FIRELIGHT AND PROMISES
The campfire crackled softly. Crickets chirped in the distance. Above them, the stars shimmered like icy diamonds in the night sky. Akio and Varnok lay on the cold earth, wrapped in thick fur. The world was quiet, still, peaceful.
Akio, small and full of questions, lay on his father's massive chest, listening to the steady rhythm of Varnok's heartbeat, Varnok grinned. "Come here!" He grabbed Akio playfully and rolled over, trapping the boy as Akio squealed with laughter, "Gotcha!"
"No fair!" Akio gasped between giggles. "You're cheating again! That's Viking cheating!"
"There's no cheating in Viking wrestling! Only surviving!" Varnok said.
They both burst into laughter. Akio finally flops down, resting his head on Ice Viking's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his father's heart.
"I love you, Dad," he said softly.
Varnok smiled—rare, but warm. "I love you too, son."
Akio looked up. "You know… you're really strong, Dad."
"Pfft," Varnok snorted. "Not even close to how strong you're gonna be. I saw the look on those boys' faces today. They were scared."
Akio grinned slyly. "You know, Dad… I bet those guys looked even 'scarier-dar.'"
Varnok chuckled. "Scarier-dar? That's not even a word!"
"It is now! And it's Viking-certified!"
"Alright then. Official Viking vocabulary: scarier-dar. Approved."
He rolled over again, pinning Akio gently. "No one messes with your—"Dad!!"
They both burst into another round of laughter, Varnok cuddles Akio tightly, planting a kiss on his forehead.
After a while, Akio's voice grew softer, "Dad?"
"Yes, son?"
"You'll always be by my side, right?"
Varnok's smile faded just a little, but he held it steady.
"Right."
"Promise me I won't lose you?" He pulled Akio close, arms tightening like armor.
"I promise, Akio. As long as there's breath in me… you'll never be alone."
"Thanks, Dad."
Akio hugged him, burying his face into his father's chest.
"I'll protect you too, you know. I won't let anything hurt you."
Varnok closed his eyes. A silent tear slid down his rugged cheek. He whispered low, a vow no one else will hear…
"May the gods help anything that tries to take you away from me."
The forest breeze hums low under the moon's silver glow. Varnok and Akio make their way home, the faint outline of their house appearing in the distance. A soft, flickering lantern glows by the door. Standing outside, wrapped in worry, is Kaito's mother—her long hair dances with the wind as her eyes scan the path ahead.
noticing her Akio screamed with joy and relief "Mom!" Akio cried.
He dropped the bundle of wood and ran. His boots beat against the ground
"Mom!"
He collided into her arms. Mizuki knelt and wrapped him close, her hands trembling. As her Fears melted into relief.
"My little warrior..." she whispered into his hair.
Varnok stood a few feet away, watching. His expression unreadable. But something flickered behind those cold blue eyes.
Their eyes met, Mizuki's and Varnok's, But No words yet.
"There were knights, and the king, and Dad stood up to them all!" Akio shouted, eyes wide with excitement.
"Wow, he did?" Mizuki asked.
"Yes! It was like something from the stories! And there were these three boys who picked on me—bad guys! I defeated them with one strike!" He mimed swinging a sword.
"That's my son," she smiled.
"Yess!" he giggled. "But Dad said it's wrong to hit people… even if they hit first."
"Yes, baby," Mizuki nodded. "It's wrong to pick a fight just because you're strong."
"I know," Akio said, then paused as his stomach growled. "Mom… I'm hungry."
She smiled, brushing his hair back. "I made dinner."
"Really, Mom?!"
"Yes, really."
"Yes!" he yelled, rushing into the house.
Mizuki watches him disappear into the house, the sound of his boots echoing softly l.
Varnok approached her slowly, his cloak brushing the grass, The moonlight caught the silver lining of his shoulder armor.
"My love?" Mizuki said quietly, still not meeting his eyes.
He stepped closer.
She stood stiff, Her lips pressed tight. Her delicate brows are furrowed, arms crossed with a gentle pout.
"I doubt you've eaten," Varnok said.
She shook her head.
He sighs "Let's go eat then," he said, warm but firm.
He reaches for her hand. She doesn't move. Her lips press tight, her cheeks puffed slightly—clearly upset. He pauses.
He tilted his head. "What's wrong?"
She murmured unintelligibly, low and incoherent, eyes to the side.
"Did I say something?" he asked, half amused.
She huffs cutely, still not speaking.
"Then I guess," he said, voice low, "I'll have to carry you."
He sweeps her off the ground in his arms. Her face flushes red as a blossom in spring.
"Varnok! Put me down!" she gasped.
He chuckles, holding her close, "No. Not until you smile again."
She couldn't help but blush while she hit his chest lightly. "You're impossible."
"And you're beautiful," he murmured.
She buried her face in his chest, hiding her blushing smile.
He carried her toward the house, the night suddenly softer around them.
"You owe me an explanation," she whispered as they reached the door.
He nodded, gaze steady. "I know."