Chapter 19:
Sein
“Thank you so much for everything you did for us”
The memory of the village woman’s words, and her wonderful, mature, perfectly aged beauty, normally something that would have Sein smiling wistfully, couldn’t do much more than give a brief, almost non existent distraction.
No, Sein still continued to stare straight ahead, dead center at the back of Kratos’ head, all but burning a hole into that pale skull. For all that Kratos didn’t even seem to notice, marching beside Mimir without a care in the world.
It… didn’t make sense.
None of it did.
He’d tried to think things through at first, to maybe chalk it up to Kratos, Mimir and Atreus being from another world entirely, and perhaps that made curses not work on them, but then he remembered that Brok and Sindri had fallen dead asleep, Brok faster than most.
Then he thought that perhaps they’d received their own strange blessing back in their homeland, Mimir spoke often enough about the various stories of their many many gods, someone there must give blessings.
But then, Sein, who was neither blind nor oblivious to social cues, remembered that Kratos disliked priests; -because yes, he’d noticed- you tend to pay attention to the near seven foot tall mountain of muscle when he glares at things, particularly when he glares at you for just breathing near him.
Frieren was content to wait, and Fern took her cues from her, Stark, kind as he was, didn’t want to press or even question the issue either.
Step after step, they marched along the old road, swallowing distance between the town they’d just rescue onto their next destination.
Sein took a breath
—
Kratos:
“Brother, you know we’ll have to tell them soon.” It was still odd, hearing Mimir’s voice beside him rather than behind him. But his words now, as they did before, brought up uncomfortable subjects directly and truthfully.
“We do not.” He answered, his voice wasn’t a whisper, but he was not loud either, physical distance kept his exchange with the now mobile head, private.
“Brother-” Mimir sighed. “You know keeping it a secret wont end well, it didn’t when you kept it from Atreus.”
“That is not the same.” He spat.
“No, but its similar enough that my reminding you isn’t makin you feel any better about it.”
He tossed the Head a dirty, irritated look. Mimir met said look with a flat, unimpressed stare of his own before Kratos turned his gaze back towards the road ahead.
They walked in silence for a few dozen paces or so, Mimir allowing him the time to think about how best to say what he wished.
“What is said cannot be unsaid.” He finally decided. “Once it is known-” He trailed off.
“Aye-” Mimir nodded. “Ya cant take it back.”
“Atreus-” He paused. “They are his friends.”
“They’re yours too, don't pretend.” Mimir chastised.
Kratos grunted. Perhaps they were. But he could… endure the negative consequences of revealing what they were.
Atreus, he knew, could endure it as well.
But that did not mean Kratos wanted him to have to.
Mimir once again, proved that he knew him for too long, with just a glance the head could tell what he was thinking. “Nothing says this needs to be the worst case scenario.”
“They do not need to know.” Kratos rumbled… insisted.
Mimir held silent for a moment. “You know, better than anyone, nothing can be built on a foundation of lies brother.”
In that… he was right.
He usually was.
“They’re good people… and if things do change, then perhaps that’s for the best too. To know early that it could never work out than drag out a folly.”
He was right once again, everything in him, from his experience, to his Spartan upbringing that valued honesty and forthrightness told him he was right, that this was the best course.
And yet…
The father in him, still did not wish to bring an end to his son’s happiness.
“Kratos.”
He felt in that moment, as the whole party came to a stop, the thick, heavy silence finally being broken as the God of War turned and stared down at the priest who called his name.
Sein, to his credit, met his stare head on, unflinching as he spoke.
“Look-” The priest breathed. “I know better than most that minding your own business is a way to live, but… I think we’re all owed some straight answers here.”
Some furtive glances were exchanged behind him, Kratos noted Fern in particular glance in Atreus’ direction, Stark shifted from foot to foot, looking at the ground. Frieren merely watched on silently.
“You haven’t asked a question though.” Mimir pointed out rather cheekily, smiling as he held his staff in both hands, almost leaning on it, affecting the look of harmlessness.
Sein’s features twisted, a sour look on his face. “Alright.” He bit out. “You knew you, Kratos and Atreus would be immune to the curse. How? You’ve said in your stories how Ygdrassil connects all the realms but also how Odin, your God has sealed it away , so how did you all come here by sheer accident? Atreus picks up magecraft as easy as slipping on a new pair of shoes; and yes-” He looked to the boy who practically stiffened to full attention as the Priest rounded on him, “I did notice you trying, and nearly succeeding in copying my healing spell on those villagers, pretty much without instruction.”
“Umm, I…” Before the boy could answer Sein ran his hand through his hair, sighing in growing frustration. “For Goddess’ sake! I’m pretty sure you can talk to animals!” Then he gestured to Kratos himself. “And lets not even start on your absurd strength! Stark is strong; one of the strongest warriors I’ve ever seen, but he doesn’t even come close to the things you do. And its pretty clear you all know why all of this is and that no, it isn’t normal! So yes. Mimir. I am asking. Straight up. For the honest truth.”
Kratos stared at the priest, then passed his eyes over the others. Brok had leaned back in his seat on the carriage, hands laced over his stomach, watching Kratos with an expectant, knowing look on his face, Frieren beside him, leaned forward, chin cradled in her hands as though watching a play, much like Sindri beside her, who seemed to be hanging onto the reigns of the ox for dear life.
Stark looked unsure, uneasy, as did Atreus, who looked almost guilty, while Fern watched them all, her lips set to a thin, grim line.
He watched them all, and came to a decision.
“Atreus.” He barked and his son almost jumped in fright at the sudden calling of his name.
He gestured for the boy to come close, half walking, half jogging to close the distance quickly, when he did, Kratos placed his hand on his son’s shoulder.
“This decision will affect you the most.” He said, his voice low. “I will follow your choice.”
His son stared at him wide eyed, and Kratos could all but hear the boy’s stomach drop as the weight of the decision suddenly rested on his shoulders.
“I-” He hesitated, turning to look at Fern and Stark, and then Frieren, and finally Sein. “I… don’t know how to… explain.”
“Just…” Sein sighed. His determined, glaring features softening as he looked at Atreus now rather than Kratos. “Like ripping out an ingrown nail kid. Do it fast and simple.”
Atreus looked down, staring at his feet, before he looked to Mimir.
The head looked down at him, and then to Kratos, an entire conversation occurred in three quiet glances. And Kratos knew what would be said.
Mimir stepped forward, standing at Kratos’ side, the three corners now staring at the group.
“I’ve been telling you all stories.” He said slowly. “Stories of our realms, of the Gods that live there, tales of their lives, adventures, and misadventures… well… there’s a reason for that. A reason that I can recount them as though I was there; as you’ve all told me many a time.”
He saw the moment Frieren realized it; her eyes widening ever so slightly.
“It’s because I was there.” He said. “For many of them. I was there. I’m not a priest.” He nodded towards Sein. “I’m not a follower of the Gods teachings-” Now to Fern. “I- We are Gods in our realms.”
There was a moment; a window of stunned, or disbelieving silence and then-
“Hold up, do you even count Mr. Advisor?” Brok suddenly said, glaring at Mimir.
“I most certainly do ya daft blue cun-”
“The fuck are you the God of? Googly eyes!?”
“Knowledge and memory ya daft blue-berry!”
“Prove it.” Sein demanded suddenly. “Do… something Godly.”
“Not how it works lad.”
“I may be a terrible priest but there is only one Goddess of creation!” He contested.
“Aye… in this realm.” Mimir affirmed.
“This-”
“I believe them.”
Sein rounded on Frieren “Why!?” He demanded, Mimir expected this, a man of faith, a priest of a single goddess, he would take it the hardest of all.
“I’ve known for a long time that they weren’t human. And why lie in such a way? Why make that claim?”
“For all you know they could be Demons of their realm!?” Sein argued. “Demons lie! You say it yourself often enough.”
“And they’ve never lied to us so far.” Frieren shrugged.
“W-wait.” It was Fern who spoke, holding up her hands up to stop the oncoming argument, seemingly trying to gather thoughts that slipped out of her grasp as quickly as they came. “Y-you told me that what you all are can be dangerous!”
Kratos raised a brow, confused, but saw out of the corner of his eye that Mimir understood and his features grew sad.
“Aye-” He nodded. “Not all Gods are as kind as your Goddess Lass. In fact, more often than not… they can be cruel and capricious.” He brought his hand up, fingers tracing over the line of his severed neck. “The Curse laid on me, the one that made this a preferable fate- It was cast by Odin, and even we-” Mimir gestured towards the three of them, Atreus as well. “Were not always the people we are today.”
Kratos stiffened, and tried not to glare at Mimir. His past was not something to be discussed.
“What… what are you the Gods of?” Stark ventured hesitantly speaking up for the first time.
Mimir offered a half bow of sorts. “Knowledge and memory lad, at yer service.” He patted Atreus on the head. “We’re still not sure what the little Brother’s domain is, but we’ll find it one day.”
Stark turned looking to Brok and Sindri.
“Oh no.” Sindri laughed. “Just some regular old dwarfs here. No Godly powers or domains to speak of.”
“Speak fer yerself.” Brok chuckled. “I’m the God of the Forge kid!”
“Dont listen to him.” Sindri sighed.
“You said that you were cruel.” Fern cut in once again. “How.”
Another heavy silence fell. And when Mimir spoke, his voice was softer.
“I worked for eons under Odin lass Longer than several dozen human lifetimes at least.” Mimir answered. “I brokered deals, did things to make his plans come to fruition. And often time… those plans were… evil things. I told myself I was doin good, reducing harm but I wasn’t, I took pride in my work. It’s not a savage cruelty, but it was cruelty all the same.” Mimir’s clay and stone hand rose, planting itself on atreus shoulder. “And little Brother- when he learned of what he was… he too had his brief lapse of pride and… lashing out-”
His son looked ashamed, and Kratos saw his hand rise, gripping the handle of the knife, in reflex, as if to remind himself of the fact that yes, he did kill Modi with that blade.
“And brother-”
He would not listen to this- without a word or backward glance, Kratos turned and began marching away. He would hunt for food, either for five or nine, whatever was decided would be decided without him.
—
Mimir
He stopped as Kratos turned away, a dark look in his eyes; the old advisor sighed, shaking his head.
“Brother’s past… it’s a dark one. And not a story anyone but he should tell if he wishes.”
“What was he the God of.”
The question was delivered without preamble, without any of the hesitancy of stark, or the sudden unease of Fern, or even the demanding tone of Sein,
So it was no surprise when Mimir turned his eyes to the calm, curious gaze of Frieren.
“War.”
Sein stiffened, and Mimir could see how the priest was imagining the horrors of war, the things men, let alone Gods, could be made to do in that terrible tempest of wrath and hate.
No doubt whatever he was imagining paled in comparison to the truth.
It was Frieren however, who paused, her eyes taking on a look of… understanding.
No doubt, over her long life, she’d seen War.
Perhaps she did understand.
He grasped the staff, the one Kratos himself made for him. “He’s changed. Changed the most from what he was… out of all of us, but oftentimes, I don't think he sees that” The old advisor shook his head. “I don't think I’ve done a good enough job of reminding him how far he’s come.”
Curiously, Mimir saw Frieren’s head tilt, her ears twitch and a slow little smile started tugging at her lip.
She stood up from her seat on the carriage front, hopping down.
And then she started walking in the same direction Kratos had gone.
“Where are you going!?” Sein demanded.
“To find him, of course.” The elf offered a jaunty wave over her shoulder. “I’m sure we all have questions, and we’ll have plenty for the next few days.”
“What does that even mean!?” Sein looked frustrated enough that he seemed ready to pull his hair out.
“Mr. Stark are you ok?”
Fern’s concerned voice made Mimir turn and look, to see that Stark indeed seemed to be shaking like a leaf for some reason.
“Lad, what’s wrong?”
“I’m just… kinda freaking out right now… I’m the only idiot here who’s tried to kick a War God in the face.”
Atreus’ eyes widened. “Wait, you what!? When!?
Mimir blinked, confused before he remembered one of the many sparring matches between Kratos and Stark back when Atreus took the mage exam.
He couldn’t help it, he burst out laughing.
—
Kratos
It was a Stag that he killed as the sun began to fall.
A large one, the beast must’ve weighed at least thirty stone
He did not use an arrow, he hadn’t taken it, simply threw his asxe, the enchanted blade had dug into its neck, it had died quickly, as painlessly as he could make it.
Pulling the weapon free with a squelch of meat and blood, Kratos knelt at its side, deciding to gut the animal here. No doubt, if the party had stayed together, they would not wish to see the gruesome task, or smell the fowlness of innards.
If they hadn’t, it gave him more time away and return with a ready kill for his son, Mimir and the dwarfs.
He heard a rustle in the underbrush, and listened for a moment, wondering if it was another animal.
Then, the elf poked her head out of the bush, a leaf sticking to her hair.
He was surprised.
“Why are you here elf?” He demanded, eyes narrowing.
She blinked… and smiled. “Searching for you, God of War.”
He snorted. “Do not call me that.”
Turning back to the kill he pulled free his knife, ready to gut the animal and begin the process.
The elf marched up to his side, then planted herself, kneeling with arms wrapped around her knees, “Looks like we’ll be eating good tonight.”
…
“You have decided to continue traveling together then?” He wished to be sure.
“Hmm? Why wouldn’t we?”
What a foolish question.
“Good.” He said as his knife slid into the belly of the beast. “Atreus… would have been sad.”
He felt more than saw her smile.
He saw her staff appear in her hand, conjured from her magic.
Then, she summoned Shelly, standing on her… shell…
He’d been right in his first assumptions. It truly was a ridiculous name.
Then. He felt her hand on his head… patting it.
Even with him kneeling, and her standing atop the turtle, she still had to reach to touch the top of his head.
“What are you doing?” He demanded, turning to look, only to see a far too pleased smile on her face.
“I think you deserve a little more praise Mr Kratos.”
He wondered if he was being mocked, and then recognized it was not in the Elf’s nature. Whatever she was doing made some form of sense to her, and the smile she held on her face was something he would almost call kind.
“You are absurd.” He rumbled.
It only made her smile grow a little more.
(X)(X)(X)
So this chapter went through quite a few itterations, (hence the week long delay)
There will be more follow-up questions and "reactions" as the information truly settles in in the updates to come (because frankly its kind of -too big- to really grasp that you've been walking with literal Gods for months now in the span of a single conversation)
And I know that a lot of people want the whole story of "Greece" to come out, but I'm gonna keep it real with you all, I dont see Kratos divulging that. It damn near took pulling Teeth to get Atreus to just learn the bare bones of it, and it wasn't even really "from him" but from an impromptu trip to the underworld, that man aint regaling anyone with that story.
But I hope this version with all its little nuances and dynamics between the characters is to your liking along with that little moment between Frieren and Kratos at the end. I thought it fit the both of them.
Here's hoping I was right :)