The cheers from the Gods' side of the arena filled the air. Dionysus, the first Fighter, secured a win for their side. He wanted to soak in the cheers and ride the high, but it felt empty. Instead, he lowered his remaining arm and began to walk towards the god's side of the arena. Few in the audience could tell how in bad shape he was; his breathing was ragged, burns covering his left side, and the poisons from earlier still coursing through him. He hadn't suffered such damage since Hyperion but decided not to show it... at least not until out of sight. "Guess I have... a lot to learn," Dionysus said with a soft smile.
He managed to reach the threshold and slowly walked through the hall. He looked back and saw the doors close slowly behind him. They slammed shut, and Dionysus collapsed against the wall. His vision began to blur, and his ears rang. Before it all went black, he saw three blurred figures, two of them racing towards him. "Dio!" Ares shouted. He managed to reach his brother just in time to keep him from falling over. "Hermes, he's barely there! We need to get him to the infirmary now!" Hermes looked over his shoulder back at Zeus. He stood there observing his sons and gave a small nod. Hermes walked over to Ares and Dionysus, helping his older brother bear Dionysus' weight. They carefully carried him past Zeus and made their way.
Perhaps it was because of the urgency of the situation, but the two barely noticed Set as they passed. He watched them as they moved, then made his way towards Zeus.
"What did you think, Zeus?" Set asked. "I hope that met your expectations."
Zeus turned around to face Set. He looked up at him, saying nothing. Suddenly, Zeus' body swelled, towering over Set.
"I want to go, Set," Zeus said as a nasty grin spread across his face.
The confident façade Set prepared to be shattered. He was going to use this as a chance to assert his splendor, but Zeus' bloodlust ruined the moment. "…I cannot allow it." He lost the momentum. He was losing ground and barely resisting Zeus' power.
"I want to go, Set." Zeus' tone remained unchanged, the mania behind it growing.
"Lord Zeus, I gave my word to the others that I would not allow you to take their spots. Please understand I am doing this with the best of intentions!"
"That's enough, you old coot." A voice called out from behind Set. Set quickly turned and saw a short, elderly god in pale-gold armor. His silver hair parted down the middle, gray eyes barely open, and a well-trimmed moustache that made Zeus' look unbecoming. On his left hip sat a sheathed sword that he rested his metallic hand on top of.
Nuada
God of the Wilderness and War
Chief God of the Tuatha Dé Danann
(Celtic Pantheon)
"Are you done harassing the coach?" Nuada asked.
Set had never been so relieved. Zeus looked over to Nuada. His bloodlust subsided, and he shrank back down. Zeus then let out a hearty laugh. "I was just messing with him! I must admit it got my blood boiling to see such a fantastic battle!" Zeus patted Set on the shoulder. "Keep up the good work, Set." Zeus then walked past Set, his bare feet barely making a sound.
As he walked by Nuada, the two locked eyes but said nothing, and he continued. "Thank you, Nuada," Set said.
"Didn't do it for you, but you're welcome. I had a feeling Zeus was going to try something, so I came down just in case." Nuada turned around and started walking away. "Since that's all here, I'm heading back."
"Of course." Set stood there alone in the hall. They won the first round, but reality set in. The human figured out how Dionysus' powers worked. Had Dionysus' pain tolerance not grown during the battle, those last two attacks would have likely killed him. He would've started behind, his plan would have already been in jeopardy, and Zeus would be breathing down his neck even worse than he already was.
On the other end of the arena, Brunhilde and Göll walked along towards the chambers of the Einherjar. Brunhilde was busy checking her tablet to determine who would be the Fighters for Round 2. Göll tried to keep up, but she could not keep up the level of stoicism her sister was known for and was currently refusing her a moment for grieving.
"Sis, we just lost Mist…" Göll whimpered. Her memories of her sister flooded her mind and began crushing her. "She was always a worrywart, you know? Every time someone got hurt or looked worried…she was there." She stopped and crumbled. "She's gone now! Can't you at least not act so callous!?" Brunhilde stopped. She turned to look around and met Göll's eyes. For a brief moment, the façade crumbled. Göll saw the heartbreak and anger. How could she forget? It was barely an hour ago when Brunhilde asked for her strength and resolve. Göll choked down her sadness, picked herself up, and walked towards her sister. "…. sorry, Hilde."
"Nothing to be sorry about. Right now, we need to focus on how to win. The next game is Bullseye."
"Do you know anything about it?"
Brunhilde sighed. "I do, which worries me about who Set will pick. In his roster, I can only imagine three choices: Gabriel, Indra, or Lugh."
"Wait, those three!? They're all super-strong!"
"Exactly, which is why I picked one person in particular to go with if my hunch is correct."
Brunhilde's tablet beeped. Both Valkyries looked at the screen.
Contest for Round 2: Bullseye
Fighter for the Gods in Round 2
Indra
A surge of energy sped through Brunhilde. "I knew it!" She screamed in pure joy. "I called it!"
"C-called what?" Göll was startled by Brunhilde's outburst.
"In Heaven, there are few gods who can match Apollo in archery. He possesses the fastest blows, rivaling the Big Three of the Greeks. However, there's one God who some believe can rival him or even outdo him. And that god's Indra, Svarga's Almighty Vajra. That's why…" She quickly tapped on the tablet and entered the next Einherjar's name. "He will be the one we send. The only human capable of rivaling the Gods in archery. Come Göll. We need to get him."
"Right!" Göll shouted. The two began to move and resumed their march, Brunhilde's grip tight on her tablet.
Contest for Round 2: Bullseye
Fighter for Humanity in Round 2
Arash
While the Valkyries made their way to the rooms of the Einherjar, Set had already arrived at his destination. A bare room that opened out to the sky and land. Set didn't mind the open air; it was rather comforting to feel the breeze, were it not for the booming sound he heard occasionally. Across from him at the edge of the room stood a tall and imposing god. His skin was adorned with tattoos, his white hair sticking out as if a current ran through it and obscuring his eyes. He wore only a belt and robe that covered his legs, along with two quivers sitting on his hips. In his hands was a bow of pure pale-blue crystal.
Indra
(Hindu Pantheon)
"I see you're preparing yourself, Indra," Set stated, hoping to break the silence. "I understand fighters usually warm up to be at their best, but I hope you're not overdoing it." Indra remained silent. Rather than speak, he pulled an arrow out of the left quiver and nocked it. He remained completely still, showing no strain from holding the arrow. Suddenly, he released it, and the booming sound was heard again. The knockback from his shot threw the air around him through the room. Set was unfazed, as were the two young men sitting on a bench in the corner. Both young men were nearly indistinguishable except that one bore a scar on his neck, wearing orange to his near-twin's blue.
Karna
(Son of Surya)
Arjuna
(Son of Indra)
"Set, if you're worried about Indra overpreparing, then you don't know him," Karna said as he scratched at his scar. "It's been so long since he's had someone challenge him to archery that he needs to knock the rust off."
Arjuna elbowed Karna. "Knock the rust off? Are you stupid? He doesn't need to knock the rust off. He's perfectly capable right now!"
"Arjuna." Indra said.
"Yes, Father?"
"There's nothing wrong with preparing. After all, if what Set believes turns out to be true, then my opponent could be an archer that would rival or surpass you two."
"And I am," Set said. "Brunhilde picked Arash to be your opponent." Set pulled a tablet from his coat pocket and showed it to Indra. Despite being on the other side of the room, Indra could see it plain as day.
"Huh. Not bad." Indra then quickly nocked another arrow and let it loose. The turbulent wind and sound hit them all once again. "Question for you, Set." Indra did not turn to face him. "Why did you pick me for this Round? Of the roster, I thought it was obvious Lugh would be picked."
"Yes...that's the obvious play. Put someone like him up to keep the streak going. However, I have three reasons." Set held up three fingers. "One, Nuada would only join and bring Lugh if I didn't put Lugh before him." Set lowered his ring finger. "Two, Nuada is set for one contest specifically, and until that one comes to pass, my hands are tied." Set lowered his middle finger. "Three, we both know you undersell your talents. We also know if Shiva and Rudra had challenged you to combat with bows…they'd be dead right now." Set lowered his index finger and lowered his hand. Indra said nothing. "It's a shame that you honored their desire to fight bare-handed. Would be a different god on the peak of Svar- "
"Be careful with your words around mixed company."
"Ah." Set looked towards Arjuna and Karna. Both were confused by Set's words and looked at Indra but said nothing. "Fair. I shall be off then. Please be ready." Set turned and walked out of the room. The room became silent until the booming sound returned.
"Father, that wasn't you?" Arjuna asked, and the realization started to kick in.
"I was trying to time it. I had it down until just then. No arrow I fire makes that sound, but his does, and he's why I need the Astras I gave you two back."
"We would never deny you what's yours. But if that wasn't you, then who's doing that?" Karna asked. Indra continued to look out at the open sky. He could hear it: the pull of a drawstring, the release, and the resounding boom that came when the freed arrow broke through the sound barrier. All he could do was close his eyes and take in the wonderful experience.
At the end of the corridor, Brunhilde and Gool stood before a large door emblazoned with a mountain and an arrow arching over the mountain's peak. To the left of the case was a large glass case full of coats and hearing protectors of various sizes and colors. Brunhilde grabbed a matching black coat and protector for herself while passing Göll red ones. "Sis, why do we need these?" Göll asked.
"Can't go in unprepared, Göll. You can't hear it right now, but you'll understand when we get there."
Göll tilted her head. "Get there? Aren't we already here?"
Brunhilde began to wag her finger. "If Arash were practicing here, the force of his shots would tear this place apart. No, this door…" She pushed the door open to reveal a small, empty room with a clear glass circle embedded in the center of the room's floor. "…just protects the gateway to Arash's quarters." Brunhilde walked over and stood on the platform. "You coming?" she said as she put on her gear. Göll sprinted over to her sister as she placed the protector around her head and slipped into the coat. As soon as she reached her, a bright, pale green light enveloped them. The room began to fade away around them until nothing remained but a pure white void. The two felt nothing around them as the transporter raced them toward their destination. Before a minute passed, the void began to take shape. Sharp and high mountains appeared in the distance, the sky above them began to form and regain its blue hue, and a brisk chill filled the air alongside powerful winds.
"W-where are we!?" Göll shouted. Brunhilde turned to look at her.
"What!?" She shouted.
"Where are we!?"
"A mountain range far away from the arena!" Brunhilde then felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked around and came face-to-face with a young goddess in deep-blue robes, olive-complexion, brown eyes, and black hair. She then reached up to Brunhilde's ear protection and slid open the sides.
Spenta Armaiti
(Zoroastrian Pantheon)
"You can hear better when you open those," Armaiti said.
"Thank you, Armaiti. Since you're here, can you confirm Arash is ready?"
Göll copied what Armaiti did and breathed a sigh of relief. "He's always ready, but we have a problem. Please come with me."
"Sis, who is she?" Göll whispered.
"She is Spenta Armaiti, one of the seven Amesha Spentas who oversee and guide humankind down the path of virtue," Brunhilde answered.
"I am also not deaf!" Armaiti yelled back. "Hurry up!" The two raced after her.
"In the past, Armaiti acted as a guide for warriors and heroes who acted with piety and devotion. One such hero was Arash, so it would only make sense that she would do it again."
"True…wait, no, it doesn't! She's a God! Didn't she vote for mankind's extinction!?"
Armaiti stopped, with the other two following suit. She turned around to face Göll, her expression livid. "I did no such thing. We voted for Humanity's salvation every time, including this one, so don't slander us." Armaiti said, her aura boiling out.
Göll recoiled. "Yes, ma'am!"
The three continued to walk the trail. " Plus, we're not Gods. We're Angels, technically. The seven of us weren't even allowed at the conference." Armaiti said.
Göll mulled on her words. Why weren't they allowed to be there? Even Hilde and I were there. Plus, Set said he gathered the votes of every God and proved they wished to condemn mankind unanimously. If what Armaiti said was true, then what's going on here?
"We're here," Aramaiti said. The three arrived at a flat jut near the peak of the mountain. There, waiting for them, were two men. The older one, in a matching long green coat and matching ear protection, was sitting next to a massive pile of broken bows while hunched over a work table, carving wood. His long gray hair was held back in a loose ponytail, and his deep-brown eyes focused on the material in front of him, while he would occasionally wipe sweat from his well-trimmed beard and moustache. The younger man was standing on the other end of the table. His deep black hair swept back, revealing his boyish good looks and sharp brown eyes. His deep-red coat was missing the right sleeve, and his hearing protection rested around his neck. As the three walked up to the table, the younger man turned his attention to them.
Arash
(Persia)
"Lady Armaiti. Welcome back….is something wrong?" Arash asked.
"I'm afraid so. Round 1 has ended, and your turn has come." Aramaiti said as she walked over to the table. "Any luck with the bow?"
"None whatsoever." The older man said.
Manuchehr
(Persia)
"Each time we try a new version of the design, it's too damn brittle for him. Even using wood the Valkyries gave us from Yggdrasil doesn't hold out. Are you sure we can't use your bow again?"
"My bow is not designed for actual combat. It's only for one-time miracles."
"Damn."
Two claps came from behind Aramaiti. "Everyone, I have the solution to your problem if you'll hear me out." Brunhilde said."We don't have much time to argue about this, so you'll need to trust my sister and my plan." Arash, Manuchehr, and Aramaiti looked at Brunhilde and then at Göll."…Not that one. Hold On. She should be here any moment."
"Wait," Arash said. "Who's coming?" Suddenly, a large shape crashed into the earth a few dozen yards away from the group. The kicked-up dust was quickly blown away by the cold wind, revealing a tall and muscular woman. Her soft-pink hair was woven into an ornate ponytail hanging off her right shoulder, her black corset with red sides, black cloth wrist-guards, and her black with gold-trim leggings all clung tightly to her muscles. She raised her legs, freeing her embedded feet from where she landed; her red and black shoes showed no damage.
Thrud
(3rd Sister of the Valkyries)
"Sorry, I'm late, everyone!" Thrud shouted, her deep alto voice booming in the air. "My horse couldn't handle the winds that well."
"Thrud!?" Göll shouted. She suddenly broke into a sprint towards her sister.
"Göll!" Göll jumped straight at her sister, who caught her in mid-air and pulled her into a hug. "You look so cute in that jacket! Better than I would."
"No way! You'd be cute in it, too!" Her hug tightened slightly. "Thrud, Hilde can't see me, can she?"
Thrud looked over to Brunhilde. "Just your back. Go ahead." Thrud's shoulder went warm despite the cold.
"Mist is gone, Thrud. She's gone…"
"I know…I didn't see it. I couldn't watch it, to be honest. How did she look?" Thrud rested her large hand softly on Göll's head.
Göll mustered the strength to pull the memory back. "She looked happy."
"Remember that. That's the Mist we knew, but still love." She then pulled her sister away from her body and set her back on the ground. "Now listen. Crying too much does maidens like us no good. It's too late for me, but you're still cute enough that it won't hurt you. Stay strong and watch Göll." Thrud proceeded to walk over to the table while Göll watched from behind. She stopped right in front of Arash, who barely reached the top of her abs. "So, you're the one I'm teaming up with?" Arash was silent, staring at Thrud without blinking. "What're you staring at?" Nothing. The aura around Thrud became visible. "Look, I get I'm not pretty and look like a monster, but you don't have to stand there and gawk like an idiot."
"Monster?" Arash finally spoke. "You're a monster?"
"…Y-yeah?"
"Your Majesty, is she a monster?"
"I'm not getting involved in this," Manuchehr responded, looking at pieces of wood on the table.
"Understood, your Majesty. Well, I don't see one. All I see…" Arash kneeled and took Thrud's right hand, kissing it. "Is a beautiful maiden surrounded by ignorant eyes."
Thrud pulled her hand away. "What the hell is wrong with you!? You think this is some joke?"
"Your Majesty, am I joking?"
"I'm not getting involved in this," Manuchehr responded.
"I never joke about such things, and I never insult a maiden by toying with her feelings. Only cowards do that." Arash walked up to her and stared into her eyes. "I am no coward, and I am no fool. I am Arash, Shah Manuchehr's right-hand man. And if you'll have me…I wish to be yours."
"My what?" Thrud asked.
"Your right-hand man…in a different way." Arash gently took her right hand in his left again. "I never thought the heavens would bless me anymore than I am already blessed, but I am proven wrong. Thrud, will you fight and live by my side?"
Thrud stood there in silence. The only sound around them was the howling wind. It felt like time had frozen them in place. Slowly, her hand grasped his, her face turning red, and her gaze shifting to the side. "…You promise. To always be there?"
"Nothing will pull me from you."
"You're such a goof…"Light erupted from their clasped hands. "I'm by your side, too, Arash."
VÖLUND!
Thrud's body began to shine bright, white light and illuminated the entire mountaintop. Soon, the light enveloped her whole body and Arash's left hand, forming a massive sphere she had once stood. The sphere then began to shrink and contort. The once round shape began to curve, edges began to take shape as the sphere became a crescent. The crescent's center shrank and twisted, forming a grip within Arash's hand.
The light faded, and resting within Arash's grip was a massive bow, long as he was tall. Its wooden frame was a deep mahogany with metal casing at the tips of the bow. The grip was wrapped in red and black leather and fit Arash's hand perfectly. Arash tugged lightly at the drawstring, the reverberations humming softly yet deeply in his ears.
Bow of the Border
"You're still beautiful, Thrud." He whispered. Arash looked back at the group, all in awe of the Völund. "Lady Aramaiti, please reset the targets."
"No sweat," Aramati said. She quickly snapped her fingers. Across from the range, floating targets began to fly in tandem with the wind. Arash walked over to the table, grabbed one of the loaded quivers there, and made his way to the edge of the landing. "Everyone, please get back and reset your hearing protection." The four stepped away from the landing and hid behind some rocks.
"Sis, what's going on?" Göll asked.
"The ultimate power duo has been born, Göll. Arash, with his monstrous strength, could never find a bow on Earth or in Heaven that could withstand it. That pile of bows is proof of his cursed might. Now, tell me; what would happen if he finally got a bow he could use without a care?" The two sealed their hearing protection alongside Manuchehr and Aramaiti. "Let's watch."
Arash grabbed an arrow from his quiver, nocked it slowly, and took aim. The targets continued to fly aimlessly around the mountains.
"Are you ready, Thrud?" Arash asked.
"Try me! Give it a full-power shot!" He inhaled and slammed his feet into the ground, anchoring himself. His muscles, from his fingertips to his back and core, flexed and expanded, almost as if they inflated under his skin. Veins pulsed and popped. He then exhaled and released the arrow. The moment the arrow's feathers passed Arash's grip, the sound barrier shattered around him. The arrow flew from the landing through the air as nothing more than a blur. Two of the floating targets lined up perfectly and were disintegrated after barely a second had passed from Arash releasing the shot. "Now, let's try different levels." Arash quickly grabbed another arrow and nocked it. Arash released it, but no boom occurred. Another target in the distance, however, was shattered. Without pause, Arash continued to fire arrows, and targets across the range fell with each shot until none remained. Arash waved his free right hand. The group came out from behind the rocks.
"Aramaiti and Shah Manuchehr, will this suffice?" Brunhilde asked.
"Brunhilde…without a doubt," Manuchehr said. "I never thought I would live to see this. Arash, finally able to fight without restraint or risk."
"He truly is at his peak now," Aramaiti said. "What happened?"
"It's the Völund formed between Arash and Thrud. The power she possesses, 'The Strong One,' grants her the power to control and hone Arash's monstrous strength. He'll need it too, considering he's up against Indra."
Arash walked over to the group, his eyes wild with excitement. "Did you see that!?" He yelled. "Your Majesty, we did it!"
Manuchehr shook his head. "No, we didn't. It's you and the Thrud now. That bow may look like one of mine, but it's the fruit of yours and Thrud's bond."
"I…. I see. Shall we be off then?"
"Once again, no."
"Your Majesty?"
"I already spoke with Lady Aramaiti before Brunhilde and Göll arrived. I am staying here."
"But Why?"
"I am your Shah. Do I need to explain myself to you?"
Arash was taken aback."…No, your Majesty." Manucher walked over to Arash and clasped his shoulders.
"Good. I'll be waiting for you to return. Do not keep me waiting." He said, smiling.
Arash smiled back. "Everyone, let's go. I've kept you waiting long enough."
Valhalla Arena
"Ladies and Gentlemen!" Heimdall roared through Gjallarhorn as he floated above the audience. "Welcome back to the stage of mankind's last chance of survival! We greatly appreciate your patience. Due to the events of Round 1 and this next fight, we had to do some serious repairs! Behold!" Heimdall pointed towards the center of the arena. What was formerly the ravaged remains of the arena became a deep pit several meters down, free of any obstructions save for two long bridges stretching out from the pit's lip. The smooth, round stone walls matched the deep tan of the floor, save for one carved-out line cutting the arena floor in two. On opposite sides of the pit rested three horizontal lines carved out of the stone, a meter apart from each other, each bearing one singular golden plate. "Tailored to the might of our next two Fighters and the chaos caused by Round 1, we created the perfect arena for these two masters of the Bow!" Heimdall reared his head back, inhaling as he leaned before throwing his whole body forward. "LET'S GET TO THE ACTION!" The crowd roared in response. Cheers from the gods call for blood, prayers, and retorts from mankind. "Mankind is down 0-1 despite the marvelous efforts of Dr. Hohenheim. HOWEVER, the next fighter for mankind is ready to push forward! Will he take the momentum from the gods!?" Heimdall pointed to the West side of the area with his free hand.
"Introducing the Fighter for Humanity in Round 2!
Hailing from ancient Persia is an archer who saved his people from certain destruction!
When his homeland was on the brink of defeat, he took on the ultimate sacrifice of firing an arrow to determine the borders of Persia and Turan! With nothing but his strength, resolve, a bow, and one single arrow, he let loose a shot that soared through the heavens at the cost of his own life! How far was this shot, you ask!?
1 kilometer!? NAY!
10!? NAY!
100!? NAY!
The shot he fired flew from dawn at the Damavand Mountain to dusk at the Amu Darya and cleared 1,000 KILOMETERS!
He now readies his next shot in his next life straight at the heart of the Gods, who now threaten his people!
Give it up for the Shining Arrow of Persia!
Arash!"
The Western gate opened, and out walked Arash onto the bridge, bow in hand. He was now garbed in a deep-red sleeveless shirt, tan pants tucked into knee-high boots, archery gloves, and three quivers, two on his hips and one on his back, held by a leather belt. His hair was slicked back, and his eyes were wide open with excitement. He raised his bow, causing the human side to roar, and soon stopped at the end of his walkway.
Heimdall pointed to the East side of the area with his free hand.
"Introducing the Fighter for the Gods in Round 2!"
The great Deva of the Rigveda has arrived!
Amongst the Devas, only he can wield their ultimate weapon: the Vajra! With it alone, he slew the great dragon of Chaos, Vritra, and brought peace to Svarga!
Like a diamond, he is unbreakable!
Like lightning, he is unstoppable!
The very rain his arrows and the wind his bow!
For his great deeds and mighty strength, he was known by one name;
Vajrahasta!
Now, he comes to Valhalla to lay down the next nail in the coffin of humankind!
Raise your voices for Svarga's Vajra!
Indra!"
The Eastern gate flew open with the sound of a thunderclap. Indra walked out from the entrance; his hair was tied back, revealing his piercing orange eyes. He only wore his orange and white cloak, with two quivers on his hips and one on his back like Arash. In his left hand was a small gold, dual-headed club. He continued his slow walk until he stopped at the edge of his walkway. He then grabbed both heads of the club and pulled them apart. The handle expanded and curved, and a string formed from electricity connected the two ends. Electricity crackled from the Vajra bow in Indra's hands. The two archers locked eyes, sizing each other up.
"Now we move on to the rules! The name of the game is 'Bullseye!'
1) On each side of the arena are three targets for each Fighter! Just like this one!" Heimdall pulled one metallic target out of his coat with his free hand, along with a stone. "When these targets are hit directly, the Fighter will suffer damage!" Heimdall dropped the target and kicked it. The target shattered, and the stone in his hand exploded.
2) "When all three targets on one Fighter's side are destroyed, he will lose and die!
3) However! The arena is cut in half. If you cross the center line at all, one target will automatically be destroyed!
4) Last, the quivers you are equipped with will refill over time, but each arrow requires two seconds to regenerate!
5) The last Fighter alive is the Winner!
Do you understand these rules?"
"No issue here," Arash responded.
"Same," Indra said.
"Then let's get this party started!" Heimdall yelled.
Behind both Indra and Arash, the bridges pulled away, leaving them stranded in the area on their small footholds. Once the bridges slid back into the walls, the footholds began to lower, bringing the two fighters into their destined battlefield. "I heard your shots from earlier," Indra said as they descended.
"What'd you think?" Arash asked, full of mirth.
"They sounded amazing, much like thunder on a stormy day."
"But thunder comes after lightning, right?" Indra smiled. "What's with those three arrows on your hip-quiver?" Arash asked, pointing to three silver arrows resting amongst the others.
"They're special ones I brought with me just for today. Be honored you forced me to go all out."
The footholds soon reached the bottom and seamlessly connected to the arena floor. The moment they touched down, whirring sounds erupted behind them. The two looked past each other and saw the plates begin to race across the wall at blinding speeds. Each one made a large clang when it hit the edge of the carved grooves and went racing back in the other direction. "Fighters ready!?"
Both Indra and Arash grabbed an arrow and nocked it, aiming them straight at each other. "FIGHT!"