was drenched in blood, the gunfire only barely grazing the side of his face and tearing away the skin.

Asbrand: I'M NOT GOING THAT EASILY!

His dark blue flame surged as he tore the skeggøx from Fergus' shoulder.

He didn't let up while he had the chance to change the course of the fight, stepping forward and swinging down his large axe.

Fergus raised a hand, letting his arm take the blow as he kicked up a leg, pushing into Asbrand's stomach and jutting the air from his lungs.

Asbrand gasped for breath in a quick moment, Fergus taking the opportunity to pull away, shrugging the axe from his hand as he jumped back.

Fergus: Yer like a bear, man…

The voice in Asbrand's mind spoke up as he caught his breath.

“You've nearly had him. But you let up.”

Asbrand: Quiet, you…who even are you…

“A hero.”

Asbrand: Nonsense. You're nothing more than a voice in my head.

“True, but I'm in the mind of anybody who fights to a power like mine.”

Asbrand: I'd hardly say I'm a stronger fighter, voice…

“Refer to me by name. The might of many men and the sturdiness befitting my name, of a bear. Say my name!”

And that's when it clicked.

Asbrand: I really must be hearing things. Haven't heard this tale in many years…

Asbrand stood straight, popping his back as he raised his axe, the dark blue glow surging.

Asbrand: Lead me onward, Beowulf…

Fergus tilted his head, confused.

Fergus: Ye oot yer nut? Shutcha gob, man!

He rushed forward, throwing a dirk right for Asbrand's head.

“I know you can parry it, warrior.”

Asbrand smirked and deflected the dirk, running forward right for Fergus.

Fergus didn't slow his momentum, instead, jumping down and sliding right through Asbrand's legs and flexibly raising up his own leg to point at Asbrand, seemingly tugging a cord.

Fergus: EAT SHIT!

Another loud bang rang out as Asbrand felt a booming pain surge across his entire back, sending him forward and completely off balance!

Asbrand stayed on the ground, trying to shrug off the damage.

“This man is full of dirty tricks. A fair match is surely impossible…”

Asbrand: I'm well aware…

He slowly stood to his feet as Fergus rushed for him.

“Tilt forward.”

Asbrand followed, his body tilting forward as a dirk slash completely misses from behind.

Fergus improvised, digging his heel into Asbrand's back and kicking up. He shoved a dirk into the barrel of his shotgun prosthetic and fell downward!

Fergus: Dirk Dance: THE KILL!

As he fell, Asbrand gritted his teeth and spun, his skeggøx clashing right into Fergus’ leg and sending off his course.

Asbrand raised his seax with his other hand and jumped to meet Fergus’ falling body.

He plunged the seax into Fergus’ shoulder to prevent him from backing away and slamming his forehead into Fergus’.

The two fell to the ground, Fergus rolling up to his feet, and Asbrand stood to his.

Fergus: I was sure ye’d have gone down by now…Yer a tuff bastard!

He stepped forward, and almost immediately, his balance was thrown…

All the damage to the prosthetic gun barrel caused it to snap right in two!

Fergus caught himself, clicking his tongue in disappointment.

Fergus: Damn foot…

He crouched down, picking up a dirk off the ground before lunging forward into a wide leap.

Asbrand stepped back to avoid a slash as he brought down his seax into Fergus’ already damaged shoulder.

Fergus, at the close distance, took the advantage, ramming his dirk into Asbrand's waist.

Fergus: Ye can only chip at me foreva’, man…Just give up and I'll spare ya the pain!

Asbrand: I've got somebody waiting for me…

Fergus: Well ain'tcha the noble one! I got somebody a-waitin’ too!

Fergus ripped the seax out of Asbrand and stabbed in again.

Fergus: We can stay right here for all ye want, man!

Asbrand thought for a moment, knowing he didn't have much time to waste. Then the voice of his guide spoke again.

“If you stay here, you're as good as death. His one leg is a weakness, and you must slam him.”

Asbrand gritted his teeth before turning their bodies over. Right as the dirk was pulled out again, Asbrand yelled out before slamming Fergus into the ground!

Asbrand loomed over. A bear, who had caught the wild and untamed mythical beast that Fergus truly was…

Chapter 62

The moment the match began, Fergus dashed forward, his pitchfork held up and thrust forward, Asbrand easily blocking with his skeggøx.

Fergus swerved the pitchfork, tilting Ashbrand's momentum before suddenly throwing the pitchfork aside and pulling out two dirk daggers.

Fergus tilted his body backwards before beginning a shuffle along the ground, a wide grin on his face.

Fergus: I bet y'already know what a Scotsman like me can do…

Asbrand: A dance like that'll have me on the ropes I'm guessing. I ought to stop you then!

He lunged forward before leaping at Fergus, his skeggøx raised and slashed downward. Fergus dipped to the and twisted his body before nailing his heel into the center of Asbrand's back, kicking him into the ground.

Fergus: C'mon! I know yer better than that!

Asbrand immediately got back onto his feet, raising his skeggøx high.

Fergus anticipated a strike from the axe and swerved to the side. His eyes widened as Asbrand suddenly pulled his seax dagger from the sheath and swung it out to Fergus’ side.

Fergus parried with his dirk, sending the seax to the side before swiping into Asbrand's arm with the other dirk.

He grinned widely again, tossing the dirk into the air and spinning back, catching it before throwing the other dirk right at Asbrand!

Asbrand raised his skeggøx to defend, blocking the blade, only for Fergus to jump right forward for an attack as Asbrand was distracted by the thrown dirk.

Fergus: Dirk Dance: Salut!

He suddenly stopped with a halt, holding a dirk up at eye level with Asbrand.

Fergus: I was only playin’ with ye til now…A bampot ye aughta be!

Fergus: Advance!

He flashed forward, the pure white flame in his eyes presenting itself as he swung up, deflecting Asbrand's skeggøx and tilting his own body backwards, a leg kicking into the air.

The point of Fergus’ brogues crack into Asbrand's chin, his head swinging back. Fergus twirls his body as he shifts back before running right forward at Asbrand once more.

Fergus: Advance!!

He spun again, his legs fluttering in the air before plunging a dirk into Asbrand's arm, tearing the dagger away and moving backwards.

Advance after advance, Fergus slowly whittled away Asbrand's chances of fighting back.

Fergus: I had a harder time in m’first fight! Nae danger ya beatin’ me!

Right as another kick was thrown for Asbrand's head, his body falling backwards, he heard something of a voice ring in his mind.

“Move.”

The dark blue flame in Asbrand's eyes suddenly glowed brightly and his body swiftly shifted towards the side.

He stood there, catching his breath and wiping the blood from his mouth.

That voice rang in his head again.

“There is a wall between him and you. Do not let up. Envision a beast at your mercy.”

Asbrand looked forward as Fergus dashed towards him and gritted his teeth.

He trudged forward and swung his seax, suddenly faking out Fergus as he shifted momentum to go into a swing from his skeggøx.

Fergus swung his prosthetic leg upward and absorbed the strike, kicking upward to evade the strike and stepping back. He spun forward for another strike, which Asbrand deflected with his seax.

Asbrand stepped back as Fergus stood straight, tilting his neck to crack his neck.

Asbrand: You're tricky…I was sure that slice would've affected your walking.

Fergus: Ye dinnae a lick about me!

He stomped the ground and dashed forward, his leg raised high as Asbrand jumped to the side, countering as he swung down into Fergus’ back!

Fergus was hit down into the ground, Asbrand only realising that that slice didn't do anything due to the club on Fergus’ back.

Fergus grinned from ear to ear, spinning so his back was on the ground as his leg was shot high into the air.

Asbrand heard the voice in his head once more.

“MOVE!”

A loud bang rang through the air, smoke curling between the two…

Chapter 61

The nameless god, as per usual, stood in the center.

Nameless god: HELLO, HELLO! MATCH 2 OF ROUND 2 SHALL NOW COMMENCE!

Right as he began speaking, the crowd was in an uproar. They were familiar with the game between their Karl and Clansman and were sure to witness a fantastic bout!

Nameless god: ALRIGHT! ON THE LEFT, WE HAVE OUR FAMED SCOTSMAN! A MAN WITH STRENGTH AND FREEDOM, AND A GAZE OF BURNING WHITE! THE UNICORN OF SCOTLAND!

The gate opened and Fergus ran in at full charge, a pitchfork raised forward, only to be confused why there's nobody ahead of him.

He halted with a skid beside the nameless god.

Fergus: What gives, god-man!? Why'm I out first!

Nameless god: You charge before the round starts, I can't take the risk.

Fergus: Tch, fine. Go'n send ‘em out!

He stood ready as the other gate opened.

Nameless god: AND ON THE RIGHT, OUR VERY KARL OF THE NORTH! A MAN LIKE NOTHING WEAKER THAN A GRIZZLY BEAR!

Asbrand entered the arena, a casual grin on his face, as per usual.

He stood before Fergus, looking down at him. Asbrand stood quietly before putting out ahead of him.

Asbrand: Let's have a good match, friend!

Fergus eyed the hand before grabbing it, impressed with Asbrand's grip strength.

Fergus: A good match is for a wuss! Don't spare me a bit of y'power, man!

Asbrand's face lit up at Fergus’ insistence at fighting full power immediately, even if he was already planning to.

Asbrand: You have my word!

He takes some steps back as the nameless god set the two and stepped back himself.

Nameless god: FIIIIIIIIGHT!!!

Chapter 60

Bahram passed out where he sat, the medical team wheeling him off to go deal with his full body injuries.

The nameless god made his way to the waiting rooms, opening the door to Asbrand's room.

He perked up as the door opened, only for the nameless god to walk in on his making a life size wood carving of his wife!

Asbrand: Oh, is the match already over?

Nameless god: Yep, knight won the match.

Asbrand: I see, I see, must be my turn then!

His wife shifted uncomfortably in her seat upon hearing this…

Snaefrid: Asbrand…Must you really go?

Asbrand: I'm sorry, my dear, but I must, yes…

She let out a small breath of air, looking him in the eyes.

Snaefrid: You better win, Asbrand. I can't lose you again.

Asbrand: You have my word, dear.

He planned a kiss on her forehead before getting ready, his trusty skeggøx in his hand, and his seax at his hip. No point in changing what works.

As he put on his helmet, Snaefrid stood, biting the tip of her thumb before tracing a protection rune on his helmet.

Snaefrid: Don't let up, not even a second, my love.

Asbrand: I'm certain you'll see me again, Snaefrid. Just trust me.

Snaefrid nodded, albeit with uncertainty, before sitting back down. Asbrand left the room and to the arena, Snaefrid immediately pulled up the hologram that allowed a view of the arena.

The nameless god left to go to the room over from Asbrand's, opening the door to be met with…two men wearing absolutely nothing pumping squats!

Fergus looked up and grinned a wide grin.

Fergus: ‘Ello there, god-man!

He spotted his squats, immediately getting dressed in his battle-wear. Though as he dressed, the nameless god couldn't help noticing the second dirk at Fergus’ hip…

Fergus: Well then, my wee lad!

He looked to his close buddy Baenard, who was still hitting leg-based motion as he spoke.

Fergus: Wish me luck! I gots me a fight to win!

Baenard stood straight, looping an arm around Fergus’ neck.

Baenard: If ye nae come back, lad, ye owe me yer life's worth o'drinks!

Fergus: Aye, aye, ye ‘ave my word! Now then, let's get a move-on! Outta my way!

He pushed past the nameless god, heading to the arena.

Nameless god: He's gotten really good with that fake leg, hasn't he!

Baenard: Aye, man's right as rain. He tell ye what he's got hidin'?

Nameless god: Mhm, he's hiding a whole shotgun in there, isn't he?

Baernard: That'll get him far, I reckon…That fool can take a beating harder than any fool I know…

The nameless god soon left the room, waving to Baenard as he left.

And so, match 2 of round 2 will now commence…

Chapter 59

The two stood face to face with each other for a moment, simply breathing, trying to catch their breaths.

Bahram: I can see that passion in your eyes…heh, no wonder y’still goin’!

Gunya didn't care about what his opponent had to say. Raising up a fist, he rocked Bahram's head to the side.

Bahram followed suit, punching him right back.

Again, then another, then one more…just like Gunya's first match, it turned into nothing but a slug fest.

A particular shock to the jaw caused Bahram to tilt to the side for a moment, before catching himself on a shaky foot, suddenly winding his hand back and smacking the back of Gunya's head with the gauntlet.

Bahram forced a burst of movement out as he made some distance. From the side, he noticed his zweihander, simply sitting wedged into the ground.

Bahram made a mad dash for it, ripping it from the ground. He changed his grip, turning it upside down so that the handle and handguard would make for a longer range, blunt strike.

Bahram: It worked before, ought to try it again…

He stomped forward, hard enough to crack the packed sand flooring before sprinting forward. Gunya was aware that this was Bahram's last stand and all was riding in properly striking him.

Gunya took a small step back, before realising the rustling within his cloak. He pulled a small sack, drawing the string back to see a fine black powder inside…

That's right. A parting gift from his Aztec opponent…

As Bahram drew closer, Gunya threw that bag, the powder flying outward and all over Bahram's face, immediately getting into his eyes and mouth.

Bahram missed completely, stumbling to the ground as he struggled to breath and see. His vision was in dark splotches, but he was determined in winning this.

His sky blue flame surged. Morphed. Narrowed.

Blue is the strongest color fire can naturally take…And he was determined to live up to that…

His body felt weightless, standing slowly on battered legs, before turning back, yelling out incoherent nonsense as he practically felt Gunya's presence in the air.

Gunya gritted his teeth at this man's insistence, taking out the last boomerang he had on him.

Bahram: BETTER MAKE Y'LAST HIT COUNT, DAMMIT! CAUSE I'LL KEEP GETTING UP UNTIL YOU KILL ME!

As he drew closer, he raised a fist high, shutting his mouth tightly.

Gunya brought up the boomerang, swinging it up as Bahram came close.

Then…Bahram spat, shooting a flurry of built up blood within his mouth against Gunya's face, disrupting him just enough to narrowly graze his chin, and delivering a fierce blow to Gunya's face!

Gunya's jaw simply shattered at the hit, Bahram sending him into the ground.

Gunya laid there.

And laid there.

He didn't have the strength to keep going.

He saw the faint dreaming warp to a presence ahead of him, Yurlunggur making an appearance.

Yurlunggur: Oh my, I had so much faith in you, my dear mortal…but you gave it your all! You should rest! You deserve it…

Yurlunggur disappeared after his speech, and Gunya just kept lying there.

His flame flickered, and soon…He shut his eyes, his body fading to dust.

Bahram fell to his knees. Chuckling to himself despite his inability to actually breathe right…

Vassal Bahram vs Aboriginal Gunya

Winner: Bahram

Deciding move: A punch fit for a dirty player

Match length: 18 minutes, 28 seconds

Chapter 58

Almost in an instant, Gunya flashed forward at Bahram, a boomerang gripped tightly enough to dent the handle with his handprint.

Before Bahram could react, the boomerang collided into his side before Gunya pulled back and suddenly, there was a deep tear in both Bahram's armor and his flesh beneath…

Bahram's eyes went wide in his head before a fist then clashed with his face, forcing him into the ground.

He grunted on impact. He felt Gunya's foot slam on his chest, his heel digging into his chest as Gunya held his boomerang over Bahram's head.

Bahram: Hah! You were gettin’ yer ass hand to ya moments ago! You're finally givin’ me a good fight!

Bahram then gripped Gunya's ankle and…began to spin?

An aboriginal man in the crowd recognized this technique.

Aboriginal man: That move! It's what crocodiles do with their prey!

Gunya cocked an eyebrow before suddenly being slammed into the ground, Bahram immediately standing to his feet, backing a little just to make some distance.

From his back, he pulled out a battle axe, the long handle held tightly in his gauntleted hands.

He let out a puff of air and began to run, only for Gunya to cover that distance for him!

In Gunya's hand was the club sword he dropped moments before, him going for a horizontal strike that, with Gunya's newfound strength, could just as well tear Bahram in half!

Bahram raised his battle axe up by the blade to defend the strike. Thanks to the sharp edge, and Gunya's power, the club sword was simply cleaved into.

Bahram took a minute just to sweat, glaring at Gunya, whose body looked to be at its limit…

Bahram: Y'not lookin’ so hot there, buddy…

Gunya looked to be visibly struggling. Even with all the strength he had, his breathing was akin to a dog in the summer.

Gunya: Stop your talking…

He pulled the club sword from the battle axe, taking slow, dragging steps back.

Bahram got low, his feet at shoulder length.

Bahram: Tch…DURCHLAUFEN!

He grinned as he leaped forward with wide arms, but just as he got close, Gunya shot his knee in the air, colliding right with Bahram's chin.

Bahram hit the ground with a thud, unmoving for a moment.

Gunya turned around, believing he had finally offed his opponent, before feeling a hand grab his ankle.

Bahram's head slowly tilted up. He grinned, despite missing some teeth.

Bahram: I'm not done yet…YOU STILL HADN'T KILLED ME!

He jerked his hand back, disrupting Gunya's balance by only a smidge before jumping.

He circled Gunya's body, slamming his battle axe downward to cleave into him, Gunya only barely defending the strike with his club sword.

Bahram immediately let go of his battle axe and rocketed his fist into Gunya's stomach, the impact alone letting loose all the wind in Gunya's lungs, before a fist came flying at Gunya's face, forcing his head to the side.

Bahram: YOU GOTTA TEAR ME TO PIECES OF YOU WANNA HAVE A CHANCE OF WINNING!

Bahram sent fist after fist flying, battering Gunya with heavy punches.

Gunya could feel his rainbow-colored flame fading, his vision fluttering. Then he saw something he couldn't think twice about. Yurlunggur was watching him, even from the Dreaming…

Gunya had to win.

GUNYA MUST WIN!

Just before Bahram could throw another punch, Gunya tilted his body back and delivered a heavy strike with his heel against Bahram's head.

Bahram's vision fluttered for a moment before he managed to regain his consciousness, only to see Gunya rushing at him despite being battered beyond belief…

He felt a spear impaled into the side that Gunya tore open earlier and was met face to face with him.

Bahram: I'm surprised y’still standin’...

He gripped Gunya's shoulder…

Bahram: C'mon, man…We gotta see who's collapsin’ first!

Chapter 57

Bahram threw aside his warhammer, running forward as he plunged out a poleaxe, Gunya just barely blocking the sharp spear tip with his arm.

Bahram practically yelled rather than laughed, the widest smile on his face as he drove his weapon deeper.

Gunya winced as the spear tip buried deep into his arm, almost puncturing right through.

Gunya had little time to think, deciding to go for a wild strike and slamming the boomerangs end into Bahram's back.

Bahram coughed at the impact and ripped the poleaxe from Gunya's arm, only to spin around and go for another strike.

Gunya leaped backwards, going for a lower position to catch his breath. He clutched his side as he realized just how much he was actually bleeding out.

Bahram: Wassa matter!? C'mon, I'm only gettin’ warmed up! Face me, you cur!

He stomped forward before charging, his flame flickering into a massive burst as he closed the distance!

Then.

Something in Gunya's eyes changed. His pale gray flame formed more color. A rainbow.

The space seemed to slow, colors of many kinds began to warp around the space as Gunya stood stunned and confused, then a figure's voice rang out to Gunya.

Figure: Goodness, it has been ages since somebody has appeared in my dreaming! Welcome, welcome!

The figure slowly took form, a mass of rainbow colors forming an elongated body and, before long, Gunya was met with Yurlunggur…the Aboriginal creator god…

Gunya stared almost in awe before quickly shaking his head.

Gunya: Why have I come here, Yurlunggur…

Yurlunggur: Ah, a good question, a good question indeed…I suppose it is because of that little fire in your vision!

Gunya: little…fire?

Yurlunggur: Yes, yes, little fire! You are pushing your physical form and your spirit is growing stronger before your body can react! I will not call it special per say…but you are growing stronger by the second, my little mortal!

Gunya: Is that all I'm here for?

Yurlunggur: I suppose so. Though it does seem like you are in trouble, this guy looks like a mighty fella, certainly so!

Gunya: He makes me sick…

Yurlunggur: Would it turn to your favor if I were to help?

Gunya thought for a moment. Then;

Gunya: No…I want to win with my hands alone. This is a matter of man to man…Besides, this man doesn't stop talking and it would appease me to shut him.

Yurlunggur: Suit yourself, mortal.

The massive snake god began to coil and, before Gunya could react, Yurlunggur's body passed through Gunya like water and the dreaming seemed to fade.

Gunya's body was tilted back, just narrowly dodging Bahram's poleaxe lunge.

Gunya stood back straight before taking some steps back. His flame grew brighter, hotter…and it flickered with rainbow sparks.

Chapter 56

As the match began, Bahram gritted his teeth behind his helmet.

He took a step back, pulling his zweihander from his back before swinging it down at a blinding speed, Gunya easily blocking with his carved wooden shield.

Bahram tore the zweihander back, spinning around and following with another rising strike, which Gunya flowed with, shrugging off the strike with his shield.

Each miss, Bahram twirled his body to follow the motion of his zweihander, as if his sword were a river that he was sailing to create follow-up after follow-up!

Bahram: KEEP DOIN’ NOTHIN’ THERE N’ YOU'RE FLAT DEAD!

He spun and suddenly leaped in the air, slamming down his zweihander, just for Gunya to sidestep him and attack right as Bahram's sword cleaved into the ground.

The gray flame in Gunya's eyes flared as he slammed the handle of his massive club sword into Bahram's waist.

Bahram grunted, surprised that he was actually able to feel that even through full armor!

Bahram tugged the sword from the ground and swung, clashing with Gunya's club sword.

The two were locked in place, the zweihander's blade cutting into the club sword's thick shaft.

Bahram: You think you can tucker me out, eh?

He cackled as he suddenly brought up his knee, clashing it right into Gunya's center, wind leaving his lungs immediately as Bahram shoved him back.

Gunya staggered for a moment as he tried to catch his breath, Bahram wasting no time as he lunged forward, driving the very tip of his zweihander into Gunya's waist.

Bahram stepped forward, driving it deeper. Gunya thought quickly, swinging his club sword down to dislodge the zweihander.

His flame burned brighter, he gritted his teeth, and leaped forward to swing from below with the club sword.

Bahram's eyes went wide at the man's ability to move, grunting as the massive club sword made contact with his side.

He felt several ribs crack on impact as he's thrown to the side, stumbling into the dirt ground.

As he slowly rose, Gunya wasted no time, practically flying forward at near impossible speeds for the regular human. His muscles burned as he swung the club sword high overhead!

Gunya: Rainbow Serpent! Yurlunggur!

The club sword slammed downward in a massive arc, and as it moved, his gray flame surged brilliantly!

A rainbow-like aura seemed to form around the club sword right as it narrowed at Bahram, and…

SLAM

The dust picked up, clearing into…nothing.

Gunya was confused. He looked side to side before hearing the sound of metal rushing toward him!

He turned around and just narrowly blocked a strike from Bahram.

Gunya: Tch…How…

Bahram: HOW D'YOU THINK! I WAS JUST FUCKIN’ BRILLIANT ENOUGH TO DODGE!

Bahram's flame, a sky blue, shone in his own eyes. He pushed forward, his strength managing to just barely overpower Gunya.

Bahram: EAT SHIT!

He suddenly tilted his zweihander, letting it go and completely throwing off Gunya!

From his back, he pulled a warhammer. Spinning, he slammed the powerful hammer end into Gunya's ribs, shattering a solid few as Gunya shuffled to the side.

He let go of his club sword and, from behind his shield, he pulled out a boomerang and jumped forward, clashing once more with his opponent.

He dug his feet into the ground as he pushed forward before suddenly cracking the end of his shield into the side of Bahram's helmeted head.

His head cocked to the side at the sudden force before suddenly cackling!

Bahram: YE IDIOT! I DIDN'T FEEL A THING!

He let one hand leave his warhammer, they hand going to his hip and pulling out an arming dagger. He brought it up and immediately buried it until Gunya's arm, messing with his own strength to continue the fight in his favor!

Gunya shoved him back and moved away to make space between them. His lack of armor made for a struggle on Bahram's part, Gunya dashing as if he were a squirrel easily evading the likes of a rolling stone.

Then, suddenly, he threw his shield forward, knocking Bahram's head back before rushing forward and slamming the blunt end of the boomerang into his opponent's armor. His strength alone was able to dent deeply.

Gunya reached up, tearing the helmet from Bahram's head and shoving him back again.

Gunya threw the helmet aside as Bahram got his ground again.

Bahram: Yer a dirty player…

He grinned.

Bahram: Makes it all the more fun!

Chapter 55

The nameless god stood in the center of the arena. The crowd has gotten used to this by now and had been eagerly anticipating this match.

Nameless god: GOOD DAY, EVERYBODY! ROUND 2 OF THE TOURNAMENT SHALL NOW COMMENCE!

The crowd was at the edge of their seats as they waited!

Nameless god: ON THE LEFT, WE HAVE OUR VERY KNIGHT! OUR FIERCELY FIGHTING LION OF EUROPE!

Nobody has ever called the knight that, the nameless god made it up for dramatic effect. It was surprisingly effective as the crowd began cheering for him. The words “Fighting Lion” ring out through the stadium!

The gate opens, and the very Knight Vassal, Bahram has entered!

His arms were raised in the air, him grinning behind his helmet as he entered the arena.

Bahram: Thank you, thank you, it's a pleasure!

He cackled as he bathed in his glory, the nameless god settling the crowd so he could bring in Bahram's opponent.

Nameless god: AND ON THE RIGHT, WE HAVE OUR MAN FROM OCEANIA! OUR KILLER CROCODILE OF THE OUTBACK!

Seems the nameless god has started making up nicknames, good on him.

The crowd looked as dust suddenly kicked up by the right entrance, only for it to suddenly sweep away in an arch as Gunya entered the arena.

He stood in front of Bahram, staring up at him. Their height wasn't exactly staggering in difference, but Gunya could sense the power in a man of similar stature.

He gripped his club sword hard before slowly, almost impossibly precisely, lowered it to rest like a cane on the ground.

Bahram: What's with the cape, Henry VIII?

He chuckled at his own joke, only to get nothing but a twinged eyebrow from Gunya.

Bahram: As quiet as ever, huh…You're a sad man to not humor your enemy!

He lifted his helmet just enough to reveal his mouth, only to spit at Gunya, who remained as still as ever.

Bahram: Nothing…

He lowered his helmet, scoffing, before taking some steps back.

Bahram: Start the match, god…

The nameless god nodded, backing up within the arena as he then yelled out.

Nameless god: FIIIIIIIIGHT!!

Chapter 55

The nameless god stood in the center of the arena. The crowd has gotten used to this by now and had been eagerly anticipating this match.

Nameless god: GOOD DAY, EVERYBODY! ROUND 2 OF THE TOURNAMENT SHALL NOW COMMENCE!

The crowd was at the edge of their seats as they waited!

Nameless god: ON THE LEFT, WE HAVE OUR VERY KNIGHT! OUR FIERCELY FIGHTING LION OF EUROPE!

Nobody has ever called the knight that, the nameless god made it up for dramatic effect. It was surprisingly effective as the crowd began cheering for him. The words “Fighting Lion” ring out through the stadium!

The gate opens, and the very Knight Vassal, Bahram has entered!

His arms were raised in the air, him grinning behind his helmet as he entered the arena.

Bahram: Thank you, thank you, it's a pleasure!

He cackled as he bathed in his glory, the nameless god settling the crowd so he could bring in Bahram's opponent.

Nameless god: AND ON THE RIGHT, WE HAVE OUR MAN FROM OCEANIA! OUR KILLER CROCODILE OF THE OUTBACK!

Seems the nameless god has started making up nicknames, good on him.

The crowd looked as dust suddenly kicked up by the right entrance, only for it to suddenly sweep away in an arch as Gunya entered the arena.

He stood in front of Bahram, staring up at him. Their height wasn't exactly staggering in difference, but Gunya could sense the power in a man of similar stature.

He gripped his club sword hard before slowly, almost impossibly precisely, lowered it to rest like a cane on the ground.

Bahram: What's with the cape, Henry VIII?

He chuckled at his own joke, only to get nothing but a twinged eyebrow from Gunya.

Bahram: As quiet as ever, huh…You're a sad man to not humor your enemy!

He lifted his helmet just enough to reveal his mouth, only to spit at Gunya, who remained as still as ever.

Bahram: Nothing…

He lowered his helmet, scoffing, before taking some steps back.

Bahram: Start the match, god…

The nameless god nodded, backing up within the arena as he then yelled out.

Nameless god: FIIIIIIIIGHT!!