Good Instincts 1.1 - ING. VERSIÓN

Kratos and Viggo were going down a steep slope. They were only accompanied by the sound of snow creaking under their feet as the cold drafts howled. Suddenly a strong gust of wind passed that waved the Viggo´s red hair. He turned his face a little to the right and narrowed his eyes, to continue looking where he stepped.

Kratos was advancing two meters ahead without any difficulty, even if he went with the top almost uncovered, he was totally indifferent.

Viggo kept walking through the snow and moving diagonally. Resting one foot at a time and trying to find the support of the dark pines that populated the mountain. These were the only things that could prevent him from tripping and rolling downhill. Inside, Viggo thought that, if he fell and rolled, the strong bald man would leave his fate.

Viggo came to a pine tree resting both hands on the wet, cold bark. Then he looked into the distance and all he saw was a cloudy sky and large snowy mountains as far as the eye could see. Then he looked towards the lower part of the mountain, where there was a passage between the mountains. There was a plane covered with pines and lards of great stature. From the center of that forest rose a cloud of smoke in a tubular shape. Viggo rule out that it was a fire since uncontrolled fire never rises so evenly. Then he looked at the bald man who was advancing in front, noticing how the tattooed red line went up the left side of his back and climbed up the back of his neck until he went up his head. Just seeing him with that leather breastplate that only covered his right pectoral, Viggo felt chills. However, he was a god just like him, he thought. So it must be fine.

-Master- Viggo said from the tree, he began to descend diagonally while looking for the next pine.

-I haven't accepted you yet, kid- Kratos said in a hoarse, calm voice -don't call me a master-

-What do I call you then?- ask Viggo as he leaned on the next pine tree.

-Kratos-

Viggo nodded as he looked at the snow-covered slope and traced his way to the next tree so he could lean on -where arewe going?- ask

-To my place. I will test you and if you are suitable, we will see what we do. Otherwise, you'll have to leave-

-I think it's fair-

Kratos snorts through his nose like a laugh, as if anyone could meet his standards? Thought. To begin with, he wouldn't have even cared about the child if it weren't for him mentioning the terrible old man. Once he said his name, he lost any chance of refusing.

Viggo kept descending and noticing that the trees were thicker as they descended. This caused the little light that had decreased. At the same time, and as they reached the base between the mountains, he notices that in the middle of the grove was a dark wooden cabin. From the ceiling came a cloud of tubular smoke.

Once they reached the plane between the mountains, the snow became even deeper, reaching Viggo to his knees. Kratos advanced ahead without difficulty, while Viggo had to lift one foot at a time to get him out of the snow and take the next step. Viggo advanced with difficulty while a grove of pines and lards covered his field of vision. Kratos, was so far ahead that there was already a distance of five meters between the two. Viggo put more energy into their movement and as they approached the dark log cabin, he heard the door open. From inside the cabin came a copper-haired woman, dressed in garments made of animal skins. That was more logical, Viggo thought. She did look like a normal human being. Then he looked at the bald man ahead and noticed how he made the gesture with his head, as if telling the woman to enter. The woman turned her gaze to Viggo and put on a serious face. So she nodded and walked into the house and closed the door.

Viggo grimaced and raised his shoulders with an attitude of "there is nothing to do to it."

Kratos led the way ahead, passing through the covered shed where they kept the dry wood. Viggo was ten meters behind him and eight meters from the house. He tried to increase the march, but as he got closer to the house he noticed that the snow level dropped to almost a faint layer on the ground. Then he moved forward more comfortably and followed Kratos, passing through the shed and looking at the logs stacked next to the wall of the house. He kept walking until he reached the backyard, a place also covered by a slight layer of snow and huge pine trees.

Kratos came about twenty meters from his house and stopped. He approached a tree, picked up the axe from the ring on the back of his breastplate, and rested the axe handle on the trunk. Then he looked at the red-haired boy and examined him from head to toe. He was only wearing a gray t-shirt, dark green pants and boots that reached up to the taps. Of which, only his t-shirt was torn on the back. On the other hand, he had some blood stains on his face and hands, but he seemed to be healthy. What did catch Kratos' attention was the sword the boy carried in his right hand. Blue handle, gold handguard and finely forged blade. At first glance he could tell that it was of good confection, with a hidden power and of beautiful design.

-Are you the son of a god?- asked Kratos upon noticing Viggo's gaze. He folded his arms further highlighting his monstrous muscles and gave him an inquisitive look.

Viggo grimaced and looked to the side, nodded, and then looked Kratos in the face -yes, of two gods-

Kratos' hands closed and the bones of his knuckles thundered -Names?- he asked

-Well, my mother is a recognized goddess- Viggo said with an uncomfortable and continuous smile -but my father, it is said, but no one knows-

-Names, boy- Kratos insisted in a harsh, slow tone.

-Ok, well, my mother's name is Hephaestus-

Kratos raises his eyebrow and lays his eyes to the sky, as if remembering. As far as he remembers, Hephaestus was a man god, hunchback, of horrible appearance and deformity. Kratos looked at Viggo and nodded for him to continue.

-And my father's name is Kain Dragonroad-

Kratos clenched his nod, as he didn't remember any god by that name -Whatare gods about- he asked.

-My mother is goddess of forging, blacksmithing, you know and my father, god of fear?- said Viggo with doubts, Kratos raised his eyebrows in confusion and Viggo continued -the truth I do not know. I only know that my father is the god the gods fear -

Kratos made a small smile almost imperceptible and said -let's leave it at that, child. That old monster who brought you knows me and I doubt he will test my patience. However, things have not changed. I will test you, if you meet my standards, I will teach you-

Viggo made a broad smile and said - it seems fair to me, What will be the proof?-

Kratos uncrossed his arms and waved him with both hands to come -Fight- he said in a hoarse and calm voice.

This time, Viggo raised his eyebrows in confusion and all he could do, was to look at his possible master from head to toe, Wasn't this fighting a labyrinth minotaur?, thought.

-What are you doing, boy? Come and fight- Kratos said, raising his voice in an impatient tone.

Viggo took a big breath and walked to a tree to rest the handle of the sword on the trunk. Then he walked until he stopped two meters from the bald giant and put himself in a combat position. Just as he was taught as a child, he raised his hands in boxing form and began to jump in his position. If there was anything that would suit any fighting style, it was what his father had taught him.

Kratos watched the boy keep a steady pace in the jumps. It seemed too light for his movements, as if floating in the air. he looked agile and funny, especially because of the fluttering of her reddish hair and that smile on her lips. Let's see how it reacts? Kratos thought. He raised his fists to cover his chin and protect his chest, while opening his legs at shoulder height.

Viggo jumped in an attempt to look agile and strong. He threw himself forward taking the initiative and when he reached the body firm as a rock, he prepared his right fist to attack the ribs. However, before he could launch his punch, he felt a feeling of danger on his left cheek and threw his head back. He saw a shadow pass in front of his eyes. The air was cut off by something his eyes could barely see and Viggo reacted by taking several clumsy steps back. He tripped over his own feet and fell on his butt into the snow. At the same time, he throws his hands back to cushion the fall. Once he sat in the snow, he looked up and saw Kratos making a turn with his torso, shoulder and right hand. What had passed in front of his eyes had been that hand as hard as stone, tanned and hardened by years of training. I look at the rough knuckles of those huge hands and swallow saliva. He bet in his mind that, if he had received that punch, he would surely tear off his head.

-Do you want to kill me- asked Viggo angrily.

Kratos resumed his boxing posture and said -no, boy, but we said I would test you and that's what I'm doing. Get up and continue-

Viggo pursed his nose in a furious expression, stood up, and threw himself straight ahead to fight. All his technique and pretensions were forgotten and there was only one boy left screaming and throwing punches like a rabid dog.

On the other hand, Kratos was covering himself or deflecting the blows with his forearms. Viggo's blows had no intention, he thought. Viggo threw a left-footed shot into the ribs and Kratos stepped back, let the punch pass, and raised his right foot to kick him in the stomach. Viggo felt the impact and was pushed back to fall on his butt. The blow was so painful that Viggo embraced his own stomach and was in the fetal position.

-Come on, is that it all?- asked Kratos, reprising his boxing stance.

Viggo grumpy and channeled his divine energy from his divine core. His pain was gone and the damaged muscles were repaired. Once he felt the relief he stood up and this time he stood on guard. Then Viggo ran, screamed and threw a furious forehand, which Kratos endured by bending his knees a little and receiving him with his left arm. Then, at the same time that he received the blow, he prepared his right fist and taught a hook with his right towards the stomach. Viggo was once again punished with pain and his hands went to his stomach in an involuntary gesture. However, he gritted his teeth trying to hold the urge to hug his stomach and roared like an animal. He then resumed his boxing posture and threw a left hook to the ribs. What Kratos dodged to the right.

Viggo watched as his fist ascended without giving anything. Then he turned his neck, looked to his left, and saw how a huge fist covered his entire field of vision. After that, everything went out.

Once Viggo fell face down unconscious on the snow, an elderly figure came out from behind one of the trees that were behind Kratos' back.

-Do you think you're having a great time?- said Old Xiao in a jocular tone.

-Mm- Kratos said without looking back, folded his arms and saw the boy lying in the snow in front of him. It was clear, this kid had a problem similar to his. However, the two were two different types of existence. While Kratos was created by long years of training, relentless wars and a life full of destruction. The boy had been lovingly raised and polished under the tutelage of a great master of combat. Currently, Viggo was miles away from Kratos. For the most part, knowledge and experience on the battlefield gave Kratos an overwhelming advantage. On the other hand, those same experiences had taught him to control those terrible destructive impulses and now he could "control" them to put them to better use. However, this child was different, would he have to go through the same hell to control that fury in his heart?

-Are you sure to leave it to me?- asks Kratos calmly, always looking at Viggo lying on the snow.

-Who knows more about discipline than you?- asked old Xiao back, walking to the left of Kratos. He let out a chuckle and raised his right hand to pat him on the shoulder.

Kratos looked at the asian old man next to him, with a gentle smile and harmless appearance. At least, just in appearance. Then he looked at Viggo and thought about what this old monster was up to by bringing Viggo in front of him