Midgar and the Temple of Tyr 2.267

—It's— said Viggo —sad, do you need help?—

—No, boy— said Kratos, bald, tattooed and with a thick beard that made his expression even more serious.

—Father— said Atreus, a ten-year-old boy with coppery hair, dressed in animal skins and carrying a bow —it's Viggo, he can help us—

—No, it's no, boy— Kratos said with a cold look —we have our way, he has his—

—Okay, Atreus, it was just a question— replied Viggo with a soft smile, he reached out and combed his hair —the master has always been a suspicious man, it's a miracle that he still speaks to me—

—Boy— Kratos said as if to let out a growl, but Viggo didn't pay much attention to him. For the latter, Kratos was not a bad person, he had just lived too hard a life.

Viggo looked at Rosewisse and stretched out his left hand. Rosewisse took his hand and stood beside him. Viggo looked at Atreus and Kratos and said —she's my wife, her name is Rosewisse—then he looked at Rosewisse and continued —they're my little brother, Atreus, and my grumpy master—

—It's…— said Rosewisse, looking at Kratos and especially that cold look —very similar to your description—

—Don't be fooled by his appearance— Viggo said with a big smile —he's grumpy, but he loves his family—

—Viggo— Kratos said.

—Yes, yes, I know— said Viggo, somewhat tired of the bald man's stubbornness and seriousness, —anyway, she is my wife, she is Vanir, from Vanaheim, a Valkyrie—

Atreus took a better look at Rosewisse and without any courtesy approached and began to surround her while looking at her wings covered by the bulky armor.

—Boy— Kratos said, calling his attention.

—Don't worry, master— said Viggo, looked at Atreus, and continued —Atreus, you can look at his wings, but don't touch them. It is something special that the Valkyries only let touch those close to them. In addition, she now has the armor on, and the gold feathers can cut you—

—Viggo, he's a boy, don't worry— said Rosewisse, now that she had Bell, shared with Uriel, Solomon and Kenshin, the curiosity of the children did not bother her so much. She closed her eyes and faded the armor from her wings, leaving her wings of white feathers.

—Wow— Atreus said, unable to believe what had passed in front of him.

Rosewisse chuckled and said —You can touch my wings, but don't pluck my feathers or I'll get angry—

—Yes, yes— said Atreus without taking his eyes off the beautiful white wings, he gave Rosewisse a brief glance and looked at the wings again as he said —permission— and touched the soft feathers carefully —wow, this is cooler than I thought—

—Of course, I can fly— Rosewisse replied with a big, beautiful smile —it's just not good here. There are many dark elves, and they are in a bad mood—

—Dark elves?— asked Atreus.

—If you continue over the bridge and travel down the river, you will find some of them. Be careful when you find them—

—We'll have it— Kratos replied in front of Viggo and Rosewisse. The latter hearing such a thick and intimidating voice looked at him and couldn't help frowning. Kratos had a very cold and threatening attitude.

Viggo smiled, brought his mouth to Rosewisse's ear, and whispered —it's for the child, he protects him with all his might. If you think about it like that, it becomes tender, doesn't it?—

Rosewisse froze for a moment, but then she covered her mouth and laughed low. Then she looked forward, evaluated Kratos again, and then looked at the boy who stroked the feathers of the wings as if he were a great treasure. She finally smiled at Kratos, but the latter didn't seem to thank her, because he just looked away and let out a growl.

Kratos looked at Viggo with a frown and asked —What are you up to, boy?—

—Here and there, collecting information, I don't know if you remember my initial intention?—

—Yes— Kratos replied quietly with narrowed eyes. He took a deep breath, looked at Viggo, evaluated him, and thought he could fight back. At least he hadn't been lazy doing nothing. You could see the training in every part of his body. That made him feel calm and he said —Be careful and occupy your head. Remember, it's not as simple as just being strong—

—I remember, master— said Viggo —with each passing year I become wiser—

Kratos made a modest smile and let out a snort through his nose in a laugh —whatever you say, boy, just take care of yourself—

—Well, he seems to know you very well— Rosewisse said from the side with a smile full of fun.

Viggo just shook his head and asked —Can we treat them to the apples?—

—Of course, I don't see the problem— said Rosewisse, flapping her wings alerting Atreus and continuing —ok, for today the show is closed, nothing more than wings for children—

—Oooh, really? It's a shame— said Atreus, walking to stand in front of her and asked —Viggo knows where I live, when you come back to Midgar can you take me flying? Please?—

—Boy— Kratos said as if to get his attention.

Rosewisse looked at Kratos, nodded in respect, and looked at Atreus —if your father gives you permission, we'll think about it— she said.

Atreus looked at Kratos and nodded with a sigh, as if there was no chance for his grumpy father to say yes.

Rosewisse let out a sigh, understanding that things were not very good and bent down so that her eyes coincided with those of Atreus —I do not know how you get along with your father, but appreciate him— she said —I, I ... I lost my parents and I miss them every moment—

Atreus could see that heart-shaped face, big blue eyes, and silver hair. He could see the sadness in the look and how her lips trembled in an involuntary gesture. Viggo rested his hand on Rosewisse's shoulder, she looked up and smiled. Rosewisse stood up, unbuttoned her bag from her waist, and reached for the pieces of Idunn apple she was bringing. She and Viggo had already eaten their parts and had significantly increased their mana and physical strength. However, as wonderful as Idunn apples may seem, it was only a one-time benefit. So, they didn't get anything out of eating more. Although of course, Rosewisse ate some pieces by herself from time to time without telling Viggo; they were too tasty.

—What's that?— asked Kratos.

—Idunn's apple, master— said Viggo, looked at Rosewisse and continued —eats one to show him—

—But they don't work for me— Rosewisse said, looking away.

—And that hasn't stopped you from eating them secretly, hasn't it?—

Rosewisse looked at Viggo and frowned. Viggo just smiled and stared at her until she took a piece of apple and ate it.

Viggo looked at Kratos and said —They don't do anything to us, we've already eaten, but it will provide help to you and Atreus—

—Give me one— Kratos said, holding out his large, coarse right hand.

Viggo took a piece from Rosewisse and put it in Kratos' hand. The latter looked at the small piece of apple about ten centimeters long by five wides with a green peel. Kratos looked at Viggo and Rosewisse, once again looked at the piece of apple, and put it in his mouth. He chews it and swallow it and instantly felt the effects as if your body felt revitalized. He looked at Viggo again and nodded.

Rosewisse understood that he gave his approval and found Kratos increasingly tender, since, despite his rock-hard appearance, he was soft inside. At least, that's what she thought in her imagination. She held out a piece of apple to Atreus and the latter received it. Just like his father ate the apple, he felt revitalized, but as a child he was fascinated by the taste.

—Do you have any more?— asked Atreus, showing his hands.

Rosewisse chuckled and said —just one more, but I warn you, they won't work anymore—

—It's a shame— said Atreus —but I like the taste, it's very sweet—

Rosewisse smiled, she had a piece of apple left in her hand, but instead of giving him just that one, she looked for more in her bag and wrapped them in a cloth —take— she said —eat them little by little or they will run out before their time—

Atreus received the cloth with the pieces of apple and said —I promise you nothing—

Rosewisse chuckled but couldn't blame him. Idunn apples were too delicious.

—Master, can you come a little?— asked Viggo, Kratos nodded and the two walked to a corner of the bridge, behind one of the statues guarding the road. Once hidden from Atreus, Viggo looked at Kratos and said —I don't know what brought you here, but you must know it's dangerous. These guys, the elves, are in the middle of a war, are you sure you don't need help? You know I don't care about you, I do it for Atreus—

Kratos looked down and shook his head. Then he looked Viggo in the eye and said —This is part of Atreus' training, whether you're there or anyone else, it won't make sense. It's something we need to do—

—I... I understand, master— Viggo said and nodded. He also understood that each phase of training needs a test to measure the knowledge learned. Now that Faye was dead, Atreus needed to be stronger than ever —I'll be traveling through the realms and occupying the temple of Tyr, maybe, if you need help, you can wait for me at the temple, and we'll meet. I don't know, one never knows—

—I understand, boy, you also be careful— Kratos said with a firm look —an Aesir god walks in Midgar, dangerous, very strong—

—What was it like?—

—Skinny, tattooed, with a beard and shouted that he felt nothing and that no one could beat him. It seems I kill him, but others may be nearby—

—I understand, I will keep an eye on the changes—

Kratos nodded and he and Viggo returned to where Rosewisse and Atreus had a lively conversation. Atreus had endless questions and Rosewisse had a good amount of answers, so it didn't cost them to get along.

—Boy— Kratos said in a firm tone —come, we're leaving—

Atreus deflated as if all the fun had escaped him, looked at Rosewisse, waved his hand in a farewell gesture and dragged his feet to stop next to Kratos. Viggo stared at him with a smile on his lips, Atreus was still too child. Viggo looked at Kratos and wondered if they would really be okay on their own.

—See you, little brother— said Viggo —take care of yourself and your old man—

—I don't think Father needs my care, but I'll try— Atreus replied with a sly little smile —You too, take care of yourself, Viggo. And if we meet in Midgar, tell Rosewisse to take me fly—

—She already promised you. If they are in Midgar, you just must remind her of her promise politely and she will keep it—

—I understand, I'm waiting for you in advance—

—It's great, get ready— added Viggo, Atreus nodded and Viggo looked at his master —you too, old man, take care of yourself, you're not so young to walk around anymore, fighting with everybody—

Kratos frowned, growled, but nodded. He put his hand on Atreus' shoulder and they both advanced over the bridge that connected to the temple of Tyr, with a dense forest on the sides of the bridge and those strange constructions that looked like the walls of a beehive.

Rosewisse approached Viggo, they held hands, and saw Kratos and Atreus advancing at the same speed, a little separated from each other, as if there was something in their hearts separating them.

—Are they okay?— asked Rosewisse in a soft voice.

—I hope so, I hope so— replied Viggo.