Ullr's Globe
Arena
"The Best Kind of Game?" Oya asked, her tone mirthless. "Really?"
The pack of wolves stared up at her in anticipation. Some tilted their heads.
"Ever babysit before?"
None of the pack responded.
"Picked up on a rhetorical question. You are smart. I used to babysit a lot. Was told I'd be a great mom someday…" She smiled, but looked like she tasted something vile. "I remember telling a lot of the girls I looked after that if anyone talked that way to them like that, they were nothing but animals. Gods and Mortals alike. Good to know you're still in form."
"Mocking my existence and nature when there's nothing else is worth being," Pakkanen's horde spoke in unison. "And you're proving it." They eyed her horns. "How does it feel, becoming like your betters?"
Oya raised and wiggled her left hand. "I feel…disgusting, but I knew a God who'd wrap his arms around me regardless."
One of the wolves snorted. "I can send you to him if you wish."
Oya shook her head. "No thanks." Her left hand pointed to her left eye. "I already tried once and learned my lesson."
The wolf closest to the tree raised its right front paw and slammed it against the trunk. The toes molded and stretched, digging their claws into the wood as its shoulder swelled and grew.
"Ah!" It yelled, smiling. "One bad choice after another, and here I thought you were just reckless!" It pulled itself up and scrambled up the tree. A few more followed it. "But you're just begging to die!"
Oya's eyes widened as she pursed her lips. Bastard… She crouched down and burst off the branch into the open air. The pack's collective necks snapped in her direction as she landed on the large branch of another tree. The wolves on the forest floor raced in her direction while the half-dozen climbing the tree scurried up the trunk. They reached the branch Oya stood on and jumped after her.
Predation. An intrinsic part of nature and one of the first hard truths of life. Some creatures must eat others to survive. It is a facet of nature that many acknowledge, but to see it in action can be unsettling. Beautiful deer mauled by mountain lions. Seals and penguins devoured by sharks and orcas. Rodents are torn apart by myriad predators. Nothing is truly safe from this ironclad rule. Not even Humans, and certainly not Gods.
Reality set in despite the banter, and Oya fought against the truth as she danced from branch to branch, tree to tree. As the chimeras of ice chased after her among the branches, and the wolves swam between the roots and trunks below, her heart raced in her chest.
He talked a big game…and I wish he couldn't back it up! She thought.
"You're used to fighting!" Pakkanen's pack roared around her. "You're used to battlefields and all their excesses!"
Oya looked ahead, eyeing several ice creatures crawling along the branches, waiting for her.
"Damn it…," She groaned.
"This is my territory, where I am the predator, you Fraud!" They bound towards her. "And you are prey!"
Oya landed on another branch and stopped. Her eyes darted in every direction. Her brow rose, and she ran along the branch towards the tree's trunk. She spun the machete overhead as she neared the trunk. "Really now?!" She yelled. She swung the blade and cleaved right through the trunk. She swung her left arm and slapped the trunk, sending the severed half towards the ice creatures behind her. It slammed into them, obliterating them and sending their remains down to the forest floor.
Oya hopped up onto the trunk's cut top. I was right. A perfect circle. Nine Meters… She lowered her stance. Just enough to work with.
"Guess you chose 'fight!'" The pack yelled.
Ullr's Globe
Game Master Box Seats
"Damn it all," Ukko uttered. "History repeats…"
"Sir?" Hermes asked.
"Pakkanen…knows how we think. He pokes and prods at the ego, enraging nearly everyone who tries dealing with him."
"He hunts Gods," Set said with a hint of disgust. "He would be a terrible predator if he did not know what makes us tick."
"Nothing makes us walk deeper into his hunting grounds than wounded egos or anger. Worse, people underestimate him because he does this, but he's—"
"One of the best hunters in Valhalla," Nyrrikki added solemnly. "I heard Silvanus and Artemis even tried hunting him once."
Ah, I remember that," Hermes said. "They came back unscathed, but it was the first hunt I recall Artemis ever failing. I don't recall if she ever tried again."
"Discretion is the better part of valor," Set said before sighing. "Looks like we are still bad at it." He leaned forward, gripping his armrests. Oya. He thought. I know you. You are not stuck in their trappings. You have seen what such brashness costs someone. Prove you rose above it, and put him down.
Ullr's Globe
Arena
The forest floor below Oya rippled as dozens of cyan-eyed wolves rose out of the freshly fallen snow. The scattered pieces of the icy creatures decimated by the tossed tree trunks slithered together and reformed. More of the pack started climbing the tree below Oya's feet and the surrounding forest. Like ants surrounding a potential prey.
A gentle breeze flew through the forest and around the pack. It flowed up to Oya and blew past her. A brief image formed in her mind, showing her what needed to be done.
Raising back onto the balls of her feet, Oya danced and twirled around the makeshift tower. Swinging her machete and smooth spiraling motions, each branch below her dropped down to the creatures below. Whether by blade or wind, every branch was cut clean. A few managed to shuffle away, but the branches crashed into most of the pack, sending them crashing back down and breaking into chunks of snow.
Oya continued her dance. The wind around her blade whirled around her and took on a soft purple hue. Several of the creatures jumped from the treetops towards her from all directions.
Gege Ìjì. She thought.
The creatures entered the domain of her attack…and vanished. A few more jumped up at her from below, but they too vanished. The wolves below watched as fresh snow fell on top of them, and their frigid fur stood on end.
Ullr's Globe
Yoruba Box Seats
"Man," Eshu said, bobbing in his seat. "Do you guys hear that?"
Ogun joined him, bobbing stiffly in his seat. "That's a beat right there."
The Orisha sitting behind the trio began bobbing in sync with Eshu and Ogun as Oludumare smirked.
"Haven't seen that since Shango and she had a brawl with the Ajogun," He said, joining in with the rest. "Anything trying to get near her now will be minced by her dance partner."
The Yoruba Box, in perfect unison, bobbed and swayed to a silent song heard by no one save for a few.
Valhalla Arena
Medical Wing
Back in the Medical wing and Ryujin's confusion, Barong swayed and closed his eyes along with them.
A dozen doors down in a crowded room, Lu Ban tapped his fingers on his mattress as he watched Oya dance on the monitor across from his bed. Only Huanglong saw his teacher's hand. He shrugged, then focused on the monitor with the others as Oya continued her attack.
Ullr's Globe
Arena
Pakkanen's wolves and reformed creatures stared up at Oya as she came to a stop. She shot the group a lazy glare as the wind died down around her into a gentle breeze.
"Am I living up to your expectations as the best kind of game?!" She yelled down.
One of the wolves growled.
"You didn't think it would be that easy, did you?!"
The pack's collective eyes darted in multiple directions. Some of them exchanged glances and growled at each other.
"Is…is he talking to himself?" Oya asked, whispering.
One of the wolves snorted, and the pack froze. It howled, and the chimeric creatures jumped onto the neighboring trees and ascended. The wolves split into multiple pairs of two and encircled the trees. It finished howling, then rose onto its back feet. Its front paws stretched and swelled into large claws.
"I erred. I let myself lose focus and play with my food," Pakkanen whispered.
Oya eyed the creatures closing in on her.
"I'll kill you now."
Oya started her dance again, and the wind whipped alive. The creatures clung to the trees around Oya, waiting.
Shit! She thought. I moved too early!
Panic, Pakkanen thought. Even a small hint of it in the strongest soul is enough to cause mistakes. Had I jumped immediately at you, such a play would be perfect… The lone creature at the base of the reached its right claw back. It flattened into a smooth, semi-transparent blade. But you remembered who I am at the worst possible moment, and who I hunt. He swung to the left and cleaved the tree trunk clean in two.
Oya felt the world shift under her. The trunk leaned and started falling.
The music stopped.
The Orisha watching the match froze.
Pakkanen stared listlessly at her as she fell.
Oya fell along with the trunk, and every creature waiting in the trees jumped at her while she fell.
The two closest to her wrapped around her and bit into her right shoulder and left ribs. Oya screamed in pain as her armor caved under their jaws. Pakkanen could taste the blood flowing from her wounds. Two more wrapped around her and dug their claws into her clothes and armor where they could. Her screams filled the air.
Ullr's Globe
Yoruba Box Seats
"OYAAAAAA!" Eshu screamed, jumping from his seat.
Ullr's Globe
Arena
The cluster of creatures crashed down on the forest floor. Oya's screams could be heard as the rest of the creatures dropped down on top of the rest.
No! No no no no no! Oya thought, feeling her body being crushed and torn. What the hell am I doing?! I can't die like this! I can't! I know I deserve it, but I need to live!
I took too long. I am getting rusty. Pakkanen thought as the taste of blood filled his mouth. He shuddered a little. I'm usually better at this—
Oya screamed again, and an explosion erupted from the dogpile, tearing the creatures apart and sending Pakkanen flying. He scrambled to his feet and focused on Oya.
Her horns grew several centimeters, and a patch of sickly-green scales now surrounded her left eye and covered her now-clawed hands. Her clothes were torn, and her armor covered in bite marks. Under her dress, her legs shook and nearly buckled.
Pakkanen sighed. "Should have let me put you down. Would have saved you from a slow death."
She looked over at him, her breathing growing heavy, and immediately sprinted in the opposite direction.
Reckless cur. Pakkanen crouched down and turned back into a wolf and snarled. All the wolves surrounding them dashed in Oya's direction.
I need to be cautious. How did she release so much power without her dance? Pakkanen thought as he ran through the forest. He could see Oya from several vantages, but the further they ran, the greater the distance grew between them. Is it the transformation? To disconnect her power and her method is akin to trying to tear flesh without claws or teeth! Yet, she did it! I haven't dealt with natural talent of this caliber in eons! More wolves formed from the snow and joined the pack. Several started forming ahead of Oya, but she passed them before they could even attempt an attack. She's moving too fast! I need to stop her before she gets out!
Oya continued picking up speed. The air flowed out of her way as she ran, forming a wedge as she crossed the forest. One wolf was unfortunate enough to form in her path, and she ran right through it, reducing it to powder.
I…need some space… Oya thought. I need these powers to kick in…damn it, Oshumare, you promised!
Ullr's Globe
Yoruba Box Seats
The Box's entrance creaked open, but no one turned to see who entered. His footsteps were soft, as if creeping through a sleeping family's house despite their draconic shape and curved claws. His breathing was quiet, as if he were standing next to everyone in the room. The look of contentment mixed with boredom stood out amongst the others alongside his gold-trimmed white gloves and robes that exposed his chiseled frame and green tattoos. His lime green reptilian eyes watched Oya run across the forest as he leaned against the right wall, letting his scaly tail move lazily in the air. His hair was buzzed short, his short beard was trimmed into straight horizontal lines on his face, and his temples were thin green tattoos.
Oshumare
The Rainbow Serpent
Orisha of Rainbows, Transformations, Regeneration, and Serpents
Ogun looked to his right, eyeing the handsome being leaning there, and curled his lower lip. Vile bastard… He thought.
Oshumare turned his attention immediately to Ogun, and his eyes widened.
Ogun snapped his head back towards the forest and felt a tinge of hope.
Oya had reached the clearing…with the pack in tow.
Ullr's Globe
Arena
Oya crouched down and rocketed high into the air. Sailing high and far from the pack, she landed feet first and facing the oncoming pack. She grabbed her belt, unclipping a layer of her dress and pulling it to the side. "Hey!" She yelled.
The pack slowed to a trot, eyeing her.
"You've hunted a lot of Gods, right?!"
"More than there are stars in a clear night sky, and I've hunted more than just Gods," The pack spoke.
"So you learned how to hunt us. That's how you came up with all these tricks and puppets."
"Not the first God to placate me with flattery. Continue."
"But I bet…you never hunted someone like me before.
"There's nothing unique about you."
"You sure?! You could learn a thing or two from this!"
More of the pack slowly sauntered out of the woods.
"Hubris."
"Oh come on! How about dancing! Do you know how to dance?!" She yelled, her voice echoing.
A few of the wolves released an exasperated sigh.
"Taking that as a no!" Oya rose onto the balls of her feet. She aimed her machete's tip at the oncoming threat. Her gaze hardened, and her pupils dilated. "I'll teach you," She hissed.
The audience sitting in the Globe's observation decks, the Gods all across Valhalla, watching through monitors, tablets, and every medium imaginable, and a sole Valkyrie eyeing the fight on a monitor in the corner of her eye, saw the dance begin. Oya, as if held up only by the faintest breeze, gently stepped and swayed. Her machete, clutched in her right hand, spun and swayed as the cloth in her left bellowed gently in the breeze. Oya closed her eyes and smiled, letting images of forests, rivers, and savannas flow in as the collective patter of paws and soft growls grew closer. She knew they were coming, and it didn't matter. She knew how many were hiding amongst the trees, and it didn't matter. No, what mattered was the dance.
Among the Orisha, dancing is more than expression. It is invocation and connection; a method of drawing upon Creation's Wellspring of Power. Each Orisha, through trial and error, created a dance to connect to the Rhythm of Creation, and through them, they gained near-unrivaled power. It became a testament of their importance that these dances, when shared with Humanity, survived and are still practiced by those living within the African diaspora. To both Gods and Humans, these dances are among the few links to a lost past that can only be imagined in bittersweet dreams.
That is why, whether in Valhalla or Midgard, these dances are treasures…and the greatest weapons of the Orisha.
Pakkanen's pack broke into a mad dash, splitting and encircling Oya. The wolves dashed and weaved around each other seamlessly while focusing their gazes on the dancing Goddess.
Stupid. Pakkanen thought. If Shango's performance didn't save him…six wolves broke from the circle and sprinted towards the center. WHAT MAKES YOU THINK NOW WILL BE DIFFERENT?!
The closest one lunged towards Oya's left side. It opened its frozen mouth 180 degrees, letting its teeth flower out.
As she spun, eyes still closed, Oya's left hand brushed against the wolf's head and pushed it to the left. Her right arm spun overhead and ran the machete along the outside of her left arm.
Gently.
Effortlessly.
The machete swam through the wolf's body and cleaved it clean in two. Cracks full of green energy spread from the cut, and the wolf's severed halves crumbled to the ground, hissing and sizzling as they melted away.
The other attack in unison, their mouths flowering open and aiming for the back of her head, her neck, her right wrist, and both ankles. Oya spun to the left and out of the intersecting point. As she spun away, her blade swung around, cleaving the three wolves jumping at her vitals. There was no resistance in her swing. Had she not heard the blade touching the ice, she may not have believed she cut them. Her left hand swatted against the wolf that aimed for her left ankle, pushing it into the other. She stepped gently towards them and cleaved them both in one downward swing.
The wolves encircling her came to a complete stop. They all eyed her as she continued dancing around the melting remains of their pseudo-kin.
"How dare you…" Pakkanen hissed.
"A lovely color, isn't it?" Oya asked as she danced amongst the small pools of green sizzling liquid.
All of the wolves bared their fangs. "Irreverent vermin. Your ilk know well enough to bend the knee to Oshumare, but you have the gall to use his power against his kin?!" They roared.
Oya froze mid-step.
"Of course," She said, her voice dropping an octave. The pack lowered their heads and flattened their ears. "You think I give a wit about decorum with an animal?" Pakkanen's pack felt her silver eyes' white-hot glare aimed their way. "All you've done is bluster and talk at me. How about you come down from your broken perch and realize the truth?" She turned to her form. "This dance…is the last thing you'll see."
One of the wolves in front of her started shuddering as its eyes crossed outward. Oshumare's blood…the Universal Solvent. No God should have that power…Heresy. Blasphemy! The wolf shook its head. Calm down. All her attacks before now…the cuts from the blade didn't destroy my body earlier, but her wind attacks delayed my constructs…and now her sword is stopping their regeneration. I thought she was at a disadvantage at close-range.
Oya did not look away from him.
Yes. It was, but not anymore. It seems she's growing as the fight goes on. Worse…a God without an ego…is frustrating to deal with. Whatever happened to her to make her this way, there's only one way to deal with it. The pack collectively sighed. And here I thought this would be disappointing.
Oya's eyes widened. The pack slowly melted back into the snow, and silence returned to the clearing.
"Sneak attacks?! Thought you were better than this!"
"In my bearing and standing, I have no equal," Pakkanen's voice echoed through the clearing. "In my methods, standards are nonexistent. Those who survived Winchester would know, had you all not been so petty."
Oya pursed her lips. "You don't have a damn right to speak about that place!"
"Why? Because I won against a Human who was your better? Because your pitiful mate died alongside the other 'Supreme Gods?' Because your Pantheons condemned that Kingdom to annihilation?!"
"Bite your tongue!"
"I don't have to!
The arena went silent.
"Because…" A different voice, sultry and warm, spoke.
Something heavy and cold struck at Oya's soul, and a chill ran through her spine.
"No…"
"Yes…"
Oya's grip on her machete tightened to the point she drew blood.
Four mounds of ice and snow rose off the ground. They shrank and compressed, taking on rounded facets and sharp features. Some of it formed and flowed into clothing, while three had snow form into skin and scales for one.
For a second, Oya felt her soul leave her body as four pairs of cyan eyes appeared on pure-white visages she thought long gone.
To her left, in his flowing robes, was the former Jade Emperor, Yu Huang. To her right, his wings spread wide, was the extinguished Sun of Mesoamerica, Quetzalcoatl. Behind her, wielding a bizarre polearm, was the fallen Angel, Metatron. In front of her, as if mocking the beautiful memory, was Shango, the Passionate Storm, with his axe.
Everyone watching the fight, across the cosmos, gasped in quiet horror at the display.
Ullr's Globe
Game Master Box Seats
Set's breathing shallowed and ragged. His body shook in his seat as his grip on the armrests crushed the wood and metal under the fabric.
PAKKANEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN! Set roared in his mind.
Ullr's Globe
Arena
Oya bared her teeth, revealing enlarged canines as her body trembled.
"You desecrate the dead, Monster?!"
Metatron shrugged and grew a wicked smile. "It's like you said," He spoke.
"You think I give a wit about decorum with an animal?" Shango asked, smiling.