In search of (Ben Ten, 2.0) 3/3

It doesn't take me long to find my way back to the guard post, next to the gate. When I'm there, I see the guard from before, Vank, standing outside, wearing the same light armor as Erik.

"Hello friend, I'm here to see Erik, can I enter?"

He responds with a quiet growl under his breath.

"Not much of a talker I see."

"Can I go inside?"

Silence...

(Okay... Whatever, I'll just take that as permission then.)

The grumpy, bearded man doesn't stop me as I go past him and find my way inside.

when I'm inside, I look around the room, but I don't see a soul, the place was deserted.

Nonetheless, the room looks the same as it did hours prior, except this time, there was an open door at the end with stairs leading down.

(That's odd, I could've sworn that wasn't there before.)

(Well, I might as well...)

As I walk through the door and down the stairs, I hear nothing but silence. (This feels like one of those horror movies situation.)

When I finally make it to the end of the stairs, I find another room exactly like the one above. However, this one had two iron jail cells. One empty, and the other one holding the red-headed kid from the Plaza.

(Cool, a real-life dungeon! I always wanted to see one.)

Erik was sitting on a chair at the corner, facing the boy's cell, with a complicated look on his face.

(Yup! There is definitely a story here.)

"COUGH, Cough."

"What are you doing here?" He says with a surprised face.

"I was at the Plaza. I saw you carried the boy away. I figured you'd come here. So I came to see if everything was alright!"

"You didn't have to come. Everything is fine. he's just unconscious. He'll wake up soon."

"You should go back to the orphanage. The kids are probably back by now."

"Don't worry about that. Can I stay till he wakes, I want to ask him a few questions?"

Erik looks at me, then at the unconscious boy.

"If you want to stay then I can't force you to leave." (I mean, you're the guard so you totally can.)

(Man I which I could read your mind! Why is he always so uptight geez!?)

"What do you plan on asking him."

Before I answer him, I take the other chair and place it next to his.

"I wanna know why he did it! I know it was a very stupid thing to do, but it was also undeniably brave!

"Not just anyone stands against the Catholic Church, like that."

"I want to know the reason, especially since he's a monk himself, it just doesn't make sense for him to do something like that."

"No! That was stupid, plain and simple.

"Dam brat, always doing stupid things." If I hadn't been there, he'd be tortured and burned."

"He has good potential. He could be a great Viking, yet he chooses to hide behind a robe."

(By the way, he talks of him, I can tell Erik really cares for this boy.)

I look at him pointing to the child.

"What is his story? Why did he decide to become a monk?" Was his family part of the church?"

Erik looks at the kid, with proudness in his voice. "No, he comes from a family of great Vikings."

(Family of Vikings, that kid, that's hard to believe. Man, you really can't judge a book by its cover!)

"He's an orphan now! His mother died in childbirth and his father was killed when he was 10 years of age."

The man was a brave Viking, one of the greatest. The boy idolized him. When he died, the kid went into disrepair.

(Now that, I can believe.)

I nod my head as I listen to the story.

"The pain of losing his father drove him to those sick bastards of the Church!!

The temperature in the room begins to drop.

(This close, I can actually feel his killer intent. His hatred for the church runs deep)

"They used his grief to brainwash him, as they do with everyone, making him devote himself, to that lord of them."

"I didn't realize until I was too late to stop it."

(Okay, but that doesn't explain why he did, what he did. That actually makes me more confused.

I mean if he was brainwashed like Erik says, then why stand against a Priest to protect a 'witch.

This doesn't make any sense!)

I look back at the kid completely confused.

"What exactly do you mean by brainwashed?"

Erik looks at me like I'm an idiot.

"Well, Isn't obvious? he no longer believes in the true Vikings' faith."

"I'm afraid if he doesn't repent soon, Odin won't let him enter Valhalla when he dies."

"Right... I say dryly, trying my best not to roll my eyes.

(So that's what he meant by brainwashing. The kid no longer believes in the North Gods.)

"Gideon, I can tell you don't care for those church bastards either, just like me, your loyalty lies with Odin!"

"You're a true Viking, nothing like those weak-minded idiots in the Plaza!!"

"A true Viking Indeed...

(Yeah right! I wonder what he would think if he knew what I truly was?)

Realizing something major I say.

"Wait, wait are you saying there are other people here that haven't been 'brainwashed by the church like you and me?

"Of course!!! There are many strong-minded Vikings in Odense other than us."

"You didn't actually think we were the only true Vikings left in the city, right?"

"After what I saw on the plaza, I didn't think there were any true Vikings in Denmark."

Hahaha, you are truly a funny guy.

"The bastards of the church only turned a handful of people. Mostly the ones you saw at the plaza. But that's hardly everyone." "We Vikings are stronger than that, we would never let our country be ruled by cowards in robes!"

(If you only knew...)

"The Catholic church is stronger than you think, don't underestimate them."

They're the ones who shouldn't underestimate US!"

"Erik, don't let your pride cloud your judgment. The church isn't a trifling matter." Remember what happened at the plaza, faith is a powerful weapon and they know how to use it best.

Erik nods, he knows I'm right.

"You are right my friend, we must put our pride aside if we want to stand a chance against them."

(Still, is good to know the Church hasn't taken complete control of this place yet.

It gives me a chance to save the few ones left. After what I witnessed at the Plaza, I had given up on the people of Odense. I'm glad I was wrong.)

Erik sees my enthusiasm, for saving the people and mistakes it, for something else.

"I am proud to have met a true Viking like you."

I smile bitterly not having the heart to correct him.

I look back at the cell but the kid is still not moving.

(That punch must've been brutal.)

I flinch at the thought.

Remembering what Erick said before, I ask him.

So... He's an orphan Eh?

It takes the man a moment to understand my meaning. But when he does, his voice changes, it turns dangerously aggressive.

"You cannot have him! Don't even try."

I flinch at the sudden change of atmosphere.

(His killer intent is so thick, it almost scared me for a second there, ALMOST.)

Seeing the ambient change from a friendly chat, into a staring match, surrounded by an unspoken threat, with a hint of sarcasm in my voice, I casually change the subject.

"Can I at least know the boy's name? Or is that also out of the question?"

"I'm starting to believe he's Voldemort."

"Voldemort? Erick repeats "Don't worry about it. You would get it anyways."

Finally, he breaks eye contact, losing the angry staring match in the process. looks at the boy and says.

"His name is Nicklaus son of Mikael."

I almost fall off the chair when I hear the name.

"Are you serious? Is that his actual name?" ( No fucking way!!)

"Is there something wrong with that name?" he asks still mad at me.

"No, no, nothing wrong! That's a fine name, is just, I know of someone with the same name, that's all."

" Is that person, someone you're close to, someone from back home?"

"Yes, in a matter of speaking, but no we are not close."

"He's someone I know of, quite the reputation where I come from."

(If a tv show even counts as a reputation, that is.)

Erik nods but doesn't pride further, in his world, there is only one Nicklaus of importance. The one I knew of meant nothing to him.

The whole Nicklaus thing was so surprising, I didn't get the bigger picture. However, after I recover from the shop, I quickly realize something.

"Wait just a second, isn't your name Erik son of Mikael?"

"Yes...

"I take it, he's your younger brother then?"

Erik sighs and nods his head in response.

(That's why he cares so much! Everything makes way more sense now.

But I'm not surprised, at first, I thought he was his son)

"I'm sorry for what I insinuated earlier. I didn't know he was your brother. If you don't want me to adopt him, then I won't."

You're the first friend I made in this town, I don't want to ruin it. I'm sure there is someone at the orphanage I can adapt just fine.

Erik smiles fully, finally letting go of his earlier grudge.

"I apologize as well. I overreacted. Klaus is all I got left of my parents. Even if he doesn't want anything to do with me, I'll always protect him. That's my job as his older brother."

"I'm guessing after he left to join the church, he stopped having a relationship with you."

"Is that why you hate them so much because they took your brother away from you?"

He doesn't respond by I can tell that is indeed the case.

A moment later, the boy begins to move around, groaning on the cell's floor, he was waking up.

It takes him a moment to gather himself and realize where he is. Finally, He looks up and sees both Erik and me sitting across from him, in the badly lit dungeon.

"This is a bit much, even for you, Erik." And who is this person sitting next to you? Another Viking scum, by the looks of it!"

("Rude much! Why even bring me into this? He was the one who beat your ass! I was just a spectator, okay!)

Erik tries his best to keep calm, but the man didn't have that much patience, to begin with.

" This is nothing compared to what you deserve. What were you thinking anyway, you could've been killed? If I hadn't acted when I did, you'd be keeping that girl company tomorrow at the stake, as you both burn!"

Klaus smiles and keeps eye contact with Erik.

" And yet, I have no regrets. That poor girl needed help, and those people needed to be shown the errors of their ways." So I did what had to be done.

"On second thought, I do regret Something. I regret not being able to do either of the things I set out to do."

"Ultimately, If I were to die bringing good to the world, then so be it, death is but a bridge, to the lord!"

(I was wrong, this boy isn't stupid. He simply has no concept of self-presentation. He's too consumed by his faith in God, he doesn't see the bigger picture.)

(But what a big heart this boy has)

I look back at Erik, and I know he's about to lose it.

"YOU TRULY THINK THAT LORD OF YOURS COULD'VE SAVED YOU?!" You're so naive." That priest wanted you dead, the moment you opened your mouth What makes you think the others won't do the same." THOSE CHURCH BASTARDS AREN'T TO BE TRUSTED AND NEITHER IS THEIR LORD!!

Nicklaus shakes his head disappointed.

"You simply do not see the forest for the trees. And you know what 'brother, you never will."

"You...

Deciding not to finish his sentence Erik sits back down with a defeated look on his face.

I look at Nick with a bitter smile on my face.

(What a shame. He's smart, brave, opinionated, and deeply cares for others. If he wasn't a fanatic, I would consider giving the Omnitrix to him. A true shame indeed. I'll probably never find someone this perfect for the watch again.)

Interrupting my thoughts Nick asks.

"How long am I to be held captive for."

Erik crosses his arms and gives him a challenging look.

"There is only one way to leave this cell and you very well know what it is!"

The kid smiles and sits back on the floor unconcerned by the poor threat.

"If you think I'm renouncing my lord, and becoming a Viking then you do not know me very well brother. I was prepared to die this morning, life imprisonment is but a child's play to me." Do your worst!

(Hahaha, this kid is awesome!! Man, I which I could do him)

"Is that your last word? Nick doesn't answer.

"So be it then!

You know, Father would be very proud you stood firm in front of both death and imprisonment. But completely heartbroken knowing you choose to forsake your Viking heritage," to hind behind a robe like a coward.

With a firm voice, the fierce redhead responds.

Mikael was a good father, I loved him. However, that doesn't change the fact that he was a murderous bastard, who killed many innocent people. His approval means nothing to me, on that note, neither does yours.

"I made a vow to protect the innocent. My cross is a prove of that very vow.

As he says that, the boy tries to show us said cross but doesn't find it.

For the first time since he awoke, panic strikes him.

"Where is it? Where is my cross?"

He looks at us with a frown that makes the beauty mark under his lower lip somehow look more attractive.

Erik locks eyes with him and gives him a triumphant smile.

"YOU TOOK IT, DIDN'T YOU? GIVE IT BACK!"

(Finally, some reaction out of this guy. Honestly, I was starting to believe nothing could break him.)

Erik gets up and says. "I will not". With that said, he turns to me and says. "You can ask your questions, I'll be upstairs, I got work to do!" I nod, he does to then walks away toward the stairs.

The kid sees this and loses it again.

ERIK, GIVE IT BACK, GIVE IT BACK, GIVE IT BACK.

(Man this is a pain, should I, yeah why not, I can obliviate him later, anyway.)

"SILENCIO"

"GIV...MMmm..." "MMMmmBACK..mm." mmIT..mm" MMMmmmmm.

The more he tries to speak the fewer words that come out until finally, he's completely mute.

Realizing he can't speak, Nicklaus looks in shock to the only person left in the room, for answers, me.

For the first time since he woke up, the boy's attention is solemnly mine.

"I see I finally got your attention."

"Man, you and your brother are fun, a bit chatty but entertaining nonetheless.

Nicks's heartbeat can be heard all around the dungeon. He grips the cell's iron bar to calm himself.

"MMM..mmm?"

"I'm going to go on a limb here, and guess, you're asking what I did to you.

He nods his head, and I smile satisfied.

"Introduction are in order first.

"My name is Gideon, and as you can guess, I'm a real witch, wizard if you want to get technical."

His eyes grow wide, and he stumbled backward. (This part is always fun.)

"MmmMmm...mmmmMMMMMMM!!"

"I'll give you your voice back, but only when you calm down. I'm a wizard, not a good sucking vampire geez.

"I suppose you wouldn't know what that is anyway."

It takes the Redhead boy a minute to compose himself, then he nods his head, ready to listen.

"Brilliant!" I flick my fingers

"try to speak, slowly."

"Mmmmm I-uh- who are you?" Are you truly a witch, a real one? "Not a witch, a wizard, but yes!"

"Right...

(Well, at least he isn't scared anymore.)

"What do you want with me? Does my brother know what you are? "What do you think?"

"If he knew, he wouldn't let you near me, let alone leave us alone like this."

"Indeed so let's keep this our little secret. I put my index finger over my lips as I say this.

(Not that you'll remember any of this though.)

He nods his head, and I which I could read his mind to know what exactly is going through his head at the moment.

"What I want with you it's pretty simple really. I'll I want you to do is to answer a question for me."

With fear in his eyes, Nick grips the iron bar tighter "What if I refuse to answer your question, will you kill me?"

(how intriguing, he wasn't scared to burn at the stake, but he's terrified to die by my head, I guess he's afraid of the unknown.) (Or maybe he thinks I can do some weird voodoo shit to trap his soul, so he can't cross the bridge and meet his previous lord.)

"Hahaha, no, no, I wouldn't kill you. I think you misunderstood me. What about this, you answer my question, and I'll do something in return for you. That seems fair, doesn't it?"

"I don't want, nor do I need anything from you!"

"I wouldn't be too sure about that!

Remember I have magic! I could set you free, or change his your brother's mind about making you become a Viking."

"But that's not what you want, no what you want, is your cross back isn't it. I could easily retrieve it for you."

"This feels like a deal with the devil."

I cross my legs and smile evilly, "It might as very well be one!"

After a minute he asks.

"What kind of question is it going to be."

"Hahaha, I see you really want that cross, don't you?" So much so that you're willing to bargain with the 'devil.

" That cross is very precious to me."

He sighs. Ask your question? I'm willing to bargain.

"Don't worry my question is rather easy to answer. No need to get so worked up over nothing. Your as uptight as your brother."

"All I want to know is 'why?"

"Why? What do you mean?" I look at him right in the eyes as I say.

"Why do you believe in blindly in their lord, when you're clearly repulsed by everything the church stands for?"

"Answer me that, and I'll get your cross back."