The Son of Kratos

Chapter 8

I can't believe that this book has reached over 100 reads. I am so happy and proud that people actually like what I write and that I decided to do this. Thank you. Now Atreus has a moral dilemma, between having to kill one person to help him save the world or not.

Zoe's feelings for Atreus, that she hadn't thought of for almost a year, were plaguing her mind as she saw how happy he was with Freydis. He was different, not only physically but also mentally, she could see torment and pain in his eyes. Zoe and her friends asked Chiron if he knew what happened to Atreus but he only repeated what Jake told the campers. When they asked Jake more, he said "why would I tell you more?" "Because we've known him longer than you." Jake just laughed in response, "time works differently in each realm. One month on Midgard is one year in Valhalla. That is why Atreus is so different, to you he spent two years away while for him, it felt like 24 years. Five of which he spent being tortured by Giants and Dark Elves. He had to grow up. He had to survive. I see how you look at him Zoe, but through all of that Freydis was there for him. He wakes up screaming unless she is by his side. Where were you? She makes him happy and anchors him to his humanity. Without her, he would not be able to control his powers. If you truly have feelings for him, don't seek his unhappiness." With that he walked away, leaving them shocked by his outburst. Zoe knew he was right.

One day, Atreus approached Zoe, looking nervous, "hey. So, Jake told me about your conversation the other day." Zoe internally panicked while he continued, "and I just wanted to clarify that I'm with Freydis and she makes me happy. I don't want to be with you. I'm sorry if this upsets you but I hope we can remain friends." She said, "I'd like that. You know we can get rid of some of those scars, like the one on your face." Atreus perked up and nodded, following her. Bianca removed the scar on his face and the burn marks while Atreus explained what he had to do to unlock more of his powers to Zoe. "You have to kill someone?" He nodded. "I don't know what to do. I would be ending someone's life but doing that would help me postpone Ragnarok." "You need to do what you think is best." "That advice never helped anyone." Zoe laughed. It seems they could still be friends.

Freydis and Atreus were sparring in the arena when someone yelled "people at the barrier!" They looked at each other before running towards the voice. Everyone was crowded around this one area where five men, holding swords, stood. The leader spoke, "we were sent by Hel. We have come for the son of Kratos! The sooner we get him, the sooner we can leave." Luke and Charles stepped forward, only to be held back by Atreus. "No. This is my fight." Atreus said in a much deeper voice. He walked with his sword in hand. His tattoos appeared on his body as his shirt burned away. "You wanted me? Here I am!" He dashed forward, stabbing one in the leg then cutting another's hand off, leaving campers shocked at his brutality. He jumped over one and kicked him to the ground. Atreus then slashed across one's back. Only the leader remained. "You threaten my family. Demand I go with you. You have chosen the wrong side." Their swords clashed and eventually they disarmed each other. The leader punched Atreus to the ground, then stalked towards Freydis. As he saw this, an intense rage overcame Atreus, he rose from the ground and ran at the attacker. Tackling him to the ground, Atreus repeatedly punched him in the face, blood soaked his hands and decorated his body, until with one final two handed strike to the skull, the attacker was dead. Atreus stood up, blood covering his hands and face, wide eyed. His eyes shone dark blue as a faint glow circled him.

Atreus' face contorted in pain as fell to one knee, a loud crunch sound heard. Atreus' bones cracked and broke as he screamed and writhed in agony. They dragged him into the infirmary. "What is happening?" Bianca yelled over the screams. Freydis burst into the room. "You need to put him outside. He is transforming into an animal. Just like what Loki does. The first time is always painful, trust me I've done this too." A loud, animal-like roar came from Atreus as his eyes snapped open, glowing icy blue, and his mouth opened, showing fangs extending from his teeth. They rushed to get him outside in fear and formed a circle around him. Freydis walked closer and said, "turn around. All of you." They did as Freydis took off her clothes and turned into a big, grey wolf with less pain than Atreus was having. Atreus focused on her glowing green eyes and relaxed, the pain was still excruciating but he was able to become a massive wolf with black fur. Everyone turned back to see the two wolves staring at each other. They walked closer and rubbed their heads together. They then ran off into the forest together and found a small clearing, where they laid down and cuddled for the rest of the night.

Atreus woke up the next day in the middle of the forest with a weight on his chest. He looked down to see the mop of wavy blond hair belonging to his girlfriend covering his scarred chest. He saw clothes and carefully removed himself from under her. Quickly getting dressed, he then covered Freydis and woke her up. He turned away as she got dressed. Once Freydis was done, she walked over to Atreus and kissed him passionately, he immediately kissed back. "I'm sorry you had to go through that. Killing someone, then turning into a wolf." Images of the previous night flashed in his mind as he looked down in shame. Freydis lifted his chin up so he was looking at her. "Don't be ashamed. I will always stand by you. Nothing is going to change that." They kissed again. Atreus smiled brightly at Freydis who had her usual smile on her face. They then walked back to camp, hand in hand.

Hi so I have a little problem. I originally planned for Zoe and Atreus to end up together and then I thought it would be could if he got a girlfriend in Valhalla, so I wrote Freydis in. I was going to have them break up or something but I started to like her character more and more. I don't know which one to chose, I'm leaning more towards Freydis. So if you comment which one you want to end up with Atreus, that would be very helpful. Thank you, keep reading and telling others.