The Gray Area (1/2) - A Viggo Love Story (HTTYD/RTTE)

36. Fading Souls

Viggo quickly tied his mask back around his face and lifted his hood, not wanting his identity revealed. In the distance of the dark tunnel, he and Sessa could feel footsteps. Viggo was just beginning to learn the different feelings souls around him meant. And this one felt scared.

Sessa pressed herself back against the wall of the dim tunnel, waiting for the person to round the corner. Viggo did the same, watching her face change. One thing stood out to her about this person coming. The name carved into their soul that's she's seen days before; Drago. "I know who it is," she whispered.

The footsteps ran closer and closer. Just as the person was about to run past her, Sessa stuck her arm out in front of them. Something white and round fell to the ground and rolled a few feet. Krogan went into a coughing fit at the impact of Sessa's arm to his gut. As he doubled over, she removed herself from the wall and remarked with a smirk, "doesn't feel so good, does it."

When Krogan was able to straighten himself, he glared at her. Even with her mask on, he knew this woman. "Sessa, Oakhart," he snarled, "I was beginning to think I'd seen the last of you...I'm so pleased you've returned."

"It's Sessa," she corrected with a growl, "just. Sessa." Right as she finished this, Krogan threw a punch at her. Sessa dodged swiftly, but was not so lucky when his second fist came around. She was hit right in the chest, sent flying back agaisnt the tunnel wall again. Her body tudded harshly and she fell to the ground with a groan of pain.

Viggo rushed over to her and knelt at her side. "Sessa," he muttered in desperation.

"I'm fine," she growled through the pain, forcing herself to sit up against the wall.

After making sure she was actually fine, Viggo stood and turned toward Krogan. The man wore a pleased smirk as he observed, "so, you're my old friend's little helper." He then unsheathed twin daggers from his belt, readying himself for a fight. "Let's hope you're a more entertaining fight."

Viggo squinted his eyes menacingly. He hesitated, then brought out his own sword. Krogan frowned, recognizing the sword as Viggo's. Then, his eyes widened in fear and disbelief. Viggo removed his hood and mask. "Now, Krogan, don't act so surprised," Viggo grinned deviously, "deep down, you knew this wasn't over yet."

Krogan took a moment to recover from shock, then raised his voice, "you're a fool."

Raising a single eyebrow, Viggo asked in an uniterested voice, "is that so?"

"You've revealed yourself," Krogan told him, "we'll never stop hunting you now."

Viggo made a face as if he were considering this point, but he obviously had a different idea. "Well, the way I see it," he began, readying his sword, "only you know...and I don't plan on allowing you to leave this cave alive." Then, he lunged.

All Sessa could do was watch as the two men fought. But before long, she felt Krogan's soul begin to cry out desperately. It was the same desperation that lead her to those she saved. Her instincts told her to react the way she always had in such a situation: save the soul. So she stayed exactly where she was, completely capable of stopping the bloodshed, but not lifting her finger. And it was the greatest revenge; knowing that this man would die, and simply waiting to watch it happen.

Even though Krogan was the only one who knew anything of her mysterious brother, whom she couldn't even remember. Even though he'd giving her such curiosity-peaking bits of information, such as this Drago character. Even though his death would mean no answers to these questions. Sessa watched with a small, crooked grin as Viggo's sword finally met it's mark.

Viggo was breathing heavily from the adrenaline pumping in his veins. As he stared down at the fallen man's body, he could've sworn he could feel Krogan's soul fade into nothing. It brought him a sudden sense of freedom. Recalling his wounded love just a few yards away, Viggo hurried to her side. But by the time he made it to her, Sessa was already beginning to heave herself to her feet.

Sessa clutched her head in pain and groaned, "that's finally over."

"Indeed," Viggo breathed, his concerned eyes boaring into Sessa. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Sessa insisted as she met his eyes. Then, she cocked her head and asked delicately, "..are you?" He had, after all, just killed a man.

Viggo looked back to Krogan's dead body and hesitated. "..I don't feel bad for what I did today," he admitted.

"That doesn't mean that the aftermath will be easy," Sessa reminded empathetically. She then took Viggo by the hand and began to lead him back out of the deep cave. "Come," she insisted, "our work here is done."

But as they began to leave the dim tunnels, Viggo recalled the white object Krogan had dropped. He looked around carefully before spotting it. A dragon egg.