"Talk"

'Thought'

"H-Hm…"

Inside what looked to be a simple cabin in the middle of the woods, a tall, muscular man, with ash-white skin and red markings, could be seen slowly waking and sitting up from the bed he was on. This man was known as Kratos, the literal God of War, and at the moment, he couldn't help but look around, confused and no doubt a bit suspicious. Unlike his past, where he would've been filled with absolute rage and killing intent, he right now didn't feel burnt out or cold, emotionally speaking; instead, all he could do was be on guard and just look around his surroundings.

"So the Ghost Of Sparta still lives, even after all you've been through."

The Ghost of Sparta quickly turned his head and looked at the person who had just entered the cabin, as well as the one who was speaking to him. From what he could see, it was an adult woman, whose entire clothing appeared to be made out of her hair, concealing most of her features, save for her gray eyes, which gazed at him with a mixture of maturity and teasing.

"So you've heard of me?..."

Kratos usually would've been super pissed at being called such a name, but he was too mentally exhausted to muster such anger; he just sighed and grunted in annoyance.

"Well being the one responsible for the death and destruction of the entire Greek pantheon would make anyone famous and well known."

The God Of War only grunted in response as he watched the woman sitting next to him, setting a bowl of clean rainbow purple water on the small table next to them and then started dipping a towel in it.

"Now then, if you please remove your blanket and lay down while exposing your injuries that's on your lower stomach."

Her request made the destroyer of the Greek pantheon hesitate a bit, but soon he did as she asked, laying back on the bed and taking off the blanket to reveal his stomach, which was wrapped in bandages. Once it was exposed, she got to work, removing the wrappings and using the wet towel to rub against the fresh injury, which did make him wince, but kept his normal, unphased expression.

"... I'm assuming you are the one responsible for treating my wounds?"

After a few moments of silence, Kratos couldn't help but ask if the woman was the one who had brought him here to this cabin to heal him.

"Your godly body did most of the work, I just made sure you didn't have to wait for a long time to fully recover while laying in your own pool of blood."

While replying to him, it seemed whatever she was doing to his injury was able to not only clean up his wound, but also speed up the healing process; it wasn't a instant quick fix, but all the pain was gone and he was recovering enough to at least move without struggling.

"Why? What do you gain to heal someone who destroyed their entire home and family?"

Kratos was genuinely curious as to why anyone would want to help someone like her.

"No reason really, I was just passing by, saw you unconscious, and just decided to be a proper lady and help you out… Of course, I won't deny that some part of me hopes this good gesture will save me and my fellow Umbra Witches from your wrath and bloodlust."

Based on the reputation the Ghost of Sparta had, it was understandable and reasonable as to why most people would want to ensure they didn't become his enemy; however, besides that, it was also nice to know that this woman, who was apparently a Umbra Witch, was also doing this out of good faith and nature. Of course, he was still suspicious, but for now, he could trust her, since she hadn't done anything to earn otherwise.

"You have my word that I won't hunt you down, or your fellow witches."

Kratos just sighs and lays his head back, wanting nothing more than to relax, as committing familicide can make anyone feel tired and desire rest.

"That's good to know."

Once the Umbra Witch finished cleaning and healing the Spartan warrior, she quickly wrapped some new bandages over his stomach and started to clean up any mess either she or he had made.

"I must let you know now, that I won't always be here to take care of you, I was lucky enough to have free time to visit you today, of course I won't abandon you, but hopefully you know how to take care of yourself while I'm away, ok?"

The God Of War simply grunted and nodded in response; he actually liked the thought of being alone right now. He still needed time to think and process on what he needed to do. Once receiving confirmation that he would be alright, the Umbra Witch turned away and started to head towards the exit, planning to leave him alone and be gone for who knows how long. With that in the mind of the Ghost Of Sparta, he quickly decided to look at her and speak up before she left.

"What is your name?"

When Kratos asked his question, the Umbra Witch stopped herself from opening the door and just looked back at him; if she hadn't had her mask and hood on, he would've seen her smile softly and teasingly at him.

"Just call me Rosa, Sir Kratos~"

Takes place after GOW 3 and before Bayonetta, or Cereza, was born or even made, though my mess with the timeline a bit here and there, but everything should still play out the same more or less, mhm~

(Yes Atreus and Faye will still exist in the story)