Thor’s brow creases as he listens to Ky speak, his explanation not settling well with him if the twist of his mouth into a disappointed frown is any indication. He is visibly troubled by what he hears, by what Ky would claim to do should he supposedly possess the power necessary to take action.
Thor wanted to believe his sibling, but found he was unable to do so. Crestfallen by this lack of faith in him, the thunder tears himself away from Ky’s presence, unable to stare at a king he cannot support nor condone. “This is sheer madness, Ky’lar. I wish to play no part in it.” Fully committed to leaving a demon in charge of the realm, if only temporarily, he wished to leave at once; and with his departure try to scrub the thought of Ky as king of Asgard from his mind.
“Something is clearly amiss here and I plan to find out what. Until then, fare you well, Ky’lar. I pray that we never need to meet as liege and subject again.”
“And what made you think that you’re were allowed to leave?” His tone turned darker – far darker than it had been before – as he leaned forward. “Asgard is mine,” no, it wasn’t his – not even close – he was still a puppet – no, mouth piece in this after-all, “and I expect you to do as I command.”
It wouldn’t be easy; bringing the realm to fully recognize him as the heir and also ruler would be difficult. It was a reason he wanted – no, needed- Thor to stick around. If he had his support… things would go over smoothly. With out it? Well, he could still do what was required of him, but it would just be slightly more challenging.
“Not as your brother, but as your king.” The moment the words left his lips he wished he could have said something else. Wished that maybe he could have taken back everything and left, but it wasn’t possible. Not when Mephisto was pulling the strings and holding him practically hostage.
Playing the part of escort had not been a role he’d foreseen himself taking up when opening his eyes earlier in the day. But like it or not, here he was playing such a part, accompanying his brother as they walked together towards a bound to be unpleasant meeting. Should any words, on account of their importance, necessitate exchange, now was a suitable time to do so. But similar to his reticent sibling, Thor could not think of anything profound to say. This fact is concerning to him, if for how it illustrates just how little he knows Ky’lar in the dozen of years he’d seen him grow in Asgard’s care. A blatantly obvious outsider, but then he wasn’t the first stranger to grace such halls.
Luckily, they arrive at the throne room in no time at all, an achievement that is only relieving if for how it put an end to the silence that stretched between them on the way here. What was to happen next would not be easy, but recognising the importance of age, Thor takes point, leading proceedings as the eldest child of the family. “Father,” he says, kneeling out of an obligation to recognise his forebearer. Rather than instruct Ky’lar to do the same, the thunderer reaches out with a hand and catches the clothes on the male’s back, dragging him downwards to join him in the respectful gesture. This action is met with a noise of disapproval from the All-Father, which causes Thor to look away, ashamed. He takes a moment to steel himself, then opens his mouth to speak for the both of them.
“We have answered your summons. Now tell us the reason for why you have brought us here.”
Ky’lar kept his silence due to the reason he thought it was best. As much as he wanted company, it was no use to attempt to explain himself over, and over again.
Over the years, Ky stopped talking after he learned he never was going to blend in. His curious nature turning darker and it got to the he even stopped going to anything besides training and reading as much as possible.
Maybe, if he was able to get through to Thor or even be able to explore the Realms for himself things would be different. It was doubtful, but at the same time even Ky had a shred of hope. Even if he still felt like a complete outsider most of the time in his home.
Still, there was no denying the low feral growl that escaped Ky’lar’s lips as he was dragged downward into a kneeling position.
Odin knew that Ky’lar wasn’t adapting as well as he’d hoped. It was something he’d have to rectify, but letting him leave Asgard wasn’t going to happen. Mephisto would ‘smell’ the boy and try to reclaim him. That was something Odin wouldn’t have not if he could prevent such an occurrence.
When his both of his son’s entered, a nod was given. One to signal approval and then a harsh noise of disapproval was given shortly after the fact. It was a simple truth that Odin expected Ky’lar do kneel himself. An expectation that wasn’t much, but proved just how distant he had become. It was something the All-Father attempted to change, but it seemed that even he couldn’t reshape someone’s primal nature. However, it wouldn’t stop him from trying.
“While Thor shines brightly across the Realms as a sign of hope, you, ky’lar do not.” A statement, more than a fact, but Odin was being harsh for a reason. “Since your youth, you’ve always had a darkness – one that has festered over the last few years.” Even if no one would speak the truth of the matter, but that wasn’t the point. “You were both born to be kings. Born to sit and stand in my place.” It was Thor who would obtain the Throne and Thor who would lead Asgard into the future. Not Ky’lar, he would -if he gathered control- rule over a realm of his own, but as the day’s past… Odin knew that would be a close to impossible task.
“And yet… you bicker like School Children.” It wasn’t the right word to use. In-fact, it wasn’t the proper word to use at all, but Odin wanted to use something the both of them could understand. If he said the truth, he doubted either of them would listen so… he chose a slightly softer, but just as harsh approach than the harshest reality of things. “While Thor rises above you, my son.” he said, eyes dead set on Ky’lar, “stick to the shadows and plot to defy my commands.”
Odin could have gone on into more dangerous territory, but the mention of Treason wouldn’t be taken lightly. No, he’d not mention the words that would out Ky’lar in a cell for the rest of his days, but he would recite (with his sons filling in the details) the story of the Demonic invasion that happened years ago. Just so maybe it would get through Ky’s thick head about the dangers of why he shouldn’t leave Asgard.
“Many years ago,” he said, leaning forward, “I fought of an invasion lead by Mephisto himself. It was during that time during the final battle – after many Asgardians were killed – that he let lose his general. A massive Demon known as Blackheart.” He then glanced towards the ceiling. “How did I kill the demon and who was his Father?”
Ky’lar knew the answers to the questions, but remained silent. It was his own way of defying his ‘Father’ and better yet? He didn’t even have to do anything. Just that simple inaction would be sure to make both of them angry. Maybe even enough so he could explore the Realms, but it was doubtful. Very doubtful.
He had never known difficulty like he did in being forcing to accept an undeniable fact; that in being cast out from Asgard, certain sides had been taken, and he’d so happened to end up pulling the short straw. Stripped of his hammer for good measure, the banished thunder god had refocused his attention on working with the Norsemen, who were enjoying the height of their relevancy during these prosperous if ancient times for Midgard.
In doing so, he had found much needed distraction, prone to forget that he, a prince, had been denied any claims to the throne whilst another heir was set to take over due to Odin’s failing health. From what little he can recall, these several years after being betrayed, Loki had met with a similar fate some months after he’d been removed from the realm.
But, as was his typically terrible luck, a part of the home he had wished to forget would decide to pay him an unannounced visit. Travelling by shadow to further highlight their noticeable aversion to the light, the demon as he has come to regard his treacherous sibling as is regarded with a contemptuous sigh, followed by a wiping of hands. He would need to put on pause his current activity to engage this one in friendly – if slightly charged– conversation.
“Ky’lar, for what reason are you here? Do you bring with you dire news concerning Father’s health?”
Dire news. If only things were that cut and dry. If this was years ago, before Thor was thrown out of Asgard, maybe there would have been a shred of truth in his coming words. Maybe, he would have even said that Odin forgave Thor – that maybe he would be let back to see his Father’s final moments.
However, that time was long since past. Ky wasn’t going to allow Thor back – not even if he was requested to drag him back. In Thor’s absence, Ky had grown far more distant – hiding away until the moment was right to appear, and keeping key information just enough out of the way so no one could ‘save’ the day.
“Not even a welcome for your dear brother?” His tone fell flat – almost as if taunting as his arms folded behind his back. “Oh, how far you have fallen – to think, i’m the only one standing to take after Odin.” His tone then switched to something a bit more playful and relaxed. “After he is gone of course. Then again,” he said, taking a step forward.”he could possibly get better, but that’s doubtful.”
Of course things had gone complicated; Thor took off, started a war, and now had to suffer for his actions. Loki was… who knew where, Odin was more or less dying, and Ky was the one left to pick up the pieces. If only Thor was there, maybe he could have gotten through this, but no. Thor was on Earth and wouldn’t be allowed back. Not even if Ky had requested to bring him back – a reason to why he was going to wait. If Odin died, Ky would just have to put forth a certain… proposal to grab the Throne. He had enough support with what he’d been doing, but the validity of his claims would still be up for debate. A reason to why he wanted to keep his Brothers out of the way for as long as possible. That way, maybe he could focus on getting exactly what he wanted: power and the throne.
It was to that reason he was here; on Earth. A place he’d only been to a very long time ago. If he was being honest, he almost wished to stay here longer, but it wouldn’t serve his needs at all. No, he’d inform Thor of what had happened, and the get back to what would soon be his kingdom (if everything went properly).
“When I heard Odin did this,” he said, taking a step forward from the shadows of the room. “I almost didn’t believe it.” Ky thought it was a joke – until he heard otherwise in all reality, but here they were. One step closer to his over-all plan. Or, at least, part of a plan.
Odin could hardly blame the boy for his want to return to the past, and had made his peace with the fact that he may always harbor such a desire. Thus, he decides to tolerate the boy’s claimed wish for the time being, grey-blue gaze sympathetic as he settles a large hand on Ky’s small shoulder. “Continue to repeat such to yourself, boy, and you will know what madness is.” Repetition wouldn’t benefit his future heir, but the All-Father knew that this matter required a delicate approach.What Frigga would say in a time like this, he wasn’t sure, and missed her presence more with each day that passed.
As a spoil of war, the Black one’s son was a valuable bargaining chip; and old Wotan would plainly refuse to let him slip from his sight. Judging a change in scenery to be required, he steps back from Ky to grant him some space, proposing a new suggestion. “But let’s not waste time on sorrows felt. There is much work to be done if we are to make a king of you one day, young prince. Are you sufficiently prepared for such an undertaking?”
It was more than just a simple desire; it was a longing to go back to the one place he knew. The one place that he could truly call home; a falsehood that he knew more than likely wasn’t true. Even now, he was getting used to his surroundings, but it wasn’t something he could outright admit. Maybe when he knew the true feeling or even word he could, but for now, he didn’t even know if saying anything else was a good idea. Every fiber of his being pleaded – no, it begged for him to come back to that dark realm. It was not just an escape, but it was, in his mind (at least for the moment) the one place where he didn’t feel so out of place. However, he ignored every word said by Odin. Not paying attention as his hands formed into tight fists; his anger that rarely showed (so far) starting to come to the surface. “Take… me… back,” the boy said, barely able to speak as his fingers dug into the palms of his hands. “Or they will get you.” By they, usually the Demons who protected him and – were now dead-, but Ky didn’t know that.
Then again, he didn’t really know what he was doing either… being away from the other Realm was slowly starting to change him. For the firs time, Ky was starting to obtain a clear head; an individual personality, but it would take ages for it to fully develop. “I want to go back.” A pause. “I want…” And then he trailed off in silence as he shifted his gaze to the ground.
To be required to bend the knee to Ky’lar was a fierce prospect to entertain. Thor felt an atavistic chill at the very thought of it, but was also bemused by it. The order of succession should’ve put him or his other siblings in line to claim the throne once Odin abdicated his position as king and All-Father well before the half-breed had his turn. Such had at least been the case in the centuries prior to their family growing by a total of one, anyway.
He’d need to find Odin and ask what had changed.
“Nay, Ky’lar, you speak falsely.” Clearly not sold on the lie so tentatively floated his way, the blond pulls tightly on the reins that held his furious feelings in check, possessing enough sense to not cause a scene in the court of his new liege. The throne was his birthright, and whilst the debate as for why he should be seated upon it instead of a demon’s son had yet to be waged, Thor kept his tone terse, voice rising only for emphasis.
“My people would be better off without you acting as their king. This mess has the sulphurous stench of Mephisto’s doing about it. Do correct me if I am wrong in this assumption.”
“Do you truly believe that, brother?” His voice was acidic as he leaned forward. “I speak the truth, if I had the power to do so right now, I would hand it over to you, but… we both know who I answer to.” Mephisto, the unspoken truth that he’d never admit – not directly at least.
Thor was right though, this all had to do with him, and there was doubt that it would ever change. If Ky attempted to put things back to the way they should have been, there was no doubt in his mind that he’d be stopped. Maybe it would be by force or maybe Mephisto would even send someone else in to ‘correct’ his behavior.
Either option wasn’t something he wanted to explore. Nor did he feel it was entirely necessary to explore such measures. “If,” he said bluntly, “and that is a big if, he had any part in this… i’d tell you.” No, he wouldn’t. Maybe a while ago, a good long while ago, but now? No, Ky’lar wouldn’t reveal that information to Thor. No matter how hard he tried to extract it.
“As it stands, I stay where i am… until such a time changes.”
He strains to listen as Ky fights with his words, jotting down mental note after mental note in regards to the child’s behavior, mannerisms and, surprisingly, sullenness. At first he thought all demons to be born reckless and raging, a hazard to any who had the unfortunate luck to cross their paths. But such proclivities weren’t seen in this one. Perhaps it was his humanity keeping him in check? Odin could only speculate at this early juncture. “Do not lie, child. You are clearly far from any conceivable definition of ‘fine’.” Insomuch as wellness could be lent definition, anyway.
“And this fact bothers you, yes?” It was hardly surprising. Those kept in terrible places would long to return to such habitats if removed from them. He’d have a difficult time trying to convince Ky’lar that being constantly beneath Mephisto’s thumb was no life at all, and would go so far as to show him such should he be granted permission to do so. “Would you rather I return you to the sulfurous pits where thence I plucked your writhing, fragile form from its latest torment, hmm?”
Lying wasn’t what he intended, but idea of the word was still foreign to him. More specifically, he didn’t even know what lying meant. It was all still new; until that moment, all he had done was spend time alone in Mephisto’s realm, and his focus had been on staying out of trouble. His training was going to begin soon, but for now, or so he was told at least, Ky needed to stay out of the way. After-all, they were in the middle of a War, and while he didn’t know exactly what that meant… what he did know was that it was bloody.
If Ky was being honest, he wanted to go back; to be where he knew things. To where he didn’t have to talk and he could just watch. It was, a term he had just learned; lonely. He just didn’t think that it mattered. Not when it was the only place he knew until that time. “Yes,” he finally said, eyes shifting towards the ground. “It… bothers me.” However, he didn’t say the part that he was thinking; that he’d be fine. He’d deal with it… something that he’d heard before when Mephisto and Blackheart were arguing one day. “I’ll be fine.” No, he wouldn’t, not even close, but he didn’t – no, he couldn’t voice his true thoughts on the matter. All he could do was try to hide his fear and hope this was just a bad dream. That he’d wake up back home where he didn’t feel… so out of place (even though deep down Ky knew that he was the only one out of place there).
It had only been two weeks since he was left in charge; two long weeks that felt like years. He didn’t know what he was doing nor did he have anyone to help him. All he truly had was Thor and that… wasn’t exactly someone he could completely trust.
Yes, Thor had been the one constant in his life, but at the end of the day, it was he who should be on the throne. Not him. Not the half-demon who was raised here after a conquest.
Still, it wasn’t like he could do much about it now. He just had to wait it out and hope that no one wanted to do anything. Maybe then he could keep the place going until his Grandfather managed to shift his gaze back to Asgard.
“This wasn’t my idea,” he said, bringing up his new tittle for the first time since it happened. “but your people are going to one day, get back to how things were long ago. I swear it.” A lie, one of the largest ones Ky ever used; he couldn’t guarantee it. He couldn’t do anything and it was all due to the fact he didn’t have that type of power.
“It does not surprise me to hear you say such remarks.” Ky’s complaints are met with a measured smile that lasted for a fraction of a second, there and gone by the time that Thor moved to respond. Had moods the capacity to acquire a physical presence, then any that approached the man as he was like now would find themselves walking towards a nebulous void. It didn’t seem fare, but Thor felt that he now had to wave goodbye to all cheery perspectives regarding his adopted sibling. A summons to appear before Odin outside of days dedicated to ceremony and revelry was never a pleasant development. Feeling the atmosphere around them grow taut with expectation, he tries his best to diffuse at least some of the tension felt by raising his arms aloft in a mock show of surrender, fumbling his words but soon starting over again; “Very well. No guards, then. And nay, I have attended to and resolved all necessary matters prior to my arrival here.” His way of saying he’d settled his accords, cleared his schedule of all obligations, for he was bound to need the free time in the coming hours ahead. “Onwards, to Odin’s hall.” Gesturing past Ky to their destination off in the distance, the familiar, golden spires of the palace shone in the warm glow of day, unmissable by any who cast their gaze upon the alluring vista of the realm eternal. The place where matters of life and death were regularly debated.
Deep down, Ky knew this wasn’t going to be a simple talk; it was going to be a massive one. Maybe Odin had finally gotten worried to why Ky wasn’t even attending meals anymore or to the point that he rarely left his quarters. There were loads of questions he had as to why now- why he couldn’t just be left alone to his own devices, and why would he be dragged in. If he was being honest with himself, maybe being dragged in would have been better; a true act of defiance since maybe then he’d be allowed to at least see the realms for himself. Nine realms. None of them and he’d only seen a portion. More specifically, he’d read more about them than most, but never truly stepping on them fully. At any-rate, he wasn’t like Thor, wasn’t like anyone else that was allowed to go to other realms in battles. No, he was ordered to stay out of them, and ‘wait’. Maybe he just wasn’t suited for this; he had control, he had restraint, but it wasn’t enough. Ky could feel something in the back of his mind starting to make itself known; an anger he always smothered with focus and with some sort of distraction. For the entirety of the trip, Ky kept his arms folded calmly behind his back, and his head down. An unusual gesture, but done for the simple reason to keep his silence. If something that was most likely bad happened? He wanted to take the brunt of it himself and leave Thor out of it… even if it amounted pushing everyone away.
Whilst not known for his patience, the gallows god would serve to disappoint his detractors at this current time by mustering forth a tolerance for the young and inexperienced demon child as he managed to find his footing. It wasn’t too long ago, relatively speaking, that he had removed a jotunn child from the harsh expanse of his frigid world, and now the Norns had seen to it that history repeat itself, this time with Odin adopting one of the devil’s brood.
Before he lets his mind wander any further, the All-Father stops walking to bow respectfully to Ky’lar the youngest of his heirs and also the one with whom their life expectancy was in doubt. He was but a mortal if by half at that, and thus susceptible to the rot that was oblivion’s touch. With magic, he knew that he could free the boy from such an end, but Odin was not the giving sort; at least not until he had strong reason to bestow such a grace upon an individual.
“It means an end to loneliness, my child, for which I have known you to experience for far too long a time.” But of what sons to task with looking after Ky’lar as he adjusted to his new surroundings, he could but think of three. Unfortunately, with abroad Týr it left but two available; baldur and thor, both of whom were still in the process of proving themselves. He had hope that the responsibility of looking after a life may curb the wildness that had instilled itself within them both.
“On my one eye, I swear that you will never know such isolation ever again.”
Loneliness; he didn’t even know what the word meant. Let alone what it truly was to feel such a thing. Nor did he know how to actively pinpoint what he was feeling. So far, the only emotions he had truly understood were rage and self importance.
This was the first time he had truly not just experienced, but understood curiosity, but not the sort he had before. This time, he had questions – loads of questions. He wouldn’t ask them though; it wasn’t his place… that was something that was instilled in him even before hand. Asking questions usually came with snide remarks from the Black one, but more so a pat on the head from the red one. Here… it was odd. People were like him; they were not… he didn’t know how to even describe them, but he knew he ‘fit’ in far better. “I’ve been fine.” No, he hadn’t; he knew something was missing, but as to what? He didn’t know. The boy accepted that he would always be different – it just wasn’t the case here. Truth be told… he didn’t even know what fine was. It was acceptance – no, only acceptance and obedience.“i’ll…” he lowered his head and glanced away from the All-father. “It’s just…” he couldn’t even get the word out; he didn’t even know how to explain ‘strange’ but he attempted to try his best by saying something similar. “Not the same.”
Hellfirebound 