– Last fight was exciting! A half-god against a God!

– I hope the following fights will be as exciting.

– Of course they'll be. But there's something I don't understand…

– Why is arena full of water?

A circular platform surrounded by water covered the area of ​​combat arena. From the stands a couple of fountains released that crystalline liquid with which kept the stage filled.

Although they're in a different stadium, the overall setting was similar to the one used for the third match of the first Ragnarok in Valhalla. The viewers were well aware of that old fight.

– Yes, this reminds me a lot that battle… Between Sasaki Kojiro and Poseidon.

– This means… A sea God will be the next fighter?

One spectator on the banks stretched out his arm and drank some of the water.

– Huh? This is river water, not from sea.

– River water? I'm so confused!

Heimdall appeared in arena center, after descending from a flying chair handled by crows. The Norse God stood up fully, brushed off his clothes, and began to speak through his horn.

– After the previous battle, with the terrible defeat of the hero of Greece, the score is one point in favor of the Gods. Humanity right now has one foot in its extinction.

At the Greek site, Ares and Hermes had stayed when Zeus and Athena appear again; just as she had left, the Goddess jumped up and down whistling softly.

– I read the message you sent. So the next one will be Sobek… – Ares commented with his arms crossed.

– Yeah… – Athena nodded, although didn't seem to agree at all – Daddy was right. The Egyptians were very eager to take the second fight.

– I can imagine it – commented Hermes – With victory of Southern Hummingbird, it's a great temptation to acquire the second and consecutive victory.

– This is out of plan! I hope this doesn't result in any nonsense.

Zeus sat down and settled into his chair, and a few seconds later Athena, not caring about her father's frail appearance, sat on his lap with a spoiled smile.

– Daddy! Treat me as your princess!

– Honey, you always are! – The God caressed his daughter head.

– Let me ask this! – Heimdall looked at everyone with suspense – Is this enough reason for humanity to surrender?

– Noo! – stands of humanity shouted at the top of their voices.

– That's true! Humanity won't fall yet! If they don't, nothing but mere mortals, much less Gods, those who'll crush the trash that comes their way!

Shiva was looking seriously at the arena, with the Goddess Kali, his second wife, curled up under one of his arms. Syf caught a glimpse of that and proceeded to lay her head on the Thunder Berserker's shoulder.

Among all Gods in the stands, the ones who looked most proud were the Gods of Egypt, and in the first row the most important trinity in that pantheon: Osiris, Isis and Horus.

The 3 seated on thrones looked down on the combat arena, expressing the strength of Egypt and the legacy of death judge Anubis's victory a millennium ago.

– Those Egyptians are very proud – commented Athena, perceiving all this just by giving them a glance – Up to here it looks and smells.

– I wonder… – Zeus put a hand to beard – Will Sobek be able to maintain that pride?

– So…! Who's ready for the second round of the second Ragnarok!?

As soon as heard the entire stadium shout, both on the side of humanity and on the side of the Gods, Heimdall gave a satisfied laugh.

– In that case, let me introduce the second fighter the Gods have sent!

Metal gate on western side of arena swung open heavily, letting the water from the arena rush in a tsunami–like wave onto the corridor behind.

– On western side is the one who won't stain the image left by the Aztlan King! Everyone be careful what you say and do, mortals and Gods, as this divine figure is well known for never showing mercy to those who don't please him!

In the corridor full of stairs, a muscular and tall deity was walking towards the wave that fell in front of him; with that way moved his feet, it seemed he didn't care about the river water wave.

And without even wanting to look up at the rushing water, began to stretch his arms and legs as if he was relaxing the muscles throughout his body.

– Known, feared, respected and revered in his homeland, the great nation of Egypt! For generations, that human kingdom raised prayers and offerings for him and him alone! His domain is the highest and most valuable in that desert land…!

» God of Nile River, from which an entire civilization took its waters to prosper and grow for many centuries! The army, made up of thousands of soldiers ready to fight and die on behalf of his land!

» And… the biggest chest of gold could be offered to that powerful and dangerous God… Pharaoh's throne! This God about to enter isn't just any! This divine figure is the so-called God of pharaohs!

– Pharaoh throne's God? What does he mean?

– I-I think I know who's…! But can't be!

The divine figure clasped his right hand, which held a long and apparently heavy staff; took a deep breath and jumped into the wave of river water filled the corridor.

Instead of being dragged by current, the deity moved his feet, arms and tail, managing to propel himself and swim to continue advancing, despite the powerful force with which the turbulent water moved.

– Egypt will tremble at his presence! Not only for controlling pharaoh's coveted throne, but 'cause this God of fertility, prosperity and protection will now be one of mankind executioners!

– It's impossible!

– Can't be him!

Many in humanity, historians and Egyptian citizens, knew his identity so began to tremble in fear.

– Has had enough of humanity like many others! Will be the next to exterminate his opponent, as a piece ot trash…! Does anyone remember these words!?

Once entering, the God proceeded to swim in circles around the platform, with great ease despite the current wanted to drag him; with frantic movement managed to create a small whirlpool defied the direction it was originally going.

The Gods of Egypt were greatly moved when identified their representative.

– His recognition in Egypt is nothing compared what has done in front all Gods of! After Poseidon's death, he dared to fight until defeated all sea and water Gods who wanted to touch the trident of the Tyrant of Seas! That's why today this divinity will fight, to clear that murdered name: now the baptized Egypt Poseidon appears!

After forming that giant whirlpool, the God shot out of the water causing a wave to rise up behind him as landed loudly on the central platform, creating an impact in place and a cause of water behind.

– The name of this God is… SOOBEEEEEK!!

{ Sobek | Egyptian }
[ Second Representative of the Gods ]

– He can't be! S-Sobek will fight!?

– That God… shouldn't be there!

Stands of humanity trembled and murmured among themselves.

Sobek looked around him, the long rows of teeth on his muzzle sharpening a proud smile fit for a king, then murmuring to himself with same feeling.

– So this is Ragnarok… Incredible.

The Gods shouted with fervor, especially Egyptians remembering what happened a millennium ago; the death judge defeating the first emperor in China. At the time, some Greek Gods cheered to finally fulfill the revenge the second brother of Olympus deserved.

– Lord Sobek! Kill your opponent!

– In the name of tyrant Poseidon!

In the special stands of Valkyries, Geir stood having left her seat for Líf and Lífthrasir. The little ones had a mischievous smile and laugh, while older one had a serious face hid her nervousness; but both parties shared the surprise and shock of that introduction.

– It was amazing; using water in favor to make his entrance more epic!

– He does are a God of sea! If only Poseidon saw this…! – Lif laughed openly, being accompanied after by her twin – He'd lose a screw!

As little girls laughed together, Geir had a lot on her mind to deal with.

« So" it" told the truth regarding Sobek… » looked up at the Gods' stands, locating and targeting whoever knew about the second fighter. That informer and possible traitor of the Heavens « But… why is helping us? I can't figure it out and that's what I really need to know… »

– Big sis, big sis! – Líf yelled at the purple-haired girl, seeing her so involved in thoughts – Get out of your head at once! You're going to miss Cleopatra's presentation!

The Valkyrie nodded her head slightly.

– Yes, you're right. I don't want to miss it.

– Now it's humanity's turn! – While the Nordic gave speech, Sobek turned to opposite side of arena and huge gates opened in same way as with him. – Let's meet the human who'll go through the test of fighting the second Tyrant of Seas!

Immediately humans turned to eastern door, expressing doubts and confusion among themselves.

– Who'll they send to fight? It must be someone very strong.

– Surely Sasaki Kojiro will go! The strongest loser in history!

– Can send him to fight again?

– I'm sure he should go! He already defeated Poseidon, so can fight his descendant!

– But Sobek… looks so scary!

The water entered the corridor with force to end up flooding the entire corridor, while Sobek fixed his gaze on him to try to visualize his opponent.

– I must confess, ladies and gentlemen, the information I was given is shocking and not easy to believe… – Heimdall's way of speaking implied that disbelief – What's about? The news is, for first time in history of these 2 Ragnarok, the representative of humanity will be a woman!

– What!? A woman!?

– Will a woman fight for humanity?

– It must be a joke!

– Humanity seems troubled by this, but it's true! A millennium ago, except for Valkyries, no woman had opportunity, privilege and responsibility to set foot on the fighting arena… But today will be different! For first time, a woman will fight in this arena of this important historical event, against the second Tyrant of Seas! Anything to defend humanity in this second encounter!

– This is new.

– I hope she's strong enough to beat Sobek! She must be!

– This still don't convince me! Should go fight Sasaki Kojiro!

– Not only it, but this woman… she comes from the land of Egypt!… And not only it, but this woman was part of the Egyptian royalty!

– What the…!? An Egyptian woman!?

– An Egyptian woman will fight against an Egyptian God!? What the--!?

– A princess or a queen!? Who!?

A striking curiosity was aroused in God Sobek, causing to stick his tongue out between teeth.

– I didn't expect this gift. I hope she's an excellent queen.

However, the seconds passed eternally until became minutes of total calm… No sign of the human.

With so much silence in environment, the spectators began to murmur with each other. Both Gods and humans, who mostly looked annoyed at the absence of the second human fighter.

– What's the matter? Why is she taking so long to get in?

– Is putting on makeup? But why would she need that?

– You wouldn't understand. Women's things.

– That woman won't enter?

– She gave up so easy!?

– … So slow – Athena complained loudly – ​​That woman is taking a long time.

Zeus gave the situation some more thought, realizing what could be happening. He couldn't help but smile.

– Oh… I think I already know.

– Big sis, Cleopatra is taking too long! – Lif spoke somewhat bored – What happened to her?

– I have no idea. I hope it's not a last minute cosmetic issue.

– Cosmetic issues? – the 2 little Valkyries were surprised – So Cleopatra could be in a make-up session right now!?

– I hope not. I'll go find out.

As soon as Geir turned to leave the place, Heimdall received a phone call which immediately answered.

– Hi? What's the matter?

– Huh? – The purple-haired girl returned her sight to arena.

– What? You did what…? – Heimdall was upset with that heard. – It seems to be customary or what?!… Excuse me, miss… Then who will fight?… Oh, I see…

– What's going on!?

Geir didn't understand anything; but the girls began to think using their imagination, until understood the situation and informed their older sister based on small cries.

– Big sis, big sis! Remember a thousand years ago: Adam versus Zeus!

– Huh--? Wait a second…

Heimdall hung up the call and bowed in front of everyone.

– An apology to everyone! A special one to you, lord Sobek.

– Huh?

– I've just been informed we'll have a last minute representative change.

– … Huh!?

– The opponent who will fight against Sobek will no longer be Egyptian royalty! But don't worry, ladies and gentlemen. Despite this sudden change… Anyway, the one who face Sobek will still be a queen!!

The crocodile God became quite interested.

– Or rather… – Heimdall extended arm to the corridor of humanity – Let me introduce… the empress!

Entering through the watercourse, a wooden boat appeared; although structure was simple, it was adorned with precious jewels and gold made it look more luxurious.

In front and moving an oar, as if she was in charge of boat, was a young woman wearing an elegant dress, with curly hair divided into pigtails and a tiara on head. Immediately, the 3 Valkyries who were watching the battle identified said woman.

– It's… Sis Hlokk!

– Hlokk is sailing the boat!

– Hlokk…? Hlokk!? – Geir was more amazed to see her in arena than her rowing a boat – What's she doing there!?

Sitting behind Hlokk, her face lowered as if had a proud countenance combined with serenity, was a woman wearing a large, brightly colored kimono decorated with striking embroidery, and on her head rested a straw hat with some ornaments.

Humanity was quite interested in her presence, although more than anything they're wondering.

– Who is she?

– Did he say empress?

– Discipline, technique, leadership, will, courage, justice, righteousness…! All these characteristics must be carried by those who govern nations, especially those who proclaim themselves "emperors". And this woman has all this.

The boat reached the platform and after gently hitting the shore Hlokk put aside the oar, to help the empress. Extended a hand to her as spoke using her typical sarcastic take; that was a good sign of friendliness and sweetness on her part.

– Do you want me to help you, Your Majesty?

– Yes, please.

– She suffered death of her husband 'cause of a legion of rebels. But did this stop her story? NO!

» In fact, legend has it she dressed in her husband clothes, and in revenge for this murdered those who killed her life love and soulmate.

Empress got up and walked until reached the edge of the platform, where stopped and was still for a moment.

– It's said the Gods blessed her so she came here… In dreams she predicted the victory would take her down in history: imperial expansion in Japan Sea to Korean peninsula! It's said she was blessed not only with this prediction, but her will and commitment made obtain the favor of Gods to win all her battles and missions.

– Thank you very much. – The woman spoke, taking the edge of the kimono she was wearing.

– I wish you luck. – Hlokk smiled under breath.

– What did she wear to go down in history as a winner? Her ability, her warriors, her predictions in dreams, the blessing of Gods…? No! Of course not! Since she isn't only an empress…

The woman took off kimono, which floated in the air until it fell squarely into the boat, and showed her true clothing:

She was dressed in another kimono, but instead was quite plain and thin especially to wear and fight at the same time; from her waist was a plank skirt with slits to allow for mobility in legs.

It was an informal dress, at best casual, compared to what the stands imagined. Sobek was surprised too, eliciting a small curious chuckle from muzzle just for himself.

– Ohhh~

– She's a samurai! This woman is skilled and disciplined in handling the naginata, a typical weapon of the onna bugeisha, and yet her power has been better manifested in the use of the katana – Heimdall directed his hand to her, who kept her gaze under straw hat – This woman used the katana in her hands to avenge her husband, conquer the vision of promised land, and today will fight against the jaws of the Poseidon of Egypt!

– A samurai woman?

– T-There really is a woman in arena!

She took the sword, which was strapped to her back, with right hand; the left one used to take the holster of the gun and throw it into the boat, as well as hat on head to reveal her hairstyle. This done, Hlokk took up the oar again and started back.

– Big sis, big sis! – Líf and Lífthrasir overflowed with emotion when saw the scene – It's her, the empress! Our second Sasaki Kojiro!

– The first woman to step onto the fighting arena of this Ragnarok! Her name is… JINGŪ KOUGOU!!

{ Jingū Kougou | Japanese }
[ Second Representative of Humanity ]

The woman took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment, then tightening her grip on her sword. And then, despite the terrifying presence of the Egyptian God, Jingū looked up and fixed him with a serious and calm gaze.

On other hand, the crocodile God's face gestures showed genuine interest in Jingū. Sobek straightened up fully and swung his staff a little, as if were playing.

– I must confess… – whispered the Crocodile God, so only Heimdall and Jingū could hear him – This sounds funny. Your Majesty, please don't disappoint my expectations.

Jingū responded with her silence, holding the katana up.

In stands of humanity, opinions and murmurs were present in such a way they flooded them. Public opinion was divided in 2 very quickly.

– Is she Empress Consort Jingū? The real one!?

– Its impossible! S-She's just a legend!

– This should not be true! But there she's!

– She… she will able to fight against Sobek? She looks very weak!

– Be careful what you say! You also said the same about Kojiro!

– But it's true!

Stands of the Gods, unlike their creations, had the surprise of seeing a woman in Ragnarok combined with the curiosity of wanting to see her fight; since many of them knew the legends and renown of her. Though some of those emotions dissipated as they mocked how the humans disagreed.

– Humans are intriguing! – commented Kali in Shiva's arms – They have her fighter but they are criticizing her.

– For this they must be destroyed! – Durga exclaimed – They don't even support each other!

Shiva with all his attention looked at the arena and at Jingū; Parvati saw him and intrigued about it.

– What do you think, lord Shiva?

– That woman… – The Hindu was silent for a few more seconds and then affirmed with certainty – I'm interested in seeing her fight.

– Are you saying because you know her? Or… for Lakshmi.

– A few of both.

Athena smiled with curiosity and emotion, to see the samurai empress in front of the God who earned the title of her uncle. Memories hit her head in an instant.

– Apparently that "Jingū" will be the next to fight – Ares commented doubtfully – But, hadn't said Sobek will going to fight an Egyptian?

– It's the same I did. – Zeus replied calmly – Just as I entered to fight instead of Shva in the second combat.

– Although it didn't go well, daddy – commented the Goddess sarcastically and letting out a mocking laugh – But, at least you saved Shiva from certain death on that occasion.

Ares turned to his sister, not having paid much attention what Athena and Zeus had spoken just a few moments ago. More attention had been paid to Gods reaction with the appearance of that woman.

– Do you know her too? To that empress?

– Hmm? Well… Not in same way I met Achilles, Hercules, Perseus, Ulysses, and half of the soldiers and heroes of Greece. But I know her because of her fame as "blessed by the Gods", which Amaterasu sure did. And as perfect Goddess of war I am, I'm informed of any military prodigy in the world… something you should do, Ares.

– … I won't ask you anything again… – Ares lowered his face with annoyance.

Athena pondered some more and shook her head awkwardly.

– Although, I'd have liked her to be my opponent in this Ragnarok! How I'd love to try if that "blessing of the Gods" to have victory in all her fights could be a match for my beauty and skill! What envy!

Syf, perched on Thor's shoulder, was shocked at the decision the humans made in that fight.

– It's very interesting. A woman stepping on Ragnarok, but she's not on side of Gods. – remembered what had spoken with Thor a moments ago – I thought Goddess Nut would be the next fighter.

– Lord Thor excluded her from the first fights – Forseti, who was standing behind their seats, answered Goddess's question – He asked the Ancient Ones participate until after the middle of the tournament; in case humanity reach the end of tournament.

– We must maintain a strategy – Thor complemented – Athena has helped us a lot with that: having such Gods until the end, we'll be able to quickly secure several victories on our side.

– Yes… That seems like a good option. But I think if we want to win, Nut should have been next. We don't know much about her, but do know she's too much for any human to deal with.

– Although that wasn't the only factor for the final decision of Council of Gods, lady Syf. Sobek and the Egyptian Trinity intervened quite a bit, and from the rushed way they spoke could tell he wanted to fight.

– Athena had said no several times, but they're able to convince us to send it.

Syf thoughtfully looking back at arena.

– Anubis's victory has boosted Egypt's ego. I hope this fight ended well, otherwise those Egyptians will do something stupid after. I think I should be at the next meeting to decide the next fighter.

– That would be very nice, lady Syf! – Forseti nodded with confidence, the same as Thor although only slightly shook his head.

The Gods had been expressing some concern about it. Instead, the half-goddesses who were watching the fight up close were overjoyed, their imaginations fantasizing about all the possibilities.

– Big sis, big sis! The swordsman and samurai Empress is going to fight against the sovereign crocodile of Egypt and now of the seas! It's… This is like…

– It's an upgraded version of Sasaki Kojiro against Poseidon! The descendants of those 2 fighters are going to face each other here and now!

– This is going to get out of control! I can't help but feel so…!

– So happy!!

Instead, the older one wasn't paying attention to words of her little sisters. She only had one thought in head:

– W-Why did Hlokk bring Jingū to arena?

– Does it matter big sis? We already have the fight!

However, the Valkyrie continued to turn the matter over, only to come to somewhat hasty conclusions.

– Did… Hlokk make the change of fighter? She traded Cleopatra for Jingū? Without even consulting or asking me!?

– Huh? Sis Hlokk did that?

Without thinking, the older Valkyrie walked angrily towards the exit of her stand. The 2 little sisters got quite scared; they hardly ever saw her sister make those expressions.

– Big sis? Where are you going?

– I'm going to talk to Hlokk about this! I want an explanation immediately! – she turned around and looked at the little girls with a withering face – You two! Stay here!

– Ah! Sis Hrist's faces!

– Huh? No! Nothing of that…! – Geir calmed down a bit to talk to them again – Stay here both of you. Don't go out for any reason; I don't want you hanging around the coliseum.

– O-Okey, big sis.

– Don't worry – Líf looked back at arena – This fight will be so promising we won't even take our eyes off it!

Once received the answer from both of them, purple-haired girl continued her journey. Líf and Lífthrasir got down from their chair and moved carefully to the edge of the stand to get a better view.

– Awesome!

Heimdall took a deep breath and looked both ways across the arena.

– Very well. Let's start at once… – with a movement his hand descended to ground – May the second meeting of second Ragnarok… Begin now!

All, Gods and mortals, fixed their eyes and attention on the arena to wait for what was going to happen.

Nevertheless…

Just like at the beginning of the last fight, the combatants stood still, facing each other. The difference with respect to that fight was neither Sobek nor Jingū took defense or attack postures; they two did was stare at each other, weapons raised but not moving.

The silence of the fight was constantly disturbed by the movement of river water around both, however that made it a somewhat exasperating silence. Heimdall was surprised, though not so much by remembering a millennium ago.

– The fight has started but… – involuntarily the Norse God whispered – These fighters are… very still.

Athena had her eyes fixed on all the details she could perceive of the fight; a golden glow lit up at the tiniest movements of any of the rivals, analyzing at all times what they're going to do. But…

– This will be slow and boring. – commented pouting with that feeling, while put a hand in her jacket pockets to rummage through them – I hope they start at some point, as long as it's "now".

– Do you have anything inside it? – asked Ares when saw what the Goddess was doing, now with some desperation.

– Of course. But I couldn't find it. – took out a couple of lollipops, and one unwrapped to extend to Zeus – Say "ahh~".

– Ahh~!

Zeus willingly took the lollipop, and then Athena unwrapped the second lollipop to eat. Ares was quite confused by Zeus's mood swings and the seemingly infinite space in his pockets.

– How much do you have in there?

– Enough to get to the fourth fight ♡

With the staff held firmly in his hand, the crocodile Godd gave the woman a comprehensive look: traveled from her feet to the top of head, as if were analyzing her just like the human scanner, Sasaki Kojiro.

The woman just kept holding the sword in right hand, though sometimes trembled a bit. And moments later made her first move:

Went on to hold the katana with both hands and position it forward offensively. As soon as the tip of the weapon grazed the floor of arena, the river waters around calmed down as if they were in a pond.

Everyone present looked on in surprise, although the Crocodile God didn't show himself in the slightest like that.

– The empress is the first to make a move in fight, which was to calm the waters around them… Something we somehow didn't expect!

– What the hell!? – The Greek God of War was confused and a little scared – Can she also does the Sasaki Kojiro thing?

– Ha! You don't know about her… – Athena laughed amused, drawing the attention of her brothers.

– Should this be new, or common for her? – The one who asked was Hermes, to solve his own doubts and those of his brother.

– Unlike Sasaki Kojiro, she has a story to do that. The legend says she can calm the tides of oceans with a movement of her weapon and wearing some divine jewels or something. I don't know if she's wearing that jewelry, but at least we know the legend is true.

Athena snorted with excitement, running a hand through her hair.

– That woman carries many legends and myths of divinity and help from the Gods on her back. And knowing at least one of them is true, it only makes me imagine the great potential this woman has. So much so my daddy's ambrosia would look ridiculous.

– Are you serious? – Ares was a little more scared than before.

– You should study, silly older brother. – The Goddess complained under breath.

While Jingū felt some anxiety about it, trying to control the tremor shook her hands with deep and steady breaths, the crocodile God remained in his place. He also had moved to settle his animal paws on the warm floor.

– Time moves on but… no one moves.

The stands of humanity were soon altered.

– What's the matter? Why don't they attack?

– It seems she's trembling.

– It was a bad idea to bring a woman to fight!

The crocodile God didn't change his expression in the slightest, maintaining a smile of divine pride shone better every now and then on his expression. But, despite the external appearance of him, inside he was very enthusiastic and with high expectations for that fight…

« Come to me, Empress of Japan. Show me you're worthy to occupy that royalty throne. »

Publication Date: 05/12/22
ASFD

Author's note: Who will you support until the end?

#TeamJingū

#TeamSobek

Reminder: Chapter updated every 21 days.