The Ties That Bind Us

14

Isabella's pov
These days spent on Midgard, or Earth, with the witches has been the best. I've never experienced such joy and felt so loved by so many people. I feel like I finally belong and have a family here. I've been thinking more about Asgard, unfortunately, and I'm not sure what to do. I know that I wouldn't like to return but, should I?

I can't help but think of Hela and how hard she seemed to take it. I shouldn't feel bad for her, she slaughtered the citizens of my home, so why do I? It's not fair that I feel this way, that I'm suffering due to her poor decisions. Then again, my mind has been drifting to Odin. There's something about his demeanor during my time there that doesn't sit right with me.

I've been thinking of possible explanations but it's not adding up. Here, I am able to think more freely without distraction. Coming up with endless possible scenarios for his behavior. Maybe Dreake was a part of his conquest but that wouldn't explain why he acted like he didn't know me. Though, it would serve as an explanation of Hela's behavior.

She seemed so remorseful when I confronted her about it. As if she never would've done it had she known it was me she'd be hurting. Maybe Odin made her do it? It still doesn't track because he acted indifferent towards me. Though Loki does have those sane traits and like father like son as they say.

My thoughts are interrupted by a knock on my door. I open it to see Cordelia standing there, a confused smile on her face. "What's up?" I ask softly, "someone's here to see you" she answers. "Who?" I ask, "she won't say, but it seems urgent" she states. I nod and follow her down the stairs, hoping it's not Hela.

Though I remember telling Cordelia what she looks like, she would definitely recognize her. I arrive at the base of the stairs and greet the girls before turning to see a woman in a hood. She pulls it back and slowly raises her gaze to meet my own. "Frigga..." I breathe out, "Hi, sweetheart" she smiles softly.

"Isa... who's this bitch?" Madison asks, "bitch?" Frigga repeats confused. "Madison, sit. Frigga, outside" I order and they both follow my instructions. I glance at Cordelia and give her a reassuring smile which eases her nerves. I exit and take a seat on the swinging bench on the porch while Frigga takes the stool instead.

"So?" I prompt, knowing if she came all this way it has to be important. Not to mention the fact that she came alone. "Hela has been banished" she states, "and? That has nothing to do with me" I point out. "After you left she... I'm not sure what happened. I didn't even recognize her, my own daughter!" she cries.

"Odin felt he had no choice but to banish her, though I tried to fight it. Now he is talking of executing her and... I can't have that Isabella, I won't! I'm not sure what it is about you but I can see it in his eyes. You are the only one that can talk to him the way you have. Something in you—he fears you—and Odin does not fear much" she says.

"I'm still not seeing what this has to do with me" I sigh, watching the trees sway in the breeze. "I need you, Isabella. Hela needs you. You're the only one that can save her from his wrath. I can tell he's at his wits end with her attempts to escape. Not only that but... she's hurt, Isabella. Angry at her father; and her emotions tend to get the best of her" Frigga sighs.

"Odin's anger may result in her death and that is tragic on its own. But Hela? She will not stop until all of Asgard is in ruins if we don't do something about it. If you don't do something about it. I've never seen her as happy as she was with you. She won't listen to me and she certainly won't listen to her brothers" she voices.

"I know you're hurting, darling. Everything you've known has been a lie and I can't imagine living like that. I'm not asking you to forgive any of us. I, for one, will never forgive myself for it. All I'm asking is that you don't—that you don't punish her more out of spite. I know you still love her... I can feel it" she says with hope in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Frigga—that you're going through this. But I can not help you. In the short time that I've known Hela, I can see how strong she is. She is more than capable of saving herself. If anything, Odin should fear what she will do to him. Now, it's been nice seeing you, but I have other matters to attend to" I sigh, standing up and offering her my hand.

She takes it with a sigh and nods to me before leaving. I watch as she exits the gates and turns down the street. I take a deep breath before entering the house and putting on a smile. I eat dinner with all the girls and try my best not to think of Hela for the time being. Frigga is right, I do still love her, but how can I allow myself to feel that way after all she's done?

After dinner, I retire to my room and stare at the ceiling. As much as I would like to, I can't get what Frigga said out of my head. "Knock knock" I turn my head and and see Cordelia with her head peeking in. I give her a weak smile and she pouts at me as she closes the door. "What's going on, sweet pea?" she asks as she sits on the bed.

I sit up and lean against the headboard with a sigh. I tell her what Frigga and I talked about and she nods along as she listens. "And you want to help her" she assumes, "yes but... I can't" I sigh. "If I may; I know she's hurt you, immensely. However, consider that not extending compassion may actually hurt you more in the end" she mutters.

"What do you mean?" I ask, looking to her to just tell me what to do. "Despite the past, you still love her. If what Frigga said is true, and she dies, could you live knowing that there was something you could do? What I'm trying to say is that you should at least think about it. I can't tell you what to do, because it's not my life, but I know you... and you're fearless about those you love. Just like your mother" she smiles, pinching my cheek.

I scowl and pull away, rolling my eyes playfully as she chuckles. "Ok" I sigh and she raises an eyebrow, skeptically narrowing her eyes. "Promise me you'll think about it" she states, "I promise" I reply funnily. She rolls her eyes and stands up, leaning down to place a kiss on my forehead. "Good night, Isa" she mumbles, "Goodnight, Delia" I reply turning over.