The Ties That Bind Us

1

Ever since I was a little girl I can remember the stories of Asgard. More importantly the stories of its ruthless overseer, Odin. The tales of how he demolished and conquered realm after realm, being akin to fairytales or bedtime stories for mortals. So naturally, we feared their realm and any that had been subjected to be under their rule.

However, we also trained tirelessly to be like them. Hoping that, if the time ever came ,we would be the ones to defeat them—a pipe dream really. Realms far more advanced in us in terms of defense, fell to their knees in the face of Asgard. Warrior after warrior, slain by the hands of their experienced army.

I say we but what I really mean is everyone of age. I was only a child, no older than 300 years and wasn't able to help. I shouldn't have been able to remember, I wish I didn't. Unfortunately for me, wishes are dead dreams. So I've been floating in the—well in between dimensions I suppose.

I'm not sure how long I've been floating in here. I don't really have anywhere to go so it's of no concern to me. I've never traveled outside my realm before, so I don't know which ones are safe to seek refuge in. As I'm resting, my arms crossed over my chest, the sound of arguing reaches my ears.

I slowly open my eyes to see flashes of people flying towards me. My first instinct is to move away but I'm quite interested. I haven't seen anything this interesting since I ended up here. I can't really hear them but I can see that the two men seem scared while the woman is determined, angry even.

As they get closer things seem to move slower for me. Flashes of fighting and yelling flows through me. The men getting pushed out of the funnel and me getting hit in the process. By the time I fully return to the present I'm in a place I don't quite recognize. It feels familiar in a way but also foreign, I'm not sure.

I lift myself from the ground and look around me to see the woman from before. She glares at me while the others look upon me with curious eyes. "Introduce yourself" she demands, "you first. I was just floating in the void and you disturbed me after all" I state. Standing up straighter in the presence of the intimidating woman.

"I don't answer to you. I don't answer to anyone" she scoffs, "fine by me. Can I go back now?" I ask annoyed. "How long have you been there—in the... void?" A man asks me, "what's it to you?" I counter. "Come. You will give me answers" the woman commands. Her crown has now faded into long black locks, luxurious and flowing down her back.

"And why should I go with you? You could be a murderer after all" I deadpan, "because you don't have a choice in the matter" she smirks. Before I can protest she harshly grabs my arm and drags me along with her. I don't continue to fight as, again, this is the most action I've experienced in a long time.

I snatch myself out of her hold and walk beside her instead. She just rolls her eyes in response and leads me through the little town. Well little is an understatement, it's much bigger than my home was. At the thought I shudder but push it away. We go through countless alleyways before arriving at a door.

She pulls it open and pushes me inside, "be quiet" is all she says. We carefully navigate hallway after hallway, going up seemingly endless flights of stairs. Eventually we end up at another door which she again pushes me rather harshly into. After closing the door she leans against it, guarding the only exit. "Now; tell me who you are" she states firmly, "again; you first" I reply.

"Please, you must know who I am" she scoffs, "I don't ask senseless questions. If I knew I wouldn't ask, dumbass" I respond. She looks angered by my response but I couldn't care less. "Hela, goddess of death" she grumbles, "goddess of death, huh? Interesting" I mutter glancing her over.

"Identify yourself" she utters, "Isabella Vandenburg" I state. "Vandenburg... and where do you hail from?" she inquires, "no matter. Where am I?" I counter. "Do you know anything? Asgard, foolish girl" she scoffs, which makes me drop my facade. Asgard? "As in The Asgard?" I ask, "well at least you know one thing" she smirks.