· 5 min read
Embers in the Wasteland - part 1
This is it, the place Kratos calls home.
You step into the dimly lit main hall, filled with survivors.
Rough-looking men and women huddle around fires, sharing stories of their pasts or discussing strategies for their uncertain futures.
The makeshift structure itself is a marvel - a testament to human resilience in the face of adversity.
In the center of this chaotic hub stands a man with broad shoulders and intense eyes.
He looks every bit the leader, commanding respect from even the most hardened survivors.
Kratos’ eyes meet yours, a hard look softening slightly at your presence.
This man was once a god?
You muse to yourself in astonishment.
He turns away, leaving you to your thoughts.
And now he’s just a man, like any other.
As you make your way towards Kratos, you can’t help but notice the way he carries himself - with a subtle air of authority and determination that seems almost superhuman.
It’s easy to see why these people would follow him, even if his godhood is now little more than a memory.
“YN, welcome to our sanctuary.” Kratos says, his voice deep and resonating as he greets you warmly.
You look at him, taking in the scarred face that still manages to hold an air of dignity despite its imperfections.
His handshake is firm but not overpowering, a sign of respect for your abilities rather than an attempt to assert dominance.
“Thank you, Kratos,” you reply politely, trying to suppress the apprehension that rises within you at the thought of being in such close proximity to someone with his reputation.
“It’s an honor to be here.”
You watch as he observes you closely, his eyes taking in every detail with a detached air of assessment.
His body language radiates confidence and control, even in this humble setting.
Despite the circumstances that have brought him here, it is clear that Kratos has not lost the sense of purpose that once fueled his godhood.
“We have a task at hand, YN,” he informs you matter-of-factly, his voice betraying only a hint of concern as he speaks.
“We need to secure a resource cache.
It’s dangerous, but necessary.”
You nod in understanding, your heartbeat quickening slightly at the thought of venturing out into the treacherous landscape beyond the safety of these walls.
Kratos notices your reaction and offers you a reassuring smile - an unexpected gesture that momentarily takes you aback.
He seems to genuinely care about your well-being, despite his initial stoic exterior.
As the night wears on, you settle into your new surroundings, taking comfort in the camaraderie of the group as they share stories and laughter around the fires.
In this place, amidst these people who have faced unimaginable hardships, you find a sense of belonging that has been missing from your life for far too long.
As you lie down to rest, your thoughts drift towards Kratos, and the dangerous mission that lies ahead of you both.
“‘Rest tonight, YN,’” he said, walking away with a purposeful stride.
“Tomorrow, we face our mission.” His words echo in your mind, leaving you with a mix of fear and anticipation as you drift off to sleep.
This is it, the start of something dangerous.
You stand beside Kratos, ready for the mission.
Your heart races as you take in the treacherous landscape ahead, the air heavy with anticipation.
But at your side stands Kratos, a towering figure of strength and resolve, and his presence brings an unexplainable sense of calm to your otherwise nervous state.
As you begin your journey together, it’s impossible not to notice the growing tension between you both.
The air crackles with electricity, as if every breath you take charges the atmosphere even more.
At one point, Kratos’ hand brushes against yours while climbing a particularly steep ridge, and for a moment, your eyes meet his in surprised acknowledgment.
It must have been an accident – or was it?
The gentle touch lingers on your skin, leaving you questioning its meaning as you continue to scale the unforgiving terrain side by side.
The day wears on, and as exhaustion sets in, Kratos’ voice breaks through your thoughts.
“You’re doing well, YN,” he says, his tone unexpectedly gentle.
You look up at him, surprised at this rare display of vulnerability from the once-feared god of war.
A hint of a smile creases his scarred face as he offers you encouragement and support – something you desperately need in these trying times.
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, Kratos suggests making camp for the night.
He leads you to a small cave tucked away from prying eyes, where you can both rest and recharge before continuing your mission the next day.
The evening air is thick with anticipation as the two of you settle down in close proximity.
Despite your best efforts to maintain a respectful distance, there’s an undeniable attraction drawing you together like magnets.
As night falls and the darkness envelopes the cave, your thoughts drift back to the day’s events.
The dangerous journey, the unexpected camaraderie between you and Kratos – it all seems surreal in this quiet moment.
Your gaze finds his silhouette, his strong profile outlined against the flickering firelight.
“Goodnight, YN,” he says softly, his deep voice resonating within the confines of the cave.
You offer him a weak smile in return, feeling both nervous and exhilarated at this unspoken connection that has developed between you over the course of the day.
And as sleep finally claims you, you can’t help but wonder what tomorrow will bring – both for your mission and for the bond that is slowly forming between you and Kratos.