The Road Ahead

Humans are savage. Their souls are black and twisted, consuming even those who fight to right their wrongs. It irritates you to see them annihilate themselves with no care for their lives or the ones around them. So it is no surprise that like your fellow Gods and Goddesses, you desire to see them eliminated.

On the eve of Ragnarok, you wait with bated breath as the Gods lay waste to the humans. It isn't until the 3rd match that the life of a God is wiped out, that of the Sea Tyrant, Poseidon.

You are horrified by his defeat, not certain how a human could win against him. It certainly shows how serious humanity is about living, an action you are both confused by and in awe of.

Why do they fight so hard?

As you contemplate the question, you carry an ornate terracotta pitcher of wine to the VIP area, as instructed by the senior God of your pantheon as a means to share their condolences to Zeus for his loss. A familiar brute with blond hair, waiting outside, sees you upon drawing near.

"It has been a while," Ares states with a sad smile.

Too long. You nod briefly. Being close to the Gods and Goddesses of the Greek pantheon has its benefits. One of which is not being immediately struck down for simply speaking to them.

"You have my condolences, Ares," you utter. "I can not fathom your pain and anger."

He hums.

"Thank you, my friend."

Trailing his teary eyes down your figure, he raises a curious brow.

"What is that around your ankles?"

You hum in question, then glance down to see what he is referring to. Tied around them is a red cord that's length stretches down the hall from which you came.

"How– I must have not noticed it."

Raising a leg, you reach down to remove the cord but it passes through your fingers as if it is intangible. Your eyes widen in concern.

"It won't come off."

Ares suddenly gasps, gray eyes widening.

"I know what that is. A God has tethered you."

His face turns red, an action that concerns you.

"It means that you are the soulmate to someone," he explains. "I have only recently learned about this, but a God is responsible for it."

"Why in the hell would someone want to do that?" You ask in shock.

It makes no sense. There is no reason to pair you with another, considering the fact you are a Goddess. Soulmates are a human concept. Now you have to waste your time figuring out how to remove the cord. An air of annoyance surrounds you.

This is unbelievable.

"Are you not going to see who the other end is tied to?" Ares asks suddenly.

No. Why would you?

"I am not interested," you state. "But I am curious as to who did this to me."

After a moment of deliberating, you groan.

"Please forgive me for my rudeness, Ares. I must get to the bottom of this."

Giving him a bow, you pace back down the hall before he can stop you. You aren't certain who can shed some light on this mistake, but you imagine the Valkyries might know something, wherever they are.

You can't promise to be civil with whoever put this damned cord on you.

Their reasoning had better be a good one.