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Kratos wondered just how upset Faye truly would be if he wrung their son’s neck.
They had been off trading in a Dwarven Village and he had only requested the boy do one thing! Stick by his side.
He had been talking to Brok’s busty ex-wife...well she had been doing all the talking mainly. She had offered to restring Atreus’ bow for free. Something that happened rarely in Fimblewinter times.
Kratos admiring the push daggers on the table and zoning her constant droning on about Brok being a wretch from the deepest pit of Hel, when he had noticed the boy was missing.
This is why he should have brought Mimir.
He might be 16 now. More able to handle himself but the moron didn’t even have his bow on him.
“Where did he go?” He rumbles to the dwarf.
“Uhh, that way I think. He said something about being hungry. He should be fine. He seems like a strong boy” She chirps like it wasn’t a problem, pointing off towards the thick row of stalls. People milling around everywhere.
Kratos runs a hand down his face and tries to not smash her wares table.
“His bow’s all finished’ if ya wanted to go looking for him...” He doesn’t bother letting her finish the sentence. Storming off, bow in hand.
“Oh if you see that no good cheating whore of my ex. I want my breastplate back!” She yells after him.
Normally Kratos wouldn’t have a problem spotting Atreus amongst a world of Dwarves. But with everybody here to trade wares. It became a lot harder to spot his thin frame.
“By gods Boy where in Hel are you?” Kratos snarls to himself.
People give him a wide berth as he storms down the wooden pier.
He had just passed by a tavern when he hears it. The large heavy doors flung open, the place reeked of stale ale and possibly piss. Voices shouting and jesting. The clinking of pint glasses and steins on the wooden bar top.
It wasn’t as soft or innocent as it once used to be. It’s got a touch of slyness, hidden beneath that lilt. Just like his mother once had been. But he knew his son’s laugh anywhere. Regardless of voice cracks.
The entire bar quietens down the minute Kratos steps into it. Atreus was facing the bar, still laughing as he shakes the cup of dice.
But that wasn’t what Kratos was staring at. The boy had his own hacksilver to spend if he wished to gamble it away. Then he’d go the month with just the basics he could gather from the forest.
It was the person leaning close to him. Both of them laughing. Atreus completely ignores his senses.
Or else he would have noticed Kratos standing behind him already.
Kratos presses the tip of his finger against the back of his son’s neck. Said child bucks up immediately and turns.
“You would have died if I had been out to kill you. I have trained you for a reason. Finish your game. I will chide you on the way home” He rumbles before moving to cross his arms.
The human that had been talking to Atreus gulps a little as he takes in Kratos’ physique.
Atreus just nodded, pouting.
He rolls his dice. Winning a small amount. Gathering it into his coin sack they head off for the Bifrost.
“So are you going to yell at me?” Atreus asks when their back on the sled in Midgard.
“Should I? Or do you know what you did wrong?” Kratos asks.
“I didn’t stay by your side”
“And?” Kratos prompts.
“I let my guard down. It was foolish of me. I’m sorry”
Kratos deems that good enough and they ride home in silence. Atreus fiddling with his new bowstring. Pulling it a few times to adjust to the new tautness.
The boy was nearly 17 now. Had far grown from the scrawny shrimp that had battled his way to Jotunhiemr. He was still lithe. Coming up to Kratos’ shoulder now. Red hair shaved close to one side. It had grown longer recently but as long as it did not become a weakness in battle and was kept tidy. Kratos did not care.
He bore more runes now and far more scars. That he bore with pride. Proudly showing the dwarves whenever he had the chance.
They were nearly home when a large cracking noise sounds. It was horrid, jarring and Kratos just has enough time to grab Atreus before they go rolling into a snowbank.
A roar fills the air. Atreus already notching an arrow as they come to a stop.
It was a frost troll.
“They’re normally not out this far” Atreus says as Kratos gets them both to their feet. Cutting the wolf leads from the shattered remains of their sled.
“hlaupa!” Atreus orders the already growling beasts. Eyes sparking that blue glow as Kratos pulls the axe from his back. The wolves have no choice but to obey their master.
The troll was bigger than normal. It reminded Kratos of the one in Helheim.
It takes them nearly an hour to bring the beast down. Even Kratos is a little wary by the time he is finally crushing its head.
Atreus panting. Coughing a little but trying to hide it.
He might be more attuned to his genetic nature nowadays but he still got sick far too easily. And a blast from a frost troll, it’s no wonder the boy was feeling under the weather.
“Come.” Kratos orders after grabbing what he can from the Troll.
Atreus just nods and staggers after him tired. Speki and Svanna joining them. Atreus leaning on the larger of the pair to keep himself upright.
Kratos easily unclips his furs and instead wraps them around Atreus snugly. Wanting the boy to stay as warm as possible.
They get home eventually. Atreus moving to ride on Svanna back completely. The pup not minding in the slightest. Only happy to serve her master.
Mimir greeting them with a witty comment.
“Well, you two look like a bag of Helwalker dung” He comments from his stand that Atreus insisted they build. Claiming that Mimir was family now.
“Troll.”
“A nasty one. I...I’m gonna go change” Atreus says, voice still shivering.
“The cold normally doesn’t affect the boy this badly does it?” Mimir asks worried.
“The Troll hit us both harder than we thought it would. But it is dead” Kratos points out before moving to stoke the fire. The pups are already laid out in front of its dying embers.
They curl up together, cleaning each other.
Atreus eventually joins them. The wolves curl around him as Kratos bundles him with blankets. Pulling out Faye’s old woven one. It still smelled faintly like her but now it smelt more like the boy. Atreus pressing it to his nose and smiling a little bit. Betraying his youth.
Despite the boys training and everything, they had been through. There was a naivety to the boy. That was partially Kratos’ fault. They did not speak to people very often. Least of all strangers. Today had probably been the most interaction the boy had gotten in a while.
Maybe Kratos should take him to the trading villages more often. Let him get used to the world and watch from a small distance away.
A sneeze breaks Kratos from his thoughts.
“Rest. Get warm. You are not to leave the house” Kratos instructs before preparing dinner.
By morning Kratos is concerned. Normally Atreus was up by dawn out training with the wolves but this morning was he was still asleep.
Kratos gently opening his bedroom door. A recent addition to the house. It was getting too small for two men who had tempers. It gave Atreus a space just entirely his own and it left Kratos to a peaceful sleep. Atreus petty enough when pissed off that he would keep them both awake.
Speki growls softly until she realises who it is.
Atreus is still sleeping. His lungs wheezy and he was bundled up under as many furs as he could find. Svanna licking his face and whining.
Kratos moving to press the back of his hand to his son’s forehead. Just as Freya had taught him all those years ago.
Atreus was burning up, even by Kratos’ standards.
He retreats and grabs one of Faye’s old herbal books.
“Head. Read this to me!” He growls opening to the healing page. Only knowing where it was by faint memories of Faye making salves for his wounds and Atreus’s sickness.
Mimir's eyes narrow as he casts them over the page. He leads Kratos through the brew and Kratos knows he's done it right. When that foul smell fills the house. Just as he remembers.
He returns to Atreus’ room. Scoffing under his breath when the wolves cover their noses.
Lifting Atreus up gently.
“Boy you must wake up,” He says voice soft.
It takes a few minutes of mumbling and prodding to get Atreus to open an eye.
“Father. It’s so cold” He whispers, voice hoarse.
“Here drink. You will feel better” Kratos reassures.
Atreus gags but gets it down.
“Just like mother used to make” He jokes but his eyes were still dull and he was fading in and out of sleep.
Kratos carries him and all his bedding out to the fire. Laying him in front of it and stoking it.
The pups of course not far behind. Atreus laying his head on Speki’s side.
Svanna pressing up against his back.
“Rest. Recover” Kratos orders brushing some hair back from his son’s face.
He spends the next few hours cutting wood and gathering food. Making sure he has enough to hunker down for the next two weeks. He does not want to leave the house for any reason outside of his control.
Kratos spends the next three days feeding Atreus more of the wretched brew. He barely sleeps not that it bothers him. He had gone far far longer without it. By the third day when Atreus does not awaken from his stupor. Kratos pulls out his blade. Resting his son’s back against his chest and using his Blades to generate fire.
Mimir keeping him company. For once Kratos is not annoyed by the incessant talking. Knowing the head is just as worried.
What Athena would say if she could see him now. Using the blades that causes her brother's death to try and warm his son.
Worry gnaws at him, burning a hole in his chest.
By the 10th day, Kratos is at his wit's end and was just about to seek a healers help. Bundling Atreus up when the door slams open.
His axe is in his hand in an instant.
“Freya do not disturb me right now! Atreus is sick and I do not have time for your vengeance” He seethes.
Mimir looks like he's about ready to roll himself over to the witch and bite at her ankles.
“I am not here to harm you today. I only wish to heal the boy.” She says. Despite her dishevelled look, her eyes are clear of hatred. They show only concern. Centred entirely on Atreus. Just as she had all those years ago.
It is the sanest she has sounded in quite a while. If Kratos would believe her for anything it would be how much she cares for his son.
“Then you may do so,” He says stepping back. Placing his axe back into its hook.
She nods and moves forward. Seeming to bring the void into his home. Casting darkness behind her. She kneels beside him and raises her hands over his body.
“He has been calling to his mother. I am certain even Odin can hear it. While I might fester hatred for you. Atreus deserves none of it” Freya speaks. More for herself.
“On that you are correct. She...always knew how to make him better. I have followed her healing books but even they can not touch this”
“That is because you are not of the same magic. When Atreus awakens and is well enough. Get him to make a few batches, it needs frost giant magic to work. A mother’s love also works well” She whispers. The faint whispers of a smile touch her face for a second before it disappears.
Hands glowing softly before the light finally dies out.
“He shall awake in 2 days at the most. It will not be easy. Just keep him warm. I have begun the removal process of the Troll’s curse. He will have to finish on his own. I shall return to kill you later. Do not forget my oath Kratos” Freya seethes before standing.
Her wings twitching before she leaves as quickly as she came.
She did not tell him those next two days would be the darkest pit of Hel. Easy was a horrific lie.
Kratos had just fallen asleep when he wakes to screaming the first day.
Atreus screaming and thrashing. Like he was being burnt from the inside out. Mimir and Kratos staring at each other in fear.
“He was fine...and then...that!” Mimir whispers. Voice strained with panic.
The next few days follow a routine. Seizures. Vomiting and screaming. Atreus mutters in his sleep when he reaches his calmer moments. Normally calling out to Faye.
Kratos glad if anything that they lived alone in the woods. Lest they disturb others.
Kratos was holding the boy close as he rested his eyes just for a moment. Hand over his son’s chest. Listening out for that solid heartbeat when he hears muttering.
“Mother...Father is...We fought a dragon and a Valkyrie queen....” Atreus mumbles. Voice fading in and out but Kratos gets the gist of it.
“He’s changed a lot. He actually smiles sometimes. It’s weird” Atreus continues before he gives a breathy laugh. That ends in a thick cough.
“Ahh, the boy thinks he's talking to Faye. He must think highly of you now” Mimir whispers.
“Will he think the same after Ragnarok?” Kratos muses more to himself.
“Father?” Atreus whispers and Kratos just puts it down more sleep talking.
A hand reaching out to touch his face.
“Father,” Atreus says clearer and Kratos snaps open his eyes. He must have fallen asleep by accident.
“You're squeezing me and I think I’ll piss myself if you do it any harder” Atreus groans. Voice clear and his eyes no longer hazy. Kratos immediately letting him go.
Atreus standing and disappearing out the door at a sprint.
He appears a few minutes later, washing his hands in the bucket beside the door.
Kratos standing as the wolves make their happiness known for their master.
“How long was I out?” Atreus asks.
“Nearly three weeks my lad. You worried even Freya. She said you had been cursed. It should be gone now though”
“Freya stopped by and your not dead? You didn’t hurt her did you!?” Atreus asks worried
“No, I did not hurt her. She healed you and left. She has vowed to return for my head though” Kratos promises.
Atreus was annoyingly active. Wide awake and talking Kratos ear off.
“Wait if I’ve been asleep for 3 weeks...I missed my birthday!” Atreus says, voice dropping to a whine.
Kratos not seeing the problem.
“Oh well, we’ll just have to find another way to celebrate?” Mimir offers.
“I do not understand. There is nothing to celebrate” Kratos points out.
Mimir glares at him as Atreus’ face falls.
“Did the Greeks not have birthdays?” Mimir chides.
“Not our own but the gods. Well one god. Artemis. The goddess of the moon and the hunt. She would celebrate every month.” Kratos explains.
“That’s not really a birthday” Atreus points out.
“It was to her. She made sure to let everybody know” Kratos says and that is the end of the conversation.
Something about their past conversation haunts Kratos. Maybe it was the sad look on his son’s face but he found himself nearly a week later searching through the dwarven market.
Having sent Mimir and Atreus off to find a batch of herbs that Faye did not have in her garden.
What would Atreus truly like? He had a bow. He had a knife. He had clothing and armour...what did you get a boy who has all the necessary requirements.
He stops by the arrow stall for a while. Looking over all the different heads. The seller was a centaur. Who was staring him down with impatience. Kratos pulls a steel arrow off the table and checks over every part of it. The notches cut into it and the fletching was subpar at most. At least compared to the arrows that Atreus normally worked with. They would throw him off balance.
Kratos doesn’t voice this though. Instead turning and walking away without a word.
Maybe he should stop by Sindri and Brok’s shop, see what they have for sale.
He was just about to head over to their nearest abode when something catches his eye.
He is dragged over by the little part of his brain that tells him Atreus deserves the world.
It was a quill and ink set. Something that was not used much in Midgard. Atreus stole charcoal from the fire on the rare occasion he ran out. The ink was in a small hand-sized bottle. A giant stark orange feather, nearly as long as his hand beautifully displayed.
His heart twinging at the sight of a feather from his homeland. He wonders how it got this far out.
Next to it was an elkskin journal. Ruins all over the front. From the faint teachings, Atreus had forced Kratos to sit through. He was certain they meant luck and wisdom. It was far thicker than the current journal he had.
The seller bulks when Kratos so easily hands over the sack of Hacksilver.
“Do I have your sale or not?” He questions.
The seller nods and wraps everything up in soft linens. Taking utmost care with the quill.
He stores them gently in his bag and heads off on his next mission. The baker looked at him like he was crazy but shrugging and getting to work. Kratos scratched at the depths of his brain for the recipe. Surprised that he even remembers it.
Lysandra loved celebrating every month. Offering up a cake to the moon goddess with glee every full moon.
It had been a long time since he had thought of that memory. The dwarf experiments with a few batches and despite Kratos’ hatred for sweet things. When he bites into the third batch. He's back in his home.
Lysandra smiling at him with love, waiting for his thoughts on her new creation. Calliope begging him for another bite. Giggling as she hangs off his arm.
“Sir are you ok?” The dwarf asks. Her voice is quaint.
“This one is suitable. Thank you for your help” He offers her, quickly quelling the memory. It was not needed now and he had more important things to do.
He goes to hand over the money but she shakes her head.
“I only request the use of your wife recipe for future use,” She says giving him a soft smile.
“Only if you treat it with respect” Kratos offers in return.
“I will do nothing but. Wish your son a happy birthday. He’s lucky to have a dad like you” She calls after him.
He stores the cake in with the rest of Atreus’ presents and heads towards Brok and Sindri’s shop.
“What can I get ya?” Brok asks. Voice as sour as always.
“Where’s Atreus?” Sindri interjects over his brother's shoulder.
“Fetching herbs. Mimir has convinced me that the boy deserves a celebration to honour his birthday. He said I should invite you to dinner” Kratos growls out.
Hating this part the most.
“Oh, we will be most honoured. I heard the Greeks used to make cakes to honour Artemis. Goddess of the Hunt. We will bring bread!” Sindri says over his protesting brother.
Brok gives up his protesting when he realises it is futile.
“It will be held at home. Do not be late...” Kratos says before awkwardly sauntering out of the forge.
Running smack dab into Atreus as he runs past laughing. Hitting his ass as he groans. But he still continues to laugh.
“What are you doing?” Kratos questions. Picking his son up from the scruff of his shirt. Setting him on his feet.
“Playing tag. It’s fun. The little ones wanted me to play and I couldn’t find you. So I figured I’d play with them for a few minutes until you showed up” Atreus shrugs.
“He says that but I’m feeling rather sick myself” Mimir grumbles.
“Well come. We are done here today.” Kratos orders but his voice comes out softer than he means it to.
“Aww ok. Just let me tell them I’m going” Atreus chirps before walking off to where the dwarvlings were staring at him with glee in their eyes. Throwing Mimir to Kratos as he goes.
They hang off him, begging him to stay.
Atreus only escapes when his body shifts and twists. Contorting down to a small size. Wings spreading wide before an eagle is bursting from the small crowd of children. The children gasping in awe.
He lands on Kratos outstreched arm. Talons digging in to stop him falling off.
“You are getting better at that” Kratos points out.
Atreus’ feathers ruffling with pride.
Atreus only turns back when they're out by the sled. Shaking out his arms and groaning.
Handing Kratos the bag of herbs they set off home.
Kratos sends him on stupid little errands to keep him distracted as Mimir reads through one of Faye’s recipe books.
“Father come on I’m so tired. I’ve transformed forty times now”
“Again Atreus. Until you get it down to the millisecond” Kratos orders.
Atreus whines and retreats back outside.
Kratos wants to give up when the soft squishy dough seems to melt into his hands. Making it hard to press into the cast iron. But eventually, he gets it to work and is filling it with the meat filling. Sprinkling over the herbs that Atreus has brought.
He finds Atreus out laying face down in the snow. Arms half transformed into wings and a little worry falling through Kratos quickly.
“Boy?” He calls.
Atreus just giving him a thumbs up reply.
“Transforming makes me hot” He grumbles. Turning his face so he can be heard.
“Freya will not heal you again if you get sick!” Kratos reminds him.
Before he knows it dusk is setting in. Turning the sky pink and Kratos is preparing everything. Faye was probably laughing at him from Valhalla. With how clunky the pie looks and how roughly he sets out the table.
“I think it looks great” Mimir snickers.
“Shut your mouth head. Or I will do it for you” Kratos mutters.
“Uhhh, father. Brok and Sindri are here. I think something is wrong....” Atreus’ mouth falls open as he takes in the table setting.
“I don’t understand” He questions stepping further into the house.
“You missed your birthday. You seemed upset by it. Mimir annoyed me into it. Appreciate this” Kratos says. Not looking Atreus in the face.
Feeling two small arms wrap around him.
Sindri barely touches anything as the Dwarves enter into the house. Brok looking around. Dumping something wrapped in cloth on the table. Sindri a lot more gentle as he sets the basket of fresh bread on the table.
“Uh, Happy Birthday ya Sac-seed” Brok grumbles.
“I wish Mother and Freya could be here too but thank you,” Atreus says as they all sit around the table. Atreus cutting up the pie and serving it around. Sindri had even brought his own cutlery
“She’d try to cut off your Da’s head” Mimir points out.
“Then it’ll be like any normal Greek dinner” Kratos murmurs.
Everybody stares at him in confusion for a second before Atreus starts laughing.
The others following suit.
Kratos smiles a little before he turns back to the pie.
“It is nothing like your mothers. But It tastes adequate” He says. Voice soft.
“It’s still great,” Atreus promises smiling at him.
He opens his presents, squealing before clearing his throat and saying in a gruff voice.
“Thanks, father. I will treasure these”
“I’d get you something but uh...” Mimir's eyes casting down to the lack of body.
“This is from the both of us. Don’t go breaking it now!” Brok says throwing their present at the boy.
He's pulling it open and holding it up. It was a necklace.
“This is the mistletoe arrow that I stabbed Baldur with” Atreus points out.
“Yeah thought you should have a keepsake from your first adventure with your dad” Sindri points out.
“Thank you” Atreus murmurs slipping it around his head. It rests against his chest.
They drink and talk till dark. Kratos eventually puts a very pissed Brok and Sindri out on their asses in front of the Realm between Realms. Let them fall off for all he cares.
Returning to an Atreus that was laying on the floor singing some Ymir Ballard. Voice heavy and thick. His small body still not able to handle ale well.
It’s easy to get Atreus into bed. His eyes already lolling in the back of his head. A snore fell out of his mouth.
Kratos watched his son take down the Ancient all on his own. His arrows pierce its heart and it crumbles to pieces.
Kratos had been waiting on the sidelines. Waiting to step in, just in case the boy couldn’t handle it. Axe in hand.
Atreus turns to Kratos proud. Kratos gives him a small nod and that seems to make Atreus’ day.
“I really did it. I took an Ancient down!” He says practically hanging off Kratos.
“You did and you can do it more effectively next time” Kratos ponders.
Though Atreus had grown so much. From being a mere distraction to being able to take down his very own enemies.
There would always be a bigger battle and Thor was going to come and bother them. Kratos needed Atreus to be ready.
Once Atreus has taken down another one. They head home. Atreus tired.
By the time they get home, night has already long fallen. Atreus asked if they could take the long way, instead of using the Realm between Realms. Kratos did not mind. It was nice to spend time with his son. Even if he still struggled to understand Atreus’ fascination with the world.
The way he would stop on occasion and ramble about a specific tree or Norse Myth.
He had even been teaching himself Spartan myths through the books he would find in Tyr’s vault.
Much as Kratos disliked it. But the boy had a right to know about both sides of his heritage.
Kratos had been surprised the day he had come home speaking Greek. He had nearly cut Mimir in half from where he was lopping wood.
Kratos had corrected his pronunciations and now it was a way to communicate when they didn’t need someone else in their business. Some part of him enjoys having that closeness with Atreus.
“Father are you ok? You’re very deep in thought” Atreus questions. Being greeted with wet tongues from Speki and Svanna.
Mimir sleeping from his stand. The candle they had lit for him long gone out. The spoon he uses to flip through book pages, half hanging from his mouth.
“Just thinking about how far you have come. You should get some sleep. If you wish to travel back to Joutenheim tomorrow.” Kratos mutters before he lays back on his bed.
Atreus nods and disappears with the wolf pups into his room. Yawning as he goes.
Kratos knows he must have been asleep for a while because he feels rested but he wakes with a jolt.
Hearing screams and growls.
“BROTHER! SOMEONE HAS THE BOY!” Mimir yells over the noise.
Kratos is grabbing his blades and is running out into the snow. Seeing the trail of blood and paw prints.
A dark frame tousling with Atreu’s lighter one. Speki and Svanna laying a few feet away. Still breathing.
“LET GO!” Atreus’ howls with rage. It comes out in Jotun. Voice thick with the accented words as he kicks at the creature. But it dodges his attack.
The closer Kratos gets the more he makes of it.
It had a sharp beak coming from a feathered face. It was standing upright on two talons legs and its arms seemed connected to its wings.
It caws at Atreus. Still trying to drag him along by the necklace Brok and Sindri had gifted him.
Kratos swinging for it. His blades light with fire as he spins them. Looking to wrap it up and burn it to tar.
The bird-like creature hissing and with more strength than Kratos thought possible. Is slamming a winged arm into him. Sending him skidding back in the snow.
“FATHER!” Atreus yells, panic in his voice.
Kratos already pushing himself back to his feet. Giving a soft groan at the pain. Realising there is a bladed feather sticking out of his stomach.
Atreus’ blue eyes betray his grief and worry.
“Deep breathes Atreus!” Kratos calls. Trying to pull the barbed feather from his stomach. He finally gets a good grip on it. Shredded the skin of his hand in the process before throwing it aside. Ignoring the sting in his hand as he slides his blades away.
His pain was non-essential right now. Centring himself and his power. Feeling it thrum through his veins.
His rage building. He would not let his son be taken away!
Not by whatever this creature is!
“Father look out!” Atreus calls.
Kratos turns only to get taken out by an identical creature. Landing on him. Pinning him to the ground and digging its talon into his shoulders. Even with his rage, all he could do was cover his face. Lest he loses his eyes.
Kratos hears a roar of noise, the sound of something crumbling and a scream of pain.
“GET OFF HIM!” Atreus roars. Tackling the beast that had Kratos pinned.
A red aura around him as he lays into the creature. Kratos taking a second to get up. Feeling the sting of his skin. The snow wasn’t helping.
Kratos looking around to see the creatures ripped to shreds. Its chest caved in, red splashing across the snow so starkly that it was almost like a piece of artwork.
The last creature falls quiet. Dead but Atreus keeps going. His rage burning up from the inside out. Fists making a dent in the thing's body. Wrecking it beyond compare.
Lightening crackling across his skin as he screams.
Kratos is moving to pick him up. Dragging him from the corpse. Atreus still struggling. Thrashing around as he continues to rage.
“Breathe boy. Breathe” Kratos orders. Holding him tight and close.
He just holds Atreus until he tires out.
His son slowly goes in limp in his eyes as he cries. Tears streaking through the blood on his face. Chest moving with small sobs.
They might have killed many beasts before but never had Atreus done it without precision. The last time he let his rage lead him, he had killed Modi. Something that still haunted his dreams.
Kratos carries him inside. Setting him on Kratos’s bed before he returns back outside. Checking the wolves.
They would be fine and he drags them inside as well.
Then he grabs Atreus and sets him on his knees in front of his wolves. Handing him bandages, a washcloth and a tub of clean water. Kneeling beside him and curling the damp cloth into his son’s hand.
It seems to be the distraction Atreus needs. Starting to clean down Speki’s stomach. Kratos pulling out the few feathers that had lodged in her hide.
The occasional sniffle still falling from Atreus but he works through it.
“You did well. You protected your home. Your mother would be proud” Mimir says softly. Thankfully picking up on the fact that now was the time for quiet contemplation and soft words. Not myths and legends.
“You will learn with time how to hone your rage. Turn it into a weapon that you can shut off. Even I still have trouble.” Kratos murmurs.
“I hated it. It made me feel dirty” Atreus whispers. Tying the final bandage into place before moving on to Svanna. She was the least injured.
“And that is ok too. Your bow is your weapon and you bare that with pride. Rage...is something more primal. It is...hard to control especially for the likes of us. But with training and time, you will have the choice on whether you use it or not” Kratos promises.
“Is that why you hid your blades for so long?”
“They are tied to my anger. To use them is to use a part of myself I hate but to protect you. I will do whatever I must.” Kratos explains. Moving to pick Svanna and Speki up. Knowing his son will need to sleep now.
“But Mother’s axe?”
“Is the weapon I bare with pride,” Kratos promises. Ushering Atreus into his room. He sets the pups down on the bed in their normal spots. Uncertain how Atreus even has any space.
Before he returns with a fresh bucket of water. Moving to clean the blood off his son’s hands and face. Rubbing a little rougher over his tunic before giving up and pulling out a new one. Having to puppet Atreus into it. Those blue eyes glazed over, not quite staring at anything.
“Sleep. Tomorrow we travel and you will need your strength” Kratos urges.
Atreus nodding. Rolling over and cuddling into Svanna’s fur. Kratos covers him with his furs before he leaves the room. The door had been ripped off its hinges and he would have to replace it.
Throwing Atreus’ old tunic into the dying fire and dragging the door outside.
Taking Mimir with him.
“The boy will be ok won’t he?” Mimir questions.
“With time. It is not something easy to conquer” Kratos rumbles, grabbing the corpses and dragging them through the forest. Throwing them out to a patch of forest where the wild animals would take care of them. A place where Atreus would not come.
Pausing when he catches a glint of green among the first corpses black feathers. Pulling Atreus’ necklace from its throat. Wiping it down and fixing the knot on the back.
“Are you ok? Your wounds haven’t fully healed” Mimir asks on the way back.
“I will live.”
He turns the snow over. Quashing out the red colour. Not wanting Atreus to see his actions when he wakes. The memories will alone be enough.
“ATREUS LISTEN TO ME!” Kratos orders. Grabbing his son's arm and whirling him around so his facing the man.
“Why! Why should I? All you ever do is start fights. If we actually tried talking to people instead of murdering them. FREYA WOULDN’T BE TRYING TO KILL US!” Atreus yells back. They were on the outskirts of a human city.
Kratos had told Atreus not to run off and all of a sudden the boy's mood had soured like pigs milk on a hot day. Did he not understand the danger? Was he that daft that he forgot that not a week ago Huggin and Muninn had tried to steal him. That Thor and Freya were after their heads. That Freya had just endangered their trip here! Kratos only able to fend her off with the last of the dust that
“You know as well as I. That Baulder dug his own grave. Regardless a god was dying that day!”
“I am a man and if I want friends. I will make friends!”
“And then you will watch them die as they age. It is not worth the pain”
“How would you know! You don’t have friends! I don’t even know how Mother ever dealt with you long enough to love you!”
“How about I send you to find out for me!” Kratos snaps. Not meaning it in the slightest but even he had his limits.
“Why won’t you treat me like an adult? I can make my own decisions I don’t need you anymore”
Kratos would never admit it but those words cut him deep.
“When you act like an adult then I will treat you as such but so far you have only graced my presence with whining and childishness.”
Atreus throws out some slur in Jouten and Kratos is catching him quickly by the back of his shirt.
“What did you call me boy!” He sneers. Easily holding his son off his feet. Atreus crossing his arms and pouting.
And he wonders why Kratos treats him as a child. When he refuses to act as anything but.
“Nothing” He mumbles.
“Boy!” He snarls.
“ Rövhatt ” Atreus huffs, not looking him in the eye.
“And what does that mean?”
“You're an asshole!”
“I could have told you that. Now enough of this fighting. Do you want to go to the human city or have you wasted my time?” He asks.
Already tired.
“I wanna go” Atreus whines.
“Then you are to stick by my side or so help me. I will show you true Spartan Rage” Kratos dumps his son back on his feet and walks off.
He would never ever truly harm his son. He’d rather cut off his own arm but he was exhausted with Atreus’ tantrums. With his wild mood swings.
He feels talons set into his shoulder and he looks up to see Atreus staring straight ahead. Wings shuffling. Betraying his awkwardness. It was something Kratos had asked him to do whenever the came to a new town or city. People are less likely to recognise Atreus in his bird form. Odin's spies would have a harder time finding him.
He understood his sons’ wants. To have friends. But he was terrified, he didn’t want Atreus to go through the pain of losing those friends. Either when they found out who he really was, or because they would age 80 years by the time he had grown his first beard.
In Sparta, your trench mates. Your soldiers were your friends and Kratos had gone through that pain over and over again.
More than he cared to admit.
Atreus is quiet. He doesn’t even try and dig his beak into the bag of dried jerky that Kratos buys.
Kratos stopping by a stall to sell off the spare hide they had gathered over the last month. The humans tended to spend more Hacksilver compared to the Dwarves
The sale seems to go well. The man’s eyes constantly looking up at Atreus.
“Nev’r saw a bird with blue eyes” He comments.
“Jotun Eagles. Special. How much for the hide” Kratos barks.
“I didn’t even know Jotun had eagles...15 hundred. If you throw in the Eagle”
“Not for sale” Kratos grumbles.
“Aww come on. 20 Hundred. A rare thing like that would be a fascinating to have”
Atreus stepped side to side a little. Clutching to Kratos shoulder a little tighter.
“No human could handle a bird-like him. I promise you that. Now, how much for the hide” Kratos growls.
“50 thousand. My final offer”
Kratos grunts under his breath. Moving to do up the hide and walking off.
“Whoa hey! We’re making a deal here!” The man says reaching over the table to grab him.
“You could offer me all the money in the world. I will not sell to you. The bird is mine and it will stay that way. I swear on my own life if you do not take your hand off my arm. You will lose your head” Kratos snarls. Axe appears in his hand.
“Fine. Fine. What about this” The man says disappearing under his table for a moment until he sets something on it.
It takes a minute to realise what it was but his heart feels like it skips a beat. His mouth goes dry as he stares down at the flute.
He...It surely couldn’t be the same one.
That familiar haunting tune winding through his ears after all of this time. He grabs it, holding it up to the light and he fights back tears when he sees it.
The small C carved into the bottom of the wood. The C he had carved there.
“A friend told me to look out for someone with tattoos and a bird. Said if I offered them this. They’d give me whatever I wanted” The man says. A wide grin on his face.
Atreus’s wings flutter with nerves and it’s enough to snap Kratos from his thoughts.
Calliope might have been the most important thing to him once. But now he had someone else to consider and even for a memory. Kratos would never give up his son. His daughter would understand.
“Keep it and your money.” He says.
The man looked at him shocked. Livid.
“THAT BASTARD LIED TO ME! He said if I got your fucking bird, He’d pay me more than I could ever handle!” He snarls. Drawing his sword.
Kratos sighs. Raising his axe higher.
“Atreus. Stand back. Let me handle this fool” Kratos orders.
His son flapping his wings and retreating. Turning into his human form as he goes.
The man gasping but Kratos doesn’t leave him much time to dwell on it. Pinning him up against the wall and getting in his face. The rest of the town square going quiet. Watching with caution.
“Be thankful I don’t snap your filthy neck. You only make an ass of yourself working for Odin. He would have given you nothing but death!” Kratos snarls.
Feeling the rage simmering beneath his skin but he did not need it to deal with a pesky human.
Instead, he leaves him slumped on the floor gasping for air.
“Atreus. Come” He orders grabbing his hides and walking off.
Atreus joined him a few seconds later. Finding no point in hiding his human form any longer.
They walk for a while. Finding another stall that gives them adequate pricing, that is when Kratos speaks.
“Did you think I would say yes?” He asks.
“No. I know you might hate me sometimes but I know you would never do anything to hurt me. Even if it was only for mother’s wishes” Atreus shrugs. Looking more at the floor than Kratos.
Kratos feeling like Atreus may as well have taken a sword to his gut. Turning to stare at him surprised.
Face mellowing out and he sighs.
“Atreus I do not hate you. You piss me off. But you are still my son and I...” No matter what Kratos says. He can’t get those words to come out. Instead coming up with some other way. “Your mother never wished your safety. Just our bond through travel and blood. She never had to wish you safety because it has always been my top priority “
Atreus gives the smallest of smiles and Kratos sighs.
“Come. Let us get something warm to eat.” He mutters, walking off.
“Oh, I grabbed this for you. It seemed important. It’s something from your past life isn’t it?” Atreus asks when they sit down at the tavern. Pulling the flute from his tunic.
Kratos doesn’t even have the energy to chide him.
“It was your sisters. I carved it for her myself”
“Like my knife right” Atreus murmurs pulling said blade from its sheath. Setting it beside the flute on the table.
Rubbing his fingers softly over the A carved into the hilt.
“Like your knife,” Kratos replies.
“I’m sorry about our fight earlier. It was wrong of me. I understand your reasoning, it’s just hard sometimes” Atreus mumbles as the food is brought out.
“You might have the body of a man but you are still a child’s mind and that is ok. Youth suits you and I wish for you to hold onto it longer. I just don’t want you to face the pain of losing your friends when the time comes” Kratos says before bringing the cut of venison to his mouth.
“But you don’t know that. I want to try just once and if it goes wrong. You can give me that whole I told you so speech” Atreus voice is a near whine.
“I will give you a tanned hide...but very well. You can make one friend. Just one!” Kratos mutters.
Atreus may as well have been told his mother was coming back to life. From the way he grins.
“Then I’m going to find the most annoying person possible” He chirps.
“We already know them” Kratos mutters.
Hiding his smile when his son laughs.
It was a fascinating system. Watching Atreus try to make friends. For him, your brigade were your friends.
It was odd, watching Atreus walk up to the local group of teenagers. A touch of nerves to the way he walks. He softly introduces himself and Kratos waits for him to fail.
He speaks with them. Voice growing larder with more excitement. Atreus turning to Kratos and waving.
Before his running off with the group.
Some part of Kratos wishes to follow. To keep an eye on Atreus but if he was going to give his son some space to grow. Then he would have to do so.
Instead, he orders a round of drinks, heavy enough to put down a bull and sets in for an afternoon of heavy drinking.
Kratos knew it would happen one day. It probably would have happened sooner if Kratos had let Atreus talk to people more.
But that didn’t stop the shock that had ripped through his system the day Atreus had asked him how you court a girl.
Axe slipping out of his hand and winding up in a nearby snowbank. Instead of into the draugr’s skull.
He recalls it quickly and puts the wretched thing out of its misery. Turning to Atreus who gives him a sheepish grin.
“Sorry, it just slipped out. That’s the last of them right?” Atreus asks.
“I think so ma boy,” Mimir says.
Kratos rolled his eyes and sliced off the Helwalkers head that both of them had missed. It crumbles to ash.
“That was the last of them” He mutters before moving around to grab any loot they had dropped. Depositing the steel into his sack. It had been a gift from Sindri. An infinite bag of holding or something.
Similar to the one the dwarf carried around.
“Father. It was a serious question. Angrboda is really pretty and I...I know I’m not ready for...marriage or anything” A look of disgust fills Atreus’ face at the word.
“Angrboda? She’s your friend from the human village? The one that talks a lot?” Kratos questions.
“Yeah” Atreus shugs. Finding the floor far more fascinating.
“and you want to court her?” Kratos states.
Atreus nods.
“I think so. I mean. She makes me happy and I want to make her happy as well” Atreus says.
Kratos rubs a hand over his face.
Where did he even begin?
“Well when I was your age when you wanted to whoo a girl, you’d put a knife in her sheath...”
“Enough Head. Don’t go putting nasty ideas in his head” Kratos mutters, jostling Mimir lightly. Kratos certain the poor had explored more intimate areas but that was Atreus’ business to figure out. Just as Kratos had to.
“I do mean an actual knife.” Mimir pouts.
“Give me time to think on it and I will bring you an answer. Until then. Let us continue our journey.” Kratos murmurs.
Atreus nodded and they set off to retrieve a centaur’s antlers for one of Brok’s creations.
The subject of courting is only brought up a few days later when Atreus comes home a giggling fool. Both children standing in the garden and half whispering under their breathe.
Atreus’ cheeks are pink and Kratos can tell by the way Angrboda fidgets. She would not be opposed to courting. The way she leaned towards him, laughing at everything he says.
For a minute Kratos is whisked back in time. Watching Faye laugh at his butchered Norse. She hadn’t meant to, trying to hide the sound but when it had broken free. Kratos could not even be angry or humiliated. He was instead stunned by the beauty of her laugh. The way her whole body fell into it. Shaking with mirth, head throwing back. One hand holds her stomach while the other covers her mouth.
Atreus had nearly the same laugh. Though it had deepened over the years.
Kratos pulled from his thoughts when he sees Atreus walking over to him. Waving to the girl. She waves back, eyes shining. She was beautiful and if it came to it. She would be an adequate wife for Atreus.
As much as Kratos was distasteful at the thought of his son leaving home so soon.
Kratos was not looking forward to spending all his free time with Mimir.
It’s only when they're sitting down to eat does Kratos speak.
“I have married twice as you know but the courting was very different for both. For...for Lysandra. It was a contract between our families. To gain money from the others. We barely saw each other before we were wed. It was only after we lived together, spending time getting to know the other. That I fell for her and her beauty. We were the lucky ones. Other wedded couples detested each other” Kratos explains.
Watching his son’s face.
Atreus watched him in return, nearly missing his mouth with his spoon.
“And the second time?” He asks. Eyes sparkling with the want to learn more about his mother.
“She was a cruel woman to me. She denied me at every turn. It was frustrating.”
Atreus looks surprised by that answer.
“I came from a land where many women would be begging for marriage. To one where the women were as frosty as the mountains, they were born in. Your mother and I were friends...if you could call it that for nearly 5 years before she even so much as accepted the flowers I gave her. It was slow but purposeful. She controlled every move and I could only go with her plan. Slowly warming her heart to me”
“Yeah, that sounds like Mother. So how did you finally whoo her?” Atreus asks.
“I got into a fight with a Revenant. It poisoned me. I could not heal. So I went to your mother and she chewed off my ear the entire time she patched me up. I offered her money for payment but she refuses. Said I could hunt for her instead. I brought her back the biggest Elk I could find. That was our first meal together”
“So basically get hurt and ask Agraboda to heal me?” Atreus asks, raising an eyebrow.
Kratos grunted under his breathe. Trust his son to entirely miss the point.
“I think what your Da means to say. Is you need to go at her pace. Norse women have no qualms cutting off certain...parts if you piss them off. I know, I’ve had quite a few try. Test the waters, gift her small items and see if she accepts them. Pretty flowers or something more useful. Anything you think she’ll like”
“Right I can do that and what if she rejects them?”
“Then either set your eyes on another or give her time,” Kratos says.
Certain that Atreus would not have trouble with the girl. But he does not tell him that. Not wanting to boost his ego and ruin things between them.
“Father?” Atreus asks after an extended period of silence.
He makes a noise to let his son know he was listening.
“Did Mother...ever give you gifts in return?”
“She cooked for me, tended my wounds...she would sing. I did not need physical gifts. What she did for me, in turn, was enough” Kratos says staring down at his son.
Surprised the boy hadn’t realised that she had given him the greatest gift of all.
Mimir seems to catch on but he says nothing at the shake of Kratos head.
Let the boy figure it out on his own. That a child was the best gift of all. That there was nothing more beautiful in this world than getting to hold them for the first time.
He remembered it clearly. Exactly in detail. Faye had finally fallen asleep after Kratos and a midwife from the nearby village had helped her through the birthing process. The midwife sat Kratos down beside the bed and had handed him a babe wrapped in soft cotton. Washed down.
So tiny that he fit perfectly in the palm of Kratos’ hand. Red hair already tufting from soft pale skin and when his son opens his eyes. They are the blue of sky, the same blue as his Mother.
He had felt this feeling once before and it was still just as beautiful. Holding a life so tiny and innocent. So free from darkness.
“I will do everything in my power to protect you Atreus” He had whispered to the babe. A small arm wiggled its way from his blanket and reached out. Little fingers grasp and Kratos allows his son to grip at his finger.
“FATHER!” He hears, feeling someone tapping on his cheek.
Clearing his throat, he urns his head to his son. Those same soft blue eyes staring at him with curiosity. 17 years older but still just as innocent.
“You left me. Did your brain go for a walk?” Atreus teases. Smirking.
“You should sleep, We have a busy day of training tomorrow and I want you to show me this new form you figured out.”
“Svanna and Speki showed me how to. You're gonna love it!” Atreus chirps. Courting and adult things completely forgotten for his rambling antics.
Razzing up the wolves and getting them to chase him around their small house. Laughing wildly as he narrowly avoided their nipping teeth.
“You did good Brother” Mimir offers.
Kratos doesn't acknowledge the other man. Only hoping Faye thought the same.
Atreus had come home a little later than usual. His father grew to trust him more and more.
He had been spending the day with Angrboda. She had been teaching him about the lynx that would hunt the rabbit and wild boar.
It was fascinating.
“You are home” Kratos murmurs when he steps into their abode. The wolves coming to greet him. Brushing against his legs and wagging their tails. Nipping softly at his hands.
“Sorry I am late. I got distracted” Atreus says. Sheepish. Waiting for the yelling.
“It is fine. You are home. Come eat” Kratos says pointing to the stew pot.
“Tell me about your day laddy” Mimir chirps.
Atreus fills them both in on his day as he munches through a hearty bowl of boar stew.
His father nodded along but even he was quieter than usual.
“I won’t be late again tomorrow I promise” Atreus murmurs. Thinking that’s the problem.
Kratos reaching out a hand and patting him on the head.
“I trust you. You know how to handle yourself. Just as long as you come home sometime and accompany me on your training”
Atreus nodding and Kratos gives him a small smile before he stands. Making his way over to his bed.
Laying down and facing the wall.
Atreus looks at him in worry. Turning to face Mimir. Who if Atreus was certain if he had shoulder, they would be shrugging.
Atreus dousing out the fire and he returns to his room. He can’t sleep though. So instead he lights a candle and pulls out some of the old journals he had burrowed from Tyr’s temple. He had only found these a few weeks ago. Not yet having the time to go through them.
Reading over them, muttering to himself about the words he struggles to understand.
Atreus’ eyes growing heavy as he reads over passages of a massacre at a temple. A general had been bewitched by Ares and had slain the entire temple. His wife and child included.
Atreus suddenly sits up. Feeling like he had a bucket of ice water poured down his back.
“The man bore the marking of a demon. Red slashing across his face and body like a bloodstain” Atreus whispers. Voice wavering as he reads over the line.
Surely not.
This...this must be why his father never spoke of them. The guilt he must feel. Atreus sees the date on the corner of the page. Worn a little with age. It took a moment to transfer the dates across. Heynnair was from here...so that must mean...
Oh. That was causing his father’s quietness.
It was the anniversary of their deaths around now. That explained everything.
He might not have known his sister or Lysandra. But he liked to think they’d like him. At least a little.
It had taken bits and pieces over years to figure out what his father had been through. More than half of it through journals and tapestries.
But when his father did speak of his past. Atreus listened with great importance. Knowing those words would not be repeated again.
He had pestered Kratos about his namesake for months after their return home. But had never gotten another word about it.
Atreus pulling out a few different older journals. Spending his night pouring through them. Wanting to find a way to honour them the traditional Greek way.
It takes him a few days of acquiring things but finally, he deemed everything ready.
“You are staying home today? Feeling unwell?” Mimir asks.
“No I just want to spend time with Father” Atreus chirps.
Knowing either Kratos would appreciate it or he would kick Atreus out of the house in a rage.
It was 50-50 and Atreus was nervous.
Kratos stepping in with a fresh morning kill.
He doesn’t comment on Atreus still being around. Instead, he sets the timber besides the fire pit and pats the wolves on the head.
“I...I’ve been reading through the journals again I found something. And you can yell at me if you want. Hate me even but I think...I think we should celebrate Lysandra and Calliope. You don’t have to say a word but I want to celebrate my sister and I think I’m entitled to” Atreus says grabbing his fathers arm and tugging him towards the small shrine he had made.
He did not have their proper urns. Instead, he had hunted down the dwarf who had made his birthday cake. Knowing it was no recipe that his mother had ever heard of.
Having her make a moon cake for Lysandra and he had set up candles surrounding it and Calliope’s flute. Having kept it close since his father had found it. Laying them out on his father’s old skirt. The one that had wrapped his blades for so long. Bread and gold and a scale Jorumangander had gifted him were scattered around as offerings.
“I tried my best to research your ways but it was difficult. I hope I have done adequate” He murmurs, bouncing side to side on his feet. Waiting for his father to hit him or to yell.
The last thing he expects is Kratos falling to his knees. A resounding thud that even has Mimir looking on in concern. His head bowed and for the first time in 17 years. Atreus hears his father cry.
It is not loud, it does not shake the room. His body does not move. But it is a drawing of breath and then a shuddery stop. Before one more shuddery breathe as small droplets descend down into his Father’s beard.
Atreus just kneels beside him.
He does not dare speak and instead contemplates everything. It had made a lot of sense over the last few days. As to why his father always tried to hide his rage. To hide his anger. Why when he was truly angry, he would not come near Atreus.
He was terrified of hurting him. Like he had done his family before.
Atreus slowly nudges his way over. Not wanting to intrude but also wanting to give his Father a hug. To reassure him, that there had never been a second of his life that he was scared of the man.
But today was not about him so he keeps his mouth closed.
He isn’t certain how much time passes but eventually, his father starts to sing.
It is far from beautiful. His words rough, wet and stuck in his throat.
“Όσο ζεις, λάμπουν”
Atreus only knows it's a song from the warble in his father’s voice. Trying to carry a note.
Atreus translating as he listens.
“As long as you live, shine” He whispers in Norse. Kratos side-eyeing him but he does nothing except continue.
Words thick with grief had he had long ago tried to bury. Clawing up his throat and out into the open.
It reminded him of the lullaby his mother used to sing to him as a babe.
Though the words were different. The meaning was the same. It was a song of protection, of well wishes. Every word was dripped in love.
Suddenly Kratos stands and is gathering everything up. Atreus struggles to keep up with him as he moves outside. Towards the fire pit, Atreus had built out of boredom one day.
“You're burning it all?” He questions. He had read no such thing of burning in the journals.
“How else to expect their offerings to reach them all the way in Elysium? Lest you want to go on another journey across lands” His father replies simply.
“Oh...” Atreus murmurs, moving to brush snow off the pit and grabbing the flint and steel.
Elysium...he would question that later. For now, he just lights the fire and stands back.
Watching as his father carefully sets the things down into it. His skirt catches fire quickly as he steps back. The fire eating up the red cotton, tonguing up against the cake. Charring its crusted edge before finally, his sister’s flute catches alight.
“Είθε αυτό να σε βρει και να σου φέρει χαρά” Kratos words are heavy with meaning but Atreus does not translate.
Instead, he watches the ash catch and cast up into the sky. Dusk setting over the snow softly casting it in a shade of pink. Taking his father’s past and hopefully leaving his heart less burdened by guilt.
They stand until the fire goes out and the darkness has surrounded them.
“Father?” He asks softly when Kratos still does not move.
His father turns to him.
Patting him on the head.
“Your sister would have adored you,” He says softly.
That is all Atreus needs to know that he did a good job. That he made his father happy. Even if it was in a convoluted way. Following him inside.
“What’s Elysium? Did you know you were referred to as a daemon? What is that by the way? Oh, also Jomungander asked if you could help him with some indigestion. He ate a troll and it’s disagreeing with him.” Atreus rambles as they step inside.
“Boy!” His father warns.
“What?” Atreus asks.
Kratos just sighs and rubs a hand over his face.
“Nothing. Come and help me make dinner” Kratos murmurs moving to gather the stew pot. The wolves sniff around his feet, already looking for scrapes.
“Yes, father. Coming”