Flashbacks fir dayyys. All the stuff you thought you'd miss. Enjoy!
Annaleise's POV
(Crash day)
Her one day off and she spends it in the woods. Writing down new things as she discovers them and their purpose. Some animals are nice enough to warn her before she tries to eat anything she shouldn't. But most are too afraid to, the few are the bravest to try. Some are subtle in their hints, birds singing danger in their songs and squirrels throwing their nuts at her. All interactions big or small, she jots them down in her journal with drawings and tips.
She loved the forest. It always protected her, she felt for a place that didn't have eyes she was being watched over with care. Nexus also was watching her, making sure her presence is protected in her circle.
But the forest couldn't protect her from herself…
She felt alone again.. she had no one to talk to or share her stories with… Cleo could care less about her stories; she just wants naps and playtimes outside.
She missed Jena…
She missed her parents…
Their smiles and warm laughs. The endless jokes and teasing. The stories at dinnertime of dragons and castles, God's and war's, and many full of magic and wonder that made her excited to hear more.
She missed their Love…
But they were gone… taken…
Stolen from her…
She can never get them back…
She will be alone forever…
She had nothing…
No one to really trust…
She wished she could fly away…
To find someone who will make these feelings disappear….
There it came, the burden she felt that weighed her, amplified, enough to make her body act against her. She could fight it, but this time she didn't want to. She just let it happen…
As her skin turned to feathers, she flew…
She couldn't go high; this bird wasn't meant for long flights, being a ground bird. She rested on a tree as sounds of a Loud boom echoed in the sky.
The animals were screaming in panic, they couldn't make out what's going on. She couldn't even understand them, everything flowed together in worry and fear… they said something about the Meadow…
A loud bang… sounded like a crash as it came from…
'Nexus…'
She flapped as hard as she could, breathing steady with her wing beats trying to make it to the Meadow. Her heart calm under the pressure.
Once she arrived at the clearing, Nexus was silent and still. Her leaves and petals stripped of her beautiful colors. Most likely cautious from the sudden change. She was fine, thank goodness.
She looked to see a large creator that dipped in the ground, a long path of trees destroyed by whatever took them out.
But nothing to be seen. No flames? Usually a crash site from the sky has fire, right?
She couldn't find the cause no matter how hard she looked.
Finally, a head popped up from the grass…
It was a man…
He had shoulder length black hair, green eyes, and the most beautiful face she has ever seen on a man… Despite the cults all over him.
For just a head… not bad…
He struggled to stand to reveal his armor and injuries. His body was huge! He was tall, his shoulders were wide, the armor made him bigger… but she also was a larger than average quail, that's still not very big, maybe he wasn't that large.
He was clutching his side, turning around to look at his surroundings.
He looked…
Hurt as hell…
but…
Interesting.
He probably has the best stories, he looked like he's lived through them all. He looked like he could tell many, of a world unlike hers. Of worlds…
He looked…
Kinda sad…
Not kinda, maybe really sad. Depressed.
Like he's …
Lonely…
He then glanced in her direction, she flinched in shock and flapped away as hard as she could to get away. Her heart beating faster than her wings could go…
Who the hell was that?!
How did he get in the Meadow?!?
Why was he hurt all over!?
Why dressed in Armor?!
What even just happened?!
She smiled as much as a beak could smile. She was full of questions, passion, and drive.
'I must meet him.'
Annaleise's POV
(Cleo's "Vet Visit")
She parked her car off road, out of view in case anyone drove by. She got out with Cleo in the carrier making a hissy fit.
'SO YOU'RE DROPPING ME OFF!? After dragging me out, making me wait in the car doing whatever humans do, and now this! I knew you'd get rid of me, but all because I made a mess and made the pretty guy suspicious?! If he wasn't going to tell the truth, I sure as hell was! I knew I shouldn't have listened to you when you said you were taking me to get a pretty collar! It was a trap!'
Annaleise's rolled her eyes over the dramatic display, walking through the trees going straight ahead. Knowing where it leads. She wouldn't have been able to convince her to go otherwise if she didn't get something that sparkled on her end of the deal.
"Calm down, I'm not dropping you off. We are seeing Nexus."
'NEXUS?! YOU'RE GOING TO LET ME MEET THE TALKING TREE?!'
"Yes, why is that shocking?"
'The tree you never shut up about because it never shuts up… why is that something that involves me now? You never took me here before.'
"This needs to be a discussion. I have to find out what happened last night."
'Couldn't we discuss this at home?'
Cleo sounded nervous, despite her efforts to seem angry.
'Talking to a cat about a topic of said person that lives under the same roof as me. A discussion of a possible murder crime we are accusing him of… It's not smart… just in case he decides to eavesdrop. We don't want him thinking we are suspicious of him. Besides, Nexus has some answers to 'That Day.' I haven't caught up with her since, she deserves to know what's going on. She saw everything, and you saw everything. I trust both of you before I trust Jack… or Loki…'
She was unsure if she could trust him, he lied. But he saved her in the end… at least in Jack's story and loki's … is that good intentions? He was keeping himself safe from retaliation. Murder is a real reason to hide others from the truth… he could be worried she would kick him out if she knew.
'Something tells me after you know the truth, he's still going to be living under your roof. Just because you said his name like that.'
She shook the carrier a little bit in frustration. Cleo always knew how to press buttons. But truthful buttons… it caused a growl from Cleo, but she seemed pleased by her reaction.
'Why do I even have to be involved? Why couldn't I just stay home and you talk to the tree.'
"Because, despite the act, you care. You wouldn't warn me or wouldn't try to defend me, if you didn't care. You didn't leave my side all night, but wouldn't speak a word to me. Other than one. For both of me and Loki to see. You made your point clear you want to be involved. So stop being a mean, pushy, whining baby. At least say you care a little, if you care so much. Sometimes It's hard to tell if you even care about me at all…"
She was silent in her carrier the rest of the way.
Annaleise's gaze landed on a familiar arch of trees. Finally, she made it to the edge of the clearing. The trees parted for her passage, into the meadow. She scoped out behind her and ahead of her just in case. Making her way up to the very large and beautiful wisteria tree. Her flowers are in full bloom in Anna's presence. She smiled widely in wonder and awe at her majestic ora.
'Hello, my child. I am delighted to see you!'
"As am I, Nexus."
Anna balanced herself over her roots hopping across and jumping over them, finding a place in her usual spot. Her little stump is big enough to lay on. She sat down and settled herself, setting Cleo beside her. As the flattest part of root lifts off the ground, raises her higher, and closer to the tree.
'You look happy today, less grumbled than usual. It's a sight to see indeed. But, something troubles you. What is it, dove?'
She smiled to the tree, the love warming her as the tree's colors glowed of a lovely pink as she spoke. Her leaves and petals glowing brightly in the sun and dancing in the breeze.
"The man that appeared here… He has me racing with so many questions. I can't understand at all why he intrigues me so much. But, some part of me… really wants to trust him…. Can you help me? By answering some of my questions and listening to Cleo, we have to catch you up on so much."
Cleo was released from the carrier. Cleo looked astonished yet terrified, as she slowly eased her way out of the carrier in caution. Sniffing the tree, getting in her smell. Touched her paws on the wood and jumped as the bark reacted to her. It glowed and pulsed with energy. Same as it did at Anna's feet and where she laid. She finally was brave enough to walk her entire body from the safety of the carrier. Cleo tried to sit comfortably, trying to not seem phased.
'Hello little one, Cleo, I am Nexus. Anna speaks much of you and your boisterous attitude. She loves you very much, so it makes me happy to meet you.'
Cleo had her ears back and her tail twitching and flicking with irritation. Trying her best not to look happy at the words of the tree's greeting.
'Great… nice to meet you too… Can we get this over with?'
'If you wish, do tell… how has this strange man from the sky caused such a ruckus out there?'
Anna was curious about that, 'man of the sky'. She didn't interrupt as Cleo was eager to gossip all about it. She spilled everything, this is her way of saying she cares. By making sure everyone knows the truth. Nexus slowly changed the more Cleo spoke. The men, their hate, their fury, the fists, feet, pipes and blood… Anna's blood. Nexus was red with all of her petals fuming like a flame as they shook in the wind.
Then Loki… how he saved her…
And after, He carried her…
He held her in his arms. Tanking her to the sofa, she remembered waking up on.
Looking as though he were dead himself with how pale he was seeing her like that. His determination to make her better, made her entire body heal with a vibrant green glow.
Nexus started to turn a soft green, she usually got that color when she was deep in thought.
For Annaleise however,
Her face was hot, heart was pounding. She was red…
He came back for her…
He saved her…
He… held her…
He wanted her to live…
He healed her… how?
She couldn't guess.. but..
How could he be bad… if he did all that…
for her?
'Wait a minute… are you saying this man has access to your home? Did you intentionally seek him out after he crashed in the valley, Anna?'
"Y-Yes…"
Man from the sky, crashed in the valley? She didn't interrupt because she knew she was about to get an earful. Her colors were orange; it was usually the color of her fear.
'He could be dangerous! He fell from the sky, that kind of fall could kill a man! Anyone! He lived, there's no telling what kind of power he holds!'
"If that's true, then why save me? Why come back and help me if he is dangerous? If he did kill those people, he did it for me… Will you really be upset with him?… because of him… I'm standing here in front of you, alive and well."
Her leaves and petals were still, lightly fading in with green, blue, and yellow. Humming in thought. Her yellow usually means cautious or anxious. Blue… usually meant sadness.
'He had an ora… it was heavy with many deaths on his shoulders. He was full of hate, anger, sadness, and grief… That man seems like quite the opposite of the man you have described to me today….'
"He has calmed a lot. He was just as you described, but these last 2 days he seems still distant and always on his guard…. But he is kinder, more careful in his words, and he seems to calm down once I talk to him."
'It's you, you are the kindest soul I met. If anyone can get into someone's heart and change their ways… it's you Anna.'
'For once I agree with a tree, you're too annoyingly optimistic and cute for your own good.'
"DID YOU JUST CALL ME CUTE?! YOU?!?"
'Well, you're definitely not ugly for a human. But that's all you're getting out of me, I'm not a fan of this mushy stuff.'
'This tiny feline is confusing…how can you stand her?'
"Tell me about it, but you know me. I love to help those who don't want it the most, for some reason."
'Because the universe felt their pain, they needed someone like you. And so… They stumbled into your life… now they finally feel what they've wanted for so long… unconditional love… You see it in them, when they deny it even to themselves.'
Cleo was silent but looked like she really took in the words spoken. It seemed to hit close to home, for Cleo seemed done with it for the day and went back in her carrier closing the door.
'CAN WE GO HOME NOW?!'
She smiled down at the little carrier as it grumbled with Cleo inside it.
"Yes, let me say goodbye."
'Well be snappy about it, I wanna go home!'
"Okay, grumpy pants."
She giggled at Cleo's temper. She never changed, ever since she was little she was this way. Bossy, confident, lazy, and acts like she doesn't care when really she does. She used to follow her everyday when she took her in. Around the house, field trips past the porch, to adventures in the forest. Once she was old enough to be on her own, she hung out with Anna less and less. Making her own adventures, but never missed a meal time or whenever Anna felt it was time for cuddles. In her own way, she loves Anna; she just doesn't like to admit it.
"I'm sorry I didn't come sooner, I didn't think there was a good time to do it till now."
'Was it because he is staying with you?'
"Yes…"
'I should have known, it's just like you to do that.'
"You and Cleo are the only ones that know me. The only ones that care for my safety. Is it so bad to have someone else that might feel the same?"
Nexus seemed to ponder on her words.
Her glow returned to its lovely pink as she spoke softly to Anna.
'As long as you are happy, my dove. Happy… and safe..'
One of her branches reached down and lightly caressed her cheek.
'All that matters is that you live… so go… live… be more careful… the world would be a darker place without you.'
She smiled brightly as Nexus wiped a tear from her cheek. The tear shone bright like a diamond as it absorbed into her bark. Waves of light sent through the branch and into her trunk as her petals glowed in more colors than she could count.
"You're beautiful, Nexus."
'My radiance is dull in light to yours… be safe on your travels… come back in one piece.'
"I will!"
She picked up the carrier waving vigorously with the brightest smile as she hoped down from the trunk once it was close enough to the ground.
"I love you, Nexus!"
'And I love you, My dove.'
Her aray colors dimmed as she spoke, fading off into a silent slumber, as Anna left the Meadow. Full of joy at her luck for not being completely alone out here. It might not be love from a person, but she was happy to have it nonetheless.
Annaleise's POV
(Wolfing out)
She layed in bed, her thoughts raged on as she attempted to sleep.
He was getting too close… way too close.
She couldn't think about anything else. He was all that was on her mind. When she wakes up and before she goes to sleep. When he's not there or when he is there.
But… why?
Out of everyone, why is this guy so damn interesting?
He's a prince. Which she never thought she could meet royalty in her lifetime. He lived through a war, eternal and in the physical world. He had to find out who he was all over again once learning his truth, and again while being banished.
He opened up to her… she saw his tears… all the pain he held inside almost came flooding out. But he didn't seem to trust her enough to care for those emotions. He held them tight, he wouldn't let anyone bast his barriers. She somehow could squeeze in a little only for him to push her out again. It frustrated her to no end… but couldn't understand why…
Why did she care enough to ease his pain?
He was nothing but rude when they met, but seeing him become sweet and respectful was a wonderful sight to see. He was even saying nice things and doing nice things, like the barn. He watched her enough to know her favorite color. He did all that just for her… Nobody would do things, just because…. Not for her… not since…
Then came the overwhelming feeling of betrayal…
She was forgetting them… she didn't mourn for them as much as she used to.
She didn't think of them or speak to them like they were always listening… all she could think about… was Loki…
How to hear him, how to speak to him, how to cook for him, how to do things with him he doesn't understand, how he speaks, how he laughs…. How he almost cries…
She needed to sleep… this was getting out of hand… her thoughts and feelings overwhelmed her enough to drain her. She felt it in her body… it was weak… hopefully she won't cause any trouble attempting to sleep tonight…
As she drifted into blank thoughts, as her body breathed in natural rhythm. Slowing down as dreams came flooding into her mind…
She saw trees, creeks, and the sky high above. She was settled on a rock listening to the streams… it felt nice that even in her dreams she found peace and comfort in the warmth of nature. Then there was a snap of a branch, her head sprung up looking around the in the greenery for the noise. Finally, a nose was the first thing she saw. It was a white nose, from a distance it looked small but… looks can be deceiving…
'Come out, there is no need for fear.'
The nose poked out more revealing a snout with large teeth full of fangs. Long whiskers that extended out. They moved on their own, like the whiskers were tails.
'It is you, who should be afraid.'
It spoke, a smooth womanly voice replied. Revealing itself more from behind the tree, it got bigger… and bigger. Fur and scales traced up to a large Blue eye, its pupil of a slit as it stared into her soul. Horns rested on its head, as scales and spikes stuck out from its cheeks and spine.
'Even still I don't seem to smell it…'
It spoke again.
'Smell what.'
'Your fear.'
It looked down at her with both of its large eyes. Its neck coming farther out from the tree line. She realized as it moved out farther that sounds surrounded her. Twigs and trees shook and snapped under pressure. All between the trees she could see Scales shimmer in the light. It surrounded her with its entire body.
It wasn't small at all….
'You fear one thing though…'
'To be alone…'
'That WAS your fear.'
She looked to the mighty Dragon as its voice vibrated and echoed in the ground beneath her. It's claws gripping onto the trees as it steadies itself in her view.
'Now you fear of losing him too.'
'T-Thats-'
'You fear you are a monster he will never come to love.'
'No!'
'You fear that what you are, is something he will hate.'
'Stop it!'
'You fear he will leave you… alone again… because of who you are.'
'SHUT UP!'
'You fear WHAT you are, that he will end up like your family… because of your gift.'
'IT'S NOT A GIFT, IT'S A CURSE!'
The Dragon in its furry was in front of her face in an instant, its mouth open wide, and snapped its jaws. The sound of its teeth slammed into each other, sent shivers down her spine. The might of its bite, sending wind blowing her white hair in its breeze. Her eyes stared into its sharp tips and how they perfectly fit in each gap of its large mouth. Its largest tooth was as large as a pine tree used for Christmas. Its large nose breathes hot breaths as it fumes in its furry.
She didn't even flinch.
As she reached up and grazed its nose with her hand. Looking in awe at all its beauty. Its white scales are shimmering like diamonds in the sun. Its breathtaking eyes looked like galaxies, with wonderful colors of blues, purples, and pinks. Its mighty horns grow back over its body looking like marble trees with no twigs or leaves. With vibrant green vines wrapped all around and stringing between them, clashing with the white brilliantly. Its nose is a light pink that fades into his magnificent white body.
Her ears that were back in his anger perked forward at the small girl in front of him. Its galaxy orbs looking down at her, the slits dilating into what looked like black holes. Her sharp teeth slowly covered by her lips. It's loud breathing slowing to a gentle breath. As she stroked its nose and it leant into her touch.
'Are you it?'
The creature tilted its head in curiosity, for she already knew the answer.
'Your my gift, you are my power, my beast within. That's why you know I'm not scared of you. That's how you know my inner thoughts and fears. Because, you're always with me. How could I be afraid of what's been with me for so long?'
'Perceptive as always. But, not entirely correct. You're asking a good question, but not the right ones. For you don't hold all the answers. Like…. as to why I'm here.'
'Then, why are you here? Why tell me my fears? Why now? Why appear now, after all these years of residing within me?'
'Now those… are the right questions. You're not Cursed, you're Blessed. You have the means to communicate beyond your world, you can touch nature unlike anyone or anything. You can soar high in its skies, swim in the ocean to its deep depths, you can be the one among the many wonders of life this world has to offer… and you can even take on forms beyond this plane once you discover them. Even beings that look like me… If only you would just accept me.'
'W-What?!'
'After all this time, you have hated your gift. You shunned it away, thinking it a burden. You only feel it's a curse because of the target on your back for having it. You hate the many casualties from the dangers its creation caused… You blame yourself for the death of your Parents and Jena.'
Her hand recoiled. She cradles herself as she attempts to keep her tears from flowing…
'You can be so much more, if you just accept it. Accept me. I take this form, for dragons are created from everything. You can be everything. Your power is yours, you can use it to do anything, be anything, everything I am and more. I am not only in you, I am you. I'm what you could be if you learn to forgive… That nothing was your fault… it was that Man… it was someone else that caused this… someone else took those things from you…and they will take it again if you don't embrace it.'
Her tears flowed angrily as she shouted out to the trees. The waves of her voice echoing and perishing waves causing the trees to quake in her shout.
She wanted him to pay, she wanted for him to know what it was like to lose something precious. He only seemed to care for himself so what more could get to him other than his own life. And she… wants to take it… before someone else she has come to care for gets stolen by him… she wanted to hurt him..
She wanted claws to scratch him…
She wanted fangs to maul him…
She wanted to be a quick and merciless hunter to do the deed.
She wanted…
TO TEAR HIM APART!!!
She opened her eyes to find she was glowing in size, breaking the bed in her weight. Her shirt fading into fur.
"OH… - 'Oh no…'
Her voice faded into whimpers as her hand turned into paws with long claws. She jumped out of bed before breaking it, tumbling in her landing. She was getting too big for her room, tripping over her desk chair slamming into the floor.
No doubt that was loud. She got worried as her body started to get too large for the space she had in her room. She started to knock over objects and bump into lots of furniture knocking them over and around.
Then she heard a loud knock on the door.
'Oh no…'
"Annaleise?"
'OH NO! THIS CAN'T BE HAPPENING!'
She started to panic and bump into everything in her room thinking of a way to try to escape this outcome.
'He can't see me! He can't! If he does he will leave! I will ruin everything, if he sees me!'
She panicked as his voice got more worried. He said he was going to break down the door. All thought left her, the only one that screamed was.
GET OUT!
she charged at the window going through it, its edges caught on her skin. She didn't feel anything but her burning desire to run. So all she did was just that. She ran and ran going to the only safe place she knew of.
'Nexus! I screwed up!'
She was there already, she was fast on her paws. She never thought she could move that quickly on all fours.
'What is it my child?! What troubles you!?!'
Her yellow glow as she spoke with an anxious tone.
'I-I changed… I changed into this… Loki heard me, he… almost saw me!'
'There is a presence in the forest… it's heading this way… it knows the way… quick hide, he has reached the meadow!'
She whispered in worry as her colors swapped in orange and yellow. Her lights dimmed to try to hide her presence. Anna tried her best to hide amongst the grass hoping her white fur wouldn't gleam in the moonlight.
She heard footsteps in the grass. Her wolf ears picked up the sound from a great distance, on the other side of the meadow.
Her nose picked up his smell before he entered, his alluring smell he always had she could never describe was ten times stronger in this body. His breathing and heartbeat was calm but she could smell something else. It was like… she could smell his worry.
Then she saw him getting closer, her body left without thinking. She quickly moved to get out of view, only to be spotted… then.. they made eye contact…
He saw her…
What should she do? Does she need to run away? Does she need to stay?
Then she heard,
"Hiding is futile, you dull creature! You're too obvious in this environment, your fur doesn't suit you well here. If you're going to pounce then do it! The quicker I kill you, the safer Annaleise will be once I find her."
He spoke out loud, to let this creature know its fate. But the creature was her, she understood him. But, someone would think he's crazy for talking to an animal like they did understand. She rose from the grass, in curiosity.
"If you run I will only hunt you down, I can't let you live. You've already become a threat, just by simply invading her home. I'm sorry but you must die."
Uh oh… How the hell does he plan on doing that? Wait, why wouldn't he? He's killed before, he has the skill to. Those two Daggers he was holding look scary, he actually looks really intimidating when he is determined.
Her ears went back, fear made her still as she felt the murderous intent radiating off of him…
She's never seen him like that before.
Then, he charged at her. His dagger pointed towards her. Then she hopped over him, her 'small' hop sent her high above him. She landed on the other side and ran forward.
She should have kept running, she should run away. He wants to kill her… but, that didn't stop her from turning around to face him once again. He said he'd chase her down anyway, why not defend herself?
"Is this some sort of game to you?"
She prepared herself as he charged once more, this time swatting away one of his daggers and swung her body around to kick him away from her. She hoped he didn't get hurt too much.
He sat up pointing his other blade at her, she slapped it away as well. Placing her paw on him, hearing the air leave him from her weight. She lifted it a bit to help him breath as she looked down at him. He's so cute when he tries to fight. Something tells her though, he didn't expect this at all from her. In his surprise, it was the only reason she won this fight.
He looked into her eyes, looking deep in thought. Then he had a look of realization as he said something very unexpected.
"Annaleise?"
'Holy Shit!'
She backed up completely in shock.
'H-How did he-'
"No… It can't be you…"
Her thoughts raced, she was terrified.
How could he know?
Was it obvious?
Is he scared of her?
Does he hate her?
Will he leave?
She didn't want him to…
She enjoyed his company so much…
She wanted to fight for him…
To protect him…
She finally accepts who she is because of him…
He can't leave…
"It is you isn't it…"
She nodded. Then his leg was yanked out from under him and he was upside-down in the air.
Nexus looked mad…
Loki's POV
(Day 4 on Migard)
She cooked in silence, she hasn't spoken much since he caught her playing with the fox. She would answer questions he asked but never spoke up. She seemed troubled in thought about something.
He hovered around her as she was cooking the meal, trying to talk about the little things to distract her.
She was making a Midgard dinner again, another one that looked… questionable... But… It smelled delicious. It had 'rice' like the first meal she made him but it had chucks of everything in it. 'Carrots', 'beef', some green things she forgot to mention, and she cracked an 'egg'.
She called it stir fry. Her father taught her how to make it, he learned how to from his traveling days in 'Ja-pon'. She seemed happy with the memory, until she wasn't.
The silence then became overwhelming, she seemed to be sad. Less enthusiastic about the meal. She must miss her family… deep down… she can never not miss them…
Sometimes It's easier to bear than other times… the other times… is when it wasn't okay all of a sudden.
He didn't like to see her like this, he wanted to show her it was okay. Then he remembered a song he heard the other night that helped him. Maybe music might help her.
He also wanted to see if there were more.
The Tiny singer died after it played that same song for him till he fell asleep. He woke up and it wouldn't come back. It was truly gone…
But, he figured it was best to also hand in the evidence anyway. She needed to know he killed her tiny singer. He left the kitchen to go get it, grabbed it from its resting box, and took it back downstairs to a confused Annaleise.
"What was that about?"
"I'm sorry…"
He held it out to her.
"I didn't mean to. He sang until he died. It was a beautiful song."
"Oh! There's My Mp3 player! Did you find it digging through my stuff up there?"
"Yes… but I was curious, are there any more? Is there more songs or a place where we can get them?"
"You just need to charge it, I keep all of his songs. I've loved them for years. He's the only one I keep an Mp3 for. I heard he released a new album. I've been DYING to get it for the record player."
She said while taking the 'Mp3', charging it up he supposed, and placing it on a stand that it perfectly sits on, between two big mechanical boxes. She got to cooking again. After a while it lit up again.
"It's alive!"
She looked over with a smile. She walked up to it and read the name of the song.
"You had it on repeat with this song?"
"That song was unlike others I've heard… wait, do you mean to say there is more than one song on this?"
"Yea, you had it on loop so it played only that song. How bout we play the next song?"
She pressed the arrow and the two boxes started to play the music through them. Humming came through, sounding of the voice he heard before, but different. He liked its melody. He got lost into the music and started to lock his gaze on Annaleise as she started humming and dancing to the song. As she helped him sing the words, he fell in a trance as he heard them in harmony.
'I like your curls, and I like your eyes
I look up at you and just see the sky
Through streetlights, I danced
With my heaven at night
Ooh-ooh
I never knew what I felt like
But I feel like him more
Because of you
Because of you, ooh
In the black and white, you paint the world
And I ask if colors knew
It's 'cause of you, now love is true
Because of you'
In the words he felt they resonated within him. He really liked how he felt he could feel the words and understand them more in that moment looking at her. As she danced in place with the music, giving the final touches on her meal as she sang more with the song.
'I like your heart, and I like its size
If two hands are open, would one intertwine?
Please, be mine…'
Her voice was harmonious to his perfectly. As she looked over at him, her cheeks glowing red when she noticed his stare.
I never knew what I felt like
But I feel like him more
Because of you
Because of you, ooh
In the black and white, you paint the world
And I ask if colors knew
It's 'cause of you, now love is true
Because of you'
You could tell she loved the song, and to sing. She must have forgotten he was there for she really got into the music. She was smiling, and apparently very happy to sing along.
He didn't know it would work but he was glad it did. Glad she was feeling better.
But what struck him the most is why the lyrics meant that much to him. Most songs were a bore. But this one had a beauty he couldn't describe and couldn't understand. But the words made sense to him for it is what he felt at one point… but it had mentioned… love…
He didn't understand love, what was its purpose?
Wasn't it just a chemical in the brain that makes a species feel the need to repopulate and eventually wither in time?
Didn't it make people do crazy things?
Fight impossible battles and kick your brother off the throne, crazy?
Does it drive people crazy?
He felt like he was crazy…
More music played, each one unique, but the same voice rang clear as each song played through. Each one a unique beauty he couldn't describe. He enjoyed this man's frivolous songs of love, for some unknown reason.
Food was finished, they enjoyed their meal in silence as she turned off the music. She started to fan obsessively over the man that sang those songs. While they ate their meal, which he found delightfully delicious.
He wasn't fond of the conversation but he really did like to see her smile.
Loki's POV
(Day 5 on Midgard)
He held the saddle in high hopes as he slowly walked towards Frigga. She looked over at him, seeming rather calm. After his multiple attempts, he ended up playing chase with her. She always came back once he gave up running after her.
This time he was hopeful, yet skeptical. She completely had him, as she bolted as soon as he was inches from setting it on her.
He sighed as he slumped his arms and heard Annaleise's giggle turn into laughter. As she watched from her spot in a tree she found herself comfortable in. Reading a book called 'Norse Mythology' While the black Stead huffed and whinnied in his spot on the ground below her. Even that damn horse was laughing…
He saw the Fox not too far from them on his back, cackling.
Everyone was enjoying this. He had to smile a little, they all seemed happy laughing together rather than laughing at him. Frigga enjoyed the game.
But he was eager to get to riding, rather than watch Annaleise have all the fun seconds after she met her horse. He didn't get the luxury since there was a language barrier. But Annaleise told him she didn't talk much, in fact not at all that she knows of. So even then it's not like he can know for sure how Frigga feels about him, if she won't speak to the only one that can translate.
So old fashioned bonding it was. But, just because she didn't speak didn't mean she didn't listen. Annaleise said animals that have been around humans enough understand the English language to a point, only words they have learned to understand. So, in theory Frigga should understand him.
"Hey, girl, My Frigga. Do you know why I gave you that name?"
She looked at him curiously as she pranced closer to hear him.
"Frigga was a woman I once called my mother. She was everything a mother could be. Loving, kind, nurturing, and held so much faith for her children. She was a curious woman, with so much intelligence and strength. She fought in battles, saved many lives with her magic and healing. She taught me magic, all the realms, and its many wonders. She was a teacher, a guardian, a mother, and a true friend when I felt I had none. She never failed me when I needed her. So, your name holds meaning to me. Your name should be held with pride, as you honor the woman that didn't have to be my mother, but deserved the title nonetheless. When I first saw you, you reminded me of her. Her strength, her wisdom, her playful joy, and her desire to be there for me. I hope to make you feel the same, I do not wish to fail you as I have failed her. You will be the Frigga I will never fail, the one of earth… It also feels nice to have a little piece of her present, even if it's just her name to remind me of her glory."
The horse looked to him in a deep stare, seeming to be deep in thought. Then she walked closer and gave a swift nod, as she turned her body to face him for the saddle to sit just right if he lifted his arms. So, slowly, he did and placed it on her back finally. His heart was pounding with excitement as he made sure it was on good, while also being cautious in case of a sudden bolt again.
Finally her saddle was on. He figured maybe he could be lucky, so he attempted to slide his foot in and pull himself on her.
Till suddenly, she took him for a ride. He held on for dear life on the side of the saddle as she was running around, looking back every couple seconds to make sure he's still there.
"AHHHHHHH!!! WOAH! WOAH!!! HEY!!! WOAHHHHH!!!"
He tried his best to get her to slow down before he lost grip and was to be dragged on the ground with his foot caught in the saddle. She was running around the field, not fast enough to gallop but questionable speeds to be at while hanging from the side of a horse. All he heard was the laughter of a woman, a horse, and a fox, all seeming to be having a blast at his turmoil. She soon changed her direction heading full speed towards the barn. She wasn't slowing down, so evasive actions had to be taken. He saw the perfect opportunity.
She ran through the barn, racing out the other end without him on his saddle. Everyone was silent. He heard nothing from his pile of hay he landed in. As he maneuvered through the hay to see out of the pile, he was met with Frigga as she stared him in the face.
"I see you like Mischief as well. Maybe you were meant to be my stead after all."
As he laughed he reached up to pet her nose. She met him halfway touching his hand. He gave her a swift pet as he grabbed a hold of the reins as she started to pull back to help him leave from the pile of hay. How did he know she came back to help him and make sure he was okay? It was a hunch. He felt he understood his horse the same as she understood him.
He has yet to ride her, but he was happy to get to know her a little more than before. Maybe when the time is right, she will. For right now, he was just happy to get to have this chance to earn the respect of his ride.
He looked at a very worried Annaleise as she entered the barn. The horse and the fox no 6t far behind her.
"Are you okay?"
"I am wonderful."
He said standing next to his horse, patting her on the neck as she rubbed her head on his other shoulder.
"Welp, it's my turn."
She said stepping on a charity waving for her horse. He came up behind her and lifted her off the chair holding her in the air.
"Oh, no you don't! Not without a saddle."
She peeked at him over her shoulder.
"But…"
"No! You are to ride with a saddle!"
"Zeus doesn't like them…"
"I DON'T CARE ABOUT WHAT THE HORSE PREFERS, I CARE ABOUT YOUR SAFETY!"
He spoke plainly and out loud for both to hear. The horse huffed in reply as he slumped in his grasp, He lowered her to the ground till her feet touched. Then, he spun her around, her gaze was at the ground. He lifted her chin gently, to get a good look in her eyes once she finally looked up at him.
"I hold your safety in highest regards. Just because I can heal you, doesn't mean I want to see you hurt."
Her face seemed a little flushed as her cheeks started to turn a cute shade of pink. Then she pulled her face away from his grasp and turned around looking pouty, as she stomped over to her gear. Putting them together as she hauled them towards her stead.
Both seemed to be giving him glares as she did so. He only crossed his arms with a grin, celebrating in his triumph to get her to do the task without too much backlash. She loved doing things on her own, but hated being told what to do or how to do it. So normally she would argue, but if he said nice things, she would just shut up and do them… but not with a smile on her face, only a pout.
He couldn't help but chuckle, as she grumbled to herself. With a big exaggerated frown on her face. Looking so cute in her frustration, her view only brought him smiles and laughs. He couldn't help but enjoy it, as he leaned next to a post. Watching as her frown turned to a smile as she started to ride around. She tried to look mad when she made eye contact but she couldn't hold it. She smiled and laughed as they went around jumping over things and testing his speeds.
He worried at every jump or sharp turn, which was many since they were both like wild children. Seeking exhilaration and excitement, enjoying their freedom together. But, at concerning speeds…
He felt more like a doting parent than a God nowadays. Always keeping an eye on her. He never wished to experience that feeling seeing her lifeless again… So, watching over her like a Mother bird, it must be...
Tucker's POV
"Hey, guess what, Living in the barn now is AWESOME!
I've been spending most of my time there alone, most of our family is long gone from the hunters in the area. Haven't found a mate. So, it's just me.
But now, I have friends!
Anna has been visiting me more at the barn, she has a mate now, Loki… well not really her mate. They walk around each other making googly eyes, staying at awkward distances, and never cuddling or rubbing noses. They smell like they want to, but they won't. They definitely haven't yet, they are either too stubborn or don't smell their pheromones on full blast like I do.
It's obvious they like each other, they just can't see it yet.
And, I have two new neighbors above in the barn. They are too big to fit in my den. They can't come visit, so I visit them. They are so fun!
The one called 'Zeus' was skeptical of me at first but has taken keenly to my charms. I just had to follow him everywhere and now we are best friends! I talk to him about my den and my hunting trips. While he talks about how much he loves to run.
The other one, 'Frigga'. She's nice. She loves to play with me, she chases me around. Occasionally she will let me chase her, but mostly she tries to make me run by trying to stomp on my head. She hasn't been doing it as often lately, I wonder if she talks. She doesn't say much, she only likes to chase and nap. She let me nap with her after the 3rd day, before she would play chase till I left her alone. Now I can nap with her, I like to sleep on her, she's warm.
Things are going crazy at the moment, everyone seemed on edge tonight…. Anna was crying, she took Zeus for a run. A while later Loki took Frigga too and followed after them, he looked rather worried.
Then there was this strange person not far from the barn, they smelled like bad news. They smelled like death. And they weren't alone… They gave me a bad feeling…
I hope everything is okay… Maybe they will all come back soon, and I can tell them about it.
Anyway, I miss you Mom… I hope we can talk again soon."
He says. Leaving the marked grave, with something carved in the rock that wrote.
'Lena. (Tucker's mom) was killed by a monster. She was a great fox, hunter, and mother.'
The song is 'Because of you' by Stephen Sanchez
I'll have you know most of the songs I ever drop in this story, will be his. Just like Annaleise, I'm a die hard fan of his music. Hope you like it, too! The next chapter I'll be moving forward. I just thought y'all would like these lil mini flashbacks.
Until next time My Lovelies