I appeared in the center of the Coliseum. There wasn't a soul here. Deserted coliseums always brought memories back for me. Memories of my battles...in various tournaments and competitions. My father was always trying to prove his own strength...as well as the strength of his sons. He was so proud in Asgard...because Modi and I had taken many victories.
I remembered being only 3...and being the only one strong enough to lift a fallen giant from atop my father. For that deed, I was awarded a Golden Mare...I wondered how she was now...it made me long to return home. Though I knew I wasn't the same Magni any longer...and I could NEVER return.
Suddenly the doors to the Coliseum opened. Hercules walking through them. I tried to cover my face and duck into the nearest portal...but he grabbed me suddenly.
"Hey...you wouldn't happen to be..." He started...making me face him. "My gosh! Magni! It is you!!!" He shouted as he grabbed me in a bear hug.
Grabbing his arms I pried him off me...I always...always...HATED Hercules's BEAR HUGS!
"You're mistaken. I'm not Magni. My name is Ximh." I stated coldly. In the past, I was one of the only people who could actually give Hercules a challenge in arm wrestling matches. He had probably thought of me as a good friend...since we were both sons of gods...but now that didn't mean anything anymore. It could never be the same again.
"No. I never forget a face." Hercules argued. "You're Magni. Thor's son...brother of Modi."
"You can say that all you like...but Magni is dead. And so is Modi." I corrected...how was I supposed to get him off my case?! "You should just forget about them."
I started to walk away but Herc took hold of my shoulder. Man I swear! What was it with people GRABBING me...didn't they know I could fry them in an instant!!! It was beginning to get irritating.
"It doesn't matter what you are now...you still carry his memories right?!" He shouted in my ear. "You still remember ME don't you?" He looked ready to cry. What a baby...
I sighed. "Yes....I remember everything...."
That seemed to brighten him up for some strange reason. "GREAT! So we'll just start over! Friends...uh....Ximh?" He held his hand out for a shake.
Reluctantly...I took it. But we were interrupted. A ball of flame lit up from the ground. It was lord of the Underworld. Hades.
"There you are Herc...huh.." He started. "Who's your friend here?" He questioned...looking me up and down. "He looks oddly familiar."
"His name is Ximh. Leave him alone Hades." Hercules said seriously.
"It's fine it's fine! I came here to ask if you wanted to...heh...'participate' in my latest tournament? Hmm what do you say...Hero Zero Herc?" Hades said with an evil tone filled to the brim with maliciousness.
"Fi..." Hercules began.
"No wait." I interrupted. Was Hercules really that dumb? Hades only wanted him to accept so that he could get killed in the ring. Why was I such a good guy? "I'll do it." I stated flatly.
"Huh?" They both looked sideways at me.
"I'll enter in place of Hercules." I repeated.
Hades smirked and rubbed his hands together. "You know...there could be serious...'consequences' right? I mean...I wouldn't be able to stop the match...even if you were to....'die.'" He warned. I almost laughed at that comment. I'd already died once...there wouldn't be a second time. Besides...I'd never lost a single one of his tournaments...except to Modi. There was no chance I'd lose.
"Well...that makes it entertaining right?" I played along.
"That's right." Hades disappeared. "The Arena in the Underworld...fifteen minutes..." His voice boomed.
"Wow...last minute offer huh?" I spoke aloud.
"Yeah, he's always making me enter his tournaments..." Hercules sighed. "They've been getting harder and harder lately though. Sure you'll be alright Ximh?"
I snickered. "It's Magni remember....of course I'll be alright...."
We hurried straight to the ring. I was escorted by one of the little servants to the participant seating area. As I sat there waiting for the coliseum to fill...I could swear I sensed the presence of another nobody arrive. Ignoring it...I merely waited for the competition to begin.
Ximh
