Chapter 3:

Sleep was something that Kratos hated in particular. Not because of its purpose, but of what he receives out of it personally. So many nightmares of his past. So many regrets. So many times he did something out of his selfish need for vengeance. It all could have been avoided had he not been so stubborn and foolish. If he had let the Barbarian King slay him, he would not have to suffer under Are's rule and slay his family. Perhaps Greece would be in ruins all because of his efforts to kill Zeus. To him, Atreus is blessed with not having to deal with the nightmares that he has to. Sure the boy has visions of the future, but those visions are helpful and can lead to the right strategic plan of attack. His nightmare simply brings the sorrow and shame he feels every time. Sure some of those he killed deserved every bit of pain he delivered, but it didn't make anything better.

One thing he hates the most is what they say to him before he kills them. Words that haunt him to this day.

"I should have expected this from a coward such as yourself! A coward who murders his own kin!" he'd always curse them out in his head as he heard these words as well. Damn you Cronos. He thought.

"You may defeat me, but in the end Kratos, you will only destroy yourself!" Another voice would say. Damn you Hermes. He thought.

"Athena is dead because of the rage that consumes you Kratos. What more will you destroy?" A final voice said. Damn you above all Zeus. He thought.

The final voice woke him up from his sleep in the small room Hakoda let him and the boy stay in. This however was not enough to wake the boy as all Kratos did was open his eyes and lift his head up from his bed. As he looked out the window, he saw that it was nearly daybreak. Seeing this, he decided to head outside since the snow storm was not as wild as the night before. However, it still snowed at a rather moderate pace. The cold was still the same as well. Just as bitter and freezing as last night.

He picked up his Axe and began to walk out the door when he remembered to check on his Blades. They were still in the box that he had put them in. Hakoda, as Kratos requested, also gave him a lock with a key to make sure it was safe before everyone went to sleep. Hakoda questioned his head but saw it best to respect the man's wishes. For the morning however, Kratos chose to leave the Blades where they were. Besides, he had the key and the box was made up of a strong metal. No one would be getting through the box anytime soon.

Kratos made his way out of the house and simply stood there to take the air in, Leviathan in his right hand. The cold bothered him little even though the armor he wore left much of his back, chest, and powerful arms exposed. He saw it best to cast the environment around him to see where everything was in the village. Where the exits were and the best route to gain fighting advantage should he need to for any reason. Like Mimir said, other beasts he and the boy were used to fighting mich have been taken right along with him. Though they always won against them, he didn't want to take any chances. His way of preparing for anything has not failed them before. Why would it now?

Back in the house

Aang, being the early bird was bright awake. This of course was not enough to leave Katara's side in the bed so he stayed there until she would eventually wake up. He always saw her beautiful no matter what she did or looked like. This was no different. She's the only one to have that effect on him with her beauty.

Eventually, her eyes began to open and felt something wrap around her waist. Like a pair of arms in a protective manner.

It was Aang.

He rolled over to her other side and saw him looking at her with a sweet, gentle look. She loved the way he looked at her. It made her feel special in a way she never felt before.

"Morning," He said. She then wrapped her arms around him, inhaling his unique scent. Her embrace made him sighed happily.

"Morning to you too."

After a few more minutes just holding each other in a sweet cuddling embrace, Katara broke the silence.

"So what's on the agenda for today? Work around the house, stupid counsel meetings, or making sure Sokka and Toph don't pull a dumb prank on our new friends?" He chuckled at the last part.

"Well, I don't have another counsel meeting 'till tomorrow so that's off the list. Sokka told me he wants to do house work himself, which is a first." That part made Katara giggle slightly. "And I guess since he's busy with that, and Toph is leaving to go to her metalbending academy, we won't have to worry about any pranks on us or the others.

"Sounds good" She gave him a kiss on the lips and got up to change, but Aang stopped her.

"You wanna get up now?" He pouted. "Just a few more minutes, please?"

"Fine, but if we're late to breakfast I'm making you hold that talking head for an hour." She said playfully. Though the thought of him actually doing that was both gross and hilarious, she was just kidding. And he knew it.

"Deal." They spend the rest of the time holding each other comfortably 'till breakfast.

Later

Atreus got up from his bed at the smell of something delicious. Most likely breakfast. Mimir was on a comfortable looking chair and Kratos was not in his bed. The boy assumed he went out to get some air. No way somebody killed or captured the big guy. They'd never get far with that.

"Mornin' lad."

"Morning Mimir. Is everyone awake?"

"I'd assume so. No one came in to check on us but somebody's cooking somethin' fierce for sure." Atreus just nodded. He then picked up Mimir and went out the door into the kitchen. An old woman was busy making breakfast. Strange. He did not see her last night. Might as well say hello. He hid Mimir behind him so she wouldn't freak out and opened his mouth to speak.

"Um, hello ma'am."

"Oh hello there young man. How are you?"

"I'm alright. I don't believe I saw you last night at dinner."

"I was already asleep in my own room by dinner time. Hakoda told me an hour ago we had guests. What is your name?"

"I am Atreus. What's your's"

"Kanna. But my kids and their friends call me Gran Gran."

"I see, I assume 'Gran Gran' means something along the lines of grandmother?"

"Indeed it does."

"Well, I'm not too sure how to feel about calling you that, so for now I'd like to stick to Kanna if that's alright with you."

"All the same to me, Atreus. Have a seat. Breakfast is almost ready."

Atreus nodded and took a seat in the circle of mats on the floor. When a minute passed, everyone came down from their rooms to eat breakfast. They all said their good mornings to each other and began conversation with Atreus. They asked him random questions about himself. Eventually, Sokka brought up a question about the boy's father.

"Hey kid, where's your dad?"

"I think he went outside to get some air. He does that often."

"Why do you think that is?" asked Aang. Atreus gave his response a bit of thought.

"He's been a little 'dispirited' as Mimir would put it. I'm not entirely sure why." This was followed by silence. Sokka then had a thought and proceeded to speak aloud. Surprisingly Kana never brought up who this Mimir was despite hearing this while cooking. She was focused.

"So kid, you're skilled with your bow, right?"

"Yeah, as I said before I barely ever miss. Why?" Sokka smirked at this.

"Well, how would you like to join a hunting party? We can put those skills to good use in finding food for the village." Atreus thought about it for a moment. Perhaps his father would allow this. He was always talking about how important it is to keep a warrior's skills sharp. Hunting is a good way to do so.

"I'm all for it. I just need to let Father know. Who knows? I could teach you a few things along the way!", he said with a smug look on his face. Sokka then rolled his eyes at the boy's cocky statement.

"Yuh huh whatever you say squirt."

After a minute, breakfast was served and was consumed quickly by all those present. Soon after, Suki, Toph and Zuko stood up.

"Well this has been nice, but I have duties back at home. I believe it's time for me to head back to the Fire nation." Atreus chuckled at the name which made everyone look at him.

"Sorry. Of all the names I'd expect for a place to be called, Fire Nation would not be one of them." At this, Zuko smirked.

"You're probably right."

"Yeah well, I'm headed back to the academy. My lily livers have been away from me too long. Time to rough 'em up some more." Everyone chuckled at this as Toph and Zuko hugged everyone and said goodbye as they left the house.

"As for me, I'm headed with Zuko to the Fire Nation. The other Kyoshi warriors have been his bodyguards for a while and It's time I get back to leading them." Suki said. Sokka gave a sad look hearing that his girlfriend had to leave. Suki noticed this and gave him a quick kiss, assuring that they'd see each other soon enough. Now, it was just Gran Gran, Hakoda, Sokka, Katara, Aang, and Atreus.

"She's a warrior too?!" The boy asked. Sokka nodded at this. "That is amazing! Are you all warriors?"

"Well me and my dad are warriors of the Southern Watertribe. Aang is the Avatar and Katara here is a waterbender."

"What is a waterbender?"

"You don't have bending where you're from?" asked Aang. Atreus shook his head. "Well then I have a lot to tell you for you to understand about our world. It's a big explanation so are you ready for it?" Atreus pulled out his journal ready to write.

"Now I am," he said. And Aang proceeded.

Aang told Atreus of how this world works. That the world is made up of four nations. That they are named after elements and that people from each nation can bend the elements. That the Avatar can bend all four and that when the Avatar dies, It's reincarnated into the next nation in the order of water, earth, fire, and air. He even went so far as to tell him of the 100 year war. The part that every member of the gang played. How Aang messed up as the Avatar and was trapped in ice for 100 years. That Katara and the others all helped him train to defeat Ozai and end the war. All of this was now written down in Atreus' journal and also full of illustrations to go with it. He could not believe it. They were heroes. Despite their failures and struggles, they brought peace. It is what Atreus has tried so hard to be like as a God for a while. But one more question remained.

"Did you and Katara ever get married?" he said bluntly. This made Aang and Katara blush, fiercely at the fact that Atreus asked this at all.

"No," Aang replied. It was all he could say. That's a suprise. Atreus thought.

"Thank you for telling me all of this. It's been really educational. I've learned a lot." he said. This is when Mimir decided to speak.

"Aye, so have I lad." Gran Gran was the only one confused. Atreus noticed the expression on her face and chuckled. He reached behind him to reveal Mimir and Gran Gran was in shock. Her hand was over her mouth, eyes wide. Mimir was confused at the expression, but then realized it was because he was a literal head.

"What is that?!"

"I know right?" Everyone but Atreus, Mimir, and Gran Gran said in unison. This was gonna be interesting.

Later

Everyone then went on their own time, or did work. Aang and Katara decided to spend time to themselves so they could make the most of the day. Tomorrow, it will be another boring counsel meeting. Sokka, as he said he would, did housework. It seemed he wanted to impress the Spartan to show he was hardworking for his family. Later, he'd try to show his worth as a warrior to him. Of course, Hakoda didn't think it necessary, but seeing as how it would mean he wouldn't have to worry about work in the house, he decided to let Sokka waste his efforts. Atreus walked around the village despite the bitter cold that still raged on. Thankfully, his boots have been given a coating of Wulver skin. Therefore, the cold would not slow him down much. Not many people were outside, so he would head to different buildings to see all kinds of work being done. He'd stop by the school where new kids were learning to waterbend. He was simply entire place was amazing to him. A beautiful community. He was certainly going to like this place even more.

Elsewhere in the village.

Aang had taken some time to himself by meditating. He still had no idea how Kratos and Atreus got here to this world as they clearly come from another seeing as they had no idea what bending was in the first place. Perhaps Roku could clear things up.

He sat in his lotus position, took a long, deep breath, and his tattoos began to glow. After a few short moments, he felt an essence escape his body and face in front of him. He opened his eyes to see Avatar Roku standing in front of him. A smile on his face. In return, Aang smiled back.

"Hello Aang. It's good to see you again." he said. The young airbender smiled in response. Roku's face became more serious. "I know what you have called me for today. The man and boy you met in the cold."

"Yeah. I gotta say, those two are just strange to me. The kid is nice and enthusiastic, but he has no idea what the concept of bending even is. His father doesn't either. That guy is way less open and is very serious. I really don't understand who they are or where they're from." said Aang. Roku looked at him for a moment and looked as if he too had no clue what the newcomers' deal was. Aang picked up on that, from which he already knew what Roku was going to say.

"I'm afraid I have no answers as to who they are, where they come from, or how they got here. That is a mystery that can only be solved by asking them. However, I do have other troubling news to tell you."

"What would that be?"

"The Spirits are concerned that something in the mortal world has changed. I have felt it as well. It feels out of balance. I fear dark times are coming this way Aang. They are coming soon. Do your best to be prepared. You have kept a great peace for so long. I am confident you can get through what comes forth." At this, Aang smiled. But Roku wasn't finished.

"But you cannot do this alone Aang. I am not talking about without your friends. I am also talking about the man and boy you have been acquainted with. I sense you may need their aid above all else."

Aang sighed. He should've known that Roku would be cryptic like this as usual. "Well, I'll do what I can. Thank you Roku."

And with that, Roku vanished. Aang was left to ponder what dark days the future will bring.

Later

It was the middle of the day as everyone went about their business. Kratos wandered around the village himself. Given that he stood out among the other people, he had a lot of eyes fall upon him. He would simply look them in the eye with a face that gave a clear message that he was in no mood for games and could care less about what they thought of him. Thankfully, no one here seemed to be all that threatening which made getting such a message out even easier.

Suddenly, a commotion could be heard no to far from where the Spartan was. There was quite a bit of yelling as well. This caught Kratos' attention as he walked towards the sounds. What could be seen was a group of men arriving upon the backs of large creatures. The men were dark skinned like the rest of the villagers and dressed similar to them, yet the clothing they wore was slightly for savage like. The leader began to speak.

"Citizens of the Southern Tribe, we are part of the resistance you all witnessed attacking the false Chief Hakoda a few weeks back. In the event of our leader, Gilak's death we seek to finish what he started. Many of you believed us when we said that foreigners should be removed from our beloved tribe. Join us now so we may drive them out and the Avatar and his friends. They will know the might of the Southern Water Tribe. If you refuse, we cannot be held responsible for what happens next." he finished with his fish raised high. After a few moments, the situation became very awkward as no one moved a muscle. Then, villagers began to go towards the rebels and join them. Very few villagers actually came forward to join the rebels. Those few were given weapons to fight in this war they thought to be in their failure simply because of what they believe in. At this point they were fighting a losing battle. There was no way to actually overcome those they sought to challenge. Anyone with a brain could tell.

As Kratos watched it all happen, he noticed his son standing in the crowd watching as well. Atreus felt eyes on him and saw his father in the distance. The boy wanted to do something about this whole ordeal and looked to his father for the okay to do so. This conflicted the Spartan as he pondered if this was worth their time at all. A thought came to mind. They are gods. They have one every battle that has come forth. Should this escalate to a fight, they could easily end the rebels in quick succession. He didn't have to worry about the boy's safety then. At the very least they could try and warn them off in order to prevent a fight from happening. Much like Tyr did. If it didn't work, then they'd go with the alternative. Having thought this through, Kratos nodded and Atreus stepped up to the rebels. Kratos now at his side.

"You really think this will end in your favor? That this is a battle you can win? I've of what the Avatar can do. He's stronger than any one in this world." he said. All eyes were on him now.

"Who even are you. As far as I can tell you're no Southerner like us. Therefore you don't belong here. Just like the rest of these foreigners and fools who refuse to join us. You have no place here. On top of that you're a kid. What are you gonna do if we go through with this?" The leader said. His weapon pointed at the boy. Atreus then quickly aimed his bow at the man and proceeded to draw a Shock arrow from his quiver and positioned it at the man's head.

"Fight for what I believe in." the boy responded coldly. The men became wide eyed as they saw the arrow glow in yellow lightning. "You fight for isolation and careless freedom. Me? I fight for unity and protection. Þruma!" At that moment the boy switches his target from the man's head to his arm. The arrow was released with great accuracy as it penetrated the leader's arm and began to electrify him. The lighting then spread to the other rebels electrifying them as well. All rebels were now in one large lightning chain. The beats they were mounted on became scared and confused and shook the rebels off and ran out of the village. The rebels were left vulnerable. As Atreus was about to strike again when an arm came to stop his next action. It was his father. He gave the boy a look that let him know that he had done quite enough to humiliate these fool rebels. The Spartan was impressed. The boy did this all on his own. A true sign that he had grown into a very capable god. The rebels were still not out despide the electricity still coursing through their veins.

Aang then came down the roof of a building and landed in front of the two gods in a fighting stance. "Sorry I'm late." he said. A smile was wide on his face. "Did you do this?" he asked the boy. Atreus nodded, smiling as well. Yeah, Aang was really impressed. At that moment, a rebel came towards Aang with his machete, crying out a battle cry. Aang tucked in great speed and pushed the man back with an air blast.

He took a look at the assailant and covered a mouth to keep from laughing. "I'm sorry I gotta say something for a second here. What are you trying to compensate for with a machete like that? If it's what I think it is, then you're not doing a good job. That thing's shorter than my hand for Spirit's sake." he said, earning a laugh from Atreus and a few villagers in the crowd. Aang then used a waterbending form to create an ice formation that encased the rebel's bodies inside. The only thing that was stuck out of the ice was their heads.

"That'll hold you for a while." He looked back at the Kratos and the boy and smiled. Kratos nodded in respect.

"You are skilled. Impressive for a person your age. Much like my son." the Spartan said in his low, deep voice. His son impressing him is one thing, but for a person like Aang to impress him spoke volumes. Aang didn't see that as he knew little of what Kratos was truly like.

Just as things seemed to calm down enough to go back to relaxation, a roar could be heard in the distance. Kratos looked to the entrance of the village and saw a group of figures. He knew their sight all too well. So did Atreus. Their volcano hard like form, fire like glow upon their weapons and body, it was all too obvious what these things were. Kratos reached behind his back to grab gis Leviathan Axe and have it at the ready. The blade of the Axe charged up and began to frost up. His weapon at the ready and Atreus already prepared with his bow and three Shock Arrows, they were ready for battle. For Draugr were nearing them.