A Promise

The valley returned to silence, leaving only the sound of my satisfied breaths. My tongue swept over my lips, still stained with the blood of my enemies. Slowly, I shifted back into my human form, though the remnants of my savagery lingered around me. The lifeless bodies lay scattered, and I gazed upon them with disgust. My body was drenched in blood—its pungent scent filled the air, assaulting my senses with a cruel sharpness. 

I looked up at the sky, thick with gray clouds. It felt as if they mocked me from above, as though they knew the fury that churned inside me. There was an urge in my chest to scream, to release all the rage and pain I had been holding in for so long.

"I am Fenrir." The name spilled from my lips, echoing through the empty valley. "The strongest wolf. Loki's child. The creature fated to bring ruin." My voice grew wilder, each word laced with the anger that seethed within me. 

"All because of some foolish prophecy that hasn't even come true, you bound me here. For years, I tried to hold back, to resist the destiny laid before me, but what did I get? Betrayal. Loneliness. Chains."

I swallowed a deep breath, trying to steady the pounding in my chest, but it was useless. My anger had reached a boiling point, and I could no longer pretend to be the one bound. I stared at the faint shadow beneath my feet, clenching my fists tightly.

"Now I am free. And I will have my revenge! I will fulfill my destiny and make sure you all feel it. None of you will be left standing. I will slaughter every god and creature that dares stand in my way!"

The rage surged like a sharp blade. Not one of them would be spared. Odin, most of all. "That old fool… I'll kill him. I'll devour his body! He must feel the suffering I and my family have endured."

Slowly, I lowered my head. After so much rage had flowed out, my body felt drained. I glanced down at myself, blood dripping from every corner, staining my skin with its vile stench.

"Ugh… I reek... like blood," I muttered in exhaustion.

The power I had felt moments ago faded, replaced by creeping disgust. I walked toward the frozen lake in the distance, striking its surface with a powerful blow.

The ice cracked, allowing the deathly cold water to gush out. I began stripping off my clothes, letting the blood-soaked skin feel the refreshing bite of the icy water.

"Ahhh… it feels good." I winced but couldn't help the small smile that crept onto my face. "It's cold, sure... but after so many years, it feels incredible to finally clean myself."

As the water washed over my body, my eyes caught sight of a figure lying helplessly atop the snowdrifts.

Yata. The one who had freed me from Gleipnir, the chains that had imprisoned me all this time. His body was battered, covered in bruises and deep cuts. Those bastards had beaten him mercilessly, and now he lay there, unconscious.

I walked toward him slowly, still bare, with water dripping from my skin. I gazed down at his injured body.

For the first time in a long while, something warm stirred in my heart. It felt... gentle. Something foreign yet comforting moved from my chest, spreading throughout my entire being.

"Yata…" I whispered softly.

From the corner of my eye, I saw my reflection in the frozen lake's surface. I saw it... the small smile on my lips, a smile I barely recognized. A smile I had never given anyone before. I turned away and looked back at Yata, still unconscious.

"I'm grateful I met someone as kind as you." Something stirred within me, something I had never felt before, a kind of warmth I didn't know I could possess.

I touched his arm gently, feeling the cold snow covering his body. "Thank you, Yata…"

******

[Yatagarasu's PoV]

I could feel it—someone gently stroking my head, a touch so warm and full of care. Those fingers combed through my hair with unbelievable tenderness, and I could feel my head resting on something soft and fragrant. That scent, it felt so familiar, like a memory of a place far more peaceful than anywhere I'd ever been.

Slowly, I opened my eyes. The first thing I saw was a beautiful face with golden eyes glowing softly. Our faces were mere inches apart, making my heart race faster than usual. Her warm smile seemed to reach straight into my soul.

"You're awake?" Her soft voice slipped through my thoughts, bringing me fully back to consciousness.

Then it hit me. This girl was Fenrir, who was far from the graceful and gentle type. She was just an impulsive, self-centered girl.

"What are you doing, Fenrir?" I asked, trying to steady the sudden, erratic beating of my heart.

"You passed out after the battle. So, I figured… there's no harm in letting you rest on my lap." Her voice was calm, as if this were the most natural thing in the world.

I jumped up from her lap, startled. A mix of confusion and something else filled my heart, though I wasn't ready to admit it. "Why would you do that?"

"Why, you ask?" Fenrir looked at me with a flat expression, but I could see the faintest smile at the corner of her lips. "I've always done it. Have you forgotten?"

"You mean when I was in raven form?"

She nodded confidently, without a hint of hesitation. I could only furrow my brows. "But… this time, I'm in my human form. Doesn't that feel… strange?"

A wry smile appeared on her face. "What's the difference? Whether you're a man or a raven, you're still mine, my pet, for now and forever!"

The words flew from her mouth with a certainty that left no room for doubt. I wanted to laugh, but there was something so sincere in the way she said it.

"But... I mean…" I tried to argue, but the words failed me.

"No buts. Once mine, always mine. I have the right to do whatever I want with you." Her eyes gleamed, as if locking me into an undeniable truth.

A small laugh escaped my lips. There was something amusing about her confidence, even when discussing such an absurd topic.

"What's so funny? Do you find this humorous?" Fenrir's eyes narrowed suspiciously, her tail swishing harshly behind her.

"No, nothing at all," I replied, trying to regain my composure.

"You're a strange man," Fenrir scoffed, her lips curling as if annoyed by my laughter.

I smiled and tried to stand. My body still felt heavy, but at least I was fully conscious now.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Concern laced Fenrir's voice as she watched me struggle to get up. "Your body is still covered in wounds."

"It's nothing," I answered as evenly as possible, not wanting to worry her.

I glanced around. The scene was one of chaos, blood and flesh scattered everywhere, the remnants of a fierce battle lying in ruins. Much of the place was destroyed.

I could guess what had happened. There was no need to ask who was responsible for all of this.

"Are you worried about them?" Fenrir spoke with a hint of pride. "Don't worry, I've already killed and devoured them all." She puffed out her chest as if she had just achieved a great victory.

Even though they were merely minor gods, unrecorded in Norse myth, their power was still formidable. Defeating them without a single injury was a testament to how powerful Fenrir had become.

I couldn't imagine how strong she would be at her peak, when Ragnarok finally arrived. Now, I understood a little of the fear the gods had toward her. Yet, I still couldn't justify what they had done to Fenrir and her family.

There wasn't an ounce of pity for the gods. In fact, I felt relief knowing that at least a few of them had gotten what they deserved. 

I couldn't help but praise her sincerely. "You're incredible, Fenrir." 

Fenrir's cheeks flushed, something rare for her. Her ears and tail twitched slightly, but she tried to hide her embarrassment. 

"Th-thank you…" she murmured softly, as if unused to receiving compliments. 

But behind the laughter and the praise, there was something else in her eyes. Something deeper than mere pride or satisfaction. 

"So… what's your plan now, Fenrir?" 

As I asked about her next steps, that smile slowly faded. Her gaze dropped, and she let out a long sigh. 

"To be honest… I don't know," her voice turned somber. "All this time, I've only thought about revenge. I wanted to destroy the gods who chained me, tear apart those who took my freedom." 

I stayed silent, giving her space to continue. 

"But since I met you, Yata… something's changed." She looked at me with eyes filled with doubt, yet there was a deep sincerity. "I've started to feel something different. There's another desire in my heart… to live more peacefully, to experience the simple happiness I've always dreamed of." 

"What kind of desire is that?" I asked, curious. 

Fenrir smiled faintly, but her eyes reflected deep sadness. "I want to build a family. Live quietly, far away from all this. But… I can't let go of the hatred, Yata. I can't forget what they did to me all these years." 

There was a long pause between us. A gentle breeze blew, carrying the melancholy that surrounded her words. I didn't want to force her to speak more, but I knew deep down, she was wondering what path she should take. 

"In that case," I spoke softly, gazing at her with a look full of meaning. "How about we go on an adventure?" 

"An adventure?" She looked at me, puzzled. 

"Yeah. Travel together, see the world, feel the freedom you've longed for." I looked deep into her eyes, hoping she could see the sincerity in my words. "Maybe that could be a new beginning for you." 

Fenrir fell silent, contemplating my suggestion, her eyes shimmering with uncertainty. Emotions clashed within her, as if a storm was raging inside her soul. For a moment, she just stared at me, as though searching for answers in my unwavering gaze. 

"But… why me?" she whispered, her voice filled with quiet doubt. 

"You are someone precious to me," I replied softly but firmly. My words hung in the air, deep and full of meaning. 

Fenrir remained quiet. We were trapped in a silence that felt heavy yet calming, like the morning mist after a storm. Then finally, a light, clear laugh escaped her lips, breaking the stillness, flowing like water cascading down a mountain. 

"I never thought I'd be persuaded by a bird to go on an adventure," she said, amused, her lips curling into an unexpected smile. "Maybe… this will be fun." 

I smiled, relieved to hear her cheerful voice again. But that smile quickly faded from her face. 

"But what about my revenge? What if they come after us? Aren't you afraid of them?" Her voice lowered, almost choked by the worries she tried to hide. 

"You mean the gods?" I met her gaze, carefully choosing my words. "You don't need to worry about that. I already have a plan." 

Fenrir tilted her head, suspicion flickering in her eyes. "A plan?" 

I chuckled softly. "Don't you trust me?" 

Her brow furrowed before a wry smile crept onto her face. "You really do know how to lie, huh? But… alright. I'll play along with your game." 

My smile widened. Fenrir might have sensed my bluff, but she chose to go along with it. After all, my lie was a little forced this time. 

"Who knows," I said softly, "maybe, over time, you'll find your true purpose." 

"True purpose…" she whispered. Her eyes wandered again, this time inward, as if searching for something lost deep within her heart.

A decision flowed through her, like a cold wind suddenly bringing relief. "Alright," she declared with newfound determination. Her small hand lifted high, as though reaching for the sky, and she shouted with enthusiasm, "Let's go on this adventure together!" 

Joy surged within me, spreading through my body like a warm fire kindling in the cold night. After all this time, I would finally explore the Norse myths with someone I could consider… a friend. 

"You know, Yata…" Her voice was soft, as though warmth flowed from every word she spoke. 

I tilted my head. 

"I want to thank you for everything you've done for me," she said sincerely. "You've brought so much new joy into my life. More than that… you freed me." 

Her praise shook my heart. I was touched, but at the same time, I realized the reality that loomed in the back of my mind. 

What had I done? What does freedom from me mean for Fenrir? She is a majestic creature, a wolf that once shook the world… and I? I'm just a small bird flying between the shadows of the sky. 

"You're overestimating me, Fenrir," I whispered, trying to be modest. "I'm not someone worthy of your praise." 

Fenrir sighed softly and smiled, her lips curling gently. "You're such a strange bird," she said, her cheeks flushing. "Weak but stubborn. Smart but often careless. It's precisely because of that… you're interesting." 

All I could do was respond with a stiff smile, unsure whether she was teasing or complimenting me. But when her soft laughter echoed, I knew she didn't care. It was all just her honesty. After her laughter faded, she lowered her gaze, her eyes tender and full of meaning. 

"Can you promise me one thing?" 

A cold wind brushed against my face, but the warmth of Fenrir's smile soothed my heart. There was peace in that moment, something I had never felt before. I nodded slowly, curious about her request. 

"What do you want me to promise?" 

Those golden eyes that radiated warmth like autumn sunlight, looked at me with hope. 

"Never leave me alone…" her voice was full of softness. "No matter what happens, or where fate may take us." 

I stayed silent for a moment, not out of hesitation, but because I wanted to remember every detail of her face. Those eyes, that expression—so strong, yet so fragile. How could I ever refuse? 

"Alright," I answered without a second thought. "I promise I will always be by your side. Through good times and bad." 

A smile bloomed on Fenrir's face. The blush on her cheeks grew more vivid, making her beauty shine even brighter. 

"Thank you, Yata…" she whispered softly, like the night wind carrying the whispers of the stars. 

The winter breeze blew, tossing her long purple hair into the air, swirling around her face like a dance, encircling her goddess-like beauty. The golden light from the setting sun slowly bathed her figure, emphasizing her mysterious allure. 

In that moment, a small wish stirred in my heart, I hoped we could truly be together… and forever.