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hereforreadandwrite · 2 months
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Chapter Four
Masterlist
You haven't been back to Sindri's house since Tire was liberated. You didn't want to face him. Thinking about this man always made you uncomfortable and tugged at your scars. You placed your hand against your shoulder. You didn't like it. You sighed, running your hands over your face. Have the Norns decided to challenge you? If so, they were really cruel to you. Although they told you once, they were just spectators of the spectacle that the Aesir Gods and mortals gave them.
So that was your life. A spectacle of tragedy that entertained the Norns.
“What a shitty life,” you muttered, slamming your knife into the belly of the deer you hunted.
You opened the poor beast's belly, removing its organs so you could harvest the meat. You were going to be able to last a few weeks with that. You froze as you felt a divine and threatening presence. You groaned as you approached the bucket full of water to clean your hands. You looked closely at your hands soaking in blood. The last time you had this much blood on your hands was when you took out your anger on a troll who had broken into the Valkyrie council. The creature didn't stand a chance against your rage and sadness. You remembered being covered in his blood from head to toe. You didn't get any satisfaction from this confrontation. You dipped your hands in the cold water, removing the blood from your hands.
You couldn't help but feel uncomfortable thinking about what happened in Svartalfheim. The liberation of Tyr did not bring you the relief and joy you hoped for. You dreamed so much of his return and you were disappointed by the reaction and behavior of the one who was your husband. No, this man was not your husband. Your husband was dead when he left your home for Asgard.
You grabbed your knife, moving closer to your game when you felt your hair stand up at the base of your neck. You saw a strange shape crossing the sky at full speed.
Had you dreamed or had you just seen Vanadís?
You dropped your work, rushing to the Mystique door. You walked through the door. You knew where she was going. You had heard the little boy talking about her with his father. If she was in such a hurry, that meant that Kratos and Atreus weren't far away. What could they have done to upset Vanadís? You passed the door arriving in front of a house. You heard the sound of weapons clashing when you heard Atreus screaming and bear howls. You rushed into the backyard to see Kratos holding back a grizzly bear.
"Atreus! You do not want this! Calm your mind. Control it!" he said holding the bear down. “She was our friend.”
Freya turned her back on the father and son. She was conflicted. Atreus returned to his human form. Kratos helped him up, asking if he was hurt. The Vanir Goddess felt rage invade her, her breathing accelerated. Freya screamed, turning to face Kratos. She used her Vanir magic, conjuring up a vine that wrapped itself around the rock next to the Spartan's head. The vine squeezed the rock until it exploded. Kratos protected Atreus from the flying stones. Freya faced them. Her rage was palpable. But she didn't always seem capable of killing someone. Was she still cursed or did she not have the courage?
"Maybe… for the moment… you're of no more use to me… alive," she said, putting away her sword.
Kratos stood up, grabbing Atreus' arm, forcing him to do the same. The Spartan ordered the teenager to return to Sindri's house. Which, obviously, Atreus didn't like. Not surprisingly, Sindri and Brok came out from behind a rock. You rolled your eyes as you saw Atreus' sidekick say they were taking him home and saw him bow to Freya. Kratos pushed Atreus towards the dwarves, telling them not to lose sight of him. You watched Sindri and the teenager pass not far from you. Atreus looked at you surprised to see you there, but Sindri made him understand that this was not the time to upset his father. The two headed towards the mystic gate, leaving Midgard. Something interesting seemed to have happened while you were gone. You returned your attention to the deities who were getting dangerously closer, sizing each other up with their eyes.
“What is it you want?” Kratos asked.
"I refuse to remain bound to this Realm. We travel to Vanaheim," Freya announced.
Vanaheim?
Wasn't that where Sköll and Hati were? Was it a Norn trick? But the dream you had. Did Tyr plan all this?
“(Y/N)?” Freya asked, looking at you in surprise.
You were brought out of your thoughts when you heard the Goddess. She was looking at you as if she had just seen a ghost. You looked at Kratos. The Spartan moved closer to your person, eyeing you severely.
"What are you doing here?"
"I saw a furious Goddess speeding past my house. Only Vanadís was in such a hurry. And it was only you she could fight," you said. while looking at Kratos. “You lost sight of your little boy again, didn’t you?”
“That’s none of your business,” he said, moving next to you.
"Of course. But your little one set something in motion. And there are some things I need to check out. I'm coming with it to Vanaheim. Your brother is still there right?" you asked, turning your attention back to Freya. “I have a few questions to ask him.”
"What do you want to know?" asked Kratos who was near Brok.
"I imagine you haven't been idle since… Tyr was freed. Am I wrong? I need to know what you found and what happened."
"For what?" asked Freya perplexed.
"Ragnarok is almost here. There are some things I need to know."
"Would you have a role to play during Ragnarok, daughter?" Mimir asked uneasily.
"I… I don't know. But in Vanaheim… there's one thing I have to see."
"What?" Kratos asked.
"I just need to go check something out. Without Tyr being around."
“You still don’t trust him?” asked Mimir.
"No."
“Tyr is alive?” asked Freya in surprise.
“Not really,” you replied, heading towards the mystical door. “This man is not Tyr.”
Freya gave Kratos a look that said they were going to have to discuss this. Brok finished opening the passage, allowing the group to travel to Vanaheim.
Vanaheim.
This Realm was a huge jungle, filled with dangerous vegetation that attacked any outsiders. The smell of humidity and plants invaded your nostrils. It was strange. The last time you came to this Realm was for Freya and Odin's wedding. Like everyone else, you had bitter memories of it. Everyone was angry with Freya and with Mimir. Freyr had caused a scandal during the ceremony.
"Oh no. Something's wrong," Freya said, snapping you out of your thoughts. "My spell. I can feel it slipping."
"Well. That's Fimbulvetr for ya!" Brok said.
"You don't understand. I'll be torn from the Realm."
“What can be done?” Kratos asked, looking at Freya who was muttering under her breath.
"Something I was hoping to avoid… Seems I have much choice."
Before everyone's eyes, Freya transformed into a hawk. Mimir asked her if she could circumvent Odin's spell from the beginning, to which the Goddess replied that she discovered it when they opened the passage between the realms. It was not a solution and this form was extremely restrictive for her. In this form, she couldn't fight.
The journey took place under Brok's stupid jokes and Mimir's answers. Kratos, Brok and you killed every plant that had become more aggressive with the humidity and creatures that emerged from the shadows to stop them.
Everything here was in ruins. Nothing has been rebuilt. Which saddened Freya.
Was it also surprising?
“Whare has everyone gone, I wonder…?” Mimir began, perplexed.
“They must have withdrawn. Hidden themselves out in the wilds, and covered their tracks with magic,” Freya replied. “No way of knowing how many are left, or how to reach them.”
“Aesir ran cockshod all over this place, huh?” Brok commented.
“You can thank Mimir for that,” Freya commented sarcastically.
“War with the Vanir was NEVER my idea!” exclaimed Mimir. “MY idea was brokering the marriage to end it!”
“A great success that was!”
“Like many of his ideas,” you said darkly.
"Darling. I assure you it was to protect you."
"Of course. Keep convincing yourself," you said with a chuckle.
"Enough! Let's keep moving," Kratos growled.
The rest of the trip was done in silence. The trio followed Freya through the Vanaheim jungle until Brok was caught by a trap that dragged him to an unknown location. You glanced at Kratos, who did the same. You and him were going to have to save Brok's blue butt. Kratos went first, telling you to be careful. You arrived in a deserted place. Brok hung in midair, grunting as he tried to free himself from the trap. Kratos told him to shut up. It was way too quiet.
"Now what do we have here? Ol' One-Eye send another God and to a little girl to do dirty work?"
You and Kratos turned towards a man who lit a torch, allowing you to see his face better. You recognized him as Freyr, Freya's brother.
“Thor too busy?”
"We do not serve Odin," Kratos said.
“No?” Freyr asked, moving closer. “Picked a dangerous place for sightseeing, then. Am I right?”
Freyr's men emerged from the shadows, surrounding the two coming. You made your sword appear, revealing your nightmarish form. You were ready to fight.
“This form and this sword,” Freyr said, eyeing you carefully. "Little Valkyrie. I never thought I'd see you again, kiddo."
“There are two of us, Freyr,” you said, getting into a fighting stance.
“Now, now,” said Mimir. "No need for threats."
"Oh. I know that voice…," Freyr said as Kratos unhooked Mimir from his belt so he could see him. "You know, I'd cut off your head… but it seems somebody beat me to it."
"Aye. Oh, quit watching, brother," the head replied.
"No, you're no brother of mine. You sold my sister to that… prick!"
“We brokered a peace!”
"Oh! Did you now? Where is it? Hmm? And where is my sister? Some dungeon in Asgard? Is she even alive? ANSWER ME!"
Freyr got too close to Mimir, Kratos pointed his ax at the Vanir God, making him understand that he was too close. Freyr laughed, backing away from the trap that held Brok. He took his weapon from his belt, saying that blood would flow. At that moment, Freya yelled for her brother to stop. She landed on a perch, looking down at Freyr who was looking at her perplexed.
"What is that? Why do you speak in her voice?" he asked without looking away from the hawk.
"It's me, Yngvi. There's no time to explain. Just listen. These person are in my service. I'm here to reclaim what's been taken from me."
"It's too late. You can't' undo what's been done," Freyr replied.
"I can. I will. Now let them pass."
Freya took off from her perch, leaving the camp. Freyr didn't take his eyes off her. He didn't seem to believe that his sister had returned to him. The Vanir God turned to the duo, asking if they served his sister. Kratos growled in response as you transformed back into your normal form, vanishing your sword. Freyr sneered, commenting that they were all serving her. He turned to Lunda, ordering her to free Brok from this trap. The dwarf brought her knife down on the rope, cutting it cleanly. Brok fell heavily to the ground. Kratos hooked Mimir back onto his belt. You approached Brok, helping him up while Kratos approached Freyr.
“Nothing broken?” you asked, helping Brok up.
"I'm fine. I've seen worse than that fall," he said, turning to Lunda. "What's with leaving me hanging like that, ya crusty hag?"
"Oh can it, Blábr! C'mere…," she said before giving Brok a hug.
"Well! Found who I was lookin' for. Think I'm gonna stay and catch up," Brok said before following Lunda to her forge.
“Oh, are you now?”
“Do as you wish,” you replied, watching the two dwarves walk away.
You sighed, going to join the Elves of Alfheim and a man dressed in armor and armed with a huge sword. You took a seat on a log, glancing at Freyr's henchmen. The man named Birgir told you that they wanted the camp to remain secret. You replied that it would stay that way. You weren't going to leave camp anyway. You didn't care what Freya was looking for. You just had to know something.
"Are Sköll and Hati in Vanaheim?" you asked, looking at Birgir.
"Why this question?"
"I just need to know if they are here and if there was any strange phenomenon. Wasn't there a solar eclipse?"
“It’s been several centuries since there was one,” Beyla replied, catching your attention. "The wolves continue to chase the Sun and the Moon. They are fine."
"I need to go check on them. I need to make sure they're okay. Where is their lair?"
“Whose lair?”
You jumped, turning to Freyr who was holding Mimir. The Vanir God settled down next to you, giving you back what was left of your father. You looked at Mimir uncertainly. You reached out your hand, taking the rope to place him at your side.
“I have to go see Sköll and Hati,” you said, looking at Freyr.
"For what?"
"I have to make sure they're okay and that nothing bad happens to them."
Freyr looked at Birgir, Beyla and Byggvir. The camp leader sighed and stood up, gesturing for you to follow him to the table. You grabbed Mimir, following Freyr who showed you a map. He explained to you which path you had to take to get to the wolves' den. Freyr looked at you intently. You took off your cloak, putting it in a corner, so you could tie Mimir to your waist. Your wings. No doubt a move from Odin. He remembered you. After all, you have always been the pride of the Valkyries and Mimir. Everyone knew you. He had seen you as a child. He even played with you and learned some pranks to play on your father. Until Heimdal decided to burn it and leave Asgard.
“Why do you want to make sure the wolves are okay?” Freyr asked, folding the map.
"I know they were imprisoned by Odin. I just need to make sure nothing curious happens," you said, heading towards the portal.
“Wait!” Freyr exclaimed, following you. "Are you sure it's a good idea to go alone? How long has it been since you last came to Vanaheim?"
“Do you think I’m that weak, Freyr?” you asked, stopping near the gate.
"I didn't say you're weak, little Valkyrie. I'm just saying it's not a good idea to go alone. Fimbulvetr hasn't spared this Kingdom and there are many Einharjes who is swarming around."
"You don't have to worry. After the Valkyries, someone else taught me some techniques," you said as you passed through the portal. “I’ll be back in a few hours.”
You moved away from Freyr's camp, deep into the jungle of Vanaheim. You took the path indicated by Freyr. According to him, Sköll and Hati were not far away. Mimir glanced at you a few times. Should he speak or not? You were still mad at him. Well Named.
"Honey… I know you don't want to talk to me, but I wish you would listen to me. Your mother and I… we really thought we were protecting you by sending you back to Midgard. We wanted to keep you away from Odin and his madness. But… it didn't go as we hoped. I don't know what he did or how he was able to find you, but… I'm sorry. I couldn't protect you the way I wanted. The day he imprisoned me and cursed the Valkyries… they brought us your wings. Daughter… please. I want you to know, I'm sorry. This pain will torment me all my life. The only thing that calms me is knowing that you are alive."
You stopped when you heard Mimir's apology. He asked you for forgiveness? He wanted you to forgive him for abandoning you? You unhooked your head from your belt, placing it on a rock. Mimir could see from your expression that you were not happy with this request. You turned your back on Mimir, taking a few steps away. You ran your hands over your face, running them through your hair. Did he dare to ask you for forgiveness? He dared to make such a request to you?
“You and Mother forced me to return to Midgard,” you began softly, turning to Mimir. “You and Mother never came to see me. Never! You and Mother failed me! You You gave up without the slightest remorse! I was all alone! I had no one… do you know what I did when I found out that mother was locked up? I protected her. I did the only one that you and her didn't do. I stayed with her and protected that damn breach at the risk of my life! So no! No. I could never forgive you. Or her ."
Mimir sighed, dejected. Everything you just told him was true. It was normal that you refused to forgive him. With their statue as Sigrun's Queen of the Valkyries and Odin's role as advisor, they never had time to make sure you were well established in Midgard. He had been busy making sure the marriage between Odin and Freya worked to ensure some semblance of peace. Which has always been a big joke.
“That’s what I told myself when he took my wings and in Tyr when he found me,” you said with a sigh.
“I… I beg your pardon?” Mimir asked, looking at you surprised.
You approached the rock where you had placed Mimir. You sat down in front of him, looking him over. Mimir was struck by your state. Since he was able to see you again, this was the first time he was able to see you properly. Your eyes were watery, you had dark bags under your eyes, that sparkle of mischief that you had as a child was gone. You have become a woman tired of this miserable life. You sighed, running your hands over your face.
"I obeyed. I returned to Midgard. I knew that you and mother wanted to protect me from Odin. But that wasn't enough. Do you want to know what he did? He pretended to be you. He took on your appearance and I let my guard down. That's how he managed to take my wings. When he did… I called. . You and mother… I called for someone to come and help me…"
“But no one came…”
“No… no one,” you said, sighing. "I found Mother's breach. I tried to ignore her, but… I kept coming back to her. I couldn't… get used to the idea to left her alone and helpless. Until Tyr found me and helped me. He trained me. He loved me. He saved me. I was happy again. But so was he, he abandoned me. That man at Sindri's… he's not my Tyr. He's not my husband."
"But… that doesn't explain why you want to see Sköll and Hati."
"I had a dream not long ago. I was with Tyr. We were going hunting and then… he disappeared. At that moment, a lightning bolt tore through the sky and everything became red. The moon was hiding the Sun. Then I saw two pairs of eyes and some growling noises and in the end, Tyr appeared and asked me to help him."
"It's strange. A premonitory dream perhaps," replied Mimir perplexed. "You helped Tyr, in a way, and we're going to see the wolves. But an eclipse? That's strange. I'll think about it, darling."
“Thank you,” you said, smiling at Mimir. “Father.”
"I'll make it up to you (Y/N). I promise."
"No offense. You're just a head," you said, getting up and picking up Mimir.
"Ah! It doesn't just take brawn to succeed, Darling. I thought I taught you that."
“Yes, but from time to time, you have to know how to hit.”
“Okay, you’re right about that.”
You let out a light laugh as you attached Mimir to your waist. You set off again, finally reaching the wolves' den. You saw the wolf Hati who was sleeping. Sköll was still chasing the Sun. You slowly approached Hati. The wolf's ears twitched as he heard you approach. You kneeled in front of him. Hati raised his head, looking at you perplexed. At first glance, he seemed fine. You sat down, sighing in relief. Maybe the dream you had was nothing more than a dream. You held out your hand towards him. The giant wolf brought its snout closer, sniffing a little before standing up. You did the same, following him to the edge of the cliff. Hati sat up, looking at you with his red eyes. He began to scream before chasing the moon, giving way to the Sun. Sköll will run towards you, landing next to you. The wolf looked at you perplexed as you offered him your hand. He sniffed for a few seconds before going to lie down in his den, waiting for his brother to finish his endless chase.
“They are fine,” Mimir said. "It seems your dream is just a dream, daughter."
“Maybe,” you said, looking at Sköll.
"It's been a while since you've been away from camp. It's better to go back before they worry."
“Yes.”
You looked at Sköll one last time before leaving their lair to return to Freyr's camp. You were relieved to know that the wolves were okay. So why did you have this dream? It did not make sense. No, you didn't have to think about it anymore. You walked through the camp gate to see Freya and Freyr hugging. Apparently you missed something. You moved closer to Kratos, unhooking Mimir from your waist to return him to the Spartan.
"You finished?" you asked, looking at Kratos.
“Yes.”
“What’s the verdict?” Mimir asked.
“She will help us,” Kratos replied, looking at Mimir. “Did everything go well?”
“Oh yes,” the head replied. "Very well even. Now what? What do we do?"
"We're going back," Kratos replied, hanging Mimir back on his belt. "And you?"
"I'm coming. I have to do something," you replied uncomfortably.
"You want to talk to him? Are you sure?" asked Mimir worried.
“Yes, you have to.”
"I'm ready to go," Freya announced, approaching the group. "(Y/N)? Did you find what you were looking for?"
"Yes. I have nothing more to do here."
"We're going back," Kratos said as he headed towards the entrance to the camp.
"Hey little Valkyrie! Come back and see us soon!" Freyr exclaimed.
"Yes, Freyr. I'll think about it," you replied before catching up with Freya and Kratos.
You liked Freyr, but he was always so loud and exhausting. At least it seemed that he and Freya had reconciled, and she and Kratos seemed to have put their differences aside. It was a good thing. At least, you hoped so. Now there was one thing left for you to do.
Talk to Tyr.
Just thinking about it made you uncomfortable. You felt your stomach twist and your hands become sweaty. It was so strange that you felt this way when thinking about your husband. You had to stay focused on your goal. But there was also another problem. According to Mimir, Atreus had disappeared for two days and he refused to say where he had been. This did not please the Spartan who announced that the boy was going to tell him everything and that there was nothing to add. Mimir looked at you, commenting that this was the famous Spartan diplomacy. But Freya's question sent shivers down your spine.
"Wait… did you say Odin invited him to Asgard and then he disappeared for two days?" asked the Goddess worriedly.
"What? Are you kidding?!" you exclaimed. "Odin invited the little boy to Asgard?!"
"Aye… but surely the lad's got more sense than to-" Mimir began before being cut off by Freya.
"Don't underestimate Odin's powers of persuasion. He filled my son's head with lies. Why wouldn't he do the same with yours?"
“It’s not just persuasion,” you said darkly. "If he feels that your little one is an obstacle to his plans, he will not hesitate to make him disappear. He has no limits."
“That too,” Freya replied softly, watching you struggle.
You preferred to ignore the look Freya gave you. You didn't need his pity. Not after all this time. You walked through the door, arriving in front of Sindri's house. Brok was arguing with Bitter Squirrel, one of Ratatoskr's alteregos. Kratos ignored the argument and entered the house. You followed the Spartan, with Brok and Freya. Kratos wasted no time entering his son's room. Sindri left the room, visibly upset. You went to sit at the table when Atreus came out of his room insulting his father. You heard Mimir exclaim that this was not how he was going to change his father's mind.
It looked bad.
"He doesn't have any faith in me! It's fine of he keeps secrets. It's fine is Mom did," exclaimed Atreus who came to sit at the table.
“It is NOT fine,” Kraots replied harshly as he followed his son. “Her secrets haunt every step of this path.”
"Oh, okay. So you don't believe in her anymore either?"
“His is not about your mother!” Kratos exclaimed, placing Mimir on the table. “What you have done is lie.”
“Wonder where I learned that?” the boy replied sarcastically.
“That’s quite enough!” exclaimed Mimir.
“Since when do you away take his side?” Atreus asked, looking at his angry head.
"Since he became the one making sense."
In the meantime, Tyr had approached the table. A pot full of stew in his hands.
"Look… I was only thinking about going to Odin. But I swear it's for a good reason…," explained the young man.
“There is no good reason to go to Odin,” Freya replied, approaching.
“He’ll only cloud your mind,” Tyr continued.
"But I'd be going for us. I gotta stop something bad from happening."
“Something bad did happen!” exclaimed Mimir, attracting the attention of the dwarves who approached in turn. "LOOK AT ME! At Freya. At Tyr. At (Y/N)! Odin did this to us!"
"What's got everyone caterwaulin' all a sudden?" Brok asked as he approached Atreus.
“Atreus wants to go Asgard,” Sindri replied.
"Asgard? Did he get kicked in the head or something?"
"Great. I guess everyone's against me now," Atreus growled, glaring at his father.
"You must choose who you are going to be," Kratos replied, approaching his son. "Are you going to continue to lie and keep things from me? Or are you my son?"
As he spoke, Kratos placed his hand on Atreus' shoulder. Hoping that his words finally reach him. But it didn't seem to have any impact on the boy. If anything, it seemed to upset him even more.
"Choose? I never get to choose. Just leave me alone."
Atreus wanted to walk away and end this discussion. But Kratos didn't think so. He grabbed the boy's arm, ordering him to listen. Atreus yelled at him to let go. He violently pushed Kratos away, but with his rage, he transformed into a bear. Freya rushed to Kratos, helping him up. Tyr had dropped the pot, grabbing your arm to pull you towards him. Unluckily for Sindri, Atreus was standing in front of him. The dwarf tried to reason with the boy. Without success. Atreus violently pushed him away with his paw before fleeing and breaking down the door of the house. He was running away. Kratos rushed to the door as Freya and Brok rushed to Sindri's side. You tried to break away from Tyr's hold, but he refused to let you go.
"He might come back," he said nervously.
"Let go of me!" you cried, pushing him away and watching him get annoyed. “What the hell is wrong with you?!”
You quickly moved away from Tyr, approaching Sindri, Freya and Brok. According to the Goddess, there was nothing serious about the dwarf. Just scratches. Which was a relief in care. Your attention landed on the door. Kratos stood in the doorway. His fists were clenched and you seemed to see sparks flying. The Spartan slammed his fist against the doorway, making the house shake. You looked from Kratos, to Freya healing Sindri, to Brok who was cursing, and to Tyr who was standing nervously in the back of the room. You sighed, massaging your temples which were becoming sore.
And now what would happen?
Tag: @ladycrowsworld
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hereforreadandwrite · 3 months
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Chapter Three
Masterlist
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Svartalfheim.
The Realm of the Dwarves.
A Realm that Odin has held with an iron fist for several centuries now. The dwarves were too terrified to rebel, which was understandable. If they did anything, the Einherjars would not hesitate to make them pay. Odin was not the only one to make the dwarves suffer. Your father was also responsible. It was he who arranged for the dwarves to work for Odin. It was he who had imprisoned a poor whale to take its fat. You sighed as you watched Atreus knock on house doors, but unsurprisingly, the dwarves refused to speak to them. He was wasting his time. Odin had eyes everywhere in Svartalfheim. This old fool must have known about your coming. Just thinking about it gave you chills.
"You're allright?" Atreus asked, seeing you tighten your grip on your fur.
"Yes, it's nothing," you said, looking at the boy. "Do Durlin's instructions tell us what doors Tyr is behind?"
"No. Nothing that can help us."
Durlin was a dwarf who tried to stage a coup against Odin with the help of Faye, the boy's mother and Kratos' wife. After their failed coup, he was punished. No doubt by Heimdal. It wouldn't surprise you. The dwarf had fined you. But when you, Kratos and Atreus had left the office, the boy had realized that the fine in question was actually information on the prisoner's location.
The walk to the mine had been bumpy, but at least you were all in one piece. It was quite surprising. But there was still one problem. The mine was a huge and dangerous place. If Tyr was in there, it was going to be hard to find him. There must have been hundreds of rooms and several kilometers of galleries. But something was strange. You couldn't help but wonder why in the Nine Realms would Odin lock Tyr up in Svartalfheim?
Okay, the Einherjars were Odin's best soldiers and the dwarves will never do anything against them. But if Tyr were really here, he could have escaped. It wasn't dwarves who were going to hold him back. He wouldn't have hurt them, but the facts were there. Tire was the God of War. He was more powerful than simple Einherjar. You felt anger fill you as you thought about it. If that was the case, your husband could have come back to you.
The applecore was huge. There were so many doors. So many rooms your husband could be locked in.
You were pulled out of your thoughts when the boat hit some barrels, stopping your descent. You had no choice but to leave the boat. Not surprisingly, Sindri was at a workshop, busy sharpening a sword and telling them to be careful on the way down. You stood back while the father and son talked with the dwarf. You leaned against the wall, reaching into your purse to pull out a ring. It was a gold ring, runes were engraved on it.
Protection.
Strength.
Love.
Tyr had it made and engraved personally for you. He had spent several weeks on it before proposing to you. When he asked you, you were terrified. You had been so afraid of losing him. You were afraid of suffering even more. Tyr had managed to reassure you. He promised to stay by your side and come back to you.
He had lied.
You sighed, putting the ring back in your purse. You didn't have to think about it anymore. You had to focus on the present moment. You turned to Kratos and Atreus, asking them if they were ready to search the place. The Spartan looked at you attentively before nodding.
His mines were immense and seemed endless. Every door you walked through was a hope that evaporated when you saw that your husband wasn't behind. Why were the Norns torturing you like this? Why did they decide to deprive you of everyone you loved? On top of all that, Kratos and Atreus were at constant odds.
"Another dead end. Where could it be?" Atreus asked in frustration.
"Atreus, this mine is largely abandoned. It is unlikely-"
"Tyr's here," Atreus cut in. "I know it. Durlin's direction stopped at the entrance to the mine. We just have to keep searching until we find him! You said you'd follow my lead. And I say we keep looking. So knock it off."
"Watch yourself. I will follow, but I state what I see. You need not agree with me, but you will. Not speak to me this way," Kratos growled severely. “Are you clear?”
“Sir.”
You sat in your corner, nervously gnawing on your thumb. This was all strange. You couldn't help but think that something was wrong. There were no Einherjars coming to fight to protect the mine. What irritated you the most was Atreus. He seemed convinced that if he freed Tyr, he would oppose Odin.
“If he’s already done it, why wouldn’t he do it again?” Atreus asked.
The answer was simple. A person locked up for so long, even a God, would not want to throw himself into a war. Especially if he had been locked up for over a hundred winters. If it were you, you would take the opportunity to flee as far as possible. Yes, but would you take the time to look for those you loved to warn them? You didn't know what to think about it.
“Can I ask you something, little boy?” you asked, staring at the horizon.
“Yes,” Atreus replied, looking at you perplexed.
"Imagine that Odin imprisons you. He tortures you daily until you lose your mind. Imagine that someone comes to free you and the first thing that person dares to tell you is that you must go to war against your jailer. Are you seriously thinking about following this person blindly at the risk of losing your life when you have finally been released?"
"Well…Tyr is on the frescoes so…"
“I'm not talking about Tyr, but about you,” you said, glaring at the boy severely. "Dare to tell me that you would agree to fight Odin. After more than a hundred winters in confinement, the last thing you will want to do is fight for a person who doesn't care about you."
"It's not-"
"You're just a little boy trying to act like an adult. But you're not an adult. You don't know the consequences of your actions. All you do is make others suffer by your stubbornness and your selfishness. One day, you will end up killing someone."
“Daughter!” exclaimed Mimir, surprised by your harsh words.
"I only speak the truth. And you know I'm right," you said as you left the room. “This little boy is leading us straight to disaster.”
Atreus looked at you stunned by your words. The boy looked at his father, waiting for him to say something. But Kratos remained strangely silent. The Spartan gestured for his son to follow him.
"You didn't contradict her," Atreus muttered as he followed Kratos out of the room.
"Hush now. We need to move."
The search was carried out in a heavy silence which could have made Odin uncomfortable. But you meant what you said to the boy. If he continued on this path, someone would eventually die or he would cause unnecessary pain to those he loves. It was always like that. The selfish actions of some always caused others to suffer. Even if they thought they were doing the right thing. You groaned, running your hand over your shoulder. Just thinking about it made your scars tug. You were taken out of your thoughts when you saw Kratos walk past you to open a new door that led to a new dead end. You felt your heart sink when you saw this new empty room. A strange noise was heard. It sounded like voices.
"Did you heart that? I don't think we're alone," said Mimir.
“Einherjars,” you said, listening carefully to the voices. “They are Einherjars.”
“Einherjars?” Kratos asked, looking at you perplexed.
"Soldiers of Odin. Former mortals who fell on the battlefield. My aunts and my mother rewarded them by taking some of them to Valhalla. And they receive Odin's blessing and they swear allegiance to him," you say through your teeth. "They're tough and like they're dead. They always come back."
“If they’re around that means Tyr isn’t far away!” Atreus exclaimed. "I knew it! There! There is a passage."
Atreus rushed into the narrow passage, followed closely by you and Kratos. You felt your heart speed up as you walked through the narrow passage. This was going to be the moment of truth. You were all going to find out if Tyr was really here or if it was a trap set by Odin. You extricated yourself from the narrow passage, facing a door that seemed too protective. Even Mimir commented that this door should not protect the cleaning equipment. Kratos moved closer to the door, examining it carefully. The Spartan ordered his son to shoot his arrows on the hinges made of this shiny green material. You wiped your hands, which had become sweaty, on your cloak. You saw Kratos draw his curse blades to open the door, but he was stopped by hearing an Einherjar shout:
“Hvat er at gerast?!”
Two Einherjar men came into the room drawing their weapons. You had no other choice to fight them. You summoned your sword, throwing yourself into battle. Kratos used his blades and his Spartan rage and Atreus shot his arrows and used his magic. You manage to disarm the Einherjar, cutting off his leg with a sword before decapitating him. Kratos finished off the second Einherjar when three other men arrived after the "death" of their colleague. The battle was tough, but between the three of you, you managed to defeat the Einherjars. Your breathing was erratic. You made your sword disappear, turning towards Kratos and Atreus.
"That was hard," Atreus said, putting his bow away.
“They didn’t become Einharjes for nothing,” you replied, turning to Kratos. “Let’s hurry and open the door before anyone else comes.”
“Stay on your guard.”
Kratos stabbed his blades into the thick wooden plank blocking the door. He pulled on his chains with all his might, causing the door to come off its hinges. It fell heavily to the ground with a crashing noise, raising a thick cloud of dust. You and Atreus were forced to close your eyes until the dust cleared. The silence was heavy. Atreus was the first to enter the room, you and Kratos following closely behind him. You froze when you heard the boy say your husband's name.
“Tyr!” exclaimed the young man who rushed to the side of the God of War.
You stood in the doorway, looking at Tyr in amazement. He was there, before your eyes. Tyr, your husband, your love, who you thought was dead was very much alive. What were you supposed to do? What should you say? How should you react? Cry? Scream? Laugh? What were you supposed to do? You felt like the ground was slipping away from under your feet. Your head was spinning. It must have been a dream. You were going to wake up in your bed soon. Alone. Isolate in your damn house. There was no other explanation.
"What trickery is this, Odin…?" Tyr asked weakly, raising his head, looking at Atreus severely. “What game do you play with me now?”
"We're not with Odin," Atreus replied. "We're the good guys."
Tyr snorted as his eyes landed on you. You felt a shiver run down your spine and the hairs on your arms stood up. You didn't like this feeling.
"(Y/N)? My love, is it really you?"
Tyr tried to get up, but the rope around his neck prevented him from moving as he wanted. Instinctively, you took a step back. Kratos slipped behind Tyr, grabbing the rope holding him to the wall. Your heart sank when you saw this. Odin, his own father, had tied him up like a common dog. The Spartan used his blade to burn and cut the rope before stepping in front of him. He gave you a look that made you understand that you were going to have to provide explanations.
"This… is the God of War?" Kratos asked.
"Those blades…," Tyr said, looking at the Chaos Blades. "I know you… God-killer. Have you come for me now?"
Kratos put away his blades, replying that he was only here to free him. The Greek God of War took a step towards the Norwegian God of War, extending his hand towards him. But Tyr crawled back, watching Kratos in terror, ordering him not to come near him. You couldn't help but be skeptical. Was this man really Tyr? Was he your husband? You had never seen him so pitiful. Maybe you were expecting too much? After so long of being apart. Mimir spoke, asking Kratos to let him speak to the prisoner. Kratos unhooked his head from his belt, allowing him to see Tyr.
"Tyr! Tyr. Look. You know me, don't you?"
"You… you killed Mimir!" cried Tyr, completely panicked.
“No, no, no no…”
“Tyr!” you exclaimed, taking a few steps closer. “You need to calm down!”
"Yeah, we… we brought him right back!"
“You… stay away, you monsters!”
Tyr stood up, rushing out of the room. To your surprise, he grabbed you and threw you onto his shoulder without much difficulty. He rushed out of his prison, with you on his shoulder. You saw Atreus following your husband, asking him to stop. You struggled, ordering Tyr to release you, but he refused to listen. He rushed blindly into the mine. You had no choice but to elbow him in the back of the neck. Tyr collapsed to the ground, losing his grip on you. You quickly moved away from your husband, looking at him without understanding what was happening. Atreus quickly came to your side, asking if you were okay. You nodded slightly, running your hand through your hair. Tyr stood up, pressing himself against the wall. He looked like a scared, cornered animal. Atreus tried to reassure him, assuring him that everything was okay and that no one was going to hurt him. The boy looked at you, he seemed to hope that you would help him. But you preferred to stay behind.
Something was wrong with Tyr's behavior.
You didn't like it.
You tensed as you felt a hand placed on your shoulder. You turned to Kratos who approached Tyr. Unceremoniously, he grabbed the God of War, violently pinning him against the wall.
"Are you not a soldier? Are you not a leader of men? Master yourself! My son brought us to this place for YOU. Look at him!"
“You?” Tyr asked, looking at the young man. "Why…? You don't know me."
"I know what you stood for. You helped the Giants. We're returning the favor."
“We?”
“WE are leaving,” Kratos announced. “Are you coming with us?”
Tyr nodded slightly. Kratos let go of him, allowing him to get up. You gulped as you saw him towering over the Spartan. You were used to your husband's imposing size. But now, it made you uncomfortable. You held back from bringing out your sword. You had the feeling of being in danger. Your attention was caught by Atreus. The boy was holding a spear, explaining to him that his statue on the Lake had a spear. Tyr thanked him, but he refused to take this weapon. Seeing Atreus' disappointment, Tyr knelt down, explaining to him that he had run away because he did not know what was real. He seemed ashamed. Mimir reassured him, telling him that he had nothing to be ashamed of. After all, they were experiencing an equally strange time. Tyr looked at Atreus, asking if everyone heard him speak. You walked away from the group, announcing that we had to leave Svartalfheim as quickly as possible. Tyr stood up when he heard your voice. He wanted to speak, but the stern look Kratos gave him made him understand that this was not the right time to try to argue.
Now that Tyr was free, it was necessary to leave Svartalfheim at all costs. You only had this goal in mind.
You listened with one ear to the conversation between Atreus and Tyr. You also learned that the boy was a Jötnar and that his mother was none other than Laufey. Was this woman his mother? Your eyes landed on Kratos' axe, examining it better.
“I see,” you said, glaring at the axe.
“Did you talk (Y/N)?” Mimir asked.
"No."
"All right. We're going to leave this place my darling. We're all going to go and rest. It'll do everyone good."
"There is an elevator here, but it's blocked," Atreus said, pointing to the elevator in question.
"Please, let me get that. It's the least I can do."
Tyr moved closer to the elevator, grabbing it without much difficulty and lowering it suddenly. Everyone got into the elevator. Kratos activated the mechanism. You could finally leave this mine. You wanted to go home and get as far away from this man as possible. That little voice in your head was telling you to stay as far away from Tire as possible. The more you listened to him, the more you felt like this man was an impostor. And the way he had gone to hide when the Einherjars arrived.
You were happy to be back on Yggdrasil. You were happy to see the damn dwarf's house. Sindri was surprised to see the group return with the God who had been missing for a hundred winters. Sindri and Tyr went back inside, allowing you to breathe a little. You walked away from the father and son, going to sit on a sort of bench, reflecting on the events of that day.
Everything that had happened in Svartalfheim left a bitter taste in your mouth.
Everything Tyr said or did made you uncomfortable.
“We need talk, woman.”
“There’s nothing to say,” you said bitterly.
“What is your relationship with Tyr?” Kratos asked.
You glared at the Spartan. Did he really want to have this conversation now? You sighed, running your hands over your face.
“He was my husband.”
“What?!” exclaimed Mimir. "That… when… wait a little…"
"You don't seem happy to see your husband again," Kratos commented.
"That guy… he's not my Tyr. He's not my husband. Tyr would never have acted the way he did," you said, shaking your head.
“Brother, could you?”
Kratos unhooked Mimir from his belt, placing him on the bench. You stepped back, giving the head an uncertain look. Could you trust him?
"Daugther. I… I know you don't trust me anymore. I understand that. But for Tyr. He's been imprisoned and tortured for about winters. Give him time."
"If mother came back to life and acted like Tyr just did, would you be sympathetic?" you asked, looking at his head severely. "No, you'd be as broken as I am. This guy isn't Tyr. Everything about him screams trouble. Your little boy just made the biggest mistake of his life."
"How can you know it?" Kratos asked.
“My whole being tells me so,” you said, leaving the bench to head towards the mystical door. “He can’t be trusted.”
"Wait! Aren't you staying?" asked Mimir who was picked up by Kratos so he could see you better.
"I don't want to be in the same house as him. I've already had to deal with an impostor and I paid a high price for it. There's no way it's going to happen to me a second time."
You passed through the door, disappearing from Mimir and Kratos's field of vision. The head sighed asking if it was his fault for what happened to you. Kratos reassured him, telling him that he did what he thought was best for his child.
You sighed in relief as you entered your house. You were glad to be away from Sindri's house. You dropped your cloak, settling into your bed. This day has been exhausting for you. Mentally and physically. You lay down, burying your face in your pillow.
Were you too hard on Tyr?
Have you been too influenced by Odin's deceptions?
You didn't know what to do.
Tag: @ladycrowsworld
19 notes · View notes
hereforreadandwrite · 3 months
Text
Chapter Two
Masterlist
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A hundred winters had passed since the disappearance of Tyr.
A lot of things had changed in the meantime. Jormungandr had submerged himself in the Lake of Nine, drowning the temple of Tyr. You lived, or rather survived, day by day. You were trying to live without your beloved husband, but your life was meaningless without him. You did what you could to forget about him and move on. You had put all the things that Tyr had brought back in the cellar which you closed up, hiding the door behind your bookcase. You hid everything that could make you think of him.
To occupy your days, you spent your time outside the house. Strolling through the forest, taking care to stay within the protective field that Tyr had set up. In a hundred winters, you had never left the protective field. You were too afraid that Odin or one of his little dogs would be waiting for you outside. Now that Tyr was gone, nothing could stop the Allfather from finishing what he started.
But to your surprise, Fimbulvetr had started.
Which meant Baldur was dead and Ragnarok was near.
You had no role to play during Ragnarok. You just had to sit and wait for the Nine Realms to be devastated. Until a young man, accompanied by a man with extremely white skin and two dwarves approached your house. You were busy sharpening your arrows when you saw them approaching your garden. A young man accompanied by a dwarf that you knew only too well. Sindri, one of the two dwarves who made Mjolnir. You left your arrows, tightening your grip on your knife as you saw them approach.
“Take one more step and you will not leave this garden alive,” you said in a measured voice, glaring harshly at the intruders.
“S-sorry for disturbing you lady (Y/N),” Sindri apologized nervously as he hid behind the boy. "Good to see you again anyway. It's been a long time. You're still so young. It's your turn to talk, Atreus."
"Yes. You're (Y/N), right? Daughter of Mimir and Sigrun and a friend of Tyr?" asked the boy named Atreus. “I came to see you because we need your help.”
You looked at Atreus sternly before picking up an arrow, starting to sharpen it again under the uncertain eyes of your unwanted guests. Was it Sindri who told the boy about you? You had used their service a long time ago. He was the one who forged the sword that Sigrun gave you when you managed to beat Kara. But that was a long time ago now.
"I'm not that person anymore. (Y/N), daughter of Sigrun and Mimir died, a hundred winters ago now," you said, dipping the tip of the arrow into the fire. "I can't do anything for you, little one. Besides, how did you and the dwarf get past the protective barrier?"
"We…we managed to pass through a mystical door," Atreus replied. "(Y/N). Your father, Mimir, is alive. My father saved him from the tree where he was trapped. Well… in a way.
You froze upon hearing the words. Was Mimir alive? No it's impossible. If he were alive, he would have come to see you. Tears began to blur your vision. That stupid dwarf and that stupid boy dared to come to your house to say such a cruel thing to you. You slowly turned towards Atreus, making the boy flinch under the weight of your gaze. You stood up, slowly turning your body towards the teen who was backing away further. Sindri hurriedly stood between you and Atreus, apologizing for bothering you, but that the boy was telling the truth. Mimir was freed by a man named Kratos. You had enough. You turned your back on Sindri and Atreus, ordering them to leave before you do something you regret. You grabbed your arrows, hurrying back inside the house, slamming the door in Atreus' face and he started pounding on the door.
"(Y/N), please! We're looking for Tyr."
You felt your heart skip a beat. This boy had really just told you that Tyr was alive. You felt anger coursing through your veins. You turned back to the door, opening it forcefully. Atreus and Sindri jumped when they saw you leaving the house. They were surprised to see that your appearance had changed. Your eyes had turned black, your complexion was cadaverous and your veins were becoming black and visible. Sindri hurried to tell Atreus that they had to leave as quickly as possible. But the boy refused to listen to the dwarf.
"You dare to come to my house without invitation. You dare to tell me that the man I considered my father is alive. You dare to mock me by telling me that Tyr is alive! Tyr is dead! Mimir is dead! Everything everyone is dead!” you shouted, getting dangerously closer to Atreus who was retreating.
"N-no! They're alive. I… I have proof. If you came with me, I… I could show it to you and you… you could help us avoid Ragnarok, " Atreus explained as he held his hands out, showing that he was not a threat.
"No! You're just looking for a ghost and you're making fun of my pain. I've suffered enough and you dare to come and make fun. And you too Sindri!" you cried, pointing your knife at Sindri. "Don't think I've forgotten you! Don't think I've forgotten what you and your bastard brother did. I know it's because of you and your brother that Odin He took what was mine. I will never forget it."
"Lady (Y/N), I…I swear we didn't know Odin was planning on you…"
"Enough!"
You used your magic, creating a shockwave, which sent Atreus and Sindri out of your garden. The boy and the dwarf had no choice but to run away. You watched them go deeper into the forest before summoning your sword to search the surroundings. You didn't want to take any risks. You wouldn't be surprised if they were Odin's spies. You found the mystical door which collapsed. They had just entered the portal. How? It's been several years since you last used this door. It was surprising that it still worked. You groaned, turning your back on mystical door, heading back home.
Tyr would be alive?
What a ridiculous idea.
You would know if your husband were alive.
This boy, Atreus, had spoken of a clue. It was impossible. Odin would never have left any clues about his son. The Allfather was paranoid, especially regarding Tyre. It wouldn't make sense for Odin to leave traces.
You shook your head, pushing his thoughts out of your mind. You should no longer think about Tyre. You placed your sword on the table to start cooking, starting to heat up the rest of your stew. You ate your meal. Slowly chewing the pieces of meat. You found your food tasteless, as always. You've never been a great cook. It was always Tyr who took care of preparing the meals. During his travels, he learned many recipes and was happy to let you taste dishes from the countries he had visited. He especially made the decision to prepare meals when you tried to make a stew with deer meat, but the stew turned out to be a thick, inedible liquid. You couldn't help but smile as you remembered seeing him struggle for words so as not to hurt you.
It was another era.
You sighed, leaving the table to place the empty bowl in a bucket full of dirty dishes. You moved closer to the fireplace. You placed new logs there, rekindling the fire. You closed the shutters before undressing, finding yourself in your underwear. You wrapped the blanket around your body, letting yourself fall onto the bed. You buried your face in his pillow. You felt your mind slip into unconsciousness as a light laugh reached your ears. You cringed as you felt fingers brushing your tangled hair.
“Are you cold, my love?” asked Tyr, who was sitting on the edge of your bed. “I can put more logs in the fireplace.”
“No, I’m fine like that,” you said, burying your face further into your pillow. "We could stay like this right? Stay in this bed forever."
"Stick together. Yes. That would be nice," he said, kissing your cheek. "But we can't stay like this. We have to go hunting."
You sighed, leaving your warm bed to put on your warmest clothes. You took your bow and your quiver. Once ready, you followed Tyr out of the house. You set off with him into the forest, following the tracks of a deer that, according to your husband, could feed you for a whole week.
“Your sleep was restless last night too, my love,” said Tyr who walked in the lead. “Did you have a nightmare again?”
"I don't know if it was a dream or a nightmare. It's quite confusing. I thought I saw… wolves and… an eclipse, but I'm not so sure."
"Hm. A splint? It's been several winters since there was one like this," he said thoughtfully before stopping, kneeling down to examine the fresh marks. “This way.”
Tyr stood up, starting to walk again. You wanted to follow him, but your legs refused to move. Your gaze fell to your feet. They were held by roots. You called Tyr, but he had disappeared. You called out desperately as you felt the roots crawl up your legs. You grabbed an arrow, stabbing and cutting the roots. Once freed, you collapsed onto the ground, backing away from the roots. A scream escaped your lips when a flash of lightning tore the sky which turned red. What was happening? You approached, with a slow step, the edge of the cliff. The moon was hiding the sun. An eclipse. Like in your dream. You jumped when you heard grunts. You saw two pairs of eyes watching you through the trees. You wanted to run away, but your legs refused to obey you. What was happening?
“(Y/N).”
You jumped when you saw Tyr appear out of nowhere. The God of War was getting closer to you, his eyes and tattoos were luminous. A sign that he was using his magic.
"Tyr? What's going on?" you asked with a trembling voice.
“Time is of the essence my love,” he said, placing his hand on your head. "I need your help."
A scream escaped your lips as you felt the magic seep into your skull. You sat up with a start, holding your head and looking around you. Looking for Tyr. But unsurprisingly, you were alone. You placed your hand on your chest. Your heart was beating crazy fast.
This dream was really strange. Tyr was asking you for help? An eclipse? You shook your head, pushing his thoughts out of your mind. This boy had managed to put doubt in your mind. You sighed, leaving your bed to put on your warmest clothes. You reheated the stew, thinking about that dream and that boy.
Is Tyr really alive? What did this eclipse mean? What are these monsters lurking in the shadows? Why was this boy looking for your husband? Was Mimir really alive?
You shook your head, pouring what was left of the stew into your bowl. Calmly eating your meal which was always tasteless. A sigh escaped your lips. If you saw Tyr in your dreams and he asked you for help, that probably meant something, right? You cursed your weakness as you put on your warmest cloak, hanging your sword behind your back, leaving your home to find Atreus and Sindri. You went to the Lake of Nine, you were sure, at least, to find one of the dwarf brothers there or at least, one of their workshop. You walk through the forest. Leaving the protective barrier. You faced the cold of Fimbulvetr. You faced the Helwalkers who were trying to stop you.
When you arrived at the Lake, you were surprised and saddened to see that the statue of Tire was destroyed and there was a frozen lightning bolt in the middle of the huge frozen Lake. This flash meant only one thing: Thor had come to Midgard. You sighed, biting your lip nervously. Was he still around? You shook your head slightly. It was too late to turn back. You went down, treading the frozen lake. It's been so long since you've been here. You will travel across the lake, getting closer to what was the helmet of the statue of Tyre. You placed your hand on it, taking a deep breath. You were going to get answers. You walked away from the helmet, finding that stupid dwarf's workshop. You moved closer to the table. There was no one. But the embers were still hot.
“La-lady (Y/N)…?!” exclaimed Sindri who had just come out of nowhere. “It’s… it’s a surprise, and an honor, to see you here.”
“Think again, dwarf,” you said, leaning on the table. "You know some things that will piss me off. I know that. But you better tell me everything."
"About?"
The glare you gave Sindri made him understand what you were talking about. The dwarf stammered, searching for words, looking around nervously. You snapped your fingers under his nose, getting his attention.
“Consider the information I want as some sort of compensation for what you and your brother did to me,” you said through your teeth. “Where is the boy who accompanied you?”
"Fine, but… please don't start a fight in my house. The… the boy's father is there. With him. And he's quite protective of the boy."
"It'll be up to him. Hurry up."
You stepped aside from the workshop, allowing Sindri to pass through to activate the mystical door. Sindri went first. You walked through the door, arriving in a part of Yggdrasil you didn't know. There was a house embedded in the huge mystical tree. How long had he lived here? Sindri invited you to follow him inside. You entered the residence, surprising Brok who stopped hammering a sword.
“By Thor’s purses!”
“Still so rude,” you commented, examining the room. "Where is he?"
"Well… he…"
"What is going on?"
You turned to the man who had just entered the room. A muscular man, whose skin was as pale as a ghost, making his red tattoo stand out. He was armed with an ice axe. You held the gaze of the man who remained at a good distance. Watching for the slightest suspicious gesture. The tension was palpable.
“I assume you must be the father of the boy who came knocking at my door,” you said in a measured voice. "Where is he? He and the dwarf have some explaining to do."
"On which?"
“Given the question, you know exactly who I’m talking about,” you said, crossing your arms. "I just want his information. I don't want to fight. Trust me."
"That voice. Brother! Let me see our guest!"
You felt your heart skip a beat as you heard this voice that you would recognize in its Nine Realms. Kratos reached behind his back, unhooking a head from his belt and holding it out towards you.
"(Y/N)… daugther… you're there…"
You felt your heart racing. But that wasn't a good thing. Your breathing became erratic. You turned your back on Mimir. It was impossible. You must have been dreaming. Why would your father come back now? In this state? It must have been a trap. It must have been Odin playing a trick on you.
“This… this is another one of your tricks… is that it?” you asked, slowly turning towards Mimir and Kratos. “You’re trying to trick me again.”
"What? I… no! (Y/N). It's really me!" said Mimir. “I never set you up.”
"Ah of course!" You said looking in the direction. “So there are only traitors in this house.”
Sindri and Brok avoided looking at you, visibly ashamed. Noticing the dwarves' behavior, Kratos turned to them, asking what you meant. The Huldra brothers didn't know how to explain one of their biggest regrets. Sindri was the first to speak. Explaining that one day, Odin came to see them so that they could make him a weapon capable of cutting anything. Wanting to impress the Allfather, they obeyed. They are created a scythe capable of cutting anything. That satisfied Odin, but what they didn't know was that Odin had planned to cut off and steal your wings. Sindri and Brok looked at their feet, ashamed. You snorted seeing the behavior of the Huldra brothers.
It was pitiful.
“But the worst part of this story,” you said, looking at Mimir. "It's all your and Mother's fault. It was you two who sent me back to Midgard! Neither of you ever came to see me! You abandoned me! "
"No! No daugther! That's not true! Sigrun and I just wanted to protect you from Odin's madness! Look what he did to me! He imprisoned me shortly after you left Asgard. "
“That’s another lie.”
"No, he's not lying," Kratos said, taking a few steps forward. "I found Mimir trapped in a tree. On top of a mountain. The only way to free him was to decapitate him and ask Freya to resurrect him."
You looked at Kratos with a glare. This guy seemed to be telling the truth. You sighed rolling your eyes as you moved closer to the table to lean against it. Looking at Kratos, the Huldra brothers and your father with disdain.
"Let's assume that it's true. Let it not be a trap from Odin. That doesn't explain the fact that a boy knocked on my door to tell me about Tyr. I want to hear his explanations and know everything that he was able to find it."
Kratos turned towards a closed door. He ordered his son to come out of the room and come explain. Atreus opened the door, smiling nervously at his father who gave him a stern look. The young man moved closer to his father, greeting you with a nod.
"You went to see this woman. Without telling me," Kratos growled, glaring at his son severely.
"It… it was to ask for his help. I thought…"
"You thought?"
"Yes, I… I found out she was a friend of Tyr's. I… I thought she might know where he is."
“It was stupid to think that,” you said, moving closer to Atreus. “It’s been more than a hundred winters since Tyr died.”
“But… I found clues that say otherwise,” Atreus replied, taking out his notebook and handing it to you. “Look.
You took the boy's notebook, reading the notes that talked about your husband. According to his notes, Atreus saw Tyr imprisoned, but he did not recognize the place. The clues he found spoke of black smoke and bleeding earth. You turned your back on the group of men, thinking over his clues. It couldn't be Niflheim. There was the black mist, but this land didn't bleed so it could only be Svartalfheim.
"Black smoke and bleeding earth. It can only be Svartalfheim," you said, turning to face the father and son. "Odin has held the dwarves under his rule for centuries and my father did something that created this black smoke. Isn't that right Mimir?"
“Yes,” Mimir replied sadly.
"If all this is true. If there is someone locked up in Svartalfheim, it can't be Tyr. At least, it can't be him anymore. Even he would go crazy if he was locked up and tortured by Odin all this time. this time," you said, returning the notebook to Atreus. "I don't know your intentions, but Odin won't let you. It wouldn't be surprising if it was a trap."
“She is not wrong,” Mimir replied.
“What do you recommend?” Kratos asked.
"Not to go. But I don't think you're going to listen to me, are you?"
“Are you… are you coming with us?” Atreus asked, looking at you surprised.
"I know Svartalfheim. The dwarves will run away when they see a muscular guy arrive with a severed head hanging from his belt. They will say to themselves that Odin sent one of his men to kill them. And they will not be happy when they see Mimir again . Especially after what they did to them."
Atreus turned to Katos. He shook his head slightly, showing that this was not the time to ask questions. Your attention was caught by Sindri. The dwarf had just placed your sword on the counter. You picked up your weapon, checking the blade. It pained you to admit it, but Sindri still had talent. You made the sword disappear before Atreus' amazed eyes. The young man asked you what magic you used to make your weapon disappear and reappear as you wish. Your response was to tell him that it was none of his business. You looked at Kratos, asking him if he was ready to leave. Kratos grunted; The God of War walked towards the door. You followed the father and son out of Sindri's house. Kratos activated the mystical access before being interrupted by the Huldra brothers. Apparently, access to the Kingdom of Svartalfheim was blocked. Luckily, they had created a machine capable of unblocking the access, they were just missing the bifröst and the head. Brok unhooked the bifröst and Mimir from Kratos' belt, placing everything on their strange machine. Sindri calibrated the machine when a ray of light hit Mimir's face, causing Brok to laugh. When Mimir's bifröst's eyes were charged, Sindri hurried to aim for the door. Bifröst's ray struck the mystical door, opening a passage. Brok and Sindri hurried to fix everything, opening a passage to Svartalfheim.
You clenched your fists, taking a deep breath. This was going to be the moment of truth.
You were finally going to know if your husband was alive.
Tag: @ladycrowsworld
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hereforreadandwrite · 3 months
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If I were in a horror movie
Doll Divine
Quizz
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hereforreadandwrite · 4 months
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Chapter One
Masterlist
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You were not a mortal like the others. Thanks to your abilities, you had become the protector of the lands of Midgard. You knew every corner, every inhabitant, every magical creature and other that there was in this Kingdoms. She was also known in all the other Kingdoms. You loved to fly. It was a feeling of ultimate freedom. You loved visiting Mimir and Sigrun in Asgard. You considered them your parents. Mimir had taught you his knowledge and Sigrun had taught you how to fight.
You had a happy life overall even if there was a dark spot on this idyllic picture.
Odin was interested in your intelligence, your secrets. He had become obsessed with this creature. You had the appearance of a young woman who had just reached adulthood, but your aging was much slower than normal, you had long (Y/H/C) slightly curled hair that reached to your shoulders, your (Y/E/C) eyes sparkling with life, full lips, you weren't very tall, but what was really intriguing was your immense black wings like darkness which made your size and that you could become a nightmare being when you wanted to scare your enemies. You were a divine creature, that he dreamed of having. He dreamed of dissecting you to know everything about you.
How were you born with wings?
How could you stay young for so long?
How can you take your nightmare form to scare your enemies?
Seeing that Odin was becoming more and more obsessed with you, Mimir and Sigrun asked you not to go to Asgard anymore, for fear that the Allfather would come after you. You were saddened by this request, but you obeyed. You had returned to Midgard, your Homeland, and you had not returned to Asgard. Odin became mad with rage. Upon learning that Mimir and Sigrun were responsible, he decided to punish them. He imprisoned Mimir in a tree on the top of a mountain, far from civilization, and cursed Sigrun and the other Valkyries. But that wasn't the only thing Odin did. He found you in Midgard. He had seen you take care of Jormungandr. To trap you, he took the appearance of Mimir. You had let your guard down. You were happy to see your adoptive father again after all this time. To celebrate your reunion, "Mimir" you had offered a Mead verse, but Odin had slipped in a drug powerful enough to keep you asleep. When you came to your senses, you felt that something was wrong. your back hurt excruciatingly. Dread filled you as you ran your hand down your back.
Your wings were no longer there.
That night, your cry of despair was heard throughout Midgard.
Because of Odin's obsession, you lost your parents, the Valkyries and your wings. You were alone and filled with sadness. You had left your human form behind, leaving only your nightmarish form visible, scaring away all people and creatures who tried to approach you. In your sadness, you had taken up residence in the council of Valkyries. You had discovered a breach where your adoptive mother was sealed. So you stayed there, protected your mother against anything and anyone who dared to set foot in your living space. But that didn't stop the God of War: Tyr himself from coming to meet you.
“You’re not welcome here, especially your kind,” you said through gritted teeth. “Go away before one of us gets hurt.”
“(Y/N)... what happened to you?” Tyr asked, saddened by seeing your pitiful state.
"You know what happened to me! Everyone knows what happened!" you yelled, turning towards Tyr and slowly moving closer to him. "Odin. Your bastard father tricked me and took everything I had! My father! My mother! My family! My wings! He took everything from me! Look at that! This is what's left of my mother. The Valkyries... have been sealed away... I don't know where or what happened to my father."
"You can't stay here, (Y/N). It's... unhealthy for you to live here, next to this breach."
“I’m protecting my mother,” you said, returning to the gap. “Go back to your father Tyr. And leave me to my sorrow.”
"The (Y/N) I knew would never have felt sorry for herself. She would have found a way to find her parents and her wings."
"Ah! I forgot about your sense of humor Tyr," you said, turning to the Norse God of War. "But I'm not suicidal. Remember, we're talking about your father. The Allfather. The one who knows everything and has mastered many techniques. Do you think I'm that stupid? Do you seriously think I could undo his curses? You think I haven't tried?! I tried everything to free my mother, but... there's nothing I can do. I don't know where the other Valkyries are locked up. I don't know what I should to do. I became... powerless."
You sat on one of the many thrones of the Valkyries, biting your lip, holding back tears. You were helpless. There was nothing you couldn't do to save your parents and the Valkyries. Tyr moved closer, sitting on the ground, facing you. He ran his fingers over your forehead, brushing a strand of greasy hair out of your eyes. How long have you been waiting here? How long have you been fighting those who had the misfortune to approach the breach? You no longer looked like the smiling, lively girl Tyr saw training with the Valkyries. He had seen you flying many times in the skies of Asgard and Midgard. Tyr sighed, running his fingers over your cheek.
"You must not be left alone with this sadness. Mimir and Sigrun would like you to continue living. They would not want you to stay here waiting for death to come and get you."
“How?”
"Come with me. I can help you. If you want, of course." Tyr stood up, extending his hand towards you.
You looked at the gap one last time before looking at Tyr. You placed your hand in his, accepting his offer. You rose from the throne, following the God Aesir outside the council of Valkyries. Tyr had taken you to safety. Where he was sure Odin wouldn't find you. He helped you build a house on the mountainside. He installed a magical barrier to protect you from Odin's evil eyes. It would come as no surprise that the Allfather spent his time observing your despair. Tire was sure to build you a sufficiently comfortable house. He had done everything alone. You stayed in your corner, brooding. Guilty for having abandoned the one who saved and educated you. Tyr had been patient with you. He didn't complain when he finished building your house and the furniture. He hadn't complained when you just laid back in the bed, not moving an inch.
Anger had given way to sadness.
Tyr had stayed with you, making sure you ate well and that you left the bed and the house for a bit. He had installed a five kilometer protective fence to allow you to go out a little and hunt in the woods.
“I understand your pain, (Y/N). More than you think,” Tyr said as he walked through the forest, alongside you. "You'll get through it. But for that, you also have to put in the work. It's not healthy to lie down all day either."
"To do what?" you asked resignedly. "I always trained with the Valkyries or father taught me his wisdom. Other than waiting for the norns to free me from this suffering, I have nothing to do."
"It's wrong!" Tyr exclaimed, glaring at you harshly. "You are the daughter of the Queen of the Valkyries and the smartest man of this Nine Kingdoms could bear! You were trained by the Valkyries! They would be ashamed to know what you have become!"
You felt your heart tighten upon hearing his words. Would your family be ashamed of what you have become? You leaned against a tree, sliding down the trunk, sitting on the ground. Tyr sighed, kneeling in front of you.
"Forgive me for raising my voice. But you can't let Odin win. You have to show otherwise. Take charge of your life. Even though he took away your wings, you are still capable of fighting back. fight, to be diplomatic. You are smarter than Odin. What he wanted by doing this to you was to see your reaction, to see what you were capable of doing when you were in the grip of despair ,” he said, taking your face in his hands. "This is all just a perverse game for him. A game that you are capable of winning. You are strong."
"Me? Strong?"
"Yes, you always were. You just forgot. I want to help you. But for that, you have to let me help you," he said, wiping a tear from your cheek. "Do not succumb to despair as Odin wishes."
"I... I don't know if I'm still capable of fighting. I... my mother and the Valkyries... I... I haven't finished my training. My father always had things to teach me.”
“I'm not saying I'm as good as the Valkyries or Mimir, but with my travels, I can teach you some things,” Tyr announced, letting go of your face. "Now you're going to get back up and become even better. You better be ready. I'm not going to let you down."
Tyr kept his word. The months in Midgard were punctuated by training. The God of War made you leave your bed at dawn to do yoga or tai chi. According to him, it allowed him to clear his mind and rethink his priorities. After that, he trained you in combat. Even though Tyr was peaceful, he wasn't the God of War for nothing. He had learned many things from his travels. The first fight was tough. You never thought you would be so exhausted and in pain. Every muscle in your body hurt so bad and the punch he delivered to your stomach had made you give up your meal. After that, you couldn't move. Tyr had to carry you back. You sighed, laying down on the ground, staring up at the sky. The Sun was setting, tinting the sky orange and pink. Tyr made his weapons disappear before sitting down beside you.
"You have made enormous progress in such a short time. This shows the training of Sigrun and your aunts," praised Tyr who was as out of breath as you.
“Thank...I guess,” you said, sitting up.
“I mean it,” Tyr replied, glaring at you. “You look better like this.”
"How so?"
"Haven't you noticed that you no longer have your nightmare form?"
You took out your sword, observing your reflection in the blade, seeing that Tyr was not wrong. You had your human form again. You ran your hand over your cheek putting your sword away.
“That’s a good thing,” Tyr said, smiling at you. “You’re taking back control.”
"But then... if I regain control. Does that mean it's over?" you asked, wrapping your arms around your legs. “Will you leave me alone?”
“In all honesty,” he began, moving closer to you. “Once we’re near you, it’s hard to let go of your presence.”
Following this confession, you blushed. You stood up abruptly, exclaiming that you were coming home first. You were in the house, slamming the door so Tyr would stay outside. You remained leaning against the door, not knowing what to do or think about this confession. Was it difficult for him to get rid of your presence? What did that mean? Why would Tyr say such a thing? It didn't make any sense. You jumped when you heard the God Aesir knocking on the door, asking to come in so you could discuss what he had just told you, but you were afraid to open the door. You were afraid of what Tyr might say or do. You weren't stupid, but with all the training and teaching you received, you never had time to be interested in men. Especially because of Odin's unhealthy and obnoxious behavior from his other sons and grandchildren.
"(Y/N)? Will you let me in?" Tyr asked, knocking on the door again.
"I...I can't do this!" you exclaimed, leaning against the door. "I... something is going to happen! I don't want anything to happen!"
"I'm sorry, (Y/N). I'm sorry for putting you through this embarrassment. I...what I meant was..."
"No! Shut up!"
Silence fell, you slid along the door, sitting on the floor. You buried your face in your arms, thinking about Tyr's words. You had lost everyone you loved. Were you willing to risk losing someone else? Were you ready to hear his words?
"You don't have to let me in, but know that it's not just empty words. I...I greatly enjoy your company. When you left Asgard, I looked for you. I was... I had to find you. I had to know that you were okay. I had to see with my own eyes that you were alive. I was... happy and relieved when I I saw the council of the Valkyries. I... I was ready to return the Nine Realms to be able to find you. I always appreciated your presence. I always appreciated our discussions. I enjoyed observing your training with the Valkyries. When you fought, you did it with such fervor that no one could look away. Once they see you, it's hard to look away."
You felt like your face was on fire. Why did Tyr have to tell you such things? You raised your head, looking at the door uncertainly. Should you open the door for him? But you knew that if you opened the door, it was going to be a point of no return. You stood up, staring at the door. You took a deep breath, grabbing the handle. You took a deep breath, opening the door.
A voice in your head told you it was a mistake to allow Tyr inside. She told you it was a mistake when he kissed you. She told you it was a mistake when he undressed you to make love to you.
You had decided to ignore that voice and allow Tyr to touch you like he did. You could still feel his warm hands caressing your body. You allowed him to love you and you allowed yourself to love him back.
You wanted to be happy and you were. You were happy with Tyr. You were happy when he proposed to you. Tyr managed to make your discomfort disappear. This joy has lasted several winters, until this day. One night, you woke up to find your husband standing in the wide open doorway. Tyr watched the wind blow fiercely and the rain crash onto the ground.
“Tyr,” you called, sitting up.
“This storm does not bode well,” Tyr said without turning his attention from the garden. "What do I have to do?"
You wrapped the blanket around your shoulders, leaving the warm bed to move closer to your husband. Tyr was taken out of his thoughts. He placed his golden eyes on your person. His stern expression softened when he saw you. He ran his hand over your cheek.
"I'll have to go to Asgard," Tyr announced.
"Asgard? Why would you go there?" you asked, feeling terror overcome you.
Why would Tyr want to return to Asgard? It was suicide. Odin was probably waiting for this moment to attack him. You shook your head, walking away from your husband. Tyr sighed, closing the door behind him, moving closer to you.
“(Y/N)…”
"This is what Odin is waiting for. He is waiting for you to come back so he can trap you!" you exclaimed, looking at him in horror. "He's already taken my wings, my parents and the Valkyries. If I lose you too, I... I don't know if I can handle it."
You sat on the bed, unable to imagine a world without Tyr. The God of War Aesir was all you had left in his Nine Realms. He had saved you. He had stopped you from falling into madness. If Odin were to take it away from you, you didn't know what you would be capable of against yourself or against Midgard. Tyr came to settle at your side. He wrapped his arm around you, pulling you against him. He placed a kiss on the top of your head before pressing his cheek to it.
"I already told you: once we are near you, it is difficult to get rid of your presence. And besides, what kind of husband would I be if I abandoned my wife?"
“The kind of husband who will be chased by his wife so that she can kill him with her own hands,” you said, looking severely at Tyr who was smiling, laughing slightly.
“I don’t doubt it,” he replied, resting his forehead on yours. "I promise I'll come back to you, (Y/N). I'll only be gone for a few days."
It was all a lie.
Tyr never came back to you.
You waited. A moon passed, then two, then three and so on. Yet you continued to wait for him, crying in your bed, becoming cold from his absence. It took you three winters to realize that Odin probably didn't let him leave Asgard alive. The Allfather had succeeded. He had taken your beloved husband from you.
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hereforreadandwrite · 5 months
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Chapter four
Masterlist
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/!\ Miscarriage/!\
You came back to the longhouse, but you were strange. He knew what you went through was traumatic, but there was something else. You hid your body, covering your loosest clothes, you hid the right side of your face. You refused to look at him and you avoided him. You were hiding from Ivarr. You were hiding something from him and it was starting to annoy him. Ivarr tried to give you space and time, as Ubba and Halfdan advised him to do. They thought that with time to yourself, you would get better, but you still refused to talk to him.
You had refused to speak to him for four moons now.
Four moons since you refused to sleep with him.
You've been avoiding him for four moons.
You had completed several tasks that allowed you to move as much as possible. By Odin, you even agreed to work in the stables as long as you stayed away from Ivarr.
This time he had had enough. Their brothers could go to Helheim with their council. Ivarr was tired of seeing his wife drift away from him and become nothing more than a shadow of herself. Ivarr would go deep into the forest to find you, training you in archery. You drew the string of your bow, letting go of the string to see your arrow go into the ground, far from your target. At the end of your nerves, you threw your bow on the ground. Now that you had lost the use of your right eye, you could no longer aim properly. You had shot around twenty arrows, none of which had touched your target. You drew your axe, throwing it at the target, but like your arrows, it fell on the dead leaves.
“Shit!” you cried, running your hands over your face. "I'm tired of it!”
Ivarr leaned against the tree, watching you pick up your arrows and axe. When you turned towards him, you froze when you saw your companion. You sighed, putting your arrows back in your quiver.
"What are you doing here?" you asked, hanging your axe on your belt.
"I was looking for you. Is that bad?"
“I would have thought you would have gone to fight Bretons or Saxons.”
"The Bretons ran off with the pig's wife and apparently we can't go after the Saxons because of that idiot Bishop and Ceolbert," Ivarr growled.
“Normally, that doesn’t stop you,” you said, turning your back on him to detach your target. “What’s stopping you?”
“My wife stops me.”
You froze when you heard him say that. Was Ivarr worried about you? It was new. You turned to Ivarr. The Boneless looked at you with his gaze that seemed to penetrate your entire being. You swallowed, clutching the target to your chest. Gods, you didn't like it when he looked at you like he did. It always made you lose your means, but with their marks King Rhodri had left you.
You hated them.
You hated your body.
You had several other marks of war, but these showed your helplessness. So you made the decision to hide them. You hid your bruised eye and scars under layers of bandages and hid your body under thick furs. Ivarr lifted himself from the tree, moving closer to you. Your grip tightened, even more, on your target.
"There's something you're not telling me, woman," he said darkly. "What did Rhodri do to you? Did he make you do-"
"No! No, he didn't do anything like that."
"So what happened? What else did he do, (Y/N)?"
What else did Rhodri do?
You didn't want to think about it anymore, that's why you were always moving. You didn't want to think about this event anymore. You looked at Ivarr out of the corner of your eye. Should you tell him? Ivarr growled, spreading his arms, waiting for your response. You bit your lip. You tried to find your words. How could you tell him something like that? Ivarr was a drengr. This sort of thing was not important to a drengr. To die with dignity in combat is the goal of a drengr. Ivarr's objective. He always shouted it loud and clear. He always told you that you would be together in Valhalla, that you would both fight and drink and fuck in the great hall. Maybe you should have focused on that goal.
Maybe... you should have joined Valhalle sooner.
Maybe.
"We are drengr. Our role is to fight and reach Valhalla. That's why we are born. That's why we die. We live for nothing else, " you said, turning to Ivarr. "I repeat that to myself. Day after day. I focus on the most menial tasks to keep my mind occupied and not think about that day and what he did. I...he trampled on him like if he was just a common insect."
“Who did Rhodri step on (Y/N)?”
"Our baby... he... he trampled on him..."
Ivarr looked at you without knowing what to say or what to think. A baby? It was impossible. You never had the build of a pregnant woman. You continued your training as always. You fought against Saxons. You got punched in the stomach. Ivarr ran his hands over his face, pacing as he digested this news.
"How...? When...? You... you weren't pregnant when you were..."
"I was, but I didn't know it. He... he wasn't bigger than that," you said, pointing to the space with your thumb and index finger. "He looked like a larva... but... he was our baby... Rhodri had hit me so hard in the stomach. It hurt so much, but I... I didn't expect to see it. I tried to hide it. I hid it in a piece of cloth. I wanted to bury it. But... Rhodri saw it. He snatched it from me and... he trampled on him like he was crushing a common insect. I... I couldn't do anything. I... I could just watch him trample on him again and again... he didn't care. Nothing was left."
You could no longer hold back your tears as you thought about this scene. You saw again this little thing in your underwear that you hid a piece of fabric. You saw again Rhodri snatching it from your hands to throw it on the ground and stomping on it with rage. You screamed and cried for this child you couldn't bury. You cursed Rhodri for doing what he did.
You were surprised to see Ivarr turn on his heel and walk away from you. Where was he going? Why did he leave you alone?
"Ivarr?! Where are you going?! Ivarr!!"
Ivarr ignored your request. He continued to walk away until he disappeared from your field of vision. You had just lost your husband. Why did you speak? Why did you have to listen to Bishop Deorlaf? You should have kept it all to yourself. You fell to your knees, letting the target fall to the ground. You had nothing left. Were you alone? Not impossible. You must have had a bad dream, didn't you? Yes, that was the only explanation. You manage to get up, picking up your target to return to your tent. You put away your weapons and your target before lying down on your makeshift bed. Exhaustion overwhelmed you, you fell asleep. You didn't have any dreams. No nightmares. But there was nothing restful about this sleep. You didn't know how long you had slept, but you had to wake up to the feeling of someone shaking you and calling your name. You opened your eyes. Your gaze met Ivarr’s. You stood up, looking at your surprised husband. Ivarr had returned.
"Get ready, let's go," he said, standing up.
"Where?" you asked as you stood up, running your hands through your tangled hair. "
At Rhodri's tomb," Ivarr replied grimly.
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hereforreadandwrite · 6 months
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Abandoned Part 2
Masterlist
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Your mother always knew what was best for you.
She always saw through the intentions of others, warning you against people who were malicious or who simply wanted to take advantage of you, and she encouraged you to go towards those she liked. When you told him about Kratos and he came to give you your wedding ring. Your mother disapproved of him as soon as he walked through the door, but you were too in love to actually listen.
Your mother knew better, you wish you would have listened to her and stayed away, but no. You listened to your heart and went with Kratos, becoming his "wife."
Why did you think he loved you?
“One way or another, something is going to go wrong,” she said. "He's only here because you're young and he's lonely. As soon as he finds a woman he's interested in, he won't stay. All he does is lie and fool you 'illusion. A man like him has an ego. You deserve much more (Y/N)."
Your mother tried to protect you from this pain, but you didn't listen to her. You were so happy that a man like Kratos was interested in you.
You left your mother.
You left your loving home for a man who didn't care about you.
Now you stood in front of your childhood home. You were terrified of facing your mother. You were sure and certain that she wouldn't want you anymore, especially when you told her that you were pregnant. Speki and Svanna moaned beside you, licking your hands. You smile at the wolves, finally gathering your courage to go and knock on the door. When the door opened, your courage melted like snow in the sun. Your mother looked at you in surprise. You jabbered incomprehensible words. To your surprise, your mother hugged you.
“I missed you so much,” she said, hugging you.
You cried with all the tears in your body, of relief, of anger, of sorrow. It was probably the hormones that were causing you to have this whirlwind of emotions, but you were happy to be back home.
Your mother allowed you and the two she-wolves to go inside. You explained to her what had happened and why you were back home. Your mother had listened to you patiently without interrupting you or judging you. When you told her about your pregnancy, she hugged you, reassuring you, saying that she would do everything to help you with your child.
A weight lifted from your shoulders.
You finally felt welcome and loved.
Your mother also loved Speki and Svanna.
She has always loved animals.
Your pregnancy was going wonderfully. Your belly grew bigger day after day. Six moons had just passed and in all that time, Kratos never came. You would have thought he would have come, at least to pick up Speki and Svanna, but no. He probably never bothered to look for you. Had he even returned? It wouldn't surprise you if that wasn't the case.
Even during Ragnarok, Kratos was always out of the house.
At first, you understood that he had to train Atreus and hunt. There were times when you were alone for days at a time, taking care of Fenri when he was sick. When Kratos came home, he barely spoke to you. He preferred to take care of his weapons and other tasks. Whenever you tried to approach him, he pushed you away.
The only reasons that kept you going were Mimir and Atreus. The two had welcomed you into the home with open arms. Then Atreus left. Mimir was still with Kratos.
You have always been alone.
“I’m sorry mother,” you say, stroking your belly.
“Why are you apologizing?” your mother asked, looking at you perplexed.
"Because... I didn't listen to you... and I left with this man who never cared about me. I was stupid."
"Child. You're not stupid," she said, leaving her work to come and sit next to you. "You were in love. How could I blame you for that? I also had this bad judgment when I fell in love with the man I dreamed of spending the rest of my life with."
“Were you in love before you met father?”
"Yes, I found this man kind and caring. But... he loved me just for my beauty. He didn't hesitate to dump me when he found a more beautiful woman. Then I met your father. He helped me. He consoled me and I agreed to marry him. And before he died, he gave me the greatest gift. You."
You would never have believed your mother had the same experience. That was why he was so harsh towards Kratos. You hugged your mother, crying your eyes out. Your mother always knew what was best for you.
Why did you think Kratos loved you?
He who said he hated the Gods. He was worse than Odin.
Three new moons passed, the baby was ready to come into the world. The day he was born had become the longest day you had to live. The pain that tore through your stomach was horrible. You screamed, cried, begged your mother for this pain to finally stop. Your mother helped you as best she could, telling you to take deep breaths and push. The pain will stop when the baby is out. Speki and Svanna squealed as they heard you scream in pure pain.
Your mother couldn't help but be worried. The birth was long. Too long even. The baby should already be out. But it wasn't just that. You were bleeding profusely. She tried to stop the bleeding, without success. It didn't bode well. After one last painful push, your child finally came out of your body, finally coming into the world. Her tears invaded the little cabin. Strangely, your mother was silent, staring at the horrified child.
"How...what is that?"
"Mother... my baby..."
Your mother showed you your child. You understood why she was so horrified when she saw the baby, her left side was perfectly formed, but her right side was devoid of skin, revealing her muscles and bones as black as darkness.
“It’s a girl,” you said under your breath.
“(Y/N)…”
“She’s perfect,” you said, sobbing and hugging your daughter to your chest. “My daugther... you are the best thing that ever happened to me!!”
Your mother looked at you without knowing what to think about this situation. This child should be dead. It was impossible for her to survive with such a deformation. She was brought out of her thoughts by feeling a warm liquid spilling onto her knees. Her gaze rested on the bed. The furs were soaked with your blood. The bleeding had become more severe. Your mother tried to stop the bleeding as best she could, but her attempts were in vain.
“(Y/N)!”
Your mother's throat tightened as she noticed that you had just taken your last breath, holding your daughter to your chest.
“No…,” she whispered, shaking you. "(Y/N)! No! Daugther! Open your eyes!"
From outside the cabin, anyone could hear Speki, Svanna, the baby and your mother crying over your death.
It was only at sunrise that your mother had the courage to prepare your pyre. She wrapped the baby in thick furs, placing her granddaughter in a basket. She placed the basket on the table as she went outside to take from her supply of logs. You were never going to be able to see your child grow up, become a woman. You were never going to be able to know all his joys and sorrows. You should never have left first. You should never have died this way. You didn't have time to give your daughter a name. She was going to have to decide for you. It wasn't her role to name your daughter and raise her.
The sun was now high in the sky when your mother placed your body on your pyre and set it on fire. She will be your daughter in her arms, watching your body turn to ash.
How could things have gotten so bad for you?
Why were the Gods so cruel to you?
But now you could finally be at peace. Your mother looked intently at your daughter, her granddaughter.
Neither alive nor dead.
Your mother didn't know how that was possible, but the facts were before her. The night had passed and the child was perfectly well. She slept peacefully in her arms.
"We need to find a name for you, little one. What do you think of Hel? This name suits you perfectly."
Your mother went back inside her house. The Gods have truly been cruel to you. Your mother knew she couldn't allow your daughter to see the outside world. Your mother placed Hel in her basket to close the windows and the front door. Your mother knew she had to hide her granddaughter from the outside world. Other mortals were not going to welcome a different child with open arms.
Your mother didn't know how to protect you as she wanted to do.
She was going to protect Hel as best she could.
tag: @pookiesnatcher
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hereforreadandwrite · 6 months
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Originally i was going to write this story into a fic. however, a comic format worked much better so i want with this style instead. 
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hereforreadandwrite · 7 months
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Chapter Three
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Two moons had just passed since your return.
Ivarr had been torturing Rhodri for two moons. He had asked his best blacksmith to build a cage in the pig pen. A solid cage in which Rhodri was rotting away with his peers. Everyone could see him and humiliate him. Halfdan had the idea of confiscating his clothes. Ivarr was purposely keeping him alive until you got better. He wanted you to witness what he planned to do to him.
A sigh escaped your lips as you sat on the edge of your bed. You felt better, even though your right eye still hurt when you exposed it. The nuns warned you that you would no longer see anything out of that eye. You thought you could get used to it, but you thought about all his battles and the hunting trips. How were you going to do it? You were still aiming with your right eye. You removed the bandages from your face, taking your sword to see your reflection. The threads were starting to fall off, the flesh was closing. It was starting to heal properly. But because of that, you found yourself hideous. Your once (Y/E/C) right eye had turned milky, your wounds were just starting to turn white. How could Ivarr still look at you? You were brought out of your thoughts when you heard the door open. Your attention was on your companion. He closed the door behind him, moving closer to you as you put the sword away.
"Halfdan, Sigurd and Eivor are still here? Maybe you should allow them to torture Rhodri," you said, getting out of your bed to pour yourself a glass of water.
"They do. Like everyone else in Sciropescire," he said, moving closer to you. “You’re the only one who still hasn’t gone to see him.”
You had a hard time swallowing your mouthful of water when you heard him. Yes, all of Scriropescire was able to humiliate and attack the Breton king. You were the only one who refused to see him. You didn't want to see him anymore. You had hoped Ivarr would kill him so you wouldn't see his face again. Ivarr could see that you had changed. You stayed cloistered in your room, in this damn Christian Church. You saw too much of Bishop Deorlaf for his liking. Ivarr had tried to get the bishop to talk, but he replied that what you had told him remained between you and him.
“Do you plan to stay hidden in this room for the rest of your days?” he asked, looking at you severely. “In this Christian Church?”
“I have the right to stay here as long as I want, Ivarr,” you said, slamming your glass down on the table. “Leave.”
“(Y/N).”
“Leave me alone!” you shouted, banging your fists on the table.
Ivarr gave an angry growl as he left the room, slamming the door. You bit your lip, no longer able to hold back your tears. You fell to your knees, hitting the ground while screaming in rage. You felt your fingers crack, it was painful, but you didn't care. You were so angry, so sad that you didn't care that your hands were bloody and that you broke your fingers. You stopped hitting the ground when you felt a hand on your shoulder. You jumped, suddenly turning around to see Bishop Deorlaf. He watched you struggle with your condition.
"(Y/N). This can't go on any longer, you have to share your pain with Ivarr," he said, stepping back.
"How?" you asked, getting up. "How could I tell him that? He's a Drengr! That sort of thing matters very little, Deorlaf. For me too. I was born only to fight and die with dignity to reach Valhalla! That's the only reason I came into this world! I... this kind of thing... it shouldn't affect me... but..."
"(Y/N)... you are a warrior, but you are still a human being. What you have experienced, our Lord will condemn. You have the right to be sad. You have the right to be angry. Ivarr also has the right to know."
"For what?" you asked, turning to the bishop. “It’s gone, so it doesn’t matter anymore.”
"It's important. Even if you think otherwise, you might be surprised by Ivarr's reaction if you explain to him what's tormenting you."
Deorlaf left the room, leaving you alone with your thoughts. You sighed, settling into your bed. You had no desire to tell Ivarr what King Rhodri had done to you. What's the point? You always hoped Ivarr would kill Rhodri so you could move on and forget. It was better this way. You were a Drengr. You shouldn't think about it anymore. You just had to focus on the future, the battles, the conquest of England, training Ceolbert. There were plenty of things to do, so you'd be able to keep your mind occupied.
Yes, you had a lot to do.
You shouldn't think about it anymore.
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hereforreadandwrite · 7 months
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Abandoned
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Ragnarok was over. The snow was beginning to melt, the animals were coming out of their hiding places, Atreus had gone to write his own history and Kratos and Freya joined forces to restore order to the remaining Kingdoms. You should have been delighted, but for some time now, your companion had stopped paying attention to you, focusing on his mission and the Vane Goddess. Normally, you wouldn't be worried, but Kratos had asked you to accompany them on their restorative quest. At first, they let you help them, but as time went on, he started ordering you to stay back so as not to hinder them during the fights. You had naively thought that they didn't want you to get hurt.
The reality was quite different.
At first, you were not to disturb Kratos and Freya during their fight, then you were not to disturb them while they were looking for a way to find an accessible path, you were not to disturb them during their discussion. Basically, you just had to sit in the boat and keep quiet. You were just allowed to watch Kratos and Freya get closer before your eyes. They tortured you in the worst way: they ignored you. They acted like you weren't with them. The only person who paid attention to you was Mimir. The head tried to subtly point out Kratos' erratic behavior, but the God didn't understand. He didn't understand why you glared at him when he gave Freya the flowers she was looking for. He didn't understand why you had tears in your eyes when he asked you to stay on the boat.
You had been following Kratos through the different Realms for several weeks and you had been thinking about returning to Midgard, returning to your mother. Kratos had certainly grown tired of you. It was understandable. You were just a mortal, Freya was a Goddess, she was beautiful, the former queen of the Valkyries, she was strong, everything you were not.
Kratos was tired of you.
You sighed as you carefully watched Kratos clean the garden of a spirit that had tended it in honor of Freya. Of course, that simple remark was enough for Kratos to help him. Why did he have to do all this for Freya? Once the mission was accomplished, the spirit could finally find peace. But you felt rage boiling in your veins seeing him hand flowers to the Goddess who blushed like a young girl delighted that the man she loves gives her a gift. They were laughing at you, there was no other explanation.
Kratos had been clear before the wedding. You shouldn't expect him to give you gifts or say sweet words to you. It wasn't his style. Over three long, cold winters, you had gotten used to it. After all, Kratos was your husband. He had taken care of you, in his own way. But now, seeing how he treated Freya, you understood.
Kratos didn't care about you.
You were just a distraction and now that he had found a more interesting woman, you were no longer useful to him. You waited for them to return to the boat to tell them that you wanted to return to Freyr's camp. Kratos hadn't asked a question. He hadn't tried to stop you. He just dropped you off on a shore, not far from a door leading to the branches of the World Tree. Luckily Brok gave you a key to Yddrasile, otherwise he would have just abandoned you on the shore, with no way of getting back to camp. You activated the door, walking through the huge door, you walked through the portal. You were now in the garden of Kratos' house in Midgard. Speki and Svanna came to welcome you. You smiled sadly at the two wolves, gently patting their heads. You went back inside the house. You moved closer to the bed, sitting on it, thinking about what to do next.
You can't stay here anymore.
You couldn't stay here.
What was the point of staying with a man who didn't care about you?
If Kratos didn't care about you, how would he act when you gave birth to his child? You found out you were pregnant. You couldn't stay with a man who abandoned you at the first opportunity. You left your bed, starting to pack the few things you had acquired. You took Speki and Svanna to the sleigh. There was no way they were going to stay here alone. You returned to the house one last time, making sure you hadn't forgotten. You sighed, mentally apologizing to Atreus. Now that he had left the family nest, you couldn't hold on any longer. You took off your wedding ring. This ring that had no meaning to the man who gave it to you. Your mother was right. You should never have married him. You were nothing special. You were banal, useless, uninteresting.
You dropped the ring on the ground, leaving this house for good. Leaving the one you thought was your husband. A man you thought you mattered.
You returned to the sleigh, setting off, leaving this place definitively.
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hereforreadandwrite · 9 months
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Chapter two
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One week.
That was the time it took to find you. Ivarr was angry with himself, with his brothers, with Eivor and Sigurd, with the Nine Kingdoms for taking so long to find you. A week that Rhodri tortured and humiliated you. Bishop Deorlaf's nuns were looking after you, healing you as best they could. Ivarr entered the room, startling the nuns who rushed to cover you when they saw him.
"Why are you taking so long to heal her?" Ivarr growled as he moved closer to the leader of the group. "It should be over!"
"Her body is covered in wounds, which means it will take longer. We're taking care of the most serious thing, which is her eye."
You were lying on your stomach. The nuns had taken off your underwear so they could clean and dress your wounds. You hadn't woken up since your return. Which was worrying. Ivarr approached the leader of the group, telling him that she had better keep you alive if her Church did not want to see Ivarr the Boneless. The woman replied that she would do what she could and that the rest was up to you. Ivarr left the room, not without slamming the door of the room, startling the Christians present in the Church. Bishop Deorlaf approached the enraged drengr.
"This nuns are the best in the convent. (Y/N) is in good hands."
"No need to try to reassure me, Christian," he said, heading for the exit of the Elgise.
The fresh air didn't do him any good. He continued to pace in front of the building. His brothers, Eivor, Sigurd and Ceolbert arrived.
"Where's that mangy dog?" he asked between his teeth.
"Lock in a cage too small for him," Halfdan replied. "How is she?"
"They are still treating her."
"(Y/N) is a fighter. She'll get through this," Eivor said.
"What was Rhodri trying to get from her?" asked Sigurd.
"Information about our armies," he said between his teeth. "But he got nothing. (Y/N) didn't tell him. She assured me."
"We know that," Ubba said, putting his hand on his shoulder. "(Y/N) is the strongest drengr we've ever had in our ranks."
Ivarr freed his hand from his shoulder as the head nun stepped outside, looking around for the Boneless. He turned to the woman who told him that they had finished treating you. You were alive, but unconscious. She also explained that they had done everything they could, but they had failed to save your right eye. Ivarr walked past the nun, heading back to your room. You were covered in bandages, from head to toe. The nuns put you on your stomach to relieve your back. The bandages were already stained with blood. You had been wounded in battles. You had broken bones. You had bled. But you've never been so close to death. Like him before. Ivarr turned back to Ubba and Halfdan. His brothers understood what he wanted when they saw the glint in his eyes: he wanted blood.
"Where is he?" he asked between his teeth.
Halfdan motioned for Ivarr to follow him. Ceolbert approached Eivor and Ubba, asking King Rhodri what he planned to do. Ubba sighed as Eivor put his hand on his shoulder, telling him he didn't want to know. With what the Breton had done to you, he wasn't going to make it out alive. Halfdan entered the longhouse where the cage was. Rhodri was locked up there. All eyes were on him. Everyone knew what he had done. Everyone wanted his head. Halfdan ordered the crowd to leave the room, leaving the two men between them. Halfdan announced that he was waiting outside and told him to call him if he needed help settling his account with the Breton king. Ragnar's eldest son left the longhouse, carefully closing the door behind him. Ivarr circled the cage, glaring at Rhodri.
"Coward until the end, don't you? Rhodri," he said between his teeth. "Taking on someone else for pissing me off. You did it. You really pissed me off!"
Ivarr kicked the cage with his foot, causing Rhodri to fall to the side of the cage.
"You want to pretend you're a man?! You want to pretend you can beat me?!" Ivarr shouted, unhooking his axe and bringing it down on the cage. "You know what? I have a great idea."
Ivarr left the longhouse, motioning for Halfdan to follow him to talk with Ubba. He had a clear idea of what he was going to do to the king of the Bretons.
(o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o)
You didn't know what hurt you more, your eye or the rest of your body. You moaned in pain, opening your left eye. You had to blink several times adapting your vision. Your eye swept around when your attention rested on Ceolbert. The young man was sitting next to you playing nervously with his hands.
"Please tell me you're not praying to your God," you muttered.
"(Y/N)! You're finally awake," he said moving closer to your bed. "How are you feeling? Sorry, forget it's a stupid question."
"Don't worry. It's nice to see you again. Was I unconscious long?"
"About three days, we were all worried about you."
"Sorry. Where's Ivarr?"
"Out with his brothers, Eivor and Sigurd," he said, standing up. "I'll get him. I'll be right back."
Ceolbert left the room, leaving you alone. You groaned in pain as you felt the scabs crack when you had the supergrained idea of moving. It was the first time in your life that you were in so much pain. It was this pain that Ivarr had felt? Or was it worse? You closed your eye, concentrating on your breathing. The door to your room swings open, revealing Ivarr the Boneless. This one approached quickly your bed, passing its hand on your cheek.
"Are you okay?" you asked, looking at him with your one eye.
"I should be asking you that question," he said, pulling up the stool, settling down next to you.
"It's ugly, isn't it?" you asked with a sigh. "I didn't find myself attractive enough and now it's worse."
"Don't talk nonsense. You're a drengr! And his wounds prove it," he said, brushing a lock of hair out of your eyes.
You smiled at your companion, thanking him for his words when a wave of pain washed over you. Ivarr ran his hand through your hair, saying the pain would ease, the wounds would heal and leave an indelible mark on your body. You took his hand in yours, daring to ask him what had happened to King Rhodri. Had he become a number of your lover's royal murders? It was everything you hoped for. Ivarr's gaze darkened upon hearing that name. He replied that you had nothing to worry about, that he was taking care of his case. He was taking care of his case? Does that mean he hadn't killed him yet? Why was he keeping him alive? It was rare for Ivarr to do such a thing. You didn't have time to ask him the question when you were getting tired. He passed his hand over your cheek, telling you to rest. You fell asleep, reassured to know you are safe. Ivarr left his seat, settling on the floor, leaning his back against the bed. The Boneless began to sharpen the blade of his axe, thinking of all the things he was going to do to the Breton king. Maybe he was going to cut off his fingers and toes first, then his limbs. Pieces by pieces. With what he was about to do to him, any Bretons would flee the country. No, any Breton wouldn't dare approach you, or even look at you. He swore it.
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hereforreadandwrite · 9 months
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Chapter Seven
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Charlie sighed as he prepared for this new day. Your absence was felt. Her parents and grandparents acted like everything was fine and the fight never happened. Charlie had been at Bill's to see you, but your boss replaced you and you never set foot in his store again. The boy resented his parents for pushing you over the edge. Charlie sighed, leaving the Bucket house to go to his job as a shoe shiner. He was surprised to see the glass elevator park right next to the seats and a man, hiding behind a newspaper, was waiting. A man who was none other than Willy Wonka. What was he doing here? Charlie decided to play the game, he prepared his equipment and began to polish the chocolate maker's shoes.
"Pity about that chocolate fellow Wendall. Walter."
"Willy Wonka," Charlie replied.
"That's the one. Here in the papers his new candies aren't selling very well. But I suppose maube he's just a rotten egg who deserves it."
"Yes."
"Oh really? You ever met him?"
"I did," Charlie replied, stopping to shine his shoes. "I thought he was great at first but then he didn't turn out so nice. He also has a funny haircut."
Hearing that, Willy quickly lowered the newspaper. Revealing in broad daylight.
"I don't."
"Why are you here?" Charlie asked, putting away his gear.
"I don't feel so hot. What makes you feel better when you feel terrible?"
"My family."
"Ew."
Charlie stood up seeing the chocolate maker's disgusted reaction. He asked him what he had against his family, which caused Willy to gag. Harry sighed, explaining that it was the concept that bothered him. The fact that people tell him what he has the right to do or not to do, that all that was a brake on creativity. Charlie shrugged, retorting that if the parents reacted like that, it was because they loved their children and it was for the proteges. What still made Willy wince who was not very convinced of this explanation.
"If you don't believe me you should ask," Charlie said.
"Ask who? My father? No way. At least not by myself."
"Do you want me to go with you?"
"Hey! What a good idea!" Willy exclaimed as he left the seat to approach the glass elevator. "And you know what? I got-"
Willy paid no attention and crashed headlong into the glass elevator wall. The chocolate maker collapses, before the surprised eyes of Charlie. He stood up, adjusting his hat on his head, muttering that he should be careful where he parked it. Willy pressed the button, opening the doors. The two entered the flying elevator. Willy announced that he had to get someone from the chocolate factory before going to his father's house. Willy led the boy to the door of his apartment, telling him to wait in the hallway until he returned. You were perplexed when you saw Willy coming back. Had he already finished what he had to do?
"Is that okay with Charlie?" you asked, turning down the sound of the television.
"Charlie? Oh yeah! He's in the hallway right now."
"What?! Why did you bring her to the chocolate factory?!" you asked, getting up from the couch.
"Charlie had a brilliant idea! I have to go find my father and he's going to come with me," he said, moving closer to you. "I would very much like you to come with me there too."
"For what?"
"I can't do it alone. I know that with you, I will have the strength to face him. Please, Barley sugar."
"Okay, I'll come with you," you said with a sigh. "But only because you helped me and I owe you!"
"Yes sir!"
You rolled your eyes when you heard that. You grabbed your old coat, following Willy out of the apartment. Your gaze automatically fell on Charlie. Your cousin was surprised to see you with his idol. You nodded to him, following Willy to the glass elevator. The tension was palpable in the cabin. Willy was between you and Charlie. Your cousin was as uncomfortable as you. What could he tell you? He didn't know what to say, especially after what happened with his parents. Even you didn't know what to say to him. It was terribly embarrassing. The trip to Mr. Wonka's house was made in heavy silence. The elevator lands in a huge field where there was a house. There was nothing else around. The trio were closing in on the house. The closer they got to the house, the more nervous Willy became.
"I think we have the wrong house," Willy said as he climbed the stairs.
The gaze of the two cousins landed on a small sign that read 'Dr. Wilbur Wonka, D.D.S. Dental Practitioner.' Willy fell silent as Charlie pressed the doorbell. You put your hand on Willy's bicep, smiling at him to motivate him. The chocolatier nodded slightly, taking a deep breath when a stern-looking man opened the door, watching the trio intently.
"Do you have an appointment?" he asked.
"No, but he's late," Charlie replied, gesturing towards Willy.
Willy giggled, clinging more to your hand and muttering to you that it was a bad idea. You reassured him, telling him that everything was going to be fine. Dr. Wilbur nodded to the trio, inviting them to follow him. You had to drag Willy inside the house, taking the chocolatier to the cabin. Willy gave your cousin his glasses and his hat, and he gave you his long coat.
"I'll be fine," you said, smiling at him.
"Yeah."
“Get into your position,” Wilbur said sternly, pulling on his gloves.
Willy sat down on the armchair, allowing his father, who hadn't recognized him yet, to check his teeth. Your cousin and you took advantage of this moment to better observe the walls covered with newspaper articles talking about Willy and his chocolate factory. There was even a scrapbook with other items and wrappers of Willy's famous sweets. Charlie flipped through the album as your attention fell on a photo of a young man. Probably Willy before he got so fabulous. That was the only word that came to mind to describe him. You took the frame in your hands, you couldn't help but smile. It was obvious that Wilbur cared about his son.
"Be careful with this picture, miss," Wilbur said, snapping you out of your thoughts.
"Sorry, sir," you say as you put the frame back on the fireplace.
"Heaveans, I haven't seen bicuspids like these since..."
Wilbur fell silent upon realizing that the man standing with him was none other than his son. He withdrawing his instruments, depositing them on the table. He couldn't believe it. Willy greeted his father, straightening up.
"All these years and you haven't flossed," he said, dropping his stern mask.
"Not once," Willy answered.
Wilbur smiled. After all this time, he finally saw his son again. The two men hugged each other awkwardly. You nudged Charlie lightly, nodding him towards the door. The two cousins left the room, leaving Willy and Wilbur alone the time of their reunion. You went to sit on the stairs as Charlie leaned against the wall next to the door, facing you.
"He's lucky," you say, playing nervously with your fingers. "His dad loves him. It shows."
"Yes, he just wanted to protect him from the ill effects of candy," Charlie said with a shrug.
"Yeah," you replied with a sigh. "How's it going... over there?"
"It's gotten… weird since you left," he said, shifting awkwardly to his feet. "You... you're not going to come back, are you?"
"I can't Charlie. Not after what happened with Uncle Bucket."
"I understand. I'm sorry."
"Charlie. Listen. You don't have to apologize for anything your father said or did. What Uncle Bucket told me is unforgivable. I could never forgive him for treating me the way he did it. I shouldn't have lost my temper in front of you. You shouldn't have seen this argument. Believe me, I'm sorry about that, but I'm not sorry that I left the house. ."
Charlie looked down, biting his lip. He was doing his best to hold back his tears. You sighed, dropping the coat on the stairs to get up and move closer to him. You put your hand on his shoulder, catching his attention. You hugged your cousin, hugging him.
"Charlie. Just because I'm leaving the house doesn't mean I love you less. You'll always be my favorite cousin. If you have any problems, you can come see me. I'll always be here for you, I'll promise."
Charlie nodded slightly, burying his face in your chest as he hugged you. You end the hug when you hear the door to the medical room open. Willy and his father leave the room. It seems that their discussion went well. Willy approached you and Charlie, asking if you were ready to leave. Your cousin and you acquired. You gave him back his coat and Charlie gave him back his glasses and hat when Wilbur asked if he could talk to you privately. You looked at Willy who told you that he was waiting outside with Charlie, because he had to find the glass elevator. Willy and Charlie left the residence, leaving you alone with Father Wonka.
"I wanted to thank you for coming with Willy, miss. He explained to me that you hadn't been there, he wouldn't have had the courage to come and see me," he said looking down at you.
"It...it's nothing, sir. Your son helped me. So it's only fitting that I reciprocate," you said, playing nervously with your fingers.
"I haven't been the best father to him. I know that. But I love my son. I've always followed his work. What worried me the most was that Willy didn't have no one to rely on. And when he talks to me about you, I see that he has a lot of affection for you. I know I have nothing to say, but I just want to ask you to watch over him."
You didn't expect this. It was the first time someone asked you such a thing. To you, the poor girl that everyone looked down on. You nodded slightly, agreeing to watch over Willy. You joined Willy and Charlie. The two were waiting in the glass booth. You joined them quickly, entering the elevator which started. Willy liked you? It was true that the chocolatier had shown tender gestures towards you, but at this point? Was it even possible? Come to think of it, Willy was always kind to you. He had offered you beautiful clothes, he had given you special attention during the visit to his chocolate factory and he was hosting you without asking you for anything in return. He had affection for you.
"(Y/N), are you okay?" Charlie asked, looking worried at you.
"Y-yes. Why?"
"Your face is red."
"Do you feel good, Barley sugar?" Willy asked, taking off his glove to put his hand on your forehead. "You have a fever?"
"N-no. I-I-I'm fine!" you exclaimed, removing Willy's hand. "I… I'm just tired. I just want to go home."
Willy and Charlie looked at each other surprised by your behavior. You had become silent and you were mumbling to yourself. You nervously played with your fingers. What was going to happen once you go back to the chocolate factory? What were you going to tell him? What were you going to do? What was he going to do?
"(Y/N)?" Charlie called.
"I'm fine!" you say quickly, glaring at Charlie.
"Um... we're back at the chocolate factory."
"Um? Ah yes. Um...I'll walk Charlie to the gate."
Charlie joined you in the elevator, greeting Willy. The doors closed and the car moved quickly, carrying you and your cousin to the entrance hall. The boy looked at you puzzled as you exited the glass booth and made your way to the door.
"Are you doing well?" Charlie asked, looking worried at you. "You've been weird since we got back from Doctor Wonka's house."
"Yeah, I'm fine. I… I'm just thinking about something," you say, running your hands over your face. "It's...it's really nothing, Charlie. I... I'll ask Willy so you can come see me once in a while. How about that?"
"That would be nice," he said smiling at you. "Good. Is it ok to get home? Do you want me to come with you?"
"It'll be fine, don't worry."
"I'll at least accompany you to the gate."
You accompany Charlie to the huge gate. You opened the door for the workers, asking him if he was sure he wanted to go in alone. Your cousin smiled at you, telling you that it was not the first time that he had come home alone without being accompanied. You smiled, reminding him to be careful. Charlie hugged you, telling you he missed you before he left. You watched him walk away, making sure he was okay until he disappeared from sight. You went back inside the chocolate factory, returning to the apartment. Willy was in the kitchen area, finishing making hot cocoa. He was smiling at you, asking if Charlie got home okay. You nodded slightly, moving closer to him. You watched him melt the chocolate in the milk, which was warming gently on the stove.
"It was...a rather strange day," you say as you prepare the cups.
"Yeah, but strangely... I'm happy with the result," he said, smiling at you.
"Yes," you say, leaning on the counter.
"I wanted to ask you. Can Charlie come by here once in a while?"
"Of course. He is welcome here."
"Great. He'll be happy."
Willy removed the pan from the heat, pouring the chocolate liquid into the cups. You took your steaming cup, thanking the chocolate maker before going to sit on the couch with him. The silence that settled was restful after this eventful day. To tell the truth, it was more restful than the other days. A weight had been lifted. You still had Charlie with you and Willy had made up with his father.
"This last days were really strange," you say, taking a sip of the sugary drink.
"Yeah, I never thought all of this could happen," he said, also taking a sip of his drink before setting the mug down on the table to remove his gloves. "And I still want to thank you for coming with me."
"I owed you that. You helped me a lot, I owed you that," you said smiling at him.
"You didn't have to," he said slipping his hand into yours. "And I can't thank you enough for that."
"And I can't thank you enough for letting me stay with you."
Your eyes met Willy's. He squeezed your hand gently your hand in his. He passed his free hand over your cheek, smiling fondly at you. You couldn't help but think back to Wilbur's words. Willy would really like you. You would be lying to yourself if you said otherwise. You put your hand over his, looking him in the eye. It was a strange, exciting and terrifying feeling. Willy brought his face closer to yours, pressing his lips to yours. The kiss was sweet. It was strange to kiss someone. Willy pulled back, breaking the kiss.
"You really do care for me then," you said, looking at him awkwardly.
"Of course. The first time I met you with that pissed off woman from the service," he said, chuckling lightly. "I knew that... that you were worthy to come here, that I had to show you around the chocolate factory, that I had to get to know you. I loved every day that you stayed with me and I don't want to not that it's over."
"To hear you, it sounds like a confession."
"Are you disturbed?"
"No, I'm happy," you said, smiling at him.
Willy was smiling, kissing you again when someone knocked on the door. The chocolatier had no choice but to part with you. He stole a last kiss from you before walking away from you to open the door for one of his Oompa Loompas. You were watching him chatting with his employee when you saw his expression become bored. Willy came back to get his gloves.
"Sorry, trouble with one of the new treats," he said, putting his gloves back on. "I'll be right back, Barley sugar. I love you."
You looked at Willy surprised when he left the apartment to go as quickly as possible to the Inventing Room. Did he just tell you he loved you? You couldn't help laughing, wondering how long it would take the chocolate maker to realize what he had just told you.
"I told her that I loved her!" Willy shouted, startling the Oompa Loompas.
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hereforreadandwrite · 9 months
Text
Chapter Two
Masterlist
"As soon as I get back, we're going back to Ravensthorpe. Stay here and rest."
After making sure you were well settled, Eivor leaves Tamworth to go find Sigurd and Ubba to find Burgred's wife. According to Ceolbert, she was still in Templebrough and was the only one who knew where her husband was hiding. He left almost two days ago. You stayed in hiding, ashamed of your behavior. Ivarr's words were spinning in your head. A frightened little mouse. Ivarr was right. It was what you were everyday. The night was the worst time of the day. At nightfall, the slightest noise made you jump, you slept badly and were prey to his nightmares. What could you do to fight them? You had tried so many times, without results. You were too weak.
"You don't have to fight (Y/N). Sigurd and I fight for you."
Yes, Sigurd and Eivor have always fought for you. They had always fought for you. Everyone who hurt you had to face your brothers, never you. You had asked them to train you, but they still refused to harm you. No one in Ravensthorpe wanted to hurt you. Everyone knew your tragic and horrible story. Everyone was taking tweezers with you. You had gotten too used to it, you had become weak. You were brought back to reality by hearing a woman vociferate. You saw Ubba and Sigurd enter the barn with a group of four women. Three servants and a noble lady. Probably Burgred's wife. Ceolbert explained to you that he heard Leofrith dispatching soldiers to protect Aethelswith. Obviously, that didn't stop your brothers and Ubba from capturing her.
"Hey, (Y/N). Can we talk?" Sigurd asked, coming closer to you.
You nodded slightly, following Sigurd out of the barn, allowing Ubba to question Aethelswith. He took you to a quiet corner, where he was sure no one could hear your talk.
"Eivor explained your situation to me. What happened with Ivarr? Did he hurt you?"
"No. No, he didn't," you say, fiddling with your fingers nervously. "He just said one thing to me that makes me realize that some things aren't going as well as I thought."
"What do you mean? You're doing a great job."
"Stop it Sigurd. It's not true! I'm useless on a battlefield! The only thing I can do is surprise the enemy and then... I just know how to stay back and hope that the battle is over as quickly as possible," you said, looking upset at him. "And you say I'm doing a good job? If one of your drengrs acted like I do, you would have kicked them out without even giving one another chance. Am I wrong?"
Sigurd was speechless hearing your tirade. He took a deep breath before shaking his head, agreeing with you. If one of his drengers acted like you did. Sigurd would have banished him immediately, but he couldn't banish you. You were his beloved little sister. He loved spoiling you, more than Randvi. He had been away for two winters, leaving behind a young girl and on returning home he had found a young woman. But right now it was a broken, exhausted young woman in front of him. Sigurd sighed, putting his arm around you, pulling you into a hug, kissing the top of your head.
"We'll find a solution," he said, hugging you. "I promise you we'll find a solution."
You nodded your head slightly. You didn't seem convinced by Sigurd's words. You pulled away from your brother's embrace, smiling at him and telling him you were feeling better. Lie, but at least that reassured Sigurd. He placed a last kiss on your forehead before returning to Ubba. You took a deep breath, leaning against the wall, sliding down it, sitting down on the muddy floor. What could you do? What were you supposed to do?
"You can hide here like a coward if you want little mús. You seem to be good at it. After all, we each have our fights and it looks like you haven't won yours. As long as you refuse to win, you'll stay a scared little mouse."
Win? How could you win against a monster? Just thinking about him, you became again this terrified little girl hiding in a trunk, watching helplessly the people who are dear to you being massacred. You got up, brushing the mud from your pants before finding Ubba and the Ragnarssons brothers. Eivor came out of the barn, announcing that he knew where Burgred was. All they had to do was go find him and capture him. Ubba asked you to watch Lady Aethelswith and make sure she or her servants do not run away. Aethelswith was giving you a dirty look as you leaned against the wall, staring at them.
"And you, who are you?" Lady Aethelswith asked bitterly, crossing her arms across her chest, looking like a stern grandmother.
"The sister of those who captured you," you say in the same tone.
"I see. You are the whore who killed men of God."
"If your husband had been braver, his men would still be alive. The only one to blame is the cowardice of the king who did not hesitate to abandon his men and his wife. What kind of faithful and caring husband, a king, can abandon his wife, his queen, to her fate?" you asked, arching an eyebrow. "Whatever, you don't look better, you used your servant, much braver than you who was ready to sacrifice herself for her queen who took to her heels at the first opportunity."
You could see in her eyes that Aethelswith had a mad desire to kill you. You sat with the group of Saxon women praying to their God to help them through this ordeal. You couldn't help thinking that their God was cruel to them. How cruel your gods have been to you. You were snapped out of your thoughts when you saw your brothers and the Ragnarssons brothers return with none other than Burgred. Aethelswith quickly passed you, calling for her dear and tender, who quickly came to meet her.
"My lady! Are you injured? Did they hurt you?" he asked, glaring at you.
"Nice to see you again," you say as you move closer to the couple.
"No, no. I'm fine," reassured his wife.
"Move along, lord. Your king awaits," Eivor said, showing Burgred the way.
"Your death will come. Your end was write the moment you wame for me. I have made damned on that!" the king swore, turning to Eivor.
"The Zealos will know your names soon enough. No matter where you are, or how far you travel, they will hunt you down!"
"Enough of that, you squeaking sparrow," Sigurd ordered, glaring at the former king sternly before punching him.
Burgred fell unconscious, under the bewildered gaze of Aethelswith. Sigurd slung Burgred over his shoulder, leading him to the barn. There was still some time until Ceolwulf's coronation. Eivor and Ivarr went their separate ways, leaving you alone. You walked around Tamworth, watching the people celebrating. News of Burgred's capture had gone around. The drengrs drank, sang and danced. Everyone seemed so happy. A sigh escaped your lips as you finally found a quiet corner. Gods you hated all that noise. You lit a fire, settling on the ground. You were sure and certain that Eivor or Sigurd would join you. They always managed to find you.
You jumped when you heard a branch snap. A man who must have been in his fifties came up to the side, asking if he could sit by the fire. You nodded slightly, allowing him to settle down. The man had two mugs of mead. He handed you the full tankard, saying that everyone should celebrate the coronation of the new king. You glared at the man, telling him you didn't drink mead. A lie, but you didn't trust people you didn't know. You didn't care if it was a drengr of Ubba and Ivarr. It was one of yours who had killed your parents and orphaned them. You ignored the man who was trying to strike up a conversation with you, letting him know you had no intention of befriending or having a conversation. Night was beginning to fall when Eivor arrived near you, completely drunk. You saw the man wince when you saw your brother lying down beside you. The drengr rested his head on your lap, wondering why you hadn't come to get drunk with him. The man got up and walked away from the fire, not without glaring at the Wolf-kissed. This guy was really weird.
"Are you doing well?" Eivor asked, waving his hand in front of your face, catching your attention.
"The man that was sitting there. He was really weird," you say running your hand through his hair.
"He hurt you?"
"No, he made me feel uncomfortable and... he gave you a funny look."
"Probably a guy I had to punch in the face," he said, starting to fall asleep. "I'll talk to this guy... tomorrow..."
Eivor fell asleep like a rock, snoring so loudly he could wake Thor himself. You leaned back better against the tree trunk putting you to sleep in turn. You were awakened the next day by Eivor for the coronation. You hurried to reach the longhouse. Fortunately, you had arrived in time.
"Where were you two?" Sigurd asked sternly.
"He kept me awake because of his snoring and he used me as a pillow," you say looking at Eivor.
"You're our hangover cure," the concern said with a sneer.
"That's right," Sigurd replied.
You nudged your giggling Jarl in the stomach. Ivarr and Ubba arrived, escorting the fallen king to Ceolwulf. Burgred gazed intently at his old friend who was seated on his throne, surrounded by pagans. Like the others, you observed the interaction of the two men. Burgred was determined to retain his title. Burgred approached Ceolwulf when he recognized her, commenting that the goshawks of justice did not suit him. You leaned towards Sigurd, asking if the coronation was going to be okay on Burgred went on like this. Sigurd put his arm around your shoulders, telling you that everything was going to be fine.
"You stand before us to accept this witan's unanimous decision," said the Anglo-Saxon man. "That you are unfit to rule and are hereby deposited. We demand the abdiction of your kingdom and your crown to Thegn Ceolwulf."
All eyes fell on Ceolwulf. The Thegn rose from his throne, telling his former king that Mercia had spoken. He held out his hand to Burgred, ordering him to hand over his crown. Burgred eyed Ceolwulf intently, pretending to recognize him before apologizing. He approached his new king, telling him that the trappings of justice did not suit him and that if heaven no longer wanted him for you, let him be forgiven for his blindness. He asked for his crown which the Anglo-Saxon man brought to him. Burgred picked up the crown, eyeing it intently. The former king sneered, again asking forgiveness for his temper. He stood there, straight, for he had never learned to kneel in the ground. Burgred approached Ceolwulf handing him the crown before kneeling before him commenting that it was finally easy to kneel without fear or feeling. Burgred laughed at him. Ivarr shouted that he deserved the death penalty for that. According to the laws of your people, it was true. Anyone who mocked a king deserved to die. But obviously, Burgred was trying to use what little power he had left to impose his conditions before giving up his crown. He was brought back to reality by receiving a slap from Ceolwulf.
"You fool! Look around you. You have no leverage here. Plead for your life, for it's the only thing these men will grant you."
Burgred looked around to see that no one was supporting him. Your brothers approached him, as did the Ragnarssons sons.
"Yes... yes. Forgive le, I... do not harm me, I beg of you. Please. I'll go anywhere. here!" he said, handing the crown to Ceolwulf. "I resign it! here!"
Ceolwulf took the crown that was rightfully his, turning his back on the fallen king. His first order was to send Burgred and his wife to Rome, banishing them forever. A man carried the fallen king out of the house. Ceolwulf put the crown on his head. The witan announced to recognize Ceolwulf second of the name as king of Mercia. A just king. A king of mercy. The people acclaimed their new king. But you were still puzzled. Will Ceolwulf be up to it?
The joy was short-lived, as a northern woman quickly entered the longhouse, announcing that Mercian soldiers were marching on Repton. Ubba spoke of Leofrith, to which Ivarr commented that this dog was faithful unto death. Eivor approached the brothers, telling them to round up their men and divide them between the North and South gates. It should divide the enemy forces. Sigurd put your hand on your shoulder, telling you to stay here until he comes back and you're safe. Your brothers and the Ragnarssons brothers quickly left the longhouse, leaving you alone with Ceolwulf in a panic.
"Ceolbert is there," he said before turning to you. "(Y/N), you must save my son."
"Me?" you asked surprised. "I... I don't know. I... I can catch Eivor and..."
"(Y/N), it's an order. Save my son."
You nodded slightly before leaving the longhouse to fetch a horse. Why did he have to ask you to save Ceolbert? No, you shouldn't have thought of it like that. You were going to bring a son back to his father, you didn't need to shed blood. You mounted your horse, setting off for Repton. When you arrived there, the city had become a real battlefield. Everything was on fire, the drengrs and the soldiers were killing each other. You got off your horse, looking for Ceolbert. You quickly crossed the battlefield, firing your arrows as a croak reached your ears. You rolled your eyes to see Synin. The crow flew in a circle, above you before flying away. She wanted you to follow her. She had never failed you. You followed the crow, crossing the battlefield, shooting arrows, eliminating those who tried to stop you. You had to cross the river to find Ceolbert standing in front of Leofrith.
"Please. You do not want to do this," Ceolbert begged as he stepped back, tightening his grip on his sword.
Leofrith drew his sword, he had nothing to do with Ceolbert's words. You nocked one of your arrows, aiming between Burgred's hound's feet before firing. Leofrith and Ceolbert froze before turning to you. You put yourself between the two men.
"Let him walk, Leofrith," you say as you pick up another arrow. "You answer to me."
"I answer to my king," he said, glaring at you sternly. "I silence Danes... with this."
Leofrith held up his sword, letting you know he had no intention of talking quietly. You put away your arrow and bow, turning to Ceolbert to take his sword and tell him to back off. The young man nodded slightly before stepping back.
"Lay it by, Leofrith. There's nothing left to fight for," you say, getting into a fighting stance. "My brothers and the Ragnarssons stormed Repton. Only a matter of time."
"I cannot do that."
Leofrith rushed towards you, bringing his sword down on you. You manage to parry the attack with your sword. Attacking yourself. Why did this man have to fight for a man who didn't care about him? Why did you have to fight him? Leofrith threw dirt in your face, blinding you and making you cough. Burgred's right-hand man swung his sword down on you, slicing you from your right shoulder to your left hip. Ceolbert screamed your name as he saw you fall to your knees and saw all the blood escaping from your wound.
"You're weak," Leofrith commented as he kicked your stomach, knocking you to the ground. "And pathetic. You're not worthy of being considered a real fight."
Weak? Yes. Pathetic? No, that was out of the question. Your grip tightened on the sleeve of your sword. You quickly rose to your feet, bringing your sword down on Leofrith. The man was surprised to see you get up and be so upset. You landed sword blow after sword blow. Leofrith tried to parry your attacks, but to no effect. You kicked him in the face, knocking him to the ground. The man was dumbfounded. You got on top of him, stabbing the sword into his arm, making him scream in pain. Ceolbert watched you shock. You had never been so pissed off. You released the sword from Leofrith's arm, pointing it at his face.
"Weak? Yes, I grant you that. I am," you say between your teeth. "Pathetic? Never in the Nine Realms, I wouldn't make anyone feel that way."
"Go on then," he said between two breaths. "End it."
"No appeal to your God? Or your king?"
"I swore an oath to serve Burgred to the death. I fought. I lost. We both know how this goes."
You didn't understand him. How could he continue to serve Burgred? Why was he willing to die for such a man? Now you had his life in his hands. Your attention fell on Ceolbert who was begging you with his eyes not to shed any more blood. You sighed heavily, lowering the sword you dropped to the ground. Leofrith looked at you puzzled as you held out your hand.
"Stand, Leofrith. You're not going to die today."
"What?" he asked, accepting your help.
"It would be unfair of me to kill you without you knowing the truth. Your loyalty to Burgred is not a loyalty returned," you say, tearing off a piece of your tunic to wrap it around his injured arm. "He resigned the crown and fled to Rome. He's gone."
"You lie," he said stepping back, not wanting to believe your words.
"Lie to a man seconds from death? What would I gain?" eyeing Leofrith who seemed resigned. "He saved himself and left you to dia. All this fighting, it's for nothing. For no one. To betray one so trusted, so close... it's a dishonor worth a thousand deaths."
Leofrith nodded slightly, considering your words. Ceolbert moved closer to you, thanking you with a slight nod for letting the man live. Burgred's former right-hand man moved closer to the water, reflecting on the aftermath of his events.
"(Y/N)... you have show me a great kindness," he said turning to you. "It... it is only fitting that I do the same. At Venonis, there is a statue with a scroll laid in a small bowl. Eivor must burn it."
"A Scroll?"
"Eivor's name is on this scroll. At Burgred's request, I put it there. When it is found, the Zealots who read it will hunt him."
"Who are they?" you asked perplexed.
"It doesn't matter now, you haven't much time. Burn the scroll. Or they will never stop hunting him."
"Where will you go now?"
"Rome," he replied sternly.
Leofrith's gaze fell on Ceolbert, he put his hand on his shoulder, smiling at him before leaving. Leaving behind him, the young man and the Dane. A groan of pain escaped your lips as you put your hand on your wound. Ceolbert seemed to remember you were hurt. He asked you if you were okay. You had to cling to him, asking him to take you to your brothers. You needed to be treated as soon as possible. Ceolbert put your arm around his shoulders, he wrapped his arm around your waist, apologizing for the inappropriate closeness, leading you away from the battlefield. You pointed out to the king's son that he was wounded. He reassured you, telling you that it was only a few bruises and gashes from the fight. You considered him lucky, because his wounds will heal quickly. Ceolbert sighed, explaining to you that he had thrown himself on Leofrith, but this one was happy to play with him. Leofrit knew he couldn't do anything against him.
"You should have stayed hidden, Ceolbert," you say between your teeth. "This wasn't your fight."
"That wasn't your fight either," he said as he crossed the stream. "Why did you come?"
"Order from your father. The new king of Mercia. Congratulations, you are a young odlingr or aetheling. Whichever you prefer."
"(Y/N)... thanks for helping me."
"You're welcome."
The duo arrived at the gates of Repton. You breathed a sigh of relief when you saw Eivor and Sigurd. Your brothers were talking to the Ragnarsson brothers. Their gaze fell on you and the young aetheling who let go of you, being sure that you were steady on your feet. You thanked him with a nod, allowing him to move closer to Ivarr who didn't hesitate to tell him that he was delighted to see him covered in blood and glory. If he continued like this, he would end up as a clan leader. Eivor and Sigurd weren't so thrilled when they saw your sorry state.
"Sister. What happened to you? Why didn't you stay with King Ceolwulf?" Sigurd asked, checking your wound.
"Order from the king to go save his son's ass," you said as you clung to Eivor. "I am fine. It will heal."
"You fought Leofrith alone?" Eivor asked looking at you surprised.
"Surprise?" you asked, grimacing when Sigurd lifted your top to check the depth of the wound.
"It needs to be stitched up as soon as possible." he said straightening up.
"There's a woman who can help him with that. She found herself a few steps from here in a blue tent," Ubba said. "Her name is Kyssa. Go see her quickly."
Sigurd thanked Ubba with a nod, leading you to the tent. Eivor followed suit. The famous Kyssa didn't seem at all surprised to see you so banged. She made a sign for you to sit on the table, the time she prepares the necessary to heal you before telling your two brothers to get out of the tent. You stopped Eivor explaining to him what Leofrit had explained to you with the scroll containing his first name hiding in a statue holding a small bowl to Venonis and that he had to hurry to burn it. Eivor nodded slightly, saying he was going right away. He left the tent, leaving you with Sigurd who left the tent in turn, explaining that he had to speak to the Ragnarsson brothers. You were now alone with Kyssa. This helps you remove your top, revealing your wound.
"Well, you did great," she said, dabbing a water-soaked cloth on your wound. "From your right shoulder to your left hip, I've never seen such a gash before."
"I've always done it big for the first time."
"Was this your first battle?" she asked, putting the rag on the table to take a needle which she passed through the flame of her candle.
"Yes."
"Well, now you're going to taste the joy of being stitched up. Lay down. It won't be long."
You lay back on the table, watching Kyssa thread the thread through the needle before getting to work. You gritted your teeth as you felt her make the first stitch, pulling your ripped flesh together. Kyssa observed your body. She noticed that you had no scars.
"You did great for that first injury," she said, continuing her points.
"Yeah, it's always been that way with me," you say through gritted teeth.
"Was that your first fight?"
"You could say that. I've seen fights. I've been through battlefields, but fighting myself... it never happened."
"Why is that? You seem like a good warrior," she said as she dabbed at the blood.
"My brothers have always fought in my place."
"I see. Brothers a bit overprotective? Hm! Mine was the same. Always taking the ax" out of my hands so I wouldn't hurt myself," she smiled. "That idiot even tried to convince Ubba not to put me on the raids. He was too scared for his darling little sister."
"Really?"
"Oh yes. Don't worry, they'll leave you alone when you prove your worth to them. Which you've probably done, sweetling," she said, cutting the thread with her teeth. "There you are, you're good as new. You just have to wait for the wires to fall before you return to the battlefield. And no training. You have to rest."
"Thank you Kyssa."
"You're welcome sweetling. Can you just tell me your name?"
"(Y/N)."
"Enchant (Y/N)," she said, wrapping bandages around your torso, covering your wound. "You are more docile than the others."
"You have finished?" asked Sigurd.
"Yes, you can come in."
Sigurd entered the tent again, thanking Kyssa for healing you. She helped you put your top back on before she let you go. Sigurd asked you to follow him to a place quite isolated and where he was sure that no one could hear your conversation. Your brother helped you sit up, asking if you weren't in too much pain. You smiled at him, telling him that you were fine and that your wound will heal quickly. Your Jarl nodded, seeming reassured by your words. Silence fell between you two. A restful silence. Despite the battle there was, Repton was calm. As if nothing had happened. It was quite strange. You never stayed at the end of a battle. Every time Sigurd called you, you did what you had to do and then Eivor brought you home, safe and sound. It has always been like this.
"(Y/N) I... I thought about what you said to me when you came back Ledecestre. You're right about one thing. If any of my drengrs acted like you do, I banished him without giving one a second chance," he said, rubbing his hands nervously.
"I know."
"But! That doesn't mean you're useless," he said taking your hand in his. "You are strong sister. You are the bravest and strongest person in his Nine Realms. Yes, Eivor and I fight for you, as you do for us, but I believe... that we a... too much fight for you to avoid making you suffer. I think that after what happened when you were a child, we wanted to avoid that the least evil happens to you. We wanted to give you an easy life without you need to fight whatever. It was a mistake. Not to protect yourself, of course, but..."
"It was a mistake to protect me too much."
"Yes," he said with a sigh. "Eivor and I will never be able to train you as we would like. We always see you as our little sister who we don't want to hurt. So I asked Ubba and Ivarr to train you. welcome to them when you are healed. They are the best able to provide you with a training worthy of the name."
"So... we're going to be separated."
"Only for a while. But it's for a good reason and it's a good reason. I promise you'll be fine."
"I know. What do we do now?"
"I'll take you back to Ravensthorpe with Ceolbert. You'll rest and when the young aetheling receives a letter that he can return to his father, you'll come back with him. You'll probably be well by now."
"Ceolbert must leave Mercia?"
"Yes, there are still Burgred's soldiers lurking around. The king has asked for him to be safe while things calm down," he explained as he stood up. "We'll be on our way. I have to get to the Oxenefordscire quickly."
You nodded, accepting Sigurd's help to get up. He led you to the waiting horses. Ceolbert was in the company of his father, Ubba and Ivarr. The attention of the group arose his tone to arrive and that of your brother. He helped you get on your horse, telling you to tell him if you feel any discomfort during the trip. Ceolbert mounted his mount, asking you if you were all right. You nodded slightly, telling him that Kyssa had you back on your feet in minutes. Ivarr sneered, commenting that you had better be on your feet, as he would personally take care of your training when you return to Mercia. Your gaze rested on Ubba who apologized in advance. Sigurd announced that it was time to go. You followed your brother and Ceolbert, taking one last look at Repton to see that Ivarr was watching you intently. You stared ahead, feeling your heart race. It was really strange.
"I know that look," Ubba said looking down at Ivarr. "Whatever you plan to do against (Y/N), nor think not. She's an ally and sister to a Jarl."
"You forget, Ubba, that I am the one who will be in charge of her training when she comes back here with the twig that clutches the king's offspring."
Ivarr turned his back on his brother and walked away to return to his tent. He put his axe on the table before undressing and lying down on his bed. He stared at the ceiling of his tent, his thoughts directed towards you. A little mús that was full of surprises. To see you covered in blood, dirt and sweat. It had excited him. And now Sigurd had just asked him to train you. A cowardly little mús who returned her meal at the slightest drop of blood and who didn't know how to fight. He was going to be able to play with an innocent little mouse. Fresh and tender flesh. It had been a long time since he had had one in his mouth. He couldn't help but snicker, licking his lips.
"I will devour you."
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hereforreadandwrite · 9 months
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Request to be aware of releases
If you want me to notify you that a chapter or when I post an article on my blog, you can leave me a comment with the fanfiction you want to be notified of next :)
Charlie and the chocolate factory:
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hereforreadandwrite · 9 months
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Chapter One
/!\ mutilation, torture, nudity /!\
Masterlist
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It was so cold, so damp and so dark. You were lying in the fetal position in the corner of the room. The smell of mold was unbearable. How long have you been locked in this room? There was no window. You have been a prisoner of King Rhodri for several days. He had been torturing you for several days. He wanted you to tell him everything you knew about Ivarr and Ubba's fighting tactics. You held on. You refused to tell him anything. For Ivarr, for Ubba, for all your Viking brothers and sisters. If you had to die and rot in Helheim to protect your loved ones, you were prepared to suffer this dishonour. You jumped when you heard the door to the room open. The king had arrived for your daily torture. You watched him walk around the room, hanging his torch on the wall before approaching the table where several tools were waiting for him.
"So pagan, you still haven't decided to reveal what you know about your people? No one will come to save you. You know it. So why do you keep protecting them?" Rhodri asked, taking a knife before turning to the cage.
"Never… better die…," you say between two breaths.
"That's what will happen to you, heathen. But not before you suffer as God wills to atone for your peach trees."
"He might not see the end of it," you say, chuckling. "Your stupid God… how can he find the time to judge all these people?"
"Little bitch!" he cried, shoving the knife into the table.
Rhodri opened the cage door wide, grabbing a handful of your hair to drag you out of the cage. You grabbed his wrist, trying to scratch him and get him to let go, to no avail. You were weak. Rhodri could do whatever he wanted with you. The king took off your clothes before forcing you to sit on a chair with many iron spikes that dug into your skin. You bit your lip as hard as you could, stifling a cry of pain as it bound your wrists and thighs, forcing you to sink deeper into that seat. It was like that every day, he had the imagination to make you suffer the worst pain.
"So? Do you like this new seat? I got some new toys. And God forgive me for that, but I can't wait to use them against you," he said, gesturing to one of his men. to return so that he brings the toys in question. "It's going to be painful, but our Lord is merciful."
"Fuck you asshole! Ivarr will get your head! Like all the other kings he killed!" you exclaimed before spitting a mollard at Rhodri's feet.
"Ivarr? Hm! Who do you think gave him that scar?" he asked, chuckling. "If I understood correctly, you are close to him? In that case, I will bind you forever."
Rhodri returned to the table, picking up his knife before moving closer to you. You swallowed hard, realizing what he was planning to do. You began to resist a prayer to Frigg's glory, begging her to give you strength to get through this ordeal. Rhodri grabbed a handful of your hair, forcing you to tilt your head back. You glared at the Breton as he placed the blade of his knife on the top of your forehead. He pressed just enough, he wanted to make sure his marks would stay on his face for life. You couldn't suppress a cry of pain escaping your lips as you felt the blade rip through your flesh and your right eye. He lowered the blade down your chin. He took a step back, admiring his masterpiece before shaking his head.
"It's not okay, we need more," he said, moving closer to you. "Ivarr will be able to contemplate another failure."
Rhodri went back to work, inflicting three more wounds on you. He had amused himself by mutilating your body for an entire week and now he was attacking your face. You were praying to Thor to give Ivarr the strength to slaughter that guy. After completing his artwork, Rhodri was laughing and clapping. Proud of what he had done. You struggled to stay conscious. The pain was unbearable.
Your first thought was to wonder if Ivarr was going to continue to find you attractive with all the scars you were going to carry for life. You were disfigured for life, this damn seat was going to mark your back, your arms and your legs for life. How would he react seeing you in this state? What was he going to think? You were looking at Rhodri with your one good eye. You could vaguely see him returning to the table, checking his other toys when the sound of the horn echoed through the castle. A soldier quickly entered the room, announcing to Rhodri that the Ragnarsson and their armer were at the gates of the castle. The king chuckled as he approached you. He leaned into your ear, his hot, repulsive breath caressing your skin, making you want to vomit.
"Looks like your bastard lover is on my doorstep. I'll give him a warm welcome, then I'll take care of you."
Rhodri let go of you and moved closer to the soldier, ordering him to make sure no one enters this room. The smell of blood made you nauseous. You felt weak and your wounds continued to bleed, knocking you unconscious.
The party was in full swing in Repton, people were celebrating the rise of their new king. But you were in the huge tent, looking at maps of England, thinking of new places to explore or plunder. You folded the map, putting it away with the others before taking your notebook to write down the places and places that could be looted and the resources Repton needed.
"What are you doing here, woman?"
You turned towards the entrance of the tent to see that it was none other than Ivarr. Your lover took care to close the opening of the tent, giving you some privacy. You showed him your notebook and the notes you were taking. Ivarr sighed dramatically as he moved closer to you.
"Don't you think it's a bit late for work?" he asked, sitting down on the table.
"So what? We have to think about what's next. There are other places to go pillars and places to explore," you say, going to get a new map. "I even found some kings you could kill and inflate your royal kill number."
"That's generous of you," he said, stepping down from the table to get closer to you. "Very generous indeed."
Ivarr put his hands on your hips, pressing his body against yours. He brushed your hair from your neck to lay his lips there, nibbling at your tender skin.
"Ivarr… I still have work to do," you say, unsticking yourself from your lover to bring the card to the table.
Ivarr followed you without saying anything. Which was rare. You settled back at the table, unfolding the map, placing miniatures on it. The drengr moved behind you, placing his hands on either side of your body, trapping you between him and the table. You tried to ignore him, continuing to place figures and take notes. He pulled your hair from your neck, once again placing his lips there. You were trying to resist the temptation, but this guy knew what to do to crack you up. He had you trapped. It was impossible for you to run away. You melted into the arms of the drengr. Ivarr turned you to him so he could ravish your lips. You wrapped your arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. You felt him smile against your lips. You backed away, running your hand over his gash. You were the only person in his nine realms to have the privilege of touching his scar. You were surprised to feel your right eye become sore. You put your hand over your sore eye, moaning in pain. Ivarr was stepping back, looking at you puzzled. You pulled your hand away, noticing that it was covered in blood. What was happening?
You woke up with a start when you heard the door to the room slam against the wall. You vaguely heard someone say, "I found her." You tried to raise your head, without success. You were trying to make out the face of the person who came to save you. He removed your restraints, making you leave this chair. A moan of pain escaped your lips as your savior ran his hand through your blood-soaked, greasy hair. You tried to make out your savior's face, but your vision was too blurry for you to make out anything.
"(Y/N). (Y/N), can you hear me?" asked the person rocking you.
You couldn't help smiling when you recognized your savior's voice. It was none other than Ivarr the Boneless. He had come to get you.
"You came…," you said weakly. "I knew you would come… I always knew."
"Hush, woman," he said, tugging on a sheet, knocking the items off the table.
Ivarr draped the sheet over your bruised body before lifting you off the ground, carrying you away from this torture chamber.
Rhodri was kneeling before Ubba, Halfdan, Sigurd and Eivor. The king glared at the Boneless when he saw it return with your semi-conscious form. This one had to use all that willpower to resist the urge to massacre him on the spot. Seeing your condition, Ubba told his brother to look as soon as possible to Bishop Deorlaf, he will know how to heal your wounds. Ivarr gave Rhodri one last look, telling his brothers and allies to keep him alive, that he would take his case personally. Ivarr left the castle, hurrying on his horse to reach the Bishop's Church as quickly as possible. You had trouble staying conscious. You pressed your cheek, unhurt, against his chest.
"He was saying… you let me down. He was trying to convince me to…to tell him about your plans to arm," you said, clinging to him. "I didn't tell him…"
"I know, dýrr. You held on," he said, hugging you. "You are a warrior."
You nodded slightly, falling asleep against your mate's chest.
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hereforreadandwrite · 9 months
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Chapter Six
Masterlist
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As Grandma Georgina had said, things have started to look up for the Bucket family. The next day Charlie helped his parents fix the roof, Grandpa Joe had spent the day out of bed, not feeling the slightest fatigue. Your uncle had found a new job, he was fixing the machines that took his job. As for you, you had resumed the course of your miserable life, you had resumed your work at Bill's shop, with the old clothes of your grandmothers and your aunt. You didn't have the courage to put on the clothes Willy bought you. It was still too painful for you. How could you be heartbroken when nothing was happening between you two? On the one hand, you could understand the fact that a family is a burden. But you couldn't forgive him for upsetting Charlie. Your cousin had started working as a shoe shiner, around the corner. A sigh escaped your lips as you finished placing the Wonka bars on the rack. You didn't want to think about that damn chocolatier, but you couldn't.
"Fucking chocolate," you muttered as you went into the back room to throw the empty box away with the others.
Another day of work had just ended. You left the shop to go to Charlie's workstation. You smile as you see the boy packing his things. The two cousins returned home. The dinner was taken in a religious silence. Ever since you visited the chocolate factory, your family barely spoke to you, especially Grandpa Joe. He was mad at you for the story of the golden ticket and for not letting him visit the chocolate factory one last time. It was stupid. Completely stupid.
"It's great that luck is finally smiling on us," Charlie said as he poured a sugary drink into the new glasses his parents had bought.
"We just needed time to bounce back," Mr. Bucket replied with a huge grin.
Time for them to bounce back. What about you? They always took your entire salary, leaving you penniless. In this chance, you were unhappy. Everyone was happy except you. Why were you the only one who had to suffer? You snapped out of your thoughts when you heard them laugh. You felt like they were laughing at you.
"Since Uncle Bucket is finally bouncing back and making a better living, I can finally keep my salary," you say, glaring at your uncle and aunt sternly.
Your request threw a chill in the cabin. Your gaze rested on your uncle and your aunt who did not know what to answer. They were serious? You shrug, fingering your food with your fork.
"It's true, now that you have a stable salary uncle. I'm going to start saving," you say, stuffing a piece of chicken in your mouth. "
We…we still have some difficulty, honey," Mrs. Bucket said with a tight smile.
"Me too. Since all my salary has been going into your pocket for several years. Besides, have you thought about paying me back everything you've taken from me since I was… uh… thirteen. Thirteen years of salary. That's a lot, isn't it?" you commented, throwing your cutlery on your plate.
"Charlie, go to your room," Mr. Bucket said as he put down his cutlery.
"Why should he leave? You have nothing to hide from him, do you?" you asked, glaring at your uncle.
"Charlie go to your room!"
"Charlie stay here!"
Charlie was staring between you and his panicked father. He didn't like the turn of events. The atmosphere was palpable. You and your uncle looked each other in the eye. You refused to look away. You had the right to keep your money and be reimbursed.
"Why do you want Charlie out?" you asked, your voice dripping with hate.
"(Y/N)! You're getting unreasonable!" growled Mrs. Bucket.
"Unreasonable?" you asked looking at your aunt. "Is it unreasonable of me to want my hard-earned money back? Is it unreasonable of me to want to save up to buy things for myself? Kind of nice clothes? Sweets? Jewelry?"
"We already give you our clothes!"
"Old, seedy and ugly."
"We buy you sweets!"
"Lie."
"And what do you want to do with jewelry?! We're not going to pay you back a single penny! You know we're in need!"
"I too am in need. And your fault!" You had just said your sentence while shouting and slamming your hands on the table, startling everyone.
You looked at your uncle and your aunt with hatred. It was always the same thing, they wanted to make you feel guilty. But now you weren't going to let it go. You weren't going to let yourself go anymore.
"It's over! I won't give you a single penny anymore!" you say between your teeth. "I'm tired of having to pay to live under this roof!"
"Do you think we wanted you? We just felt sorry. We were hesitant to put you in an orphanage. We should have done that," Mr. Bucket said. "It would have saved us this whole situation. You are a parasite (Y/N). And you will always remain a parasite."
It was like a cold shower. You couldn't help but laugh nervously. You knew it. You headed for the coat rack, grabbed your jacket and left the Bucket family residence. Tears streamed down your cheeks. You knew this day was coming, but you never thought it would happen like this, in front of Charlie. You stopped in front of Bill's shop. You entered the store and were surprised to see a young man holding the cash register.
"Good evening miss," the young man greeted smiling at you. "How can I help you?"
"Do you...do you work here?" you asked under your breath.
"Yes. Bill hired me two days ago," he said, laughing a little. "I only work nights, but Bill is going to fire this girl. He says she was no longer suitable because of the image she sent back."
"What kind of image did she send back?"
"A poor, badly-dressed girl. Maybe I shouldn't say this, but he admitted to me that he hired her out of pity, because her family is poor. But with the publicity of her finding the golden ticket in his shop, he couldn't afford to keep her."
You felt something inside you snap. The only person you trusted had just betrayed you because of your financial situation. You thanked Bill's new employee before leaving the small shop to wander around town. Where could you go? Nobody needed you. Neither your family nor your boss. What could you do? You were taken out of your thoughts by noticing that you were in front of the chocolate factory. You had come without realizing it. Since the visit, you hadn't seen Willy. All you knew about him was that the sale of his sweets had fallen sharply. You put your hand on the back of your neck, hesitating to knock on his door.
"If you change your mind Barley sugar, my door is open."
You approached the door intended for the employees. You pressed the intercom button. You had to wait a few seconds before the high-pitched voice of an Oompa Loompa was heard. You instantly regret doing that. You sputtered an apology, saying it was a mistake. You started to walk away when you heard the intercom chime low and the gate unlock. You stopped, turning towards the gate. An out Oompa Loompa, approaching you.
"You should come inside, miss (Y/L/N). This way."
A defeated sigh escaped your lips. You follow the Oompa Loompa inside the chocolate factory. The little man leads you to the huge entrance hall. He asked you to wait there, the time he went to warn Willy of your arrival. You ran your hands over your scruffy coat, leaning your back against the wall. Why did you come here? Willy was probably going to spit in your face like your aunt and uncle. Like Bill. Yes, that was probably it. You were snapped out of your thoughts when you heard the "ding" of the elevator. You felt your heart beat faster when you saw Willy stepping out of the elevator.
"You came back," he said under his breath.
"I… I must be disturbing you," you said as you started to back away towards the door.
"No! No, you don't bother me!" he hastened to say, catching up with you. "Please don't go."
"No! It was a stupid idea. I… I shouldn't be here," you say, feeling a wave of angst wash over you.
Your heart was racing, your breathing became erratic, you were sweating profusely. You were having a panic attack. Tears were leaking from your eyes, rolling down your cheeks. Seeing you in this state, Willy put his hands on your shoulders, telling you to focus on his breathing. You watched Willy take a deep breath in through his nose and a long breath out through his mouth. You imitated him, concentrating on the chocolatier's breathing. Inhaling and exhaling like him until your panic attack subsides, leaving you drained of all energy. Willy put his arm around your shoulders, leading you to the glass elevator. The chocolatier pressed a button, activating the elevator which took you, both of you, to his apartment. His living space was spacious. Willy guided you to his huge leather sofa before going to the kitchen area. You took the opportunity to look around. Everything here screamed Willy Wonka. Everything was in shades of red and gold. There were numerous papers scattered on the coffee table as well as, what looked like, treats. Willy came back and sat next to you, handing you a steaming cup of cocoa.
"Here. This will warm you up."
You took the steaming cup in your hands. The heat warmed your frozen hands. You were watching the hot drink swirl around in the cup when you saw movement in your peripheral vision. You looked up, watching Willy gather up his papers and the sweets.
"Such a mess," he said, laughing nervously.
"You needn't be embarrassed. I'm the one unexpectedly showing up," you say bringing the cup to your lips, drinking the sugary drink.
The hot cocoa did you a world of good. You had long deprived yourself of the sweets of the great Willy Wonka. After the visit, you had stopped eating his treats. Although you couldn't afford it. You set the empty mug down on the table, nervously running your hands over your scruffy clothes. What were you supposed to say? Did you have to tell Willy you had nowhere to go? That you had lost your job because of your financial situation? You nervously rubbed your hands between them, feeling the tears start to roll down your cheeks again, your throat tightened, preventing you from speaking properly. Willy took your hand in his, squeezing it gently, telling you to take your time and breathe well. You took a deep breath, swallowing back your tears.
"I...I lost everything," you say with a tight throat.
"How so?" Willy asked
"My uncle and my aunt... we... we had a fight. I... I was tired of having to give them all my salary. My... my uncle got a new job and... I told them I didn't want to give them my salary anymore and... I left. I went to Bill's and... he replaced me with someone else."
"Why does your boss do such a thing?"
"Because I'm poor. I'm poor because of my uncle and my aunt. I have to wear old clothes and according to them I don't need new clothes or anything. I... I can't go home anymore."
Willy felt something snap inside him when he heard your words. You couldn't go home any more, just as he couldn't go back to his father after he ran away. The chocolatier put his arm around your shoulders, pulling you into his embrace.
"I'm sorry, Barley sugar. No one should go through such an ordeal," he said, pressing his cheek to the top of your head as he hugged you before stepping back, cupping your face in his hands to wipe away your tears with his thumbs. "You know what we're going to do? I'm going to fix you a nice hot bath, you'll put on some fluffy pajamas and then you'll have a good night's sleep. We'll discuss all this tomorrow morning, okay?"
"You… are you okay with me staying here?" you asked surprised.
"Of course. What kind of person would I be if I left you out?" he said, taking your hand in his. "Come."
Willy led you to the bathroom. You sat on the edge of the tub, watching Willy run the hot water, putting products in the tub that seemed to cost a fortune. When your bath was ready, Willy went to his room before returning with clean clothes. He tells you to take your time before you leave the room, leaving you alone. The chocolatier closed the door behind him, allowing you to undress and step into the tub. The hot water bit into your icy skin. You were sinking into the water. The smell of the products smelled extremely good. How could things have gotten so bad? All for a damn golden ticket you refused to give to Grandpa Joe and Charlie. You shook your head, pushing his thoughts out of your mind. You didn't have to think about it anymore. You grabbed the soap, cleaning your body and your tangled hair. Once clean, you got out of the tub to dry off and put on the pajamas that Willy lent you. You buttoned up the shirt and put on the pants, which fell to the floor.
"Great," you muttered as you put the pants back on, which you had to hold on to before leaving the bathroom.
Willy turned to you, asking if everything was going well. Her voice stuck in her throat seeing you dressed in her pajamas that were too big for you. You had to roll up the sleeves and the edges of the pants so you wouldn't trip while walking as you approached him for help.
"The... the pants are too big," you say uncomfortably.
"Too big? Oh yes! Let me help you," he said, rolling up the edge to tighten the pants at the waist before stepping back. "Voilà!"
"Thank Willy."
"No problem. I… I'll show you where you're going to sleep." Willy motioned for you to follow him as he headed for his room.
The room was the size of the Bucket family home. There was a King-sinz bed in the middle of the room, solid wood furniture. Willy walked over to his chest of drawers to pull out a pillow and blanket.
"What are you doing?" you asked looking at Willy.
"I'm going to sleep on the couch."
"No, I'm going to sleep there, sleep in your bed. I don't want to feel like I'm chasing you."
"Oh! Don't worry, Barley sugar. I usually fall asleep on my desk and I still have a lot of work to do. I still have a few more hours. Sleep. We'll talk tomorrow morning."
"Alright good night."
"Good night." Willy left the room leaving you alone.
You turned off the light before slipping under the covers. The sheets were nothing like those of the Bucket family, the mattress was comfortable and it was the first time you slept alone. It was nice to have a bed for either. Without realizing it, you fell asleep, exhausted by this evening.
You were suddenly awakened from your sleep when you heard the door to the room open with force and slam against the wall. The light was on, dazzling you. You didn't have time to open your eyes when someone took the blanket off.
"Get up," Willy ordered, standing in front of the bed. "Hurry up."
"Willy? What's going on?" you asked perplexed.
"Get up, you're leaving."
"W-what?"
"Are you deaf? I told you to leave," he said grabbing your arm, forcing you out of bed. "Hurry up."
"But... you said your doors were always open to me," you say, your throat tight.
"You seriously think I'm going to harbor a poor girl in my chocolate factory," he says, dragging you to the door of his apartment.
You were trying to speak, but your voice was stuck in your throat. Willy opened the door, pushing you into a darkened room.
You looked around you lost before looking at Willy who slammed the door in your face. Your eyelids opened by themselves, your heart was beating at breakneck speed in your chest. You hurriedly turned on the bedside lamp, looking around frantically. You were still in Willy's room. He didn't kick you out. You hurriedly left the bed, as well as the room, to see the chocolatier sitting in his chair, busy reading, scribbling notes, crossing out and mumbling to himself. You moved closer to the sofa, catching Willy's attention.
"Already standing up?" he asked, pulling out a watch. "It's three o'clock in the morning."
"You… you want me to stay?" you asked lost.
"Sure. Are you okay? You're pale," he said, getting up from his couch to come closer to you. "You're shaking. What's going on?"
"You... you were kicking me out. You said you didn't want a poor girl in your chocolate shop."
"(Y/N). I'll never kick you out. I told you, didn't I? The doors of my chocolate factory will always be open to you," he said, hugging you. "You had a nightmare. Just a horrible nightmare. I'll never kick you out, I promise."
You clung to his shirt like your life depended on it. You couldn't stop your body from shaking from this nightmare. Willy put his hand on your cheek, making you raise your head. He was smiling tenderly at you as he leaned in towards you, pressing his lips to your forehead.
"You should go back to bed, Barley sugar," he said, running his hand over your cheek.
"Would you mind sleeping with me. I... I don't want to sleep alone."
You felt like a child asking her parents to join them in their bed. Except that there, you were no longer a child and you had just asked Willy Wonka if he could sleep with you. He didn't say anything, he just smiled when he placed another kiss on your forehead. He nodded, telling you he was going to change and you could go back to the bedroom until he came back. You went back to the chocolatier's room. Slipping under the sheets waiting for his return. You felt the claws of sleep trying to tear you away from reality. Your eyelids started to close on their own when you heard the door close. Your eyelids opened to see Willy dressed in his pajamas. It was quite comical to see. The chocolatier came and slipped under the sheets, turning off the light before lying down beside you.
"Sleep, (Y/N). Tomorrow will be another day."
You nodded slightly, falling asleep again. Willy sighed, adjusting the blanket around your shoulders before falling asleep too.
(o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o)
You awoke from your sleepless sleep feeling your cheek pressed against something firm and warm. When you opened your eyes, your gaze saw Willy's face. The chocolatier was asleep, his arm wrapped around your waist. In your sleep, you had moved closer to him and vice versa. You tried to gently pull your arm away from your waist to get off the bed, but Willy tightened his grip, pulling you closer to him as he nuzzled your hair.
"Mmh... too soon...," Willy muttered still sleepy. "Sleep..."
"B-but..."
You didn't have time to talk until the alarm clock started ringing. Willy sighed loudly. He had to let go of you to cut off this instrument of torture. You didn't have time to talk until the alarm clock started ringing. But you, you didn't know what you were going to be able to do to occupy yourself and forget what happened last night. Just thinking about it made you feel bad. What were you going to do? You had to hurry to find a new job and a new place to live. You left the room going to sit on the couch while Willy shuffled into the kitchen.
"What do you want to eat?" he asked, opening the door of his fridge.
"I…I don't know. I don't usually eat in the morning," you say, getting up from the sofa and moving closer to the counter.
"In that case, let me prepare something for you," he said, taking some ingredients.
You watched Willy begin to scramble eggs with sausage and toast. You were surprised to find that he knew how to do something other than sweets. Once breakfast was ready, he placed a well-stocked plate in front of you before taking his own plate to begin eating.
"That's really good," you say as you finish your plate. "It's quite surprising."
"Really? You thought I was a bad cook?" Willy chuckled.
"It's just that… since you're so obsessed with sweets, I couldn't see you eating anything other than chocolate."
"I can't… really contradict you," he said, pushing his empty plate aside. "Well. Now. We're going to have to discuss what's going to happen."
You wanted to disappear six feet underground. You didn't want to talk about the Bucket family and Bill. You pushed your plate away, running your hands over your face.
"You don't have to worry. I'll find a job soon..."
"(Y/N)."
"I won't be dragging your feet for very long."
"(Y/N). I don't want you to leave."
To say you were surprised was an understatement. You didn't expect him to say such a thing to you. If his goal was to leave you speechless, he had succeeded. You didn't know what to answer. You mumbled a few words before shutting up and massaging your temples.
"Wi-Willy... why do you want me to stay? I'm just a burden to people. Nobody needs a poor girl. I'm just going to drive down your chocolate stock. People aren't going to let this go!"
Willy nodded slightly when he heard your explanations. The chocolatier sighed, running his hand through his tangled hair.
"You're right. People wouldn't take kindly to me harboring a poor girl, like you say," he said with a sigh, shrugging his shoulders.
"You see."
"But I've never been like the others, Barley sugar. I would have thought you had understood that during the visit," he said, moving around the counter to come closer to you. "I'm not like other people. I don't care that you're a poor girl. It doesn't mean anything. It doesn't define who you are."
"Are you telling me you know me?"
"Partly. I know you hate your social status, but you're nice," he said, tucking a flyaway hair behind your ear. "You have your heart on your sleeve. Despite what happened with your uncle and aunt, you were helping them. I know that despite everything, you love Charlie with all your heart. You have a good person (Y/N). You inherit my happiness. Let me give you all this."
You felt like your heart was going to explode and you were sure that your cheeks were as red as the wrappers of his famous chocolate. You swallowed hard, unable to help but laugh nervously.
"I feel like I'm hearing a statement," you say, fiddling with your fingers nervously.
"What if there was one?"
Alright, there you were pretty sure your face had turned crimson. You mumbled incomprehensible words, trying to create some sort of sentence. Your confusion greatly amused the chocolatier. Willy ran his fingers over your cheek, pressing his lips to your forehead before stepping back to get ready. You let out your breath when you heard the bathroom door close. Did Willy really just tell you that he wanted you to stay with him because he wanted to make you happy? Was he telling the truth or was he making fun of you?
(o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o)
Two weeks passed.
Two weeks you lived in the chocolate factory and watched TV. Even though Willy had told you he wanted to make you happy, you were still so unhappy. Willy had tried to entertain you and occupy your mind as best he could. He had taken the time to show you around the rest of his chocolate factory, he had shown you how he made his famous chocolate bars, but you were still concerned about the Bucket family and what they had done to you.
Every night, you had nightmares of Willy throwing you out, you saw your uncle and your aunt throwing you out again, Bill who made fun of everything or Mrs Beauregarde insulting you by clinging to Willy. Tonight was no exception to this rule. You woke up with a start and terrified, forcing Willy to abandon his work to come and console you and reassure you. You couldn't help wondering how long he was going to put up with you. You prevented him from working and you knew that the purchase of his sweets fell even more. You were definitely going to ruin it.
"I can't stay here anymore," you say between sobs.
"Barley sugar, you just had a bad dream. I would never kick you out, you know that," he said, cupping your face in his hands.
"I'm not talking about that," you say stepping back. "It's my fault that your sweets have dropped even more! I'm just a dead weight preventing you from working properly! I...I don't..."
"(Y/N). (Y/N) look at me."
You shook your head, clutching the blanket in your hands. You had had enough of this whole situation. Of your discomfort. You felt like the last of the fools. You just wanted to be quiet and not feel like a burden on others anymore. Willy places his fingers under your chin, forcing you to raise your head and stare at him. The chocolatier pressed a kiss to your forehead.
"It's not your fault that my treats are selling less. I'm solely to blame for that," he said, sighing and stepping back. "I'm completely lost. I hesitate about everything, I don't know what taste to give them, I change my mind every two minutes. Since the visit, nothing works as I would like and as..."
Willy fell silent, you saw a spark run through his eyes. A huge smile appeared on his lips. The chocolatier had come to the conclusion that the candies looked like him and since he was bad, his candies were bad because of it. You wiped away your tears, looking puzzled at Willy as he smiled at you.
"We're going to have to go see Charlie."
What?
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hereforreadandwrite · 9 months
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Chapter Five
Masterlist
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"I don't know why I didn't think of this. The elevator is by far the most efficient way to get around the factory."
Willy pressed a button, the elevator. The double doors opened, allowing the small group to enter the cramped cabin. You were uncomfortable seeing the void beneath your feet. You leaned against the glass wall, taking a deep breath. Your gaze rested on the many buttons that covered an entire wall. How was it possible for a chocolate factory to have so many floors? Even Mike was puzzled.
"There can't be this many floors," muttered Mike, glaring at Willy.
"How do you know, Mr. Smarty Pants?" Willy asked, glaring at Mike. "This isn't just an ordinary up and down elevator, by the way! This elevator can go sideways, longways, slantways, and any other ways you can think of! You just press any button and, whoosh! You're off!"
Willy pressed a random button. The elevator doors closed and the cabin moved suddenly, tripping the group. Because of the jolt, you fell on Willy. You had to cling to him to keep from falling. Surprised, Willy wrapped his arms around you, keeping you from crashing to the ground. You felt your cheeks heat up as you met Willy's amused gaze. The chocolatier helped you to your feet, wrapping his arm around your waist, pulling you closer to him.
"You should be careful, Barley sugar. You shouldn't hurt yourself," Willy said smiling at you with all his perfectly white teeth.
"S-sorry."
"Oh! Look! Look!" Willy suddenly exclaimed.
The elevator entered a dome. You were surprised to see the glass cabin pass over a mountain. Oompa Loompa were climbing the mountain, collecting the ingredients.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Fudge Mountain!"
The glass elevator continued on its way, leaving the dome and entering a room with candy pink sheep being shaved. You cast a puzzled look at Willy who tensed slightly, saying he didn't want to talk about this room. The elevator left the sheep room and entered a room for the badly burned welcome show dolls. Willy giggled, commenting that this piece was relatively new. You couldn't help but roll your eyes as the elevator descended into the administrative department. The chocolatier greeted a woman named Doris who greeted him back. The elevator started again suddenly, arriving in a huge dark room. The sound of cannons and fireworks was deafening. It was all strange, but oddly enough, you and Charlie liked it. But Mike was unimpressed. He even seemed bored by all this.
"Why is everything here completely pointless?"
"Candy doesn't have to have a point. That's why it's candy," Charlie replied, which made Willy smile.
"It's stupid! Candy has a waste of time!"
You felt Willy's grip tighten around your waist. You turned to the chocolatier. His eyes were lost in the void. He seemed, once again, reliving a painful memory. Mike groaned as he turned to Willy.
"I wanna pick a room," the boy growled.
Willy shook his head slightly, snapping out of his thoughts. The chocolatier was smiling, showing all his teeth. His smile made you feel uncomfortable.
"Go ahead," he replied in a deceptively soft voice.
Mike turned to the buttons. His gaze was drawn to a button leading to the TV room. The elevator stopped short, before heading off in another direction. You looked at Willy out of the corner of your eye, the chocolatier had become silent, swallowing painfully. You didn't have time to ask him if he was okay when the elevator suddenly stopped. Willy quickly let go of you, rushing out of the cabin to put on some weird glasses.
"Here! Put these on quick, and don't take them off whatever you do!" Willy ordered, putting his weird glasses on your nose. "These lights could burn your eyeballs out of your skulls! We certainly don't want that, now, do we?"
He finished his sentence by pressing his finger to your nose before turning his back on you.
"This is the testing room for my very latest and greatest invention: television chocolate! One day it occurred to me: Hey! If television could break up a photograph into millions and millions of tiny little pieces and sent it whizzing through te air then reassemble it on the other end, why can't I do the same with chocolate? Why can't I sent a real bar of chocolate through the television all ready to be eatent?" Willy explained as he walked towards the checkpoint.
"Sounds impossible," replied Mr. Teavee.
"It's impossible!" Mike cried, following Willy closely. "You don't understand anything about science! First off, there's a difference between waves and particles, duh! Second, the amount of power it would take to convert energy in matter would be like nine atomic bombs!"
"Mumbler!" Willy shouted, turning to Mike. "Seriously, I cannot understand a single word you're saying."
The chocolatier's body was tense because of the little hacker. Mike hated being contradicted and having no one follow his point of view. You hated that kind of person. Even if you put all the evidence in front of him, he would still tell you that you are wrong. Mike might be smart, but he wasn't going to last long in the real world.
"Oki Doki! I shall now send a bar of chocolate from one end of the room to the other by television! Bring in the chocolate!"
Oompa Loompas entered the room with a huge Wonka chocolate bar. It was the biggest bar you had seen in your life. The little men put the huge chocolate bar on a pedestal. Willy explained the fact that the bar had to be huge in order for it to come out of the television at a normal size. That it was the same basic basic as when a camera filmed a tall person and he came out normal sized. Willy pressed a button. The pedestal rose, to your surprise, the chocolate started avoiding it, a huge glass tube joined the pedestal, holding the huge bar of chocolate as a strange camera pointed at the candy. A flash illuminated the room. The bar had disappeared.
"It's gone!" exclaimed the two cousins.
"Told you. That chocolate is now rushing through the air above our heads in a million tiny little pieces," Willy explained smiling at the two cousins before rushing over to the television. "Come over here! Come one. Come on. Come on!"
The group followed the ecstatic chocolatier. They stood in front of the television, blocking the view of the Oompa Loompa settling into his chair. The screen image showed howling monkeys. It only took a few seconds before the chocolate bar appeared. Willy had succeeded? It was surreal.
"Take it," Willy said, jostling Mike slightly.
"It's just a picture on a screen," replied the young hacker, unimpressed by what had just happened.
"Scaredy-cat," Willy replied before turning to Charlie. "You take it. Go on, just reach out and grab it."
Charlie looked at you puzzled. Should he? You nodded slightly before nodding at the television. Charlie took a deep breath, moving closer to the screen, slowly plunging his hand into it. Your cousin's hand entered the screen, grabbing the chocolate bar he pulled out of the television.
"That's great," you breathe.
"Eat it. Go on," Willy said, catching Charlie's attention. "It'll be delicious. It's the same bar, just got a little smaller on the journey, that's all."
Charlie slowly opened his tablet, a little perplexed. His gaze rested on Willy who bit into the void, encouraging him to bite into the chocolate. Your cousin bit into the chocolate bar before smiling at his idol.
"It's great!"
"So imagine!" Willy exclaimed, stepping away from the group, facing them. "You're sitting at home, watching television and suddenly a commercial will flash onto the screen, and a voice say: 'Wonka's chocolates are the best in the world. If you don't believe us, try one yourself.' And you simply reach out and take it. How about that?"
"So… can you send other things? Say like… breakfast cereal?" asked Mr teavee uncertainly.
"Do you have any idea of what breakfast cereal's made of?" spat Willy in disgust. "It's those little curly wooden shavings you find in pencil sharpeners."
"But could you send it by television if you wanted to?" you asked, eyeing the chocolatier.
"Of course I could," he replied, shrugging.
"What about people?" Mike asked suddenly.
"Well, why would I wanna send a person? They don't taste very good at all."
"Don't you realize what you've invented?! It's a teleporter!" Mike exclaimed, frustrated that no one thought like him. "It's the most important invention in the history of the world! And all you can think about is chocolate!"
"Calm down, Mike. I think Mr. Wonka knows what he's talking about," said Mr Teavee, trying to calm his son.
"No, he doesn't!" Mike spat angrily. "He has no idea! You think he's a genius, but he's an idiot! But I'm not."
Mike suddenly runs towards the checkpoint, jumping over the chair and pushing Oompa Loompa out of his way.
"Hey, little boy. Don't push my button," Willy warned.
Unsurprisingly, Mike didn't listen to anyone. He pushed the button, jumping over the checkpoint to land on the pedestal. Mr. Teavee runs ahead of Willy, helplessly watching his son's stupidity. Mike began to float in the air. The arrogant boy began to dance before waving at Willy. The chocolatier was rolling his eyes when a flash lit up the room before disappearing. Mike had disappeared.
"He's gone," said Mr. Teavee under his breath.
"Let's go check the television and see what we get," Willy suggested as he walked back to the screen.
The rest of the small group moved closer to the television, watching the screen intently. Looking for Mike who was slow to appear.
"I sure hope no part of him gets left behind," Willy muttered, bad luck, Mr. Teavee heard him.
"What do you mean?!"
"Well, sometimes only half of the little pieces find their way through. if you had to choose only one half of your son, which one would it be?"
"What kind of a question is that?!" cried Mr. Teavee, turning angrily to Willy.
"No need to snap. It's just a question," Willy muttered before turning to the Oompa Loompa. "Try every channel. I'm starting to feel a lillte anxious."
The Oompa Loompa picked up the remote, beginning to zap. An image of a reporter Oompa Loompa appeared on screen with Mike, miniaturized, materializing on his desk.
"There he is," you say, pointing your finger at Mike.
"Mike..."
The Oompa Loompa began to sing about Mike being in front of the television for far too long; that it was rotting his brain and driving him crazy. The boy was always close to dying crushed under the tenderizing hammer of a cook, under the drumsticks of a drummer, a boxing game and under stab wounds which he managed to dodge before ending flattened under the papers of the Oompa Loompa journalist, startling the small group.
"Ew! Somebody grab him!" Willy exclaimed.
Mr. Teavee ran his hand across the screen, grabbing his son, now tiny and speaking in a high-pitched, unpleasant voice. You couldn't help but feel sorry for Mike, even though it was deserved for playing with fire. But you didn't wish that, even on your worst enemy.
"Oh, thank heavens. He's completely unharmed," Willy commented without being truly relieved for Mike.
"Unharmed?! What are you talking about?!" exclaimed Mr. Teavee, placing Mike in his hand.
"Just put me back through the other way!" Mike ordered.
"There is no other way. It's television, not telephone. There's quite a difference," replied the chocolatier.
"And what exactly do you propose we do about it?" asked the father between his teeth.
"I don't know. But young men are extremely springy. They stretch like mad. Let's go put him in the taffy puller!" Willy finished with a huge smile.
"Taffy puller?!"
"Hey, that was my idea," Willy replied before looking at Mike. "Boy, is he going to be skinny. Yeah… taffy puller. I want you to take Mr Teavee and his… little… boy… up to the taffy puller, okay? Stretch him out."
The Oompa Loompa rose from his seat, tugging Mr. Teavee's pants a little. He followed the little man out of the room, leaving Willy with you and Charlie. The light went out, allowing the people in the room to remove their strange glasses. The trio tossed their glasses into a small bin on their way to the elevator.
"There's still so much to see! Now, how many children are left?" Willy asked, turning to the two cousins.
You and Charlie looked at each other for a few seconds. You cleared your throat, looking nervously at Willy.
"Willy...Charlie's the only one left," you say, putting your arm around your cousin's shoulders, pulling him closer to you.
Willy was surprised by your words. His gaze fell on you, then on Charlie before scanning the room, looking for other children.
"You mean...you're the only one?" Willy asked softly.
"Yes," Charlie answered with a slight nod.
"What happened to the others?"
You didn't know what to answer to that. With everything that had just happened in this strange chocolate factory. It was a miracle you and Charlie were still together.
"Oh my dear boy, that means you've won!" Willy cried grabbing Charlie's hand, shaking it frantically. "Oh, I do congratulate you. I really do. I am absolutely delighted! I had a hunch right from the beginning! Well done! Now, we mustn't dilly, or dally. We have an enormous number of things to do before the day's out. But luckily for us, we have the Great Glass Elevator to speed things along-"
As he spoke, Willy let go of your cousin's hand, heading for the elevator. But to your surprise, and Charlie's, the chocolatier collided with the glass doors before collapsing to the floor. Willy sat up quickly, putting his hat back on his head, an embarrassed smile on his lips.
"Speed thing along," he finished pushing the button, opening the doors. "Come on."
You took Charlie's hand, stepping into the glass elevator. Willy entered in turn, looking for a button before pressing a button labeled: Up and Out. Charlie asked which room it was, to which Willy told him to hang on with a huge smile. The elevator moved, going up faster and faster. You felt your heart race, especially hearing Willy say that the cabin had to go a lot faster if he wanted to get out.
"I've been longing to press that button for years! Well, here we go. Up and Out!"
"Do... do you really mean?" you asked terrified, hugging Charlier to your chest.
"Yeah! I do!"
"But… It's made of glass! It'll smash into a million pieces!" you exclaimed horrified. "Stop it!"
Unfortunately for you, Willy just laughed like crazy. You looked at the ceiling, seeing the device approaching at full speed a huge window. The glass elevator passed through the window. With the impulse, the elevator rose high in the sky before plummeting. Charlie was burying his face in your chest, not wanting to see what was going to happen. The cabin was passing between the chimneys when Willy pressed a button, activating the reactors. The glass elevator suddenly froze. You slowly let go of Charlie when you saw the device floating in the air. It wasn't more reassuring, but it was better than being in free fall. The cabin began to move, flying above the entrance to the chocolate factory. The trio could see the children, punished, going out. Augustus was covered head to toe in chocolate, Violet was back to normal size, but she was still blue and had become extremely flexible, Veruca and her father were covered in filth and trash. You noticed the spoiled girl looking in your direction before talking to her father. Probably to request a flying glass elevator. As for Mike, he was now taller than his father and as thin as a sheet of paper.
"Where do you live?" Willy asked, leaning slightly towards Charlie. Charlie smiled before turning to look around for his house.
"Right over there. In that little house."
Willy pressed another button. The elevator started up to the little house. You were about to tell Willy to land in the garden, but the elevator went through the roof, landing in the only room in the house. Your uncle, aunt and grandparents looked at the trio surprised by their sudden entrance. Charlie was smiling broadly, greeting his mother. The elevator doors opened. Charlie rushed into his parents' arms, you followed more calmly, leaning against the table. Willy walked slowly out of the elevator. All eyes fell on the chocolatier.
"Mr. Willy Wonka," Grandpa Joe said with a huge grin.
"He gave us a ride home," you say, smiling at the chocolatier.
"I see that," your aunt commented looking at the hole in the ceiling.
"You must be their-" Willy yawned trying to say the word.
"Parents?" Mr. Bucket asked puzzled.
"Yeah. That," he replied with a forced smile.
Under the puzzled gaze of all, Willy began to search the house. Opening all the cupboards and closing them quickly.
"He... he s'ays Charlie's won something," you say, turning to your family.
"Not just some something. The most "something" something of any something that's ever been," Willy said, turning to you with a huge smile. "I'm going to give this boy my entire factory."
"You must be joking...," you say under your breath.
"No, really. It's true. Beacause you see, a few months ago I was having my semiannual haircut and I had the strangest revelation. In that one silver hair, I saw reflected my whole life’s work. My factory, my beloved Oompa Loompas. Who would watch over them after I was gone? I realized in that moment: I must find a heir. And I did, Charlie. You!"
"That's why you sent out the golden tickets," says Charlie excited by his award.
"Uh huh! I invited 5 children to my factory and the one who was the least rotten was the winner," Willy explained before stopping his digging to turn to Charlie with a huge smile. "So, what do you say? Are you ready to leave all this behind and come live with me in the factory?"
"Sure. Of course. I mean, it's all right if my family come too?"
"Oh! My dear boy! Of course they can't!"
This announcement throws a chill in the dilapidated little house. You couldn't suppress a nervous chuckle, tucking hair behind your ear. Maybe you heard wrong. Willy couldn't say such a thing.
"You can't run a factory with a family hanging over you like an old dead goose. No offense."
"None taken. Jerk," Grandpa George muttered.
"A chocolatier has to run free and solo! He has to follow his dreams! Gosh darn the consequences!" Willy continued, ignoring Grandpa George's insult. "Look at me. I had no family and I'm a giant success!"
Your nails dug into your arms, you wanted to cry, to scream, to run away. Why was he doing such a thing? Was it just a cruel game for him? A big joke? The news of the chocolatier had considerably dampened Charlie's joy. The boy's gaze fell on you. You had curled up on yourself, refusing to look at Willy.
"So… if I go with you to the factory, I won't ever see my family again?" Charlie asked.
"Yeah! Consider that a bonus!"
You couldn't help but shake and lower your head, cupping the bridge of your nose between your fingers. You didn't have to cry. You shouldn't be cracking up now. You turned your back on the chocolatier, going into the small kitchen.
"Then I'm not going," Charlie replied with a neutral expression. "I wouldn't give up my family for anything. Not for all the chocolate in the world."
"Oh... I see. That's... weird. There's other candy too besides chocolate," Willy tried.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Wonka. I'm staying here," Charlie replied.
Willy hadn't expected such an answer. Why Charlie refused to leave everything behind to live in his marvelous chocolate factory? His gaze fell on you, trying to find support, but you turned your back on him, refusing to look at him. The chocolatier felt his heart sink when he saw that you were upset. So it was going to end like this? Without an heir and without being able to talk to you anymore?
"(Y/N)?" Willy called, taking two steps towards you.
"Leave me alone!" you growled without turning to the chocolatier.
"Okay... If you change your mind Barley sugar, my door will always be open to you."
Willy returned to the elevator, stunned. It was a surprising turnaround.
"Wow... well, that's just unexpected and... weird. But I suppose, in that case, I'll just... goodbye then," he said, pointing his finger at a button before stopping, looking one last time at Charlie. "Sure you won't change your mind?"
"I'm sure"
"Okay. Bye." Willy pressed a button.
The doors closed and the elevator left through the hole it had made. Once the chocolate maker left, the house fell silent. You couldn't hold back your tears any longer. Charlie was the only one to come and console you while the others preferred to look away until Grandma Georgina spoke.
"Things are going to get much better."
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