The Gathering of the gods

WINIFRED

I didn't know exactly what I was expecting from the Pantheon. It resembled a giant coliseum filled to the brink with several figures of different shapes, sizes, and colors. Each had a human or two seated beside them, armed to the teeth. Compared to them, we really looked out of place in our black toga.

Yes, my vision was perfect here. It was the strangest thing. But it was very convenient.

"We are currently using our spiritual bodies. Do not worry. Our physical bodies are safe back up there. On the bright side, I can finally show you my real appearance."

Nathan was handsome. The body he possessed really didn't do justice to how handsome he was. Even amongst the outstanding humans in the world presented here, he could easily come out as the most perfect-looking human male. It was annoying. He looked like he was waiting for me to compliment him.

Now, why would I do that?

"So, where are we going to sit?"

"We don't really get a chair because we are supposedly banned. We can just stay out of sight until I find my body...Oh! There's his highness!"

It was my first time seeing Prince Ferdinard's face. There was a focused look in his eyes but if he stopped scrunching his eyebrows, he could be called handsome. But the direction he was looking in was more interesting. There was a high throne in the middle of the coliseum and seated on it was a female goddess. Right beside her were two chairs that held two men who bore a striking resemblance to Ferdinard.

"What an astounding turn of events. His highness really did disregard all consequences. I, for one, am amazed."

"This is your doing and you're amazed? Typical. You're just as conniving as every handsome man out there is."

"Ah ah! You just said I was handsome?"

"So? Did you need a trophy awarded just for that?"

"Actually, when I was younger, I..."

"Don't want to hear it. I think it's starting."

I should be awarded a trophy for knowing how to disarm Nathan, really. It's always a good day to deflate a man's ego. He didn't look like he minded but a few more times and he'll really be checking himself out again in the mirror, but not for the reasons you think.

{Welcome, all to the greatest place on Earth, The PANTHEON!}

The gods roared in excitement. The woman who spoke stood on a platform wearing what appeared to be...lingerie? It was just a white transparent gown that happened to cover her nipples and crotch. She swung her hips seductively as she spoke, exposing a long black tail with a heart-shaped tip. It went surprisingly well with her olive skin and long dark curly hair.

"Who is that?"

"Succubus, the goddess of lust. As you can tell, she is a crowd favorite. She just happens to be Oriel's biggest...how do you say that word? The word you use to describe Lady Freya and Darryl at times?"

"Groupie?"

"Exactly that. Her powers are nothing to joke about either. I'm surprised she's still the announcer as these things."

The energy clearly went up with her as the announcer. I watched to see what would happen whilst staying out of sight with Nathan.

{This year, we have amazing participants from all around the world! We have so many interesting legends gathered today and even more scandalous events!}

It might have been my imagination but she looked over at Ferdinard when she said that. Maybe gods truly were all-knowing.

{I know you've been waiting for this for a long time so I'm not going to waste any more. The first stage of the Pantheon stars...Now!}

The ground beneath our feet started to vibrate. I held on to Nathan, vigilant. Pillars began emerging from the ground as it terraformed into different structures, forming a large pit locked in with tough steel, resembling a pit fighting cage ring. She just happened to say the words I hoped she would not.

{Yes, challengers. The first stage is A BATTLE ROYALE!}

"She fucking did not!"

"Yes, she did. That is usually how it is. You can't really opt out of fighting. We can't have you kicked out in the first stage. I'll protect you."

I didn't know how to fight but he didn't have to say it like that. I rolled my eyes and accepted his outstretched hand. I felt myself being lifted and realized that in a split second, I had been teleported into the cage ring. Several eyes were immediately on us as we appeared. They were looking at me but most importantly, the person beside me.

{Na...than? It can't be!}

"Oh, hello everyone. Did you miss me?" he just said, waving. He did resemble a celebrity with his annoying smirk. Like me, everyone looked like they wanted him to disappear. It was sweet, really.

{I have never seen him with a companion before. Has he perhaps...become weak?}

The murmurs started again. I knew I didn't look like much but such insults were unacceptable. However, I didn't even know how to use magic properly. I was, annoyingly, a liability.

"Why would you talk about her like that? Are you jealous of a mortal again, Oriel?"

{Cease to speak. I am tired of your nonsense, Nathan. Begin the competition. He is of no importance to me.}

She was the one with the most say so the moment she lowered her hand, all the combatants in close proximity headed straight for us.

"She's pretending," Nathan said. I don't know who lied and told him I gave a single fuck about an overpompus god. I cared more about imminent death but as always, he was callous.

"Close your eyes, my dear."

"Don't tell me what to do and DO NOT call me your dear."

I closed my eyes. I wasn't particularly given to seeing people shredded by the force of destruction that was Nathan. I knew he was going to keep us safe. He wouldn't dare let me di...

"You can open your eyes now, Princess."

So soon? I was surprised. However, I refused to be taken in by his charms. I cautiously opened one eye and looked around. The horde of enemies that came against us were all gone. There wasn't a single person left in the arena. There wasn't even a trace of a fight.

"What...happened?"

Apparently, I wasn't the only one with such questions. He smirked and said nothing, preferring to pick at a lock of my hair. When his hand made contact with my skin, it erupted with gooseflesh.

"Are you scared of me, my dear?"

I scowled immediately. Being scared of him meant admitting defeat. I, Winifred, will never be defeated.

"Of course not, asshole."