Chapter 53

Nora raised her hammer over her head and Ren prepared to block the strike. Without warning Nora dropped Magnhild and her legs gave out. Ren jumped forward and caught her, gently lowering her to the ground. He cradled her head and put his ear to her mouth. She was still breathing! "Nora, are you okay?" Ren asked nervously.

Nora's eyes fluttered and she winced. Her head hurt. "MmmHmm." She groaned.

Ren started crying. "I thought I lost you." He sobbed. "I thought I lost everything."

So she was everything to him? Nora liked the sound of that. She really hoped he meant it. She could not stand to see him cry. She reached up with her index finger and tapped the end of his nose. "Boop." She said with a big smile. After a moment of surprise Ren met her smile with a smile of his own. "I'm so happy to see you." She reached up and hugged Ren tightly, too tightly for his liking, but he was not about to complain at a time like this.

Mitsuru stabbed forward with her sword. Mid-attack her body went limp and she collapsed into Labrys' waiting arms. Labrys grabbed her by the shoulders and held her up. After a moment Mitsuru's eyes opened. She groaned and looked up at Labrys. "What's happening?" She asked groggily.

"Are you injured?" Labrys asked. "Can you stand?"

Mitsuru realized Labrys was holding her up. She regained her footing and pulled back slightly. "I'm fine." She said, a little embarrassed. "What happened?"

"You were dead." Labrys said. Mitsuru did have a vague recollection of being on fire, then only darkness. "Thanatos revived you and made you fight us."

Mitsuru saw the damage to Labrys' torso and shoulder. "I'm sorry, did I hurt you?" Mitsuru asked.

"No, this is from another fight." Labrys explained. "I was more worried about hurting you."

"Are Akihiko and Aigis alright?" Mitsuru asked.

Blake ripped her arm out of the ice then used it to free her other arm. With a twist she broke her legs free then suddenly collapsed, falling on her face. Weiss knelt down and rolled Blake onto her back. "Blake?" She said.

Blake raised her hand to the side of her head and opened her eyes. "My head…" She groaned.

"I'm so glad you're alive!" Weiss exclaimed. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to stab you. I was trying to kill the shadow and I just…"

"Stop, it's fine." Blake cut her off. "I know you didn't do it on purpose. You would never intentionally hurt a friend."

"You have no idea how much it means to hear you say that." Weiss said with tears in her eyes.

Blake put her hand on her chest. "What happened to the wound." She asked. "I don't understand."

"You died, then Thanatos brought you back and made you fight us." Weiss said.

"I died?" Blake asked. "You must have felt so guilty."

Rise struggled to get free from Naoto's grasp. Naoto desperately tried to keep her pinned to the ground. Rise got an arm free and slugged Naoto in the side of the head. Dazed, Naoto rolled off to the side. She expected Rise to take advantage and attack but no attack came. Naoto looked over to see Rise lying in the same place she had been. Her facial expression was totally changed. She looked peaceful. Naoto scrambled over. "Rise, tell me you're okay." Naoto said.

"I'm okay?" Rise said. "I have one hell of a headache though." She looked down at her body. "How am I not…"

"Dead?" Naoto finished for her. "It's a long story. The short version is that Thanatos revived you and the others to fight us."

"So you were fighting me?" Rise asked.

"It was more like trying to stop you from fighting me, but I guess so." Naoto replied. "You're a lot stronger than I was expecting."

"What happened to that shadow?" Rise asked.

"You don't have to worry about it anymore." Naoto assured her. "Yu killed it."

"I knew he would." Rise said.

Ruby kept pushing Jaune over every time he tried to get up. It was surprisingly easy but Ruby felt bad. It was like bullying. Finally Jaune stopped. "Are you...you now?" Ruby asked, Crescent Rose still at the ready.

Jaune blinked and looked up at Ruby, then her weapon. "Uh...is there a reason you're pointing that thing at me?" He asked nervously.

"You were just trying to kill me." Ruby replied.

"Why would I do that?" Jaune asked. "You're my friend."

"I think you were being controlled." Ruby said.

"Hey, was I dead?" Jaune asked. "I sort of remember dying. It's a little foggy…"

"No, you were definitely dead." Ruby answered. "Thanatos brought you back with the others and made you fight us."

"So everyone else is alright?" Jaune asked. "Pyrrha too?"

Yang still had Akihiko locked up but her shins were getting sore from all the kicks. Still, she was not letting go. As long as she had Akihiko's hands tied up his best weapons were out of action. After a furious series of kicks he went limp. It had the side effect of allowing him to slip right out of the hold. He dropped to his knees then fell over on his face. "Hey, are you alright?" Yang asked, afraid she had accidentally hurt him.

"I'm fine." Akihiko groaned. "Why am I flat on my face?"

"That's where you landed." Yang replied.

"After what?" Akihiko asked.

"After our fight." Yang said.

"Why were we fighting?" Akihiko asked. "I don't remember anything." He stumbled to his feet.

"Well, you were dead, then Thanatos brought you and the others back and made you fight us." Yang explained. "I locked you in a pretty solid hold until you went limp."

"That's right...I was…" Akihiko started. "Is Mitsuru alright?"

Yu and Yosuke were side by side, flat on their backs. "What happened?" Yosuke asked. "Why does my jaw hurt?"

"Oh good, you're awake." Yu said. "You punch pretty hard."

"You too apparently." Yosuke said. "So, why am I not dead anymore?"

"Thanatos revived everyone who died to fight the survivors." Yu replied.

"That explains why we punched each other." Yosuke said. "Who else died?"

"Nora, Mitsuru, Akihiko, Blake, Rise and Jaune." Yu answered.

"That's right, Rise had to do the doubles match alone." Yosuke said. "I feel really bad. I'm sorry I couldn't be there to protect her."

"You and me both." Yu said. "Don't worry about it though, everyone's alive again."

"What about the gods?" Yosuke asked.

"Thanatos killed Eris after she lost to Aigis and Labrys." Yu explained. "Thanatos ran off while Hypnos was controlling you guys. Aigis and Pyrrha were fighting Hypnos, and since you're not trying to kill me anymore, I'm guessing they won."

"What are we going to do with him?" Pyrrha asked.

"I am not sure." Aigis replied.

"I'd really appreciate it if you would refrain from killing me." Hypnos said.

"Give us a reason and we'll consider it." Pyrrha said.

"I'll tell you everything." Hypnos offered. "Thanatos' plan, how everything was set up, why you guys were dragged into this, even the trap he still set for all of you."

"Why would you tell us?" Aigis asked. "Why would we believe you?"

"I have come to the conclusion that supporting Thanatos is a losing proposition." Hypnos replied. "If I go crawling to him he'll kill me like he did Eris. He probably would even if I was successful here."

"The rats are the first to abandon a sinking ship." Aigis said.

"I'd rather be a live rat than a dead god." Hypnos said.

"Start talking." Pyrrha commanded. The others had by now gathered around.

"I'm guessing you already knew that Eris used her power to repair your bodies and that Thanatos brought you back to life with his." Hypnos said. "I controlled the ex-corpses. Thanatos wanted your souls and figured you wouldn't be able to kill your friends."

"He had half of our souls, why give them up for that kind of gamble?" Naoto asked.

"He didn't have the right ones." Hypnos explained. "Only four of you really matter."

"Why is that?" Ren asked.

"Only four of you have the right power." Hypnos said. "The power needed to stop him, or in his hands to free Nyx. He wanted to free our mother in order to kill everyone so he could rule. He promised Eris she would rule Remnant and I would rule Earth. With everyone dead we could create whatever kind of world we wanted. Thinking about it, he probably planned to kill us both and take over for himself. He might not even really want to release Nyx."

"Yeah, he doesn't seem like the type to delegate authority." Weiss said.

"What is this world?" Rise asked. "It's like the shadow world, but different."

"It was originally part of the Remnant shadow world, which is why your powers work the same here." Hypnos said. "Eris used her power to separate and isolate a pocket that Thanatos then used to create this place. I was only needed to lure you all here and then for that little trick I just pulled. I won't lie and say I'm sorry, but I do certainly regret getting involved at all."

"Was what Eris did on Remnant and you did on Earth part of this?" Ruby asked.

"No." Hypnos replied. "We were just screwing around, having fun. The key was we found out that a few of you had special power. We told Thanatos and he came up with his plan. He doesn't have the power he needs now. You can just go home. I'll even help."

"We can't leave him alive." Blake said. "He's too dangerous. It's only a matter of time before he does this again. We can't let that happen." The door that led to Thanatos had slid down into the arena along with the fighters. "We're going after him."

"You're not." Hypnos said. "Most of you aren't."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Nora demanded. "Of course we're going after him."

"If you do you'll die." Hypnos said. "It's his last little trick. Only those with the power of the gods can enter that realm and survive. It's the power he wanted to take. Then there would be no one to oppose him."

"So who can follow him?" Yosuke asked. "I'm guessing not me."

"There are four of you." Hypnos said. "You're mortals with godly traits. We call you Heroes. Think of the heroes of your legends. Among you are the Heroes of Power, Wisdom, Unity and Purity."

"The only four in existence?" Labrys asked.

"No, there are many Heroes spread through the multiverse." Hypnos explained. "Most don't even realize what power they have. There can even be more than one of a single type. You're just the four we know about. Thanatos determined that your power, combined with his, Eris' and mine, would be sufficient to break the seal and release Nyx."

"So who are the Heroes?" Pyrrha asked.

"It should be obvious." Hypnos said. "They all share the same arcana: the Fool."

"Well, that means Aigis, Yu and Ruby are all Heroes." Naoto said. "Who's the fourth?"

"Let me scan." Rise said. "It has to be a member of Team JNPR since we know the others." Team JNPR gathered around Rise. She closed her eyes and concentrated. "Oh, well obviously." She said, opening her eyes again. "It's Pyrrha."

"Very good." Hypnos said. "That's why Thanatos made you that offer. He really wanted your power."

"What offer?" Jaune asked.

"I'll explain it later." Pyrrha said.

"I have little doubt you will be able to defeat him." Hypnos said.

"So, what do we do about Hypnos?" Akihiko asked. "I'm in need of a new punching bag."

"Come on guys, I told you everything." Hypnos pleaded. "I'll disappear and never set foot in either of your universes again."

"How can we trust you?" Yang asked.

"You don't have to." Hypnos said. "For one thing, it's pretty clear that as a group you're far stronger than I am. I only defeated the Shadow Operatives on Earth by tricking them, and I don't think that's going to work again. If I did try something, even in another universe, your friend Margaret would know, so you would all find out. I value being alive and I know my life will be short if I cross any of you."

"Just to be safe we should keep him here until Thanatos is defeated." Mitsuru suggested. "If he tries anything or you guys don't come back, we'll assume he lied and execute him."

"That sounds like a good plan." Weiss said.

"Well, I guess we should go do this." Pyrrha said.

"Just a quick warning before you do." Hypnos said. "Your souls are all still tethered to Thanatos, so if you die in the fight, he'll get your powers. Please beat him. If you don't I'm as good as dead."

"We will defeat him." Aigis said. "And we will not suffer losses."

"Hubris, Hero of Power." Hypnos warned. "It will be the downfall of us all."

"I am not over confident." Aigis said. "I am simply sure that with our power and determination, we will not fail. If anyone will fall to hubris, it is Thanatos."

"I always wanted to save the world." Pyrrha said. "I never thought I would get the chance so soon."

"Time waits for no one, Hero of Wisdom." Hypnos said. "You are either ready for the challenge, or the world will end."

"I'm ready." Pyrrha said. "I've been preparing for this all my life."

"I know you're all ready." Yu said. "And I know you'll all be pulling for us. I've said it before, my friends are my strength."

"Strength is only as useful as the one wielding it, Hero of Unity." Hypnos said. "You friends can only be your strength if you are strong enough to be worthy of them."

"Then I guess I'm strong, because I have amazing friends." Yu said.

"Yang, I'll make you and mom proud." Ruby said.

"To act for the sake of others is noble but dangerous, Hero of Purity." Hypnos said. "Sometimes you must act for yourself."

"All I've ever wanted to do is be a hero worthy of my mother and sister." Ruby said. "As much as I do this for them, and for all my friends, doing this will make me happy."

"Well I'm convinced that the four of you have what it takes." Hypnos said. "Before setting off, be sure you are ready, physically and mentally. You will only have one chance at this. You should also say your goodbyes. There are no guarantees, and this may be the last time you see your friends." The Heroes joined their teams to prepare.

"I'm a little disappointed it's you and not me." Akihiko said. "I really want the chance to punch that smug look of Thanatos' face." He laughed. "I guess you'll just have to tell me what it was like when you get back."

"I will give you a blow-by-blow account." Aigis promised.

"If any of us can do this it's you." Mitsuru said. "You're exceptionally strong. More importantly, you have a good heart. I know you'll make the Shadow Operatives proud."

"Thank you." Aigis said. "I will do everything in my power to stop Thanatos."

"Make it back, okay?" Labrys said. "You're the only one I have left."

"I will make it, but you are not alone without me." Aigis said. "You have lots of great friends. We both do. Now it is time for me to protect you all. This time I will not fail."

"Break his legs!" Nora exclaimed. "I wish I could do it myself, but you'll have to do it for me."

"If the opportunity arises I'll make sure Thanatos never walks again." Pyrrha laughed. Nora's enthusiasm could not help but make Pyrrha happy.

"Make Thanatos suffer." Ren said flatly. "What he did to us, it's unforgivable."

"As evil as he is, I don't think I'm capable of torture." Pyrrha said. "However, he must be stopped, and I will be the one to stop him."

"You won't have me to hold you back in there." Jaune said. "I'm sure you've got what it takes to beat him."

"Don't be so hard on yourself." Pyrrha said. "And if I don't make it back, don't stop trying. One day you'll be the hero you always wanted to be, with or without my help."

"Come on, don't talk like that." Jaune said. "You're going to be fine."

"I know." Pyrrha said. "I was born to do this."

"Worried about me?" Yu asked Yosuke.

"Nah, I know you'll be fine." Yosuke replied. "Dying sucks. Make sure Thanatos knows the feeling."

"I will." Yu said. "If I don't make it, take care of everybody."

"If you don't make it I don't think there'll be anybody to take care of." Yosuke said. "Just kick Thanatos' ass."

Rise walked up and embraced Yu. "Make him pay Senpai." She said. "For all the pain he caused you."

"I'm more worried about the pain he caused all of you." Yu said. "If I don't make it, you've got to promise you'll be happy. All I want is for my friends to be happy."

"I...I promise." Rise stammered, struggling not to cry. "You will make it though." She released him and met his smile with one of her own.

"Naoto, if…" Yu started.

"Don't even say it." Naoto cut him off.

"If I don't make it…" Yu continued.

Naoto slapped Yu. He was shocked. "I told you not to say it." Naoto said. She thrust her index finger hard into his chest. "You're going to beat Thanatos, then you're coming back. That's all there is to it."

"You got it." Yu said. "Well, it's time to fight another god. I'll see you guys soon."

"Weiss, I'm going to beat Thanatos and be a team leader you can be proud of." Ruby said.

"Ruby, I'm already proud to have you as my team leader." Weiss said. "And as much as I'd love to go fight Thanatos myself, I know you'll do just fine."

"Thanks, that means a lot." Ruby said. The praise was a little embarrassing.

"I've met my share of monsters, but never one as monstrous as Thanatos." Blake said. "Put him down."

"I grew up dreaming of fighting monsters." Ruby said. "Now that I have the chance I'm a little nervous but still excited."

"Just make it back alive." Yang said. With tears streaming down her face she wrapped Ruby in a vice-like hug.

Ruby squirmed until Yang finally released her. "It'll be just like the fairy tales you read me when we were little." Ruby said. "I'm going to be the hero and slay the monster. I'll make you and mom proud."

"I'm already so proud of you." Yang said. "I know your mom would be too."

"It makes me happy to hear you say that." Ruby said. "I know you'll all be cheering me on. It's time to win one for Team RWBY!"