Too Stubborn to Die

“Welcome to the multiverse’s favorite program, Second Chances with me, your host, Goliath!”

Aaron blinked. It had happened fast. One moment, he had been on the field, the next, he was sitting on a chair before a wildly cheering audience. Furthermore, he wasn’t alone. Mala, Chelias, Mo’han, Mandor, Draxas, Elmira, and even Talia were sitting around him on the stage. There were also several others from the dungeon, whom he presumed to be top talents from the other sectors.

Lord Draxas?

Aaron was a little confused. There were many stronger people than the kobold left out. Why was Lord Draxas on the stage? There was also the ogre woman he remembered seeing. And a couple of others that looked a little out of place.

“I see a few confused faces amongst you,” Goliath said. “Well, let me fill you in! Our fans have rated their favorites. That’s you! The most lovable characters, as chosen by our viewers, have been brought here to our great studio. And with that, let’s welcome the newly integrated Hundredth and First Universe! Please sound your applause for the Gamma Quadrant!”

The crowd cheered wildly, many standing and clapping and whistling. Aaron found himself staring at all the different races amongst them. He thought he had seen just about everything already, but apparently not.

Goliath himself was a huge, hairy man, bigger than anybody else on stage. But otherwise, he looked human. Also, Mala looked like she had been shrunken down, as on-stage, she looked only about twice Aaron’s size. And he wondered if others had been subjected to something similar.

“Following the challenges of newly integrated universes is a treasured pastime. And as usual, we bring you nothing but the best. And it is up to you, the audience, to decide who gets a second chance to move on!

“But as usual, be aware that there are winners and losers. Our contestants from Obsidian Sector have already claimed themselves three spots for the final floor. Who will those go to? We have no idea. But take it into consideration when making your choices.”

As Goliath spoke, lights lit up around Aaron, Mo’han, Mandor, Elmira, Talia, and Draxas as a way to indicate to the crowd who was potentially already safe.

“However, your votes won’t be wasted. If you choose to save them, Obsidian Sector can save their free passes to bring others to the next floor. The power is in your hands,” Goliath pointed at the crowd.

“What is going on?” Aaron muttered as he looked around. He was in good company, and all the other top talents looked equally confused.

“I know, I know! You’ve all been patiently waiting, and the fireworks are coming. But some things will have to wait. We have so much to get around to. Before we get around to asking the audience to rank you, we’ll help them get to know you.

But remember, you can save up to seven people, allowing Gamma Quadrant here to move onto the final floor with ten participants, the maximum allowed. But first, let’s get to some audience questions. These have been voted on. If you don’t have the app already, download it now. It’s never too late to have your say!”

Goliath then turned to them as a brass band played, and as cheered came to a halt, he picked his first target.

“Mo’han, is it?”

“YES?” Mo’han straightened. “How may I assist?”

“Let me first say that you have made waves! We have had quite a few people saying you’re the greatest new talent of the entire hundredth and first. In fact, you were a huge favorite on that last floor, and a lot of people lost money when Mala over there took you out. What do you want to say to those people?”

“I, ah,” Mo’han looked around, seemingly lost for words. The crowd was silent, following his every move expectantly. “Sorry?”

“Hmm, I see. Well, not everyone can have a way with words. A reminder to our viewers, if you have lost money on Mo’han, it is never too late to reach out. Our gambling support line is open throughout this episode. Get help; your family will thank you. Now! Moving on. Aaron, how about you?” Goliath’s chair hovered into the air, and he flew toward Aaron. “How did you feel seeing your friend, and long-time sparring buddy, charging recklessly into combat?”

“I dunno. I haven’t had time to think about it? I mean, Mo’han is pretty great. He might not be perfect, but there’s nobody else I’d rather watch my back.”

The crowd cheered.

“Hear that? Everybody’s favorite bros! They love it! They love you two. But seriously, that match could have been the end of you. What happens if he behaves as recklessly on the next floor?”

“I guess we’ll deal with that when it happens,” Aaron shrugged. “Look, I’m not going to talk shit about Mo’han, if that’s what you’re trying to do.”

“Right, right. The two of you are the best of friends, but in truth, your styles couldn’t be more different. You have been brought up under the martial tutelage of Yendal, the famed Martial God. Unfortunately, we couldn’t reach her for a comment. But would you be so kind as to share with the audience how you think she might react to your most recent display?”

“Yendal? I… I tried. I think I did pretty good, to be honest. I mean, I dunno if it’ll be enough, but I don’t think she’ll be too disappointed.”

“Hear that? He is scared. I would be too. I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, Aaron, but it was well before my time, but Yendal still has her fair share of highlight reels herself. In fact, there are a good few who crown her the GOAT. Do you think you can live up to such expectations?”

“I’m not surprised, to be honest. But me? The GOAT? As in the greatest of all time?”

Goliath nodded.

“I dunno about that. I’m just trying to survive. And keep my world from turning into a crypt.”

“OH, RIGHT! The Death God and Lenriel. An epic for the ages. The greatest rivalry in the multiverse. Tell me, Aaron. How do you fit into all of that?”

“Me? I don’t? I meant Darius.”

“Ah, how it is to be young and naive,” Goliath said, and hovered over to where Elmira was sitting. “And what about you, Elmira? How do you fit into Lenriel’s schemes? I’m sure the crowd would love to hear about it.”

“Me? Oh, you mean because of Pentival, right? I don’t know anything about any of that. I understand that Lenriel wants to bring us into the fold. Alliance of worlds and factions that he rules over.”

“I see. To be expected of newly integrated people. There’s much you don’t know, and that can’t be helped.”

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine, Elmira. Did you know that here on Centurion Prime, we are on neutral ground? The peak gods have all agreed to keep our little world out of their rivalries. We’re an in-between. A world of commerce and communication. Now, I can’t guarantee what happens outside of this place, but here, you can speak freely about whatever you please.”

“Oh, right. But I’m not withholding information. I really just don’t know anything beyond that.”

“Should we tell them, audience?” Goliath said, turning to the audience with a grin. They cheered wildly, and he turned back to Elmira. “I’m sure you know the first part. These two gods have been at each other’s throats for an eternity. Lenriel the Sovereign on one side, and the feared Death God on the other. Order versus decay. It even spawned an alt reality romance thriller between the two gods that recently crossed seventy quintillion copies sold. Not to my taste, but I’m not judging.”

“Um, sorry, but what has this got to do with anything?”

“Well, it’s quite interesting, really. Things have grown increasingly heated over the recent centuries. The two of them have even clashed directly in combat. And peak gods do not often fight directly. Many believe that your universe will be the final showdown as the competition between the two divine factions comes to a finale. They believe that the current level of friction between the two is unsustainable, and that some prophecies suggest that a newly integrated world will be where everything comes undone.”

“Oh?”

“Have anything beyond, oh, to add?”

Elmira clearly had no idea what she was supposed to say, and so she just nodded.

“Looks like we went a little over the heads of these newbies,” Goliath chuckled. “Perhaps they’ll have more to say about it when we next meet at the Nexus Tournament. I’m sure you’re all dying to hear their thoughts on the matter. For now, how about we talk about something closer to home? There’s been quite a lot of romance speculation flying around this season.”

“Romance?” Elmira bent her head.

“Oh, yes! Light ‘em up!”

Spotlights lit up Aaron, Elmira, and Talia on stage.

“This little trio has acquired quite the fan base. But wait, before we reveal what comes next, stand up, team Aaron!”

Goliath gestured to the crowd, and at the rear, several rows of various aliens stood up to show off their matching short shorts, bear-fur sleeveless hoodies, and bleached-blond hair.

“You have started quite the fashion trend, Aaron! People are saying that short shorts are this century's look, thanks to you. Now, back to business. I know a lot of you have been waiting for this one.”

“What comes next?” Aaron said.

“This trio sent romance speculation swirling throughout Centurion Prime. And our fan favorite, Aaron, never seems to fail to impress. His short shorts seem to catch attention wherever he goes. And we have quite a few people asking about his relationship with THESE people!”

More spotlights brightened over Lagora, the ogre, Moh’han, and another over Lord Draxas.

“I don’t understand what’s going on,” Elmira said. “Talia?”

“Me? I have a feeling this is your doing, Elmira.”

“Mine?”

“Looks like your lady friends are playing coy, Aaron. What do you have to say about this? We thought three ladies were a lot, but it seems you keep adding to the pile. How do you keep up?”

“Me? What the—” Aaron bit his tongue, not sure if he was allowed to swear on whatever kind of program he was apparently on. “Hang on a moment, mate. Elmira and Talia are friends. And I hardly know who the ogre is, and Draxas is probably closer to an enemy than anything else! And Mo’han, what the fuck is with that? We’re friends!”

“HA! You wish you could mate with us, human swine!” Lord Draxas hissed.

Lagora shrank a little, bowing her head. Not that it was easy to hide her proportionate frame on stage.

“Looks like your words have got people fired up, Aaron! You’re not breaking hearts live on my show, are you?”

“What? Nothing like that is happening! And I certainly do not want to mate with you, Draxas! You’re confused.”

“Oh, you wish you could be so lucky. We would do things to you that would blow your mind!”

“Wow, you might be really screwing up here, Aaron. It sounds like Lord Draxas does not appreciate your tone.”

“What the fuck? Trust me, Draxas. I do not want my mind blown by you!”

“Hmph! Stupid humy.”

“Okay, so the kobold is out. But what about our pretty ogre lady over here? She looks a little wounded by your words, Aaron.”

“I’m sorry? Look, how the fuck did I end up at the centre of all of this? Whatever this is? What happened to fighting, and gods, and all that?”

“This is what the audience wanted! Mo’han has more of the combat-oriented fandom. You have become somewhat of a romance icon. On that note, what about Mo’han? Is it just bromance, or is there more to it?”

“JUST A BROMANCE!”

Mo’han nodded violently. “YES! A-RAN AND I ARE FRIENDS! ONLY FRIENDS!”

A wave of disappointed ahhs resounded through the crowd.

“What? You people wanted that?” Aaron huffed.

Of course, the multiverse isn’t any better than Earth.

“You might have disappointed some of your fans today, Aaron. Do you want to add anything?”

“Look, as I said, I’m just trying to survive. A lot has happened. My world has been thrown upside down. In real time, it’s been what, like six months, maybe seven, since my world was destroyed? And while it has probably been well over two years when time fuckery is accounted for, that still isn’t all that long. I’m processing. And now I find out I’m at the center of some strange short-short-obsessed romance fandom. It’s a bit to take in.”

“It sounds like we touched on something rather personal here today. Okay, we won’t push. Take your time, Aaron. We’ll be here to listen when you are ready. Although I would like to speak with Elmira. These three ways you speak of…”

“Oh? What of them?”

Goliath flew toward her on his chair, craned forward, and whispered into her ear.

“Moving on!” Goliath roared and flew over to Mala. “Mala, the mammoth everyone is speaking about. You have quite the hatred for humans, it seems. How does it feel to have been bested by one? And now you’re sitting here in the same room as that very man?”

Mala glared at him.

“For clarity, I’m a giant, not human.”

Mala snorted and then glared over at Aaron. “I will come for him. I will enslave his world, and I will get my revenge against humankind. The age of beasts is coming. And I shall lead it.”

“Dark, very dark. Sounds like she’s taking a page out of your book, Talia,” Goliath spun around as his chair swivelled around. “What does our night queen have to say about that?”

A few aliens sitting in the front row suddenly got up. They looked like little gray aliens, but dressed in full goth attire, and they called Talia’s name.

“Oh, you’ve got a decent few fans yourself,” Goliath said.

Talia waved awkwardly at the strange aliens.

“Nothing to say?”

“No? I mean, thank you?”

“What about one of your famous lines? A real gothic piece or the fans?”

“My… my famous lines?”

“Yeah!” Goliath put a hand in front of his face and furrowed his brow, looking downward to add a bit of shadow to his facial features. “‘I am darkness’ and all that.”

Talia blushed. “Wh– what?! I don’t–! That was–!”

“Hmph. Well, you’ve got plenty of time to work on it. After the dungeon, you'll have an entire year before the Nexus Tournament.”

“What about you, Mandor? Have you felt a little overshadowed by these two giant personalities?” Goliath said, gesturing to Mo’han and Aaron. “You had a lot of hype going into the trials, but these two always seem front and center. Do you have anything to say? Something to rile the fandom up?”

“It. Is. Fine. I. Do. Not. Fight. For. Myself. I. Am. More. Concerned. With. Universe. Chaos. It. Seems. War. Might. Be. Coming.”

“Predictable answer. I don’t think it will go over too well. What about you, Chelias? I had a lot of people calling me before the dungeon, telling me about you. Many were telling me that you were the dark horse that could win this entire thing.”

“Dark horse, you say?” Chelias lowered his head. “I should have been the favorite. But now I see my shortcomings. I am not quite as powerful as I thought. But do not expect that to remain so. When I return for the Nexus Tournament, I will be a different man. And I will take my rightful crown.”

“Quite the statement. You could learn something from Chelias here, Mandor! I must say, I cannot wait for the tournament! But before we continue, let’s have a brief intermission. Then, we can move on to the rankings and see who the crowd has, and hasn’t taken a liking to. Either way, I cannot wait to see how you stack up against the other quadrants on the final floor!”

“But first, a word from our sponsors!”

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