//------------------------------// // A True Norse Wedding. // Story: And Then There Were 10...Er...67 // by Grey Ghost //------------------------------// The next morning was hectic to say the least. The crystal ponies returned to their homes, thankfully repaired by the... ‘teamwork’ of Hodgepodge and Discord, though the two argued over who could do a better patch job that only ended when Fluttershy used the Stare on them. “Oh god, I hate that look!” Hodgepodge said, cowering behind Gilgamesh, “It’s like it’s making me relive all of my sins!” “Eh, it’s not that bad,” Discord scoffed, waving his talon dismissively. “That or you just get used to it.” “I suppose you would know, you get it all the time. I mean, you don’t see Moony getting it!” Hodge fired back. Nightmare Moon just blushed, trying to hide behind Fluttershy, who found the situation rather amusing. “Jeez, I never thought Discord would be getting lucky,” Gilgamesh commented. “And with Fluttershy, no less. I mean, sure, he was protective of her back in my universe, but not like that. Also, could you let go of my tux, Hodge? Rarity worked hard on it, and I’d rather it not be ruined until after the wedding.” “But you’re still wearing the scarf.” “Red and black go together, and the scarf never comes off!” “Bah, you're no fun,” Hodge said, letting go of him. “And what do you mean you never thought I’d get lucky?” Discord asked, looking offended. “Flutters is the first one to really touch my heart.” He scooped the mare up, nuzzling her, which she returned with a smile. “Eh, my Discord kinda seemed to find that sort of thing... uninteresting? Below him? I don’t really know. Although, now that I think about it, he did seem to spend a lot of time with-” Gilgamesh’s widened. “Oh Faust.” “What?” “Uh, well, let’s just say I hope I’m wrong, because I have no idea how a draconequus and alicorn mix would turn out.” “Well, I’m a vampire bat pony,” Fluttershy reminded. “Oh, on the subject of mixes, please for the love of Yggdrasil, tell your Rarity and Spike that a dragon/pony mix is a Kirin. If they call it a dracony, or something else equally terrible, I’m coming over there and slapping their faces off of their faces,” Hodgepodge said, getting serious. “I don’t know about kirin, but i certainly would be upset if they called it something that stupid.” “What? Kirin already exist on your world?” “What? No. Or, at least, I don’t think so. I haven’t met any, and you saw the species diversity in my army.” “Excuse me?” Cadance interrupted, flying in. “How much longer until Jason’s ready? I am the one leading the sermon after all.” “Eh, give him a moment, Hughes is trying to get him to calm down. Guy wasn’t this nervous fighting Fenrir,” Hodgepodge said, tapping his head a few times. Cadance sighed, but smiled. “Well, alright. Just tell him Chrysalis and Rarity are ready, if a bit nervous as well. Not that that’s unexpected, I know I was when I married Shiny.” Hodgepodge blinked, looking down at the Omnitrix as it started to time out, “Well that’s my cue, ready or not here he comes!” Hodgepodge waved before he vanished in a flash of red, replaced by Jason, who looked nervous as all hell. “Poor kid looks like he’s gonna pop,” Gilgamesh whispered. “Nah, I’m good,” Jason said, shaking his head. “I can do this.” He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “We’ll all be there for you Jason,” Fluttershy assured him with a smile, to which Moon and Discord agreed. “So... I take it everyone is ready?” Jason asked, giving his tux a once over. “We’re all ready, and you’ve got a whole nation backing you up. Now let’s get out there, kid,” Gilgamesh encouraged with a pat on the back. “Okay.” Jason looked up at him with a smile. “Let’s do this,” he said with a determined look on his face. He nodded to the others, starting to move into the cathedral, gulping ever so slightly. “I’m so excited!” Terra nearly squealed, sitting on Toya’s lap. Jason’s family had their own section, right behind the massive Apple clan, “I thought I’d never get to see Corypheus’s wedding!” "Jason," Ben corrected, walking by. “It’s Corypheus!” she called after him. Ben stopped. "Jason." “Corypheus.” "Jason." “Corypheus.” "Jason." “You know, if you hate humans as much as you seem to, why do you insist on calling him by the name humans gave him?” Terra asked, raising her eyebrow. "Because the other option is even worse," Ben replied calmly. “Can we please just enjoy the wedding?” Megan cut in, from her seat next to Loki and Sleipnir. “We can debate on his name later.” “I’m with her,” Toya said, nodding sagely. "Whatever," Ben shrugged, moving to the back wall. “Aren’t you going to sit down?” Megan asked, looking back at him. "Nyx is already in the hospital, so I'd rather not piss off Twilight any more than she already is. So, I think I'm better off distancing myself as much as possible," he explained. “Okay...” she said with a blink, shrugging her shoulders and returning her attention to the front of the cathedral. On the groom’s side stood Jason, nervously awaiting his brides, with Gilgamesh and Slash both standing next to him, giving him as much reassurance as they could. On the brides’ half was Applejack and Pupa, both waiting patiently for the two mares to arrive. Cadance stood at the center behind the altar, a smile already stretched across her face. Soon the cathedral doors opened, the royal musicians playing as Scootaloo scattered flower petals across the aisle and Spike carried a small pillow with three rings to lead the bridal procession, followed by the Changeling Empress and the transformed unicorn, both dressed in gorgeous white gowns. Behind them were Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, carrying the trains of their gowns as gingerly as possible. After finally reaching the steps, everyone turned to face Cadance as she cleared her throat and the music ended. “Ladies and gentlecolts,” she started, using a restrained version of the Royal Canterlot voice, just enough so that her voice could be heard throughout the building. “We are here to celebrate the union of three special ponies, well, a pony, a changeling and a jotun, but that's just semantics,” she cleared her throat, adjusting her wings. “Now, due to the events of last night, we haven’t had time to properly prepare but, I think we can get this right on the first go.” A light chuckle escaped the crowd. “So, who would like to go first?” “Allow me,” Chrysalis said, clearing her throat. “Jason Hughes, I'll admit that if anyone told me a few months ago how my life would end up now, I would've laughed. And yet, here I stand, ready to be married to a being from another universe. I'll admit, when this first started, I was just looking for a mate like any other queen, just someone to help me rebuild my hive after my failed invasion. Instead I got something that I never thought I would ever obtain, and things I never even knew were possible. Now I can freely walk the streets of a nation I once had to hide from, have helped defend a nation I once sought to conquer, have made dear friends with those I once only saw as enemies. I’ve been shown things I never even imagined, other realms, creatures lost to the mists of time, even other versions of myself and those I know. And most importantly, I found love. Love I didn’t need to steal or be disguised to obtain, love as more than just food, love for me and that I could return and be more than willing to do so.” She smiled, looking into his eyes. “I love you, Jason Hughes. And by Faust, or Hel, or whatever else may be out there, I will love you for all eternity.” She turned to Rarity, giving the smaller mare a smile, “Rarity, I never really expected you to be with us here today. I don’t believe we made very good first impressions on each other but I’m glad now to know the real you. Now, changeling queens aren’t known to share but... I can make an exception for you, my dear. I will love you for as long as I love Jason, for all eternity.” “I suppose I should go next,” Rarity said, clearing her throat. “I suppose it’s been no secret to those who know me that I’ve always been looking for some dashing prince to sweep me off my hooves. And yet, even I could’ve never predicted that I’d end up falling for two royals, and neither of them ponies. But I suppose if my life up to this point has taught me anything, it’s to both expect and accept change.” She turned to Jason, giving him a smile, “When we had that little adventure with Daring Do, I saw a side of you I hadn’t seen before, and I just knew I had to be with you.” She turned to look up at Chrysalis, “And you Chrysalis, you helped save me when I had lost control of myself.” Spike looked away, still feeling rather guilty, but the Cutie Mark Crusaders smiled at him, lifting his spirits back up. “But I promise you I love you just as much as I love Jason, and nothing will ever change that.” “Well, that just leaves me, huh?” Jason asked, giving a shaky smile as all eyes turned to him, “A few months ago, I was just some guy, with billions of others just like me. And then my life spiraled out of control, and quite honestly it’s been the best thing that ever happened to me.” He turned to face Applejack. “I’ve met others that have been willing to take me in as one of their own without a second thought,” he continued, causing the farm mare to smile and wipe her eyes. “Found out I’m descended from beings that I could only hope existed,” he said, turning to face his family, who nodded back. “Made friends as close as family to me,” he continued as he turned to Gilgamesh and Slash, the former’s lip quivering while the later tried to hide his tears by adjusting his glasses. “Become royalty of a world I’ve grown to love,” he said, Celestia and Luna nodding back with their own smiles. “And even found out that I had more in common with the mother that raised me with than I thought,” Megan sniffled and rubbed her eyes. “But none of it compares to you two.” He took another deep breath before continuing. “Chrysalis, I’ll admit you came on a little strong at first, but after a while I learned to love not just a changeling queen but an amazing mare who I’m so happy to have met.” Chrysalis blushed a bit and looked away before nodding. Jason turned to Rarity, smiling down at her, “And you, Rarity. You took me by surprise, though I think Chrysalis had you figured out the whole time. When you told me how you felt, I didn’t know what to think, I mean, you’ve been one of my closest friends since I got here but... standing here, I’m glad we became more.” The two shared a smile before the trio turned back to Cadance. “Well, I suppose this is for formality’s sake, but if there is anypony -er, anyone that objects to this union, speak now or forever-” “JUST LET ‘EM KISS ALREADY!” Rainbow Dash shouted, flapping above the crowd, shaking her talons in annoyance. Many in the crowd laughed, others gave the pegasus annoyed looks but then simply rolled their eyes. Cadance shook her head and smiled. “Well, I guess that settles that. If we could have the rings please?” Spike pulled his attention away from the fillies, moving over to Cadance. He kneeled down, presenting the rings to her. She levitated them onto Rarity and Chrysalis’ horns and Jason’s ring finger. “By the power vested in me as Princess of the Crystal Empire, I now pronounce you husband and wives. You may now kiss the brides!” Jason smiled, placing a kiss onto Chrysalis’ lips before doing the same to Rarity. The crowd exploded into cheers, none louder than the Apple clan... except for Fenrir, whose howl echoed through the tundra. Some claim it was heard as far away as Appleoosa, but that might just be a tall tale. What wasn’t disputed was the sight of the Mighty Gilgamesh gushing from his eyes equal to that of Pinkie Pie, no matter how much he would deny it afterwards. Ben just clapped politely from his spot in back, a small smile on his face. “I told you you’d be fine,” Chrysalis told Jason as the three of them joined all their guests in the dining hall, “You did great by the way.” “Well, I had you two counting on me, I couldn’t let myself look like an ass,” Jason said with a laugh, putting his arm around the empress, his hand on Rarity’s neck. He moved over to his most important guests, giving a bright smile, “So, how’d we do?” “You spoke from the heart, kid. That automatically makes it a winning speech in my book. The fact that you didn’t look like an idiot is just a bonus. A-plus,” Gilgamesh replied with a thumbs-up, tears still at the edges of his eyes. “Were you... crying?” Chrysalis asked, a bit of a smirk on her face. “My student and adopted son is married to two wonderful mares, of course I’m crying!” he shouted back, beginning to sniffle again. “There’s no need to shout Gilgamesh, we are right here you know,” Rarity said with a small frown, primping her mane a little. “I’m sorry, it’s just... back in my old life, I had given up on the idea of ever experiencing something like this.” “Well, now you have, was it worth it?” Megan asked, looking up at the taller human, “It was for me.” Gilgamesh simply nodded and wiped his eyes. “So, does this make you my sister-in-law?” “Well if you’re going by that logic, I’m your sister-in-law as well,” Terra pointed out, “Not that I mind of course, the more the merrier I say!” “That means you’re obligated to come to the family reunions,” Hel said, looking at him, looking deathly serious. “Hey, fine by me, so long as I get to provide the tea.” “I’ll have you know I make great tea,” Hel said, glaring at him, “You have no idea how much time I have on my hands. I mostly read now, not much else to do.” “Hey, I’m willing to try your brew if you indulge in Zebafrican red tea as well. Also, if you’re that bored with so much time on your hands, the I’ve got to find a way to get you some video games.” “I suppose I could try them. You have no idea how bored you get after several millions of years of being alive,” Hel said with a sigh. “I should really look into retiring...” “Wait, if you retire then... do people stop dying?” “No, see, I just watch over the souls of the dead, I don’t actually personify death, common misconception. I just make sure that the dead stay, well, dead. Though I can bend the rules slightly,” she gestured over to her various dead relatives, “It’s why I don’t get out much.” “Hey, I’m more than happy to give my new parents-in-law a visit. Speaking of,” he turned to the valkyrie, “you’re Terra’s... father, right? I don’t think I got your name.” “My name’s Sigrun, it is a pleasure,” she said, looking him over, “They say you are quite the warrior.” “Well, not to brag, but I do have quite the set of accomplishments under my belt,” he shrugged. “Normally I’d be happy to go a few rounds with you, but I’m saving my energy for something a bit more important.” He turned to Jason with a dangerous grin. “Don’t get too drunk Jay, because I think it’s about time you see what I can really do. And besides, I need to make sure you’re in tip top shape before I leave you to protect this world. I have no idea when I’ll be back.” “Hey, I could say the same to you old man,” Jason said with a grin, “Just say the word.” “Is this really necessary?” Rarity asked with a flat look. “You married into this insane family,” Hel reminded, “Besides I’m rather excited to see this fight now.” “Yeah, but later. I’m gonna hit the dance floor, talk it up with the partygoers, and gorge on what’s at the buffet. And besides, the newlyweds will probably want some time alone to help Jason with the ‘pre-battle ritual,’” Gilgamesh said with a wink. “Yes, yes, innuendos, we get it,” Chrysalis rolled her eyes. “Ugh, you’re almost as bad as the ponies and their ‘feelings’ nonsense.” “Says the changeling who just publicly declared her ‘eternal love’,” he replied with his own eye roll. “Anyway, I gotta see about adding my own jams to this party. See ya, kid!” Gilgamesh waved as he walked over towards Pinkie Pie. “Did anyone mention to him that we picked the soundtrack personally?” Jason asked, looking to the rest of the group. “I don’t believe we did,” Ib said, leaning on the wall, eating a hotdog. A moment later, a rather strange song started to play, “The hell is that?” she asked, frowning ever so slightly. “That is quite possibly the worst song I have ever heard,” Hel said, crossing her arms. “I can’t say he has great taste in music.” “Oh I don’t know,” Loki said, twirling his staff a little. “I find it slightly enjoyable.” “Um...” Chrysalis began, pointing at the dance floor. They all turned to see Gilgamesh dancing to the beat right alongside Pinkie Pie. Whether or not they were any good was... debatable, but they at least were most certainly having fun. “And he just became my incredibly embarrassing dad,” Jason said as he facepalmed. “We’ll just wait for the next song before we start to dance,” Rarity said, to which the others agreed. Ben walked up near them, hands in his jacket pockets and looking a little bummed. “Uh... hey Jason? Can we... can we talk a moment?” “Sure,” Jason said, walking into an empty side room, gesturing for Ben to follow, “So whatcha wanna talk about?” He let out a deep sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. “Look, about yesterday... I’m sorry. About everything.” “Look you don’t have to apologize, you have your reasons, I get that,” Jason said, leaning against the doorframe. “Don’t worry too much about it.” “No, it wasn’t right of me to refuse to help like that. It’s just... it was really bad timing.” Ben turned around, still rubbing his head. “A lot of things have happened in the past few days and you just caught me in a really bad mood. In case me nearly oversleeping for today wasn’t enough info, I hadn’t actually slept in the past five days. A lot of things just piled on top of each other, ya know?" “You could have said something. If you needed to go home, I’d have understood, Ben,” Jason said, looking into Ben’s eyes. “I know how important our worlds are and keeping them safe is a higher priority than a simple wedding.” Ben seemed rather relieved. “I can stay for a bit longer, but I do need to go back. Twilight’s probably freaking out right now, what with Nyx in the hospital and all.” “You just say when, okay?” Jason asked, giving Ben a smile. He smiled back, stretching out his hand. “Friends?” “Of course, Ben,” Jason said, taking his hand, giving it a nice firm shake. “Great!” He goes to the door, stopping for a moment. “Hey, I’m gonna go raid the snack table, but can you let Gilgamesh know I need to speak with him? It’s important.” “Sure,” Jason said with a nod before moving out onto the dance floor. “Hey Gilg, Ben wants to talk to you.” “Huh? Oh, yeah sure, I wanted to talk with him too. By the way, did I embarrass you yet?” the warrior asked with the biggest shit-eating grin ever. “I will turn you into an old man if you keep this up,” Jason said, rather unamused. “I am an old man. I’m one thousand, six hundred and... thirty nine years old. I should probably look into getting a senior-citizen’s discount when I buy something.” “Ugh! Just go talk to Ben!” Jason ordered, pointing toward the snack table. “Jeez, snippy. Ok, talk later,” he said as he walked towards the other Omnitrix user. He paused for a moment before clearing his throat. “You, uh, wanted to talk to me, Ben?” he asked, his tone and demeanor unexpectedly subdued. “Yeah... I wanted to ask you for that totem I gave you. See, I’ve gotten some complaints from other Displaced that they haven’t been working properly. Just wanted to make sure that it was up to snuff.” “Um... I kinda... don’t have it anymore,” Gilgamesh answered hesitantly. Ben looked at him surprised and then smirked. “Oh? Then this makes things even easier.” “Uh, what easier?” Ben’s smile disappeared in a flash as he glared at Gilgamesh. “Listen and listen good, you pathetic trash. If you ever come near my world again with your ridiculous idealism, I will personally kick your butt from Canterlot to the Frozen North before ejecting you from my world forever. Your kind is not welcome where I come from, so stay away!” With his rant over, Ben walked away from the warrior, deciding to listen to his stomach and going to the snack area. Gilgamesh just stood there for a minute, shocked, before closing his eyes and sighing. “And here I wanted to apologize,” he muttered. “Maybe I still should.” He took a moment to think on the matter before Luna approached him. “Is something the matter, Sir Gilgamesh?” she asked. “Huh? Oh, Luna, hey. I just-” he stopped to sigh. “I just kinda found out someone I looked at as a friend basically hates my guts.” “Then they must not be friend material in the first place,” she said, looking at him. “Maybe, except someone very close to me didn’t exactly have a high opinion of me when we first met either, and now we’re really close. Besides, I just can’t give up on him.” He turned to watch Ben happily snacking away. “I know he’s a good guy, he’s just... stubborn, I guess. A little full of himself, too. I guess I’m disappointed more than anything else.” “Perhaps I can aid thee in lifting thy spirits?” she asked, giving him a bright smile. “Come, let us enjoy the celebrations!” He smiled back. “Indeed, fair Princess! Let us sample the fine spirits on this most joyous of occasions!” he declared as they both headed towards the bar. Sarah watched everyone around her enjoy the party, she wanted to enjoy it too, but a part of her couldn’t help but feel jealous, especially when she was around Discord and Fluttershy. After convincing the rest to leave her alone, she sat with her Arbok eating some of the food from the snack bar. Arbok couldn’t help but worry for her master, but decided not to say anything about it. “Arbok, is it wrong of me to feel jealous of them?” Arbok continued to eat. “I mean it’s supposed to be a happy day, but I just can’t help but to feel jealous of them.” She sighed. “Maybe there is something wrong with me...” “Hey.” Sarah looked up, seeing Ben smiling at her. “Mind if I sit down? Kinda overfilled my plate.” He really did, as it looked about ready to fall apart from the massive mountain of food. Sarah pulled a chair out and offered it to him, “Go ahead, no one’s sitting here anyways.” Arbok briefly looked up at her, concerned at her tone of voice. Ben sighed, noting her tone of voice as well. “I’m gonna take it you’re not too pleased with my actions, either, right?” he asked as he sat down. “No, it’s not that...” She briefly looked up and turned her gaze towards Discord and Fluttershy, “it’s just me clinging onto a fantasy I have....” Ben followed her gaze. “Oh... settling down and having a family, you mean. Or at the very least finding that special someone.” “Both...” She absentmindedly started to pet Arbok. “I kinda have a family, my brother, my Pokemon, Meowth, and my little Screwy... *sigh* but it’s not the same.” Arbok put her head on her lap, trying to find some way of comforting her. “Well, have you tried looking... ‘outside’, as it were?” Ben suggested. “There are normal Displaced out there you could try.” “I have tried dating some of the guards I used to work with, a thousand years ago, but it never ended well, the last time I dated, Discord had to save me...” She looked down at her Arbok, and hugged her, “And I don’t know if anyone would be interested in me....” She briefly chuckled. “Even Arbok found a mate before me, and it’s a Displaced!” Ben took a deep breath, weighing his words carefully. “There are worlds out there where the sky is burning, where the sea is asleep and the rivers dream; people made of smoke and cities made of song. Somewhere there’s danger, somewhere there’s injustice, and somewhere else the tea is getting cold.” At Sarah’s confusion, he clarified. “What I’m trying to say is that nothing is impossible. Especially love. Out there amongst the endless stars is someone just waiting for you to find them. And I believe that one day you will. All you have to do is look... and believe.” “Th-Thank you...” Sarah smiled at Ben, not caring if tears started to fall. “You know, you aren’t as bad as I originally thought you were.” He smiled back. “Yeah, that’s what I get for not sleeping for almost a week. It’s hard to think straight when you’re being hunted by a ghost that can bring your worst fears to life... don’t ask.” “You know, before we were trapped in stone, we’ve faced a threat similar to what you just described, a god of nightmares.” Arbok hissed at the mention of her master’s old tormentor. “And we’re facing his successor right now, he tricked us into working with him for a while...” Picking up some of her food, she started eating, trying to forget about her time with the old god. “Of course, Jason came along, and showed us that he was just tricking us. I’m still grateful for it.” “Jason? A peacekeeper? Ha! I’ll believe it when I see it. Anyway, got any advice for fighting a dude like that? I mean, I know this monster pretty well, considering he lived in my head for over a thousand years, but anything helps.” “Sorry, but it wasn’t me or Tomas who defeated him, or even Celestia! It was Cresselia, the goddess of dreams. One thing I can tell you is that you will need help.” She chugged down a glass of water. “Especially if he is anything like Darkrai. Also try to find some dreamcatchers, I heard there's a zebra in the Everfree who has one.” “I take it your Twilight didn’t crack that tablet I gave her, hmm?” Hel asked, peering over Ben’s shoulder. “Gah!!” Ben freaked, twirling around in a defensive position. “Don’t do that! I already get enough creepy creatures doing that to me. And what tablet? I don’t know anything about a tablet.” “Oh you were that weird bug thing at the time, Big Bill or something. I’m the one who gave Nyx her immunity to Hades’ touch, something I’m sure he’s pissed about. But I also gave Twilight a tablet. It was my way of helping without helping as it were. I wasn’t exactly able to tell her what was inside her daughter at the time.” “Oh... well that kept Hades away for the time being. Turns out he only wanted Nyx because he knew Fear was inside her. Jerk of an uncle.” “I wish she had figured out the tablet before it had gotten out, I put a little... something extra in that enchantment I put on Nyx,” Hel said with a disappointed sigh. “I’ll talk to her about it. Maybe it’s something we can use. Every bit helps.” Ben growled, nearly making his hand bleed as he clenched his fist. “I’m going to destroy that ghost for destroying my friends and family. I’ll make him pay for what he did.” “Thats the spirit, Ben.” She patted his head, standing up to her full height. “Now if you excuse me, I’m going to go make sure my father isn’t doing something horrible.” With that she melted into the shadows. Sarah cleared her throat, “Well Ben, I know you don’t like humans, but if you ever need help, just know that I’ll gladly do everything in my power to help.” She smirked, taking out a pokeball. “Besides, Arceus knows that I know how to handle a ghost.” He smiled and pushed her hand away. “No. Thanks for the offer, but... I’m dropping out after today. No more Displaced, I’m done with the lot of it.” “Well, that’s a shame, but if you ever change your mind, remember us.” “We’ll see,” Ben said with a smirk as he rose from the table. “See ya around.” He started walking back towards the snack table, but stopped for a second. “Oh and by the way, you should smile more. You’re prettier when you do. Catch ya later.” He walked into the crowd without another word. Sarah stared, a blush starting to form. Looking back at her food, she saw Arbok grinning at her. “Sh-Shut up!” Meanwhile, Luna and Gilgamesh were sitting at one if the tables, chatting between bites to eat and sipping their drinks. Gilgamesh had an ‘Applejack Daniel’s’ and Coke, while Luna indulged in some mead. “You have so many engaging tales, Gilgamesh,” she said with a smile, sipping her drink. “Yeah, and I hope to make more of them. It’s the one upside to my situation, seeing as how I can’t return home yet,” he replied, his smile faltering. He sighed. “I’ve only been gone a few months, and it already feels like an eternity.” “You miss them, don’t you? The companions from your dimension.” “Dearly. It’s hard not to seeing how I fought and bled alongside them. I only hope that due to time flowing at different speeds between each dimension it won’t be as long for them as it is for me.” “Why did you leave?” she asked, setting her glass down. “To protect them,” he replied, taking a longer drink than before. “After defeating Exdeath I found out that there would be more gunning for me. My Equus had already suffered enough in the war, they needed time to recover. So I left, hoping that whatever has their eyes on me will follow, and have a harder time tracking me due to universe hopping. Of course, I didn’t leave without giving them the tools to defend themselves, and to contact me if I’m wrong.” He smirked. “And stealing a kiss from my Luna with whole world watching.” Luna took another sip. “I must admit, it feels strange to be jealous of what is essentially myself.” “Yeah, sorry about that. To be honest I had kind of been hitting on other Lunas to work up the courage to finally talk to my own. I didn’t expect you to be so... receptive to my flirting.” “I have been taken with you since you first came here, Sir Gilgamesh,” she said, giving him a smile and a wink. The warrior was unable to hide his blush, taking another swig of his drink. “Nice to know I’ve got the charmer in me as well.” Luna smiled wider and took another drink. “You know, I am still indulging in many of the new inventions and ideas of this modern era. There’s quite a lot to catch up on over a millenium and, we find many of them, ideas included, to be quite interesting.” Her smile turned mischievous. “I believe one of them is called ‘friends with benefits.’” Gilgamesh just stared for moment before replying. “I’d like to mention that the reasons I am even considering this are A: I feel guilty for flirting with you when I had my eyes squarely set on another, and B: you are, in a way, kinda still the same mare I’m in love with.” “Duly noted,” she replied simply. A moment of waiting later Gilgamesh downed the rest of his drink in one go. “Got a room in mind?” “Of course, my room. Nopony should bother us there.” “I didn’t know you had a room here in the Crystal Palace. Something for your longer stays?” “No.. I...” she looked away, letting out a long sigh, “I was once... married to Sombra...” “Oh... Um... I’m sorry. I-I didn’t mean to bring up-” “It’s quite alright. It’s in the past,” she assured him, finishing off her drink before setting her glass down. Her mischevious smile returned. “Shall we?” He smirked back as they both rose and walked off. Meanwhile Rainbow and Gilda were sitting near the opposite end of the bar, indulging in mead and some more of the griffon’s own cooking. “You know, we never did decide who would pop the question,” Gilda said, looking over at Dash, licking her beak off. “Huh?” Dash asked, looking through somewhat bleary eyes. “Wat’cha talkin’ ‘bout?” “Oh for pony’s sake, you got drunk again,” she groaned, letting her head bang against the bar top. “Allow me to help with that,” Hel said, reaching over from her seat and slapping Dash upside the head, immediately sobered her up. “Huh!? Who!? What!?” she stuttered before realizing what was going on. “Oh, um, sorry.” “You’re lucky you’re good in bed,” Gilda muttered before taking a swig of her own drink. “What?” “Nothing. Anyway, who’s proposing to who?” Gilda asked, looking into her mate’s eyes. “Well, it should obviously be me,” she replied pridefully. “After all, I’m the pegasus who invented the Sonic Rainboom, fought alongside Jason in the rebellion, and I’m now the Bifrost. It’s only natural that I’m the one who’s gonna propose to you.” Gilda just snorted. “You don’t have the guts, featherduster,” she teased, arching her eyebrow. “You’d probably just stammer for an hour and then give up.” “What!? No way! I’d totally be able to propose to you! I wouldn’t even stammer... much.” “Oh yeah? Prove it,” Gilda challenged, looking her dead in the eyes, “Unless you’re too... chicken.” Rainbow’s eyes widened in shock before narrowing. “You take that back.” “Bak bak,” Gilda said with a smirk. “I’m warning you, Gilda. I am bucking warning you.” “Are ya, are ya, scared,” Gilda poked Dash’s chest, “Like some small tasty bird?” Rainbow glared before downing the rest of her mead in one go before flying off at blinding speeds, the force of her movement causing some of the partygoers to fall over. “Was that really necessary?” Hel asked. “Yup,” Gilda said with a smirk, sipping at her drink. “Now I know I’m getting married.” “I suppose,” the goddess admitted before sighing contentedly and looking off into space. “Ah, reminds me when Sigrun finally proposed to me.” “Wait, she proposed to you?” “I might be the Goddess of the Underworld, but I’m still a woman, and I enjoy being treated as such every now and again.” Before Gilda could respond something grabbed her and pulled her on stage. She was thrown down and before she could reorient herself heard a familiar voice speak. “EVERYONE, LISTEN UP! MY NAME IS RAINBOW DASH!” he pegasus shouted before grabbing the griffin and pulling her up. “THIS IS GILDA! THIS IS MY MATE! AND NOW’S AS GOOD A TIME AS ANY TO DO THIS!” Rainbow set Gilda down and inhaled before turning to face her, pulling out a small box from under her wing. “I know it’s meant to be worn by a unicorn, but I figured it’d fit one of your claws.” She opened the container revealing a crystal ring inside. “Gilda, will you marry me? And I swear to Celestia if you say ‘no’ I’ll-” Gilda pounced on her, practically clamping her beak over the pony’s mouth. She pulled away, letting out a purr, “You’re damn straight I will.” Before anyone could react the piano began to play a fast tune. Everyone turned to see Gilgamesh, a smile so bright it was practically shining stretched across his face, as he played and sang. The ponies looked at each other before letting out a cheer, most of them breaking into dance on the spot. “Catch,” Hel said, tossing Gilda a strange, brackish looking potion, “You’re going to need it~” Jason moved over to Gilgamesh, poking his side, “Yo, we’ve been meaning to talk to you about something,” he said, gesturing toward Chrissy. He leaned down, whispering something into his ear. “Seriously? Not what I’d call a wedding song, but hey, if you’ve been planning it. Get yourself ready, I’ll kill time until then,” he replied before going back to singing. Jason smirked before he and Chrissy ran off to get ready. As soon as the warrior finished he practically shot off the piano onto the dance floor. “Alright, I saw plenty of you dancing to that! Not bad, either! Now it’s my turn! Pinkie, set me up!” he called. The party mare led the rest of the band in a rapid paced guitar beat. As the song continued Gilgamesh began an elegant flamenco dance, shocking those who had watched him earlier. “Wow, he can dance,” Slash muttered before sitting back down at his table, setting down his drink and Celestia’s. “Indeed. Quite graceful, isn’t he?” Luna replied, walking up to them, her mane and tail slightly matted. Celestia looked at her sister, trying to work out what had happened. She seemed to be glowing with joy and satisfaction, something Celestia hadn’t seen Luna like in quite some time. Suddenly, it hit her, and the solar princess’s eyes widened. “L-Luna? D-Did you just-?” “A true royal doesn’t tell~!” the younger sibling replied happily before prancing off to the buffet table. “What was that abo-?” Slash asked only to be cut off as Celestia grabbed and pulled him, their faces inches apart, a deathly serious look in her eyes. “You. Me. Bedroom. Now.” Slash took a moment to process her sentence before his face flushed crimson. He quickly chugged his drink and Celestia’s before nodding. The alicorn practically dragged him out the door. The crowd applauded as the warrior finished his dance. As he bowed he saw Jason and Chrissy had returned, nodding to him. “Thank you! Thank you, you’re too kind! Now if you could direct your attention to the stage, the newlyweds have their own performance.” Gilgamesh then jumped back to the piano, spinning as he did, suddenly dressed in an extravagant outfit, complete with a powdered wig. Jason nodded to him, before the older man started to play. Jason and Chrysalis started to sing and despite the song’s utter goofiness, the crowd started to sing with them. The rest of the night was full of fun and drunkenness, with the newlyweds getting to dance to their own choice of music. Later on, as everyone retired to their homes or at least temporary residences, Jason, Rarity, and Chrysalis were led by Cadance and Shining Armor to their room for the night. “Well, here you are,” Cadance said as she opened the door. “This was the guest room for ambassadors and dignitaries that visited the Crystal Empire in the past. The beds were cleaned this morning, the sheets are top of the line, and there’s a cabinet with plenty of wine if you’re feeling up to it.” The Princess then smirked. “I also set up a soundproofing spell.” “Oh good, saves me the trouble,” Chrysalis said with a grin, tossing Rarity into the room, and doing the same to Jason. “Don’t bother us for breakfast.” She winked before shutting the door. “Wait!” Shining Armor shouted. The three newlyweds poked their heads out the door. “What!?” they all asked in an aggravated tone, causing him to flinch. Shining cleared his throat. “Chrysalis, I... I never got the chance to properly thank you for the role you and yours played during the Forever Knight rebellion. You helped rescue my sister and her friends, liberated my home, and... I just wanted to officially bury the hatchet between us, that’s all.” “Alright Shiny, you're off my shit list,” Chrysalis said with a nod, “Now begone, you’re holding up the snu snu,” she said before slamming and locking the door. “I can’t believe you actually asked her what they do together,” Shining said with a shake of his head. “Come on Cadance, we have our own activities to get to.” He smirked at her, already trotting toward their room. The next day Gilgamesh had taken Jason into the Frozen North, far from the Empire itself, for their destined bout. Loki had decided to allow the populace to watch, casting an illusion and making the sky above the city a screen to watch the fight, saying it would only be proper for the populace to see what their Prince could do. “This is going to be fun~” Hel said in a sing song voice, munching on some popcorn, “Corypheus has come a long way as a warrior.” “Indeed he has. Even I find it hard to believe this is the same boy who would pant like a dog after a few miles of jogging,” Slash commented. “I wish I had seen that,” Megan said, looking at Slash. “He used to be such a slacker.” “He’s, uh, gonna be OK, right?” Applejack asked nervously. “Ah mean, Ah know he took down that giant jotun feller before, and they’re friends and all, but Gilgamesh is wilder than a hungry timberwolf. Ah ain’t gonna have to worry about this goin’ south, am ah?” “I don’t think so, jotun are extremely hardy,” Hel said, looking at her, “In fact, you’re standing on a jotun right now.” “Huh?” “First creature to ever exist was the first jotun, Ymir. Then Odin and his brothers murdered him and used his body to make the world. His skull his is the sky, the trees his body hair, the dirt his flesh and the rivers his blood. And no that’s not folklore, it actually happened.” Everypony stared for a moment before looking at the ground. Many of their faces turned green. “Well, as delightful as that was to hear, perhaps we should just focus on the match? It looks like they’re starting.” “Well, son, let’s see what you can do,” Toya muttered, an expectant look in his eyes. “Ready when you are,” Jason said, looking at Gilgamesh, the two standing in the middle of the tundra. Jason didn’t seem phased by the weather at all. He had let his disguise fall, looking at Gilgamesh with his piercing red eyes. Gilgamesh chuckled. “We’ll see. Liking the look, by the way. Definitely can’t deny your heritage now,” he replied, taking his pose and going into his final form. His expression turned hard as he folded his six arms. “This will be the last test I can think to give you right now. You’ve grown so much since I first met you, and I am both proud and honored to call you my son. And it is because I care about you that I must go so far this day.” He unfolded his arms and closed his eyes. “You can only truly learn from your enemy. Only your enemy will tell you where you are weak, only through your enemy will you learn your flaws. Today, until this match is decided, I will fight you as an enemy, and you had best do the same. If not,” he continued, taking an offensive stance, wind exploding off him as a snow flurry wrapped around his body. “THEN YOU WILL DIE!" “Still the master, Gilg,” Jason said with a laugh. He reached into his pocket, becoming clad in his armor. “I’m not going to fold, Gilgamesh, just know that.” He pulled his sword out, getting into a stance, glaring into his teacher’s eyes. Gilgamesh smirked. “I’d be thoroughly disappointed if you did. Care to set the mood, or should I?” “Allow me,” he said, tapping his gauntlet, the heavy sounds of a guitar riff starting to fill the air. “Heh, how appropriate for a father-son duel. You’d better not turn into a little crybaby on me!” Gilgamesh taunted, motioning for Jason to bring it. Jason smirked before blinking out of existence. A moment later he reappeared behind Gilgamesh, slashing at his back. Without even a perceptible movement Gilgamesh turned to face him and caught the blade with his teeth. Jason hesitated, stunned, before being sent flying from a laser blast from the older fighter’s eyes. Gilgamesh spat out the blade. “Not bad. Barely picked up on that one,” he complimented before summoning his machine guns and firing. Jason got up, cracking his neck, the bullets doing no damage to his armor. He slammed his fist into the ground, causing a minor quake and a barrage of ice to rush at Gilgamesh. The chunks of ice made contact, only to disperse, leaving nothing but some wet spots on him. “Nice armor, kid,” he complimented. Jason suddenly found his face in the snow and the back of his head throbbing in pain. “Hope you don’t mind me using it.” Jason looked up to see Gilgamesh’s body now the same color as his armor, still standing in the same spot he was before. “Good luck, it’s made specifically for me,” Jason said, getting to his feet, shaking his head. He stood his ground, smirking at him. He gestured for him to come at him, not losing his smirk. Gilgamesh replied by inhaling. “Fire Blast!” he shouted and spat out a building sized kanji symbol made of flame. Jason threw his arms out, countering the blast with a blast of ice. Gilgamesh then clenched his fists and pulled his arms back, twisting his wrists as his hands lit on fire. “HOLY FIRESTORM!” he shouted before thrusting his arms forward, each unleashing a tornado of fire. They met and combined, forming a massive funnel of flames as large as a mountain. Jason gritted his teeth, the blizzard around them picking up. With a bellowing roar he unleashed the full fury of the blizzard. He drove it forward, slamming into the funnel. The two attacks collided in a blast of force, shaking the area nearby, both managing to cancel the other out. Jason panted, waiting for the mist to clear, only to have the wind knocked out of him by a blow to the stomach. “Muda da,” Gilgamesh muttered, before cocking back his arms, all of them alight. “MUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDA!” He shouted unleashing a flurry of rapid punches. “MUDA!” he cried with one final strike, hitting Jason with all six fists which exploded, sending him tumbling. Jason groaned as he stood up. “The hell’s that even mean, anyway?” he asked, wiping blood from his mouth. “It’s Japanese. It means ‘futile’, ‘pointless’, ‘useless’. That sort of thing,” Gilgamesh explained. “There’s your word for the day, so now you can better understand when I do this.” Suddenly Gilgamesh was gone, and the entire area seemed darker. Jason looked up only to see an entire mountain heading towards him. “Oh, shit.” The rocky structure slammed into the jotun before Gilgamesh began to pound on it from above. “MUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDAMUDA!” He raised his hand for one last hit. “TADOMEDA!” he shouted and slammed it into the mountain, causing the natural structure to crumble before jumping up. “PENETRATING BEAM!” A massive laser shot from his eyes, as wide as the mountain, slamming into the ground. After the attack finished Gilgamesh flapped his wings and hung in the air. “Is that all? I expected more from you.” “You having fun there?” Jason asked, sitting on a pillar of ice, sword in hand. “I’m actually really surprised you didn’t realize the past five minutes was just an illusion. This isn’t though,” a moment later he was in Gilgamesh’s face, unleashing a point blank Flare. The attack forced him back only a few feet before fizzling out. There were some black spots on his armor, but no significant damage. “Impressive,” he replied before firing the attack back. Jason didn’t move, the blast being absorbed by his sword. “It seems my senses failed me. Or maybe I was just too caught up in the joy of fighting you again. That sword, I wonder how much it can absorb before it breaks? It can be repaired, right?” “It won’t break. It’s not even metal,” Jason said, tapping the blade against his leg.”It’s actually wood. Made from a small branch of Yggdrasil.” “Interesting,” he replied simply, making some hand signs with with all six of his hands. “Let’s test that. Tengai Shinsei.” He then summoned Zantetsuken, cut a hole in reality, and left through it. Jason felt a heat slowly increase around him before looking up, seeing a massive meteorite burning in the atmosphere as it fell towards him. “Let’s see what you got,” Jason said, holding his hand up. He charged up an Ultima spell. It crackled as he poured more energy into it, before firing it up at the meteor. The two collided in a titanic explosion, large chunks of rock falling to the earth. Jason fired off a few Flares, breaking up most of the larger chunks. “Killing me is fine but try not the break the planet.” “In that case, it seems this battle cannot be settled with our knowledge of magic or our abilities,” Gilgamesh replied, appearing behind him and summoning all six of his most powerful blades. “But with our skill in melee combat. Shall we?” he asked as he floated down to the ground, waiting for Jason to follow. “Sounds good to me,” Jason said, sliding to the ground. “Ready whenever you are,” Gilgamesh took his stance and played his own song. “Let’s begin.” He disappeared in a burst of speed, slashing with Caliburn, the blade lighting aflame as he did. Jason blocked it, his own blade igniting. He jumped back, firing off a few Flares which were cut and dispersed into nothing by Zantetsuken. Gilgamesh swung Bashosen, unleashing a small funnel of razor-sharp wind. Jason contorted the wind around himself, hurling it back with much greater force. Gilgamesh lit himself on fire, barrelling through the attack, before slashing at Jason with both Masamune and Muramasa simultaneously. Jason rolled out of the way, sending out a wave of ice spikes at Gilgamesh. The warrior simply continued to dash forwards, the spikes melting against his still aflame body, before slashing at Jason rapidly with all six of his blades, flashes of light the only indications of their presence. Jason swore, most of the blades glancing off his armor, though one caught him across the face. “Omnitrix, Nightshade,” he commanded before shifting into his gengar form. He jumped back, hurling a Shadow Ball at Gilgamesh. He responded by disengaging his fiery form and leaping above the attack. He inhaled deeply, his body sparking with electric power. “SHABON BREATH!” he shouted before unleashing a storm of bubbles from his mouth, all of them sparking with the same energy and shooting towards the jotun-turned-pokemon. Jason’s eyes widened before he used Protect, the attack dispersing across his barrier. “Omnitrix, Vánagandr,” Jason commanded before being replaced by a giant grey wolf, snarling at Gilgamesh, his fangs glistening in the sunlight. “Heh. Been waiting for a chance to do this,” the warrior muttered before taking a series of poses. “IT’S BIGGIFYING TIME!” he shouted before his body grew in size from a formidable twelve feet to a staggering thirty. He was still smaller than his opponent, but not going to be swallowed in a single gulp. Gilgamesh swung Excalibur only for Jason to catch it in his maw. The force was enough to push the massive beast several yards, but he still held the weapon firm. Jason twisted his head, pulling Gilgamesh off his feet and chucking him off toward a mountain. “Thanks for the distance,” he said before activating his gravity shifter powers, hovering in the air before spinning his blades and taking a stance. “Hissatsu, part three,” he said before raising all six of his blades upwards. “MONARCH BLADE!” A giant ball of green energy the size of his body appeared above him. “FEEL MY WRATH!” he shouted and flung the attack at the giant canine. Jason shifted again, this time into a black, one eyed creature with a pair of strange tentacles coming out of his head. He shot his head tentacles into the ball, absorbing it completely. “Oh, you’re kidding me! An alien besides the osmosians can absorb energy!?” “Yup! Feedback, baby!” Jason smirked, holding his hands out and firing the energy back at him. Gilgamesh met the blast with his blades, managing to stop the attack from hitting him, but the continued force was enough to send him flying back into a mountain, the rock structure cracking on impact. “That looked like it hurt!” A moment later the ground began to rumble and the mountain rose before hurled at Jason, soaring high in the air in an arc. “Oh crap,” Jason said, shifting into Way Big and moving to catch it. Just before he could, a laser shot from behind it, destroying the structure and striking Jason in the chest, causing him to stagger back and revealing Gilgamesh right behind the now disintegrated structure. “Hissatsu, Part Four,” he said, his blades crossed in front of him and glowing white. “CROSS SLASH!” Six waves of force shot out as he swung his swords, slamming into Jason with enough force to lift him into the air and cut into his hide. “Gah!” Jason shouted as he flew into the air, face contorted in pain. He shifted again, this time into Jetray. He flew at Gilgamesh, firing off lasers from his eyes. Gilgamesh responded with the same, the blasts meeting in mid-air. Both grunted as they tried to overpower the other before the warrior suddenly stopped, dodging the blast with a combination of dropping to the ground and shrinking back to his original size, before using his shifter powers to pull Jason down to him. Jason shifted into Four Arms, slamming his fists into Gilgamesh as he fell toward him. “Oof! Not bad!” he grunted before kicking his opponent off him, dispersing his weapons before taking a deep breath, his body crackling with the power of Hamon again. “OVERDRIVE RENDAN!” he shouted before unleashing a flurry of punches. Jason met the attack, managing to keep up despite having two less arms, until his arms suddenly went numb. He realized too late the power crackling over his arms before being struck in the chest and face by several punches, his body going limp as they connected, before being sent flying by an uppercut. “Okay,” Jason said as he tumbled along the ground, “that hurt. How about we take this a little slower? Omnitrix, Clockwork.” He got to his feet, changing into a large, metallic gold creature with a glowing chest and a wind up key on his head “Bet you can guess vhat zis guy can do, no?” he asked with a German accent. “You be controlling time, ja?” Gilgamesh replied in his own overdone accent. “Show me what you can be doing.” “Ve shall, shall ve?” he asked before firing off a pair of green beams from his hands aimed at Gilgamesh, who jumped above them. “Not too keen on getting hit by beams of time,” he muttered before aiming his hands like guns at Jason. “Tusk!” he shouted before firing the nails from two of his index fingers. “Unt I’m not keen on getting shot by nails!” Jason said, firing off another beam, aging the nails to dust. Gilgamesh growled before summoning his blades. “TOKE WO TOMARE!” he shouted as time stopped. “Oh hey, I forgot you could do that too,” Jason said, sounding rather surprised, and appearing rather unaffected by the time stop. “Ah, so you’re resistant too, huh? Then not much point, except for this,” Gilgamesh replied before casting several Missile and Rocket Punch spells in every direction, the attacks shooting out a few feet before stopping in midair. Gilgamesh then deactivated the stop causing them all to continue. “Oh crap!” Jason said before seeming to speed up, moving out of the way, “How about ve see vhat you looked like back in kindergarten!” Jason shouted, firing off another pair of time beams. Gilgamesh cast Haste on himself, dodging the attacks. Jason kept up the assault before he fell over in pain, looking down at his legs to find several holes in them. “How the-?” “Chumiiiin!” came a high pitched voice. Jason looked up to see a small pink creature, possessing two clamp like arms and no legs, hovering behind Gilgamesh. The warrior smirked. “Tusk does more than shoot nails,” he said before aiming one of his hands downward, firing his index, middle, and ring nails at the ground. The attacks pierced the ground and then the holes themselves started to race towards Jason. “That’s just bullshit,” Jason said as he struggled to get back to his feet. “Ack! That’s fucking painful!” Before he could raise himself off the ground the holes managed to come in contact with his hand. Instead of piercing him immediately, they traveled up his body before each one shot through him, one on his wrist, another his elbow, and the final one on his shoulder. Jason spasmed before he went limp, the light in his chest and eyes going out. “Hm, seems you’ve still got some work to do,” Gilgamesh muttered before walking over to the downed. “I didn’t even need to-” he continued before stopping mid-stride. “Wait.. if he’s KO’d, then wouldn’t he change back to-?” “That is an excellent point!” Hodgepodge said, suddenly behind Gilgamesh, “You did quite the beating on Clockwork, nearly killed him. Thankfully, the watch’s failsafe kicked in and let me out!” “Wha?” Gilgamesh asked dumbly before looking back to where Clockwork was, only to see nothing. “Oh shit,” he muttered, turning back. “I never actually fought a draconequus before.” “Nope,” Hodge said with a grin, “I’m going to make you wish you never let me out!” he vanished before reappearing behind Gilgamesh, hitting him with a golf club, and sending him flying into a mountain. “Oh silly me, I forgot to account for the wind.” Gilgamesh groaned in pain as he sat up. “OK, me versus chaos magic. Not good, but not impossible to deal with,” he muttered as he hopped to his feet. “Now the question is, do I combat him seriously, or try to fight with the same tools?” “As they say, fighting fire with fire makes the whole world blind,” Hodgepodge said, grabbing Gilgamesh and looking into his eyes. “Or something like that. You know... I’m in the mood for some pinball, wouldn’t you agree?” A moment later, the warrior found himself inside of the ball launcher of a pinball machine. “Aw, motherfu-” The spring pulled back and then shot forward, sending him flying into the machine. Hodge smirked as he worked the flippers, sending the warrior bouncing this way and that, all the while laughing his ass off over the various sound effects. “I guess I really am the pinball wizard!” “You’re not -oof!- deaf, dumb, -gah!- blind, or -bleh!- a kid!” Gilgamesh shouted as he ricocheted from bumper to bumper. “What a funny story Mark,” Hodge said, hitting Gilgamesh with another flipper. This time instead of hitting a trigger, he found himself in a room, the floor covered in loose LEGO bricks, with no shoes on. “And don’t try any of those powers of yours, unless you want a dose of R63 and some spoons.” “Grr. Fine, you wanna fight with memes? I’m game,” Gilgamesh growled before inhaling deeply. “FUS RO DAH!” he shouted, and a massive wave of force erupted from his throat, destroying the room and sending the LEGOs flying. “One does not simply out-meme Hodgepodge,” Hodgepodge said, fixing his hair, “GET OUT OF HERE STALKER!” he shouted twice as loud, blasting Gilgamesh through several walls and into a tub of gravy. “If this gravy is an Ed, Edd n Eddy reference... that would actually make me feel happy. Nostalgia is a strange thing it seems,” Gilgamesh muttered before jumping out of the tub and landing in front of the reality warper. “Hey, does ASDF Movie sound familiar to you?” “I dunno but the answer to your question is buttered-” “Suddenly, pineapples,” Gilgamesh interrupted in a British accent. “Millions of them.” “Huh?” Just then an innumerable number of pineapples shot from the ground, pelting the draconequus and sending him flying. He stopped himself mid-air before shaking his head. “Old meme is old, even if you did change it.” “Then how’s this? Catch!” Something green flew at Hodgepodge, who caught it. Staring back at him was a cute little turtle, but with a rounded shell and a curious red button on top. “Hello!” it said in an adorable voice before a pineapple fell from the sky and hit it, pressing the button... causing it to erupt in fiery explosion. “You heartless monster! That turtle was adorable!” Hodge shouted, covered in soot with his hair blown back, “You want to play like that, well I can get extreme too! I place upon you,” he paused dramatically, “The curse of!” he paused again, the camera zooming in on his eyes, “Futanari!” he waved his hands around, making sci-fi noises. “Dude, wrong rating for this fic!” “Well I haven’t said it would be on screen,” Hodge said, grabbing Gilgamesh and carrying him over to a door marked ‘hentai’, “Have fun!” he said casting the curse on the poor warrior before chucking him inside and locking it. A strangled scream later the door was cut open, disintegrating right afterwards. Gilgamesh stood panting, covered in... well, let’s not say. “Not the worst thing on the internet, but still not my cup of tea. That being said,” he continued with a smirk, “you’ve given me time to prepare.” He held out Zantetsuken, the blade emanating a faint glow. “This battle ends now,” he declared and then slashed Hodgepodge across the chest. For a moment, nothing happened, then the Omnitrix flashed red and the draconequus became Jason again. “Hi,” Jason said, punching Gilgamesh in the face hard enough to send him stumbling back. “Ugh, damn it,” he groaned before standing up. “At least you’re more manageable in this form.” “We’ll see about that,” he said, cracking his neck and stepping forwards. “If you haven’t figured it out yet, kid, I’ve done more than just recover my lost power since we last met,” Gilgamesh replied before holding a hand out. “Perfect Defense.” His body shone white for a moment before radiating a blue color. “Let’s see how you react when you can only defend,” he gloated before summoning all his blades and dashing forwards, spinning like a top and engulfed in a fiery tornado. Jason pulled out his sword, the blade greedily sucking in the flames. He rolled under Gilgamesh, slashing at his legs. The blade simply bounced off, causing him to stagger for a moment, giving Gilgamesh the chance to set up for an attack, dispelling his weapons. “METSU,” he shouted as he slammed a fist into Jason’s stomach with enough force to lift him off the ground. This was followed by a jumping uppercut that seemed to practically contort his face. “SHORYUKEN!” Gilgamesh roared, sending Jason flying skyward. Gilgamesh followed by holding all six of his arms off to the side, cupping them. “Shinkuu HADOKEN!” he shouted, unleashing a building sized beam of pure energy where the jotun was about to fall. Jason spit out some blood before he held Laevateinn up, the sword glowing as it absorbed the energy. Jason snarled, swinging the blade, throwing the energy back at Gilgamesh. The massive blast completely eclipsed the warrior, hiding him from sight before dispersing, only to show a completely unharmed Gilgamesh. “What part of ‘Perfect Defense’ didn’t you understand?” he asked before disappearing in a burst of speed, reappearing right above Jason, three of his arms held high, glowing violet. Jason rolled out of the way, avoiding the initial hit, only to be sent flying from the blast, noticing the the snow had been blown away and the ground cracked like a broken dinner plate for miles around as he went soaring. Jason tumbled along the ground with a groan, his sword landing several feet away from him, “Cheating bastard is what you are,” he said, getting to his feet. Despite the beating, his armor was still nearly pristine. “And you can expect your enemy to treat you the same,” came a voice from behind him. Jason turned just in time to see Gilgamesh cut him with Zantetsuken. Despite this Jason felt no pain and held his hands out in front of him. “Ultima!” he shouted, only for nothing to happen. He tried to summon and icy wind, but that too failed him. “Zantetsuken can cut anything Jason,” Gilgamesh explained. “Spirits, ideas, anything I can think of. I’ve temporarily severed you from your magic, your jotun abilities included. I’ve severed your Omnitrix from its power, and now,” he continued as he used his gravity powers to hurl Laevateinn far off into the distance. “I’ve severed you from your weapons.” He placed the blade to Jason’s throat. “The stronger fighter doesn’t always win. Sometimes all it takes is one technique to claim victory. I could’ve ended this fight at any time, Jason, and there would’ve been almost nothing you could’ve done about it.” Before he could respond, the Omnitrix surged back to life, shifting him again, this time into Alien X. “Motion carried,” he spoke, holding his hand out, shattering Gilgamesh’s Perfect Defense. Gilgamesh looked shocked before leaping back, his blades at the ready. “That would’ve worn off in a minute or so anyway,” he muttered. Alien X stood there for a moment before stepping forward, “Motion carried,” he spoke, before rushing forward and punching Gilgamesh in the stomach, making him drop to his knees. “I win,” he muttered before performing the Vulcan nerve pinch on Gilgamesh, the warrior falling almost completely limp, convulsing slightly on the ground. “My point... is proven,” he said, seeming to struggle to get those words out. Jason reverted to normal before falling onto his back, “I told you the Omnitrix had a failsafe. You put my life in danger and triggered it.” “Yeah... kinda forgot about that.” He sighed. “So... call it a draw?” “Yeah... next time I’m going to kick your ass, old man,” he said with a laugh, letting his eyes close. Gilgamesh chuckled before returning to his base form. “We’ll see. I still didn’t use everything in my arsenal against you. All the same, I think I can safely say I now have nothing left to teach you. Can you just just promise me one thing, Jason?” “Yeah? What’s that?” “I know as a norseman you see no greater honor than dying in battle, but... if you have to choose between dying an honorable death and living to fight again, please try and choose the latter. You’ve got two wonderful wives to look after now, and... I don’t want to come back here and find a tombstone with your name on it.” Jason let out a sigh, looking up at the sky, “I’ll try but... I’d rather die than yield.” “Not yield, Jason. Just don’t sacrifice yourself senselessly. I’ve seen too much of that already.” “I promise... now go get my sword and let’s get back to the city. I have a honeymoon to get to.” “Heh. Lucky bastard.”