Chapter Text
Hunter had followed Cu Chulainn and Muramasa to the new arena and he noticed only weird pillars with cameras in them. He figured most wouldn’t even come back, but I guess they really wanted to watch. He noticed other fighters also here as well. He had also asked the name of the announcer, she was called Jarl.
“Alrighty, before the next round begins. We have a special announcement, we have screened our sixteenth fighter!!” Jarl announced.
“Who people heard about the arena being destroyed and that seemed to get someone excited.” Muramasa spoke. She then showed the brackets again, with the updated match ups, but everyone gathered and watched leaning to see the final fighter. They all saw a name they had never seen before. But Hunter’s, Cu Chulainn’s, Echidna’s, Sun’s and Sekhmet’s eyes widened when they saw the name. Hunter was the most shocked by it as it was his fake name.
“Hestion”
“Did you enter?” Cu Chulainn asked.
“No, I fucking didn’t.” He said with a dangerous tone.
“I don’t think you can forfeit.” Muramsa said.
“No, But I can fucking leave and make them call the match.” He said, he turned to leave. But he turned to see Qinglong, Baihu, and Xuanwu nearby with Baihu waving. He turned the other way and saw Morrigan who was covered in bandages staring at him. He stared at the edge of the arena and saw a sizable drop. He considered his options and decided it would be better to take the cliff. As he was about to jump. A hand was placed on his shoulder, he turned to see a man with a sword and regalia attire.
“I would kindly ask you not to jump, Lord Zeus is happy to have found a capable fighter for the 16th.” He said as Hunter still debated jumping, but he knew it would be easier to throw the match then to try and jump.
Hunter had made his way down the steps towards the bottom. He was pissed and really fucking annoyed. He just hoped he could survive for a good amount of time and hits, to make the match believable. He waited near the bottom to be called.
“Alright lets get this fourth match underway. The first fighter is one who is well known through the peaks of Svarga. His fist strikes like lightning, he won’t care if it's one vs all. He would take everyone on here if he could, Lord Indra!!” Jarl announced as Hunter watched Indra walk into the arena and wait. Hunter banged the back of his head against the well.
‘Hey, quick question: does imbuing have a limit or range, and can I make select areas explode?’ Hunter thought as he got his answer.
“This next fighter is unknown, no title, no renown, only his name. But he wields fire like it's his nature, able to heal wounds like nothing. But is he a god? No, is he a demon? No, he is a demigod who appeared out of nowhere and now is here to fight! His name is Hestion!!!” Hunter entered the arena with a displeased look on his face. He looked really annoyed as he glared at Morrigan and Qinglong. He also shot a look towards Sun Wukong. He wasn’t sure what anyone was thinking or saying, but he was sure it wasn’t good. He stared at Indra as he smoked a cigarette.
“Match 4, begin!!” Jarl spoke as both stood there for a moment. It was strange, unlike other rounds where it began as soon as it was called. Indra finished his cigarette as he looked at Hunter.
“Thanks for letting me finish. You can go first if you want.” He said as Hunter just shrugged.
“I’ll take it, didn’t even get a choice so fuck it.” Hunter kneels down and places his hand on the floor. Everyone was confused as he did this, Hunter stared at Indra before an explosion appeared under him. Indra was burnt a bit as he dodged from the sudden attack. But before he could even finish dodging another explosion happened under him. This kept happening as everyone watched.
“What the hell!?” Shiva said as he watched Indra struggle to dodge the explosions.
“This is bad for Indra, he can’t counter or even get close.” Brahma said.
“Well well kid, it seems you have an ace up your sleeve.” Echidna said as she watched. This wouldn’t work all the time or might not even last, but this set the tone quickly.
And true to her words Indra began to dodge his way towards Hunter. He was risking it even while getting burnt. He closed the remaining distance and went for a punch. But as the punch inched closer and closer, everyone watched and waited for Hunter’s response. The punch was mere inches away when Hunter moved his head and dodge. Indra went to counter a strike, but there was none. Hunter was a few feet away and just stared at Indra. Everyone just watched as the two just stared at each other.
“Why didn’t he counter!? Morrigan yelled.
“It would seem he is doing his normal games.” Qinglong spoke as Morrigan, Cu Chulainn, and Muramasa looked at him.
“What?” Muramasa asked.
“Right before the round with Zhuque and Sun Wukong. We encountered him and Sun Wukong, I went to deal with him, and I couldn’t land a single blow. He waited until the perfect moment to strike. And he disabled my primary hand. I have a feeling it's his eyes. They way they look at you, it gets you in this trace of attack, dodge, and repeat.” Qinglong said as even other fighters listened in.
Hunter waited and Indra went for a kick, but Hunter moved away and dodged a punch as well. Hunter had realized Indra wanted him to attack so he could counter for a true hit. But Hunter was just like Indra, but Hunter’s Style was different as it countered Indra’s style.
“Come on, Indra, you can hit the twerp!!” Shiva yelled as Braham realized it as well.
“The kid fights like Indra in close combat, but his style counters Indra’s since he doesn’t need to counter. This is forcing Indra to attack.” He said as the Hindu gods realized Indra was at a disadvantage.
“You are something else, I can’t remember the last time I needed to go on the full attack.” Indra said as Hunter watched him.
“But I think I figured it out!!” He said as he stomped the ground causing dust and debris to block his strike. But as his attack was an inch away from Hunter’s head, Hunter dropped back and grabbed onto Indra’s elbow.
Everyone was shocked, they had watched Indra figure out Hestion’s technique but it still failed.
“How!?” Bastet roared, she was getting angry at these demigods.
“Echidna do you know why?” Sekhmet asked as she looked at the snake lady. Bastet, Isis, Hathor, and a still recovering Ra looked at Sekhmet confused.
“It’s Hestion’s eyes. He isn’t predicting the future or watching his opponent’s moves. He is watching their muscles, you can trick people with the other two. But you can’t trick this one, you just have to be faster. But the kid from what I’ve seen has trained his speed over his strength.” She said as they realized why Hestion was able to dodge now.
Cu Chulainn smiled as he realized Hestion was strong. He was eager to face him. Morrigan on the other hand was unsure on how to feel, she was happy the fight was interesting, but the boy was something different then she was used to.
Indra used a kick to get Hunter away, when he was a good distance away. Indra pulled out his technique. Hunter dropped to the ground and went to cause another explosion but Indra was much faster. He appeared next to Hunter and punched him in the face, sending him flying.
“Yes!” Shiva said as He watched Indra’s move work.
“Like I said, you have to be faster to beat it.” Echidna said as she knew Hestion was still new to fighting.
“Damn! It looks like he was able to land a proper hit.” Baihu said as he watched it unfold.
“So speed is how you beat it.” Qinglong said.
Both Morrigan and Cu Chulainn wanted to say Hestion was at a disadvantage, but something was telling them otherwise. Morrigan stared at Hestion, she remembered his eyes and the fire. She wondered why he wasn’t using the fire more.
Hunter recovered as Indra sped towards him. Hunter dodged a strike and another, but a third landed. Then another and two more sent him flying again. Hunter’s mind was in pain and his body ached, but he needed to make it look real. But his body wasn’t wanting him to lose, it wanted to win, so did the Fire. But as Hunter stood up again. Indra was in front of him and delivered a massive punch to his gut and sent him flying into a wall. Hunter didn’t move at all after that. Everyone realized that was it, but the match was enjoyable. The only ones who weren’t believing were Morrigan, Cu Chulainn, and Sun Wukong.
“The winner-” Jarl stopped when she saw Hunter slowly move and stand up, he looked up and she saw his eyes still awake.
“Nevermind, the match is still going!” She said as everyone wondered how he was standing. Hunter then took a deep breath and then took a stance that shocked everyone. It was Indra’s Lightning Fast God Fist.
“What the hell, that’s not going to work!” Shiva said annoyed.
“What are you up to?” Echidna asked as Sekhmet watched confusedly.
All fighters watching from the arena just waited for what was to happen, but Indra decided to end this. He shot forward, but as he got close, Hunter finished and looked at Indra. And Indra was shocked to see himself in Hunter’s place. He shot a fist forward, but Hunter countered in and delivered a familiar punch to Indra’s gut. It took a moment before Indra coughed up a bit of blood. Every fighter present was shocked as they watched as for a split second they saw Hunter perfectly mimic Indra’s move.
Zeus stared down at the demigod and realized he was something special. He had felt the pain and blow of Indra’s strike and used it to copy it.
Morrigan smiled as she was now more than interested in this fight. She wondered what would happen in their fight. Cu Chulainn was also enjoying the thought of fighting Hunter.
Indra took a step back as He placed a hand on a burnt wound on his stomach in the shape of a fist. Hunter didn’t let up, he shot forward and countered a strike from Indra as he tried to stop him. He landed a blow on his side and it was burnt as well. Hunter continued his barrage of counters and strikes. This went on until Indra was covered in burnt wounds and he looked out of it. Hunter’s fire had damaged his insides badly. But Indra wasn’t done, He had one last move in store. He took a wide stance and readied himself.
Everyone watched as Indra readied his move as Hunter dropped the stance and waited for Indra to move. Indra shot forward with great speed, he covered the distance in a second. Hunter stood there as his attack closed in. Hunter at the last second dodged it and with a wave of his hand covered part of Indra's body in fire. The strike struck the ground and caused great damage. But Hunter had moved out of the way as Indra collapsed as the fire burnt his body. Hunter looked up at Jarl and stared at her.
“Call it,” Hunter said. Jarl was confused before she noticed Indra was incapable of moving as he struggled with the fire.
“Indra is unable to continue, Hestion is the winner!!” With that Hunter stopped the fire on his body and Indra collapsed. Hunter walked towards the entrance, but soon he felt his consciousness fading as he neared his side’s exit. But he collapsed and slowly lost consciousness.
Hunter woke up in a room, he was laying on a bed. He looked around and saw it was some sort of hospital room. He struggled up and got out of the bed as he stood up. He felt nauseous, but he shook it off and went for the door. But it opened to reveal Sekhmet was holding a tray of food. Hunter studio there, as she stared at him. She gave a frown and set the tray down on a table and pushed him back to the bed.
“You need rest,” “I’ll rest when I leave here.” “You won’t make it very far!” She said annoyed. Hunter tried to stand back up, but he pushed and held him down. He tried to fight back, but he was too weak. He sat there as Sekhmet checked him over.
“You hardly needed any healing, Your powers healed you well. Though Indra was the major problem. From what I heard the Doctors had a hard time healing his burns.” Sekhmet said as Hunter felt bad.
“Yeah, the guy was unlucky. I wasn't in a good mood.” Hunter said.
“You were annoyed,” “You can read minds?” He joked.
“No, it was hard not to notice. Your face from start to finish never changed. When you lit Indra on fire at the end, it was concerning how much it damaged him.” She said Hunter needed to hide the truth.
“Yeah, that's what happens when you are used to house a hundred Angry Fire Spirits.” He said as Sekhmet looked shocked.
“Why would someone do that, and why have you tolerated that?!” she asked in shock. Hunter just laughed.
“Because it's either this or a lot of humans die.” He said as Sekhmet looked conflicted.
“You prefer them over the gods?” “Hard not to, the gods are a joke.” He said as Sekhmet looked hurt but understood his hate. The door slammed open as Prometheus rushed in. He grabbed Hunter’s shoulders.
“Hunter! I finally found you!” He yelled, but before he could say a word more. Hunter pointed and he turned to see a surprised Sekhmet. He gave a sheepish smile before speaking.
“Can you give us a moment please?” He asked as Sekhmet nodded confused before leaving. He made sure she was gone, before grabbing Hunter and shaking him.
“I wasn’t gone that long! Why the Hel would you join?!!” He said as Hunter spoke.
“I didn’t!! They forced me to fight! Now can you stop shaking me!!” he yelled as he sounded off due to the shaking. Prometheus stopped as Hunter made sure his head stopped shaking.
“What happened?,” “I was making my way back to the arena when I encountered Sun Wukong. I was lost and got the right way from him. But I noticed one person hiding in the room and he noticed I noticed so he attacked me. This caused his two other buddies to reveal themselves. They weren’t happy because they were there for Sun Wukong, but he didn’t leave as he had noticed those three anyway. Two of them fought him while I dealt with the first guy. I waited until I had a chance and left. Sun Wukong won anyway and somehow found me, and I was talking to Sekhmet and soon Echidna joined in and then Morrigan and Nezha had their match. Which leveled the arena and I kind of healed Morrigan trying to get on her good side. But I was an idiot for doing that, and then all I knew when I went to the new arena was that I was chosen as the 16th and had to fight Indra. Which I lucked out on the fact he fought similar to me! But my style countered his since I didn’t need to attack. And I somehow copied his fighting stance and style for a minute!” Hunter explained away as Prometheus just listened and just couldn’t understand how this all transpired
“Can we leave and never come back?” Hunter said as he was referring to the Tournament. Prometheus looked back up and didn’t miss a beat.
“Oh yea, we are not staying. When we get back, you aren’t leaving until it's time.” He said as Hunter breathed a sigh of relief. But the door slammed open as Cu Chulainn crashed in as he looked around until he found Hunter.
“Hestion! I finally found you!” He said as he stood up.
“Why are you looking for me?” Hunter asked.
“Because I knew you would try and leave given the chance.” He said as Prometheus nodded.
“Yes, because we never wanted him to join to begin with.” “Oh I know, but that won’t end well. His next opponent is Morrigan,” “I know!” “And she doesn’t like winning that way, so she will just look for you. Plus, other gods have been wondering about him more and more. Both you and Muramasa have caused an uproar. I thought my match was a surprise for them. But both of you were unknown, and you both defeated opponents stronger than you by a lot.” He explained.
“Wait Muramasa won?” Hunter asked.
“Won?! He defeated Ahura Mazda in one damn slash!!” Cu Chulainn yelled. Prometheus blinked for a second as he thought about what he said.
“What?!” “That makes sense,” “No it doesn’t!” Both Cu and Prometheus shouted at Hunter. Hunter looked at them with a raised eyebrow.
“You guys know nothing about Sengo Muramasa, do you?” He asked as they looked confused.
“Sengo Muramasa, is he related to Muramasa?” Cu Chulainn asked as Hunter nodded.
“I don’t, is he human or demigod?” Hunter asked.
“No, he is something called Tsukumogami.” Cu explained.
“It's a physical object becoming a lower class god after their 100th birthday.” Prometheus explained the name. But after a second of thinking, Hunter slowly looked up at him with a serious expression.
“So he is a physical object made sentient?” “Yes?” “Oh that explains everything perfectly, yeah Ahura was fucked the moment he stepped into that ring.” Hunter laughed as Cu Chulainn and Prometheus looked confused.
“Why do you say that?” Cu asked.
“Because Muramasa is the legendary blade of the famous or infamous Japanese blacksmith named Sengo Muramasa. His blades are things of legend, and not in a good way. He was given the nickname the Demon blacksmith; his blades were dubbed ‘Wicked Blades’. And the most well-known legend about them is if you draw the blades, either you feed the blood of your enemies or yours. I don’t mean a meager cut, either they die or you do.” Hunter explained as Prometheus seemed to get what he was saying. Cu Chulainn was confused but seemed to understand the importance of that last part.
“He doesn’t seem all that bloodthirsty.” Cu said as he remembered the god.
“Doesn’t mean he doesn’t enjoy fighting, why else would he join this damn thing.” Hunter said as Cu Chulainn nodded.
“Back onto the topic, even if he fights, he doesn’t have a weapon to even the odds.” Prometheus said as Cu Chulainn raised an eyebrow.
“He has his fire?” “That has a lot of downsides, using it like I did against Indra drained me a lot. If I don’t channel it right. I lose energy fast. Plus, going hand to hand with some of these people is a mistake, I won’t make.” Hunter explained as Cu Chulainn thought and nodded as he realized he was right. But he soon smiled and snapped his fingers.
“How about you find this Sengo guy and have him forge you a blade? If he can make a deadly fighter like Muramasa, and his weapons are things of legends. It should give you the edge.” Cu Chulainn spoke. Prometheus thought about it. But Hunter laughed as he spoke.
“One, Human weapons can’t hurt the gods. Two, no standard weapon, even divine weapons can’t withstand my fire. So three, the weapon has to be made of very strong metal tempered by my flames to even withstand it. So unless we get that requirement out of the way. It is unlikely he helps us, and manages to forge a weapon of that caliber. So we are kind of fucked in that regard.” Hunter said as Cu Chulainn looked annoyed. But Prometheus had a serious look again.
“Worldbrand,” “What?” “The blade forged by the twelve titan smiths of Tartarus. The blade was forged by using the Primordial Fire. so if anything can withstand Hunter’s flames. It can do that with ease.” He spoke in a serious tone. Cu Chulainn smiled as he cracked his fist.
“Then let's go get it! I want to see what this blade could do!” He shouted.
“The blade is in a deep part of Tartarus. So unless anyone has a pass we can’t go there.” Prometheus said as Cu Chulainn smiled.
“Well, the next arena is being held in The Inferno! Anyone can go in person, but most are not stupid enough. But you said Tartarus, isn’t that a prison?” Cu Chulainn asked.
“Yea, but at the deepest part and the core is a forge where prisoners rolled away forging weapons for the Titans. But it is off limits.” He answered as Cu Chulainn nodded.
“So we break into a prison?” “No, there is an alternate entrance we can take, but before we even think about it. We need more help. So if anyone would join, that would help.” Prometheus said as Hunter thought.
“Hey, Cu Chulainn, do you think Muramasa would be up for it?” He asked as Cu Chulainn shrugged.
“I can see,” “Cool, though I don’t think anyone else will help so we are kind of it.” He said to Prometheus as he nodded with a frown.
“Wait, what about Heracles?” “No, he won’t help, this is too far for him.” Hunter suggested but Prometheus shot it down.
“So Muramasa is the only one left, let's go get the guy.” Cu Chulainn said as Hunter got up and they all soon left to begin their plan.
Hunter, Prometheus, Cu Chulainn joined by Muramasa made their way to the entrance to the Inferno Arena. They came upon the large black ornate obsidian doors. As they walked towards it, the doors began to open slowly. Hunter felt the atmosphere of Hell, it was wrong in so many ways. But he took a deep breath before walking through the door.
As Hunter passed through the doors into the inferno, he felt a major shift in the atmosphere. But that was it, he didn’t feel the temperature change at all. But as he looked around, it looked like a scorched wasteland. Soon enough the others followed, they all stood on this stone platform. It was ornate, in a weird twisted way.
“So this the Great Inferno.” Muramasa said as he looked around.
“Kind of boring, the heat doesn’t help, but I’ve had worse.” Cu Chulainn said as Hunter chuckled a bit.
“Yea, at least this heat doesn't insult you every minute too.” Hunter joked as Cu Chulainn was confused before it clicked. He started to laugh a bit.
“I’m confused, how would heat insult someone?” Muramasa asked. But Prometheus walked past him and spoke.
“They are referring to Cu Chulainn’s match with Lord Ra.” He said as Muramasa responded with an “oh” as Prometheus looked around.
“This Door is very close to the Arena, the match hasn’t started yet. So we should get going before we get seen.” He said as they agreed. Soon they began to follow Prometheus as he led the way.
After a bit, they managed to pass out of The Inferno into the proper underworld. They had managed to avoid most demons and other creatures, but right now they were walking and Hunter got curious.
“Hey Prometheus,” He asked as Prometheus looked at him as they walked.
“Yes?” “Are there any Titans locked in Tartarus?” Prometheus nodded as Hunter asked that.
“Yes, there are Titans in Tartarus. But I wouldn’t recommend trying to free them. Titans weren’t as kind to humans, the gods despite trying to kill Humanity are better to be around then Titans. Most Titans were battle Hungry and honor was a rarity. Only one titan besides Kronos was respected by all when it came to battle.” He explained as the three of them listened.
“Who was this person?” Muramasa asked. Prometheus held a smile unlike anything Hunter had seen before.
“Pallas, The Titan of Battle and Warcraft. Many Titans were fighters and enjoyed battle. But Pallas, he refined it, perfected it to such a degree that no one could best with leaving the battle without serious wounds. He is the only Titan to ever come close to beating Kronos. Many people remember Zeus’ fight with Kronos and how he won. But very few knew that he would have never gotten to that point within his way. He is the only combatant that Zeus would never fight 1 on 1.” Prometheus spoke as he spoke of Pallas. Cu Chulainn was surprised, as was Hunter.
“Was he that dangerous?” “What special ability did he have to do that?” They asked as Prometheus laughed
“No Special Ability or power, he was entirely martial skill. He was just a greatly skilled fighter. Pallas only fell when he fought not just Zeus, but Him and his two brothers Hades and Poseidon. The three of them had challenged Pallas to fight all three of them and he agreed. He never likes to shy away from a challenge. But even with the three of them it was close. I’ll tell you the full story later after we finish with our goal.” He said, but as they walked he remembered witnessing the fight. The sight of Pallas standing before the younger three gods. Even though Prometheus sided with the gods, he still rooted for Pallas. Prometheus remembered how Pallas was, despite being one of the strongest. He was someone to be respected. Prometheus still feels bad about killing his daughter Bia, but knew he couldn’t let that stop him. Prometheus needed to walk his own path and stop doubting himself to help Hunter and Humanity.