“Atlanteans have magic and technology far beyond that of the human race,” Macaria argued.
“And humans have energy that can fuel it,” I shot back. “As well as an ability to form a bridge between races and magic.”
“Are we seriously standing here arguing over who is better while that happens?” Horus pointed out the window.
“He's right; let's get out there,” Thor said as he strode to the balcony.
“Hold on, Son,” Odin said as he joined Thor. “Let's see where we're needed before we go launching ourselves into the thick of it blindly.”
“A man with some sense,” Arach muttered. Then he spotted Toby. “Who are you?” Arach's yellow, dragon eyes narrowed. “You smell familiar... very familiar.”
Toby lifted a dark brow and looked from Arach to me and then back again before extending his hand to my husband. “I'm Tobadzistsini; you can call me Toby.”
“The Indian?” Arach asked me; leaving Toby hanging.
“The Native American god; yes,” I huffed. “Are you going to shake his hand or would you rather be a jerk?”
Arach grimaced but shook Toby's hand.
“Are those Oni?” Odin asked in horror; bringing my attention back to where it belonged.
I rushed to the balcony and stared up at the golden city. There—defending the slick walls—were brightly colored Japanese demons, along with other Japanese and Hindu magic-users whom I assumed were gods. I cursed violently as I spotted Enma leading them. Angels and demons filled the air around the city; diving at the Oni and other strange creatures with swords and claws extended.
“What are those things?” I pointed to some horned giants who fought beside the Oni.
“They are Yamadutas; Yama's thugs,” Karni said as she stepped up with Brahma and Sarasvati. “I knew he was involved!”
“As are several other Hindu gods who were supposed to be watching over Dvārakā!” Brahma pointed. “Look; there's Prithvi! Prithvi, you fucking traitor!”
“He can't hear you, darling,” Sarasvati said with narrowed eyes. “But he—and all the other traitors—will feel the sting of our vengeance!”
Grigori yanked Yamadutas up into the sky and cast them down upon the golden spires. The Yamadutas screamed as their bodies bent and broke; several of them cracking open their skulls when they finally landed in the streets of Dvārakā. But, despite the damage, those without major head injuries recovered after a few minutes; cracking their bones together and then scrambling back to the city walls. Luke's demons swarmed over the shining walls—some flying and some climbing—as Luke rode Salem in a wide circle above the enormous city; directing his troops.
It looked like the Apocalypse.
“I knew it couldn't be averted,” I whispered. “Magic always finds a way.”
Gods, Oni, and Yamadutas fell under demon teeth and claws. But again; these were immortals and they were much harder to kill. Decapitation seemed to be the only method that worked, and the soldiers on both sides focused their efforts on their opponent's necks. Blood rained from the sky and flowed over the stone streets. Feathers and horns flew through the air, battle cries competed with the screams of the dying, and the scent of smoke rode the wind.
And in the midst of it all, four horses galloped over the clouds as if they were solid ground.
The Antichrist was mounted upon a gleaming white steed—the color of moonbeams, War's horse was a fiery crimson, Famine had a sin-black stallion carrying him, and Death rode a pale horse. Together, they were even more intimidating than the Devil on his dragon... and more deadly. Ted was raining deadly arrows down upon his enemies, Sam wielded a massive longsword that sliced heads from bodies with ease, Ira carried a pair of scales which shot beams of light into demons and withered them away, and Azrael reaped souls with swings of his scythe.
“This is magnificent!” Arach declared as his eyes began to glow.
“Thor, focus your attacks to the West,” Odin said crisply. “Brahma, take the East. Horus, you head South, and I shall take North. We'll surround them.”
“All right,” I said. “But what about the rest of us?”
“Pick a place in between,” Odin growled. “But do it soon; we don't have much time.”
Odin pointed to square holes in the city walls where the ends of canons were starting to peep through.
“Are those Atlantean weapons?” I asked.
“Yes, but we've brought a few of our own,” Brahma said as he waved toward the sea.
Circular, golden chariots zipped through the air; heading out to Dvārakā. Hindu gods piloted them with ease; navigating the them through the flying gods. Acid green light shot from the base of the chariots and hit Dvārakā; melting metal from the stone and sending Oni flying. The Hindu gods were damn impressive; besides those who drove the flying chariots, there were winged gods who fortified the angelic and demonic ranks. One goddess in particular caught my attention. She had pure black skin that was nearly indiscernible from her skin-tight clothing. Her long hair was just as dark and plaited down her back in a no nonsense braid, but it was adorned with bright white beads. She smiled viciously as she flew her small vimana through the battle.
“That's Kali Ma,” Sarasvati said with a smile. “Be grateful that she's on our side this time. Kali can be fickle.”
As I watched Kali Ma shoot a demon's head from his body—and then laugh as if it were the funniest thing she'd seen in years—I was grateful... and a little disturbed. But I've learned to take help when it's offered. So, I only nodded.
The God Squad started heading down to the beach, and I nodded to Arach's unspoken question. With a huge grin, Arach raced ahead of everyone, and as he reached the shore, he shifted into his dragon form. He was airborne in seconds; his stunning blood-red wings beating the air into submission as his roar echoed
