Moving Towards Freedom
#7 of Time Will Tell
This chapter is finished! (sigh of relief)
Honestly hate the start of the new year...work load just seems to increase out of no where and for no reason at all. Though for now that doesn't matter for I finished and I kind of liked this chapter...I feel details could have been better, but apparently I'm not able to manage that at the moment. Everyone will have to let me know what they think...
Anyway hope you enjoy!
It was hard for him to express his feelings for the wolf he loved. Years of suppressed emotion wasn't something you 'got over'. Not wanting to give up his humanity, he had to do it to dull the hunger and pain. Even at a young age he knew what it would mean if he just blindly went through with killing and feeding off others....After being taken out into the world he had found it hard intergrading with others. The emotions he displayed were merely mimicked reactions, what he faced was what he returned. A mask worn to ease the minds of everyone around him. It would have stayed that way if he hadn't met Kai.
Van sat there, blankly staring off as he played through the times with his wolf. He missed Kai, and hated himself for leaving like he did. It was dwelling on these thoughts that he noticed the two staring at him intently. "You okay?" Fen asked, his voice low and sounding cautious.
"Yeah...why?" Van responded, looking away from them, slightly embarrassed due to the looks he was getting.
Fafnir cleared his throat, "I asked if you had a problem using a bow...like five minutes ago."
They watched as another pause came over Van, the look he had showing that he was trying to understand what was being said. A soft "oh," escaped him before he got up, shaking his head. "Sorry...No, I don't have a problem using one."
He made to walk out of the room, only to be stopped by Fen. The wolf's paw rested on his shoulder, turning Van around to look at him more closely. "You sure you're alright?" Fen asked, tone showing his concern.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Van's voice was uplifted, lightly laughing as he finished with a, "just tired I guess."
The wolf slowly removed his paw, but his crimson eyes said he didn't believe him. "Go ahead and lay down, you don't have to stay up."
Van simply nodded before walking out of the chamber, eyes following him as he left. "He going to be okay?" Fafnir finally asked, turning to look at the wolf.
"I don't know," Fen admitted, shrugging his shoulders. "How much longer will it take you to finish?"
The dragon started to walk towards the door, Fen following because he knew Fafnir wanted to show him how much progress he made. Fen followed the dragon closely so he could allow his mind to wonder onto other things. He hadn't realized the dragon stopped until he bumped into him, making him stumble back a little. "Should I be asking if you're the one who's okay?" the dragon asked with a smile, turning around to look at the smaller creature.
"Just over thinking," Fen admitted, a solemn look coming over him.
"He agreed on his own free will," the dragon sighed out, leaning against the stone door behind him. "You have nothing to feel guilty over."
"Is it wrong of me to say that wasn't what I was thinking about?" Fen asked sheepishly, looking up at the black scaled dragon.
"Then what were you thinking about?"
"What it's going to be like once I'm freed...there's so much that can happen and so many choices I'm going to have to make."
"Like what?" The wolf didn't respond, and he broke eye contact with Fafnir. The dragon cocked his head to the side, confusion playing on his maw. "Are you going to tell me?"
Fen shrugged, "What are you going to do once this is all settled?"
"If we come out on top, probably just relax. If not, well I'm pretty safe here."
"Well I was thinking more on the 'us' subject but," Fen looked up at the dragon once more, now seeing a grin on his maw.
"I would love to talk about that subject actually."
"Maybe later," Fen responded, smiling as well. "I want to see your progress and then check on the kiddo first."
The dragon grumbled something out, but Fen wasn't paying much attention to what it was. Fafnir turned around and pushed the heavy stone door open. "I wouldn't touch it at the moment," he announced as he stepped back to allow the wolf to enter.
"Why's that?"
"Unstable," Fafnir responded as he followed behind, "it just recently woke up."
"Woke up?" Fen asked, paw reaching to touch the bow only to jerk it back. He narrowed his eyes, ears erect, and fur bristled. "The hell?"
"Told you," Fafnir said, chuckling at the wolf's actions. "This is the first time I've ever created something like it. Hopefully it can compete with Gungnir." Fafnir watched as Fenrir looked the bow over, but keeping his distance from it now. "I won't bore you with the process on how I created it, seeing how you've never been interested before..."
"I'm not interested because I never had a clue what you were talking about," Fen grumbled, looking back at the dragon. Fafnir was leaning against the stone door, arms crossed over his bare chest. In fact, the only thing he had on was a loin cloth for some 'modesty'. He was watching the wolf, but looked away, embarrassed from the way he had been looking at him. Fen chuckled at that before looking back at the bow. It was made out of some type of silver metal, and gold was used to decorate near the tips in a root type pattern. The bow's edge was sharp, seemingly designed like a sword originally. The string seemed to glow in the faint light, but what it was Fen had no clue either. Fen really didn't know much about what it took to craft such a piece, but the bow really did look stunning. "Why only one arrow?" he asked, looking over what he assumed to be the arrow. It didn't appear like an arrow, as it seemed like the blade of a rapier, but the end was designed to notch it to the string.
"Obviously because he only gets one shot," the dragon spoke softly, watching as the wolf turned to look at him once more confused.
Van had been in a fitful sleep, trying to get comfortable on the furs that made up the bed, until he heard his name being whispered. He didn't say anything, his hand reaching up and bumping against the cold nose of Fen. He felt a paw take up his hand, pulling it to the side of his muzzle to show he was smiling. "Mind if I lay with you?"
Van didn't answer, but rolled to his side as the invitation...not that he needed to for the 'bed' was huge. He felt the wolf settle on the furs, shifting here and there before becoming still as he got comfortable. A silence settled in the room, but it was the type that invited conversation. Van knew what Fen was waiting for, and after a sigh decided to give it to him. "I miss him."
"I figured that."
"I made a promise I might not be able to keep." Van waited for a response but none came. They both knew this fight could go either way. "He's the type to keep faith, even though the one he has faith in is dead...I don't like thinking of him waiting around forever. So, if something does happen, can you make sure he knows?"
"I'll make sure he's told," Fen said softly, turning his muzzle to look at Van. He didn't have much for night vision, but could feel some tension leave the human. The silence fell over them once more, and Fen had been chewing on the question for awhile now but was having trouble voicing it. "Why...didn't you save them?"
Van didn't move initially, but slowly turned so not only was he facing the wolf, but also a lot closer to him. He could feel Fen's warm breath on his skin, and almost wished he could see his eyes to gauge his reaction. "I'm the reason that all this suddenly started to happen. It was my fault that they found you because I went back. At the moment it does seem like I sacrificed a lot and gained nothing in return."
"They were going to find me eventually, I'm not upset over that. I don't care that you didn't save them, I'm just curious why you didn't when you had the chance."
"I have no right to play God," he simply stated, but knew that Fen would want more then that. "If I saved them, it seems all would be well and good. But by doing it once it would mean I would feel like I would have to do it for the remainder of their lives. After so long, when they finally died of old age....well by then it would have probably been second nature to try and save them. Though how would I save them from that? I would have become so deluded into thinking I could protect them from everything..."
Fen didn't get what he was saying at first, but slowly started to understand where his thoughts were heading. Van didn't like the idea of not having control of himself, and to save someone over and over again only to have them die in the end...he didn't know what he would do to try and change it. "You accept death so easily," Fen mused.
"Everyone dies, sooner or later. Nothing is meant to last forever, not even you."
"And when it's time for Kai to die?" Fen let it slip, quickly feeling ashamed of himself for asking.
Van must have been slightly surprised as well, for he didn't answer right away. "I'll always have the memories..." he said quietly, before turning away from the wolf once more.
'Idiot,' Fen berated himself over his own stupidity. "I don't think I like the idea of you existing forever alone."
"You've done it yourself," he pointed out, only to hear Fen's laugh as the response.
"I definitely don't want you taking after me."
"In the end it doesn't matter," Van said, voice hollow. "He'll die just like everyone else. When that time comes I'll deal with it, but for now I rather not dwell on this subject."
The silence had become heavy and uncomfortable, and Fen was about to get up and leave but decided to take a chance. He turned and moved closer to Van, expecting him to move but he didn't. Fen took a breath before moving his arms around Van, hugging him. Now it wasn't that they never hugged, it was more of Fen knew when not to hug him and he was crossing that line at the moment. "You shouldn't always restrain your emotions," he said softly, "you'll end up going through a breakdown. You know you can always talk to me about whatever."
He felt Van's body ease as he shifted to face the wolf, hugging him back. "I hate feeling helpless," Van muttered against Fen's chest.
"I know you do, but you can rely on others. You don't have to burden yourself with everything."
Fafnir paused as he walked into his sleeping chamber, eyes looking over the wolf who sat in the middle of the pelts that made up his bed. Though they had been here for four days this was the first time Fenrir had been in Fafnir's chamber. A slow smile formed from the sight of the half naked wolf, but he couldn't think of anything to say.
"You can join me," the wolf spoke, looking up from the scroll he had been reading. "My only rule, no means no."
Fafnir started to laugh, "I'm glad you're allowing me to grace you with my presence. It's not like this is my place or anything."
Fen shrugged, "What I want I take, you should know this by now."
"Oh and I do," Fafnir fully agreed, slowly crawling towards the wolf. "You have plenty of time to look this over later," he murmured, taking the scroll from Fenrir and tossing it to the side.
"I need to know where everyone is positioned at the moment," Fen grumbled out, but the agitation didn't sound to convincing.
Fafnir's snout was moving up through Fen's exposed chest fur, stopping to nuzzle his neck. "I've missed you," he said against Fen's fur. He was reveling in the wolf's scent, something he hadn't had the pleasure of being near for years.
"I'm glad my little dragon missed me," Fen growled out softly, pulling Fafnir's muzzle to his own for a light kiss. "We're still not going to do anything beyond this though," Fen assured as they parted the kiss. He wore a simple smile, but his eyes said he wasn't joking.
Fafnir huffed out in his own mock agitation, flopping down beside the wolf. "Fine fine," he grumbled, closing his eyes. He moved his arms, crossing them so he could use them as a pillow.
"You act as if I'm punishing you," Fen laughed out, amused with Fafnir's pretentious actions.
"Well you took care of that fox," his tone stayed in the grumbling, complaining manner. "I think I deserve to be given the same treatment."
Fen looked the dragon over, smiling and shaking his muzzle as he saw Fafnir's left eye watching him. "I can't."
"Worth a try right?" Fafnir's maw broke into a grin, letting out a contented breath as Fenrir laid with him. He felt the wolf's paw run over the softer scales that covered his chest, letting a satisfied growl escape him...it had been awhile since he felt another's touch. "You trust me right?"
"Of course I do," Fen said, voice low as he was preparing to sleep. "That's not the reason either. I took Van away from his mate, so I don't feel right enjoying your company honestly."
Fafnir felt it best to let that be the end of the conversation before he lost the wolf's warm body against his own. "I'm starting to understand why you were bound," Fafnir mused out loud as the wolf slept. "It wasn't just because you were predicted to kill Odin, but because they saw your rapid growth."
Fafnir moved his left arm around the wolf, gently moving them so they were on their sides. He stretched his wings before relaxing them once more, preferring this position since it allowed him to keep off them. Fenrir was out cold, he had been sleeping a lot since arriving for it was him who opened the path to get here. Fafnir had argued that he could do it, only to have the wolf tell him no. Fenrir stated that Fafnir would need his strength for crafting Van's things. "You found a way to get some of your power through Gleipnir's hold with simple plants. You created a god killer who can't be killed himself."
Fafnir's claws had been running through the wolf's fur as he spoke, his eyes watching the sleeping face. "You're dangerous and probably should be stopped," the dragon mused as he ran his thumb's claw over the wolf's throat. "But," a smile broke over the dragon's muzzle, "I'm way to infatuated with you to do it. Though you knew this didn't you? Is that the only reason you trust me?"
Resting his snout over that of the wolf's Fafnir fell asleep, unaware of Fenrir's grin.
"I can't take on all of them," Van pointed out as they looked over where different gods were posted.
Fen started to laugh, "I never would expect you to. We're going over strategies. I didn't lay out the map to show how many we're up against."
"Just saying, there's a lot." Van seemed passive, but his tone carried a hint of worry. "Fighting a losing battle comes to mind."
Fen's ears drooped a little, a frown showing on his muzzle. "I know it's not going to be easy..."
"I never expected it to be," Van interrupted the wolf, Fen looking at him to see the smile he wore. Van's eyes turned to look over the map once again, his posture gave a more confident air then his previous statements. "Odin's the only real threat right?"
"Not exactly," came Fafnir's voice, entering the room they were in. He looked exhausted, his scales had a light sheen of sweat covering them. "I think the one you have to worry about is Freya."
"Considering that she'll be at Odin's side at all times now, it does make things a little difficult," Fen mused, his eyes looking Fafnir over. "You should rest for a bit."
"A short break," the dragon said with a smile, but his exhaustion was still apparent from his eyes.
"She's a love goddess isn't she?" Van asked, looking up from the map at the two. "She shouldn't be that much of a problem."
"Yes, but she's definitely a war goddess as well," Fen spoke, looking back to the map and pointing to Valhalla. "Odin is feared because of Gungnir, without the spear he would be nothing. However, Freya is dangerous without the aid of enchanted items...unfortunately she has a few which just makes things more frustrating."
"In your world she was known to have control over life and death," Fafnir spoke as he took a seat next to Van. It amused the dragon that Van never showed hesitation or fear when he was near him. Most would get nervous around him just because of his large size, but Van didn't seem to care. "Here she's known for her gentle demeanor, but also her raw destructive power. We gods are immortal, and we also have elevated levels of power which usually takes form into an element."
"Your's wouldn't happen to be fire would it?" Van asked with a smartass smile.
"Shut up," the dragon laughed out, shaking his head. "Now can I finish?" he asked, looking at the smiling human with his own fanged smile.
"Sure sure, go right ahead." Van couldn't help but notice the odd look Fen was giving them from the other side of the table. He considered it a contented smile, but wasn't completely sure.
"Like I was saying," Fafnir continued, looking down at the map as well, "most need to channel their power into an element to give it a physical form. Freya doesn't, which makes it a lot harder to defend against. Plus she owns Brisingamen which sways the out come of things into her favor."
"Don't fight her like you normally do," Fen instructed, "I want you to take her down as fast as possible. I know you have a problem fighting women, but she won't hesitate in killing you. Her method of fighting isn't one to study, so don't think you have that kind of time."
Van saw the seriousness in the wolf's gaze, and figured that Fen had seen her fight with his own eyes. "I'll do what it takes to win."
"Here I would like to be able to say that I just want you to come out alive," Fen's said as he crossed out points on the map, "but winning is the only way out alive."
The tension in the room had risen, and Fafnir let out a cough to try an ease it. "Boy," his tone also trying to help ease the tension, "you do what you can. The rest of us will handle everything else." The dragon laughed at the questioning look that came over Van's face, "Surely you didn't think we were going to put everything on you to handle alone?"
"So Tyr has betrayed us?" Odin asked, bored eyes looking out over the empty hall.
"...It would appear so," Freya said softly, head lowered. "He managed to get the ether and escape."
Odin breathed out a 'hmmm', turning his eyes to look at Freya. "It's not like you to let an enemy get away," he pointed out. The woman before him was of small frame with long golden hair that shined in the sun. However, it was this delicate flower that Odin feared and respected the most in Asgard. She was the one he trusted the most, and took counsel with her for almost everything.
"He had an illusional defense," her voice was still low, ashamed of her failure. "I didn't have enough time to see through it."
"It seems Fafnir sided against us as well. How unusual, I was sure his greed would hold top priority."
"It did," she said, looking up to see Odin was looking to the entrance of the hall.
"How do you figure my dear Freya?"
"He has something very few can possible have. The love of Fenrir."
Odin started to laugh, looking at Freya as she turned to watch the Valkyrie who was bringing a goblet of mead for him. "That monster doesn't have a heart to give." Odin's gaze turned back to the Valkyrie, a warm smile greeting her. "What news have you to bring me my daughter?"
"My lord, the scouting party believes they have found the hideout," she replied, returning the smile. "I have sent out ten of the strongest einherjar to investigate. They have the orders to bring the wanted back alive unless it turns out to be to much trouble, in which case their heads will be good enough."
"Excellent," Odin replied, hand reaching out for the mead the Valkyrie offered.
Just as his hand was about to take it up, the goblet was dropped. Freya took a step back to avoid the contents that spilled out, looking at the horrified look that had come over the Valkyrie's face. "The einherjar..." she breathed out.
Odin quickly got up, "At least we know where the hideout is now. Freya let's go."
As Odin made his way to move past the Valkyrie's small hand reached to take hold of his arm, he stopped to look at her. "Not them," her voice sounded strained, skin pale as if from pain. "The ones right outside the hall."
Van stood in the field of bodies, a sigh escaping him at how easy it was to get this close to the almighty Odin...he figured there would have been atleast some challenge. The wind played with the clothes Fafnir had made, which resembled something of a shinobi shozoku. Movement was his greatest advantage, so it was best that he was in something comfortable.
Another sigh, turning his head to look if he could see anything from the way he came. "Wonder what Fen's going to be doing?" he asked himself, just wanting to fill the silence that surrounded him. Even the wind was soft and gentle, caring no noise with it.
It was the sound of armor moving that made him turn his head again, just in time to see a battle maiden's sword thrust at him. Van turned so the thrust missed, but his movement didn't seem to surprise her as the blade was turned to perform a vertical slash. Another smooth dodge on Van's part, but it was only to see a flash of light which threw him backwards
He was quick to his feet, eyes on the battle maiden once more. "Draw your weapon!" she commanded, stern eyes on him.
"Or you could just lower your's, I have no reason to fight you." Van's eyes took in how the light glinted off the sky blue armor, her hair of a raven hue giving a sharp contrast to the light armor and pale skin.
"You have killed my einherjar, do you think I will allow this to be forgiven?"
Van sighed once more, wondering why people here had to be so damn stubborn. "I offered them the same choice as I have given you. They chose their own fate."
"Human," the way she said it was cold, "do not tell me about fate. I am the daughter of Odin; a Valkyrie, a goddess of fate. And I've decided on your's."
Van barely had time to take a step back, shifting his head slightly to the side so the blade only nicked his jaw. She had planned on piercing his head, ending the fight swiftly. Both parties were surprised by the other's action, but her time fighting was much greater then Van's and so she reacted first.
Two fingers slid up the blade, Van hearing her cry out "Banish!" before being blasted again with light. He felt that this attack was different, it hurt way more and sent him higher into the air.
'She's not fooling around,' he thinks ideally, ignoring the pain as he falls back towards the ground. 'I guess I will have to take the gods more seriously...'
His thoughts trailed off due to the spear that pierced his stomach, his eyes focusing again on the haunting form of the Valkyrie. "This is the end!" she called, the outstretched hand that had thrown the spear slashing down. The spear began to glow, suddenly exploding in a blinding light which the Valkyrie herself cared not to witness.
She had turned and begun walking away, saddened eyes looking over her fallen einherjar. "I'm sorry I wasn't fast enough," she apologized to the motionless bodies, voice full of regret. "He must have been a monster to kill so many of you in such a short time, but your deaths were not in vain."
"I'm afraid, for the moment, they were," Van spoke softly, standing directly in front of the Valkyrie.
"That's not possible," she spoke in surprise, eyes wide only to look down at the blade that had pierced her armor.
Van didn't speak as he forced the blade in deeper, his eyes looking at the Valkyrie in pity. She slowly dropped to her knees, Van removing the blade as she fell. "They'll wait for you I'm sure."
The Valkyrie collapsed to her side, joining the other bodies that resided in the field. He turned to head the direction the Valkyrie had come from, only to feel a hand find rest on his chest. His hand tightened on the bladed bow, hearing the faint whisper of 'Freya' in his head. "You must be the God Slayer Van," Freya said, voice soft and without any fear.
"I already have a title among the gods huh?" he asked with a smile, but his body was tensed from the contact...he knew what she could do.
"Tyr mentioned you, and now I'm curious if you're as strong as he said. Though you should know his heart wasn't in being there, so he wasn't really trying."
"Did he say anything else?" Van couldn't resist asking.
Her soft emerald eyes studied him for a moment, which Van couldn't help but compare hers to Kai's. "Just that I should be careful around you."
'Focus,' the word hissed through his head, returning Van's concentration to the present.
"You seem distracted," Freya simply pointed out, obviously noticing Van's state of mind.
"Sorry, not use to people I don't know feeling me up."
She laughed, and Van was finding the situation unsettling. He couldn't let down his guard, but she was clearly attempting to make him. "Words that put people in awkward situations. Even after his binding Fenrir was always smiling and making those kind of jokes. You definitely are that wolf's child."
"Did Tyr tell you that?" Van asked, trying to keep the conversation going until he had something planned out.
"I know the fate of everyone child," Freya answered, eyes becoming slightly sad. "It's a shame your mate will go through life alone." As she finished speaking, Freya removed her hand and in the distance the sound of the earth being torn up could be heard.
At first Van didn't understand, but as his vision blurred he started to realize she had destroyed a large part of his chest cavity. Pain eluded him from his spine being taken out as well, and all he could do was collapse to the ground.
Freya watched as Van's blood stained the earth, shaking her head. She turned to walk away, her words a prayer to give Van peace. "This wasn't your battle, but you were brought in anyway to be used as a tool. Once this is all over I'll help your mate find another, you can die knowing he'll be happy."
"I rather him wait until I'm actually dead," Van said softly, pushing himself up from the ground where he had landed.
Freya's eyes narrowed, turning to see that the blood still stained the earth where he had fallen. "Apparently I took you to lightly, I assumed that attack would have killed you."
"No, you definitely would have killed me if it wasn't for these clothes," Van admitted, forcing himself to his feet. "They may absorb the brunt of your attack but some does slip through." He was slightly scared that she did so much damage WITH the clothing absorbing a better part of the attack. The pain wasn't helping either, as it was slowly starting to accumulate.
"So the ether was used to create those clothes," it was a statement, she seemed to be appraising him again. "Fafnir is an incredible crafter, I must admit. Able to forge something that he had never touched before, what else did he make with it I wonder?"
"It doesn't matter," Van said simply, raising his eyes to meet Freya's once more. "Maybe my title should be the changer of fate, for you'll never be able to hit me with that attack again."
"Tell me child, could you see my attack?" she asked, her stance casual as if Van wasn't a threat.
He shook his head, smiling, "I don't need to."
"I have to disagree," she said her hand waving in front of her in a casual manner. Like before the earth in the distance could be heard, nothing short of an explosive effect. She appeared to be waiting for Van's body to drop once more, but he didn't move.
"Told you so," he mused, still smiling
"You're testing my patience."
Van blinked, dumbfounded. "Forgive me for not letting you kill me. I know my actions are complete blasphemy..."
"Silence child!" Freya's voice had raised, her eyes narrowed in rage. "You're life will end here and now. For Odin's sake I can not let you live."
From a distance Odin watched the fight between the two, his hand opening up and muttering five to himself. He leaned against Gungnir, seeming bored and wondering when Freya was going to stop fooling around. "Six," he said out loud, looking to his side and wondering how Thor was doing.
As soon as the fighting began with the child he noticed others being attacked as well. The tactic was obvious, keeping the major figures busy while the leader was taken one on one...that is if that child could even get past Freya. "Seven."
"What could you possible be planning Fenrir?" he sighed out, lifting the three pronged spear to head back to Valhalla...he felt like he had no reason to stay.
"Where would you be heading?" Van asked as Odin turned away, only to see the man turn back around quickly in surprise.
Van watched as the god looked past him, which he would see him still fighting Freya in the distance. "How...?"
"Ended that fight a bit ago," Van mused, looking back as well, "it was fun." The bow Van was holding met with Gungnir, Odin having taken the opportunity to kill him while he looked away. "Not in the mood to talk?"
"How did you defeat Freya?" he asked, his voice was harsh and his eyes burned with hatred towards Van. The fact that Van had blocked his strike only increased his furry.
"The same way I defeated everyone else," Van said calmly, his grip on the bladed bow tightening. He parried Gungnir to the right, twisting the bow to thrust at Odin.
A gauntleted hand grabbed the weapon, but he was quick in releasing it and stumbling back. "That weapon..."
Van grinned, happy that Odin wasn't completely stupid. "We decided to give it the name Sluke, it seemed very fitting." He ran a finger over the upper blade, his eyes watching Odin. "Fafnir apparently used some very unorthodox methods in creating it, but I suppose desperate times called for desperate measures."
"You use it like a dual bladed sword, but it has the appearance of a bow. All that's missing is the string...what's the purpose of it's shape?" Odin raised the back end of Gungnir, shifting his position so his foot was extended and the tip of the spear just reached past it.
"Does it really matter?" Van asked, holding Sluke horizontally in front of him. He needed to end this quickly, but the fact that Freya had managed to 'kill' him three times wasn't going to help the situation. He could feel his body reaching it's limits, the pain and hunger constantly increasing.
"You can't win," Odin announced, his eyes narrowed once more. "I know about your rapid regeneration, and the fact that you can increase your speed for brief moments of time. You're nothing special."
"I never claimed to be," Van spoke before moving towards Odin. "You shouldn't think that my 'increase in speed' is that simple though," he mused, but Odin wouldn't be able to hear him. Raising the blade Van aimed for Odin's heart, thrusting it forward to end this.
Van almost missed the movement, but even with that he didn't have enough time to completely block the blow. Gungnir's outer blade bit into his side, just below his rib as he used Sluke to try and keep it from going any deepering.
"I told you," Odin hissed out, his face close to Van's, "you're nothing special." He finished the swing, which threw Van since he had been blocking. Odin watched as he landed, noticing how slow he was in getting back to his feet. "This won't take long."
'Gungnir will never miss you,' the voice that belonged to Sluke spoke. 'Don't try and avoid it, blocking is the only safe bet. Don't lose boy, I want to be freed.'
Van barely had a chance to raise his head before he had to move as the lance of fire crashed where he once stood. "Shit," he breathed out, turning and running away from Odin.
'What are you doing?' Sluke questioned.
"I don't know," he admitted out loud, slipping the bow back onto his back as he ran. Fire must have been Odin's element as lances of it crashed around Van who could merely dodge them.
"Stop running you coward," Odin yelled, swinging the spear and launching more of the projectiles.
That word didn't sit well with Van as he turned suddenly, facing the fire head on. His focus was completely on dodging, hoping Odin got exhausted before him. His movements were almost graceful; flips, twists turns...it could be seen as an elaborate dance.
"This is getting old child," Odin called, though was impressed that he had eluded him so far. He stabbed Gungnir into the ground, moving forward before dragging the embedded blade ahead and around him. Pulling it up Odin made a thrusting motion with the spear towards Van. From where the blade had engraved the ground a wall of flame spouted, the earth being torn up as it rushed towards Van.
Odin waited for the flames to crash around the human, but the sound of a bell met his ears. The flames stopped and started to break away. He could see Van standing there, the ground around him frosted over. His eyes widened, "He's the wolf's child."
Van's breathing was heavy, eyes trying to focus on Odin. His knees buckled, soon finding himself on his hands and knees coughing up blood. 'You shouldn't have used something you never tested before,' Sluke's voice spoke softly.
He took notice that Odin was moving towards him, but didn't have the strength to move just yet. "You had a philosopher's stone," Odin said as he got closer, stopping a few yards away from Van. "It amplified your abilities to the point that they mimicked Fenrir's. I would have never guessed you where his child."
"Freya knew," he breathed out, slightly surprised she hadn't told him.
"Of course she did, but she would never tell me something like that. It meant nothing to her, but now that I know I'm going to obliterate you to the point your soul doesn't even remain." Van looked up, only to see Odin had moved in front of him. His left hand wrapped around Van's neck, forcing him up and off his feet. "I shouldn't have put it past him to do something forbidden."
Van's hand reached up to grab a hold of Odin's wrist, wishing he could find it in him to fight. Breathing was hard, and the gauntlet's metal was digging into his flesh. "Knowing that wolf, he knows why I'm the ruler of the Aesir. Though I must admit I'm impressed. He found a way to get around the pact of the gods, which should have guaranteed this from happ..."
Odin trailed off as he heard the chime of the bell again. His eyes focusing on Van, who now stood a little over two yards away from him breathing hard. His eyes looked to see his hand now on the ground, an angry yell escaping him. It wasn't from the pain though, but from the smug smile that was coming over the human's face. Even with the blood coming from the corner of his mouth, he found the will to smile.
Van held up his hand, the leather cuff had a bell hanging from it which slowly turned to dust. "Apparently the stone had one more use in it," he said, his breathing starting to come under control. "Amplifying my own gift is a lot easier then branching off to Fen's."
"It doesn't matter. Now that you lost your last life line there's nothing stopping me from killing you," Odin hissed through gritted teeth.
"I was told that the only reason you rule the Aesir is because you yourself are half mortal," Van spoke, unfazed by Odin's threat. "I agreed to fight you because you have no right to judge others. You're a hypocrite who's afraid of change."
"HUMAN!" he yelled, lifting Gungnir up with some difficulty, "you know nothing about our ways. Know your place!"
"I know you have no problem using other's to gain what you want," Van's voice was calm, as he pulled Sluke from his back. "Everyone has a right to decide their own destiny," holding Sluke in his left he pulled the arrow from the guard on his back.
"I refuse to be killed by a human," his voice now noticeably lower. With his right hand Odin began to spin Gungnir, Van knew this was it.
"The arrow is a separate weapon," Van's commented. His voice was still calm, but he was starting to shake again from the strain of everything. He was taking steps back, trying to give himself some distance before firing the arrow.
"I don't care."
Van notched the arrow, the string becoming visible as the arrow touched it. 'What is he waiting for?' Sluke asked, to which Van couldn't answer. Pulling back on the arrow he aimed, but noticed Odin had moved back as well. 'No time to think boy, take him out!'
With those words Van let go of the arrow, his right arm being torn up as the arrow was fired due to the backlash of power. He didn't have time to acknowledge the new pain, however, as Odin stopped spinning the spear and hurled it at him.
'He threw it...' was all he could think, almost wishing he had time to feel like an idiot. Gungnir intercepted the arrow, slicing right through it and continued it's flight straight at Van.
'You have to endure it!' Sluke yelled before Van dropped the bow, trying to focus on freezing time once more.
'I can't stop it,' was the last thing Van thought before grabbing hold of the Gungnir's shaft with his good hand, trying to stop it from piercing him. The force behind the throw was greater then it should have been, the shaft slipping through his grip. It was pushing him back, his feet digging into the ground as he tried to do what Sluke said.
The tip of the spear was touching his flesh, and before he knew what was happening Gungnir had sliced through him. His grip weakened, but the spear didn't seem to have the intention of going completely through him as he was pushed back still. It was when his back met something solid that he stopped, the spear's outer blades sunk deeper as he was forcible stopped.
Van couldn't think, he didn't even realize he was conscious until he felt a warm paw cover his mouth. "This'll only hurt for a moment," Fen's voice said softly, his other paw taking hold of the spear's shaft near it's head. He suddenly pulled it out, causing Van to cough up blood against the paw...but that was it. That cough was all the air he had, his diaphragm torn apart along with the better part of his midsection. "You were amazing," Fen praised, but his voice sounded really far away. Van suddenly wished he could remind Fen of his promise, but his thoughts were fading like everything else.
The wolf moved his arms around Van, holding him as he faded. When all movement left him, Fen put down his body on the soft grass that surrounded them and placed Gungnir in Van's left hand. His muzzle turned towards Odin, even from this distance he could tell that he was scared.
"You used him," Odin spoke as Fen got closer, realizing now what had just happened.
"He knew what he was doing," Fen replied, removing the cloak he wore and letting it fall to the ground.
"I'll kill you before you have the chance..." Odin stopped, his outstretched hand empty though Gungnir should have been there.
"You should have listened to the kiddo about the arrow," Fen muttered, his paw pulling at the loosening ribbon around his abdomen. "The arrow's name was Saiken, it was made so Gungnir would bond with Van. You can thank Fafnir for making such creative weapons."
Blood red eyes took in the image of Odin, his eyes showing his fear as the wolf approached him. "Even if you kill me someone will be around to take your head."
Fen laughed, it was deep and carefree. "Do you think I'm afraid of them now?" he asked, his paw now holding the binding ribbon Gleipnir.
Odin could just stand and watch as Fenrir reached for him with on paw, which soon rested on the breastplate of his armor. "I want everyone to watch what's about to happen," Fen growled out, moving his paw forward slightly. The power behind the push was something similar to how Freya attacked, but the energy didn't pass through his body. It simply blew him back, as if the wolf had physical thrown him.
His landing was softer then he expected, but his armor had been weakened by Fenrir's action and broke from the landing. Odin laid there, breathing heavily as he tried to figure what to do. "Get up," the deep voice of Fenrir growled, not far away from where he was.
Odin sat up slowly, taking in the different form of the wolf. He was much larger now, and his fur had taken on a white hue but black still showed as it got closer to his skin. The white seemed to enhance the crimson color of his eyes, which were completely focused on Odin.
"You sacrificed your own son so you could get Gungnir to cut Gleipnir," Odin spoke, forcing himself to his feat...he refused to be killed without honor on his part.
"Let's talk about something else," Fenrir spoke, crouching down slightly as if he was preparing to lunge. "How about we talk about how you stole my freedom? How about we talk about how you used the loyalty of Tyr to accomplish this? So not only did you rob me of my freedom, but also of one of the few people I trusted."
"I had no choice! Mimir foretold of my death by your hands!"
"The funny thing about that," Fenrir emphasized funny by chuckling a little, "did it ever cross your mind that by taking actions in preventing what was predicted that you actually become the cause?" Fenrir waited for Odin to say something, but nothing came. "So because you are told I'll be your killer, you bind me. I like to remind you I never once showed ANY ill intentions towards anyone before hand. The way I see it, you definitely just gave me a reason to want revenge."
Fenrir moved forward at that, he was on all paws as he got closer. "I feel like I would be insulting Mimir if I didn't kill you now, after everything that has been done. I do have reasons now, and I would like to add to the list of injustices you've done already the fact you attacked my child."
Odin's eyes meet the with Fenrir's, "He's not dead?"
"What makes you ask that?"
"You said attacked instead of killed."
The grin filled Fenrir's muzzle, "The likes of you would never be able to kill him."
"Then he truly is a monster."
The grin faded, and Fenrir's eyes became serious once more. He lunged at Odin, who flinched and closed his eyes as he waited for the end. He felt the wolf's heated breath against his face, opening his eyes to see the muzzle inches away from him. "I want to rip you apart so badly right now," and as if to demonstrate he raised his paw and made a shallow cut on Odin's neck with a claw. "However, that would taint Van's sacrifice."
Odin watched as Fenrir stood at full height, being over three feet taller then Odin's 5'11". One of his paws roughly turned him around, claws digging into his bare shoulder. "If you consider him a monster, then he's the oddest monster you'll ever know," the wolf said in a low voice, leaning his muzzle down closer to Odin's ear.
Before them all those who were thought dead were slowly rising, a look of confusion on most of their faces. "How are they still alive? I saw him stab my Valkyrie."
"Sluke merely took away their strength. It couldn't actually kill in a physical way, and though it seemed to do damage that was just an illusion. After the arrow was fired the contract with Sluke was fulfilled. Now that it's gone their strength will be slowly returning."
Odin's eyes met Freya's as she slowly got to her feet. "Freya don't," he said softly before averting his eyes. He had lost, and now he stood before them all in shame.
Silence fell over the field, everyone waiting for someone else to do something. Fenrir turned his muzzle to the right, a smile once again forming as the large body of Fafnir got closer. "So I see we won," his voice sounded strained, and patches of scales were stained with blood.
"That child of your's has guts," Garm growled out. The hellhound was dragging Frey's body behind him, but released him as he got closer. "If he ever orders me again not to kill, I'll tear him apart."
"Yeah, good luck with that," Fafnir laughed out. The two took their place behind Fenrir, watching the scenario play out.
"It seems Tyr won't be joining us," Fenrir muttered, shaking his muzzle. He cleared his throat, looking over Odin's army before beginning his speech. "My name is Fenrir; the wolf who was bound, prophesized killer of Odin, father of Van. Now that I'm free I'll be taking over the Aesir," to emphasize this he forced Odin to his knees. "You can either follow me by your free will, or by force...whatever works for you. If you wish to challenge me, please," he opened his arms invitingly, "come at me now."
The footsteps of the young warrior echoed on the stone floor, stopping briefly to look out the opened window. The sun was high and the field that surrounded the castle was in full bloom. It was a rather impressive sight.
After Fenrir had taken over things became kind of chaotic, but one had to give the wolf credit...he never once raised a paw against those who challenged him. His power alone was enough to stop the attackers from following through with their threat. With time things started to settle, and everyone began to see the changes Fenrir was bringing about.
The fighting on the different planes had lessened, and the wolf had been working for peace between the Aesir and the giants. At the rate he was going Ragnarok would never come. However there was some opposition, such as Thor who believed that peace could never be achieved and the giants would backstab them...
Yule shook his head, the young thylacine remembering he had business to attend to. Fenrir had taken the young einherjar as his personal page, though word had traveled that it was just because of his rare breed. The Valkyrie said it was more likely because the wolf liked to place people in awkward situations. Since Yule's end had been brought on by a pack of wolves...well that seemed to make sense.
The thylacine smiled though, as he had gathered the courage to ask. He could still remember the wolf's smile as he looked up from the scrolls he had been scanning through. "Simple," his voice showed his amusement, "it was the choice you made that caused your death. You attempted to protect a tribe that treated you with disdain, but you still gave your life for them. The fact that you found it more important to forgive and help them instead of allowing them to die, that would be the reason."
He found himself nearing the door to Fenrir's room, and was about to lift a paw to knock...but a guttural groan made him stop. His round ears drew back slightly, it was obvious what Fenrir was doing. He was about to head back and ask Garm if his meeting with the wolf could wait until a "Come in" was called, it was an evident command.
Yule's paw was shaking as he turned the handle and pushed the door open a crack. His nose twitched slightly from the smell, the musk of the two strong even with the balcony door open. "If this is a bad time," he managed to say without stuttering his words.
"No no," Fenrir answered, his voice almost sounding normal. "What do you need?"
Yule poked his head in, eyes taking in the view of the two creatures in an age old dance. The dragon beneath the wolf was panting heavily, scales glistening with sweat. Fafnir was the cause of the most of the noises, as another moan escaped his maw. "I'm....sure it can wait sir," Yule spoke as he tried to avert his eyes. The situation was awkward, and he felt like he was intruding.
"You know," Fenrir's voice had turned to a low growl, as he leaned closer to the dragon so his muzzle was near his neck. "I think I would really love to see Yule's cock in your maw while I fuck you like this." A lazy grin covered his muzzle, his eyes looking over at Yule who was looking at the floor. "What do you think?" the wolf asked, the sound of a smack and the dragon's growl that followed getting Yule's attention. "Well?" he asked again, eyes focused on Yule's.
He didn't know how to respond, and was almost relieved as he was pushed further into the room as the door was kicked the rest of the way open. Looking back he saw Garm standing in the door way, his nose wrinkled in disgust. "You knew damn well I was here," he growled out. His large pointed ears were drawn back in agitation, and his short black fur was bristled.
"You're just mad because I didn't ask you to join," Fenrir said, the lazy smile still on his muzzle.
Yule took note that even with the audience Fenrir's steady deep thrust hadn't changed. He also took in other details of the scene, like how Fenrir's one paw restrained Fafnir's wrist behind his back. The dragon could probably break free if he wanted to. The wolf had straightened back up again, hard muscles clearly evident beneath the matted fur as he moved. Fafnir's thick tail was lightly wrapped around the wolf's waist, probably for contact purposes.
Garm sneered, teeth bared as his anger started to rise. "The lady Hel sent me, she requests your presence. The child is awake."
At the last part Fenrir did a hard thrust and grind against Fafnir, the dragon buried his muzzle into the bedding as a deep moan escaped him. Yule watched as the wolf held perfectly still, but his facial expression hadn't changed. "You don't say, well then I suppose I shouldn't keep him waiting."
Garm had already turned, taking his leave...he apparently was just asked to deliver a message.
Yule watched as the dragon's tail tightened slightly, which also seemed to get Fenrir's attention. "Please...don't leave me like this," he begged, his panting making it slightly hard to understand him.
"You really are greedy," Fenrir laughed out, giving his scaled rump another firm smack. Yule wanted to leave, but couldn't seem to get his legs to take him. He was also finding it difficult to look away, his eyes constantly looking back as the wolf started thrusting once more.
He watched as the wolf lightly scratched at Fafnir's scaled back, the dragon now meeting Fenrir's thrust. "I suppose you do deserve an ending after these last couple of hours," Fenrir spoke through a toothy grin. The dragon merely whimpered in reply, arms attempting to move so he could finally touch himself. "However, it'll still be on my terms."
The amount of pre that saturated the bedding beneath the dragon only reinforced the amount of time they had spent during this coupling. The dragon's large cock was still oozing pre-cum onto the bedding for that matter. Thick veins ran up the shaft, which was a deep purple...again probably from the amount of time they've been at it. "I suppose you're ready?" Fenrir asked, the response he got was another pathetic whimper and a slight nod.
Fenrir's free hand reached forward, pulling the dragon up so his back was against the wolf's chest. Yule couldn't help but wonder if the dragon's spikes hurt Fenrir, but guessed he couldn't even feel them at the moment. The wolf's height was equal to the dragon's, as he nuzzled the dragon's maw that he held up with his paw. Yule watched the intimate exchange, the passionate kissing and licking even more off setting then the sex itself...he definitely felt like he was intruding now.
The wolf's thrust had become increasingly faster, as he kissed the corner of Fafnir's mouth. "Go ahead," he whispered against the dragon's muzzle, his grin wide.
Fafnir had started shaking when he was pressed up against the wolf, but was now trembling uncontrollable. Those two simple word caused a strangled cry to escape him at first, which turned into a full on roar which Yule was sure everyone in the castle heard...along with people within two miles of it.
Yule had flinched from the sound, but saw the dragon's phallus expel what had been building up, the cum adding to the already soaked bedding. Fenrir released the dragon's wrist, which merely fell to his sides, as the wolf took hold of the untouched appendage causing the dragon to make a new sound. "Such a good boy," Fenrir said quietly, his paw gentle stroking Fafnir until he made a breathy whine.
The wolf helped lay him down, Fafnir's hard muscled body seeming a lot more malleable now. He pulled out of the dragon slowly, Fafnir's panting hitched as the hefty tapered wolf cock left him. "We'll finish up later alright," the large wolf said, rubbing Fafnir's thigh before moving off the large bed.
Yule watched Fenrir as he looked through his armoire while lazily licking his paw, cleaning the dragon cum that had covered it off. His eyes tracing down the muscled back to watch the rhythmic movement of the wolf's tail. He suddenly blushed and looked away when he saw the owner of said tail looking at him. "Yule."
He could feel the heat of the blush, hoping it didn't show through his short fur. "Yes sir?" his response was timid, eyes on the floor once more.
"You don't have to be so bashful, though it is one of your cuter features." Yule flinched from the sudden touch as a paw lifted his muzzle up. He had seen the wolf's large foot paws on the floor but thought he was going to move past him since he was in front of the exit. Fenrir was crouching so their muzzles were close even with the noticeable height difference.
Yule's head was swimming from Fenrir's strong musk, and had trouble focusing. He did, however, take note of the wolf's control over his own body as his impressive cock was once more hidden in his equally impressive sheath. 'The Valkyrie had been right...' was all he could think as he looked into those crimson eyes.
"I know it's unusual for you, but I'm informal and don't plan on changing. Is this going to be a problem?"
"Is...what..." he paused, his train of thought being blown to pieces by everything about the wolf. He felt stupid as Fenrir's smile got bigger, knowing the wolf was waiting for an answer. "...what?"
Fenrir started to laugh, his paw patting the top of the thylacine's head. He moved away, picking up the clothes he had hung on the door of the armoire. He was moving towards the balcony but stopped as he heard the word 'sir' said lowly. "Yeah?" he asked, not bothering to turn around.
"I'm honored with the responsibilities you've given me," Yule's voice was stronger then what it had been when facing Fenrir's gaze. "I hope I haven't lost your favor due to my inexperience with the current situation."
The wolf's tail hadn't stopped moving, but seemed to pick up it's pace slightly as he listened. "What situation would that be?"
'Oh the Valkyrie was completely right, even if she didn't know the complete situation.' Yule thought, but steeled himself for the conversation ahead. "What you said that time before, about why you picked me..."
"I have no reason to lie Yule," he said, sounding amused just like that time. "You have one of the purest hearts among all the einherjar. You weren't picked because of your physical strength, but from the sacrifice you made. I picked you for the same reason as the Valkyrie. I need someone I can trust and rely on, because I have enough strength as is."
Yule mulled over what was said for a second. "Sir, I never found a mate while I was alive. My species was rare to begin with, and had been dying out for years. By the time I was of age to find one nobody would stay near me for a long duration of time. Since my kind had been dying out at an alarming rate we were thought to be cursed by the gods...nobody wanted anything to do with me. I was twenty-four when I died."
"Well when I get back we can talk about how I can help you with your inexperience," the wolf said with another light laugh. He moved towards the rail of the balcony, placing one foot paw on it. "If you want to of course. Oh, could you make sure Faf get's cleaned up before I get back? I don't need Van seeing this mess."
Yule didn't get a chance to answer as Fenrir jumped from the balcony, the room becoming almost silent besides the low deep breathing of the dragon. Yule looked at the big sleeping dragon who had a look of contentment on his muzzle. He decided to let him sleep for a little while, as he walked onto the balcony and looked over the surrounding area. The calm in the area was almost unsettling, a 'to good to be true' feeling.
"I wonder if he knew all along..."
"About time old man," Van said with a smile, watching as the large white wolf moved towards him. This was the first time seeing Fenrir since his change, but it didn't seem to surprise him.
"I'm not Hel," Fenrir grumbled, "seeing here is a bitch." He waved a paw around, showing his reference to the thick fog that shrouded the area.
The wolf was walking on top of the black water, which was the only reason Van hadn't moved from the stone steps he was sitting on. Apparently only the dead and certain gods could walk on the water, and he wasn't strong enough at the moment to even attempt.
"How long have I been here?" Van asked, looking at the smiling crimson eyes that belonged to the wolf.
'To long,' Fenrir thought, reaching out and ruffling Van's now salt and pepper hair. "We can talk about that later," he said with a smile as Van's hand took a hold of his paw. "In fact, if you're ready we'll be taking our leave. Neither of us belong here at the moment."
"What did you do to Odin?" he asked out of the blue, hand releasing the paw.
"I decided that killing him was overrated. As far as I know he's just wondering around," the wolf shrugged, "don't really care what he's doing though. Anyway, let's get going."
Fenrir offered his paw, his smile widening as he felt the slightly warm hand take hold of it. "Is he still waiting for me?" Van asked, his eyes still focused on the wolf's.
Fenrir's smile wavered somewhat, before giving the hand a tug and pulling the smaller body to his. He lifted Van up, cradling him as he turned to head the direction he had come. They were silent as the wolf walked, Van's head rested against the wolf's chest and he seemed to have fallen asleep. "If he moved on you can tell me," Van said softly.
"As I said, we'll talk later." To emphasize his point he picked up the pace, moving into a smooth run. "I left you here to encourage your body to pick up the pace in healing...this place keeps the constant threat of taking your life if you're mortal. Now that you're awake no need to keep straining your body."
He tightened his hold on Van, trying to give his body back some of it's warmth. The place really had taken it's toll, but was also useful in healing the major damage that had been done to his body. For now, he just wanted to get him comfortable before he allowed the child to run head first into the emotional situation ahead.