Hunter felt exhausted, even months after lining up another ally. Hunter took out his notes and started checking off realms he had already confirmed for the alliance. Idavoll, Helheim, Muspelheim, Niflheim, Nidavellir, Alfheim. Six of the fifteen realms were already involved and Hunter felt confident about getting Vanaheim and Jotunheim onboard. Hunter realized he should also count The Deep since Lulu already confirmed they would be helping.
Hunter did feel a bit concerned about leaving Glacier with Cinder, but since he had a chance to explain to her his newly shortened life expectancy he almost hoped the two would have enough in common to pair up. Hunter couldn't believe almost a third full year has passed since this whole thing started. He instructed the Dwarves to build a second pair of boats since two wasn't enough for transport and knowing how industrious they could be he wouldn't be surprised if they were done already. He did have a feeling of unease as he knew it was time for a new location. Only two remaining places to go, at this point it was a coin flip.
After getting pulled to a new location as expected Hunter found himself oddly dizzy. This was a sign his position had to be adjusted on the other side because something actively prevented him from manifesting in the exact position. Like a wall or something. Hunter found him standing on teal stone with carved squares like a tile pattern. He also noticed a slight difference in gravity indicating he was much farther up in the air than before. After exiting the building he was in he noticed the outside. The building placement and streets were mostly similar to home, but in place of where grass should be there was nothing but air or clouds. Looking over an edge Hunter realized he was on some sort of floating structure. A sort of Sky Sanctuary in the clouds.
Hunter walked along the road looking at the many temple-like buildings in place of houses wondering what kind of people live here. It didn't take long for Hunter to be spotted by a small group of locals.
They were bipedal, standing on two legs with a mostly human looking body with the biggest change being the digitigrade legs ending in talons that had opposable thumbs, the with there arms being replaced by wings and their heads having breaks. They were bird people, their body frames thin much like an elves to accommodate flight. From what Hunter could see they used their feet talons for hands as well as feet when on the ground or in the air. The small group pointed wings at Hunter and chirped out sounds that Hunter didn't yet understand.
Body language indicated they were not hostile, in fact they gestured for Hunter to come closer. They were likely curious. Light-bringer chirped with excitement, if anyone other than Hunter or its previous partner could understand it, these birds would be it.
Hunter was still cautious as he approached, listening to the chirps of the bird people as he waited for the translation to kick in. In the meantime he followed the bird people. Finally the translator started working mid sentence.
“...and that's why we are taking him to the goddess.” The bird was addressing his companion.
“A goddess? Well I guess as long as you don't try sacrificing me to her.”
The three bird people looked at Hunter in shock.
“I have an auto translator, it just figured out your language. Sometimes it takes a while. Now tell me about this goddess.”
“She came here from another world, taught us many things. If anyone would know what to do with someone from another world it would be her.”
“Well you aren't trying to kill me, so that's already better than some places I've visited. What is this goddess even a goddess of anyway?”
“You'll see when you meet her.”
Hunter was led to a large building, the inside was set up like an auditorium. Hunter looked around and saw another group of bird people escorting other outsiders into the building. Four people. Lady Hel, Thrud, Michael, and Lilac.
Hunter lit up upon seeing them, traveling alone hasn't been the same since he separated from his brother. “Hey guys, nice to see some familiar friendly faces.”
They all greeted Hunter and Lilac even gave him a hug. “So who's this Goddess we are going to see? The birds weren't exactly forthcoming with that.”
“Yeah, I could at least get a name or a title to go on.”
The birds all gestured to the stage. “Introducing our goddess, the most graceful and elegant voice you'll ever hear. Our Lady of a Thousand Faces!”
Hunter's eyes widened as his face went pale. “Nyarlathotep.”
A figure in a dress decorated with masks that displayed different expressions like the comedy and tragedy masks but with other expressions included danced onto the stage singing in perfect English.
“On the stage~ Gilded cage~ As the stars shine in the twilight, glimmering oh so bright. Treasure today~ It's not here to stay~ I'll have everybody singing like a show on old Broadway~”
Hunter is a bit confused as to why they were singing and worked on the assumption that they knew some stuff about more modern Midgard through the method Lulu explained. Hunter opened his mouth to speak but found his voice coming out in song.
“Something's not right~ Why can't I fight~ This urge to- go- on- singing~ Some spell effecting me~ regardless of volition, words into song without permission~”
Hel, Michael and Lilac try to talk but find themselves equally affected. “Something’s not right~ We just can't fight~ an urge to- go- on- singing~ Regardless of volition, words to song without permission~”
Hunter takes a step towards Nyarlathotep. “I feel a sense of dis-com-bob-u-lation~ I feel compelled to ask you, to question you your mot-i-vation~”
Nyarlathotep sways their hips as they move across the stage. “I love musicals as you can see, just as plain as it can be~ Sometimes words aren't enough to convey feelings~ Apologies if this sends you reeling. I'm just trying to do my part, let you talk out of your heart. So this is what we'll do, you'll pour out your thoughts when I pass the mic to you~ In time it will feel right~ Don't even try to fight~ this urge to- go- on- singing~ Regardless of volition, your words to song without permission~”
The four visitors to this realm try to talk but can't help but continue to pitch in. “In time it might feel right~ waste of energy to fight~ this urge to- go- on- singing~ Regardless of volition, words to song without permission~”
Magical music that was playing in the background ends and Nyarlathotep talks normally. “Alright cuties, who'll be the first to confess something they've been holding back?”
Michael looked at Hunter knowing he's been holding in a lot of emotions about a lot of things and not giving himself enough time to process it resulting in him venting some months back. However when music starts playing again it's actually Thrud who starts singing. Despite never learning the language her song comes out in near perfect English.
“I spent a lot of time in my youth, seeking attention. Of parents who had both had a lot on their minds, to have thoughts of me in retention. I may have started acting out, just to gather attention. Had to lose myself to find my way, outside a shadow so looming. Now I let my warrior roar, out in a sound that was booming.
I grew to be strong enough on my own, so no-one else would be needed. The touch of another’s hand, never something which I was pleading.
A strong independent woman, not needing of a man. Devoting myself to another, never part of my long-term plans.
Despite my intentions, I found myself yearning~ For the touch of something greater than friendship, as time is turning~
It's not about something I need, I'll chase what I want at my own speed, so just lend me your haaand to hooooold~
I want you here right by my side, not to lean on but to return my feelings in kind.
I'm strong enough all on my own, no-one else is needed. Touch of another's hand now something that I'm pleading. A strong independent woman not needing of a man, devoting myself to another part of my newest plans.
Despite my intentions, I found myself yearning~ For the touch of something, I guess I'm learning.
It's not about what I need, chasing what I want at my own speed, just lend me your hand to hold~
I guess what I'm saying, though it may be a little bold, is a want you in my life, and I- want- your- hand- to- hooooold~”
The music is still playing as Michael grabs Thrud's hand. “I hear what you're saying, and it's my turn to be bold, I know I feel the same, and I- want- your- hand- to- hooooold~”
The music stops and Hunter is able to talk normally. “So I guess that's a thing now. Then again I left you with her months ago so I shouldn't be surprised.”
Lady Hel breathed a sigh of relief. “Now that the singing is over with Hunter, there's something we should talk about. Vidar looked into what could be since we couldn't trust our parents. Something he told me has been bothering me and-”
Nyarlathotep waves a finger. “Uh-uh-uh. No confessions of any sort without a musical number today missy.” Music starts playing once more.
“No statue is built in your honor, no holiday is bearing your name. Whether or not you are getting a funeral, the ending will be just the same.
No-one will be at your funeral, no-one will sing you a song. No-one is throwing you flowers. No-one's gonna miss you when you're gone.
I'm not sure exactly what happens, why that injustice occurs isn't quite clear. But I don't think there's a way of changing, the reason you'll cease to be here. For the sake of countless other people, you're willing to give up it all. For some reason there won't be memorials, dedicated after you fall.
No statue is built in your honor, no holiday bearing your name. I don't know who it is that will bury you, the ending will be just the same.
No-one will be at your funeral, no-one will sing you a song. No-one is throwing you flowers. No-one’s gonna miss you when you're gone.”
Hunter tries to respond normally but it's no use.
“I know that you have so many worries, I know you only endeavor to care. To meet my fate I am in no hurry, even if no-one else is there. It's not that I'm unafraid of dying, please know that isn't the case. Knowing the future won't stop me from trying, to make the world into a better place. The only thing in this world that scares me more than dying is what'll happen to you if I don't.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
I don't care for states of honor, or holidays bearing my name. I don't care if you even bury me, my feelings remaining the same.
I don't care who goes to my funeral, I don't care who sings me a song. I don't care who's throwing me flowers. I know you're gonna miss me when I'm gone.”
“Nobody will be at your funeral, nobody will sing you a song. Nobody is gonna remember you. Nobody’s gonna miss you when you're gone.”
“I don't care who shows to my funeral, I don't care who'll sing me a song. I know you'll always remember me. I know you're gonna miss me when I'm gone.”
The music stops and Hunter can talk normally again. “I don't give a damn about going down in history or being a hero, as long as those closest to me hold me in their heart that's all that matters.”
Nyarlathotep claps “now isn't that a lovely sentiment. He doesn't expect thanks let alone a reward. Then again if he's going to die it's not like he'd get to enjoy the statues anyway.”
Michael grumbles. “I still don't exactly understand why you are doing all this considering how your life has been up to this point. After everything you've been through, what do you even owe the world anyway?” music starts to play again.
“I remember as kids you were such a happy boy, not a care in the world. Somebody who always had a smile, even when bullied and abused. One day you simply stopped smiling, bitter at being used. I'm not exactly sure what happened, between them and now. Why you're so willing to give it all up, why you're so ready to die. For this world that's done nothing good for you, why is it you even try?
Why is it you're so willing to die for this world, when life has beat you up and knocked you down at each and every turn. If I were the one into this fate has hurled, I would have stepped away and watched as it all burned.
I remember when you left for the air force, the way you and father fought. Willing to die for your country, because it was something you thought. You thought somehow it would make him proud, and perhaps out of habit of sacrificing your happiness for the benefit of another. Now the voices of your past sins your thoughts they cloud, willing to die for everyone brother.
Honestly I just can't understand, why you'd be willing to make this your plan. Even if afterwards the world is a better place, it's not like you'll see it anyway. If the power you have was in my hands, I don't think such selfless sacrifice would be something I can.
Why is it you're so willing to die for this world, when life has beat you up and knocked you down at each and every turn. If I were the one whom this fate has turned, I would have stepped away and watched it all burn.
If it was me I don't think I'd rush to my urn. I think I'd take a step back, I think I'd watch it burn.
Why is it you are willing to die for this world, when life has beat you up and knocked you down at each and every turn. If I were the one walking in your shoes~ I would have stepped away, I'd watch as it burned."
The music stops and Hunter lets it sink in before talking. “You don't have to understand it Michael, but I'm doing this. I'm going to gather the forces of the realms into a united front and give my all to save them and create a better future. Even if that means I die. Even if that means I don't get to see it. Because if I don't, Hastur will turn the realms into a totalitarian hellscape void of free will.”
Hel looks at Nyarlathotep and says “Hey, can I get a moment to talk to Hunter without it turning into a song?”
“You’ve already gotten one so I guess we can have an intermission. But he and the elf lady still have to have a turn before this is over “
“Thanks” Hel pulls Hunter to the side. “I was trying to explain this before I got interrupted but since we last saw one another I decided I wasn't content just letting you die and I didn't trust my father or Odin to have been the most honest people about what they saw. I kinda talked Vidar into using the Well of Knowledge and he sacrificed his voice permanently to learn as much as he could about what was coming. He acted like he was having trouble remembering all of it and was awfully vague, but I've seen my father's notes and I even checked Odin's. Both had a perfect recall of what they saw, meaning he was holding back information. I tried to ask him about it, but he tried deflecting by telling me about a future that could have been that Odin robbed me of. It distracted me for a bit but not long as I asked again. All he would give me is that he couldn't tell me more cause it risked you meeting a fate worse than death. However I couldn't help but hyper focus on what he did tell me and that included the fact that for some reason your contributions to the war are forgotten.”
“He probably won't budge so you'll have to trust he has been honest about the good reason not to tell you more. What kind of future did he tell you about that was able to distract you?”
“He…. Told me that one of the possibilities had us being a couple. Apparently you had the potential to travel realms even without Ymir. It's probably why you are able to make controlled jumps.”
“Ah, I see. Anything else interesting from what he told you?”
“He saw that tree from your vision confirming that whatever you saw was in fact the future or at least a possible future.”
“I wonder who would go out of their way to create such a symbolic image and why. Then again I won't live to solve the mystery so I guess it's a mute point. Now let's rejoin the group and try to get some normal conversation in before Nyarlathotep triggers another musical number.”
The pair rejoins the group. Lilac approaches Hunter to take advantage of the intermission. “We should probably have a conversation as well before the music starts again. You know, about us.” She points to the three of them. “Hel explained to me that apparently we are the only ones still willing to attempt a romantic relationship with you despite the complications. She also teased me about you sleeping in her bed and seeing each other naked.”
“We didn't do anything and those were separate events. I was fully clothed in that bed.”
“I figured as much, otherwise she would have outright stated she'd already done that. You have so little time left, sooner you choose the better.”
“I'd rather not get hung up on that. I mean I'm willing to die so that everyone else, including you two, can have a real chance at happiness without this threat looming over the realms.”
“I understand that, it's a noble sacrifice even if you don't feel your motivation isn't right. I'm just saying you should make the most of what little time you have before then. You say we deserve to be happy, but what about you? Don't you deserve to be happy too?”
Hel looked away from the group. She had asked him the same question and knew how Hunter would respond.
“Honestly, there are times I don't even think I deserve to be alive. That said traveling the realms despite the issues is the happiest I've ever been. Getting to explore new places and meet new people. Make new friends and endure new struggles. The ups and downs these past few years are the best I've ever had. So I guess it doesn't matter if I think I deserve it or not, I'll do my best to enjoy what I have while I can. I just don't want to rush into something simply because I've got an impending expiration date. I care about both of you, I care about all the friends I've made. Becoming something more, devoting my time to a single person is a big commitment. I've been hurt in the past and before this I didn't exactly care about romance or lack there of because I wasn't ready for one. I still don't know if I am. I promise to spend as much time as I can with the both of you till I've decided what I want. All I ask is some patience.”
“Just don't make us wait too long Hunter.”
“I just don't understand the rush, with how long you live you'll have more than enough time to find someone new. Maybe you shouldn't bother with trying for anything more than friendship with me. Even before the news my life would have been a blip in your's. Compared to an elf my entire lifespan is like a decade. Shorter than a dog’s. Compared to an Aesir my life would be even shorter than a hamster’s. I mean if not for what's coming I guess the apples could have helped with that and who knows how Ymir affects my aging. But now I have at best ten years. That's nothing compared to even a human lifespan.”
Lilac put her hand on Hunter's. “Yeah well… regardless of whether or not you feel you deserve to be loved, you are. I'm not sure about Lady Hel, but my feelings are definitely romantic. They started during the first time you visited and only grew. It's not just because I owe you a debt but because of the time we spent together. However long you have, I'll make the best of it. Because at this point I think I already love you.”
Lady Hel looked at Lilac holding Hunter's hand and felt a pit in her stomach like her heart dropped a little. “Shit, I'm starting to think I already have feelings too. Considering I'm getting a little jealous. However I am a strong person who's been on their own for a very long time. Not being chosen wouldn't be the end of the world for me.”
“Here I was worried about having to compete with a literal Goddess but Hunter doesn't seem to care about status.”
Hunter chuckled. “Even if I did, I wouldn't now because I'm not going to benefit from it. Helheim isn't actually an afterlife so it's not like I'll get post death benefits from dating the queen.”
Nyarlathotep walks back to the group. “Alright people, intermission is over. Elf lady, you are next.”
“My name's Lilac.”
“I kinda don't care.” Music starts playing. “Now then, anything you got on your chest after that touching little intermission?”
Lilac starts vocalizing with the music, when she starts talking she instead starts singing about whatever is the heaviest thing on her mind right now.
“I've laid awake at night, stared at the stars as they glistened. Calling out to the gods from my mind, and hoped they listened. I've tossed and turned in my sleep, haunted by the blissful image of things I wanted to be~ I've begun to fantasize, both through the day and through the night. A future that I wish for, with all of my might. Even when I know the possibility is somewhere beyond my reach. It won't stop me from trying so now I will beseech.
I've imagined in my mind, a nice humble family. Kids that I know can never be, my dream is in shambles. Even before this latest news threatened to break my heart, the lack of my dream’s viability was tearing me apart.
I've named inside my mind, the kids I'm never having. I've imagined them learning to walk, imagined them standing. Even when I know in truth we're like a dog and a cat, two things that could never mix, I wish the fantasies would stop at that.
And now these thoughts are keeping me up at night, a dream I know can't be real. But when I picture it it just feels right, so now you know just how I feel.
I've imagined in my mind, a nice humble family. Kids I know can never be, my dream is in shambles. Even before this latest news I understood the lack of the possibility, that never once stopped me.”
Hel starts singing as well. “Sometimes I lay awake at night, stare at the ceiling in a lack of light, I fantasize about what might have been. But I know it can not be, robbed of the choice and possibility, motherhood taken from me.” Hel puts her hand on her belly. “But that never once stopped me, from picturing the possibilities of what motherhood could be. It's a feeling bitter sweet, seeing the faces of children I know I'll never meet. A smile that never could be beat.”
Both sing together. “I've imagined in my mind, a nice humble family. Kids I know will never be, my dream in shambles. Even before this latest news, I knew it never could be true, but it's never stopped me~ From dreaming~ Of family~”
The music cuts and everyone can talk normally again. Hunter tilts his head. “I know Hel can't have kids because…. She simply can't. But what's stopping you from being a mother Lilac?”
Michael granny slaps Hunter in the back of the head. “You dense idiot. I swear you're so dense you put a fruit cake to shame. It's not that she can't bear children, it's that she can't bear your children. You know, because you're not even the same species. Absolute moron, I swear.”
“Oh. Well that's a whole nother can of worms to picture what our kids would look like when we haven't even properly kissed or moved past the early stages. I'll have to use my time off to spend more time outside of Midgard so we can actually have time together to figure stuff out. Besides I'm not entirely human so even if normally a human and elf aren't compatible in that way it might not apply to me.”
Hel made a hand wave. “Hunter actually makes a good point. He's a living Bifrost. The metaphysical bridge that connects realms, time and space, thought and reality. The Bifrost is what makes magic as we know it possible and he's got a direct line to the source. He could potentially bridge the gap between impossible and possible. Who knows what he's truly capable of.”
“Wait… living Bifrost? As in the Crownless King prophecy?”
“Yeah, my dad planted that for Hunter to find. Wanted Hunter to know what he signed up for.”
“That… that has some interesting implications if you take the last line as poetic license or literally. I mean think about it in the context of what Vidar did and didn't tell you.”
There's a long pause from them both that no one interrupts.
Nyarlathotep claps. “You won't be getting another intermission. We'll be going straight into Hunter's turn.” Music starts playing.
Hunter takes a few steps and the tune changes to match “Holding out for a Hero”.
“I am not a good man, no~ I'm a far cry from the gods. I'm not some streetwise Heracles, born to fight the rising odds. But when life beats me down and brings me to my knees, I always seem to find a way to get back on my feet.
I'm not a hero~ I'm just somebody who's too stubborn to die. So I learned to be strong and I learned to be fast ‘cause that's what it took to survive.
I'm not a hero~ But I'll do what I feel to be right. So I'm gonna be strong and I'm gonna be fast and I'm not going down without a good fight. Without a good fight~
As the clock runs close to midnight, as we reach the final hour. I know we all have our doubts, feeling a little sour. But we have a quest to gather strength, to fight a threat that towers.
I'm not a hero~ I'm just somebody who's too stubborn to die. So I learned to be strong and I learned to be fast ‘cause that's what it took to survive.
I'm not a hero~ but I'll do what I feel to be right. So I'm gonna be strong and I'm gonna be fast and I'm not going down without a good fight. Without a good fight~”
Nyarlathotep claps more as the music cuts. “Bravo, bravo. We still have plenty of time for a group final before Hunter's travel fatigue starts kicking in. So everyone ready up because everyone is going to picg in for this last one. As payment for entertaining me and I guess since Hastur’s plan would remove music and theater I'll join your little alliance.”
Hunter nodded. “Cool, that means we've confirmed all the upper realms minus Jotunheim and three of the seven lower realms.”
Nyarlathotep waves a hand and music starts once more.
“I know the future may seem daunting~ Uncertainty seems to be in the way~ A looming evil is now taunting~ We must join together to do more then keep it at bay~”
Hunter starts to join in. “I know we all have felt unsteady~ at times it seemed we lost our way~ But together we'll make a bright tomorrow~ The work will start right here today.~”
Everyone as a group joins together in song. “The power of friendship may be an overused trope, but the power of teamwork is never a joke. So long as we work together~ we can banish this threat forever~ For the good of us all, for the good of the people. We'll do what we must to rid the world of this evil. So long as we work together~ We can banish this threat forever~”
Hunter steps forward for a solo. “I know it's all happening a little too fast, when life is cut short every moment must last. I won't waver in my conviction, no matter the harsh conditions~”
The group sings together again. “So long as we work together~ we can banish this threat forever~”
Lilac and Lady Hel step up for a duet. “I know we're asking a lot but we've gotta act fast, make a decision with effects that'll last. We won't waver in our conviction, no matter the strange conditions~”
Thrud and Michael step forward for a duet next. “I know it's all happening a little too fast, but life is so short every moment must last. We won't waver in our conviction, no matter the premonition~”
Everyone joins together again. “We know it's all happening a little too fast, life is so precious so make sure it lasts. We won't waver in our convictions, no matter the harsh conditions~ The power of friendship may be an overused trope, but the power of teamwork is never a joke. So long as we work together~ we'll banish this threat forever~”
The music dies down and Hunter finishes the song solo. “I know it's all happening a little too fast, life is so precious so make sure it lasts. I won't waver in my conviction, no matter the harsh conditions.”
Nyarlathotep lightly chuckled. “I thought you guys were already done so I cut the musical complement. You just did that last line all on your own. You've actually got a decent voice.”
Lilac nods in agreement. “You should sing more often.”
“Hahaha. No. I suffer from crippling stage fright. Now if we are done doing our little musical I need a nap. A really big nap. So I have enough energy to go home.”
Nyarlathotep laughed. “Yeah, we're done. Go ahead and have a good sleep before moving on.”
Nyarlathotep waved at the crew as they left knowing full well this wasn't the last time the eldritch deva would get a show from Hunter and his crew.