Kamigami No Asobi/神々の悪戯 1. Prose 1

**Disclaimer: I do not own the these characters, they belong to history, mythology, religion, and in some respects Broccoli.**  
**Note from Author: Where to start. Yes there is some mention of modern religions that people practice today (Christianity, Islam, Judaism, etc.). Please note that although they are used in this story as a trigger of a bigger conflict, I do not intend to pose them in any negative light but more take a historical reference between the modern religion and the older gods. If that makes sense. I guess, to sum it up: I do not mean any offense.**

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Prose 1

The seasons were in order…supposedly. It was late in the year, about the time a chill would grip the gods and the snow would dot the soft cloudy sky. But Zeus being Zeus would have none of the wonders of a winter wonderland. The gods of the North were used to this by now. That didn't mean they liked it.

_Veturland_…

Spring and Winter were a big deal to most cultures and specifically to the Norse. But to be deprived of what to them made winter…winter really got to them. At least their dorms could be converted to replicate that of a snowbound Scandinavian land. But to Loki it felt hollow.

"We need to see if we can't get Ahollon to convince his pops to give us the real thing," Loki moaned to Thor, who said nothing.

The two stood by the outside of the school waiting for the bell to ring for class. Thor kept Loki close. Loki just needed to go to one more class before the end of the year and shirk probation, which wasn't…pleasant.

"Hey, you two."

The two turned and found their human classmate and pseudo-mentor, Yui Kusanagi. She had a wide smile on her face and papers in her hands. She approached them, glad to see that Loki was at least in the vicinity of the school.

"What is this? More homework," Loki whined before nudging Thor. "That I won't do."

"No," Yui shook her head, "I know Zeus wants to hold a Winter Solstice festival, and wanted some ideas."

"And? A marathon of naked Greek wrestlers? No thanks."

"W-wait? What?"

Loki nodded and mouthed, "Trust me. That's what they do."

"What is your idea?" Thor finally spoke.

Yui handed him the papers. Thor's expression didn't change, but he said softly, "Yule?"

"Well, generally humans celebrate the Solstice on the 25th of December and they have Christmas trees and hollies and mistletoe—"

"No mistletoe!" Loki and Thor said in unison. Yui shook her head, cursing herself for forgetting.

"Oh, right, sorry I forgot. No mistletoe—"

"That's not something you'd forget—" Loki complained before being cut off.

"Gift exchanges and a holiday meal. You know. Christmas."

Loki crossed his arms and inhaled looking concerned.

"I thought you guys would like it…"

"It's not about liking—"

Thor nudged him and the look he gave Loki read "Shut up."

The bell rang, signaling that the students needed to get to class.

"Alright, Loki, make sure you're in class," Yui said, wondering what the grim faces were about.

Did she make a mistake? She had heard Apollo talk her ear off about Winter Solstice festivities. If the gods like him were only exposed to naked men getting in very awkward positions in the name of Zeus as celebration of winter then there was little wonder they had limited knowledge of the modern human.

Apollo was ecstatic to have something new, and he was always curious about what the Norse…did. Balder didn't do much "Norse-like" things in front of them. With the exception of No-Shave November—and interesting story in and of itself and all but confirmed that the Norse gods were pretty hairy…all over—Balder always seemed to go with the flow of the current trend.

Tsukito didn't seem to care about it much. He may have been glad of a change, but it was hard to tell. He was willing to aid in setting the idea up. Balder must have heard the idea but he hadn't said anything about it. At least not to her. He was how he usually was.

Days went by and everyone "seemed" to be on board for a Christmas themed Solstice. But it became clear as the class filed in for the day's lesson, that at least one god felt…uncomfortable.

Thoth started the lesson by putting symbols on the board: a crescent, a star, and a cross.

Immediately Loki's rather smarmy face froze, his jaw quivering. He stared at the back of Balder's head trying to get a read on his friend.

"Today we will be discussing the modern human belief system. With the upcoming Christmas celebration we will be briefly discussing the Abrahamic system and its braches," the instructor pointed to the symbols, "Islam, Judaism, and Christianity."

Loki raised his hand and didn't even bother to be called upon to say anything, "Hey, is this really necessary? Can't we learn something else like…what they do to get rid of goiters or something?"

Thoth pounded on the table, "Yes, Dunce. Humans evolve, people's beliefs change, and culture changes with it. Now either pay attention or be stuck here forever."

That seemed to do the trick as Loki shut his mouth and leaned back in his seat, hands clenched on the desktop in tight fists.

"Now," Thoth continued, "The first of the Abrahamic belief system arose from the Middle East, called as such after the founder Abraham. Most modern humans call this first concrete system Judaism…"

The first session of the class seemed to be going well, but Yui took note of Loki's rather anxious expression. As if he was anticipating something…bad. She had seen it in the past when boys who were caught doing something bad in class would sink in their seat and hunch their shoulders like a tortoise retracting its head into its shell.

Thor seemed even stiffer than usual, his mouth working as it seemed it was dry. And Balder…he may have had some facial ticks, a rigid posture, or something but something seemed…off.

Yet it wasn't until Thoth uttered the words, "It was around this time that the sect of beliefs evolved into what is now called Christianity…" when the strange body language became noticeable. Especially to Dionysus.

Dionysus zoned out during most classes, but this lesson at the very least sounded interesting, despite the rather dull voice relaying the lesson. Human culture? It was so…undefined. A mix of everything to create one unique thing. Like a fine wine.

And yet, once Thoth went into a captivating story about a son of God creating a set of principles that the world would attempt to follow, the blond god next to him reacted like he had an agonizing itch to scratch. Balder's breathing increased only slightly but enough for Dionysus to realize that something wasn't quite right.

It seemed that Balder's attention span was shrinking by the moment. He would glance out the window at the sky, at the clock, at the board, everywhere. Dionysus gave it a pause, before turning back to the lesson, thinking it was just Balder anxious to leave. Perhaps he had to use the bathroom. Dionysus remained moderately tuned to the lesson, until Thoth drew a map on the board of the world.

"It was around this time, with the rapid expansion of the Late Roman Empire, that Christianity spread to the north…"

Balder's nails scratched the surface of the desk as he clenched it into a tight fist, as Thoth colored in the areas of the Eurasia region that the particular religion spread, including the North Seas, Britannica, and Scandinavia.

Balder closed his blue eyes, the dull tone of Thoth fading into a muffled rumble. An uncomfortable blistering swell developed in the back of his head and in his chest. Better to ignore. He found himself staring at that image of a cross with a mixture of emotions that he so desperately wanted to keep in check.

As ringing began to penetrate his ears, Thoth let out a rather resounding, "Now."

Balder snapped out of his rather embarrassing stupor as Thoth moved on.

"Much later, arose Islam…"

The pressure seemed to lift and Balder became all aware of Loki gently rubbing a small portion of his back with the end of his pen, as if trying to soothe him. The storm passed…or so it seemed.

Finally Thoth finished the lesson abruptly, and began erasing the chalkboard as the students readily filed out. Loki and Thor left to start their "Going Home Club" activities-whatever they were, and Yui followed them to ask more questions about their cryptic conversation before class.

Meanwhile Apollo held Balder back, "You know, Bal-Bal, Loki-Loki keeps on hitting me with charmed paper cranes. He wants me to do the impossible and convince Zeus to let it snow."

"I'm sorry."

"Why? It's not your fault. Besides, he's right. Dad has to realize that a good portion of world associates Winter Solstice with cold and snow. But telling that is next to impossible without him jumping to the conclusion that you are criticizing his very existence."

"He goes that far?"

"It's partially true. Thor's a way better god of lightning and thunder than my dad since he spends most of his time...you know," Apollo admitted and gave Balder a strange look.

"Know what?" Balder responded.

Apollo stared at his friend and shook his head, "Really? Sexual innuendo is lost on you?"

They noticed Thoth still organizing his books, growling internally at the two of them.

Apollo nodded at Thoth, "What's cookin' good lookin'"

"What?" the grumpy God of Wisdom glared up at Apollo.

"Nevermind, Thoth."

Thoth gave his student a pointed and disapproving look. Apollo rolled his eyes and corrected himself, "Thoth-sama."

"Better," Thoth pushed a sheet towards them. "This is the sign up for the activities during the holidays. Basically you all will be helping getting this place ready for the winter holidays. It's the duty of the student council."

Apollo analyzed the sheet with a cheery smile on his face, "Great!"

"Not so fast. It is your challenge to get all the gods to sign."

Balder and Apollo paused. It didn't sound like a big deal, but something in Thoth's tone showed that there may be an extra challenge.

"Umm…okay," Apollo said sheepishly.

"There are other gods in the gardens now."

"What!?" the gods in the classroom turned incredulously to their instructor.

"W-what do you mean 'other' gods."

Thoth smirked. Boy did he love to see his students quake in their boots, "Zeus has been doing a few Supreme Gods some favors. Taking particularly bothersome issues and…incarcerating them."

"To learn about humans," Apollo finished. Thoth shook his white head, "No. They won't be in classes with you lot. They are imprisoned here as punishment for the whole year. And then…after evaluation, they may learn what is taught here and return home."

Takeru nudged his brother, "Good to know we aren't the worst gods in the world."

"Yes, you twit!" Thoth yelled. "You lot are terrible gods. These new gods are here for causing trouble within their respective pantheons, not neglecting their duties. There are four of them, and if you want the Solstice festivities to be complete you must get them to participate. As well as everyone else."

Apollo glanced at the paper, resisting the urge to roll his eyes at the "new" challenge ahead. Might as well start with the easy part.

"Regardless, I guess I should sign," Apollo scratched his name onto the parchment and handed the quill to Balder to do the same.

As Balder leaned over to sign, a song began playing over the voice system of the school. Soft angelic voices of a choir with a clear female voice began singing and it caused the gods to pause.

'_Christmas comes anew, oh let us sing Noel_

_Glory to God, now let your praises swell._

_Sing the Noel, to Christ the newborn King…'_

Apollo's eyes widened, paying little attention to the lyrics, "Who is this goddess singing? It's like an orgy in my ears, it is so glorious."

"Julie Andrews. And yes I have to agree," Thoth replied, for once voicing his pleasure for…something.

Neither of them noticed Balder going stiff. His jaw set tight as he straightened, "What is this?"

Apollo turned, hit by the darkness of his voice, "What?"

"This song?" Balder seemed to be getting restless. "I hate this song."

Balder's voice was shaking in fury as he stared directly at Thoth, "Turn it off."

Thoth shook his head, "I don't control what's played. And don't insult Julie Andrews. She is a saint."

"I don't give a damn, just turn it OFF!" Balder's restlessness became white-hot fury as he violently knocked the papers and objects off the desk.

Apollo was stunned, "Balder, calm down…"

He made the mistake of touching Balder…

Outside in the hallway, Yui met up with Loki who was followed closely by Thor.

"If you think we're gonna take time to convert this place into a Christmas town you can forget it," Loki replied immediately before Yui could say anything.

"I don't get it. Is this offensive in some way?"

"No." Thor said over Loki's "Yes."

"Well then how do Northmen celebrate winter?"

"Quietly, by ourselves," Loki said with a toothy smile. "I mean as in we Norse gods have our own little celebrations. No Japanese humans allowed."

Loki was teasing, trying to get Yui upset, but a song started playing in the hallway. Loki and Thor looked at each other, the distinct look of fear in their eyes.

"Oh listen, Zeus actually listened to my idea."

"This was your idea?" Thor said, worry blazing in his normally stoic eyes.

"Yeah, why?"

They didn't answer, but Loki gave an exasperated "Oh shit!" before sprinting down the hallway towards the classroom. They burst through the doors of the class to see it a mess. The front desk where Thoth was sitting was overturned with the God of Wisdom on the floor with a bloody lip. Apollo, Takeru, and Hades were all trying to wrestle with…Balder?

"Balder!" Loki yelled, as Balder elbowed little Takeru square in the face with a bloody crunch. Loki and Thor grabbed Balder to take him away from the other damaged and confused gods.

"Get off me!" he yelled, his eyes blank gold and crazed. He hadn't turned into his god form yet, but it was Loki's fear that in one step he would...and then nothing would go right.

Loki and Thor were at a loss of what to do. It was impossible to hurt him, but Balder was unnaturally strong for his size, even for a god. He grabbed Loki's arm and flung him to the ground and slammed his foot on Loki's shoulder. Loki cried out in pain and hearing the cry Thor solidified his hold on Balder pulled them both to ground. Thor wound his arms around Balder's neck and arms and pinned him in a submissive hold. Thor couldn't do much to harm him, but it was his hope that Balder's energy would wind down enough to calm him down.

Loki recovered but winced and got close to his friend, whispering in both common language and in a mixture of Scandinavian, "Balder, its over. That song is over."

Balder's struggling slowed, but Thor was getting tired, so Hades, who may not have been big but was tall, used his weight to help Thor out.

"Would a sedative work on him?" Hades asked.

"No idea," Loki breathed, "But right now I don't want to find out unless we have to."

Balder's breathing evened out and almost went full stop. His eyes once flashing in anger and rage, were now unfocused and drowsy. He quieted and stilled, going limp and numb. Thor nudged Hades, motioning for him to get off and that he had it under control. Thor grabbed Balder by the back cuff of his uniform and pulled him up, immediately helping him out of the hall without further contact to anyone else in the classroom.

And then, silence. Uncomfortable silence. Perhaps some heavy breathing.

Yui had her hand over her mouth in shock at what she had seen. Apollo looked like he thought he was in some surreal dream, Takeru and Thoth were nursing their wounds and Hades was torn on what to do next. Even Tsukito's mouth hung open. Loki was the only one who dared to move. With labored breath he stomped towards the doors where Thor took Balder, but paused beside Yui, giving her a practically hateful glare.

"You WILL get Zeus to stop playing that crap over the PA."

Loki moved on without an explanation. He's known for saying teasing things but never ever having a vicious bite. Nothing about what happened, was normal.

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**A/N: There is SOME humor in this story, hence the Julie Andrews reference. I like to imagine the gods worshipping her voice.**  
**The song referenced is her version of "Noel Nouvelet." Any suggestions on how to move on is welcome.**

**Party On.**


	2. Prose 2

**Disclaimer: See chapter 1**

**Note: I know this is 'T' rated but this chapter does contain coarse language. I tend not to consider the occasional F-bomb to warrant an 'M' rating, but I know some do. So if you don't like bad language just box your ears.**

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Prose 2

Hours later, Balder found himself very alone and in front of Zeus' office. He didn't necessarily fear Zeus' wrath. But he certainly didn't want Zeus to have a reason to start bullying him like he does his own kin. Though according to Apollo, Zeus was afraid of two people. One, was Athena, his own daughter. The other, was Odin. To be fair, a lot of people feared Odin, especially in his monstrosity of a god form. And Odin had a weird knack of knowing everything that occurs. Everything. Balder once had to explain to Apollo about Huginn and Muninn, Odin's ravens of thought and mind, who aided in his omnipotence, but by that time Apollo was just lost.

Although Odin was nothing but loving towards him, Balder had a healthy fear of his father. He worried about what something like the incident in the main hall would cause Odin to react. The last thing anyone needed was two Supreme Gods—one known for having a terrible temper and the other…an asshole—fighting it out across the skies. No. Best to put on a brave face, confront the problem directly instead of dragging the entirety of Asgard into the school and making a bigger mess.

He took a deep breath, trying to quell his anxiety. Can't lose his mind in front of Zeus. It would be like a gazelle snoozing in a den of lions. He knocked lightly on the ivory door.

"Enter," came a deep abrupt voice.

Balder opened the door and found Zeus looking over some papers.

"Balder. Sit down."

He obeyed and sat across from Zeus, a tad surprised he wasn't struck down immediately. Not that it would do much. Zeus arched an eyebrow and leaned back in his chair.

"Do you know why you're here?"

"I have an idea," Balder admitted softly.

"Yeah," Zeus said with an ounce of shock in his voice, he glanced over at a report on his desk, "Giving Thoth a black eye and busted lip. I'll honest, I don't know whether to punish you or reward you."

Any other god would have felt a swell of pride that Zeus seemed impressed. Balder didn't, instead he felt ice and cold. He didn't know of the damage done until it was told to him.

"But on Takeru Totsuka. Students attacking students I can't allow. For integrities' sake, but…" Zeus leaned forward, steepling his fingers. "You."

"Of all of those gods, you losing control is a big problem apparently, rare as it happens," Zeus continued, stroking his beard. His short beard, Balder thought.

"I'm still in control," Balder assured, "It's just…"

He scratched the back of his head and shifted in his seat, running his tongue over his lips nervously. He was getting anxious now. He didn't want to feel anxious or restless, but those horrible feelings were gripping his body like a vice.

"A massive problem with Julie Andrews? How is that possible? She makes the Muses cry."

"No," Balder said with an ounce of exasperated breath, "I don't have a problem with Julie Andrews or her, apparently phenomenal, singing."

"The time is it?" Zeus said and Balder glanced up. Did Zeus know? He had to.

Zeus folded his hands in front of him and leaned forward, "Whatever the issue is, that doesn't excuse what happened. I suggest you find a way to resolve it. Which brings me to my second concern…"

Zeus paused staring Balder's stony face, "I rather not tell your father. If it's his problem it will quickly become everyone else's, but I will if I have to. Unless you think dragging the Raven God into this mess is a good idea, I will give you two options. You can either voluntarily suspend yourself or you can go about your daily business with minotaurs, sphinxes, and whatever the hell else I can think of to monitor your every move, every blink. Your choice."

The choice was quite clear. Balder didn't even have to voice it.

"What does suspension entail?" he asked.

Zeus nodded and looked slightly relieved, "You don't go to classes or participate in activities. You stay at your dorm until the suspension is lifted. You can ask your fellow classmates for notes and homework to keep up."

"What about tutoring?"

"Tutoring?" Zeus raised and eyebrow, "Any extra learning activities not within the grounds of the school are still available. So if your tutor goes to your dorm for study sessions, that is not included in the suspension."

Balder breathed in a relieved breath and nodded.

Zeus regarded the sullen and dulled god of light with as much pity as he was used to giving. Which wasn't a lot.

"I'm sorry Balder. But I'm sure you see the necessity of this punishment."

Balder did. Of course he did. But that didn't mean he had to like it. Balder didn't go to classes that day, as per his punishment, and to be frank, he was glad. He didn't think he could face anyone at the moment. He stayed in his dorm, in his room, trying to gather enough will to just fall asleep and drift away. Trying to nap proved difficult as his waking dreams filled his head with vague memories of fire and battle. Not battling gods. Worse. Humans. Humans in armor marching straight to a wooden temple, setting it a blaze. Axes falling on heads. Two worlds colliding with a splash of blood.

He rolled on his stomach and peered out the window at the head of his bed. It looked chilly, but it wasn't snowing. At this time of year at home it always snowed and despite the cold, Balder never felt warmer, but wandering in the human realm of winter he felt a deadly chill.

Thor and Loki finished classes and headed straight to their dorm house. The lights were off, usually an indication that Balder wasn't home, but Balder's school bag on the table proved otherwise.

"Balder?" Loki called through the dorm with concern creeping in his throat, but Thor wisely pulled him from running upstairs to check on their kin.

"Let it alone, for now," he said in his usual quiet voice, before turning to the kitchens.

"What are _you _doing then?" Loki glared accusingly at his friend. "Besides, surprisingly, avoiding conflict."

Thor wasn't fazed, "Making dinner. I have a rotisserie in the oven. That could cheer him up."

Loki shut his mouth. An intense part of him wanted to go up and see if Balder was alright. Loki understood his outburst, but there wasn't much that could help him get over this hump.

Loki sat on the couch, gnawing at the end of his pen, ignoring his homework for the moment, as Thor busied himself with making dinner. He found his eyes glancing up at the staircase, hoping Balder would show. Loki didn't like to worry, but when it comes to Balder, he found himself worrying more than he should. Sure, he played tricks, knowing Balder didn't give a damn, but the only opinion Loki cared for was Balder's.

He…

Loki's thoughts were interrupted when Thor pulled out some pie to let it cool on the kitchen counter. His tongue wanted some of that sugar. He crept up to the counter, wanting just a bite. He grabbed the nearby spoon and plunged it into the pie, trying to hide his face on the other side of the counter, but Thor caught him giving him a stony stare. Loki froze and Thor said nothing.

Thor nodded, giving the barest of smiles, "Go on right ahead."

Loki thought it was weird that Thor would straight up give him permission to take a bite out of his freshly baked pie before the rest of dinner was ready. Staring straight into Thor's eyes, Loki took a bite. He chewed it once before cringing and spitting it out.

"Aw, shit, that's hot."

"Yeah?"

"Son of a—. You did that on purpose, Thor! And they call me the conniving trickster."

Thor could've chuckled to himself, but he didn't, "I didn't _trick_ you into doing anything. I just allowed you to make your own mistake."

Loki looked ready to retort, but was silenced when Balder resolutely came down the steps, wearing black sweatpants, and a dark gray hooded sweatshirt and knit cap. He didn't say much as he adjusted his cap (which he tucked his long blond hair in) and opened the door, stepping outside.

Neither Loki nor Thor could get a word in and just watched as their fellow Norse god stepped into the chilly, but still snowless outdoors.

Outside, Balder jogged, loosening his long legs. Bad idea since he tripped and fell every 20 feet or so but he had to get out. He couldn't sleep or take a nap, but he hadn't been able to clear his mind. He found walks and jogging did the trick in the few moments in his life that he just had to get away. He just let the Norse treated landscape fill his eyes, as hollow and fake as it was. He could smell the pine though. Fresh, clean, but biting. It melded well with the chilled air. Cool morning air and autumn and winter air were refreshing to his lungs. He often liked to relax on his ship in the early morning and breath in the air of the new day. Or of a dying year. In winter, instead of on his ship, he preferred the company of family, by an open hearth, wine and beer flowing with laughter, the soft gentleness of winter outside.

To most, winter seemed cold and harsh. Balder was one of the few who saw winter as warm, soft, gentle, comforting. He refused to see it as anything but. However, a particular celebration brought on uncomfortable memories.

The soft white of his breath puffed out with each labored exhale he took. It flowed out so easily in the cold air, like smoke. Like the smoke coming from the pipes and cigars his uncles, brothers, and even aunts and sisters, puffed on occasion.

Maybe that was it. Maybe he should take a leave of absence. He was suspended anyway, why should he remain here? Unless Zeus truly wanted to imprison them, that should be allowed right? Maybe some time away could fix his moodiness during these times, but it certainly wouldn't stop the _Christmas_ celebration. The very thought caused uncertain feelings well up in his chest. It was Yui Kusanagi's idea. It wasn't her fault. The idea was reasonable. It was how a good portion of the humans celebrated the Solstice, religiously motivated or not, but did she not know what the customs she associates with "Christmas" comes from?

He paused at the edge of the hill, glancing at the half-frozen lake, placing his hands on his knees, taking a few deep breaths to gather enough wind to jog back. He glanced at the dorm house. The sky was darkening and the lights of the house were shining through the windows. Smoke was rising through the chimney.

He sighed, rubbing his eyes, and began the slow jog back.

Yui didn't know. If it really bothered him he probably should've spoken up. He didn't think it bothered him so much. When Apollo told him of what Yui wanted he was amenable to the idea. It was much of how he celebrated the Solstice. But, hearing that music…

_And we are the Heathen gods._

Inside, Balder felt fear. His disease. If he could barely keep it now, how would he cope being away from home, hearing devotional music to a god that had little to do with Solstice. And with _her_ being the catalyst.

All the more reason to ask for a leave of absence and go to Asgard for the remainder of his suspension. Certainly Zeus was powerful enough that when time was up he could drag him back to school.

Thor finally set out the rotisserie to complete his dinner. Loki already grabbed a plate and sat at the table. Thor, being courteous to Balder, already set out a plate for him—with an extra chicken leg in hopes it would lighten his mood.

"I may not go to class tomorrow," Loki said bluntly, shoving potatoes into his mouth. Thor sighed. There was nothing he could do if Loki decided not to go to class. But it was affecting Thor's own grades. Thor saw it his job to keep watch over Loki, and to make sure he didn't go too overboard with his…tricks. Invariably, though, it meant running around after him everywhere he went. So if Loki didn't go to class, neither did Thor.

Loki could tell by the look of Thor's face, that the God of Thunder was disappointed.

"I can't go!" he exclaimed. "I should stay here and make sure Balder's okay."

"Loki," Thor said softly. "Balder is a man-god. Let him handle things on his own. Trust me, he prefers it that way."

Thor may not have been a cunning or persuasive man by nature, but for Loki's benefit and Balder's, he could find verbal work arounds.

"And he would hate it if he thought his problems were adversely affecting your, or your ability to graduate."

Loki clicked his tongue in disapproval, face souring on Thor's lame attempt to get him to class. Before he could come back with a retort, the door opened and Balder came back, face red from the exercise and chill outside. He didn't say a thing as he wandered over to the plate Thor laid out for him on the kitchen counter and grabbed it.

"I'm…going to take this upstairs," he said, walking with his plate upstairs to his room, before anyone could say otherwise. Thor and Loki were silent for the rest of their meals, both minds on their blond friend.

After dinner, Loki didn't help Thor with the dishes. Instead he went upstairs, despite Thor telling him to leave well enough alone. He knocked on Balder's door and opened it, not waiting for an invitation, which he usually got anyway. Balder was laying on his side on his bed, a book in front of him, his empty dinner plate on his desk, next to an unfinished pipe carved out of a birch branch. Balder was just in his pair of black sweatpants and was wearing a white t-shirt, his expression stony, but on Loki.

"Hey…" Loki whispered…for some reason. Balder's thick brow arched as he replied with a lackluster, "Hi."

"Can I come in?" A moot question since Loki already opened his door unannounced.

Balder didn't say otherwise and shifted his eyes to his book. Loki flinched. Balder unresponsive was an odd thing to work through. Especially since everyone was so used to him being open and inviting.

He entered, reaching over to pull Balder's chair out from under his desk, so Loki could sit next to Balder's bed. Balder, however, had his back turned, so Loki was forced to talk to the back of Balder's head.

"Are you okay?"

Balder shifted, "What do you think?"

Of course Loki knew the answer, but he at least liked that Balder didn't lie and say that nothing was wrong. Loki knew that Balder didn't want to be here at the moment. Hell, he didn't want to be here either but they all had to go through with it.

Loki reached out and put his hand on Balder's shoulder, showing that he understood. His fingertips squeezed the muscle and bone of his shoulder and his thumb was unconsciously pressing circles against his shoulder blade. If Loki thought he went too far in his physical display of care, Balder didn't say anything, or he was too oblivious to.

"Hey, it'll be alright, Balder. These things…happen."

At that Balder shut his book with a snap and rolled over on his back and finally glanced at Loki, "Breaking down?"

Loki bit his lip, "I meant homesickness…and…well, bad memory recall."

Balder exhaled, and at that he seemed less closed off, "In a way I'm glad I am suspended. If I let a little song get to me like that, who knows what will happen."

"It won't happen again right?"

Balder shook his head, "No it won't. But still…the others."

Loki scoffed, "Screw what the others think. Just come back and be yourself."

The pleading tone had a hint of prayer and desperation. Something Balder picked up on but didn't address. His lips thinned in thought. Loki sighed and tapped his friend's leg.

"If you want to talk about it, you can talk to me. You know that right?"

Balder nodded briefly and swallowed as if he were about to say something, but instead he turned back to his book wanting another distraction. Loki took this as his cue to leave.

Thor did his business, finishing his homework and going to bed. Loki followed. Before going in their separate directions Loki thought to check up on Balder. He and Thor opened his door to see if he was still alright. Balder's lights were still on and he was in the same position on his bed asleep, with whatever he was reading beside him. He must've fallen asleep reading. Loki stared long and hard, trying to find any sign of distress, but thankfully Balder was fine it seemed.

Thor tapped his shoulder, "Come on, let him sleep."

"Okay, okay," Loki whispered, shaking Thor off. Thor closed Balder's door and the two gods headed to their separate rooms to sleep for the night.

* * *

**A/N: I forgot to mention that there will be other gods in this story. Not really OC's by my depictions of them are my own.**


	3. Prose 3

**Disclaimer: See chapter 1.**

**Note from Author: I am basing this story on my own plot and the characters are based on the game...not the anime, since recently they've decided to...change...some things about the characters in the show.**

* * *

Prose 3:

The next day gave the Norse plenty of nerves. They tried to avoid the obvious question, but no one addressed it. Which would have been fine, if Apollo would stop giving them anxious glances and staring confused at Balder's empty seat. One thing was for certain: the absence of Balder most certainly did not go unnoticed. Of course leave it to the human to bring it up.

"Guys, where's Balder?"

Loki cringed but answered, "He's not coming to class."

"He has to—"

"It's a voluntary suspension," Loki clarified and that only seemed to confuse Yui more.

"Voluntary?"

"It's where you suspend yourself…in a way," Hades clarified. "It's self-punishment. Better than flagellation, I suppose."

"Or a way of shaming," Loki said under his breath. Perhaps Balder was right in suspending himself. These wary looks from almighty gods made him uncomfortable. For Yui, she resisted the urge to roll her eyes at Zeus' rather improvised version of "punishment". Clearly he didn't know much about the disciplinary methods of human schools. Then again these weren't ordinary humans, so maybe different methods were needed for gods.

Yui asked Hades, "For how long?"

No one knew, judging by the shrugging. The only one who had a response was Takeru, who was still smarting and obviously pissed about yesterday. His nose was horrendously bandaged and the bruising spread to under his eyes. He tried to forget what Balder did to him, but when he woke up to find his face looking like a lost plumb, he wasn't so keen on forgiving.

"I don't care when that simple-minded bumpkin comes back," the small god said gravely.

Obviously those were fighting words. Loki immediately stood from his seat, "What was that, Shorty? A bumpkin is he?"

Takeru met his challenge by standing up and defending his words, "Yes, a ham-fisted dumb ox."

"Take that back, kid. You've got no idea—"

"Do I not!" Takeru shouted back and the class stood from their seats, poised to break up a fight should one start. Takeru made a point by rubbing his bandaged nose. "I don't know why we should be surprised."

"Excuse me?" Loki's tone was deadly and normally a lesser god would shiver upon hearing such a tone.

Takeru's face however, remained sour, his flustering over being beaten down quickly turning to anger. He stared directly at Loki not flinching. Not backing down.

"The people you govern…"

"Uh oh…" Yui heard Apollo say under his breath as if Takeru had broken some sacred rule.

In truth, there was no rule against gods slinging insults on the people who worshiped them. But some gods who may not have minded a personal insult would go rabid with anger at having their worshipers insulted. The standard unwritten rule was that the people were off limits.

"…are complete savages."

And Takeru broke it. Oddly, Loki wasn't too upset with the insult on his subjects…but to equate Balder to such activity made his gut sour. That's what made Balder so different in the eyes of the gods and the Norse. He was the opposite of what the common Northman stereotype was. Rather than shoot back a list of facts about his "savage" people, Loki candidly placed his hands on his hips.

"Oh really?"

Takeru nodded glancing around at the dismayed other gods who all groaned inwardly.

Takeru was fiery, "Yessir. Those Norse folk you rule…they are…" he turned to the rest to make a point , "…more often than not." He turned back to Loki. "Are big, loud, hairy, dirty pig farmers who get so worked up over how the sun revolves around the earth decided to use his fists to answer his confusion. Notice here Loki? All of us here are known for putting up huge progressive civilizations. Whereas your Norse do what? Sit on their frozen asses ice fishing all day, not knowing when they are numb enough to come in out of the cold. Perhaps your boyfriend has too much of a frozen skull to even think where he's punchin'!"

Loki jumped towards the sea god prepared to attack, but Thor wrapped his arm around his neck and pulled him back, "Loki, enough! It's not worth it!"

"Dammit! You heard what he said!" insulting his subjects or even himself, but Loki wasn't going to let anyone smear Balder right in front of him.

"Guys!" Yui thrust herself between the two gods, Takeru now being held by Hades, face red with hunger to strike the trickster god. "Come on, get back in your seats and Takeru, leave Balder alone."

She turned to Loki with equal fury, "And he don't mean anything by it, he's just blowing off steam. Now just back into your corners and…be strange by yourselves."

The room settled, but the atmosphere was tense. Yui struggled to make it through the lesson. The gods didn't seem to be paying much attention, their thoughts on the tension the last few days. It was almost better if someone snapped and just raged out their feelings. Finally, the gods were let out. Yui, however, stopped both Thor and Loki.

"Hey, you two," she said, gathering her books. Both Norse glanced at her with grim faces, itching to leave. Even Thor's brow was scrunched together, as if he too wanted to avoid the obvious.

_Be a god, Thor. Solve your own problems. Getting others involved isn't a fitting solution for a god._

Leave it for his fearsome father, Odin All-Father, to instill a sense of independence, despite the all Norse being close as brothers and sisters. Confiding in others may have been the preference of the other gods, but not to Thor and Balder, or even Loki.

_Leave her out of this._

Yui stared up at him and then to Loki, "Is Balder really okay?"

"He's fine," was Loki's rigid response. "What's it to you anyway?"

"I'm just concerned. I didn't mean to upset him, had I known…"

"It doesn't matter," Loki cut her off. Yui flinched. Had she really offended them that much? No one had yet told her what caused Balder to snap like an enraged bull.

"Either way, do you know the terms of his suspension?"

Loki's rigid posture eased slightly and he arched an eyebrow, "Terms?"

Yui nodded, "Yes. What can he do, and what can he not do. I know in school you aren't allowed to go to classes for a few days. Like an out of school detention."

Loki explained to Yui what a voluntary suspension entailed. Balder could not go to classes and could not engage in extracurricular.

"What about tutoring?" she asked.

"Meaning?" Loki begged on, confused about what she meant.

Yui shrugged and smirked slightly in amusement, "Balder likes to meet up with me every other day so he can learn about Japanese culture."

"Hunh?"

Yui nodded, "I know right? But he's fascinated. Takeru is obviously not going to teach him anything about Japan now, and Tsukito—"

"I get the picture…I didn't know you guys had private sessions?"

"Just a few for only an hour, Apollo joins in every once in a while."

Suddenly it dawned on Loki. A sneaking suspicion of what his friend was up to. Balder, while not the sharpest tool in the shed in social situations, he was quite academic. He got good grades and as far as Loki knew, he wasn't struggling with trying to understand humans. Was he? And why the hell did he like the Japanese culture?

_What the hell goes on in your head, boy?_

"He cannot step on school grounds," Thor reiterated, but there was a pause in his voice indicating that there was more. He ignored Loki vigorously shaking his head to shut up, and continued, "But as far as I know, as long as he's not on school grounds, study sessions are permitted."

To Loki's surprise, Yui smiled, "Oh! Well that's good. I'll come over tomorrow night to give him notes."

Loki was about to deny her invitation, but Thor pulled him out of the classroom, saying quickly, "Very good. See you then, Kusanagi."

Throughout the day, Balder went through many phases. He woke up feeling good about himself, but with nothing much to do and all his friends in class his thoughts pulled back into anxiety. He resolved that anxiety with exercise, learning how humans developed their body. He jogged, did push ups, and pull ups on the banister. Afterwards he was so exhausted that he took a nap. He woke up feeling better again. That was until a knock came at his door.

Apollo stood out in the front swaying on his feet, the conjured chill surrounding the Norse dormitory quickly numbing his body. How do these men deal with this cold? Obviously humans dress in layers during winter but these gods were sometimes seen in only underwear doing housework in this blistering cold.

_Hairy ass bodies,_ Dionysus told him once. He assumed it was a joke until that silly No-Shave November joke Loki pulled.

But the large pile of wood outside told him that even these Norse gods needed something to help them during the icy cold winters.

The door in front of him opened, and Balder peeked outside, "Apollo?"

"Hi Bal-Bal," the cheery god greeted. He waited for Balder to respond back, but it was obvious the other god wasn't sure how he should respond.

"Hi," Balder let door open a bit more. He paused, silently cursing himself for not being a good host to a freezing god, "Would you like to come in?"

Apollo took a few steps towards the door, feeling the warm air from the inside lessen the chill he was feeling, "No, I cannot stay long. I'm sorry. Ze—Father told me to give you this."

The Sun God reached inside his jacket and pulled out a letter. Immediately, Balder swallowed, not sure if he wanted to see the inside. Regardless, rather than have Apollo wait, he took it, "Thank you Apollo."

After a brief pause, Apollo shoved his hands in his pockets, "Did you hear about Loki?"

_What now?_ Loki did many things that annoyed people and they would all come to him, as if Balder could do anything about it, "What did he do this time?"

"He and Take-Take almost got into a fight," Apollo said and still Balder didn't think it was new news. Loki and Takeru were always at odds.

"I guess with this much tension it was bound to happen, but I never thought Loki-Loki would resort to fisticuffs," Apollo casually continued but it grabbed Balder's attention. "Well, it scared me, but luckily nothing happened. Anyway, I'd better get going. I'm starting to lose feeling in my nose."

Balder and Apollo exchanged goodbyes and Balder retreated back inside, shaking his head. Now he had two things to deal with. What the hell was Loki thinking? Balder glanced at the letter in his hand and turned it over, breaking the golden seal.

_Balder Hringhorni_

_Your request for a leave of absence has been reviewed. Unfortunately, it has been determined that you are not to step out of this facility until you graduate-_

Balder didn't read the rest and dropped it on the kitchen table, his hand gripping the back of the nearby chair. Why should he be surprised? There was no way Zeus was going to make things easier for him. Dammit.

He was barely conscious of the back of the chair cracking under his tightening grip. He tried breathing, but the reality that he was stuck here even in 'punishment' sent a spider bite poison burning through his chest and before he knew it, his consciousness switched off and he slammed the chair on the ground so hard that it splintered into pieces.

He rubbed his eyes after his mini black out, terrified. He just wanted to go home. Home he could keep things under control better. He hadn't had much of a problem keeping his emotions in check until coming here.

_Don't think Balder. Don't think._

Perhaps a bath would ease his mind.

Thor and Loki returned from class, both relieved to be out of school. Even Thor was getting annoyed with all the hesitant looks he was getting. Plus the extra harshness from Thoth whose eye was still a nasty purple. Of course, Loki didn't make things any better by calling attention to it. All Thor wanted was to relax in his home.

They opened the door and Loki immediately caught sight of the mess. A single chair in splinters next to the table.

"Well…that's new," Loki said in a sarcastically cheerful tone.

Thor bit back a holler at the obvious culprit and rested his suitcase on the table, picking up the letter lying there.

"You know," said Loki trying to make light of everything, "if you squint it could be some modern pop art trend."

Thor passed the letter to Loki and they pieced together why their blond friend decided to destroy one of their chairs.

"Damn him," Loki hissed as Thor bent down to pick up the pieces, "Zeus…ergh! I'll slit his throat in his sleep."

Thor rolled his eyes at the very empty threat, but froze when Balder descended the stairs, looking and smelling clean. He took one sour look at Loki and went straight for the kitchen.

"Hey, Balder—"

"I don't want to talk to you right now. I'm very angry with you," said Balder as he opened the fridge and pulled out what Loki assumed was somewhat of an alcoholic drink.

"What? What did I do?"

He slammed the bottle on the counter, "What were you thinking getting in a fight with Takeru Totsuka? Are you hell bent in getting all the Norse gods expelled?"

Loki's ears flushed defensively, "You didn't hear what he said about you-"

"I DON'T CARE LOKI!" Balder raised his voice to a roar, beautiful blue eyes flashing. The room was so silent you could hear a pin drop. Even Thor stopped from his gathering, shocked at hear such a tone. It was a joke in Asgard that Balder didn't really resemble his father very much in personality and in looks, but in those flashes of rage everyone could see Odin inside that temper. The flashing of the blue eyes, the vein in his neck popping, he could've been a twin to the Raven God when the latter was flustered. Of course there were parallels. Thor and Loki knew the mighty Supreme God of the North had a long threshold, like Balder, but when that temper snapped it was…terrifying.

Balder took a deep breath and continued, "I don't need you to fight my battles for me."

Loki was hesitant to say anything else, but whatever he said, he wasn't going to yell. That would just make Balder more defensive.

"Okay, I'm sorry," he whispered softly, feeling hot sweat forming on the back of his neck.

Instead of shouting back, Balder ran a hand over his face, covering his eyes and biting his lip.

"No, I'm sorry," he said, his voice lowering as he braced himself on the counter. "I shouldn't take my issues out on you. I'm sorry."

Normally, Loki would've smiled, relieved, but not this time. This was becoming an issue and try as he might to prevent the inevitable, it would only make things worse. For now, he had to put on a brave face, and hope and pray to whatever gods pray to that Balder's haywire emotions would pass with the seasons.

"It's alright," he said, watching as Balder ripped the top off the bottle with his bare hands.

Balder nodded, "I want to be alone right now, but I'll be in my room if you need me."

After Balder left, Thor finally eased out of his frozen state and finished picking up the last of the wood.

"What are going to do Loki?"

"What do you mean?"

Of course he knew what Thor meant, but he just hoped that Thor would just avoid it like the plague. The God of Thunder tucked the wood under his arm, giving Loki a rather pointed look with his calm eyes.

Immediately, Loki shook his head refusing to even think of that option, "I will not go that far. Not now."

"But what if there's no choice."

"NO!" Loki yelled. "I don't want to do this anyways, and I sure as hell do not want to do that during Yule."

Thor kept himself tight-lipped. There was no use in arguing. Inside he cursed himself for thinking about such a thing, but every so often he felt he had to remind Loki of fate…and fate's horrible joke it's played on their lives.

Opening the refrigerator, Loki muttered to himself, "Ugh, I could use a stiff drink."

Thor unfortunately gave him more bad news, "I think Balder took the last ale. All that's left is crappy beer and Tang."

Loki ducked down to examine the contents of the refrigerator more closely, "That bastard. First he destroys our furniture and takes our good stuff." Loki paused before laughing to himself, "Heh, our Scandinavian subjects would be proud. Tang it is then."

* * *

**A/N: It's kind of a head canon that talking about worshippers were "off-limits". I imagine with different cultures in one place there is bound to be some tension about 'others'. Especially if one culture is known for wreaking havoc across several countries :)**


	4. Prose 4

**Disclaimer: See chapter 1**

**Note from Author: Once again these characters are based on what the Broccoli game (i.e the original) described them, not what the anime decided to throw on the dart board.(Yes, I'm going to be a game purist here.)  
**

**Also, there are references (albeit vaguely worded) to Norse connections to other religions, so there is a rather...umm...not kind view of a historical period involving Christianity in the way it relates to the events at hand. Again, its only a reference, not a critique. If you are offended, it is never my intention to undermine it as a faith, but more to see it from the perspective of clashing gods during a rather turbulent time period  
**

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Prose 4:

The second day of not having Balder in class was a little better. The gods had accepted their friend wasn't coming for a while, as such the lesson went off without a hitch. For once.

Loki was distracted, not listening, thinking about his friend cooped up in their dorms. That had to be boring. Hell, he was bored not having him around to have fun with. He wondered what Balder was doing alone in his room-wait no scratch that. He DIDN'T wonder that. Loki didn't realize his face flushing at the thought.

Finally Thoth finished his lesson on—indoor plumbing or whatever the hell he was teaching, and Loki wasted very little time in finally losing Thor for the day and skipped out to find greener pastures. Literally.

He headed towards the south side of campus where the weather was a little warmer to relax by the tree and gaze at the clouds in the sky. On the other hand, Loki wished Balder and Thor were here with him. They'd find shapes in the clouds, and Loki was known for finding the most inventive shapes in them, but now, he just saw them as clouds. White balls of fluff.

He pouted angrily, not hearing footsteps stop near his head.

"Hey, trickster," the voice above him was deep. Loki tipped his head back further seeing a short god in a green sweatshirt. Takeru Totsuka's nose looked a little better and his eyes didn't look like it took a gorilla punch anymore.

"I'm not in the mood to fight," Loki said, hoping the sea god would just leave.

"I'm not here to fight. I'm here to apologize."

That caused Loki to sit up and turn his head, his eyes wide and incredulous.

Immediately, Takeru cut Loki off from making a sarcastic remark. "Don't ruin this with a wise-crack."

"I'm not," Loki replied, "What are you apologizing to me for? You didn't call me a 'red-neck idiot'"

"Actually 'simple-minded bumpkin' but that's beside the point," Takeru sat down next to his nemesis. "I'm not apologizing about that. I'm apologizing about what I said about your people."

Loki shook his head. He rather he apologize about what he said about Balder. Then again why should he? He was punched in the nose and Balder never had a chance to apologize. If there was some way to explain it.

Luckily, Takeru broke the chilly ice that surrounded that topic.

"Why exactly did Balder snap? It seems…unlike him."

"It is and it isn't," Loki replied, perhaps with too much of a bite in his tone as Takeru flinched noticeably. "He likes to keep calm. He likes to smile and laugh. That much I know."

"I see."

"But, a few things upset him and he lashes out."

"Is that the truth?" Takeru asked just in case. Loki was known for being a liar. Would he lie about his fellow Norse friend to protect him?

Loki faced Takeru, eyes burning, his voice barely above a whisper, "Yes."

Takeru seemed satisfied with that answer. Or he didn't want to push. Normally he wouldn't care, but the Norse were strangely quiet. Oddly serious. Something wasn't right.

"You've got others living near you people, right?" Loki asked out of the blue.

"What? What do you mean?"

"You've got them…Chinese gods living around your area. Or is it Buddha?" Loki clarified, staring up at the clouds.

Takeru paused, his brow furrowed, but answered hesitantly, "Well…yeah. They keep watch over Japan with us. We generally work together in so many uncertain terms, but mind our space."

"Lucky," Loki murmured. "We clashed."

Loki seemed to be purposely vague and instead of getting frustrated, Takeru asked on. "Who?"

Loki gestured with his arms, spreading them wide open, "Everyone of us. Celtic, Gaelic, Saxon…."

He paused and finished with a surprisingly fearful tone, "…Christian Gods."

For Takeru, who was listening to Loki, watching as he seemed to be talking to himself. He wasn't curious about what he was talking about one bit, but maybe just sitting and listen to Loki get something off his chest would help.

"Not that I've met any of the New Age gods, but I've been acquainted with their followers. The old gods, well, I'm sure they'd have a few 'pleasant' things to say about us. Oh sure, we'd clash and fight and clash again, until one of us was raw, our weapons and curiosity splintered. But I tell you, the Celtic and Gaelic deities were calling upon us when they were in trouble. The spread of new religions and new faiths pushed them to the brink of madness."

_What the hell is he on about? _Takeru thought to himself, slightly afraid he unwittingly pulled a screw lose in Loki's head.

"I don't mind them really," Loki continued. "I don't mind their followers either. Any of those gods. But the fighting and the bribing…from our people and theirs…a naïve god like Balder saw that with absolute disgust. He was just stepping into contact with humans and he saw that mess…"

The red-haired god snapped his fingers loudly, "He turned back around, not wanting any part of it. Not that I blame him. You are right, Totsuka."

Takeru blinked hearing his last name, "I am?"

"The people we are in charge of are violent. But they say violence begets violence, and their enemies, whomever they may be, tried to one-up their violence. Before any of us knew it our entire region became one giant bloody mess. But someone has to ring victorious."

Loki shook his head and stood up, dusting his dungarees off. He turned and patted Takeru's head, "Can you guess who won?"

The smaller god wasn't sure if he had to answer. Yet, before he could utter a word, Loki shoved his hands and stalked off, leaving Takeru bewildered over what he just heard. He tried to pick the maddening mumblings apart, hoping to get an answer to his question, but he found none.

"What the hell was that all about?"

That evening, Yui took the uphill trek to the chilly Norse dorm, holding her suitcase of notes and books she was reading for ideas for Christmas. She never recalled going to the Norse dorm. She's stopped by the Greek dorms, and would practice kendo with Takeru at their dorm, but she never set foot near the Norse. She didn't want to avoid them, that's for certain, but she was never invited and never had a reason to go.

Well now she did. If she were honest, she was curious. Although she heard from Dionysus that they probably had smelly gym socks everywhere, one look at where they lived she imagined it to be…rustic. Not the marble and stone pillars that formed the Greek dorm, nor the rather simplified rice-paper and wood design of the Japanese gods.

A forest surrounded the Norse area and she could smell the distinct scent of pine. Yui reached the stone steps leading up to the wooden cottage that was the Norse dorm. She knocked on the door once and immediately could hear Thor and Loki bicker.

"Loki, someone's at the door."

"You get it."

"I'm making dinner. Open it, it could be Apollo with a message from Zeus."

"Fine."

Yui waited as she heard the handle of the door turn and the door open. Loki took one look at her and rolled his eyes, "No, it's just a 5'2" single Japanese human woman with a bad haircut."

Yui bit her lip and rolled her eyes, "Knock it off Loki. I'm here to catch Balder up. Or are you doing that for me?"

In the back they heard Thor give a short bark of laughter.

"I don't know. Did you make an appointment?" the red-head shot back.

"Come on, Loki. I walked all the way up here. Can't you at least be civil?"

"Civil?" Loki laughed aloud. "I'm supposed to let you in our sacred home and harass us with more _Christmastime _glee?"

"Loki!" Thor threatened and Loki hung his head, standing aside.

"Fine, come in."

Yui was right about the Norse dorm. It appeared to have a nice rustic look to it. Homey and warm, with wood and handcrafted items everywhere. A huge fireplace was the centerpiece and it looked like it was used often. And, no, it didn't smell like sweaty gym socks. It smelled earthy and smoky. Not an unpleasant smell.

"Where's Balder," she asked. Yui didn't see the blond god anywhere in the foyer.

"Probably up in his room," Loki sighed and she followed him up the staircase to where the rooms were. He stopped by the middle room and knocked on the door.

"Balder, open up, someone's here to see you."

Loki paused, waiting, but there was no answer. He pounded on the door again, "Come on Balder. Open this door."

Still no answer.

"Don't make me give you the belt," Loki threatened lightly, his voice deep and scratchy, impersonating an overbearing father.

Loki gave up and put his hand on the handle, and whispered to himself, "If there's a dead body behind this door, I swear…"

The door was unlocked and it opened easily, but the room was empty.

"Where'd he go?" Loki asked before calling over the banister to Thor, "Hey, Thor. Have you seen Balder?"

"No," Thor called back.

"Well he's not in his room," Loki replied. "He's like a bull in a glass shop, he doesn't ever exactly _sneak_ anywhere."

"Have you tried his ship?" said Thor, noncommittally.

"No."

Loki sighed and led Yui to the back porch were there was a walkway towards the lake behind the dorm. The darkness of night was closing in, but luckily torches were lit along the steps down to the dock.

"It should be docked. Not hard to miss," Loki said, ignoring the look Thor was giving. It was obvious Thor wanted Loki to escort her to the ship, but the God of Mischief wanted nothing to do with…whatever Yui was going to do with Balder. At most he wanted to be there for Balder, in case the human girl said something stupid.

Before he could decide what to do, Yui opened the sliding glass door to the porch and descended the steps to the dock. The ship she saw was long and made entirely of wood, but seemed expertly crafted with care. Yui remembered reading somewhere that the Norse folk were expert craftsmen. They may not have been noted to make gigantic monuments like the Greeks, but when it comes to technology, they seemed ahead of their time, making wooden ships sturdy enough to traverse the violent seas of the north and reaching all ends of the globe.

She ascended the wooden board that connected the dock to the ship. Yui never been on a ship before, and hearing the soft lake wash against the ship, the gentle rocking was both comforting and exhilarating. Once aboard, she realized the ship was rather simplistic in design. One long base with a tent covering the middle section before the bow and stern drew up into a winding head of a dragon. The mast was down, leaving it look slightly bare. Curious, Yui ducked under the tarp, stepping down a step, but was immediately awed at what was underneath.

The inside must've been magically conjured because it looked like a small quaint room you'd find in the cabin of a normal ship, mostly wooden of course, with a desk, chest and drawers and a small makeshift bed covered in animal pelts. She spotted Balder sitting at the desk, working hard at something intricate, with only a small candle to work by. He didn't seem to notice her enter. She could see why. He seemed so focused on what he was doing.

Yui cautiously took one step and called his name, "Balder."

Balder jerked violently, startled, his eyes wide.

Yui held her hand out in an easing gesture, "I-I'm sorry I didn't mean to startle you."

His rapid breathing stopped, and he held his hand over his chest, as if to calm the beating of his overactive heart, "Y-Yui? Wh-what are you doing here?"

Never had she heard him stammer so horribly. She remembered him so sure of his words and rather eloquent if not known to say a few funny things. But by the way he was speaking, you'd think he was born with a speech problem.

"I'm just giving you some notes so you can keep up," she replied, lifting her bag.

"O-oh. Thank you."

Yui however didn't open her bag, but instead glanced at the desk to see what he was working on. It seemed to be jewelry making. Or some type of accessory making. She saw shiny wires taped to the desk, looking like they've been woven into knots.

"What are you working on?" she asked leaning over.

Balder turned back to the bits of metal and answered, "A little Viking knit jewelry."

"That's incredible," she said in awe, getting a closer work at how intricate and delicate the weaving was despite it being metal. "And that's all metal?"

Balder nodded, "I'm not good with crafts. Loki is way better at craft making than I am. But I do enjoy it. I get a little too immersed though."

Yui laughed, "So? If its something you enjoy, it's okay to be invested."

The blond god gave a lopsided smile, but refused to look directly at her. He nervously scratched the back of his head and motioned to the bed, "Would you like to sit down? I don't have another chair, but you can sit on the bed."

"Sure," Yui sat on the rather hard bed. It seemed underused and rough, but the feel of the fur underneath her fingertips felt really good. Perhaps on cold nights like these, the fur blankets provided comfort. Enough comfort for her to remain where she was as Balder seemed to struggle to say anything else or carry on a conversation. He ran his sweaty palms on his trousers, rocking in his seat.

"I…er…don't have any food here. I can run up and get some. O-or you can go up and get some and stay—"

"Balder."

"Yes?" he replied nervously.

"Have you been sleeping well?" she asked, taking a better look at his rather exhausted and jittery appearance. The Norse god sighed and hung his head before a light shake told her the answer.

"Okay," she said softly at the answer. "Then, can you tell me why?"

"You know why," he replied darkly. Surely Loki or Thor told her.

"No I don't, but I want to know. I didn't mean to offend anyone. If Christmas bothered you, you should've said something."

Balder scoffed, "And see your disappointed face? No."

"What my face says shouldn't matter. If you don't like it you should've told me. You can't carry on and say things are okay when they really aren't," Yui tried hard not to scold him, but it was frustrating that a simple "I'm not comfortable with this" would've stopped Takeru's and Thoth's face from being busted open and Balder from being suspended. "What is wrong with Christmas anyways?"

Balder sighed and focused on the candle on his desk, "You are asking us to do a Yule celebration but call it Christmas. A celebration that was supposed to be in honor of my brother but attribute it to a foreign god. I am forced to recall the destruction of my temple and Loki's and Thor's. The perpetrators called it 'Christmas' as well."

He was being vague, somewhat purposefully. How could he express the complex feelings he had for this time of year? Yui seemed to diverge from the bigger picture and asked, "You have a brother?"

Balder blinked but smiled, looking briefly happy for once in a while, "Yes. My twin. Hödr. He is the God of Darkness and brings winter. We are twins but I was born in spring and he was born in winter, on the Solstice. We celebrate his birth on the Solstice every year."

Rather than be confused over the technicalities of twins being born in separate months, Yui preferred to stay in his comfort zone, "Does he look like you?"

Balder laughed, "We are fraternal twins—I believe that is the term—and no we don't look very much alike. Hödr works hard every year. Even though people don't generally like what he does, he does his duty faithfully."

Yui watched as pride brightened in Balder's face as he talked about Hödr. He spoke almost as if he envied his younger twin's work ethic, and the steadfast power he held in bringing the seasons in order, whilst he, most likely was fooling around in Loki and Thor's exploits.

"Whatever I feel about how humans celebrate this season, just seeing him and making him happy for just one day, is what I look forward to," he took a deep breath. "And now I won't be able to celebrate it with him."

"You miss him."

"Yes," he admitted. "I'm glad I have my best friends with me. But because Hödr spends most of his time in seclusion, I don't see him often anyway."

He sniffed politely and turned back to his metal weaving, "But that's neither here nor there—"

"But that song. The caroling? What does that have to do with anything? You reacted to THAT specifically."

"I just get upset when I hear praises sung to another in place of my brother and all other gods who bring about winter and Yule. I know it sounds foolish and myopic and most of all selfish…"

He glanced over his shoulder at the human girl on the bed. _His _bed. She was rubbing her arms and seemed a little cold.

"But…" he stood and finished, "I take my family and friends seriously."

"I know you do," she replied with the barest of smiles.

"Are you cold?" he asked, giving her his full attention.

"A little but—"

"Here," Balder strode over to the end the bed and opened the trunk. He pulled out a large thick cloak that looked to be made of the fur of some large animal, like a bear or boar, "Put this on."

He held it out to her as if he was about to place it on her shoulders, but she stopped him, "N-no I can't."

Balder looked confused, if not hurt.

"It's just a little—" _Intimate? _Is that the word she was looking for? Hell she was on his bed, but for heaven's sake a coat was just too much? Gods if she can't separate platonic gestures from intimate ones there is no way any of the gods she was with was going to learn how to love. "It isn't right to take your coat."

"Is that a human thing?" he asked.

"No, it's a…cultural thing," she lied.

"I didn't know," he replied. "Where I'm from it is considered good manners to offer clothing to guests. Because of, you know, the cold."

This gave Yui pause. She regarded the blond god as he folded the heavy pelt over his arm prepared to return it to the chest. Perhaps she was being selfish and narrow-minded. If she was to represent humanity, shouldn't she at least be immersed in some of the other customs around the world?

"Wait. Maybe I could take it. If it's proper etiquette."

Balder smiled and laid the pelt over her shoulders gently. The pelt was heavy, like lead was lined in it. She couldn't imagine anyone walking or doing much activity with this over their shoulders, but perhaps the Norse were hearty enough to endure it. That aside, she felt undeniably warm and cozy, the chill disappearing almost immediately. She drew the fuzzy pelt tighter around herself, now only moderately mortified at the reality that this was once part of a living being.

"I just realized," she said softly. "You always ask me questions about Japan and Japanese society, but I know nothing about your culture."

Balder's lips were set in a grim line, "Why do you want to know about my culture?"

"Why not? It's only fair. Besides, until now I've never seen or heard you guys talk much about Norse culture."

Balder laughed lightly, "Yui, you're on a long ship wearing a bear pelt. It can't get any Norse than that."

"I suppose I need a goblet of grog to make this perfect," she joked.

Balder shrugged, "More like a drinking horn of mead, but yes."

Both exchanged a small bout of laughter and Balder never felt more at ease in these past few days. He knew he could trust her for a long time, but he feared that he would be judged for having such complicated feelings. The other gods no doubt judged him. Even his friends didn't seem to fully understand. Did he want them to though?

"I almost forgot!" Yui reached over, fumbling in her bag before pulling out a worn green book. "I picked this out from the library trying to get some ideas for myself, but I think maybe you should read this."

Balder took the book out of her hands and read the title with a hint of disappointment, "_A Christmas Carol?_ Yui…"

She held up her hand, "I know, I know, but I think reading it will give you an idea on how people view Christmas. Apart from commercialism that is. Many celebrate it for religious purposes yes, but a lot like to see other reasons the celebrate the holidays. Maybe this book can give you a better idea."

Balder glanced at the cover, frowning, perplexed. The title sounded like what the carols over the PA were going to give him. Yet, Yui sounded so adamant that the book would help.

"Is this a pamphlet? Or a glossary?"

Yui shook her head, "No, it's a novel. Humans consider it a literary classic."

"Charles Dickens," he read the author's name slowly. "What an odd name."

"It's British."

"British?"

"He's from England."

"England?"

Modern geography really clashed with the geography Thoth taught. What did he call England? What region did he attribute England with? Yui tried to wrack her brain to call it something he would recognize.

"England…oh wait. You mean the Anglo-Saxons?" he asked.

"Er, I guess. He's much later so I don't think he's technically Anglo-Saxon."

"Regardless, if you recommend it, then I shall read it."

Yui nodded in success and reached into her bag again to pull out a notebook and pen, poised to take notes. "Now…tell me more about how you guys celebrate Yule."

* * *

**A/N: Technically England as a country was more called Britannica, but I think the Norse only really attribute it to Anglo-Saxons (they did have several settlements there). Hödr had to be mentioned. It is technically unknown what he is the god of, but there is some speculation that he may have been a god attributed to darkness and winter in contrast to Balder's light and spring. Honestly, I didn't know how to end this chapter so it seems a little cut-off.**

**Also, shameless plug here, this will be a two-part series. Which is sad, because I have a good portion of the second story already mapped out (just have to figure out how to end it).**


	5. Prose 5

**Disclaimer: See chapter 1.**

* * *

Prose 5:

It was incredible really. It was incredible that a simple chat could make him feel so good. Balder felt uncommonly blessed to provide Yui Kusanagi with answers to her questions about him. Strange that such a blessing could come from a human. He didn't know, but perhaps his problems were easier for a human to understand on an emotional level rather than a god. Especially the "your problems are your own" mentality of the Norse.

And as such Balder wanted to make things right. He couldn't step on the grounds to apologize to those he assaulted, but he could apologize to Loki. Yet, Loki seemed to be on his last straw, that when Balder apologized he scoffed it off. Hurt, Balder tried desperately to make it up to a pouting, red-faced Loki who just shrugged it off like a child.

"There's no need to apologize," Loki kept insisting with annoyance on his face. Although Balder had a tough time understanding nonverbal signals, he's known Loki for years and could at least sense when he was upset.

Especially when Loki decided to stay in his room, despite Thor and Balder trying to get him to hang out with them. Loki was punishing Balder. Not directly of course and Thor was only one who took the hint.

The day was surprisingly frozen, given Zeus' love for warm and cool, but never cold weather. Still no snow, but the lake behind their dorm was frozen solid. Balder reminded himself to break apart the ice around the dock and his ship, but more importantly, he wanted to experience to the frozen lake with his steadfast friend. What better way to celebrate the comfortable cold than with an old past time.

Balder pounded on Loki's door with the hard heel of his hand.

"Come on, Loki. It's a perfect day for ice fishing."

"No," was the abrupt childish answer from the other side of the door.

"But…ice fishing…"

"No, Balder. You know normally I would do as you ask without question, but I'm putting my foot down."

Balder pressed his palm up to the door and called back, "Loki don't make me do this."

"Do what? Bash down the door? That's not anything surprising anymore."

"No," Balder took a deep breath, and uttered in a strangely husky and deep voice.

"_Berserker._"

"No."

"_Breidablik_."

"Stop it."

"_Reykjavik_."

"Don't do this…"

"_Hringhorni._"

"Dammit…"

"_Fjord._"

Loki then unlocked and flung his door open, his face red with annoyance and embarrassment, "Dammit, Balder, you KNOW how saying those words in a Scandinavian accent gets me all flustered!" Loki puffed and stomped past his best friend down the stairs to get ready, "Fine! Let me get my snow suit on."

Balder was right, the lake was frozen completely over and although there was no snow, the weather was bitter cold enough to warrant some two-piece snowsuits. Loki and Balder walked out on the frozen lake to near the very center, their breaths forming mist in the bitter air.

Loki carried the lines while Balder carried the buckets, drink cooler, chairs and drill.

"I don't know why you convinced me to come out here," Loki complained.

"Because I need to start enjoying the outdoors again," Balder explained. "Besides, it brings back old memories."

"Old unsophisticated memories," Loki rambled. "Seriously Balder, do you even know me? I don't hunt, I don't fish, I don't build houses or ships, or whatever you and Thor think is manly these days. I'm a finer man. Sweating my armpits off is not my thing-"

"-Loki."

"A little crafting for practical jokes, I can do. I at least have some calluses on my hands. Same as your rope burns. I thought you'd be the same, dancing that Hallingdans* for no reason but to show off you can-"

"-Loki."

"-jump up eight feet and kick off a hat to try to impress some girls. Does the human know you can jump that high? Eh, fuck that. Most of us can fly."

"Loki!"

"What!?" Loki broke free of his entranced rant, blinking at his friend. Balder had the drill set above the ice staring at him with a twinge of impatience.

"Help me drill," Balder said holding the drill upright, ready for Loki to take the other end.

"Right."

Balder started the drill and with Loki's help cut a hole in the ice wide enough to see a few of the fish swim around underneath. Loki watched with distaste the little underwater creatures swim around, minding their own business.

His nose wrinkled, "I hate fish."

"I guess we could do something else if you want," Balder said with a twinge of disappointment in his voice. In truth he was confused. If Loki hated fish, why did he always go fishing with them as kids back home? Perhaps Balder was being selfish with Loki.

"Fishing I'm fine with," Loki said, lightly punching his friend in the arm and reaching into the pocket of his jacket, "As long as you take the hook out. It's just the smell I hate."

He placed a pair of nose plugs on his nose with a smile. Loki glanced back down at the hole watching the fish swim more. In a way he felt pity for them. Such guideless creatures.

"In some ways I feel bad for them though. I mean they don't hurt anyone. They just sit there, swim, eat, and mate. Not thinking, not analyzing."

"Loki," Balder said softly as he stared down in the hole as well, "I think I'm a fish."

Loki was caught by his friends' voice. He sounded so down on himself. Balder may have let his temper run his emotions but he was highly aware of his negative personality traits and tried his best to overcome them. Yet to hear Balder's low self-esteem drop further into the proverbial ice-fishing hole, bothered Loki.

The red-haired god laughed, "You wish you were a fish."

Balder blinked at his friend, looking confused.

"No, you aren't a fish. Hrmm," Loki scratched the mole on his chin in thought. "I always thought you were like a bear. Big, clumsy and awkward, and hairy as well."

Loki proved his last point by patting Balder's unshaven cheek affectionately, "But really there are so many animals you could be. Though I have to say…you are a stag."

Balder's heavy eyebrows drew together, "A stag?"

"Yes," Loki said unfolding the chairs and setting them on the ice, "A stag."

"I don't get it."

"Well…yes you aren't very graceful but you are very in tune with nature," Loki admitted, wondering how deep of compliments he could go without it sounding awkward. "Princely I suppose in some respects. Rulers of their forest domain. Proud and handsome. Docile for the most part, but not without a protective side."

Loki saw as Balder's face softened in mild astonishment at being compared to such a creature.

"Plus, during mating season their necks swell up, like yours does whenever you go around meat."

Balder let out a loud, full-blown laugh. Loki had never seen him laugh so hard in recent months and it was a sight to see. The laugh lines of his eyes and jaw crinkling, his white teeth showing, blue eyes sparkling. Balder brought his arm back and cuffed Loki's back enthusiastically, causing the poor smaller god to stagger from the over exuberant force, "Loki you never cease to make me smile."

Loki blushed horribly, feeling the warmth he usually received from Balder return. Balder didn't seem to notice Loki blush and sat back in his chair, going about setting his hook and line. Loki slowly did the same.

"So what would I be?"

His blond friend shrugged, "You're many things Loki."

His rather dull response annoyed him. Loki wanted to know what Balder thought of him badly. He doubted it was anything negative, but it would still help him understand how Balder thought of him.

"Come on Balder," he whined. "I told you what you were. What am I?"

Balder regarded Loki, biting his chapped lower lip, thinking the best he could. For a moment, Loki was worried Balder was thinking of a response that would make him happy, not what he actually felt.

"Be honest."

"You're a scarlet king snake."

Well…that was…somewhat expected. Loki was always called a serpent or equated to a snake, but he thought since Balder never ran from him, that he viewed him differently. But even Loki couldn't expect so much as to have Balder view him as anything but sneaky or slithering. "What? I give you a gallant stag and you give me a snake?"

"A scarlet king snake," Balder clarified.

"So?"

"I read about them in a book. You see they have the same stripes and colors of another snake that is venomous, the coral snake. So, other animals run away from them because they think they are venomous, but really they are harmless and generally friendly. And really, really cool."

Loki's tongue felt heavy in his mouth, feeling emotion swell in his gut. Of course Balder would come up with that answer. Why did he expect anything else? Why did he doubt Balder?

"You think I'm cool, hunh?" was all Loki could say, hiding the fact that he was strangely and deeply touched by Balder's rather eccentric comparison.

"Of course!" Balder laughed again.

Loki hid his flushed cheeks by reaching over and opening the cooler, "Balder, all I got is Tang and crappy beer, since you took the last of the ale."

Balder gave a ponderous look, "I don't think I did."

"Yes you did. There's none left, if you want to check," Loki said as he tossed Balder some of the "crappy beer".

"Did you ask Thor?"

"Yes."

"And he didn't have any?"

"What do you mean?"

Balder ripped off the top of the bottle and answered casually, "Yeah, he keeps a stash in his room."

Loki stared his friend wide-eyed, his mouth gaping like a fish, "W-w-wha-? That bastard!"

He reached in and pulled out some Tang, resting against his chair, not paying nearly as much attention to his line as Balder was, who kept tugging every once in a while to set the hook in the mouth of some idiotic fish.

"Just as well. I'd hate to end up like the blistering drunk you two are going to end up being," he remarked bitterly sucking the straw of his juice. Balder of course just smiled, not taking the insult to heart as usual. Loki smiled back patting his arm, "So do you think you're ready to go back to class?"

"Well," Balder jutted his chin out and scratched his stubble, "I need to clean myself up—"

"Which takes like two seconds for you—"

"I suppose I am ready, but I'd rather keep away for a few more days. Just in case."

Nodding, Loki cranked the wheel of his pole a bit, "That's rather mature of you."

That was the truth. In some respects seeing Balder become so self-aware, made Loki feel relieved. Perhaps, his friend could gain better control of himself and then he would…

"Whoa!" Balder grunted as he struggled a little bit with his line. "I think I got one."

Loki watched as Balder pulled up a good sized trout, cringing a little bit as it flipped and squirmed a little too close for comfort. Balder on the other hand, bravely grabbed the fish with his large hand gripping it tight. The squirming stopped but Loki could see its tail fin jerk and flip as his captor worked to wiggle the hook out of the fish's gaping mouth.

"It's a nice one," Balder said once the hook was free. He held the fish out to Loki, "Wanna see?"

The chair nearly tipped over as Loki leaned away from the gaping fish in Balder's hand, "Get it away from me! It's disgusting!"

"Alright, alright," Balder pulled the fish away from his disgusted friend and dropped it back in the hole, "Go on free little buddy."

Balder wiped his gloved hands on his pants, before fiddling with his hook.

"You aren't keeping them?" Loki asked, a little relieved that Balder didn't place it in a basket or cooler.

"No. Catch and release."

"What about food?"

"What about it?"

Man, Balder was so dense sometimes. There were days having a conversation with him proved tiresome, "I thought you were going to fry them?"

Balder shook his head, "Why would I when Thor said he was smoking a pork butt tonight?"

_Well at least I don't have to eat fish_, Loki thought.

"I'll take pork over fish any day," Balder explained. "Except smoked salmon. Smoked salmon goes just under a nice juicy steak."

If Loki had an appetite, he was slowly losing it now. He didn't hate meat, and he loved the way Balder's face brightened when he thought of meat, but he could only take so much of it. He would kill to have a cake tray or pie cobbler sampler, but stupid Thor was all "sugar and sweets aren't a diet." As if meat was any better. "It gives protein that promotes muscle health and strength." Like Thor was some physical trainer.

Loki sighed and sipped his Tang, taking a good look at the iced over lake, Balder in a snow suit, and knit cap with a fishing pole and a cooler of beer.

_Dammit, _he thought, _we can't prove this stereotype wrong either._

"Next time…we do what I want to do. Agreed?" Loki demanded and Balder all too willing complied.

"Agreed."

While Balder was freed from going to classes still and spent his time tinkering with his crafts, jogging, and exercising, and reading, or…whatever he did, Loki was still going to class consistently every day. He found it harder to focus than usual, but he was scraping by free of being beaten by Thoth's glares.

After lunch break, the students found themselves funneling towards Thoth's classroom, moving in between the spirits. Yui was talking to Apollo about a possible get together around Yule, but Apollo was distracted trying to get through the spirits.

"I'm sure whatever you think will be for the best, Miss Fairy," he replied distracted.

"But Apollo, I'm serious. Maybe a small Yule get together with all of us could be good—"

"Dammit, are you still on Yule? Why can't you leave well enough alone?!" Loki called behind him when he heard the word "Yule" come out of her mouth.

"Loki, let me explain—"

Yui almost ran into Tsukito's back as he stopped in his tracks. In front of him, Takeru ran straight on into someone and reeled back.

"Hey, watch where you're going!" Takeru yelled, before even figuring who he ran into. He first thought it was one of the spirit classmates Zeus conjured up, but it was obvious that whomever he ran into was not just an ordinary spirit.

"What the-?" the students' eyes traveled up. The figure was tall, about as tall as Thoth and it was prevalent that he was a god. He seemed older than the student gods, even if he wore a student uniform that was completely unbuttoned revealing his incredibly toned and slightly hairy body with blue body paint drawn into knotted and coiled designs.

The god had a strong tan angular face, with wild long dark brown hair, pointed ears, and a goatee at the end of his chin. His eyes were bright and forest green and on each of his hairy upswept eyebrows were his gold looped piercing limiters, and above his brow were two symmetrical dark birthmarks. He was barefoot, walking around like some exotic forest god.

"Oh man," Loki groaned. "It's Cernunnos. I thought he was still in confinement."

Cernunnos**, the Celtic god of the wild, seemed to have a certain distaste for the company of gods he was with. He spoke with a deep, slightly raspy voice, but his accent was beautiful and harsh. It reminded Yui of the way Balder and Thor spoke; accentuating the "R"s and blending of the consonants pleasantly. "Considering I cause less trouble than you, Loki Laevatein, I should think I should be free to roam the grounds if you can."

Yui glanced back at Apollo, "I thought you guys were the only gods here?"

Apollo sighed. He had forgotten to tell Yui about the "new arrivals". "Zeus had to take in a few more gods. Mostly at the request of the Supreme Gods."

"Yeah, right," Loki growled.

"Wait," Yui's heart jumped a bit at thinking about a possibility of a new school year, "Does that mean I have to be here for another year?"

"No, human," Cernunnos answered, "If anything Zeus will repeat the cycle again with another unfortunate soul. In reality though, he's just imprisoning us. As punishment."

There was malice in Cernunnos' voice, a distinct spite towards the Supreme Greek God.

Loki gritted his teeth, "That's what you get when you sell your soul to Crom Cruach***."

"I didn't sell my soul to anyone, Bastún (bastard)"

"Who's Crom Cruach?" Yui asked. Her Northern Pagan mythology knowledge was non-existent apart from a bit of the Norse. She was still in awe in seeing this…god. Men here were beautiful, but Cernunnos looked…exotic and strange, if not a tad more inhuman than the others.

"The worst," was all Loki said.

Cernunnos's green eyes narrowed on the small red-headed god, "And you are to judge? Even a 'gracious' god like your Balla(1) apparently has a knack of causing trouble as well. "

"Either way!" Apollo interrupted before things got really heated, "Cern-Cern, for the Christmas festival I have to get signatures of all the gods to get them to participate. So…"

Apollo opened his briefcase and pulled out the Solstice sign-up sheet that Thoth had given him. Not at all intimidated, Apollo held out the form to the tall god, "Could you be a peach and sign?"

Cernnunos' eyebrows drew together and he gave a snort of displeasure.

"What makes you think we are anymore happy to celebrate _Christmas_ than the Norse?"

Obviously every god but Loki were confused. There goes this unknown and ambiguous distaste towards anything remotely called _Christmas_ again. These Northern gods really got their feathers ruffled for something fun.

"So…no?" Apollo tried to pin a clear answer.

Crossing his arms over his large chest, Cernunnos' answer was resolute. He stroked his goatee, his lips upturning as his eyes sparkled dangerously, "This is interesting, Loki Laevatein. You see I refuse to sign and give permission to do _this_ unless Crom Cruach does."

"You mean he's here?" Loki asked, a small glitter of fear in his gray eyes. Cernnunos grinned, "Of course, you little nutball. I sure will not thrust myself into these festivities unless he agrees as well."

"So you _are_ his whipping post," was Loki's smart retort. In a rather hostile response, Cernnunos bared his flat-edged but solid white teeth and wrinkled his nose, giving a short growl.

"I keep my allegiances to my kin first. Not to some flakey Norse sprite, a human, a needy Greek, and the twits from the East—"

"Hey!" Takeru shouted, but Cernunnos paid no heed.

"The deal stands," he told Apollo, straightening to his full height looking down upon them with a haughty expression that made him seem more king-like than even Thoth. "Get Crom Cruach to sign, then I will follow. Do you think you can manage that, Loki?"

The tall god turned on his bare heel and marched down the other end of the hall, the spirits seeming to part for him. Loki let out a relieved sigh, the heavy atmosphere the wild god exuded disappearing the further down the hall he went. The students filed into Thoth's classroom, waiting for a few of the others to come in.

"I don't get it," Yui said aloud. "Who's Crom Cruach?"

Loki clucked his tongue and answered, "A monster. His name doesn't mean 'crooked one' for no reason. Cernnunos isn't a bad god though, but ever since he's stuck to Crom Cruach's proverbial hip he's been…bitter."

"What does Crom Cruach do that makes him so bad?" Apollo asked wondering what sort of god he was up against in getting to sign his sheet. His damnable sheet.

Loki's slit-like eyes traveled to Yui, wondering if he should give her a reality that would quite possibly frighten her. Thinking about it, it would be better if she were aware of the danger than to go on about oblivious.

"He takes sacrifices."

Takeru scoffed, "So? I take sacrifices."

"I do as well," Tsukito followed succinctly without further explanation.

Loki rolled his eyes, "I'm not talking about grains or a slaughtered goat. Crom Cruach takes…" Loki swallowed hard, as if acid was forming in his throat, "_Human _sacrifices."

A heavy silence filled the room and eyes traveled to Yui, the most at risk. At first, the idea of human sacrifices bypassed her thoughts. But slowly, the idea that a god who took human sacrifices walked around the very place she roamed formed a pang of fear in her spine.

"H-human sacrifices?"

Loki nodded, "Specifically first born children and virgin maidens."

Tsukito opened his notebook looking through for specific information, "Yui Kusanagi is not the first born of her family but…"

"Tsukito…" Yui warned, her eyes glaring at the moon god, shaking her head, begging him to stop before he started.

"I was able to confirm that she is indeed a virgin."

The girl's cheeks flushed brightly both from embarrassment and pure frustration at Tsukito who just…dropped her sexuality out there in the open. Surprisingly, none of the gods seemed to be too impressed or shocked by this. Takeru however had a question on his mind, "Brother, how'd you figure that?"

"I showed her the unicorn in the forest near the start of the school year. Normally, unicorns are violent and hostile. Unless you're a virgin maiden. She was able to stroke its mane. So she's a virgin."

Takeru uncomfortably looked everywhere but at the human girl, who sarcastically and bitterly remarked, "Thank you…Tsukito."

Tsukito must've been feeling particularly talkative today because he didn't stop, "Yui Kusanagi, I assume you should keep away from Crom Cruach then, you know…because you are a virgin—"

"THANK YOU, TSUKITO!" It took all of Yui's will power not to stuff the socially inept god's notebook into his mouth to get him to stop talking about her…lack of sex life.

"I hope your father's smart enough to keep that horrendous god away from the rest of us," Loki told Apollo. "Not that I expect to him to just start massively killing people right off the bat. He's vicious and subtle. He couldn't destroy his worshippers High King Tigernmas and most of his soldiers in one full blow and not raise alarm."

Loki stopped his tale, seeing the disturbed and scared faces of the others, "Just…be careful."

"I'm sure father knows what he is and how he operates," Apollo assured. "If he could get us here cooperating, I'm sure him playing prison warden for that god isn't far off."

If Apollo didn't sound so naïve on a normal basis, the others would have felt relief, but it was apparent that among them only Loki knew and understood Cernunnos and Crom Cruach.

"How do you know them?" Yui asked the Norse god. Loki didn't look at her, staring in the distance as he thought about his last encounter with Cernnunos. When Loki was young and wandering the Nine Worlds and beyond he beheld the forest god near the valley of the Tuatha Dé Danann. Cernunnos back then was a free spirit and at least gave Loki a smile before running back into his forest abode with the agility of a stag. But the last time he accidentally encountered Cernnunos the active and free god seemed…darker, bitter, as if he had been pounded into submission and complete solitude from the nature that he loved.

Crom Cruach was a different matter. A matter that Loki and most of his fellow Norse gods would rather forget and ignore.

"The gods of the North, the Norse, Celts, and what not are inexplicably intertwined because of the way our people intermingle. We share similar history. It's a simple matter as that. Just like you two Japanese gods get into it with the Chinese gods. I'm guessing you Greeks have had at least one talk with them Persians."

Yui looked astonished. She didn't think the gods outside of this school crossed boundaries and intermingled with each other. In a way, she liked to think that gods would be "ambassadors" of their various cultures, but by the way some of the gods acted at the start of the year you'd think they all had distinct barriers between each other. It was unclear on what _type _of interactions these gods had with others, but her guess it wasn't a comfortable round-table discussion, judging by their faces.

Perhaps though, this meant Zeus was doing some good. These gods were becoming friends with each other, which could mean a more cross-boundary approach to taking care of humans rather than the prideful, isolated divide amongst the divine.

But, as Thoth walked in, Yui was reminded that Zeus, of all the gods, was guilty of having the most pride.

* * *

*Hallingdans is a traditional Norwegian dance that was once part of a courtship dance that is now performed at weddings. It's highly acrobatic. The man dances around quickly using different moves that both prove strength and agility. Near the end a person (usually a girl) stands on a chair and holds a hat high up with a pole. The dancer then has to jump and kick it off to complete the dance.

**Cernunnos, also known as "the horned god" is one of the oldest depicted Gaelic and Celtic deities. He's the god of the wood, virility, prosperity, fertility and the underworld. He usually has stag-like elements (horns) which are here represented with his birthmarks and limiters in my "design" in his normal human form.

***Crom Cruach, is an Irish Celtic deity. He is the god of the harvest and his worshippers supposedly sacrificed humans on his altar for a good harvest year. His name loosely means "bloody crooked one" among other meanings like "crooked one of the corn."

(1) _Balla_ is loosely the Gaelic name of Balder. Loki's name is Loki, not _Loge_ or _Lugh_ as some people misinterpret because those are completely separate entities. It's just...Loki

Sorry for the rather dull and dry chapter, there is more stuff to come.


	6. Prose 6

Disclaimer: Read Chapter 1

* * *

Prose 6:

Dead leaves crunched under Cernnunos' bare feet as he wandered the forest outside the Japanese dorm. He couldn't stand the confinement of concrete walls and steel supports. He preferred the outdoors above everything else. He didn't much care about where he was so long he smelled that fresh air.

The wild god stood straight and tall, but seemed to blend seamless in the tall dark trees. He could observe quietly without going through the effort of hiding. Cernnunos could hear the two Japanese twits talking, the short one whining to his brother.

"Brother, the rice is almost done," the Japanese sea god stepped out on the patio in his kimono opening a whicker basket placed on the burning coals outside, steam rising into the sky.

"Hoo, yeah, it's pretty close," Takeru poured a small pitcher of water to keep the rice moist over the fire before returning into his dorm.

Cernunnos had to give the Eastern gods some credit. Their living aesthetic seemed to blend well with nature. He didn't feel so assaulted. The Norse took from nature to live off of, which he could understand to some extent, and the Greeks just…invaded it.

Just as Cernnunos was about to sit down next to a tall tree to relax, an obnoxious rustling from a nearby bush. He squinted as a figure slinked awkwardly, struggling in his overlarge uniform jacket as he crawled to the unguarded whicker basket.

The tan, sneaky god went about lifting the whicker lid sniffing the rice and—once the figure determined that the rice was good to eat—scooped a handful out and began devouring the food.

Apparently though, the rice was scalding hot and the figure yelped.

"What was that!" the rough voice of Takeru yelled from inside and the intruder scrambled away towards Cernunnos, not looking where he was going. The bigger god stood pillar-like even as the intruder ran right into his midsection.

Immediately, Cernunnos grabbed the perpetrator and placed his hand over his mouth to silence him. The tan boy struggled in his large arms trying to get away.

"Shh!" Cernunnos growled, watching as Takeru stepped outside to investigate. Cernunnos would rather not let a wily little god's screeching lead to him being bothered by the Japanese gods.

Takeru, confused, put the lid back on the rice, taking a quick look at the outdoor surroundings, especially on guard. The Japanese god finally scratched his spiky head and nabbed his basket of rice and retreated back to his home. Cernunnos's grip on the mysterious god loosened just enough for the frightened god and take a large bite out of Cernunnos' hand. He grunted in pain and let the god go, not bothering to chase after him as he scampered on all fours deep into the forest.

Anubis didn't look back. He didn't want to wait to see if that…thing was chasing after him. He felt his lungs sting as he swallowed frozen gulps of air. He wasn't used to this weather. He skidded over a patch of frozen mud, cutting his feet as he stumbled forward onto a frozen lake sliding across on his back. He yelped, unfamiliar with…this substance. Finally, he slowed to a halt. Panting and on the verge of tears from the burning pain in his bum, Anubis remained facing the cloudy sky.

He rolled over and tried to pick himself up, his feet slipping a little. How did people survive in this weather? Even water seemed be against him in this cold. Perhaps…

After a moment of pondering, Anubis planted one foot firmly on the ice and pushed himself with the other, gliding across with ease. Hey…this wasn't so bad. Just one foot over the other, one foot…

Up on the ridge bordering the lake he saw a figure in grey jogging. It was one of those gods. He was clothed in a grey sweatshirt and a dark cap covered his hair. Even so, the cold didn't seem to faze him. He kept his pace all along the ridge, focus ahead.

The god however turned his head to gaze at the frozen beauty of the lake. Panicking, Anubis slid himself towards some nearby bushes, tripping and stumbling-rather successfully-into his target bush. Anubis was a little worse for wear, but at least he was out of sight.

Balder halted his jog, staring perturbed at the lake. He could've sworn he saw a figure there. Perhaps he was losing his mind. It could be a result of just zoning out. Shrugging his concerns away, Balder resumed his jogging.

He had to hand it to himself, he didn't trip as much this go around. Perhaps he could overcome his clumsiness. Being clumsy didn't bother him so much, but in the few moments he wanted people to take him seriously, his oafishness rather hindered him.

_But I'm getting stronger, _he thought to himself. He didn't feel winded as he moved. He supposed that displacing his energy from learning about humans into his own body had its benefits.

He was so busy thinking about the bright side of his suspension that he didn't see Yui turn down the road behind him, in her gym clothes, also wearing a knit cap, puffing and panting as she struggled to jog by her god of light friend.

"Hey Balder."

Balder jumped visibly nearly stumbling over his two feet, "What the-?!"

His shock turned to relief seeing the human girl jogging much like he was.

"Yui, I didn't know you jogged this way."

"I don't," she panted. "As you can see-*huff*-I don't get-*huff*-a lot of aerobic exercise."

Balder chuckled, "You seem to be doing fine to me."

"Easy for you to say. You probably have the heart and lungs of an ox. Either way -*huff*-I was getting cabin fever."

Balder turned to give her some supporting words, but to his dismay she burst out laughing, her red cheeks burning brighter. He frowned, sensing she was laughing at him. Yui took one look at his face, his red, wind burned cheeks, his blond hair stuffed in his knit cap, his several days stubble that for most men would count as a beard, she couldn't help but think he looked like a rugged woodsman of some cheap romance novel. And that image, she found, was hilarious.

Yes, she had seen Balder and Thor grow facial hair that would rival Zeus' during Loki's stupid "No-Shave November", and she had withheld laughter then as well, especially seeing the disgust in Thoth's face.

"What is so funny, Yui?"

She swallowed some air, "Nothing. I just had forgotten how fast you Norse grow hair."

It took Balder a minute to figure out what she meant about "hair". When he figured it out, he rubbed the hair on his chin. He did need to shave. He had foregone his usually easy grooming that gave him a polished appearance, partially because of his laziness. Not laziness, he just had other things on his mind than to take the Bowie knife in his bathroom and hack off those blond whiskers.

"Have you read that book I gave you?" asked Yui.

Balder's reply ended up being sharper than he intended, "I have read it."

"Aaand? Did you gain some appreciation for the human spirit of Christmas?"

"How could I?" Balder's voice darkened, thinking into the miserable world he subjected himself to when flipping the pages. "How can I gain appreciation when I'm forced to see through the eyes of a human. An unredeemable, viscous, disgusting, human. First, he denies the opportunity to give to others relief from pain, actually _believes_ that the world would be better through their suffering! Next thing I know I'm forced to see greed, and then the hunger that ravages the family of a poor crippled boy! I fail to see how I'm supposed to understand humans when they do nothing but hurt others."

Yui was surprised her heart could take the pounding it was receiving double, from her exercise and the dark, bitterness and anger in Balder's tone. What could she say? From the eyes of a god, Mr. Scrooge was reason enough for higher beings to hold contempt for the human race.

"Not all humans are like that."

Balder stopped and turned to face her directly, his blue eyes shining with emotion, "No not all humans are like that. You are the exception."

Her eyes were wide, but before she could say anything further, Balder continued on his emotional rant, "You must be a goddess of humans to have such patience and kindness. You didn't shun me when I attacked Master Caduceus and Takeru Totsuka. You did your best to help me and understand me, when others would not have cared or were too afraid to."

She could only respond by frantically shaking her head, "N-no…I mean yes, but I'm nothing out of the ordinary I swear. Not all humans are like Scrooge. While yes, his…vices…do exist on the human level, but they amplified to make the story, Balder."

Balder looked skeptical, like he didn't believe her.

"Have you met a human before me?" she asked. Balder's expression didn't change.

"Yes, I have encountered humans before."

Odds were it wasn't a pleasant experience. Perhaps that was why he was here. He had to understand love and humanity. If his only exposure to the human race was a negative experience there was no mystery as to why he would be forced to learn about them.

"Do you despise the-I'm assuming-majority of the human race then?" It was a harsh question, but Yui was getting a tad insulted with the surprising hostility Balder was showing at the mere thought of the human race.

Balder's shoulder's slumped as he sighed, shaking his head, "No. I can't bring myself to go that far. I know in the back of my mind that humans aren't the greedy, bloodlusting, warmongers that I've seen, but…"

He hung his head, thinking about the duality of his opinion. He was a borderline hypocrite. He shunned the human race for doing the very thing his own fellow gods did, "I see my own family harbor violent bloodlust with other races of gods and the other giants and gods do so in turn. I do not think I should like it any more with the humans, who seem to desire conflict more than usual."

Yui couldn't exactly disagree with him. She remembered reading in a small factoid pamphlet on a train station human civilization had only been completely at peace 3% of the time. Even now it seemed that once one region established peace, another would quickly spring up violence.

Balder scratched his beard waiting for Yui to say something. He actually hoped she would tell him that what he had seen was not a reality. That she lived in a world of peace. But she didn't. Instead, she tapped his elbow.

"That's why to most Christmas is important. For one day, humans can stop and be with their families and…"

She paused. "You know what? Why am I telling you this? Did you finish that book?"

Balder shook his head, "No…I don't see the poi—"

"Just finish it, and I guarantee you will feel better about Christmas…and hopefully about humans. But I tell you, you will have to power through as close to the ending it gets…disturbing, but I swear it's all worth it at the end."

Balder's rather harsh face melted into a curious one and…despite his worn cheeks and facial hair…gave a wide-eyed childish look, "You swear?"

Yui nodded and motioned over the left side of her chest, "Cross my heart. Now I really need to start moving. The sweat is freezing my shirt to my skin."

The next morning, Yui used her morning flextime to dare to enter the library. Though Thoth said that the students could use the library as they pleased, every time Yui saw fit to enter the vast tower of bookshelves, Thoth gave her a distinct frown. It was like she was trespassing in his room.

At this point, Yui just ignored her teacher and opened the broad doors to the library anyway, finding Thoth's blue eyes glaring right at her as soon as she set foot into the facility.

"Oh, Isis and Christ, what now?" he growled.

"I'm sorry Master Thoth," she apologized briefly. "I'm just here to find some information."

"On what?"

"Some information on gods," she replied. Shouldn't that be enough? Obviously not. Not for Thoth anyway who looked more annoyed.

Thoth closed his book with a snap, "Are you telling me that you have not yet researched gods here?"

"Yes! I just meant our…new arrivals."

Thoth shook his white head, insistent that the human girl just leave him with his reading, without him looking over to see if she was putting books back in the exact place she found them. He was particularly sour when Apollo checked out extensive books on moving pictures. The idiot was fascinated with movies. Apparently to him it was like the dramatic plays of his own time. Regardless, the idiot placed them all back in the Indonesian food section. How he got movies and Indonesian cooking mixed up was beyond him.

"They are not here to learn like the others. You are not required to learn about them."

"But you said we have to get their signatures—"

"Yes, just their signatures. You are not required to engage in extensive conversation."

Yui didn't back down and instead wandered towards the Northern Pagan section, scanning the bindings of a book trying to sort which books would give her information.

"I'm still looking for information on the new gods, such as Crom Cruach."

If she was expecting Thoth to say something smart again, she was wrong. Thoth narrowed his blue eyes, his rather grim frown growing deeper and deeper.

"Do not concern yourself with the likes of him," he said darkly.

"But perhaps if I learn about him and Mr. Cernunnos it would be easier for Apollo and I to convince them to sign," Yui turned to the books feeling at a loss. Even if she found the text she was looking for, she wondered if even such a god could be in these texts. The Northern Pagan section was rather small in comparison to the Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Japanese section.

"I would not advise that. Besides you won't find much information on Crom Cruach. Northern Pagans did not regularly write or record their histories or their gods. The Norse did have an alphabet, but oddly they didn't seem to want to record anything. Most information the world knows about the Norse, Celtic, and Anglican gods is just known through folklore and word of mouth. Rather primitive fools."

Yui sighed, giving up. She was going to help Apollo get those signatures, but she wasn't going to be so obvious in her intent in front of a very prickly Thoth.

"Fine…" she said, "What about the other two gods?"

"Again…there is no need to interact with them extensively."

"How could I? I don't even know who they are."

Thoth cleared his throat and flipped the page of his book, "Surprising after Agana Balea figured out who they are."

"Wait what?"

"Yes," Thoth hissed. "He ran into the other two visiting his father. If we're lucky he's already gotten their signatures."

Curious, Yui pushed for more clues as to what the other two gods are. Persian maybe? Hindu? Chinese perhaps? "What sort of gods are they?"

"You can always find out for yourself, I'm not going to spoon feed you. You should have a clear idea of what sort of gods exist in the world, even if they are on the other side of the hemisphere."

Yui paused. Was that a clue? _The other side of the hemisphere._ What gods existed…?

Ignoring the Northern Pagan section, Yui sprinted towards the other side of the library where information on the Americas lay.

"Hey! No running!"

Yui had flipped book over book over book on faiths and mythology in the Americas. It was hard to put it all together. They had several tribes and nations, all with different myths and beliefs. Incredible to have so many different pantheons in one general area. Regardless, she found incredible similarities between some structures of some of the civilizations in South America to structures in Egypt and Persia. Like pyramids. Yet, they had a distinctive style of their own. Her minded trying to set all the civilizations straight. Perhaps if Apollo had met them, he would have a better idea of who these two extra mystery gods were.

She went directly to the Greek dorm to see the Sun god. Although Apollo told her she could come and go as she pleased, Yui didn't want to bother Hades or Dionysus. She was sure Hades or Dionysus didn't mind her company, but to just enter without unannounced just seemed rude. She knocked on the large enamel door. Immediately she heard Apollo's voice call excitedly, "I'll get it!"

Not a moment later the door flung open and Yui was greeted with Apollo's beaming face…and his body in a robe. A robe that was waaay too short and barely managed to cover his…hydra.

"Fairy!"

"Hi…Apollo," Yui made sure her gaze laid straight upon his face, trying to withhold laughter.

"Come in, come in!"

Yui followed her pantless classmate into their sitting room, spotting Hades in a normal black robe. He looked mortified and understanding when he saw her barely containable expression, giving her a look that clearly said, "Yes, we are aware of Apollo's shorty robe."

Yui sat down on the sofa, placing her notebook and bag next to her, watching as Apollo busied himself with putting some sort of hair oil into his golden hair, "Excuse us, we just got out of a sauna."

"That's fine," Yui barely managed to get out.

Apollo sat down in the chair across from her, his legs spread, letting his "little Spartan" air out, unbeknownst to him. Yui blinked, blushing and promptly held her notebook out in front of her, blocking his private area from her view.

Hades sighed in annoyance and stood taking his book to his room. As he passed the back of the couch, Hades whispered in Yui's ear, "If I were you, I'd pick a point on the wall and stick to it."

Sound advice. Yui focused on a little statuette of a warrior woman on a small end table behind Apollo.

"What's up Miss Fairy?" he asked.

"Have you had contact with the other two gods?" she asked. "I was trying to find information on Crom Cruach, much to Master Thoth's distaste, but he did mention you already conversed with the others."

Apollo's eyebrows rose to his hairline, "I have spoke to them briefly, but we aren't buddy buddies."

"Did you get their signatures?"

Apollo shook his head, "I didn't have time to ask. One of the Aztecs was rather amiable but the other seemed insistent on going back to their abode"

"Aztecs?" Yui did recall reading about their civilization, but their pantheon of gods was rather vast she couldn't begin to guess which gods were here. Still, it narrowed down her list.

"Yes, quite colorful folk, but they do seem a bit displaced here. Like Cern-Cern."

"Well, can't we go see them to get those signatures?"

Apollo shrugged, "I would but I don't know where they are in the garden. They seem to be rather reclusive."

Yui drooped in her seat, breaking her focus from that statue…unfortunately. She closed her eyes not wanting to stare directly at Apollo's lower section.

"It's alright though," Apollo said standing up. "I know someone who might know."

Yui watched as Apollo ran over to a nearby polished door and knocked. Apollo could hear giggling on the other side of the door and some thumping. A moment later, Dionysus opened the door just wide enough to look out.

"Apollo, what's wrong? I've got three of those spirits in here who just lubed up, can't this wait?"

Apollo's eyebrows drew together in confusion.

Dionysus smirked, "They maybe dad's props, but let me tell you, they know how to have a fun time."

Rather thinking about the average spirit student having the capacity to…well…do the nasty, Apollo cut to the chase, "Do you know where the Aztecs are?"

"South America, right?"

"No, I mean here. In this garden."

Dionysus shrugged, "Well, yeah. I get some…umm…'cocoa' from their territory. It's on the southwest side of the garden in some jungle. But you have to go very deep. They tend to like to hide."

"Right thanks, I appreciate it."

Dionysus laughed, "No problem." He paused, taking in Apollo's get up and asked honestly, "Hey, why the long robe?"

* * *

A/N: Balder with a beard and Apollo in a shorty robe. I'm waiting for people hit me for those images. But hey, Anubis.


	7. Prose 7

**Disclaimer: See Chapter 1**

**Also, as many of you realize I made Apollon "Apollo". When I first wrote this out I had a hard time calling Apollo "Apollon" so I just gave him the anglicized name. I don't have that problem now, but I just never changed it and I don't want to confuse people even more.**

* * *

Prose 7:

Apollo summoned Pegasus to take him and Yui to where the Aztec gods were confined. They flew to the southwest area of the garden—an area neither one of them recalled ever going to, searching for a forest or jungle that Dionysus described.

Below, they spotted a patch of lush green jungle, seemingly isolated from the rest of the landscape.

"That must be it," Apollo replied, pulling on Pegasus' mane. Pegasus dipped down, flying straight towards the ground. Yui's stomach lurched into her throat as she flew straight down, luckily Pegasus pulled up and eased into a clearing in the jungle.

Apollo helped her off the flying stead and worked their way through the thick leafy foliage and trees. There was green everywhere, littered with exotic plants and twisting trees taller than what she had ever seen. A chorus of calls from colorful birds and insects rang in her ears.

In some respects, Yui was wary. With this thick and heavy jungle with no uncertain amount of wild animals running around somewhere, she probably would never see a pouncing lion or boar go after her.

"Do you know where we are going?" she asked.

Apollo shrugged, "Not really. But I believe in my instincts."

Some instinct. Trudging through the jungle was tiresome and tedious and Yui did her best not to think them lost or worried if they could make it back. She didn't whine or anything, but she was beginning to regret taking this trip.

Eventually though, the thick jungle began to thin a bit, making walking easier and Apollo could've sworn the bare area they were walking on was a path. Wait…it was a path. The moist soil gave way to a pathway to small square stones that clearly led somewhere.

"Hey Fairy!" Apollo pointed to the stones, "we must be close."

Yui let out a sigh of relief. Yet she stopped short, watching as the jungle gave way to a magnificent sight. There, in the middle of a sunlit clearing was a large pyramid like structure, with beautifully carved steps and carvings etched on the sides.

"Whoa…" Apollo gasped, shielding his eyes from the blazing sun gaining a better view. If the Aztecs lived like this…

A figure descended the steps to meet them, looking rather perturbed that there were intruders. As he stopped in front of them Yui took a few steps back. Although the darkly tan skinned man was only a few inches taller than Yui, for what he lacked in height he made up for with pure, thick, meaty, solid muscle. He seemed to be made up of nothing but muscle so big that the white school uniform barely fit his frame. His pitch black hair was cut in a crew cut. His jaw and chin was ridiculously square. His nose was flat and broad, a red spike limiter run through the septum between the nostrils. Black and yellow stripes were painted across his nose, under his eyes, from ear to ear.

Yui was reminded how she felt when she gazed upon Cernunnos. This…god wasn't like the other student gods who seemed more human. No. He was incredibly and beautifully exotic, foreign, and his presence intimidated her.

Yui didn't realize that she was gawking, her mouth open as she stared at the Aztec god. It didn't seem to go unnoticed by the god, his cat-like golden eyes narrowed on her.

"What's with this intrusion Apollo Agana Balea?" his voice was deep and scratchy, his thick dark brows lowering over his keen eyes.

"Hey, Cat-Cat!" Apollo's nickname seemed to cause some distaste in the other god, as his broad nose wrinkled and his thick arms crossed over his even thicker chest. It was a miracle his uniform didn't rip apart at the motion.

"Tezcatlipoca," the god corrected in distaste.

Yui could understand the need for a nickname. The sound of that name alone proved painful for her to work around. "Cat-Cat" however seemed to diminish his godliness by a great deal. Apollo didn't seem at all phased by the negativity Tezcatlipoca exuded. Instead he brightly asked, "Is Quetz-Quetz around?"

Tezcatlipoca nodded, "He is but he is resting. What is your business?"

"Oh…I just need him to sign something."

"What is it?" Tezcatlipoca's rather rigid composure dropped as he seemed curious.

"Oh just giving permission to have a Christmas festival. Or rather a Winter Solstice festival with a Christmas undertone."

Tezcatlipoca's brow furrowed. Apollo seemed to turn up his insistency, "Come on, Cat-Cat. Let us see him. Can we? Can we? Hunh? Hunh?"

Apollo was being way too familiar and it was a tactic that seemed to work. The "hackles" on Tezcatlipoca were raised in discomfort. Apollo even went so far as to give the other god an enthusiastic punch in the shoulder. It was supposed to be playful and light but even the relaxed gesture left no dent in Tezcatlipoca but it very well crumbled Apollo's knuckles, who bit his lip in pain.

"You don't know when to give up," Tezcatlipoca snarled, baring his strong white teeth that looked like they could crack a skull.

"The faster we get through this the faster I leave," Apollo said, hoping that would at least convince him. And convince him it did. It seemed to Tezcatlipoca getting rid of Apollo was more important than his fellow god's rest. Yui had to hand it to her friend. Perhaps he was smarter than he seemed.

"Very well," the bristled god said, clearing this throat. "Follow me."

Yui and Apollo followed Tezcatlipoca up the large stone steps, to the covered pavilion of the pyramid. The stone structure was cool under the shade, escaping the heat of the sun and the humidity of the jungle. There were very few furnishings, but the stone bricks, Yui realized, were inlaid with gold, making the stone surface shimmer like golden water. Tezcatlipoca led them to a large stone basin set in the ground like a tub, containing dark glittering water.

Yui stuck by Apollo as they waited. Texcatlipoca approached the basin, saying casually, "Quetzalcoatl, Zeus' son and a human girl are here to see you."

The water of basin bubbled violently as if it were being disturbed. Inch by inch, a gigantic long creature, a dragon or a serpent, with colorful scales and feathers, slinked out, water dripping from its beautiful plumes as it rose higher and higher, body seemingly endless. It's snakelike head dipped down arching it's long body to be eye-level with Apollo, Tezcatlipoca, and Yui.

Yui stepped back, never seeing anything this large before and looking right at them. She was a little frightened, but both Apollo and Tezcatlipoca seemed largely unfazed by this creature.

Apollo even laughed, "Quetz-Quetz, you know that's not allowed."

The serpent's mouth split in a very toothy smile. Not exactly a comforting image for a human. The plumes on the creature furled up and out before molting and melting away into a big feathered mass. A burst of wind blew the feathers away, and where the giant monstrosity used to be, stood a tall young man.

He was as tall as Apollo, and equally brilliant. Despite being rather fearsome earlier, he portrayed a sense of calm in his bright smile. His eyes were titanium silver, but glowed like the sun. His rainbow-colored hair was short and feathered. On his left ear was an earring limiter with a parrot feather at the end of it. Thin red stripes ran from the corners of his mouth up to the ears. His skin was lighter than Tezcatlicpoca's and overall his appearance seemed more human and definitely more approachable.

"Allowed or not," the god said with a charming smile, "I like the opportunity to stretch every once in a while." The colorful god's eyes drifted to Yui and he stretched out his hand, "I'm sorry to have frightened you. I am Quetzalcoatl."

Yui smiled back at Quetzalcoatl, and took his proffered hand, "Yui Kusanagi. It's a pleasure to meet you." She stopped herself short from saying his name. There was no way she could word either Aztec god name accurately.

"The pleasure is mine, señorita," he replied with a comforting smile. "So what is your business here?"

"A sign up sheet," Apollo said pulling the crumpled and stained sign up sheet out of his pocket. "We are holding a Winter Solstice festival with a sort of Christmas theme."

Quetzalcoatl laughed at the notion of "winter". "Hah, sounds rather dreary don't you think, Tezcatlipoca?" He turned to his fellow god who turned his back to them, blocking himself from conversation.

"If I can come by and color it up, I see no problem in participating. Unless Zeus would rather keep us from the joy of festivals." Quetzalcoatl's self confidence was palpable, exceeding even Balder's on a good day. But, like Balder, rather than seeming self-absorbed, Quetzalcoatl's self-confidence translated to others. Yui could practically see any hesitation and uncertainty in Apollo suddenly drift away.

"Hah!" Apollo joined in on the jovial banter, "You are more than welcome, by my invitation. Thoth made it clear that you are to participate. And I will also need Cat-Cat's signature."

Quetzalcoatl again looked to his fellow god, "What do you say my jaguar companion? I should hate to disappoint these gods because of your stubbornness."

Tezcatlipoca snarled back, "Is that supposed to convince me?"

"Ah, but you see, I doubt Apollo will leave until he has those signatures," Quetzalcoatl gently took the pen from Apollo's inner pocket and signed his own name. "And I sure would like to hear of the endless tales Yui Kusanagi has to say of her exploits."

Tezcatlipoca turned his head, yellow eyes resting directly on Yui, before shifting to Quetzalcoatl. He unfolded his large arms, muttering epithets to himself as he stomped over, hastily scribbling his name and taking a few steps back.

"I really appreciate all this," Yui said to both gods. Tezcatlipoca stuttered in his step for a moment but tried to remove himself away from the group as much as possible. It was apparent Quetzalcoatl was exasperated as he just shook his head before motioning towards the entrance of his stone abode, "Let us take this conversation elsewhere."

Apollo and Yui followed Quetzalcoatl out into the sunny jungle.

"I hope this doesn't sound rude," Apollo asked, "But what are you two in here for? You don't seem like a bad person."

Quetzalcoatl smirked, glancing at the entrance they came out of. "We're in here for fighting," he answered.

"Fighting?" Yui asked.

Quetzalcoatl's blistering titanium eyes fell upon Yui, "Yes. Tezcatlipoca and I have had many squabbles that it wore at the other gods' nerves. What can I say? My comrade tends to find me very antagonizing, and there are days he brings out the worst in me."

The rainbow haired god tugged at his feathered earring, "We can walk the grounds freely, however, as part of our punishment we cannot move more than a certain distance away from each other."

"What will happen if you do?" Apollo asked, his voice low wondering what torture his father had subjected this charming Aztec god to.

"Our shackles pull us back towards each other. Like a rubber band."

Yui bit her lip to keep from bursting out laughing. She covered her mouth and realized her face had gone red. To her embarrassment Quetzalcoatl was looking right at her. She apologized, "I'm sorry, it's just the mental image in my head was…"

"It is as hilarious as it sounds," Quetzalcoatl responded, not at all insulted. "Zeus can be quite creative. He thinks that making us tied to each other would help us gain a better understanding of each other."

Yui got the impression that tactic wasn't working. Or at least not to Quetzalcoatl.

"We don't fight, but the atmosphere is rather…tense on most days," he explained but still smiled.

"Yes, but you can't escape on tough days," Apollo said, feeling for the Aztec god. Quetzalcoatl laughed placing his hands on his hips, "Quetzalcoatl doesn't have tough days, Apollo."

"Good, good! I guess I'll be going though, Quetz-Quetz. If you're ever on the grounds…"

"Yes," Quetzalcoatl nodded, "If you don't mind Tezcatlipoca being dragged behind me kicking and screaming, I will see you again. I don't wish to be cooped up in this jungle forever."

Apollo shook the god's hand, "See you later Quetz-Quetz."

Before Yui said her goodbyes, Quetzalcoatl gently grabbed her hand, "If you don't mind, señorita, I should like a chance to have lunch with you sometime. I'd like to know a little more about you outside of official Student Council business."

Yui was slightly taken aback, but not perturbed, "I don't see why not. Sure, I'm usually free on most lunches."

Quetzalcoatl bowed his head slightly. "I shall look forward to it then."

* * *

Before classes started the next day, at the Norse dorm, Loki bounded down the steps running right for the lovely, flakey, Swedish pancakes Thor made that morning. He drowned them in syrup and shoveled them into his mouth.

"Perhaps you shouldn't sleep late. You'll have more time to eat," Thor advised.

"Shut up Thor," Loki said, bits of pancake spitting out of his mouth. Loki glanced back at his other friend who was sitting on the couch, reading a green bound book.

"Oh thank god, you got rid of that beard, Balder," Loki joked. "I was two steps to sneaking into your room at night and shaving it off myself."

Loki picked up the plate and strode towards the couch, still eating off his plate, "What'cha reading?"

"A novel Yui recommended to me. It takes a lot to make it through, but I'm finding things that I didn't notice before."

Loki made the mistake of feigning interest, "Yeah?"

"Yes," Balder said, his voice rising in excitement. "There's this spirit here. You see he's happy and jovial, but he has this scabbard, but no blade."

"Sounds foolish."

"No, you see he says that it means peace on earth and goodwill towards mankind. If a human can write such a righteous character, perhaps humankind is not lost without us."

Loki's jaw ground, his own encounters with humans weighing on his mind, but Balder's face was soft, almost relieved. He was so desperate to find the good in the human race, despite his sanctuary being destroyed by Christian humans so long ago.

So so long ago.

Perhaps it was time to get over past wounds. If a simple novel written by a _human_ could perhaps change Balder's mind about humans, maybe there was something to this world of man worth saving.

Loki scoffed to himself, causing a concerned glance from his blond friend.

_Fat chance._

Loki reached over and patted the back of his friend's head, "You keep telling yourself that Balder."

Balder closed his book and turned his body towards Loki saying quite abruptly, "What if we invite the other gods for Yule?"

Loki's head jerked back, his face scrunching in a mixture of surprise and distaste, "Why?"

"I was talking to Yui and she's genuinely interested in Yule. Or at least from our perspective."

_Yui, Yui, Yui. Odin's ravens Balder, do you only listen to Yui? _Loki pouted. He looked forward to spending a little small celebration that was just him and his friends during Yule. Having the loud and obnoxious Greeks, and heavens forbid the stick-up-the-ass Japanese was not how Loki envisioned celebrating the end of the year.

"The Solstice Festival is a few days before the day Yui calls 'Christmas' so I don't see why we can't have others over when the New Moon arrives."

Thor seemed to at least accept the idea, "It is a shame we don't have any farm animals to offer for Yule."

"But apparently no shortage of alcohol, right Thor?" Loki said pointedly, knowing that Thor had a hidden ale stash somewhere. Loki was reminded of the seasonal celebrations of home and sighed, "I will miss going to Freyr's winter feast. He always left me candy, while you and your father battled over the Yule Boar."

"Yule's always better with more people, Loki."

Loki scratched his chin, "I just hope it snows then. Can't have Yule without snow...or a Yule log."

He lightly punched Balder in the chest, "Alright, but its your job to bring in the Yule log this year."

Balder nodded, happy, "Of course, Loki. I think I know the right tree."

Balder was on the edge of his seat as if he were ready to charge out the front door, half-dressed, with an axe in hand ready to brave to cold to find that beautiful Yule log and haul it back himself.

"Well don't go get it now, dammit Balder one thing at a time."

Loki was convinced that if he didn't put a leash on his friend now, he'd come home to find a large evergreen stuffed in their dorm and who knows what else. Perhaps everything already set on fire. An overly excited Balder could do incredible and ridiculous things sometimes when he got ahead of himself.

As children, when Odin allowed Balder, Thor, and Loki to go with Tyr to find a great evergreen to use for the center hearth during solstice, little Balder was so excited with his little hatchet that he ran off into the woods. Concerned, Loki and the others went off to find him. But Balder found them.

Dragging three giant evergreens behind him all tied by a string clutched in his tiny hand.

Tyr was close to tears in laughter and astonishment. When he relayed the story to Odin the entire hall was filled with his loud barking laughter at the mental image of his tiny little boy accomplishing such a Herculean task. And one thing was for certain...all the halls in Asgard did not go without firewood for several years.

So, yes, Loki was no stranger to the concept that Balder, even happy and excited could be a great handful.

* * *

**A/N: I've been getting some surprising reviews. I've been getting compliments that this story is somewhat realistic. I do not disagree, and I'm flattered people like that aspect of it, but I'm curious as to what that means, seeing as this story has a bunch of gods in one place at one time.**


	8. Prose 8

**Disclaimer: Read Chapter 1**

* * *

Prose 8

After a particularly grueling kendo practice with Takeru, Yui rushed to lunchtime. She had arranged to meet the Aztec god, Quetzalcoatl, for lunch today and didn't want to keep him waiting. As she darted passed the classroom, Dionysus stopped her.

"Hey Kusanagi," he called out and the two other Greek gods flanked his side. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?"

"I'm having lunch with an Aztec god today," she replied, purposefully not uttering said god's name. She was afraid to make a fool of herself.

Apollo however looked dramatically crushed. There was no subtlety in any of Apollo's expressions. Poor guy. It made it hard for Yui to want to disappoint him.

"But Miss Fairy always has lunch with us," he whined, his big green eyes wide and for a moment Yui thought that Apollo would actually start weeping.

"Come now, Apollo," Dionysus chuckled, winking at Yui, "Kusanagi has a date with a nice swarthy Aztec god. Would you really deprive her of that chance?"

That only seemed to upset Apollo even more.

"It's not a date," Yui tried to correct, but he seemed to be breaking for whatever reason. Hades was even stroking his back.

"Come now Apollo, its just ONE lunch," the ruler of the underworld patted his nephew's head before tugging the back of his collar to get him to leave. Blubbering his protests, Apollo went to have lunch at the usual gazebo with his brother and uncle.

Yui didn't move until he was out of sight, feeling a little sorry. Thinking Apollo just had separation anxiety, she quickly made her to the lunchroom. She didn't think she was nervous, but at some point she felt horrible because she knew nothing about Quetzalcoatl to think she could have a nice long conversation. Heck, she'd be afraid to say his name.

As she reached the entrance to the lunch hall, she spotted the bulky mass of the other Aztec god, Tezcatlipoca, sitting alone at the bench besides the entrance, eating small sandwich, clearly not trying to draw attention to himself. The god paused seeing Yui.

"Afternoon," Yui greeted with a wave. Tezcatlipoca stood, leaving his sandwich on the bench, wiping the crumbs on his hands on his chest.

"Afternoon, Kusanagi," his raspy voice replied. He seemed to be less ruffled than the last time she saw him.

She drew closer to the god, smiling pleasantly, thankful that he didn't seem to be in such a bad mood, "Are you eating alone, Tez—er. Forgive me. I can't quite pronounce your name."

Tezcatlipoca didn't look too surprised. Besides Zeus and Thoth, no one at the school seemed to know his name very well. His face still set in a grim countenance, he sighed, "I'm not surprised. I also go by Tepeyollotl, but I suppose that's not any better."

"No, I'm sorry," she replied. The muscular god ran a hand over his short black hair.

Finally, he relented in allowing her to call him by a nickname, "Tezca. You can call me Tezca for short. Just anything but 'Cat-Cat'."

"Do you not mind?"

It was quite plain that he did mind on some level, but not enough to force this human to pronounce his complicated names to the utmost perfection. He rather have his divine named shortened like the Japanese gods rather than have it butchered.

Tezca's eyes darted away, avoiding eye contact with the human girl, "No, I don't mind."

Yui opened her mouth to ask if he would like to join her with her lunch with Quetzalcoatl, but the brawny god interrupted, pointing behind him to the lunch hall, "You'd better get going. Quetzalcoatl is waiting."

Yui withheld a breath sensing that Tezca didn't want to be around his counterpart. Not even a little bit. But despite the two gods being forced to stick closely together, Tezca seemed very alone and uncomfortable being stuck with his ever popular rival for the duration of their tenure here.

"You are right, but I will see you later, Tezca," she smiled waving entering the lunch hall, missing Tezca's half wave back.

Tezca returned to his bench but stopped as he saw a white rabbit sniffing his half-eating sandwich. "Hey!" he growled trying to shoo the rabbit away. The animal quickly hopped off and hopped past the lunchroom entrance to the east hallway past the doorway.

At the very least, Tezca's sandwich was untouched.

Inside the lunch hall, Yui spotted Quetzalcoatl immediately. His rainbow hair was hard to miss. He was sitting alone at a table, his uniform coat slung over and empty seat and the first few buttons of his black vest and undershirt undone. He sat looking calm and suave as could be, his titanium eyes glinting when he spotted her.

"Hey there señorita," he waved her over. "I was afraid you'd have some better things to do than join me."

"No, no," Yui laughed, "I was caught up with the other gods. I'm sure you understand."

"I do," he purred. He gestured to the dishes in front of them as she sat down. "Please help yourself."

The dishes had a wide variety of things; corn tortillas, peppers, avacado, seeds, beans, small strips of meat and most of all, corn. Lots of corn.

"I recognize it is a whole mish-mash of things, but I will say they are flavorful. Thoth seems to get a kick out of our cuisine."

It smelled so good. Yui wasn't one for spicy things, which this food no doubt had, but the fragrance was hard to resist. Quetzalcoatl picked up the flat corn tortilla and stacked all sorts of things in it. At Yui's lost expression, he laughed, "Stack whatever you want. If you don't like the spiciness, put on the avocado. It cools it off."

Well that makes sense. She put a small amount of everything on her plate, but heaped gobs of avocado.

"Did you make this yourself?" she asked.

Quetzalcoatl shook his head, "No, it was magically conjured, but I added a few things to give it that extra kick from back home."

Yui helped herself to a small spoonful, marveling the flavorful taste. It did leave a sting as the spice hit her, but it was muted by the corn and avocado.

She swallowed her food before asking, "Tezca is outside. Does he not eat with you?"

At hearing the nickname, Quetzalcoatl arched his brow. He always found it amusing that Apollo gave his darker skinned friend the nickname "Cat-Cat" and now "Tezca" from the human girl. He could practically hear his cohort rustling his whiskers off—so to speak.

"'Tezca'?"

Yui nodded, "I asked if I could call him something else. I can't pronounce your names properly, you see. He seemed to be okay with me shortening it to 'Tezca'."

At this Quetzalcoatl looked legitimately surprised, "Oh?"

"Yes…erm…unfortunately I'm not too good with your name either."

Quetzalcoatl could understand, but he wasn't one to want to give himself a nickname. His name in his realm was divine.

"Perhaps I can help you pronounce it."

Yui swallowed her food hard, eyes wide in fear. She had a hard enough time pronouncing the Norse surnames. 'Hringhorni' and 'Megingjörd' didn't exactly roll off her tongue.

"First let's start with what you can pronounce."

Yui thought. Hearing Apollo refer him as 'Quetz-Quetz' she knew that was at least the start.

"Ket-zal….Ket-zal-coat-l?"

Quetzalcoatl nodded, "The first part is close. Try Ket-sal-ko-ah-tl. There's nothing hard in my name. It's all soft sounds if you know what I mean."

Yui repeated his name again. And again. And again. She inadvertently sounded his name to a beat to help her, which Quetzalcoatl found quite amusing.

"I must say I like the sound of you singing my name," he laughed.

Yui frowned, frustrated, "Hey! I'm trying."

Smiling, Quetzalcoatl waved his hands defensively, "I know, señorita. And I do appreciate the effort. You are far closer than most others."

"Well, Ket-sal-ko-ah-tl. I guess that's a compliment."

"It is I assure you. I like giving compliments. Especially to pretty señoritas like yourself."

Yui flushed at being called 'pretty'. It wasn't like she wasn't complimented before, but she always drew herself in when a god…who more than likely had their fill of beautiful goddesses…complimented her on her looks. And Quetzalcoatl knew how to turn on a smooth charm that made it hard not to gush at his attention.

Unlike Apollo or any of the other gods, the more she talked to him, the more she realized Quetzalcoatl was more mature, more grounded, despite his rather high opinion of himself and others. He told her stories of his realm and gave her a little insight into Aztec mythology. Possibly more insight than she could receive from a book. The only problem was keeping all the names together. Yui hoped he wasn't going to quiz her later.

Yui in the meantime told him of her escapades so far at the school. Like the summer vacation and the fireworks as well as the Moon Viewing celebration.

"Sounds fun," he said with a whimsical smile. "I should hope to have that much fun during the Winter Solstice."

"I'm sure you'll do something great—" before Yui can continue the bell rang. She paused, giving Quetzalcoatl an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Ket-sal-ko-ah-tl. Class is about to start."

The god leaned back in his seat, making no move. He didn't have to go to classes so he could lounge around as he could. He waved her apology away, "You have more pressing matters to attend to than speaking to an old god. Best to not keep Thoth waiting. He seems to be the type to have his feathers ruffled and squawk when things don't go exactly his way."

"Oh, you have no idea. I will see you later."

She waved goodbye to Quetzalcoatl and stepped out in the hallway and immediately spotted Takeru wandering about, looking confused and upset.

"Usamaro!" he called. "Where are you little fella?"

Did Usamaro run off again? That bunny was as independent as could be. While Usamaro loved his master, Tsukito, he did like to run off when the god was busy with other things.

"Is Usamaro missing again?" she asked and Takeru nodded.

"You haven't seen him have you?" he asked. "Brother is upset that he can't find him."

Yui paused, for a moment thinking it was urgent if Tsukito of all people became upset. But then Takeru shrugged, "Well…as upset as he can manage."

"I think I know where your rabbit went."

Takeru and Yui turned to see Tezca standing from his bench rigidly. Takeru of course had never seen this god before, but didn't question him as he told them what happened.

"The little rascal was trying to steal my sandwich so I chased him away. He ran down that hall," Tezca pointed down the east hall.

Yui turned to Takeru, "Okay, I'll find him. You'd better get to class before Thoth starts it."

"Right," Takeru was about to run off but he stopped himself, "What about you?"

"I'll think of an excuse, don't worry."

She ran off down the east hall and in a brief moment was reminded of how she followed Usamaro to find Tsukito. Months later she found Usamaro to be the perfect buffer between her and the very emotionless god. Still, Tsukito seemed to be very attached to the rabbit. She could perhaps believe if the familiar went missing, Tsukito would've been crushed.

"Usamaro!" she called, hoping the white rabbit would pop out and come to her. She checked in small closets, unused classrooms and underneath benches. As she closed the door to a water closet she spotted a small white thing dart around the corner of the hallway from the corner of her eye.

Quickly she followed him down the hall and turned the corner into a part of the school she hadn't ventured yet. The hall was dark and empty, like it was unused. An unsettling feel dropped in her gut as she slowly scoured the area for any sign of Usamaro.

"Well, well. Is someone lost?"

A dark snide voice with a very distinct brogue accent called from the shadows. Yui turned to her side and spotted a dark figure hidden in the shadows by the wall next to a pillar. He was tall and held a squirming Usamaro in one hand and a bit of lettuce in the other.

"Looking for this?" he violently held out the poor rabbit and at that point Usamaro managed to wriggle out and plop on the ground before hopping away safely back to where he came from.

The man laughed darkly, "That moon god had better start keeping better watch over his things. Else they'll run into trouble."

He stepped out of the shadows and Yui stepped back, even as he slinked towards her, "But I've found something more interesting."

"Step back!" Yui said abruptly, not wanting this…man to come any closer. The air around him was just unpleasant. The god was good looking and slick, but to Yui it was quite plain he was no good. His dark hair was slicked back and he wore a black leather jacket over his dress shirt. His smirk was toothy and sharp, his eyes black pits of the darkest, hollowest obsidian Yui had ever seen. A blue stripe of paint ran from his lower lip down to his chin and black smudges were painted around his eyes, making them seem even darker, if possible. As he spoke Yui could see on his tongue a stud piercing limiter in the shape of a Celtic cross. As the god moved fluidly and dangerously, she was caught by his smell. It was sweet, but underneath that was the pungent odor of rot and decay. For a moment, Yui knew that this was what death smelled like.

"You're Crom Cruach," Yui said flatly, trying not to show too much fear in front of him, but that was hard to accomplish.

The god stopped, "So you've heard of me. I'm quite surprised. Especially…"

He leaned in, nostrils flaring. He sighed in satisfaction, "Oh…you are a human and…"

Yui blinked and before she knew it, he was behind her. Immediately she turned to face him, never wanting him to leave her sight.

"…a virgin. Oh it's been so long since I've smelled one of those."

"Do not come any closer," Yui demanded. "I know what you do to humans. I know you take them as sacrifices."

Crom Cruach frowned, "So that's what's this hostility is about. No doubt those Norse told you all about scary evil Crom Cruach."

"Are they wrong?" she glared at the god. Up till now she gave all gods the benefit of the doubt, but every instinct on her part screamed to run away. Run away and never ever stop. Before she could react he slunk to her side, hand gently on her shoulder as he replied in a low voice, "If they are not, then what? Would you go off and give the other gods the same courtesy of hostility?"

Her nose wrinkled as his smell slammed her senses, "What are you talking about?"

"You demonize me for providing my worshippers what they wanted. Good years of harvest and food. I only took what they offered. What does it matter if a few is lost to save and help a thousand?"

Yui thought that he did have a point, but that didn't make him any less vile to her. "It's barbaric."

Crom Cruach's brows shot up and he laughed darkly, "Not any more barbaric than the other gods here. You see, human girl, your beloved Norse relish in the barbarism, praising those who kill and destroy. Need I mention your new Aztec friends?"

Yui flinched, "What about them?"

Crom Cruach paused his mouth splitting into a disgusting smile, "Those human sacrifices you hate so much. Ask them about human sacrifices. You'll find they too know much about taking human lives. So, little lass, ask them. I think you'll find I'm not the sole god to condemn."

He straightened and swept passed her as her mind was a flurry. Did he mean that Tezca and Quetzalcoatl took human sacrifices as well? Her heart pounded in her chest. She couldn't imagine Quetzalcoatl doing such a thing. Tezca neither. And what about her other classmates? Did they too view human life as expendable?

Crom Cruach seemed to relish in getting her upset, seeing that struck look in her wide innocent eyes. A chuckle formed low in his throat. Yui stared at him incredulously. Shaking her head in denial she finally had enough of talking to Crom Cruach and quickly she finally decided to run.

Run away without a second thought. She thought she could hear Crom Cruach's horrible laughter penetrate the hall as she scrambled back to class.

* * *

A/N: Finally I get to introduce the infamous Crom Cruach. Plus a mini-date with an Aztec god-sort of. And in answer to the obvious question...yes Aztec human sacrifices happened.


	9. Prose 9

Disclaimer: Not mine, but I do own the general plot-I think.

Prose 9:

Needless to say, Yui was rather shaken when she finally returned to class. And being late to one of Thoth's classes certainly didn't help matters. She entered the class interrupting Thoth, whose blue eyes narrowed in fury, his upper lip quivering in a snarl.

"God…dammit! Kusanagi Yui!" he yelled. "Why are you late?"

"S-sorry," she stammered. "I was caught up with something."

The eye behind his monocle twitched as he caught the pallid look on Yui's face. By now, she was used to his tirades, so obviously it was caused by something else, "You will talk to me after class."

Yui nodded, accepting her fate, knowing full well that she was going to be in trouble from the get-go. At least she could try to explain herself. Maybe.

Thoth finished his class almost a little too abruptly, as if he were eager to get to the bottom of why Yui was so late. Surely he would know better. She was never late up till now. The other classmates left the class giving her sympathetic glances as they left. Thoth didn't say anything at first, his tongue running over the side of his teeth, probably picking at some corn stuck in them. He crossed his arms over his chest as he leaned back against his desk.

"Explain," was all he demanded.

Yui sucked in a breath. By now she had willed herself to just talk to Thoth as if he were just one of the other students. He may have been wise, but his people skills were too horrid to believe he had a deep understanding of humans either.

"I went to find Tsukito's bunny. He got lost and—"

"A rabbit?" Thoth arched a brow. "You decided to risk valuable education in place of rabbit?"

"He's important to Tsukito and Takeru so…"

"That's a horrid excuse."

Yui shook her head, "I would've been on time, if I hadn't been caught up in Crom Cruach's web."

That grabbed Thoth's full attention. This time, he didn't seem annoyed or frustrated, but rather surprised and fearful, "What were you doing with Crom Cruach!?"

"Nothing, he just went around trying to intimidate me."

Thoth pinched the bridge of his nose, letting out a sigh that felt like he was relieved to release it, "I told you not to get in his business. Do you not understand the danger?"

"Well I do now!" Yui's voice was just and octave below a screech. "I didn't mean to run into him. I honestly don't care if I ever see him again."

"Good. Let Apollo deal with his signature."

"Why can't we just forego his signature?" Yui asked. Thoth bit his lip, shaking his head.

"It's a permission slip. Those who sign are required to have a booth at the festival or at least partake. Believe it or not, considering your desired theme, the Celtic gods would be most helpful to make the festival come true. As well as the Norse. If it weren't for Balder Hringhorni's rather violent outburst, I'd say we'd be in really good shape."

Yui frowned at the god before her and defended the young god, "He's getting better. Keeping him out of class is just making it worse. Don't you think?"

She hadn't meant to sound patronizing or condescending, but her tone certainly came out that way and it didn't go unnoticed. She could see Thoth's jaw flatten as he grit his teeth. He slammed the desk at the side of his seat.

"Let's get one thing clear," Thoth said, his voice low to a very severe tone. "When I say Crom Cruach's dangerous, make no mistake, ALL gods to a human are dangerous. Apollo, Crom Cruach, and yes, most assuredly that brainless brute Balder are dangerous to you."

It was difficult to say that Yui hadn't realized that, even as she finally left the classroom relatively unscathed. Gods could be dangerous, she knew, if their wrath was incurred, but her friends just didn't seem like the gods who would go out of their way to hurt someone. They weren't like Zeus, whose fickleness, she read, could be deadly. Least of all Balder, who could barely stand on his own two feet. To her, he was like a little boy (in a bigger body) who was just learning the facts of life.

All the other gods seemed to know and acknowledge their role as powerful gods. Balder, however, didn't seem to embrace his powers as much as the others. Perhaps they were a burden to him.

She stepped out into the courtyard, a little dismayed that the cold "winter" weather made way for pleasantly warm. With the Solstice coming up, you'd think Zeus at least stop with the back and forth weather. Apollo was at least making use of the nice weather. He was in the recreational square of the garden with Quetzalcoatl hitting a ball viciously against the wall back and forth. The two seemed to be having fun, or at least establishing a rivalry. If Quetzalcoatl was there, Tezca would not be far. Yui glanced down into the pit of the court, spotting Tezca sitting on a bench, leaning back, his arms draped over the back of the bench.

"Heeeey! Miss Fairy!" Apollo's voice called excitedly as he waved. The two Aztec gods turned to face her. "Have you come to cheer for me?"

Quetzalcoatl laughed heartily, "You must be mistaken, my friend. She should be here to cheer for me. No doubt Tezcatlipoca is already rooting against me."

"I honestly don't care either way," Tezca mumbled. If he had a choice he would not even been close to the tennis courts.

As for Yui, there was no way she was going to pick sides, "You two just carry on. I'll just observe, not cheer."

The two gods went back to their game, both keen on impressing the girl who was now sitting on the other end of the bench leaving a space between her and Tezca.

"W-what are they playing?" she asked, her voice catching inadvertently. The reminder of Crom Cruach flashed into her head.

Tezca shifted his golden eyes toward her, "Racquetball. Or at least some version of it."

Another question hung in Yui's throat, but she didn't dare say it. Instead she just stared at Tezca, which didn't go unnoticed. He hunched his shoulders nervously, feeling uncomfortable being stared at.

"What?"

Yui shook her head frantically, "Sorry, I didn't mean to stare. I was just…thinking."

That seemed to be a good enough excuse. Regardless Tezca asked politely, "Is there something wrong?"

Yui shook her head. Except there was something very wrong. She didn't want to go around accusing other gods of doing horrible things to humans. Human sacrifices may be such a touchy subject. It certainly seemed so by the way the other gods responded to it.

Could Tezca and Quetzacoatl get relief from the slaying of lives? Yui grabbed at the end of her skirt, wondering what to say next. If she didn't have the whole "human sacrifice" on her mind she would've been carrying on, oblivious. Tezca's great shoulders slumped as he sighed, dismayed, sensing that she was indeed upset. Normally, he wouldn't care for the sensitivities humans had, but in this case, he gave her space with relaxing silence, rather than exuding tension. The two sat and watched the two gods have their competition.

The next day, as Yui left the library after yet another tense conversation with Thoth about something involving getting Loki to stop doodling unicorns and bras on the quizzes-she really didn't know what he was talking about and didn't really care-she trudged slowly down the hall to an empty classroom to meet with Tsukito and Apollo to discuss some plans about the Solstice Festival. As far as she knew Apollo had yet to get the two Celtic gods' signatures. Two out of four wasn't bad, but as Thoth said, all of them were needed. She didn't doubt that Apollo was working on it, but Cernunnos certainly seemed adamant on not signing and she didn't dare think how Crom Cruach would react.

She opened the door to the empty classroom finding it dark. Squinting into the darkness she could see Tsukito lying on the floor behind the desks. At first she thought he was sleeping, but as she drew closer it seemed that he wasn't conscious, an open expression on his face.

Her heart thumped in her chest as she backed away, thinking of what to do. She tried shaking him, "Tsukito, Tsukito. Come on, please wake up."

She saw movement, next to his hip. Usamaro was chewing on something. Blinking through the dim light she could see that he was chewing on a bundle of corn husks made into a small doll. There were several of those dolls scattered around the place, hanging from the ceiling, and primarily positioned in a circle around Tsukito's body.

Just the sight of them caused her spine to shiver. She tried to shake Tsukito awake and he stirred. He opened his golden eyes, not the least bit concerned that he was in the center of a sacrificial doll circle.

"Yui Kusanagi," he murmured, before rubbing the bump at the back of his head. "What's going on?"

"I thought I'd ask you that," Yui replied, relieved that Tsukito was at least okay and functioning rather normally. "Hang on, I'll go get some help."

She ran to the door, but found it closed and locked tight. Did someone lock them in? She pulled and pulled and started pounding on the door. It was then she could smell a familiar smell. A horrid sweet decay smell.

"Crom Cruach…" she seethed under her breath, angry and aghast. Though she had not been on the best of terms with that god, she didn't think he'd go out of his way to pull something like this. Especially hurting a god.

"What was that?" Tsukito asked, gathering Usamaro in his arms.

Yui shook her head, "Nothing. Do you remember what happened, Tsukito?"

She approached him and took a quick look at the back of his head. Nothing was bleeding, thankfully, but it seemed to bother Tsukito a lot as he kept rubbing it.

"I arrived at the designated meeting spot early. I cannot assume that no one would come early."

Yui rolled her eyes at that, mildly amused.

"I spotted a doll like this on one of the desks," he held up the cornhusk doll. "I noticed some writing carved into the desk and as I was about to read it, something hit me in the back of the head."

His eyes shifted to the desk and Yui drew close to see the writing that so interested him. It was carved crudely into the desk and she could barely make it out as the characters magically shifted from the original alphabet into something she could understand.

She read it aloud, "Though they lied about the Wicker Man, I shall make their dreams come true, and those within his hallowed effigy shall burn."

Yui straightened, her face contorted in bewilderment as she tried to figure out what that meant.

Tsukito made a noise in the back of his throat. He pointed to the circle of dolls. The ends of the dolls were burned in ash, the embers growing stronger and stronger into flames. Yui rushed forward and tried to stamp the flames out, but it only seemed to hinder their spread, not stop them.

No windows and the door closed caused the smoke to accumulate, slowly thickening the air. By now the dolls hanging from the ceiling were on fire as well.

Panic was relieved momentarily when Tsukito and Yui heard and saw the door handle of the door turn and jiggle.

"Help!" Yui strangled out.

"Yui? Tsukito?" They heard Apollo's voice call. "What are you two doing with the door locked?"

"Nothing, we're trapped here and it's on fire!" Yui called. "Open the door!"

"I can't. It's locked. Hold on…"

Apollo turned the handle and shoved the door with his shoulder, hoping that there was a possibility that the door was stuck. It failed. It just bruised his shoulder.

"Owwey!" he whined. "It's no use Miss Fairy. It's shut tight. I can try to find the key!"

Yui ran to the door at the very least thankful that the fire wasn't spreading fast…yet, but the smoke was getting worse, "Please hurry Apollo!"

The sun god didn't need to be told twice, he ran down the hall to the first person he knew he could trust to know what to do. Hades was sitting on a bench, holding his turtle and feeding it a bit of kale, a book of nebulas resting his lap.

"UNCLE HADES!"

The tall King of the Underworld jerked in his seat, hearing his nephew's loud voice penetrate his ears with every sense of urgency. Apollo explained with a rush of words that were too fast to comprehend, but all Hades heard was "Yui" and "locked in". It was enough to follow his nephew. On the way, they caught Takeru thinking to maybe use his strength to open the door.

"What!? Brother's in trouble!?" his eyes widened in abject worry. "Where!? Where!?"

"I'll find Zeus. He should have a key," Hades rushed towards his younger brother's office.

Meanwhile, Apollo took Takeru to the room Tsukito and Yui were shut in.

"Yui, Tsukito, are you two okay?" Apollo asked, relieved he couldn't feel any heat from the door.

"The fire's stagnating," Yui explained, glancing at Tsukito who was holding his hand over Usamaro's mouth and nose so the poor rabbit didn't breath in too much of the smoke. Otherwise, the emotionless god was just that. He wasn't panicking which made Yui feel rather ridiculous. Was she overreacting?

"Hades is going to find a key," Takeru said through the door. "Stand back, I'm going to try to force this thing open."

He tried to bash the door open using the same method Apollo did. He may have had better progress than him, but not enough to grant freedom for the two stuck inside the classroom. Takeru wasn't one to give up. Not a bit, but the bruising in his shoulder forced him to take a break.

"Accursed weak body," he growled rubbing his bruised shoulder.

"Bad news Fairy," Apollo called trying to stay calm, "Takeru isn't able to get it open. We can hope for Hades to return with Zeus' key."

Takeru turned to the sun god, "I'll look for a maintenance worker or closet."

"You do that."

Yui at the very least felt a little relieved. Surely if Hades found Zeus, he would came and help, but she was stuck with Tsukito who just seemed to respond with this emergency with the coolness of just watching cars passing by. He either had no fear or just didn't care.

"Well…I guess now's a good a time as any to get rid of that V-card."

Yui blinked, hearing Apollo's halting voice. What…did he just say?

"Excuse me?"

"Your V-card," Apollo clarified. "If you two are stuck there, you both might was work to get rid of it, just in case we can't get you out."

Yui glanced over at Tsukito. Again, he didn't seem to have much of a care about Apollo's rather blasphemous suggestion. Yui on the other hand was torn between a thousand and one exasperated responses.

"Apollo….no…"

"Your virginity. At least for Tsuki-tsuki's sake."

"No! Nobody's losing their…V-card. Apollo, what is wrong with you?" Yui yelled louder than when she was panicking about the fire.

"I read that humor and calm suggestion helps in times of crisis."

"No." Yui shut the idea down.

By then Hades returned with Loki, "No luck, Zeus wasn't in his office."

"I tried to unlock his office, but he has that thing shut tight, " Loki said, putting a bobby pin back in his hair. "What happened?"

Apollo shrugged, "I just arrived here and it seems Miss Fairy and Tsuki-Tsuki are locked in with some sort of fire they say."

"Fires of love?" Loki asked waggling his eyebrows.

Yui heard that outside the door, "Good Lord of Heaven, NO! A real fire! The smoke is getting thicker and the fire's spreading."

"We'll get you out!" Loki called back, pulling the bobby pin back out and using it to pick the lock like he did with Zeus' door. He thought he was getting progress, hearing the tumblers click and then…

_*Snap*_

The bobby pin broke and Loki's cursing followed. "How the hell am I going to keep my bangs out of my eyes now?"

"Big picture, Loki!" Yui cried out, desperate for someone to take this situation seriously. How was it that they were taking this so casually? She coughed against the smoke and Tsukito's eyes narrowed.

"Yui Kusanagi, are you alright?" he asked, trying to portray as much worry as he could.

She shook her head, "No, I just want to get out of here."

Apollo sensed her worry and tried to keep her calm, "It'll be alright, Miss Fairy. We'll get help." He turned to his uncle and said, "I'm going to find Thoth. He'll know what to do."

Hades nodded, "Right, we'll stay here and try to find another to bust this thing open."

Loki tugged on Apollo's jacket, "Thoth'll be in the library."

"Let's hurry!"

Loki and Apollo ran directly to the library, expecting to find Thoth sitting at his usual table, reading. But he wasn't. Apollo took a quick glance around, finding Thoth nowhere.

"The one time he's not here!" Apollo cried, throwing his hands in the air.

Loki stopped when he heard a crash over by the Self-Help section. A figure crawled out of the legs of a toppled over chair, seemingly desperate to escape being caught. Loki quickly ran up and grabbed the tan god by the ankles, instantly recognizing him as the elusive god that was only seen around Thoth. As he tried to drag him away from hiding under another table the god growled and whimpered. The black-haired, dog-like god was strong and wrestled himself away from Loki.

"C'mon, whomever you are. Look! We need your help!" Loki said through grit teeth. "Someone's in trouble, we need Thoth. Do you know where he is?"

Anubis stared at him as if he had two heads. All he wanted to do was get away from Loki.

Loki cursed, "We'll have to go out and find him ourselves."

Apollo looked deathly afraid, "Is there another way to free Miss Fairy and Tsuki-Tsuki?"

Both of them didn't waste anymore time and ran out of the library to find Thoth, checking in their classroom first. Nothing. They both didn't know if he had an office, they just assumed Thoth did most of his grading and reading in the library.

Anubis was flustered and took a moment to recover from his scuffled with the red-headed one. They were looking for Thoth, he understood, but even if Anubis wanted to tell them where he was he couldn't.

Was someone really in trouble? They mentioned freeing someone. Were they trapped?

Anubis shifted in his seat on the floor, rocking, trying wrestle with his own curiosity. For all that he was, he could have several moments of cleverness and intuition, but mostly in regards to eluding others.

He pouted crossing his arms, shaking his head as if refusing to move for his conscious. He dealt with dead things, not living things. It wasn't up to him to decide if they died or not. Mortals seemed to be doing the dying thing very well.

Wow. Was he that cold? He sounded like Thoth. Although he admired and respected Thoth for being his friend and companion, he was always told that he was different than him. He was more personal. He saw human death up close, and he sure as heck was not going to deal with it again. Without a second thought, Anubis scampered out of the library to search for someone, anyone, who may be able to free trapped students. His first instinct was the tall green-haired Norse god. He liked that god. He was quiet and played with him a few times when they ran into each other in the forest. He was big and strong enough to do anything.

Anubis raced to the uncomfortable cool mountains where the green-haired god lived. Unfortunately he didn't run into the green-haired god. He didn't seem to be home either. He could've been out in the woods, where they last played. As Anubis shifted to the back of the dorm house, he spotted a large impressive ship and for a moment, all thoughts on his task were gone.

He hadn't seen a ship like this before. It was bigger than the oarboats that Sobek travelled along the Nile with. Why was it sitting in ice? Surely it couldn't be functioning. He stopped as soon as he saw the blond Norse god step around the ship, a giant ice pick and a hammer in hand. He bent down to chisel away at the ice that surrounded his ship.

Thankfully, the light one didn't notice Anubis, but rather than leaving he remained, staring at the blond god. Something in the back of Anubis' head told him that this one was ill. Not in the human sense, no. The illness was intangible, probably not known to him or his friends. Still, the light and warmth remained, whistling an odd tune.

Anubis didn't dislike this one. Anyone would be good except for the uncontrollable red-headed one, who always made Anubis nervous. Taking a deep breath, Anubis stumbled down the slope to the lake and got the god's attention.

Balder found comfort in breaking ice from his ship. It was a sturdy enough craft to withstand a continent of ice, but there was no sense in pushing her too hard. He probably wasn't going to be able to get another like it. As he wiped the pick off with his shirt he heard a sharp, distinct voice.

"KA! BARA!"

He whipped around seeing where that voice came from. Immediately he spotted a tan god with black body-paint stumble and fumble towards him, obviously not used to the rough, cold terrain. Balder never recalled seeing this one before. He looked concerned.

"Kaaaa!" the figure panted, hands on his knees. He pointed off in the distance towards the school and shouted words he didn't understand.

Balder frowned and apologized also worried, "I'm sorry, I don't understand…"

The black-haired god ran up to him and grabbed his sleeve, giving it a tug, "Ka bara!"

Balder thought that was an indication to follow him, and he ran after the good as he speed towards the school, half running on two feet, and half on all fours, like a dog. Balder wanted to ask for more information or tell him he couldn't go to the school as they passed the gardens, but it was clear that he wouldn't be able to understand this god very well. Oddly enough, the Egyptian god seemed to understand him.

He hesitated only a little as the god showed him to a side entrance into the school, but whatever this god wanted seemed urgent. He trotted through the familiar corridors and stopped at a corner where the god he was following crouched low. He pointed down the corridor, refusing to go further. Balder peered around and saw all his friends in one place, staring helplessly and talking to the door.

The strange god ignored for the moment, Balder went to greet his friends, before realizing something was wrong.

"What's going on?"

"Bal-Bal, you're here?!" Apollo said caught between excitement and confusion.

Takeru didn't bother to ask the question of if he should be back and said simply, "Brother and Kusanagi are trapped inside. They don't sound good."

Balder's heart thudded in his chest and immediately he pressed himself against the door, "Yui, Totsuka, are you two alive?"

"Balder?!" Yui's gasp was one of relief and surprise. She didn't think Balder would have any more of a chance to help them than the others, but at the very least every one was there on the other side of that door. "We've been fine, but I don't think we can last."

She followed with a cough.

Loki told his friend in a husky grim voice, "We've been trying to get a hold of Zeus, but the pretentious fart disappeared. They've been locked inside."

Balder grabbed the doorknob and jiggled it with a good amount of force, but no luck. Loki sighed, "I would've been so pissed if you just popped that door open right then."

"Yui, Totsuka, if you're near the doorway back away as much as you can, hide underneath some desks," Balder called through the door. He nudged the door with his shoulder once, then twice, before opening the classroom door across from the one Yui and Tsukito were in. The others stared on, half assuming Balder had some ingenious plan to get the free. He certainly seemed to know every step he was taking.

This ingenious plan involved him backing into the opposite classroom, running full throttle straight at the locked door.

Loki always assumed that at least once in his lifetime he would witness Balder smash through a solid barrier at some point. Given his friends' clumsiness, invincibility, and all around not being the smartest person in the universe, Loki thought he would see the enjoyment of Balder running straight through a wall.

A door was good enough.

Balder ran and leaped forward with his whole body into the door and broke it off its' hinges, managing to remain on his feet. Flames burst up as more oxygen hit them, but remained manageable and the smoke rushed out of the only exit. Coughing, Yui ran out of the classroom, pulling Tsukito along by the hand. She gave a sigh of relief as clean air hit her lungs. Balder stepped out with them, brushing soot and debris off of his clothes as if nothing happened.

The others looked on in mild exasperation. Of course the only thing Balder would think to do was barrel through the problem. Loki's eyes were rolled in annoyance, head bobbing in acceptance. A few, like Takeru and Apollo were scolding themselves for not thinking to put their entire bodies one the line like Balder just did.

Balder helped Yui up, "Are you okay, Yui?"

She nodded, taking a quick glance at Tsukito, making sure he was okay. He seemed unfazed, stroking Usamaro, who was shaking his head to get the soot off of his ears. "Thankfully we both seem okay. It was mostly me panicking, is all."

"What caused the fire?" Loki asked. He figured that the combination of the locked door and the fire meant sabotage. Someone was out to get them.

"There were these straw dolls inside and I found Tsukito unconscious in a circle of them. Before I knew it, they were on fire."

Balder's jaw quivered as he stared at Loki. They both had an idea of what caused this incident and the more Balder paused, he could smell the faint scent of sweet rot underneath the smoky smell.

"Crom Cruach," Loki murmured in a deathly tone. Yui had to agree but she had no proof.

"I didn't see him anywhere near the place. All that was there was the dolls and some etching that mentioned some Wicker man."

Loki just shook his head, "The Wicker Man was long believed to be a part of a Celtic ceremony. Except it was made up when the Romans travelled north. The druids would put sacrifices, mostly criminals, though if there weren't enough, they'd resort to slaves and servants, in this effigy shaped like a man and burn it."

Yui thought about what the writing had said. It didn't settle well with her to think she was some ritualistic sacrifice. Her grimace must've shown because immediately Loki added, "But, again, it was just made up stories. Crom Cruach no doubt thought it would be a bit of fun to get his sacrifices in a different way."

"That was hardly fun," she said, before thinking to thank Balder again for saving them. She looked around for him, but he wasn't anywhere. "Where'd Balder go?"

Loki's eyes widened and he started forward, "Oh, no!"

Loki rushed after Balder who was clearly fuming. The others followed, ice in their guts afraid of their beloved friend's temper and what trouble it would cause. Balder purposefully turned the corner to the empty section of the school on a mission.

"Balder, wait!" Yui yelled, desperately trying to calm his temper.

"I just want to clear something up," he replied trying to remain calm. Inside, his teeth clenched horribly. His purpose was set in his mind and he could sniff out Crom Cruach clearly. His horrid smell was hard to miss. He abruptly charged at a fairly inconspicuous door and—like he did when releasing Yui and Tsukito—kicked the door wide open.

Crom Cruach was at the very least stunned and he turned from his rather detailed drawing of the anatomy of the human torso on the chalkboard, to see a raging bull of a Balder point a deathly finger at him.

"You!"

"What a surprise—"

Before Crom Cruach could finish his snide comment, Balder rushed forward and grabbed him by the collar of his jacket and pinned him to the wall.

"Balder, stop!" Loki scrambled into the room, his forehead beading with sweat.

"You have some nerve endangering the lives of others," Balder's blue eyes set dangerously into Crom Cruach's hollowed black ones.

Crom Cruach wasn't afraid. In fact, he seemed to enjoy seeing the Norse God of Light lose control. He laughed in between his panic breaths, "What are you going to do, son of Odin? What can you do?"

He realized now he could do a lot of things, but the question was did he want to do it? Crom Cruach was dangerous and deserved no mercy. The Celtic god…he hurt Yui. Just the thought made Balder unconciously bring his fist back, poised to strike Crom Cruach.

"Do it," Crom Cruach dared. "I want to see what power you truly have."

Balder's knuckles tightened and the others waited with bated breaths. It just wasn't a good idea to get between an angry Balder and a scathing, testing Crom Cruach, who was, to all in the room, asking for whatever punishment Balder wanted to give.

"Stop," Yui berated like a scolding teacher. "It's not worth it."

A tense pause filled the room as Balder didn't seem to back down. He seethed at the crooked god and abruptly pointed behind him, his face still staring daggers at Crom Cruach, "Agana Balea!"

Apollo jumped at hearing his name called so forcefully, "Y-yes?"

"Do you still have that sign up sheet?"

"Er…" Apollo rummaged through his pockets trying to find the Solstice festival sign up sheet that he sworn he put in his jacket. He found it in his breast pocket, "Yeah."

"Give me that and a pen."

Apollo took out the parchment and a pen from his pocket and placed it in Balder's outstretched hand before hopping back like he just lit a firework. Balder violently shoved the paper and pen in Crom Cruach's chest.

"Sign."

Crom Cruach laughed, "Surely, you must be kidding—"

"If you don't, I'll make sure you'll be eating your sacrifices through a straw," Balder's voice turned deadly. And that threat wasn't to be taken lightly. Who knew someone like Balder, provider of light, could be so…defensive. "Now sign!"

The corner of Crom Cruach's lips turned upward slightly, as if he found some sort of satisfaction in getting Balder to make malicious threats. He pulled the pen and paper from his chest and turned around to the wall, pressing the paper to the hard surface and scribbling his name.

Balder didn't wait one second after he was done, and tore the parchment from the wall with Crom Cruach's signature, holding it out to Apollo.

"Now I want to hear you apologize," Balder growled and Loki finally stepped forward pulling his best friend away from a rather violent altercation.

"Come on, come on," he grunted as Balder was still focused on sending as much fear into Crom Cruach's heart as possible. Finally, Loki gripped Balder's chin and pulled his head to face him.

"You need to cool it," he scolded, before pointing to the door, "And get me a Little Debbie."

The muscle in Balder's jaw twitched in agitation, but he backed down with a snort, leaving the room silently. After Balder left, Takeru asked, "Why the Little Debbie?"

Loki shrugged, "I just love Little Debbies."

Crom Cruach meanwhile straightened, tugging at his jacket and seethed, "You'd better keep a leash on that boy of yours Loki, lest he does something truly _destructive._"

At the end of his sentence, he eyed Loki intently, black eyes glinting as if he knew a deep dark secret. Loki swallowed for a moment, caught between striking the dark haired god and thinking up of something to say back.

Loki instead cocked a smile. An evil smile. His voice had patronizing tone as he spoke to the dark haired god, "You see Crom Cruach, Balder is a Taurus, and like the Taurus Bull there are times he just runs around and just causes havoc. But put him in the right direction he can do a lot of good."

Loki's voice suddenly grew deadly, deadlier than Balder's, as he drew closer to Crom Cruach, "Like ridding the world of devious harvest gods."

He patted Crom Cruach's shoulder, giving it one vicious squeeze, "But you don't have to worry about him now. I can always pretend to throw a steak out the window and we won't see him for a while. But you do have to deal with us."

Almost on cue, all the males straightened ready to pound on Crom Cruach for what he did to Tsukito and Yui.

"Back off!" a dark commanding voice issued from the doorway and the impressive figure of Cernunnos stood, glaring at all of the gods, ready to strike the first one who moved towards Crom Cruach.

Loki bit the inside of his cheek, cursing himself for being caught by Cernunnos. He respected the wild god in many ways, so he was not one to want to test his patience. He backed down and Cernunnos rushed forward, putting himself in between his fellow Celtic god and the others.

"Good Cern-Cern, I was about to go looking for you," Apollo said with a little more glee than what the other gods were putting off. He held out the now very crumpled sign-up sheet with Crom Cruach's name newly signed on it.

"You can sign this now."

Cernunnos glared at the blond god and snorted his distaste.

"You agreed Cernunnos," Hades said darkly, his red eye practically glinting through his mess of bangs. "Crom Cruach has signed it and now it's your turn."

The tallest god turned back to his fellow Celtic god with a look that said, "Is this true?"

Crom Cruach's expression, however, was unreadable. He was thinking something, but what no one was sure. With hesitation, Cernunnos took the paper and pen with an aggravated sigh.

Outside, Balder was trying to control his breathing. He leaned against a nearby pillar, listening to the muffled voices of his friends harassing that bastard of a god. Just the thought of what Crom Cruach did made his blood boil and white-hot pain spread from the center of his chest. He blinked, trying to keep conscious. Why did he struggle to remain awake when he was angry?

Exhale. Inhale. Count to ten.

This time, it worked, thankfully.

He glanced over finding a figure peering curiously around the corner. That Egyptian god was looking at him intently. Balder didn't speak and neither did he. Balder just nodded his gratitude to the god and his mouth flattened to the barest of smiles before scuttling away.

Not a moment later, the big tall Cernunnos barged out of the classroom door with Crom Cruach at his side. He gave Balder a very pointed glare before the two Celtic gods ran down the hall in the opposite direction before Thoth or Zeus came running after them.

The others filed out of the classroom relieved and Apollo looked particularly gratified that he finally completed his task of getting ALL the gods to sign the sheet for the Solstice Festival. Loki however went straight to Balder, "Are you alright Balder?"

"Yeah," he breathed out, pressing the palm of his hand against his chest. "But I probably shouldn't stay here, or else I'll get in trouble again-"

"Balder Hringhorni!"

A booming voice erupted down the hall that seemed to make their very nerves quake.

"Dammit," Apollo muttered, showing a good amount of annoyance hearing his father's voice.

Zeus himself appeared right before them in a crack of light. His face was unreadable, but that didn't much matter. They knew Balder would be in trouble. They were caught between standing up for their friend or not getting in the way of Zeus' impending wrath.

"I told you that you could not come back on school grounds. What is all this?"

Balder's tongue was heavy, not keen on explaining his actions. He instead apologized, "I'm sorry, I'll go back to my dorm."

"That's fine and good, but that doesn't explain why you were here in the first place."

Yui was the one who stepped forward, as she always did with her friends, "Zeus, Balder saved Tsukito and I from a room on fire. He didn't mean to break the rules, but it was an emergency."

Zeus arched an eyebrow, "An emergency the unsuspended students couldn't handle?"

"Come on, Zeus," Hades tiredly uttered. "We tried to find you, but you weren't anywhere."

"My mistake to think the lot of you had an ounce of intelligence to figure out how to open a door," Zeus scoffed, his lips curling in amusement.

"Actually, it took someone who didn't care about intelligence to free them," Loki said, carefully not mentioning how he truly weighed his best friend's intellect.

Zeus scratched his chin, golden eyes narrowing in on Balder.

"Do you think you could return to classes?" Zeus asked him.

Balder paused, a little surprised that Zeus asked him that question. He answered, though with some hesitation, "I would like to. I must learn about humans and I can't do that locked up in my dorm."

"I don't like that answer. Try again."

Balder blinked, his jaw muscle jerking once again as he clenched his teeth tight. He glanced back at Yui, who was giving him an expectant stare.

"I can return and function normally," Balder answered with a rather determined voice, not heard very often.

Zeus nodded, "Well, then. If you are certain, I will lift your suspension. You can return to class tomorrow morning."

Everyone gave gasps of relief and joy, all the while Balder's face softened to his rather oblivious expression. Loki shook Balder laughing with glee, "Hear that? You can come back now."

The corner of Balder's mouth quirked up, not quite believing that all that time spending alone with his rather bothersome thoughts were over. Like a switch, his thoughts turned to one thing as he looked at his red-haired friend with bright eyes.

"Then…we can celebrate with sausage and steak?"

* * *

A/N: *whew* I know it was forever since an update, but curse my writer's block and killer work schedule. Even now I still think this chapter is clunky. If I work up the work ethic I may go back and redo this chapter.


	10. Prose 10

**Disclaimer: I do not own KnA. That should be obvious. Also I give warning that there is mention of modern widely practiced religions in a not so kind context. Again, as I said in the past, its more of a historical one than a religious one and is not intended to offend anyone who follows the faith(s).**

* * *

Prose 10:

The next week went by in a large blur. There was so much going on, between going to classes and organizing the Solstice Festival. Yui was also spending her time, researching Yule celebrations as a gift for just the gods, or more specifically the Norse ones. She talked with Balder and Thor on what sort of things they did in celebration of Hödr's birthday. Balder offered up their dorm for the entire celebration, much to Loki's disgust.

Before anyone knew it, the Winter Solstice was upon them, the courtyard filled with Christmas decorations and evergreens. It looked so odd in the daylight, but on the evening of the festival with everything lit up it was so beautiful. Yui only wished there was snow to accentuate the brightness and beauty of light against the calm darkness.

It was still bitter cold and she clothed herself in a jacket and scarf as she wandered around the booths looking at all the treats and gifts the spirit students made. Getting to work at her booth, Yui remained with Takeru and Tsukito serving hot chicken stew and tea to warm the people up a bit.

In the back of her mind, Yui thought that all that struggle, Balder being suspended, being harassed by Crom Cruach and wedging herself on the Aztec gods' good side, was well worth it. People were having a great time, even with the soft Christmas music playing the in the background.

Hades and Dionysus showed up at their booth, enjoying warm ale from Thor's booth. They asked for some nice chicken stew.

"It smells really good," Hades said, taking a bowl from Takeru, whose face lit up at being complimented by the Lord of the Underworld.

"You guys haven't seen Apollo anywhere have you?" Dionysus asked.

They shook their heads, "No…why?"

Hades shrugged, "He's been trying find some fireworks to blow up. We told him that now's not an appropriate time and we don't want anyone to get hurt."

"I'm sure he's perusing the other booths," Yui said, having perhaps a little too much faith in that Apollo wasn't going to do something so outlandish. Dionysus rubbed his bare arms.

"It's turning out great Kusanagi. Can't say I appreciate the weather though," he said, giving out a sputtering sigh against the chilly air. "I don't know how those Northmen take this."

"They're used to it," Yui said, reminded of the bear pelt Balder gave her to keep her warm a while back. "But it's really all missing snow. I was hoping Zeus would be willing to allow that."

Hades growled a little, but smiled, "Fat chance. I apologize Kusanagi on his behalf."

"Don't apologize Hades. It's not your fault," she said, before he sunk into another mopey mood.

Right then they heard a bang off in the distance. Immediately, Dionysus turned to face the direction it came from and went running off, "Dammit Apollo!"

Hades followed with, "Why do I bring this misfortune!?"

Yui sighed and turned to the Japanese gods, removing her apron and pulling on her scarf, "I'm going to take a short walk around again. Is that okay?"

"Sure," Takeru shrugged. "Don't be too long, I want a break too."

Yui left her booth, thinking mildly that Hades and Dionysus must've stopped Apollo from blowing anything else. She shoved her hands in her pockets, feeling the chill reach her fingertips. She passed booths selling Christmas wreaths and candles. She could smell rum bread and turkey. Man, sensations like these only seemed to appear in books. She resisted the urge to peer through every station to see what wonderful things were being offered. Her original purpose was to check and see what her friends were doing.

As she turned the corner she spotted a group of spirits gathered around something. Getting a closer look, she found a figure in the center taking nuts and lighting them aflame, then swallowing it and blowing out pitch-black smoke in thick plumes that mesmerized the crowd.*

She recognized Tezca as the performer; his body was mostly bare, wearing feathers, beaded accessories, leather clothes around his waist and a jaguar print cape around his back. He also wore a headdress made of turquoise. His body was indeed muscular, tense and taught, distinctly defined, looking heavy, his dark skin making the lovely colorful designs of his attire pop.

Yui saw him smile as the spirits clapped and treated them to another flurry of thick black smoke he released from his mouth. The crowd clapped again in awe and Yui wedged herself closer.

"Oh, human," Tezca's golden eyes widened seeing Yui. He stopped his performance he stepped towards her, Yui following, unconsciously, with a step back. Luckily, Tezca didn't seem to notice her being so hesitant to be around him.

"The snake and I couldn't agree on something that fit with your theme. I hope this is what you're looking for."

"Well," her voice came out shaky, "Everyone else is enjoying your performance. It's perfectly fine."

She stared at his rippling body, at least partially mesmerized by his body and skin. Catching herself, she glanced up, "Aren't you cold?"

Tezca shook his head, "I'm not, no. But that's because I'm not thinking about it too much. By willing I may get frostbite."

Yui smiled at that, withholding laughter. The more she looked at Tezca's expectant face, the more she thought of throwing away all knowledge or concern about human sacrifices or anything Crom Cruach warned her about. It was just stupid. She could hardly trust the harvest god, so why should she give his words more weight over a taciturn, but decent god.

Then, as she was about to ask Tezca how he blew black smoke from his mouth, she felt two hands on her shoulders.

"Finally got a break, señorita?" a familiar voice called right behind her. She turned and found Quetzalcoatl wearing a huge headdress with long beautiful plumes of feathers that seemed to be as long as he was tall. He too was mostly bare.

"You haven't been scaring her with your black mirror magic, Tezcatlipoca?" he said with some amount of seriousness.

"No, no," Yui said, trying to stop fighting words. "I was just about to ask him how he did that."

Tezca frowned and looked away, pretending to be busy with setting up his next performance. Meanwhile, Quetzalcoatl's voice lowered, "Can I speak with you for a moment?"

"Uhh, sure." Quetzalcoatl led her around the side of the booth so that they were alone, away from prying eyes. He removed his headdress and ran a hand through his feathered, rainbow hair.

"What…er…what is it you wanted to talk about?"

"Did Tezcatlipoca do something to you?" he asked, his voice growing low and harsh. His titanium eyes were flashing in the darkness.

"No…I…"

"You sure?" he asked again. "You've been rather stiff around him. Naturally I was concerned."

Yui sighed. She might as well just let it all out. It was a foolish fear anyway. Perhaps discussing the matter would clear things up. She trusted Quetzalcoatl to be understanding.

"No. It's nothing he did. There was this…god, I had a conversation with. Long story short he said you guys…sacrifice humans," she glanced up at Quetzalcoatl expecting to see him confused and mortified. Instead, his face was stone serious. "You guys…you don't do that do you?"

After a short, uneasy pause, Quetzalcoatl answered, and Yui suspected, horrifyingly, what the answer was. His shoulders lifted in a shrug, "What do you want me to say? I can lie and say we don't. I can let you in on our reality and say some of us do."

Disappointment and fear settled in Yui's gut. So Crom Cruach was right. How did the Aztec gods see her then? Were they being nice to her just to keep her oblivious to their true nature? She hated being played, and her look of disgust must've shown clearly.

"It is true that long long ago I indulged in what my worshippers offered," Tezcatlipoca explained. "But over time I grew disgusted by the act of one man killing another just to appease me, especially in times of hardship. I have since disbanded any and all human sacrifices to my name."

This gave Yui pause, as she stared intently at Quetzalcoatl, trying to gauge if he was lying to her or not. She wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. He at least deserved it since he told her in all honesty about the sacrifices.

"But Tezcatlipoca still takes them. A lot of them. He isn't like me, señorita. He is dangerous. He is savage. It would be best if you were never alone with him," he warned. Yui couldn't help but nod, not quite thinking to take Tezcatlipoca's feelings into consideration. She really just wanted the whole "human sacrifice" thing to be behind her.

They couldn't see that Tezcatlipoca was next to the booth and his keen, cat-like hearing could hear every word. His fists clenching, and mouth pulled into a severe frown as hostile feelings towards the serpent god began bubbling up in his chest once again.

Yui wandered away from the Aztec booth, giving Tezca the gratitude of a good-bye wave, which he seemed eager to return.

Eventually she ran into Loki selling hot chocolate.

"Hey, hey! Kusanagi, you gotta help me out here!" he waved her over.

"What is it, Loki?"

"Try this. I told Thor that milk chocolate would be better than regular chocolate. I want to prove him wrong," he held out a mug and Yui eyed it sheepishly.

"I—I don't think so, Loki. I wasn't born yesterday."

Loki was known for his tricks, and he seemed all too eager to get Yui over to drink his cocoa. Loki pouted, "Aww, you're no sport. It's nothing like that. I've been dying all night here. You'd think people would love some nice hot cocoa on a chilly night like this. Here…"

He lifted up a mug and placed it to his lips taking a large slurp. He held the half drunk mug out as if to show proof that it was untainted, "See?"

She knew she was going to regret this. She knew that he had something hidden up his sleeve. Still, just to make him settle down, she cautiously took the mug. Sniffing it once, she drank the rest of the contents.

At first, the taste was pleasant. A thick mocha taste warmed her tongue. Then the warmth started to spread down her throat to a blaze, causing her to cough and sputter.

"Darnit!" she cried as she coughed, "I knew it! I just knew it! Why did I even fall for that?"

"What's the matter? Can't take a little whiskey in your chocolate?!" Loki then cackled outright, his rather tell-tale shrill laugh ringing out.

"Oooh that laugh, sounds like two cats screwing," a slow, dreaded slick voice called out behind them. There stood Crom Cruach, dressed in white robes, holding a satchel at his waist.

"Piss off!" Loki retorted, his glee from before dissipating instantly. Crom Cruach just smiled.

"Come now-"

"Do you want me to get Balder over here? Because I will. He owes you a punch to the face."

Crom Cruach shrugged, before lifting up his satchel and pulling out a small plant. A green plant with white berries. Mistletoe.

"Good, then I can sell him these," he smiled at the look of abject horror on Loki's face. "Or better yet, I can hold them over you two. Give each other a kiss."

"Get over yourself," Yui said defensively. Crom Cruach sighed in disappointment, his grin hardly softening.

"I find it strange that such a symbol of love, can be the source of another's death," the black haired god weighed the mistletoe in his hand as if he were weighing a knife. "Perhaps through the death of another can love and life remain. You see, we snatch these off of trees to cure infertility. And yet here it is, something so fearsome to your folk.**"

"It's not about fear Crom Cruach," Loki shot back. Before long, the two were in a heated argument, but, thankfully, neither Crom Cruach nor Loki were looking for too much trouble. Yui watched the two exchange retorts before skirting out of the way, walking down the path near the edge of the woods in hopes to find a clear path back to her booth.

But she stopped out of curiosity, seeing a large open area with about a dozen or so reindeer standing amongst each other in silence. Amongst them was Cernunnos, casually standing with them, like he was a part of their herd. He was, supposedly, the god of the wild. Surely animals would flock to him like they did Balder. Curiously though, they didn't seem to be any more attracted to Cernunnos. He kept quiet, standing casually like he was with long time friends. He didn't pet them or give them coddling love like a person would a pet. Which is probably why he was so dubbed the god of the wilderness. He wasn't their master. He was just animal of the wilderness like they were, as such Cernunnos gave them equal respect and distance.

Outside of the area was a sign written in really sloppy handwriting that read: _Pet-A-Reindeer_. At the bottom of the sign in smaller, barely legible print read: _Subject to whims of the herd._ Whatever that meant. Although, judging by the lack of people wanting a chance to pet an actual reindeer, it probably meant Cernunnos scared them off.

"How have things been going with you, Cernunnos?" Yui waved and stopped in front of the sign, assuming that to go further was to walk into the herd. And that was probably not allowed.

Cernunnos turned from a rather bored looking reindeer to face her, eyes narrowing, "What is it, human?"

"Nothing. I was just asking, since your booth seems…interesting."

"Interesting…" Cernunnos repeated. "It took me a while to convince them to show up to this humiliating event."

He was probably referring to the reindeer. Yui wanted to let Cernunnos be the expert in what the animals wanted, but them looking so bored didn't seem right either. Perhaps letting them stand around in a fruitless endeavor was more unnerving to the reindeer.

"I'm…sorry?" Yui was confused as to who she should be sorry for. A few of the reindeer trotted closer to her, much to Cernunnos' dismay. Did Cernunnos and the reindeer get into a fight? It certainly felt like it. As much as Yui wanted to reach out and touch the reindeer closest to her, she thought it best not to. At least without permission.

"Can I pet one of them?" she asked. Almost immediately, the big reindeer heads turned back to Cernunnos. He looked caught, almost as if the reindeer were daring him to say "no" once again.

"Fine," he growled. "You lot can throw away your dignity. Like I care."

Yui stepped past the sign and reached out to stroke the ear of the closest reindeer, whose eyes closed in contentment. At long last they finally felt the treat of being gently stroked by the human hand. Meanwhile, Cernunnos had his arms across his chest, pouting and looking ridiculous considering he was quite an older god. Yui couldn't think of anything to say. What could she say to a god who knew more about animals than she did? She couldn't just stand and say that he hasn't been "listening" to them. Even to her that sounded like overreaching.

"Your friends are very pleasant," she said, stroking the nose of another.

"Yeah…yeah…" he grumbled. "They are just suckers for affection."

"I hardly think a few pets will ruin their 'wild instincts'."

"Really? How would you like it if some stranger walked up and pet your friends?"

Yui thought about it. It was true from that perspective that having some stranger walk up to you and pet you would be weird. But her friends weren't…ordinary people. "You may be right, but I'm afraid about half of my friends would honestly get a kick out of getting pet."

Immediately she thought about Apollo walking down some random street and some stranger rushing up to pet his head. His eyes would no doubt sparkle. Or someone walking up to Balder sitting on a bench and giving him a belly rub, or some poor, curious, soul patting Tsukito's cheek. The Moon god would most likely regard them for a brief period before going back to sleep.

Cernunnos sighed and leaned back against the trunk of a nearby tree. Yui stopped her petting of the beasts and leaned against the tree beside him, watching the reindeer walk about, recharged after finally fulfilling the purpose of being there.

"I never really liked bringing friends out among humans. I am often torn between letting nature run its course and wanting protect the life of the wild."

Yui looked up at him, mildly shocked that he was speaking to her in at least civil terms, "I'm sure its hard thinking about your friends being…umm…in danger."

"Yeah, I've learned to try to let go," Cernunnos, before glancing over at her. "Perhaps you should learn the same."

"What?"

"After you succeed, your friends will be gone. You won't see them again."

Yui was silenced. She hadn't thought about that much until now. Her concerned had been finding a way to return home, she didn't think that she was going to be separated from everyone here. No…she didn't want to think about that.

"I would apologize…" but seeing her downturned face, Cernunnos shut his mouth and took back everything, "You have a bit of time left to think about it. No need to feel so horrible about it now."

Still, Yui let out an exasperated sigh, shoving herself off the trunk of the tree, flinging her hands in the air, "Wow, you gods sure know how to keep the Christmas joy around."

As she marched off, the reindeer glanced accusingly at Cernunnos, who knew full well his mistake. His only excuse was "This is why I don't converse with humans."

Meanwhile, Yui strolled through a largely empty area of the grounds, trying to clear her head of the anxiety caused by Cernunnos. It wasn't his fault, she reminded herself. He spoke the very truth. But she was so used to seeing Apollo's face early in the morning, watching Balder devour a half-pound raw burger at lunch-time, flipping through Tsukito's dense notes, going to kendo practice with Takeru, listening to Hades' warnings about misery, and Loki's rather constant foolishness that she never ever thought that one day, she would never experience all that again. They had only been here a half of a year, and already she knew most of them like the back of her hand. They were so simple, despite their problems, that they were so easy to grow attached to, especially the ones more eager to learn about humans.

Yui was so engrossed with her own depressing thoughts that she barely noticed the building she passed. Yet she stopped in her tracks, noticing that the wooden building was lit beautifully with candles and lights. She hadn't seen a structure like this before here in the garden. While it was mostly made of wood, it looked mostly carved with intricate designs, all the way up to the high pointed steeple.

It reminded her of a rustic version of a small church building. She hadn't had much access to Christian places of worship, but her family often held benefits and fundraisers in conjunction with the local Christian and Buddhist communities, that she was pretty familiar with what defined a tell tale church.

But certainly the churches in Japan never looked like this.

It was quiet, peaceful, the other spirits busy with the booths, it seemed a shame that something as beautiful as this was just ignored. Curious, she opened the wooden door and stepped inside.

Inside, like the outside was lit wonderfully, but not overly bright, the flickering of several candles creating just enough light to bring a warm and comforting atmosphere. She was correct in her assumption that this was a small church. The few wooden pews were lined up in front of an altar surrounded by candles that illuminated a cross with a figure on it.

The church was empty and quiet. So quiet that Yui was almost afraid to make a noise to disrupt the overwhelming peace. That was until she saw a figure kneeling in front of a basin and several candles.

Balder silently inserted one of his festival coins into an offering box beside the basin, took a small unlit candle from beside it and lit it with one of the other candles, placing it neatly on the row. He was then still and silent, Yui genuinely curious as to what he was doing. He raised his head, placed his hand in the basin of water and marked his head, chest and shoulders in the traditional Catholic prayer motions.

He didn't seem to notice her as he stood and sat in one of the front pews, staring at the altar in silence. It was hard to tell if Balder was in deep meditation—if he was capable of such a thing. Yui didn't want to disturb him, but she thought she should at least see if he was alright. Especially in a place like this.

Wordlessly, she stepped lightly towards the pew, sitting down silently next to him. He made no motion as she sat down next to him, he was still staring up at the cross with lazy eyes. Yui did the same. Both took a while, letting their own meditations seep in, comforting their bones, warming their skins.

"Everything's…turning out nice," he said finally. Yui smiled a little, chuckling.

"Yes, I'm quite surprised. What is this place anyway? I know it's a church, but…why?"

Balder shrugged with a wry smile, scratching his brow, "I suspect its Crom Cruach's construction. To tease me. Or Zeus' to test me. Too bad it's backfiring."

Yui leaned forward in her seat with a sigh, "I didn't know they made churches like this. It's so…calming."

Balder nodded, "They do have that affect, yes. They are considered sanctuaries. This…this is a stave church. A lot of Scandinavian Christians built churches to look like these."

Yui took a brief moment to look around. It wasn't so extravagant. It was rather simple, at least compared to the cathedrals in Europe. In some ways it rather described the Scandinavian old gods well. Simple, but efficient, not doing more than what was necessary and what was necessary was of the utmost quality. "You seem to know the customs of prayer really well…for a Norse god."

Balder responded with a wry puff of laughter, nodding his head, "I can't exactly help if I'm close to the source. Wait…that makes little sense."

"No, no, it does. You said yourself that churches like these sprung up over your temples a while back. It would make sense that you would…pick up on things. But…were Norse temples that much different?"

"I…" Balder paused. His next words were disheartening to Yui. They were tinged with every bit of sadness that he had tried so hard to hide, "I don't…remember."

Immediately Yui braced her arm around his back as he brought his hand over his mouth in what she perceived was to hide a sob. She tried to be of some comfort, but quickly he pulled himself together with a long inhale through his nose. He rubbed one of his eyes with the back of his wrist and murmured, his voice heavy, with what Yui knew was an unreleased sob. "It was so long ago. Since then I have found enjoyment in other activities."

He was referring to his friendship with Loki and Thor and their extensive adventures, and his time with his family in Asgard, shut away from Midgard and from humans. What was done was done. It left scars on many old gods, not just the Norse, and all have learned to live with that reality.

Balder leaned back, allowing Yui to retract her arm, and glanced up at the cross, with the carved figure hanging from it. "But you know, a god like that, he isn't so bad. Sacrificing his life to save humans. It doesn't take a large imagination to see why people would be drawn to him."

"No, I suppose not," Yui commented. "Obviously his sacrifice meant something for half the world to want to follow him. Though I will submit some of that following may have been through force."

"Still, I don't see why he had to die to earn the love of more followers. I suppose if it was to save mankind…"

"I can't answer that, Balder," Yui said honestly. "I'm not a theologian."

Balder wrested his elbows at the back of the pew and murmured softly, "I finished the book you gave me."

Yui remained silent.

"You're right, Yui," he said. "It was indeed something incredible. It helped me realize that everything I've felt towards the holiday is stupid and moronic. It means something bigger than what's on that altar. I thank you."

She patted his leg, "No need to thank me, Balder. Err…did you…"

"I returned it," he answered immediately, smiling at the look of relief on her face.

"Oh good…Thoth was going to flay me alive if I didn't return that book."

Balder chuckled and after a short pause he turned to her, "Come on. Let's get out of here."

He stood and helped her up. He walked ahead of her, stopping briefly at the basin to repeat the prayer motions before leaving the church. Yui followed him out into the brisk cool air.

Balder kept his hands in the pockets of his jacket as he strolled down the empty pathway with Yui at his side. She breathed out, feeling the pleasant sting of the cold air against her cheeks, "You know if I don't return to my booth, Takeru's going to scream himself hoarse. I was supposed to be back a while ago."

"I—I didn't mean to draw you away from your duties," Balder stammered pathetically.

"No, I wanted to take a stroll anyway and I just got side tracked," Yui nudged her friend. "Come on Balder. Cheer up! Yule's almost here, so you have that to look forward to."

"I do…" he replied distantly with a smile on his face. He licked his chapped lips and reached out and touched her sleeve.

"What is it?" she asked as she turned to face him, but she noticed he was holding something in his hand. He held it up and opened his fist.

"I finally finished this."

Inside was an amulet with a rather simple design. It was round with lines crossing through the center. It reminded her of a wheel or a spinner's wheel. The chain was a beautiful metal woven tightly into a knit design. She remembered watching Balder begin the chain work a few weeks back, but this time a smaller leather strand wound around the tougher metal chain.

"It's beautiful," she said, admiring the craftsmanship more than the actual design. She was certain though that the symbol had some sort of meaning.

"Here," he said, holding it out further. "It's yours."

"Balder…I can't…"

"I'm serious," he said. "Consider it a gift for Christmas."

"Uhh…okay…but really it's too much."

Balder put the amulet over her head, his fingers lingering on the wheel, before relinquishing like he was giving her something to be responsible over, "It'll give you protection. That is a sacred symbol of my mother. So long as you wear it, you will have her power beside you.***"

Yui choked on words and instead watched Balder's eyes as he made sure the amulet was secure. She had no choice but to be honest.

"Balder. I don't know what to say."

"If you don't like it, let me know."

"No, no! I love it, it's just…I don't know how to thank you."

Balder shifted and continued his walk, "No thanks necessary."

Yui followed after, clutching the amulet as she struggled to keep up with his long strides. "Come on, Balder. At least I can give you something in return. It'll be a Christmas exchange."

Balder slowed and glanced at her. "An exchange?"

"Yes," she replied, "What do you want for Christmas? New workout clothes? A nice steak?"

Balder normally would jump at the chance to receive meat as a guaranteed gift. This time he hesitated, and stopped in his tracks. Yui glanced back at him, her face etched in worry.

"Balder?"

"A kiss." His voice was barely audible.

Yui blinked, unsure if she heard right, "Umm…what?"

"Not until Christmas. But I would like a kiss from you."

"A kiss?"

Balder seemed impatient as he reiterated, "Yes a kiss. Is that a problem?"

Her breath caught in her throat, "But do you understand what a kiss…is, right? It's not something two friends just…do, willy nilly."

"You asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I told you."

He was right. She did ask. She couldn't really take back her offer. Could she? Perhaps she was making it too much of a big deal.

"What kind of kiss are you looking for?" she asked.

Balder blinked and paused, before shrugging his broad shoulders, "What kinds of kisses are there?"

Yui refrained from rolling her eyes. Surely he knew that there were several types of kisses. A small kiss from a relative, a chaste kiss from a friend or partner, and then there was…the heavy kissing. Wait. Did Balder not know how to kiss?

"Well…" Yui said immediately regretting what she was about to say, before she said it, "There are platonic kisses between friends…I guess. On the cheek?"

Balder's heavy brow lowered in disappointment.

"On the lips?"

"That is how kissing works right?"

"I guess but…you aren't wanting…" Yui closed her eyes as she finished, "…tongue?"

She didn't dare open her eyes until he answered, which wasn't as immediate as she anticipated.

"No…that's not necessary…" his words hung as if he wanted to say more but thought better of it.

Yui stood in the cold air, in front of Balder, deep in debate. A quick kiss on the lips wasn't so bad. It was either that or she would have to prepare herself for something she wasn't ready for. Plus she wouldn't have to stiffen up and kiss him until about a week from now. And it wasn't like Balder was the last person she would want to kiss. She just never thought about any of the gods in such a manner until now.

"Okay," she nodded. "A kiss on Christmas. On the lips, for…what? A few seconds? No tongue."

The corner of Balder's lips twitched, showing his approval, "Right. I don't know if we should shake on it or…"

Yui held out her hand and said jokingly to herself, "Well, better now than after the fact. Unless you really want a high-five after a make out session."

Balder shook his head, dead serious, and maybe a tad confused. He reached out and tugged on her sleeve, "You should probably get back. You don't want Totsuka to blow a vein."

* * *

***Tezcatlipoca-his name in Nahuatl (Aztec language) means "Smoking Mirror" which is a possible reference to obsidian which mirrors were also made from. Modern depictions of this god sometimes include a mirror for a weapon in which black smoke erupts from. So in this case I made him blow black smoke.  
**

**** Curious thing about mistletoe. The druids considered them the...umm...testicles of oak trees, and during seasonal ceremonies druids would dress in white (Crom Cruach's attire in this chapter) climb the tree and pluck the mistletoe off of it. After sacrificing two white bulls, the mistletoe was then made into potions that cured poisons and infertility. From this relation to fertility, the tradition of kissing underneath it eventually formed. Also, the kissing tradition does come from Scandinavian countries as well. If two fighters were caught underneath mistletoe, they were to lay down their arms and not fight for one day in remembrance of Balder. Obviously, like the druid tradition it evolved over time to kissing. I just recently found that last fact and thought it fascinating.**

*****There are no known "symbols" of Frigg, at least nothing as tell tale as Thor's hammer that people wore for protection. But she was known to spin clouds from a spinner's wheel, so I just made her protection amulet off of that wheel design.**

**A/N: You know the drill, read and review if you please.**


	11. Prose 11

**Disclaimer: I don't own this.**

**Warning: Some foul language (which has been in every chapter of this story so...) Also gross boys talking about gross boy parts and gross boy functions because they are gross boys.**

* * *

Prose 11:

Loki was beginning to feel his patience dissipate. It started during the Solstice Festival after he left Crom Cruach in a bad mood. He checked Balder's station where he was supposed to be selling Yule logs. Or really they were just the logs he chopped up for their dorm. He wasn't there. A few seconds later he saw him walking with Yui, chatting rather happily. Loki stalked them carefully, watching his friend's actions around the girl. Thankfully, all that happened was Balder leading her back to her station. He stood at her side as Takeru seemed to refrain from yelling expletives.

Ever since then, Balder had been hanging with Yui more and more. Loki wasn't suffocating. He didn't exactly mind him hanging out with Apollo and Tsukito. It was his job after all, being a part of their silly student council. Yet, Balder still made time to play with Loki and Thor. Now it seemed he was spending ALL his time with Yui, and with Yule here, Loki sure as hell didn't like that one bit.

No, Balder should be spending their sacred celebrations with them.

Loki got bored spending most of his time with just Thor. Yeah, Thor followed him everywhere, and was good whenever he felt lonely, but Thor was…Thor. Balder was actually fun. Not anymore since he was spending his time with Yui, following her around like a puppy, wagging his proverbial tail whenever she gave him a glance. Long ago, Balder used to follow _him_ that very same way.

Frustrated, Loki started butting in, interrupting their time together, hoping at least Yui would get the picture and relinquish whatever hold she had over Balder.

For days now, Loki had been pulling Thor with him to be with Balder's every move. At first it seemed Balder didn't mind too much, but Loki soon realized that even Balder had a threshold.

"Heeeeey Balder!" he chimed as he barreled through the two as they walked side-by-side down the hall. He nudged Yui a little too hard and she staggered and fell to the ground. A snide apology hung in Loki's throat, and he didn't have any time to utter it, as Balder grabbed his shoulder in a rather bruising grip, turning Loki to face him. At that moment, Loki regretted his actions seeing Balder's normally warm blue eyes flash in mild fury, "What'd you do that for, Loki!"

"C'mon Balder, no need to start snorting, it was just an accident." he lied. Lie or not, Balder at least went passive, his grip on his shoulder loosening.

"It's alright," Yui said, unperturbed as she rubbed her elbow, "I lost my footing. Not a big deal."

At that Balder drew back completely, an apologetic look on his face in regards to both of them. Loki's lips thinned, eyes narrowing at his friend slightly. What? Now Yui was calling his shots? What the hell? In the rare moments Balder playfully went out of control or got overexcited, it took a lot of tugging on Loki's part to get him to think rationally again. But here Yui could do it with a few words.

"Come on Balder, let's get the dorm all ready for Yule," Loki feigned excitement causing Balder's eyes to light up briefly, before his face fell as he turned to Yui.

"But I told Yui I would help take the Winter Solstice booths down."

Yui laughed, "It's alright Balder, Apollo and Tsukito and I can handle it. You've done enough dragging the trees away…by yourself."

Her face gave a little hint at her astonishment at seeing seemingly delicate Balder pull seventeen-foot-tall trees back up the mountains with only a rope to aid him. Even Takeru was impressed and made a competition over it. He could accomplish the same feat easily, but went about it too fast in a hurry to beat Balder and pulled his back out.

"Go on. We'll see you this afternoon," Yui made a shooing gesture, as if that simple wave freed him to go with Loki.

"But—"

"Come on Balder," Loki yanked Balder's arm and pulled him along with him. As he finally got the bigger boy to go along with him, he gave Yui a dark glance over his shoulder.

He didn't really mean to do it. It was sort of a reflex, but he didn't particularly care if Yui took it to heart or not. She seemed, so far, to not really take much of his antics seriously. Good learner then. In truth, little did Loki know, Yui was just too busy with other gods, that one god acting like a jealous five-year-old wasn't her top concern. As long as Loki went to classes.

Yui and her two other student council classmates finished dismantling the remaining booths. It was strange seeing the courtyard so empty after being lit up so brilliantly the previous few nights.

Apollo grabbed her arm suddenly, "Come on Miss Fairy. We don't want to miss what wonders the Norse gods are going to show us."

He pointed behind him to Hades who lifted a small bag, "I've made baklava."

Yui gave them both a wry smile, "It's a several day celebration. I'm sure we can wait a bit."

According to Apollo 'waiting a bit' meant only few minutes and before either Hades or Yui knew it he dragged them through the woods towards the Norse dorm. Both Greek gods had a bit of trouble finding their way through the tall, staunch trees. Even though Apollo had been to the Norse dorm many times before, he always got lost. There was very little in terms of markers that revealed where the Norse dorm was, but Apollo and Yui found the rocky pathway to the large wooden structure.

They could smell smoke and pine and perhaps something cooking. Ahead they found someone dragging something…large out from the thick trees. The organism was as large as an elephant and looked to be incredibly dead.

"Balder," Yui asked, watching the blond god, who was wearing a white button shirt, dark slacks and suspenders, drag the big thing by a rope hoisted over his shoulder. Instantly she recalled the way he dragged the evergreens back to the forest. "What's…this?"

Hades and Apollo glanced a little dumbfounded at each other as Balder turned and gave them a beautiful innocent naïve smile, "This? Oh it's a boar for our Yule feast. I caught it in the woods."

"Hey," Hades whispered sidelong to his nephew, still staring at the giant mammoth boar, "does that boar look familiar to you?"

"No I don't recall—OH MY GOD that's the Erymanthian Boar!" Apollo's jaw dropped.

The door of the dorm slammed opened and Loki ran out, face red, "Balder! No! What are you-! Dammit! I can't turn my back on you for one second!"

"But Loki—"

"No!" Loki stomped over to his friend. "You don't just go running out, tackling large animals."

Balder's shoulders slumped as he hung his head, "But we needed a boar and I got one."

"And how the hell are we gonna eat all that? Thor already got one. Sweet Yggdrasil you can't just sit still and be patient?" Loki berated as he grabbed his best friend's suspenders.

At that moment the back of the beast heaved, it's beady red eye opening wide. It grunted and everyone backed away, set defensively, afraid the boar was going to start attacking. As it shifted to it's feet it let out a loud squealing roar and charged off into the woods, knocking trees down in its clumsy wake, Balder running after it, "Wait! Come back!"

He stopped and sighed, muttering something along the lines of, "All that work for nothing."

He choked on his words as Loki grabbed him by the back of the collar and pulled him back towards the cottage, muttering frustrated ramblings. Meanwhile, Apollo whispered to Hades, "We'd better let Zeus know to hide his monsters better or Hercules will have nothing left for his trials."

Hades nodded, "Right ahead of you."

Loki smacked his friend on the back of the head, "What the hell do you think you're doing, block head?"

Balder folded his hands and twiddled his thumbs looking down shyly as he sheepishly drew circles in the ground with his foot, "Yui said to make Yule just like how we make it, so I tried to go out and get a boar so it would be special."

Loki was about to yell exactly what he was thinking, "Boy, don't you dare pull your cuteness on me!" Instead, it came out as, "Dammit, Kusanagi you got him so excited over this he can't sit still for TWO DAMN SECONDS!" However, Yui ignored him, "Balder you didn't…oh boy…you didn't have to go out and…_wrestle_ with a dangerous animal. I'm sure what Thor has is perfectly fine."

Apollo in a feeble attempt to possibly one-up the tackling of the dangerous Erymanthian Boar raised Hades' bag and said in an expectant voice, "We've brought baklava."

Loki motioned them all towards the dorm and they all stepped ahead of him. He and Balder stood behind. As Balder made to follow them, Loki grabbed the back of his suspenders and snapped them against his back. Instead of a slap, it sounded more like a thud against Balder's back muscles. Regardless it sounded moderately painful, but it didn't phase him one bit.

"Come on Mr. Macho."

Inside the Norse dorm was a mess of green. Holly and evergreen trees, decorations, and wreathes hung everywhere, often accompanied by candles and red and gold ribbons.

"Wow," Yui said to herself, struck by the warmth the atmosphere had. In the very center of the foyer, where the sofa and chairs were usually placed was a long, long table, with deer carved into the sides. It seemed to be almost set, food everywhere. Thor with his oven gloves still on placed a bowl of warm stew to almost complete the table.

"Impressive, impressive!" Apollo said excessively, marveling at all the decorations.

"Where are the Japanese gods and Dionysus?" Thor asked, tucking the oven mitts underneath his arm and tugging a little at his dark blue long-sleeved shirt.

"Dee-Dee's on his way. So is Tsuki-Tsuki and Take-Take," Apollon replied. Meanwhile Hades looked a tad worried, "Let's hope they don't get lost."

Thor wrinkled his nose, just a bit, eyes straight for Balder. He took in his friend's state. He seemed fine, perhaps a bit overjoyed, but the look Loki had told a separate story. He looked like he had finally caught the family dog who was running loose, terrorizing the neighborhood.

Balder didn't look at all winded, but Thor could clearly see sweat stains in the pits of his shirt, and a patch underneath his chest. So that's what the smell was.

"Balder, you might want to change."

As Balder lifted the collar of his shirt to smell his stink, Loki waved to the sofas and chairs, stating calmly, "Make yourselves at home. We'll wait for the wingnuts to arrive."

Apollo glanced at a bare evergreen tree standing by the fireplace. It was already strung up with red ribbons and laces of silver. His eyes lit up, "Ooooooooh, is this what we're decorating?"

Loki and Thor glanced at each other before Loki said cautiously, "Usually we decorate the trees outside. Balder is going to light the candles for the trees outside. But by all means string some cranberries or whatever around this one. I'm sure it would please the spirits in them."

Apollo was giddy, reminding Yui just how children acted when Christmas rolled around. Anything from decorating trees to receiving gifts brought out the same childish glint that she now saw in Apollo's eyes. Even as Balder returned with a new clean sweatshirt, his face showed nothing but joy.

It struck her that Balder ninety percent of the time had that same joyous, happy, warm face, but she hadn't been able to see that face recently, with all the trouble he was causing and personal issues he was going through. It was nice seeing him so happy and upbeat. A bit out of control, according to Loki, but clearly happy to share a personal celebration with friends.

He grabbed the fire poker and stoked the fire, prodding an extremely large log, thick, as if it were actually from the trunk of a tree. Yui was momentarily distracted, but turned her attention to Thor when he held out what looked like a long steer horn. She glanced at him, bewildered.

"It's a drinking horn," he clarified. It was then Yui recalled what Balder told her when she spoke with him on his ship. She graciously received the horn, although she was hesitant to drink its contents.

Tsukito and Takeru arrived, Takeru holding up his steaming bowl of dumplings. Tsukito was caught staring at everything, asking calm questions about…everything. Loki pushed people to help themselves to snacks and mingle, more as a distraction to pull off a prank, which was gift wrapping the main dishes already laid out.

Balder's rather queued nose to anything meat figured out which wrapped dish was what but that didn't prevent the hassle of unwrapping everything. Dionysus finally arrived with a crate of wine, which only added to the amount of alcohol.

There was so much going on that Yui felt like her head was on a swivel, constantly concerned someone was going to hurt themselves. No one did. Everyone was having fun. It was a celebration after all. No one knew what everything was supposed to be leading up to, at least that was until Apollo climbed on top of the table, "Gift exchange time!"

_Wait…what?_ Yui was never aware of a gift exchange. She blinked, watching as gods paired off, handing out gifts. From what she could observe, Thor gave Hades a large knit sweater with reindeer on it. Loki gave Tsukito a stuffed devil rabbit "friend" for Usamaro. Apollo gave Dionysus a wine cozy that read "put a cork in it" in Greek.

Takeru approached Balder with a rather solid look. He held out a white cloth, that had a red painted rising sun on the front, with two Japanese characters written on each side.

"Here," he said softly, awkwardly handing him the bag. "It's a banzai headband. Loki said you'd like one."

Balder's warm face blinked, not at all scrutinizing the smaller god. Truth be told, Takeru knew very little about Balder with the exception that he was immortal and loved the hell out of meat and had a strange fascination with anything Japanese. After getting his head knocked in weeks earlier during that outburst, Takeru never really thought of bothering with Balder much. He did however pick his name for the gift exchange.

Balder smiled and accepted the gift whole-heartedly, "This is very generous of you Totsuka. This is perfect in fact. Thank you."

A faint red dusting appeared on Takeru's cheeks. It was just a piece of cloth. There was no logical reason why Balder would seem so taken by it. At least he was pleased.

"Yeah, well, you're welcome."

"Wait," Balder called Takeru back. Takeru turned and gave him curious look, wondering what Balder could want next. The blond god turned and picked up a wooden box that was resting on the arm of the couch. He opened it and showed it to Takeru.

Inside was a long, neatly handcrafted pipe, with stylized waves etched all around it. Takeru's eyebrows shot to his forehead and he glanced back up at Balder.

"It's yours. As a way of saying 'I'm terribly sorry' for the trouble I've caused you."

There was a pause, Takeru fumbling over his words, "'You serious? I thought you picked Apollo?" Balder nodded. "He will get his gift, but this is for you."

Takeru didn't really smoke, but loved handcrafted things, small trinkets and of the like. He had a small collection of seashells and other objects he found washed up by the shores of the sea. Perhaps this was a perfect addition to his collection. The waves on the pipe certainly matched the waves on the used wooden print blocks he had acquired over the years.

"Thanks so much…buddy," he replied awkwardly giving Balder a light hit on the shoulder.

Yui watched the exchange, feeling a little left out. She was mature enough not to complain, but she truly wished she was at least notified. Apollo noticed her low face.

"What's wrong, Fairy?" he asked, eyes filled to the brim with worry.

Yui shrugged and answered honestly, "I just wish you guys would've told me about the gift exchange. I would've gotten you all something."

Apollo laughed, "We didn't tell you because of that very reason. We wanted nothing from you, but we wanted to give you this."

He waved Tsukito over who held a red leather bound book in his hands. He held it out to her.

"What is it?" she asked.

Loki growled, "Open it and figure it out."

Yui shot him a slight glare and opened the book. It seemed to be an album with neatly pressed flowers that still emitted their fragrances. On the side of each flower was its name scribbled in Greek, Japanese, English and Norse Runes.

"It's a book of all the flowers we could collect here in the garden!" Apollo announced proudly, arms outstretched. Yui's thanks hung in her throat as she flipped through the pages. She could tell which flowers Loki picked because he drew little devil ears and strange doodles to make the flowers look like weird faces.

"Everyone…contributed?"

A few nods. Yui blinked back tears of happiness as she embraced Apollo, then Thor who were the closest guys to her, "Oh thank you, thank you. This means so much. You didn't have to go through all that trouble for me."

"It was no trouble at all," Hades replied purposefully loud over Loki's, "You better be thankful."

Dionysus, cheeks red with wine already fumbled with an outdated radio and turned it on. The song was slow, jazzy, and Yui didn't dare ask Dionysus when or where he acquired it. Meanwhile the others continued to eat and drink, Loki sober enough to start dancing with a flustered Takeru who was issuing a slew of curses under his breath, desperate to get away.

Balder tapped Yui's shoulder. She turned to see him holding out his hand, "Can I have this dance?"

Yui's brow furrowed. Dance? With a boy who could barely walk two feet without falling? Still she smiled and accepted his offer. He pulled her to him and swayed with her to the music in a casual rocking motion, to and fro.

"Oh, no fair Bal-Bal. You can't steal Miss Fairy all to yourself."

Balder's jaw tightened, but he took a deep breath, chest expanding against Yui's breast, then relaxed, twirling her gently to Apollo, who happily received her and continued to dance.

Balder stepped back and bumped into Loki. His friend glanced up at him, seeing a look that was a mixture of anticipation and longing. Instead of saying anything, Loki nudged his friend, and offered him a bottle of ale, which he readily took.

Thor eventually got around to getting everything cooked and set up at the long table and barely managed to get everyone seated. He sat at the head of the table with an exhausted sigh.

"Can we dig in?" Takeru asked eyeing some baked potatoes.

Dionysus chuckled, "Easy there bro. Give the head of the table some time. And someone should make a toast."

Thor glanced to his right, where Balder sat, "Do you want to say something?"

Balder gave him a curious look, before understanding what he was getting at. He took a deep breath, prepared to make what was undoubtedly an awkward speech. Thor and Loki rapped their knuckles on the wood of the table to gain everyone's attention and the others followed, watch Balder stand with his bottle of ale.

"Thank you for coming. It's nice to see all our friends…and Tsukito…here today."

The guests smiled at Balder's small joke, except Tsukito who just looked half confused. Balder wet his lips as he tried to think up of something more to say. He did have something to say, but the majority of people at the table hardly understood what all this was about.

"Though I appreciate that we can all take the time to enjoy the celebration with each other, let us remember who this celebration is for."

He poured his ale from the bottle into his drinking horn and held it up in a toast, "To Hödr, whose hard work never fails to bring the seasons in order and the years to turn."

Loki and Thor raised their own horns and said together, "Hail Hödr!"

The others followed in unison, "Hail Hödr!"

"All right, let's eat!" Balder said as he sat back down rubbing his hands in glee, "Gosh that boar looks good."

"Yeah," Thor murmured passing the rye bread crackers to Loki, "and a heck of a lot easier to cook than that gigantic thing you wanted to bring in."

Yui wasn't used to eating this way, passing dishes over to her friends while took something and put it on their plate, but she enjoyed the experience. Silly to think that sharing a meal with people could be called an experience, but with the dorm filled with decorations and the hearth still ablaze with little chats and jokes whirling around her, it was hard to say she had ever experienced so much happiness and fun in one sitting. Nothing to worry about. No gods to be put on the right path. No relatives to impress.

Despite all that she felt the emptiness, the void that must've been isolating in Balder's heart. This was a celebration of his twin and although he made such a gracious dedication, Hödr would not be here to see this. Balder at the moment didn't seem to mind as he gorged himself with the boar Thor prepared. If he was fine, then she was fine too.

In her experience as a human, after people fed themselves during celebrations most would be winding down, weighed down by the amount of food they ate. Not these boys. It was hard to say when the evening went into a free for all but it did, Takeru and Apollo wrestling in the middle of floor, switching from traditional judo to Greco-Roman wrestling. Loki eventually stopped them with a nice dog pile right on top of them.

His joking manner turned to panic as Hades and Dionysus started throwing objects at Balder, watching in amazement as the objects bounced off.

"Stop it. He ain't a side show attraction!" Like they cared. Takeru and Apollo joined in throwing pine cones at Balder's back as he helped Thor clean the table.

Dionysus' wine eventually ran out, so he and Thor traveled back to the Greek dorm to grab another barrel of his wine, much to Hades' glee.

"With wine, there's no need to whine!" Hades smiled then burst out laughing, oblivious to the stare from Dionysus. "See that? It can be used twice in one sentence with a different meaning. And I thought of that just now."

Dionysus, bored and displeased, stared back at everyone while Hades was still laughing at his own joke and said, restraining a particularly vicious frown, "This is the first time I thought I could actually kill him."

"And with wine, _Yule_ have a grand old time!" Hades laughed and was cut short, "Now see what I did there? Another homophone. Instead of 'you'll' as the contraction I used Yule as in the holiday. I mean this stuff is just golden!"

Dionysus' lips were split into a particularly painful fake smile, his hand shaking in restraint until, the glass he held his wine in shattered from the pressure.

The highlight of the evening was provided by the beloved Tsukito Totsuka. At some point, he came stumbling around eyes wide and jittery and spoke incredibly loud and fast.

"Hey! Hey! Wow this is fantastic! What's going on, what's happening? Come on, throw something at me."

Everyone looked at each other in shock, Dionysus especially looking panicked.

"Whaaaaat's with him?" Hades asked drawing out his question, almost afraid to move.

"I think it's the mushrooms Loki gave me," Dionysus admitted, holding up small baggie containing dark shriveled mushrooms.

"Loki!" Thor yelled but Loki looked just as surprised as everyone.

"I swear I only gave the shrooms to Dionysus."

When everyone's scolding glares hit the wine-haired god he too shot up the defense, "I only gave him one. I had no idea it would hit him this badly."

Tsukito was still pacing rapidly, ready and itching to do something. Yui thought to calm him down by placing a hand on his arm and saying calmly and softly, "Tsukito, why don't you have a lie down."

Tsukito turned to her and responded with a tremendous amount of uncharacteristic aggression, "Lie down? I think you should lie down. You should lie-"

He interrupted himself and grabbed her, dipping her back and crushed his face to hers, giving her a deep, long, aggressive, open-mouthed kiss. Yui practically felt her breath being sucked out of her mouth by Tsukito, her mind blank from shock, heart thundering in her chest.

All the rest of the boys froze in horror. Balder ground his teeth, and started forward but Dionysus stopped him, "Hold it there big boy. He's flat tripping balls. He's unpredictable at this point."

Finally, Tsukito released Yui with a satisfied sigh, leaving her breathless, shocked, and barely able to stand. The drugged moon god thrust his arms in the air in victory, "Whooooo!"

He looked around smiling ridiculously, before he started to pull on his sweater, "Is it hot in here? I'm hot. Is anyone else hot?"

"O-oh…my…" Takeru was close to having a fit, but he was too stricken with horror to stop his brother as Tsukito quickly stripped himself completely down to his briefs.

"Tsuki-Tsuki!" Apollo cried out at seeing his friend close to butt-naked.

Takeru, being the good little brother that he was, tried to talk his brother down off his high. He cautiously approached Tsukito like he was approaching an agitated lion, "Brother, let us get you cooled off then. Come on s-settle down."

As Takeru bravely approached his hyped out brother, Tsukito seemed to be having none of it. He backed away from his brother, dodging as Takeru tried to grab him, and breathlessly Tsukito ran out the door into the cold night.

"Brother!" Takeru followed him out to give chase. No one said a thing as they could hear the struggling and grunts outside of Takeru trying to corner his rampant brother.

"What the hell are those things?" Hades asked, his mouth slack-jawed.

"They are psychedelic mushrooms," Thor replied. "Before battles berserkers and warriors would take these to reach a frenzy, or völvas would take them before going into their trance."

Loki shrugged and added, "Or just for shits and giggles at parties."

At everyone's glare Loki added defensively, "Seriously."

Takeru finally got hold of Tsukito and pulled him indoors keeping him close by the arm, "Okay, brother, we've had our fun-"

"No, no, Takeru Totsuka. Totsuka Takeru. Taco. My little taco." Good god was Tsukito just flat out of it. He gently shoved Takeru in the shoulder, "Come on, we can do anything. Like…riding a mountain or lifting a hurricane."

Tsukito snapped his fingers and eyed the sea god in excitement, "We'll play tug-o-war."

"I-I am not playing tug-o'-war."

"Perhaps a glass of water could help Totsuka," Balder suggested. He had taken the psychedelic mushrooms a few times before in the past. Thor and Loki did as well. He always became dehydrated and water or even ale seemed to calm the high, even just a bit.

Tsukito shook his head, "Nope. Don't need it, Balder Hringhorni."

The purple-haired god laughed a high, cracking laugh, "'Hrinhorni'. Ha! Ha! It's funny because it's like a physical response to sexual stimuli."

Balder murmured under his breath bitterly, "Yes, I get the joke."

He pushed his little brother again, "Tug o' war, man. Come on! Come on! It's fucking tug-o'-war. So manly and proves—"

At that moment Tsukito stopped. His head snapped back and his eyes rolled up in his head as his mouth went slack. He fell face first to the floor with a thud where he lay, mostly naked and unconscious.

As poor Tsukito lay motionless on the floor, a silence filled the dorm, most unsure of what happened or if Tsukito was really passed out. Someone, either Dionysus or Takeru, broke the silence.

"The fuck!?"

Yui was the first to move, hand over her heart to keep the beating calm. She bent down, wondering and scared if he was dead or injured. She bent down to try to shake his shoulder, but Tsukito's back rose with a loud intake of breath, before he started breathing normally, but was still unconscious.

"Oh, thank heavens," she whispered, concerned for the worst.

Loki bent down beside her to inspect Tsukito even more in case he was experiencing any other negative side effects.

"Will he be alright?" Yui asked, her voice laced in rather intense concern.

Loki didn't look at her, but replied, "I'm not sure, but I sooooo want to take him to Valhalla. My god, the fun the Aesir would have with him…"

* * *

The night and fire dwindled and the gods, well fed and inebriated, one by one decided to retire to their respective sleeping arrangements within the Norse dorm guest rooms and closets. Thor was the last to ascend the stairs.

With the exception of Tsukito awkwardly asleep on the floor right next to the couch, Balder and Yui were alone.

She glanced at the god next to her. He seemed to be anxious. Yui didn't quite notice how much Balder enjoyed this Yule celebration. He seemed to be how he always was, if not drinking a little more than what she deemed was healthy.

"Did you have a good time?" she asked trying to get a good look into his eyes.

"Yes, yes I did," he said softly rotating his umpteenth bottle of ale in his hand.

"You're sure?"

Finally Balder turned his head to glance at her, perhaps a tad annoyed. His brow was furrowed, eyes heavy lidded as he tried to come up with a response, "It doesn't matter if I did or not. If everyone else had a good time, what does it matter?"

"It matters to me," Yui said, turning her body to face him her elbow propped up on the back of the couch to casually rest her head. "I did this thinking it would make you guys feel better."

Balder's lips curled upward, "I did feel better. And I believe Loki and Thor enjoyed themselves. The Totsuka incident is something I didn't expect, but otherwise thank you."

Yui shrugged, "It was the least I could do. But the celebration's not over. Tomorrow's Christmas—"

She glanced at the clock, making an odd noise in her throat when she realized that it was two in the morning on Christmas Day.

"Well today is actually," she corrected herself with a laugh.

"It's Christmas Day," Balder replied distantly. Perhaps that was why he was so nervous, but then it dawned on Yui that she made him a promise. She clutched the pendant at her neck. She told him that she would give him his gift on Christmas.

"D-do you want your gift now?"

Balder's jaw muscle twitched and it became apparent that it was weighing on his mind. He no doubt was looking forward to it, but did Yui truly want to do it? She wasn't going to kiss him just because he gave her some pendant. That frustrated him the most. He wanted her to want to do this. Or at least not care much either way than to feel like it was a chore, a task that she had to complete just so they could be even.

"Looks like Totsuka beat me to it," he said in a mock joking manner. Yet it was apparent that inside he was disappointed. It was immature, but since Tsukito grabbed first dibs, no matter how wrecked he was, it just seemed the gift he wanted was less…valuable or special.

Yui rolled her eyes and laughed, "That was no kiss. That was soul sucking. And it case it wasn't clear, I wasn't particularly enthused."

His eyes narrowed, not quite believing that she didn't at least get _some_ enjoyment of getting such an intense kiss from the most stoic man in existence.

"Forget about it," he said, squaring his shoulders like a stubborn child.

Yui blinked, astonished. He wanted a kiss for his Christmas gift right? "I don't understand."

"I just…" he paused drinking the last of his ale. "I don't want you to feel obligated…"

"I don't feel obligated," Yui said. "I agreed to give you a kiss, so a kiss it shall be. I wouldn't have considered it an option if I wasn't okay with it."

In truth, she wasn't totally on board when she made the agreement, but she couldn't have been that upset if she had forgotten about it. At least that was what she assumed. But this was Balder. He was just probably curious about what a kiss with a girl was like.

Yui tapped his shoulder and smiled, "Come on."

Balder slowly bent over and placed his empty bottle on the coffee table, swallowing, showing his nervousness, "Okay."

They moved awkwardly at first, Yui wasn't sure who should make the first move. She quickly decided that it was her gift to him, so she should be the one to kiss. She's kissed boys before. And Tsukito kissed her. She wasn't new to kissing, but her experience only extended to quick pecks on the lips-Tsukito's face sucking aside.

_So he's getting the short end of the stick here._

She placed her hands on his shoulders and leaned in slowly. Yui didn't have to push much further as Balder quietly filled the gap, pressing his lips to hers gently. Balder found warmth in the girl he was kissing and equal gentleness. He wasn't sure how to move but just let the sensation of her lips against him fill his senses. He was so far very, very pleased with the gift Yui gave and felt blessed in his heart. In recent days, he couldn't help but feel his heart racing whenever he was around her. And now it felt like his heart was about to beat out of his chest. But the more and more he felt the sensation, the feeling in his chest and nerves assaulted him violently.

And he couldn't stop.

Yui thought that it was nice kissing a boy. An innocent playful kiss she thought, until Balder's gentleness seemed to dissipate with every millisecond. His hold on her quickly tightened and he used his bigger size and weight to lean into her, laying her back on the couch.

"Bald—" she tried to cry but his mouth silenced her.

Yui's hands clutched his sweater, trying to get him to pull back, but found that Balder, against their agreement, gently slipped his tongue into her mouth. He was sloppy and inexperienced, giving away painfully that she was the first girl he's kissed, but he managed pull himself even closer to her, going by pure physical instinct, out of control.

While Yui was desperately trying to calmly pull him back to his senses, he unconsciously dragged his hand over her side, feeling her soft lovely curves, then up and up, cupping the underside of her breast.

Having enough, Yui tried to hit him over the head but missed and hit his shoulder instead. It was weak against his strength but it was enough to get him to stop.

"STOP!" she yelled shoving his chest and immediately Balder got off of her and sat back up, head hanging in embarrassment as he scrambled to try to hide the prominent bulge of his arousal clearly showing in his pants.

Her face was red with anger, and embarrassment at seeing his…state, but that didn't stop her from standing up and scolding him harshly, the firelight flashing before her confused and hurt eyes.

"I know you are feeling bittersweet at this time of year, but that does NOT mean you can take it out on everyone else!"

Yui didn't even allow for Balder to explain his bold and brash actions, she just marched up the steps to his bedroom where she was, quite ironically, staying for the night while Balder stayed in Loki's room. As soon as she closed the door she collapsed against it, mortified. She probably expected things to go too far with other boys, but in her heart she thought that Balder would be too self-conscious, too awkward and innocent to go further than a simple kiss, let alone want more.

Yui wiped her bruised lips, feeling their tenderness. How should she deal with it? Should she be mortified? Well she was mortified that Balder went that far. Yui didn't know if she could handle the reality of one prominent fact.

Balder clearly _wanted _her.

Downstairs, Balder remained alone, not daring to move until long after he heard the door to his room close. He thought little, mostly because of the flurry of confusion and guilt that assaulted his every pour. What…did he do?

He full well recalled his very actions, but…

He didn't want to think about it. Thinking about it just made his gut sour and his headache worse. With shaky breath, he trudged up the steps, his bones shaking. He couldn't tell if he should cry, be frustrated, or plead for forgiveness. He was too preoccupied with another "problem" still heavy in his trousers.

He entered Loki's room, finding his friend in bed already, his head shifting as he heard Balder come in. Loki didn't open his eyes and said sleepily, "What went on?"

"What do you mean?" Balder replied distantly as he quickly shed his sweatshirt and stripped his pants to his boxers.

"I thought I heard Yui yell," Loki mumbled into the forearm his head was resting on.

"It's nothing. You should go back to sleep."

What followed was a series of sighs, grunts, and shifting as Balder slid himself next to Loki on the bed, facing, quite unfortunately, his back. Balder let out a soft sigh as he let his body succumb to sleep.

Poor Loki however felt…something…press into his back as Balder settled on his side. He opened his eyes and said in a low, accusing voice.

"Balder…that had better be your penis."

The red-head glanced over his shoulder, realizing what he felt was indeed what he thought., "By the Norns Balder! Why in your father's name do you have an erection!? What did you two do!?"

Balder sighed in annoyance, and whined, "Nothing. Just go back to sleep."

"What? No. I'm not going to bed with your Gungnir pressing against me." The two grumbled and shifted and tossed in the bed trying to find different positions that would be amenable to both of them. Balder shifted to his back.

"...Oh good god. What, what is thaaaaat?" Loki pointed the tented blanket. "What the hell Balder? Boy Scouts can camp under that thing."

"Loki, leave me alone. I'm trying to ignore it and maybe get some sleep."

Loki was still heckling his friend; "You don't crawl into another man's bed with an erection…without extenuating circumstances. That's just common decency. Go into the bathroom and take care of that thing."

Balder turned his head towards his friend and gave him a pained and confused expression, "I…don't know how you mean…"

Silence. Several beats of silence as Loki's jaw dropped. A panicked scream hung in his throat. Instead he tried to speak as calmly as he could. "Balder, I _know _I told you the differences between girls and boys, but did I ever tell you the _mechanics_ they both have?"

Balder sighed and rolled on his side, "Too late now I suppose."

"Yeah, whatever, too late to teach you how to rub one out," Loki sighed as he collapsed back on his bed, closing his eyes and gave one last mumble, "If you make a mess tonight, you're cleaning the sheets."

* * *

**A/N: Little hornball Balder finally makes an appearance. Also a slight mention of a headcannon of mine that Balder may not be 100% sure of how sex actually works. I like to think he functions and thinks like a pubescent boy, which to us civilized girl minds, is gross and messy. But yeah, I hope the gross disgusting boy function talk didn't bother you guys too much. As always R&amp;R.**


	12. Prose 12

Disclaimer: See chapter 1

* * *

Prose 12:

When Yui awoke she was greeted with bright morning light coming from Balder's window. She turned, hearing a comforting silence, devoid of birds chirping or bugs. Outside, to her astonishment and glee, was a flurry of snow gently floating down to drop on white covered ground and treetops.

For a moment she enjoyed the odd sight of beautiful comforting snow blessing the garden. That was until it was marred by the thought that she had to see Balder's face again. She was still sorting out what to do with him. For now, all she wanted to do was avoid him. With a house full of boys, that shouldn't have been a problem.

Then it dawned it her. It was Christmas. It was a white Christmas.

Sighing with bemusement, Yui crawled out of bed, gave the owner the decency to make it for him (it wasn't made when she first stepped into the room), made her way down the steps to the main room.

Downstairs was empty, with the exception of Tsukito still unmoving by the couch—they really needed to make sure he was still alive—and Thor, who was making a large breakfast. Whatever he was making smelled delicious. He already had a plate of flaky Swedish pancakes set to go on the counter. Now he was making some sort of omelet with sausage, bacon, and cheese in the center. It looked like a heart attack waiting to happen and Yui had a vague idea who it was for.

"Morning Thor," Yui greeted, thinking he was the only one awake. "I can't believe it's snowing."

"Morning Kusanagi," Thor said stiffly, jiggling the frying pan a little as the omelet started to crackle, his gold yes turning towards the large window of the dorm. "Yeah, my guess is Zeus finally cracked and let the seasons have their day."

"Making breakfast?" she asked, though she knew the obvious answer. "Do you need help?"

She guessed that Thor was cooking for everybody. Indeed he was. He already made pancakes and strawberry strudel for Hades, he was making a coronary omelet for Balder. Normally, Yui thought that cooks didn't like getting help. In truth Thor didn't mind, but he'd never ever let Balder and Loki near the kitchen appliances.

"Sure," Thor replied, "There is a juicer in the cabinet. You can squeeze some orange juice."

With that Thor opened the icebox and pulled up a meshed sack of oranges and plopped them on the counter. Meanwhile, Loki came bounding down the steps in excitement, cackling like a madman, "It's snowing! It's snowing!"

He ripped open the front door and ran out, his telltale snicker resonating in the muffled quiet of the snowing outside. Yui smirked a little. He at least could express the very joy she held in her chest at seeing snow on Christmas. If Yui anticipated Loki was going to stay out and enjoy the environment that graced their home daily, she was wrong. Almost immediately he ran back inside, snow dusting his hair, shivering.

"Damn I hate the cold," he whined. Yui withheld a small laugh as she continued to open the cabinet door for the juicer, only to have it slam shut on her. Loki's furious grey eyes were right on her as he hissed under his breath, "Oookay, what the hell did you do to Balder last night?"

Yui was shocked by what Loki said she barely could work the words out of her mouth, "Excuse me? What did _I _do?"

"Yes, temptress."

Gritting her teeth, she made to ignore him by opening the cabinet again, to get the juicer and help Thor, who had just left to find some potatoes for hashbrowns. That didn't sit well with Loki. He hated to be ignored in any sense. Here he was upset, which made things worse.

"Hey! Look at me when I'm talking to you!"

"I'm not discussing this, Loki. I did nothing wrong, but your friend did. That's all I have to say on the matter," her voice became shaky, flustered and showing that she was in fact upset about the matter. All she wanted to was to ignore it for as long as she could.

Loki's jaw clenched and his eyes narrowed, "You've got to explain why, after being alone with you, he climbed in to _my _bed with a raging hard on. A hard on, which quite frankly, most likely means his body's not done growing into it yet. I was left to handle it-I mean deal with it."

Loki quickly edited himself, blushing a little, not entirely sure if what he said came out wrong or not.

Yui slammed the cabinet door, causing the still sleeping Tsukito to twitch in his sleep. She stared at Loki with tight lips, however, she wasn't going to get embroiled in anger.

"Look! We kissed last night. That's it. That's all it was supposed to be, but your _friend_ wanted…more. If I hadn't managed a good knock on his shoulder, there would be an entirely different mess to deal with. The very thought makes me…" Yui finished with a terrified shudder, her terror from last night returning.

Loki's eyes were wide and he at least gave her time to pause. His jaw visibly clenched and he could only manage a whine, "Why in the hell did you kiss him?"

Rolling her eyes, Yui passed Loki, desperate to just get away. Her feet carried out into the snow, Loki's nagging following her, "What kind of lust do you have to be in to want to take advantage of someone who is only thirty percent sure what kissing is?"

Yui whipped around, the cool air stinging her cheeks, "It was a present. He gave me a gift and I returned the favor."

"With sex…"

"NO! A simple kiss! That's what I agreed to," Yui grabbed Balder's amulet around her neck, half tempted to tear it off. As much she was displeased with the maker, she couldn't bring herself to ruin the craft. "This is what he gave me. See?"

Loki took a hold of it and gave it a good look, not listening to Yui's explanation of the agreement. He frowned, not willing to believe Balder would give this to some human girl.

"He gave this to you?" he asked.

"Yes, I didn't ask for it, but he gave it to me."

"And you accepted it?"

"Yes!"

The cold breath that came out of Loki's mouth was staggered, portraying a frustration. "You don't know what this is do you? This is his mother's seal. She's the goddess of motherhood and married women. Balder had to be mistaken. He can't be giving this to a woman unless he feels he wants to attach himself."

Yui's brow furrowed, confused, "I don't understand…"

Loki didn't look at all patient, "If you want me to be blunt then I will. He gave this for your protection as his…um…mate, I guess, and future mother of his children. That's the least complicated explanation I can put. Brides and brides-to-bes were given protection items like these with the same protection attached."

Yui understood the gist of the purpose but the biggest question was why. "Why would he think to try…that?"

Loki was being lenient he thought in giving her an honest explanation, but if she wanted his theories on why Balder would be so stupid as to pull a stunt like that, he would tell her exactly how he felt, "Well, you've been hanging around each other a lot. Did you lead him on?"

Yui frowned. She needed to defend herself here, "No, I didn't. But what does that have to account for anything? He should know better, regardless."

Then the look Loki gave her was just as skeptical as any person could be, as if the response could be spoken through the light snowy wind. Yui shuffled her feet, her slippers starting to absorb too much of the snow on the ground.

"Really? Have you met him? He's not gonna give anything much thought. So maybe a touch to the hand—"

"Is just a friendly gesture." How hard was that to understand? Why should she be so guarded towards her friends? Yeah, they weren't the brightest or adept bunch in the world, but surely even the most knuckle-headed of them could distinguish friendship with romantic interest? Hell she even told Balder that during the Solstice Festival. "Loki, when are you going to realize that, maybe, just maybe, like all the rest here, that Balder is just as cynical and reckless and thoughtless about others? He perhaps is just a selfish brat!"

She knew herself she only meant half those things. She certainly knew she shouldn't have said any of it out loud regardless of how true it may or may not be. Yet, at that moment she didn't much care until she noticed Loki staring at a point behind her. Yui turned to see Balder standing staring, wearing a hooded sweatshirt and knit cap, a wood cutter limply in his hand at his side. Her gut felt ice cold when Balder said nothing and instead lifted the axe to rest on his shoulder and walked off into the forest, looking angry and upset.

"Great. Anyone else you want to insult before lunch time? Wanna tell Thor he has obnoxiously large ears and his cooking is horrible while you're at it?" Loki said sarcastically. Yui just rolled her eyes throwing her hands up in frustration as she made the immediate decision to return to the dorm to gather her things. Loki followed her and yelled, "Do yourself a favor and stay away from that boy!"

Once inside, Yui went straight to Thor and said quietly, "I think I should go back to my dorm."

The big Norse god paused from paring potatoes and turned to her, "Why? What happened?"

"It's—" she paused, taking a swift glance at Loki before lying, "—nothing. I feel like I've overstayed my welcome."

Thor wasn't buying it, his normally stone-faced expression scrunching slightly in skepticism. He glanced back at his friend who ascended the steps to finish dressing.

"What did Loki do now?"

"It's not just him. I may have upset Balder as well."

"Forget Balder and Loki," Thor grumbled as he piled the shredded potato bits into the skillet, which erupted in a sizzle and pop. "You have the rest of us to hang out with."

As he said that, Hades descended the steps in a dark robe, scratching his head, mumbling, "Good morning."

"M-morning, Hades!" Yui greeted. Thor was right and surprisingly insightful. Once the others got up she could be with them. "You're right, thanks Thor. I didn't know you could be so…"

"Understanding?" Thor said with the barest of smiles, "I'm not like Balder and Loki. And I'm highly aware of their immaturity."

"That's right, you been around them forever."

"You make it sound longer, but yeah. So…" he slid a cut of butter onto the hash browns and at that moment, Apollo came bounding down the steps, jumping over the log of Tsukito body. "…what happened?"

She braced herself on the counter, not wanting to repeat the specifics, but instead decided to recount what happened outside, "I got angry with Balder and as I was arguing with Loki, I didn't call him nice things."

Thor paused almost full stop and glanced at the human girl with every ounce of worry etched on his face, "What did Balder do?"

For some reason, the way Thor said that phrase made her feel better. It made her think that he could believe her. He could've very well said something along the lines of "Why were you upset at Balder?" Here, Thor seemed to know and understand that his naïve friend could in fact do things that could anger people.

Still, she couldn't recount everything, now that Apollo and Hades were awake and about, with Tsukito making one last attempt to recover from his detrimental high last night, "Let's just say he pulled something on me last night that I didn't appreciate."

It was obvious Thor was sifting through his thoughts, to try to piece together what Balder could've done. Regardless, he resumed his cooking and said calmly, "Have you tried discussing this with Balder?"

At Yui's horrified gaze, Thor clarified, "Hear me out. Balder needs bluntness sometimes. Trust me he appreciates it more. He doesn't like people discussing things behind his back. If you have a problem, tell him so he can correct it. If that doesn't work and he starts acting odd…then…" He sighed and said with finality, "Keep away from him."

Deciding to ignore Thor's warning—the second warning for her to stay away from Balder-she didn't know how else she could make that clearer to Balder last night. True she shouldn't have called him the things she said earlier. Maybe Thor was right. Balder was in the wrong, he screwed up, but at the very least she should let him know why she was upset. That's what she was here for right? To teach them? But he had to know he did something wrong.

Yui sucked in a deep breath and lightly patted Thor's shoulder, "Thanks Thor. I really appreciate the advice."

"No problem—Apollo! Leave some for juice," he commanded as he spotted the Sun God with an armful of oranges and one stuck in his mouth.

Yui got dressed into some warmer clothes and took a moment to collect herself. Meanwhile, Takeru was busy fanning his pseudo-conscious brother. At least Tsukito was close to being fully awake. She spoke with Hades in hopes to calm her nerves a bit, but both he and Apollo were wondering what Yui was planning as she was dressed warmly for the outside rather than indoors.

Finally she had gathered enough courage to go out into the snow and at least take a calm walk through the white world, wandering in the direction of where Balder was last seen headed. It didn't much matter if she couldn't find Balder or not. I good walk in the cool air could clear anyone's head.

She could hear noises in the woods and hoped that was Balder. She followed the abrupt thunking sounds until she came upon Balder in a clearing of trees, taking big logs and chopping them into firewood with rather measured strokes of his axe. The frown on his face was tight and unforgiving. Judging by the size of the firewood pile, he looked to be taking out some amount of frustration and anger on the logs.

He didn't seem to notice her as she set foot into the clearing, fully engrossed in his chopping.

"Balder." She for a moment believed she called his name too softly. But that thought flew away when his blue eyes that reflected the expectant cold in the air snapped to her.

"Oh," his voice was surprisingly deep and gravely making it painfully aware to Yui that he perhaps was crying earlier, "It's you. Come to wipe the brat's nose?"

He finished with a strong chop through a piece of wood, the wood splintering from the force instead of being cut cleanly.

_That stung._ Yui thought in regards to his cold comment, but she wasn't necessarily apologetic. "No, I just wanted to talk."

He leaned over to pull away the pieces from the ground and clear it away, his eyes flitting towards her direction intermittently, his brow furrowed horribly as he moved, "Talk."

Despite the bite, Yui spoke, not really knowing where to start, "I was upset, you know. I still am. Why did you…do that?"

Balder lifted the axe with one hand and with a great swing stuck the axe into the chopping block. He looked prepared to speak, but instead wiped his nose and mouth with the back of his hand as he looked down on the ground. He was buying time. He was trying to think up of some excuse, but in truth he couldn't think up of one thing to serve as a viable excuse.

"Just—" he quickly stopped himself. "I don't know."

"Yes you do," Yui hissed a little more viciously than she intended. "We had an agreement Balder. And you went too far."

"I know, I know, and I'm sorry," his flashing blue eyes met hers as it was apparent that his frustration was getting the best of him, but immediately he softened, "I'm sorry. I thought…I don't know what I was thinking."

_Clearly, _she thought.

"I thought that's what girls and boys…are supposed to do, " his voice was noncommittal like he couldn't pinpoint the exact words to say or explain and to Yui it sounded very juvenile. Naïve. So naïve that Yui resisted the urge to ask him how old he really was. That would probably frustrate the boy more.

"I thought it was supposed to feel nice," he murmured, more to himself than to her._ To finally get close to someone._

"That shouldn't matter," Yui said. "We had an agreement. A kiss—which I thought was nice—but it was just supposed to be a kiss. We agreed no tongue, no fondling, nothing more and you took it upon yourself to break that agreement."

The boy just looked even more confused and incredibly upset.

"Balder, you can't go so fast with girls. Or with anyone else, let alone doing something they don't like. You'll scare people away."

That was as simple as she could make it. And yet, after a gusty silence, Balder nodded, understanding. "I'm sorry. What can I do to have you like me again?"

She could feel herself dumbing down to talk to a petulant four-year-old, but she could see that Balder understood that pouncing on women was not okay. And it was Christmas. She wasn't going to spend the "season of good tidings" angry. She slowly walked towards him, placing a comforting hand on his arm, "You don't have to do anything. And I'm sorry I called you names. That wasn't nice."

Balder smiled lightly and replied, voice cracking slightly, "It's fine as long as we're cool."

"We're cool…almost literally," Yui laughed, warming her hands in the pockets of her jacket while Balder glanced over his shoulder towards the woods.

"Do you want to see something interesting?" he asked, his smile bright against the falling snow.

"Uh…sure," she replied, not entirely sure what to expect.

Even as she followed him into the snow deeper into the woods she began to question and wonder what to expect. Balder seemed to know exactly where he was going and if she were honest after "making up" she followed him with some trepidation.

They finally stepped near a bare grove next to the large lake that was covered in white ice. Balder held a hand out and told her to pause, "Quiet now."

"What is it?" Yui whispered, eyes following Balder's arm as he pointed next to a large knotted tree over a snow-covered rock den. There, pawing at the ground, scrounging up berries and nuts, was a big hairy bear.

"That bear there," he said, Yui secretly loving the harsh sound he made as he pronounced "bear". "See her?"

It was hard not to see her, but Yui was hoping they weren't too close. Before she had enough time to ask Balder if they should step a few paces back, he had already calmly started striding towards her like he was approaching an acquaintance.

"Hey Gerda," he said softly and the bear turned her head up to see Balder. Instead of growling, running away or attacking, the bear galloped towards him, almost gleefully rubbing her head against his chest. Balder laughed and wrapped his arms around her neck, rubbing his cheek against the top of her furry head. The bear made a high short rumble that caused Yui to jump, but apparently it was just a noise of exultation.

"This is what you wanted me to see?" Yui asked not moving from her spot a safe distance away from the massive creature.

Balder continued to playfully rough-handle the bear, grunting from both parties, and Balder laughing more. He turned to her, hand outstretched towards her, asking for her to take it, "Come on. Don't you want to meet her?"

"But…" she whined, backing at the bear's gaze.

"Come on," he waved his hand beckoning her. "Do you trust me?"

Truthfully, ever since last night's incident she wasn't too ready to trust him implicitly especially with a big carnivorous animal. Regardless, she reached out and touched his hand, stumbling slightly as he gently pulled her towards him and the bear.

Balder stroked Gerda's fur, showing Yui how to touch her, "Here you can touch her. She doesn't mind."

The bear's fur was unbelievably thick and coarse, but, in the chill and snow, comfortably warm. Balder was right, she didn't seem to mind.

"I met her a few days back," Balder said keeping Gerda's head occupied as Yui stroked her hunched shoulder timidly. "She's really nice. And she's got cubs in her belly. Wonder how they get in there.."

He reached down and over, patting the side of the bear's enlarged stomach with a smile on his face. Meanwhile Yui thought almost aloud, _Nope. Too much. Not gonna ask if he knows the 'Birds and the Bees'. I don't want to know. _

Balder continued to talk to the bear quietly in his old Norse vernacular while Yui watched bemused. She was reminded that Balder and animals got along well. They seemed to be drawn to his natural charm and he to them. How in the world did that ever happen? Given Balder's love for a certain type of food Yui couldn't quite get why some of the more docile of animals felt at all at ease around him.

"I don't get you sometimes," Yui said aloud, accidentally. Balder glanced at her, "Hunh?"

Yui shook her head, embarrassed, "I mean…you like to eat animals and I've seen you tackle a large boar intending to kill it and yet they are drawn to you. Like…how?"

Balder took one glance at Gerda, as if that were the answer, until finally he stood, "Yui, I love animals and yes I do like eating them. I don't see why the two have to be mutually exclusive. Take Gerda here. She loves fish, but she's not going to actively go out and kill every fish she encounters if she's not hungry. And that boar…he was a ferocious beast. I hardly equate that with the fawns that love me so. See, its all about the cycle," he said, twirling his finger in a circle to make a picture, "Right?"

"No I understand it. Life cycle," Yui confirmed. "Sorry, I didn't mean to ask such a loaded question."

Yet Balder was having none of it. In fact he seemed happy that she was asking questions about him. All this time he had been used to asking questions about humans or Japanese culture and never once had someone thought to ask why he was the way he was. Every one seemed to take him for granted.

He got down on one knee as Gerda pawed at the ground, nabbed some hidden frozen berries, gave him one last nudge and lumbered over to hide from the cold in the sanctuary of her den.

As the creature disappeared, Balder leaned back in his seat; all the way back into the snow, facing the sky blissfully. Yui watched as he lay in the snow watching the snowflakes fall gracefully, the white flakes unfortunately not touching him. It was then that Yui wondered if Balder at some points disliked his invulnerability. It sure came in handy when petting a large animal, but what about experiencing the soft flakes as they gently landed on earth?

She didn't think to ask him that question. Why should she when he was smiling anyway? Yui instead buried her hands in the pockets of her jacket and sat down in the snow next to him. Perhaps she was being small minded. She was looking at it from the perspective of someone who had always had the pleasure of snow falling on her, on her tongue to catch them. She wouldn't trade that experience for the world though.

"You know…where I lived we didn't get snow very often. Maybe during one or two months out of the year, but it seems strange that in my memories I've always remembered playing with my brothers in the snow clearly. Like yesterday. My older brother would wet the bottom of the metal sled, let it freeze so it would glide down the hills fast enough to blow my hat off," Yui didn't realize she was talking aloud, she was just speaking, staring at the gray sky, watching as the flakes grew bigger as they fell towards her. "My other brother sprained his wrist once doing that, but for whatever reason, no matter how much my mother fussed, he didn't seem to care. Dad would build igloos, which you know, when you're five you think is pretty big. Big enough to hold you and shield you from the cold."

Yui glanced over to see Balder's head turned towards her, his face passive as if he grasped every word she said, his chiseled mouth slightly upturned in a small smile, "That's the first time you have ever told me anything about yourself. At least such a personal story."

She could only shrug, "Yes well…it's not much."

Yui let it as is, trying hard not to think of family. Her eyes closed against the thought maybe too long. It wasn't until she felt a warm hand enclose around her small one that she realized that Balder may have sensed her distress. His strong thumb brushed over her knuckles as an act of comfort, mouth open as he fought to come up with the words.

"I like you, Yui," he said as a whisper into the air, letting his words grace the winter sky. "I think I really like you."

At that her jaw hardened and she sat up, her hand slipping out of his. As she got to her feet, Balder looked on in confusion, "Balder, I need to tell you something."

Balder got to his feet, looking eager and concerned for whatever she was going to say, "Yes, of course. You can tell me anything."

"Balder…I…" Yui took a deep breath, feeling saddened deep in her heart. Balder's rather pathetic face didn't help matters. "Balder, I appreciate your friendship. You're fantastic, that fact should be plain. But…I'm not here for the type of relationship…you're wanting. I'm here to teach you and help you understand humans. It's not just you, it's the other gods as well. You should be concerned with learning about humans too."

Balder's expectant face pulled into a rather downtrodden gaze. Whatever Yui said really, really must've hurt him. Her heart ached for him. She knew rejection hurt. While Yui was never rejected herself, her friends were, and she was very in tune with their emotions to know that having someone you admire and like reject you was extremely painful. And for Balder, who was so used to getting admired by, predominantly by people who loved what he represented, rather than his character, it must have hurt a million times more.

Yui had grown to know that gods like Apollo and Balder and Takeru were horrible at hiding how they truly felt, and through out all that confusion and mix of emotions Balder was going through, Yui never had to guess when he was happy and when he was disappointed. Every bit of his disappointment showed even as he desperately tried to mask it.

"Think about it," Yui continued. "If we fail, we'll be locked here. Zeus will undoubtedly make the punishments of being imprisoned here harsher. You won't be able to go home. You won't be able to see Hödr or your mother again."

That just confused Balder even more, and eventually his thoughts formed into words, "Being locked and imprisoned with you…and the others, isn't so bad."

"Balder!" she scolded. "How can you say that? Everyone else wants to desperately learn so they can return home. You have to feel the same. You can't sabotage this. Not now. Please Balder. You can't let me get in the way of that, because believe me, I'm not worth it. There are plenty of other girls out there who are better deserving of your…affections than I."

Yui laughed at the end to try to play it off, but it only seemed to upset Balder more.

"How can you talk like that about yourself?" he grumbled, almost looking furious that Yui would talk herself down. He fidgeted, unsure of what to do with himself, "You are better than that. Nothing such…I don't want…I don't like hearing that."

The kid was nervously scratching his arms, cheeks growing red, looking decidedly agitated, "You are perfect, honest, compassionate, understanding, how can you think that you are not deserving—"

"Balder enough!" she yelled, eyes squeezing tight in frustration. "I get it, I get it, but you need to understand, it just can't work out. I'm sorry, Balder, but it just can't happen. Not with you and not with anyone else here."

At this point Balder couldn't bear to look at her. He shifted from side to side, rubbing his forehead vigorously. Immediately, sensing his distress, Yui took one step closer to him, once again rubbing his arm to comfort him. She was afraid he would cry, so instead she gave him a friendly embrace, "It'll be alright. We can still be friends, okay? But if you pull a stunt like you did last night again, I don't think I could be near you for a while."

After a second or two of standing with Yui's arms around him in a warm hug, Balder managed to wrap his arms around her as well, not saying a word. He didn't dare to, not wanting to break what little comfort Yui could offer.

Perhaps in a way, his heart felt lighter. The weight of wondering if he could ever get close to her off his shoulders, despite the outcome. And in the moment he thought about it, she was right. The gods weren't here for courting. They were here to learn.

And he now realized he still had much to learn.

Too quickly for him, she separated; tugging at the pendant he gave her, "Now there's this…"

Balder glanced at it curiously, "Yes?"

"Loki told me what it means. I don't think I should be carrying this around, you know."

"What did he say it meant?"

Yui ran her thumb along the stoutly crafted chain, "It was sign of partnership and of motherhood, of which I am neither."

"He said that?" Balder frowned. "He's somewhat correct, but it's just a method of protection and nothing more. I don't know why he's gone and told you such trivial things."

"You're sure?" Yui asked, not sure of who to believe. "You're sure this isn't some binding tool."

"It is not," Balder assured her. "Especially not now since you have made it clear that all you want is friendship. It's just a gift, Yui. If you don't feel comfortable wearing it given the circumstances you can give it back. I'll understand."

"I'm going to believe you," she admitted, as it looked like Balder seemed prepared to take the pendant back. "I'll keep this for good luck then. Okay?"

One corner of Balder's lips lifted, finally giving her a smile, though it was plain he tried not to. Yui reached over and lightly patted her tall Norse friend on the back and the two trudged back through the woods back to the warmth of the dorm for breakfast.

* * *

**A/N: So believe it or not this chapter was supposed to be longer but I decided to cut it off. Much of the dialogue from this chapter and the previous one was inspired by Richard Thompson's "Read About Love". He's really good at making dark satire out of a sexually curious boy's plight, but I'll be honest it's more of a Tsukito song than a Balder one. I would advise people to check that song out, but it only proves how old I am and he probably won't appeal to my younger audience. Moving on. One of the things I like about Loki is that he's like the "anti-Norse". For a Norse god he seems to hate a lot of Norse things. He hates the cold, dislikes fish, hates the water, kind of physically wimpy (compared to his pals that is) my guess is he was actually put in Hakoniwa because he is one gigantic failure of a Norse anything.  
**

**Next chapter has a small surprise (more of a surprise for me but I hope others will enjoy it).**

**Anyway...you know the drill.**


	13. Prose 13

**Disclaimer: I don't own this.**

Prose 13:

Everyone was awake and eating happily when Balder and Yui returned from the outside. Apollo waved them over, "Hey Miss Fairy, Bal-Bal! Looks like there's enough snow to make a snow fort."

Takeru flexed his muscular arm, "I challenge you north folk to an all-out snowball war."

Balder laughed softly, "We'll see. I warn you, though, when it comes to warfare in the snow, no one can beat the Norse."

Loki stood from his seat, looking decidedly displeased. He pointed directly at Balder giving out a furious, "Hey!" He then turned his finger to beckon Balder to him angrily, "I need to talk to you."

Balder looked skeptical, but lumbered towards Loki, Yui following inadvertently to join the others. Loki glared at her and said pointedly, "ALONE!"

Yui ignored him and removed her coat and draped it over the back of the sofa, sitting on the floor by the fireplace to get warm.

Meanwhile, Loki dragged Balder into the quiet hallway that led to a few closets and small guestrooms, safe and away from the others.

"Okay WHAT happened? What were you thinking?" Loki hissed, but Balder however seemed unnerved. "And don't get me started about last night-"

"-it was fine."

"Fine for you! I couldn't sleep for fear I would end up in a sticky mess because of you," Loki inhaled roughly, gathering wind to speak again. "Why did you go and kiss that…human? Let alone, give her your mother's amulet."

"It was a gift."

"The kiss was a gift. The amulet was a gift. I DON'T CARE!" Loki said a little too loudly after mocking what was already told to him. "She tells me you jumped her, Balder! Why? Why are you so set in kissing and jumping that girl?"

Loki truly wanted to know, hoping beyond all hope that Balder's fixation for Yui was just a phase. A phase of finally getting a chance of getting close to a person of the opposite sex. He hoped and wished that the phase would disappear sooner than later, for everyone's sake.

When Balder didn't answer Loki continued with finality, "I don't want you to go near that girl again. Understand? You can stay with Thor and I, but you two alone together isn't…."

He couldn't think of how to finish that statement. Not in a way that could make Balder understand several different intricacies of their relationship with each other, Balder's relationship with Yui, and Balder's nature itself.

"Loki…" Balder's tone was low, his face inquisitive. "Are you upset because…you like Yui?"

Loki cocked his head and rolled his eyes up at his friend and responded with sarcasm, "Uhh…no. That's not it. It's just…you…"

"You treated me the same way before we became friends," Balder explained. It was apparent by the look on his face that he assumed greatly that Loki's actions towards his and Yui's friendship was more than just distaste.

"Uh, no," Loki quickly refuted. "I went out of my way to make you suffer, which backfired considerably."

"Then why are you so mean to her? She hasn't done anything wrong."

Except make you revert to an overly hormonal ox. Loki frowned, "Ever since you've been hanging out with her you've been a huge handful. Moreso than before. I have limits too, you know. It has nothing to do with how much I do or do not like her."

Balder's face was stony as he reached over and grabbed Loki's shoulders. Loki's eyes went wide, going wider as he felt his body be lifted up slightly so easily by his friend, his toes barely touching ground.

"Whaaat are you doing?" he asked severely, a little afraid that Balder wouldn't believe his explanation and do something rash. Balder's blue eyes stared right through Loki's grey ones, making his face flush. Loki swallowed as his throat went suddenly dry.

Then, Balder's face broke, as his calm handsome smile graced his face, blue eyes twinkling, "I believe you Loki. But I don't see why you have to be so hostile to our friends. Perhaps you just need a hug."

"Balder, no-!"

Loki still suspended by Balder's strong hands was suddenly pulled into a crushing hug. He whined, hissed, and struggled in Balder's embrace, like a particularly ornery cat being hugged by an over zealous child. "Balder NO! Let me go!"

"C'mon buddy, just a hug," Balder laughed rocking to and fro, Loki going rigid, eyes flashing with distinct distaste, grumbling. All that grumbling faded away as soon as he heard his best friend laugh. It was so damn hard to be mad at him when he laughed.

"You're so cute sometimes, Loki," Balder murmured jokingly. Still it sounded so sincere that Loki's face went beat red. He tapped Balder on his shoulder.

"Okay, okay, let me down now," Loki then felt his feet touch the ground and the tight, warm embrace fade away. They were now face-to-face, secure on the floor. He could see the wry, almost pained smile on Balder's face.

"No need to worry, Loki. Yui…didn't want the same thing I did."

Loki was now torn. He was worried and furious to know that Balder wanted to get close to the human girl, but that look…It was painfully obvious that Balder was masking his disappointment with a smile. Loki had longed learned that it took a lot to crush Balder's esteem and spirit. Even when he was cruel to him before their friendship, Balder rarely broke. There were only a handful of times that Loki had seen Balder truly hurt and he never wanted to see that face again. Hopefully it would be a brief recovery.

Loki nudged Balder's shoulder, "You'll be alright pal. Plenty of girls around, you know. Now get redressed. I can tell you've been sweating and you reek of bear."

Yui helped herself to some hot cocoa, which felt like a tasty relief from being out in the cold. She watched bewildered as Balder wordlessly reappeared out of the hallway with Loki close behind. Balder ascended the stairs to his room and Loki gave her a stony glance before plopping himself on the sofa.

Not a moment later, there was a knock at the door.

While Loki reclined on the couch, busying himself with playing with reading a magazine, ignoring the knock at the door, Yui sighed and groaned at him, "That's okay, don't get up, I'll get it."

Yui assumed that perhaps it was Zeus or Thoth, or perhaps any of the Aztec gods, though they had already declined the offer to attend, stating that it was "too cold."

Perhaps one of the Celtic gods, but surely Crom Cruach knew better than to show his face anywhere near here. Yui opened the door and on the other side stood a young man. She had never seen him before. He had short black, greasy, messy hair, silky hairs on his chin and upper lip. His skin was pallid with perhaps a gray tint and in his hand was a long black wooden staff.

She couldn't see his eyes. A gray cloth was tied over them.

He was dressed kind of dingy. He wore a large grey hooded sweatshirt and musty dark pants. He reminded her of one of her friends' boyfriends. The guy dropped out of high school and went into construction to make money for his mother and three other siblings. Despite her friends' parents obviously disapproving of the relationship, the boy was obviously a hard worker and he'd always show up at get-togethers with dirty hooded pullovers and jackets and grimy skin.

"Hello," the young man uttered a little shyly. Though it was obvious he couldn't see, by all accounts it seemed he didn't expect Yui to answer the door. "Is…there a Balder or Thor here?"

"Holy cow."

Yui turned to see Thor peering curiously from the kitchen, giving a face that graced the most expression she's seen from him yet. He seemed pleasantly surprised, "Loki get over here!"

Loki peered out from the back of the couch, his face transforming from boredom to shock, "Hey! Hey! What are you doing here!" He leapt from the couch and joined Thor in inviting the blind stranger in. The young man looked a bit surprised at being ushered into the warmth of the dorm and Yui closed the door behind him, watching as Loki laughed and yelled, "Balder, get down here! You'll never believe who it is!"

A moment later Balder descended the stairs wearing a clean sweater. He paused as his eyes fell on the blind man and after a moment of stillness his face lit up lighter than Yui could ever recall. He beamed and shouted, "HÖDR!"

He ran down the steps, tripping and falling but wasted no time in gathering himself to resume his circuit over a chair and barreled right to the stranger, wrapping his arms around him and lifting him off the ground in a great big bear hug.

The young man was taken by surprise, but he held a bemused smile on his face and said softly, "I'm glad to see you too, Balder."

Balder let him down and in a very entertaining moment for the other gods in the dorm, all three Norse gods began gathering around the stranger-who obviously was not a stranger to them-and began jumping up and down in excitement uttering vague Scandinavian words that no one had any clue as to what they were saying.

"What do you think they're saying?" Apollo asked his uncle excitedly and curious. Hades glanced at Apollo and sarcastically responded, "Sorry my Excited Nordic Ramblings is a little rusty."

The black haired boy looked to be in awe and shock at seeing—or rather hearing—such a reaction out of people at his presence.

"Hödr! Hödr! How did you manage to get here?" Balder asked keeping the black haired boy at arms length gracing him with his beautiful smile.

The boy shrugged, "In truth I don't know who or what truly convinced Zeus, but he allowed me in. A Yule miracle I suppose."

"It doesn't matter," Balder wrapped his arm around Hödr's shoulders and turned him to everyone else, "Everyone, meet Hödr, my twin. He's the god we celebrated last night. And I bet my bottom dollar he brought the snow. Right?"

Hödr nodded, "Yeah, I brought winter, Balder."

"Hödr, this is Hades Aidoneus, Apollo Agana-Balea, Dionysus Thyrsos, and the Totsuka brothers, Tsukito and Takeru," Balder pointed to each god as he named them, though Hödr more than likely couldn't see them. Yui hoped he couldn't see because Tsukito was still in his briefs, scratching his belly, looking barely awake.

Balder turned Hödr to face Yui and said, practically beaming, his chest heaving in anticipation, "And this…is Yui."

Yui held out her hand and Hödr took it in a small shake, "Nice to meet you." Hödr's hand was cold, but not unpleasantly so. It was cool, soothing to the touch, and Yui was sure that if it were in the middle of a blistering summer, his hand would be a relief.

He smiled shyly, turning to the blond boy beside him saying something in Scandinavian making Balder chuckle a bit. Balder joked back, both boys smiling.

"C'mon guys. Speak standard," Yui complained in mild frustration, knowing full well they were talking about her.

"Sorry," Balder apologized.

"I just meant to agree with him that you sound and feel like a lovely person," Hödr replied.

Takeru stood up from his seat, licking syrup from his fingers, "Hold up. He's your twin? You sure don't look alike."

"Fraternal, right Hod-Hod?" Apollo asked thinking of his own twin sister, almost bitterly. He almost wondered what Artemis was doing. Whatever she did, always seemed to please Zeus more than what Apollo could ever think of.

Hödr nodded. Yui did recall that Balder said that they did not look alike and at first glance they didn't. Hödr had short black hair compared to Balder's long blond locks. Hödr's skin was a pallid grey in contrast to Balder's healthy bright skin. However, they seemed to be similar height, Hödr looking a little shorter because of his slightly hunched stature next to Balder's straight-backed posture. Most noticeably was the smile. Though Yui hadn't seen Hödr smile too much, the glimpses she's seen resembled Balder's brilliant smile to a T. If anything though, the winter god's blocky and tightly wound posture was a lot like Thor's. Perhaps the Norse had standards on how to present oneself.

In fact, although Yui couldn't cite specifics, there were a lot of ways that Hödr resembled Thor as well. It was a strange comparison.

"There's still breakfast, Hödr," Thor rumbled in his usual flat tone as he pointed to a plate of pancakes and sausage. Hödr gave a wry chuckle, "No thank you, Thor. I'm still stuffed from the feast last night."

Hödr smiled once again, patting his stomach to make his point. Balder frowned, "I'm sorry, I almost forgot to wish you a happy birthday…"

"Let it go Balder. We all toasted him yesterday," Loki whined before giving Hödr a toothy grin. "You should've seen him, Ice-cube. He was moanin' and groanin' he couldn't see his little twin for his birthday. Punched a few walls even."

"Loki…" Balder hissed, a little embarrassed.

Hödr brought both hands on his staff, leaning his weight on it, head tilting in the direction of Balder, saying under his breath, "Mama wouldn't be happy to hear that."

Balder's frown stuck and the black-haired Norse god laughed warily, reaching over and patting Balder's shoulder. "S'alright Balder. I got you all a gift."

At this Loki perked up, "Oh, what is it? What is it?"

"Come on and see for yourself, " Hödr grinned that bright charming smile that could make the most scrutinizing girl forget his dingy appearance.

There was the sound of chairs scooting, fumbling and grunting as the gods fought to get out the door after Hödr, curiosity getting the very best of all of them. Yui had to admit she wondered what he had for them.

Hödr stood by the door as the others filed out into the snow to see the gift he got them. Yui stopped next to him, unconsciously touching the god's elbow to lead him safely. He jumped a little and shrank away a bit, as if human contact was something so foreign to him. In her mind, she realized it may have been insulting. Hödr had been blind for likely centuries. He clearly was fully functional and capable of walking on his own.

"Sorry, I don't know why…it wasn't completely intentional. I didn't mean for you to think that I thought you were…"

Hödr eased and gave a relieved chuckle, "It's okay. I guess it shows you are a deeply caring person. You must subconsciously strive to help those in need."

Normally, she realized she would've felt flustered at being complimented. To this extent she was complimented so deeply on her character. The gods called her pretty, lively, and a lot of other compliments about her physical attributes. Sure, Balder and the others have praised her for her generosity and her personality, but coming from a blind man who had no other attributes to go off of, it felt almost…heartbreaking.

"Come," Hödr said lightly, nodding towards where the guys were all gathering.

As Yui got closer she got a clearer view of what Hödr brought with him. The were there in the snow gawking at a chariot sparkling in the snow, made of oak so polished it looked like white ivory.

But this chariot was clearly no ordinary chariot. It could've been made of the plainest material known to man and it would hardly be considered ordinary. That fact became prevalent as Yui circled around the chariot.

"Holy shit," Apollo said with an open mouth. "It's drawn by cats. That's so badass."

Four large cats were all tied to the chariot. The cats were the size of horses, with long fluffy fur. It was obvious though that the fur was not what made the cats look big. Their paws were huge, and could probably crush her in one swipe.

Loki threw in a fit of rapturous laughter, "This is great! How did you get this!?"

Hödr shrugged, "Freya lent it to me, so we can borrow it for the day. You all can pet them if you like. Just not anywhere near their bellies."

Yui sunk her hand into the fur of one, watch as the cat's ears rotated and twitched towards the sounds of the area, flicking at hearing Apollo's over-exuberant voice as he stroked the fur of another one. The cats stood at attention otherwise, eyes closing in mild annoyance at being handled by someone besides their mistress.

"Hod-Hod! This has got to be the best mode of transportation I have ever seen in my life!"

As Apollo glanced expectantly at his uncle, Hades shot him down, "You aren't getting a cat-pulled chariot."

"Dibs!" Loki cried out as he hurdled into the chariot. Takeru followed with a cheerful curse, as he vaulted over the back of the chariot. Loki didn't much mind that he was with his rival. He was busy trying to figure out how to make the cats move. He saw Freya ride this thing tons of times, but never determined what sort of motions or sounds she made to make the cats move.

"How in the hell do you start this thing!" he whined, grabbing the reins and flicking them.

Hödr simply laughed, and rapped his staff against the side of the chariot and made a long wet puckering sound with his lips set tight. Immediately, the cats rose up on all fours and started off in a brisk walk, pulling the chariot behind them into the woods.

Balder came up beside his brother, "Let's hope they don't wear them out."

"Eh, if they get annoyed they won't pull them anymore. I'm just worried about them walking back in the cold." Yui noticed Hödr rubbing his fingers together, the mere mention of winter cold pulling a subconscious habit of his.

Meanwhile, the two brothers standing together—like night and day—chatted whimsically. Balder had asked how Hödr's birthday celebration went and the dark-haired god replied in the same polite and familiar vernacular the god of light spoke in.

"It was fine, Balder. As it always is. Though Heimdallr was particularly less cantankerous since Loki was out of the picture. I'm glad he had fun. Mum gives you her wishes."

At that moment, Hödr shifted his staff, rotating it a tad, so that the only color on his form came into view.

"Who gave you this?" Balder asked as he touched what looked like to be a colorful woven bracelet that was tied around Hödr's black staff. Hödr went rigid, shoulders rising as if he were trying to hide something.

"No one."

"Come on. It looks pretty. It looks a lot like Nanna's work…" Balder's eyes went wide with a slight twinkle. "Awww she gave you a gift."

"Balder."

Balder continued to tease, flinging his arm around Hödr's shoulders, "She likes you…"

"Stop it," Hödr said trying in vain to hide a blush, the rare color forming on his grey cheeks. Thor joined in on the conversation, but stopped Balder from his teasing. He gave Hödr a friendly pat on the back, asking him about the rest of the Asgardian gods. Yui heard a particularly interesting mention of Odin, the ruler of the Norse gods. As they spoke it dawned on her that those three gods before her weren't just good friends and comrades.

"Wait..." Yui squeaked. The three gods turned to face her and then it clicked. "...you guys are...brothers!? All three of you?"

Thor glanced over at Balder and Hödr, lips parted, "You...had no idea?"

How could she? Sitting Balder and Thor side-by-side, at first glance, there was no way anyone could tell they were related. Perhaps in the face shape and maybe in some expressions, but otherwise there was nothing that would blatantly reveal that they were related by blood. It was like Hödr was the missing link. He looked a little like Balder and a little like Thor.

"We're half brothers, I guess," Balder shrugged with a weary smile. "We have the same father. Thor was born from the earth goddess however."

"How come you never mentioned it before?"

"It's not a big deal," Thor explained. "We have many gods who are related in some way as well as many who aren't. Given our rather...egalitarian...structure involving Asgardians, it doesn't really matter one way or another if one happens to be related."

Thor reached over and tousled Hodr's dark hair, "We don't form bonds through blood, we are just three gods who just happen to be the seeds of Odin."

Immediately her thoughts floated to Loki. Unless there was some hidden relation that Yui wasnt aware of, Loki was not connected to Thor and Balder through blood. But as Thor had said, blood didn't much matter to them. They were friends with or without it.

Thor's head jerked forward as white blasted behind it. He frowned and glowered behind his shoulder.

Dionysus chuckled in his throat, rolling another snowball and called, "Hey! You guys did say we could challenge you all to a snow ball fight."

Hades was looking around frantically, unwilling to be a part of such a spontaneous event. "Erm…uhhh."

Apollo already had an armful of snowballs, "Come on Dee-Dee. We've got these gods cornered!"

He chucked a snowball right at Hödr. Yui immediately ducked just in case it missed the winter god and hit her instead, but nothing happened. Balder shoved himself in front of his younger brother, using his invulnerability to have the snowball disperse after bouncing right off of him.

"I got your front Hödr!" he called back over Apollo's whines.

Hödr jerked his staff up, pointing it at the Greeks and poor Tsukito who was trying to help out, by taking his time with making perfectly round snowballs. The god drew circles with his staff in the air, wind gathering, snow accumulating with his winter magic, until a dozen or so small snow balls were floating in mid-air and with one push with his hand, the balls flew towards the Greek gods, sending Dionysus and Apollo scampering. Unfortunately, Hades was unable to get out of the way in time and received a snowball in the groin and one in the head.

"Where are those annoying Spartans when you need them!" Dionysus cried out, trying to think of something to use a defense against Hödr's snowballs. As fast as he could, Apollo began piling up snow to form a small barrier to hide behind. Hödr thrust his hand out, prepared to use his powers again to dissemble the barrier but Balder stopped him.

"We can at least play fair, seeing as we already have an advantage," he said, grabbing Hödr's wrist.

The two Norse brothers reset, attacking the Greek gods, relentlessly. Even blind Hödr heard every movement, every crunch in the snow and tuned his senses towards the fleeing Greeks. However, he became distracted when he heard the heavy plodding of the giant cats returning with Loki and Takeru, that he received a blast of snow to the side of the face.

Takeru and Loki returned with red cheeks, snow in their hair and on their shoulders, rolling out of the side of the chariot, breathless like after being on a rollar coaster ride.

"Who's next!?" Loki called, pointing back at the chariot with his thumb.

"Us! Us!" Apollo said, pulling an unknowing Tsukito along with him, throwing the still partially naked mood god into the chariot and leaping inside. Hödr shook the snow out of his hair and strode over to the cats, repeating the same motions to get the cats to pull again.

Yui watched as the remaining boys wandered around outside as if the cold wasn't there. Even Dionysus didn't give much care that it was cold either. She was cold though, pulling her sweater around herself tightly. She didn't even think about enjoying the ride on a chariot pulled by cats.

At least until after Apollo and Tsukito returned and Hödr asked politely, "Would you like a short ride, Kusanagi?"

The blind god had the reigns tight in his hand, glancing back at her expectantly. She glanced at the cats, a few licking their wet paws, and one scratching their ear with its hind leg.

Yui wasn't unfamiliar to riding on magical beasts. She rode with Apollo on Pegasus a while back, so riding in a chariot with felines at the helm would be manageable she figured. She accepted the offer and Hödr helped her into the chariot with a gentle tug of his hand.

He settled next to her, winding the reigns around his wrist, "Are you okay?"

"Y-yes," she didn't sound so convincing. Any hesitation didn't matter when Hödr thumped his staff against the floor of the chariot. The tugging was gentle as they casually were driven into the forest. The big paws of the cats crunched in the snow as Yui was treated to a rare sight.

She had seen the forest of the mountainous area of the garden plenty of times. It was, however, very different covered in white fresh now. Everything seemed almost just as sparkling and new as if it were spring. She was mesmerized by the patterns of tall dark trees encrusted with white snow that lay on the branches. Everything seemed to be in tones of crystal grey.

"Hold on tight," she heard Hödr say.

"What?"

Before she could brace herself, Hödr tapped his staff twice again and Yui jerked back as the cats began pulling the sleigh at an incredible speed. Ice and wind hit her cheeks, but for once she didn't exactly care as she braced herself with each sharp turn through the thick forest.

After ducking under a dangerously low hanging branch, Yui watched in horror as the forest ended in a cliff. She tugged on Hödr's sleeve, barely able to yell out that they were going to run off the cliff.

"Calm yourself," he said softly, holding onto her wrist for reassurance even as the cats seemed to breaking into an outright run, leaping off the cliff. Instead of plummeting to their deaths the chariot remained in the air, flying through the sky as the cats raced across thin air.

Yui took several gulps of cold air before regaining her senses, withholding uncouth words of distress. She stopped when she looked out, seeing the garden at a sky view. It wasn't like when she toured the area with Apollo on Pegasus. No, the white sparkling blanket that covered the hills, treetops, runestones and lakes, was pure, and untouched. Never had the garden looked so fresh.

"Wow…this is incredible," she whispered before turning to her companion, "You've got to see—"

She stopped herself and took one wary glance at Hödr, whose face was staring straight ahead, black hair blowing softly against the gentle air, not a care in the world that he couldn't see the magic he had brought.

Yui sat back and watched as the cats flew gently across the hills, nearing a forest across from the big lake.

"You know…I never thought much of winter," she said, whimsically. "I always thought it was part of the year. A thing that just happens. I loved it as a kid as all do. What is it about the season do kids feel a certain…magic?"

Hödr chuckled in his throat, "Beats me. Magic happens in all seasons. My father however had a particular fun during this season, testing people's faiths in each other, and rewarding well doers—especially children-with small gifts. Perhaps that is what you are thinking of."

Yui shook her head, getting the distinct image of Odin being Santa Claus. For what little she heard about Odin, it was a little odd to think the big man of the Norse was a fat jolly man in a red suit.

Pulling the reigns back, the blind god lowered the chariot into the forest, slowing to a stop on a small ledge overlooking the crystalline lake of the garden.

"We'll give these fellas a bit of a rest," Hödr stepped out and petted the head of one of the furry cats, before helping Yui out. As Yui drew closer to the ledge feeling the sun threatening to peak out, the rays bouncing off the white snow, warming her cheeks. More importantly the sky blue ice on the lake sparkled like diamonds.

"Wow," Yui gasped. "Not every day a dream you're greeted to something like this on Christmas."

"Then a Happy Christmas to you," Hödr said with a gentle smile, the whiteness of the snow flicking on his dark hair. Yui blinked at him and didn't respond immediately. Eventually she wished him Happy Christmas back, "You as well, Hödr. Sorry I didn't think—"

"You mortals call it 'Christmas' correct? I mean at least you do, right?"

"Yes, but, it's more of a winter holiday term rather than religious. It's to celebrate the festivities you know? Your brother seemed to take offense."

Hödr planted his staff in front of him, his face towards the icy lake into the wind, chuckling, "Let me guess. He was all upset because mortals are doing these festive celebrations which suspiciously reflect a celebration of me and me bringing winter but attribute it to someone else."

"Uh…yeah."

Shaking his head, Hödr continued, "You'll have to forgive Balder. He only gets defensive about that because he feels he is trying to protect me. As for me, I'm fine. I do my job. And of course, my brother doesn't see that everything dealing with the winter celebrations is more of a welcoming of him than me."

This confused Yui. At the very end of his statement, Hödr's humble soft tone took on a bitter edge. "I'm not sure how you mean."

"Every belief system has a celebration of winter. But its more to commemorate the light that will come," Hödr strode over to an evergreen and ran his palm on the furs, shifting the snow off and onto the ground. "Think about it, Kusanagi. You light trees and candles, have lighting ceremonies, fires during the darkest days of the years. To combat the darkness I have to bring."

He sighed, "Everyone welcomes my brother in my stead."

Standing still, she thought about what he said. As suddenly bitter as he became, he may have been right. Most hated the cold and the dark days of winter. Or at least in her time, they complained about it a lot. Her family always told her it was the cycle of the seasons and that people have dealt with them for centuries. Still, there wasn't a time in which her family celebrated Christmas without putting up a lot of lights and candles and lanterns to help the spirits or to ward off the darkness. Yui watched as Hödr sat in the snow, overlooking the frozen lake in peace and quiet.

"Have…have you told Balder about your feelings?" she asked. It seemed to her that Hödr didn't wear his heart on his sleeve like his counterpart. At least not as much.

"What could he do?" he said in resignation. "He cannot combat the centuries of fears of the people. Every known civilization has been terrified of darkness, so I take pride in knowing I am not the only one out there who was dealt the low end straw."

"Besides," he continued with a wry grin, "I'm sure you realize he may have his moments of wisdom but he's not too…uh…"

"Bright? In an intellectual manner of speaking," Yui nodded. "Yeah, but he sure isn't the only one."

Hödr laughed, "There's a reason he's here. At least he tries."

He stood and dusted off his pants and apologized for his rant. Hödr has always felt the solstice celebrations were arbitrary. The Norse gods never said no to a feast or celebration. Granted they weren't insatiable like the Roman and/or Greek gods. Still, Hödr would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy the slightly more attention he got now that Balder was gone.

For once it was him who got kissed on the cheek by Freya and Nanna. It was him who received a rough noogie from Tyr's handless stump. He received gifts every year, but it felt so much more personal this year without people wanting to flock over to Balder and his friends.

The thought soured his gut, "You must think I hate him. All I've done is complain."

"I…don't really know you well enough to say either way. But I think you don't know how much he looks up to you. Trust me, the way he speaks about you isn't pity. He loves your work ethic and reliability. And he really, really missed you."

Hödr's lips flattened, "Thank you, Kusanagi. I can tell why he loves you."

Yui's stomach dropped immediately, "L-love?"

"I may not be able to see, but I am still fully functioning in all my other senses. Whenever he talks about or even goes near you, trust me, I can sense his pheromones practically exploding."

"I feel like I'm having a conversation with a farmer regarding a farm animal," Yui sighed rubbing his forehead, "Why is it that you and Loki talk about him as if he was some pet or prized animal? Don't touch him, he'll get turned on. His pheromone levels are high. Scratch his belly after meal times, and feed him twelve pounds of deer meat every other hour. Balder is a sentient being you know."

It was mostly true. She always felt like Loki and Thor talked about Balder as if he were a beloved puppy. Not that Balder didn't act like one on occasion, but really. Yui continued, folding her arms over her chest, "I already discussed his 'puppy love' not long ago. He will move on."

Hödr's jaw clenched as he steadied his staff in the snow and he murmured a vague, "Yeah…" before turning back to her.

"We had better head back. I wouldn't want them to think I would kidnap you."

* * *

**A/N: Okay, sooo...this was supposed to be the Christmas chapter to be uploaded on Christmas. But that didn't happen. Then I was thinking of uploading it for New Years. Yeah...that didn't happen either. Well, it's up now so I hope its okay. I was giving myself a gift with Hödr, but hopefully others will enjoy him. Anyway, you know the drill.  
**


	14. Prose 14

**Disclaimer: Yada Yada you know the drill**

Prose 14:

If Yui were to look back on this Christmas, she would've felt the warmth and love that one associated with the winter holiday, making her feel cozy. It was a grand Christmas, great, despite her not spending it with her own family. But she spent it with a family. She had seen the beauty of winter and come to understand it more.

But whatever magic that gripped them for the festivities quickly took a dark turn.

Yui laid in Balder's bed that Christmas night, staring out the window at the clear white moon in the sky, shining like the night sun. She tossed on the mattress, thinking about how to adjust going back to classes and if the others would be up for it. She remembered what it was like going back to school after break. The dread, the adjustment period. And some of these gods were stubborn. It would probably be rough.

She heard a door open outside in the hall. From what she could tell, it was from Loki's room. It had to be either Balder or Loki, but she could tell by the light cadence in the creaking footsteps that it was the smaller Loki who was descending the stairs.

Yui thought that perhaps Loki was getting a glass of water. Or had to use the restroom. But why go all the way downstairs? Then she heard deep muffled voices of two or three males speaking lowly.

Yui snuck over to her door and stuck her head out, just to check on who was talking.

She couldn't help but hear an argument. It sounded calm, still, but it was obvious they were discussing something very, very, very grave.

"-I should do it!" she heard Hödr's calm whisper, rise with determination. Yui peaked around the corner down the stairs to watch Thor, Loki, and Hödr have an intense conversation. Hödr was still sitting on the couch, his head forward as he leaned against his staff. "It is necessary—"

Loki scoffed and folded his arms over his chest, "No."

"Loki—"

"Shut up, Hödr. You do not have the privilege or the right to complete the task," Loki's voice was hurtful, almost spiteful, as if he hated Hödr for even offering to do whatever they were discussing.

Hödr's grip tightened on his staff, his voice shaky as he could only respond, "Loki, do you not know what will happen when you finish the task? All the gods—my family—will go after you, and this time no one can defend you. Not even Thor. Blood for blood, Loki. Then the Jötunn will want to avenge your punishment and it will go on and on and on, with no end in sight. If it were me, only I will be punished for my sin. I have no allies, no loved ones to avenge me. It stops there."

Yui's heart thumped. What where they planning? What were they going to do that would call for such devastation?

Thor glanced at his red-headed friend, "I think we must consider this option-"

"NO!" Loki barked. "Hödr, you are truly a feeble and insensitive punk. You would hurt your family again with being forced to kill their own kin?"

"I am only thinking of the aftermath. I do not think Balder would want to see this bloodshed after—"

"Shut up," Loki stared daggers at the blind god. And yet Hödr did not need to see to know what Loki was feeling.

"I don't want to hear anything from you," Loki spat.

"That's enough, Loki," Thor said giving Hödr's shoulder a gentle squeeze.

Loki shook his head in defiance, "You can't pretend you are doing this because you care about Balder. How am I supposed to believe that? You never gave a damn. You were never there for him. Never! You just holed yourself up, like a coward! And you think you have the nerve—no—the balls to insinuate that you should do this?"

"I should do this," Hödr's voice stopped shaking and became hard, as if he gathered all the resolve he needed. "I have already fashioned the mistletoe weapon. I can see it through."

"Go back to bed, Hödr. I don't want to see your self-pitying face again and I hope your departure tomorrow is quick," Loki seethed once again.

Thor's jaw was set tight as he uttered forcefully, "Get over yourself, Loki. He's just trying to help."

Hödr stood instead, not at all phased. It was like he was used to such verbal abuse. "It's okay, Thor. I am tired. I'll…I don't know. I'll leave as soon as I can tomorrow. I'm sorry."

Yui tried to find a way to quickly and silently get scarce. There was no way she could dive back into Balder's room without causing a ruckus. Instead she flattened her back against the wall and held her breath, hoping that Hödr wouldn't notice her eavesdropping.

She heard the clunking of his staff and watched with bated breath as he passed her frozen frame without a word. She was about to breathe a sigh of relief before he stopped and murmured.

"I'm sorry Kusanagi, that you had to hear that. Whatever questions you may have, you will have to take up with Loki."

And with that the blind god clunked over to Thor's bedroom where he was staying the night.

* * *

Sure enough, Hödr was set to leave the next morning. He seemed anxious to leave, but Balder, Thor and Apollo were chatting him up. Yui stood on the porch watching carefully, lips tight. She couldn't sleep last night after what she heard, wondering all the details of what they were discussing. Whatever it was, it was severe, and obviously something they did not want to tell Balder. She had a severe idea what they wanted to do. The mistletoe weapon the biggest clue.

She already knew that Balder's immortality was not extended to mistletoe, but never could she have ever seriously imagined that mistletoe could be weaponized. Did she really want to bring all of this up now?

Of course she did. It was her job to have them all graduate, but people really needed to cut the bullshit if having them all graduate was going to be a futile task.

No one seemed to notice her severe frown as she stared on, seeing Balder speak excitedly to his twin. That was until she felt a presence beside her.

"Balder is sure keeping him," Loki said deeply under his breath. He was not looking upon the blind god with his telltale smirk or conniving gleam.

"What's your problem?" he half-snarled seeing her disappointed gaze.

Yui refused to look at Loki, though she knew she _had_ to get answers from him. She set her teeth and answered quite bluntly, "I over heard your conversation with Hödr and Thor last night…"

Loki's head whipped in her direction, his mouth agape in horror. He quickly tried to cover it up, "Just giving the blind dumbass a hard time, you know, been a long while since I've seen—"

"Cut the crap, Loki," Yui hissed under her breath so as not to draw Balder's attention. She turned to face the red-haired god fixing him a fiery gaze, "What the hell is going on?"

There was a pause as Loki seemed to try to figure out a way out of this one. His grey eyes flitted towards Balder, as the blond god laughed aloud at something.

"None of your business frankly," he said finally, bluntly.

"It is my business," she countered, "I'm here to help you guys out and I sure as heck can't do that if you guys are plotting to murder my classmate."

That seemed to set Loki off. Yui could see that inside he was twisting with rage at the insult, but he was smart enough not to lose his temper in front of everyone.

"You cannot possibly understand…"

"Then explain. Trust me. I am very good at listening," Yui replied with a hint of desperation.

With a sigh Loki leaned on the wooden railing of the balcony, the wood creaking as if the weight on his mind were also weighing his body. He stared out at the snowy front lawn at his friends.

He spoke, his voice soft, almost below a whisper as if even speaking the admission could cause dire consequences, "Balder will kill you."

Yui could only mouth "What?" her face full of confusion. Unless it was for food, Balder didn't seem like someone who would harm anyone.

"You, me, and everything he loves because that is his fate. He doesn't know it. But that is what the threads have woven for him. And that is why he is here. His traumatic history with humans only exacerbating the larger problem."

Yui didn't have a choice but to believe whatever Loki was saying, but her bewildered look didn't do much to convince Loki that she understood what he was saying.

"Why the hell do you think I don't like you hanging around him?" he asked, looking back over his shoulder.

Yui shrugged and answered honestly, "I just thought you didn't like me or was jealous."

Both had been true. Loki was jealous and he wasn't particularly fond of the human girl when they first met, but if she was something Balder cared about and he destroyed her…it would…be to painful for him to watch the aftermath.

Loki sighed and turned his face back to the wind, keeping them in silence once again as he thought carefully how to give this human a better understanding of what was going on.

A long distant memory emerged of when Loki first found out about Balder's hidden power. They were children then, Balder himself just a little godling, small and seemingly frail, despite his rather Herculean strength for his small size. Children, god or human or otherwise, should live their lives in innocence free for just a short moment in their lives to do the impossible and not be weighed down by logic of adults.

But for Norse gods and Norse humans alike, innocence was thrown out the window once a blade was pointed in your direction.

And for sweet little Balder, that happened at too young of an age.

"Have you ever seen a father try to kill his son?" Loki whispered, his voice cracking at the memory in his head.

Yui shook her head, her eyes wide. She gave Loki her full attention, her heart pounding hoping that this story wasn't as bad as she expected. Yet, she knew, based on the close and intimate bond the Norse had, this story would only end in heartbreak.

"I have," the muscle in Loki's jaw twitched as he recalled the memory. "I never knew my father and my mother had enough trouble trying to raise me, but because of Thor and Balder I knew what family was. I wasn't alone, and even if the Aesir wanted nothing to do with me, I still lived among them under their watch and care. And Odin…"

He paused, the name hanging deep in his throat. Yui hadn't heard much about Odin. The Norse rarely mentioned his name unless it was necessary. Yet the way they spoke of him, even uttering his name with a tone of deathly ferocity, she figured the Supreme Norse God was someone to fear, respect, and never ever tempt or tease.

Loki puffed out a small bit of laughter, "They don't call him 'All-Father' for nothing. Whether or not he approved of me was moot. He was my ward and I was his charge as much as everyone else. You see Odin thinks of his Aesir as a whole embodiment. He would be willing to make sacrifices to protect the many...from the one."

* * *

_He had been working on the trap for a while now. It took him a good half a day and he was sure it was set up to perfection. Oh he'd get Balder this time. The runt. Perfect little runt. Loki rubbed his hands together as he placed the trap into a hole in the trunk of a tree._

_He quickly ran out of the woods finding a small godling in the grassy field touching some flowers, watching the bees buzz away onto another flower. He WAS small. Some would say sickly. As if he was the weakling little runt of a litter of wolves. _

_But everyone on Asgard called him "perfect". Perfect ray of beauty on such a small body. It attracted everyone and everything._

_Even now, the little boy's companion pet, Litlbursti, a young boar sired by Freyr's legendary Gullinbursti, stuck by him, both completely unaware of Loki's antics. Loki snickered behind the trunk of a tree, seeing the little god's blond head dip down as his little legs squatted to observe the bee more closely._

_Loki came rushing out, "Hey~! Balder. Wanna play a game? A scavenger hunt?"_

_Balder turned his head back at him, "A scavenger hunt?"_

_Loki nodded, "Uh-huh, I hid a surprise for you somewhere in the forest. If you find it you win, it's yours. If you don't, I win for kicks!"_

_As expected, Balder's smile broadened into wide smile that was like looking into the fresh morning sun._

_"__I'll find it for you, Loki!" Balder scampered to towards the woods with Litlbursti at his heels. He tripped and fell a few times. Loki had a half-fear that Balder would get hurt, but the little lad just picked himself up and continued his race to find his surprise._

_Loki followed Balder close behind, hiding behind bushes and trees, watching his trusting friend closely as looked under boulders, uprooted trees and hollowed logs. Balder and Litlbursti finally reached the clearing where Loki hid the trap. The boar's snout stuck to the ground as if it were trying to sniff out the surprise, while Balder shuffled through a thicket._

_Loki hid a snicker as Litlbursti seemed very interested in the very tree where Loki hid the trap._

_"__Did you find something, Litlbursti?" Balder glanced over at his animal friend._

_Litlburst jumped on his hind legs, his cloven feet connecting with bark as he stretched up to poke his head into the hollowed hole in the trunk. No doubt finding the surprise and springing the trap…_

_Loki was sure that this trap was perfect. It would explode smoke and dirt into the faces of whomever touched it. But it wasn't perfect. And it exploded alright._

_The trap literally backfired, causing a small explosion, blasting through the tree, causing Loki and Balder to fly backwards._

_When Loki recovered, he learned the error of his ways in a very horrid way. Balder was okay and was shuffling his way to his feet. But there near the tree lay Litlbursti on his side. Unmoving._

_Instead of noticing the picture of the aftermath, Loki got to his own feet laughing, "Ha-ha~ Balder! I nearly got you this time…"_

_He stopped, noticing that Balder wasn't paying attention to him. Instead the young god went to his companion's side._

_To Loki's horror, the boar didn't seem to be breathing. Loki was still considered a young god, but he knew when something was dead. Poor Litlbursti._

_Gently shaking the body, Balder said softly, "Litlbursti? Get up. Get up, Litlbursti."_

_Mouth still hanging open, Loki took a step closer, hoping that the boar would at least take a breath. Take a breath for Balder. _

_"__Loki…why won't Litlbursti get up? He won't move."_

_He didn't think Balder could be so sensitive, and yet so naïve. But the more Balder stared at Loki's grim face, the more Balder became upset, staring back at Litlbursti, painting the dots together with his clueless little mind._

_"__He won't wake up," tears started forming in Balder's wide blue eyes._

_With a shaky breath, Loki did his best to try to explain to Balder why Litlbursti wasn't going to wake up. It was like explaining the concept of colors to a blind man. And with Balder' fragile mind, who knows how much he would have been scarred. Gods rarely died, and Balder was too young to understand death or of being harmed._

_Balder whispered his companion's name over and over again, while his perfect little world shattered._

_"__Balder, I'm sorry," Loki choked, "Litlbursti…he ain't coming back. He's gone…"_

_"__Gone…" Balder whispered weakly, as his little body started shake with sobs. His beloved pet was never ever going to wake up. All because of the explosion._

_Loki watched as the crying Balder stood and turn around. His face was red, tears streaming down his face, struggling to talk through the sobs._

_It was obvious that Loki was older than Balder and the fire Jotunn was a good size bigger than he was. Plus given Balder's special nature, it was safe to say that Loki had never ever once felt threatened by the blond god. How could anyone be threatened by a godling small enough to drop kick?_

_And yet, as the air around the entire clearing changed, Loki took a few steps back, bracing for whatever fury Balder was about to unleash._

_"__Why d'ya do dat for Loki!" Balder screeched, his well mannered speechcraft lapsing into lazy pronunciations. "Why'd you make it so Litlbursti won't come back to me!"_

_"__Balder, it was an accident—"_

_"__Because of you, I've lost a friend!" Balder yelled through his tears taking heavy steps towards Loki, and the bigger godling felt fear as a flash erupted from Balder's blue eyes, turning them gold._

_Loki didn't have time brace himself as he was violently flung back, cracking his head against stone and losing consciousness…_

_Loki never knew how long he was unconscious, but when he came round he weakly turned his head up from the dirt, his head throbbing violently. The air was cold, the forest uncomfortably dim._

_There in the clearing, Loki could see a massive squared black figure, the furs making the giant figure look more like a monster than man. It was squarely arched over and hunched, staring directly down at a tiny figure on the ground._

_To Loki's horror, the figure had pinned an unconscious Balder to the ground with his giant boot pressed over his tiny body, his giant silver spear pointed directly at the young god, poised to strike._

_A shout of "no!" hung in Loki's throat, but no matter what, Loki couldn't will it to come out. Just the image of Balder before he blasted him hung in his head, stilling his tongue. And Odin…Odin would gut his son and not once did Loki doubt that we would do it._

_Loki held his breath, preparing to close his eyes at the moment Odin would strike, but he could hear whimpering._

_Balder had started crying in his unconscious stupor and Odin's grip on his spear tightened and the spear started to shake. Never had he seen Odin hesitate and actually fear of his actions._

_The Supreme god let out a growling breath and lowered his spear, bringing his half-ton foot off his son's fragile body. He bent down and gathered Balder into his arm—Balder was small enough to fit in the juncture of Odin's elbow—carry him away._

_The All-Father's deep thunderous voice pierced Loki's very body, "Loki, pick yourself up. We're going home. And let all that had happened here be only our knowledge."_

* * *

"So you see now, Kusanagi," Loki said finally after telling his tale. "Odin was this close, _this _close to ridding the world of Balder and the destruction he carries deep inside. And even he couldn't finish the job. And I know you—thankfully—haven't met Odin Allfather, but hear it from me, he is all business. And even he couldn't develop the ice, the guts to just…"

He couldn't finish his statement, but his face turned red and he slammed his fist on the railing. "I also didn't have the guts to say no to killing him. My only friend. If Odin finished the deed—if he could—I would've watched him get kabobed without a sound."

Similarly Yui didn't make a sound. Loki turned around and leaned back against the railing.

"But I can't trust anyone else to put Balder out of his misery. I can only trust myself, lest he truly hurts people."

At that moment Yui gave a disgruntled snort of disgust, "Why does anybody have to kill anybody?"

"I told you—"

"Yeah, I know. He's going to destroy everything. I got that. But perhaps you're pulling the trigger a little quick? I mean surely there's another solution."

"There isn't—"

Yui did her best to keep her voice in check. Balder after all was just a few feet away. "Then why is he here to learn about humans? If it's not going to help him, then why bother? And for that matter, if Odin couldn't just put the killing blow, what makes you so certain you will be able to execute him?"

"Kusanagi…" Loki felt too exhausted to argue, so he let her continue.

"He's your best friend, right? You care for him deeply, correct?"

"Of course I-what are you getting at?" Loki wished he had a way to hide the flush on his cheeks.

"If you think you care so much about Balder are you so sure you will be able to kill him-?"

"It is _because _I care for him that I know I can do it. I rather him die peacefully by my hand, than for him to endure what the bitches of Fate wove for him."

She was sure she couldn't begin to know the relationship Balder and Loki had, and she didn't want to carry on as if she had a clue. That would be insulting. And yet, to just continue pursuing on ending Balder's life without even considering ways to stop Balder from destroying everything, just didn't seem right.

So she thought of the only most cliché dorky line that her older brother liked to say, "I find your lack of faith disturbing*."

Loki shot her a glare that clearly said, "Yeah, I know what you just said." He _had _been subjected to Apollon's read along of scripts of human films. So, yes, he knew that reference very well.

"I mean. Think if the situation were reversed. Do you think Balder would just throw down the gauntlet and not seek other options?"

"No, but that's because he's Balder," Loki replied folding his arms across his chest. "And in the process of him stumbling around trying in vain to sway the threads of Fate, he would be responsible for letting me destroy the worlds, just as much as I would be."

"You're not getting the point—"

He waved his hand in annoyance, "I get the point."

"Do you?" she folded her arms over her chest, remaining all the more skeptical. "Because I would think you would have a little more faith in your best friend to believe that he can graduate. I mean _I _believe he can, and we haven't known each other as long as you two have."

At that, Loki pursed his lips tightly, but he didn't argue. Yui's lips turned up in a victorious smirk. "I'm right aren't I? Admit it."

Loki grumbled.

"I'm sorry? What was that?" Yui laughed, "Come on and admit that I'm right. Look me in the eye and confess."

She could hear his jaw clicking as he ground his teeth, facing her dead on, "You're right."

"Both eyes," she joked and Loki frowned. He apparently could dish it, but couldn't take it.

He pointed his slender finger at her, "Watch it little lady. I'll get my revenge."

Yui restrained herself from rolling her eyes at his threat, but as she turned to head back inside, she felt his hand grab her shoulder and turn her around. Before she could protest, Loki crushed his lips to hers.

_"__What the…_"

Her body went completely rigid, taken off guard.

Out on the front lawn, Balder had caught the movement from the corner of his eye. He turned his head to find Loki kissing Yui, coupled with the feeling of horrid ice dropping into his gut. He didn't say anything. He just stared on with a look of abject defeat.

"Balder?" Hödr called, snapping Balder out of his reverie.

Her slowly turned back to his brother, "Sorry, brother. I didn't want to keep you so long."

Back on the porch, Loki broke away laughing, nearly doubling over, "I said I'd get my revenge. And you should see your face."

Sure enough, Yui's face was caught in an odd snarling expression of confusion, disbelief, and annoyance.

Loki had his arms stretched out at his sides, walking backwards into the dorm with a victory swagger, "Loki wins every time, foolish human."

Yui kept her lips shut tight finally rolling her eyes at the trickster god.

* * *

Hödr had taken the cat chariot back to his home and the other gods of the school were gathering themselves to head back to their respective dorms. Tomorrow classes started again and staying any longer could result in another Tsukito incident.

After the last guest left, Loki turned back to the now empty-looking dorm. It was a mess with things arranged awkwardly to suit their houseguests. He put his hands on his hips and sighed, bending down to pull a coffee table back to its original place. It was harder to move than it seemed.

Without even glancing back at Balder, he said, "Help me out with this."

Balder didn't respond. Loki turned to glance over his shoulder and said, "Are you missing a brain cell? Help me out."

Balder's face was stony, his mouth open, as if he were prepared to respond. His eyes, however, were glazed over. Balder spoke, his voice monotone, low and definitely not his usual voice, "Why do you lie?"

Loki immediately straightened, not at all liking the look Balder had in his cold eyes, "What are you talking about?"

"I asked if you loved Yui. You said 'no.' And yet I saw you kissing her on the balcony," as Balder moved towards his friend, his steps were slow and heavy, a heady dangerous weight in each step.

"That!? I didn't mean nothing by it!" Loki explained frantically. Balder was talking in rushed gasps, as if he labored to even form words, almost hard of breathing.

"I can't believe you. I can't-"

Loki knew what was about to happen, and immediately, with fear in his eyes he called in a long warning voice, "Thor!"

In an instant, Balder went completely silent, his hands shot forward and grabbed Loki's collar, lifting him up easily. Loki held onto Balder's strong arms for dear life and cried out, "Balder, get a hold of yourself!"

His cries unheard, Loki felt himself being thrown, crashing into the coffee table, knocking the wind out of his lungs. Loki never had time to react when Balder was on him, his dense weight giving Loki no room to wriggle out from underneath him.

Balder brought his fist back and gave Loki a harsh hook across the face. It was as painful as it sound as a sickening crunch filled the room. Another crunch and spatter, as Balder punched Loki again. Just as Loki was about to pass out from the pain, he felt himself being lifted by the neck, Balder's hands tightening around his throat. He was lifted off the ground, staring directly into Balder's cold eyes. They were no longer blue, but a fogged and glazed gold.

Loki gagged and coughed, unable to breathe as the hand around his neck grew tighter and tighter. He clawed at Balder's arm in futility, trying to at least get him to loosen his grip.

Thankfully, Thor came in at that point. It only took him a split second to take in the situation, before he raced over, taking a wooden chair with him and slammed it against Balder's head.

He didn't budge. Not even a bit as the wood from the chair splintered into pieces. Thor wasn't out to do the impossible and try to hurt Balder. He was the Mighty God of Thunder, protector of the weak, and it was his role that he sought live by, even if it meant distracting a deadly Balder.

Balder turned slowly, his hold on Loki loosening enough for the red-haired god to crumble to the ground, coughing and sputtering. It was then that Thor knew without a doubt he wasn't dealing with Balder anymore. At least not the one he knew. His soft, kind blue eyes were stone-set, a cloudy gold, as if they didn't actually see. He was silent, with no voice of his own. Balder's consciousness turned off completely. He was all machine now.

Thor prayed in his throat that there was still time to get Balder back, as he hadn't turned to his god mode completely. Thor rocked back on his feet and pounced. Balder made no sound as Thor attacked, wrapping his arms around his body and trying to bring him to the ground. It was harder than it seemed for Balder had a tremendous amount of dense strength and weight, as if the power of a hundred of the strongest and mightiest gods were crammed into his body.

Balder grabbed the arm that was around his neck and quite easily threw Thor into the far wall opposite him. He didn't let up as he dragged Thor by the throat into the middle of the room to finish him off, but Thor got a handle on his waist and lifted him with all his might and slammed Balder onto the floor.

If Thor looked back on this incident, it would've pained him. He didn't like having to stomp on his own half-sibling repeatedly, or kicking him in the ribs a few times, but that he did. All in an attempt to perhaps wake Balder from his destructive stupor.

Meanwhile, Loki had collected himself, face swollen and bloody. He glanced over to see Thor viciously stomping on Balder's body. Thor's temperament was also slowly going out of control with each brutal hit.

"Thor stop!" he yelled and the tall god halted, glancing over at his beaten friend, stopping his assault.

No sooner as he planted his kicking leg to the ground, when partial god-mode Balder sprang up, tackling Thor to the ground. The larger of the two gods grunted as he hit the floor, before it felt like his lungs plummeted to his gut, feeling momentarily weightless.

Loki whispered a slew of astonished curses as Balder lifted Thor's body up over his head and threw the God of Thunder across the room. Thor crashed into the wall, leaving cracks in the wood and plaster, and yet, Thor bounded right back to his feet.

"Oh it's on now," Thor growled through his teeth, letting his temper and fighting spirit take the best of him. He pulled off his sweatshirt, revealing his bare torso, and twirled his shirt over his head, like a helicopter, a few times before throwing it to the side. The god set himself in a mock wrestling stance.

For Loki, it reminded him of the times in Asgard where warriors would spontaneously brawl in the halls to flash their might. It could be dangerous, but all in good fun at watching a perfectly nice evening erupt into a frat house of roughhousing gods. Thor rarely participated, but every once in a while, at the God of War, Tyr's urging, he'd get that fighter's gleam in his eye and fling himself into the foray.

But this wasn't just some play fight or wrestling match. This was deadly. Thor could show his muscles all he wanted, but that would not intimidate _this_ Balder.

Thor roared and went straight after Balder, trying to place a good elbow to the side of his head. He managed to pin Balder against the kitchen bar, but with a rush of raw unrestrained power, Thor was flung back by what seemed to be an invisible force field.

Again, Thor hopped right back up, growling in frustration as he charged again, but this time Balder caught him and sent Thor crashing over the bar and on the kitchenette side, dirty dishes and utensils crashing on top of him. This time, Thor lay unmoving.

Loki wasted no time and tried to tackle Balder. Not his brightest idea, seeing as he already saw Balder lift and throw big Thor with ease, but it was enough to stagger him. He held on for dear life, no matter how much Balder tried of pry him off, all the while trying to get his friend to calm down,

"Come on, Balder. No need to get upset," Loki whined, feeling like he just mounted a bucking bronco. "I mean what would Yui say if she saw all this!"

Balder had given up trying to pull or maneuver Loki off his body. Instead, he ran to the nearest wall, slamming his body against it, pining Loki between him and the wall.

SLAM! Balder rammed his body against the wall, Loki taking the brunt of the force, feeling the air leave his lungs. Still, Loki managed to hang on, not matter how many times Balder tried to crush him like this.

"Come on Balder, you've got to wake up!" Loki cried out.

"Loki," Thor, woozy with blood streaming from a gash in his forehead, managed to stand up from behind the bar, watching as Balder's attempts to crush his best friend became more frenzied. "Get out of there!"

SLAM! Cracks appeared in the plaster. CRASH! The back of Loki's head felt wet with blood. RAM! Oh he hoped that wasn't a rib he heard shatter.

Loki managed to tangle his thin dexterous fingers in Balder's hair, wrap his legs around Balder's midsection and laugh, "Come on Balder. Is that all you got? You ain't getting rid of me that easily."

He tried to make light of everything, but even Loki couldn't withhold a few cries of pain. "It'll be okay Balder-AH! Damn!—See? I'm on ya like a leech—GAH! Sweet Nine Mothers of Heimdall—Yeah! We'll always be with you, just wake up for me."

The violent thrashing against the wall subsided slowly. Balder's breathing returned to labored breaths, as all the savage strength ebbed away, until his body collapsed against the wall, slowly sliding down to the floor, taking Loki with him until Loki found himself on his back on the floor. Balder's head was on his chest, body completely limp, nearly lifeless.

As Balder lay still as stone, Loki lay there partially underneath him, desperately trying to catch his breath, fingers still tangled in his friend's hair. He lifted his head, to see Thor standing amongst the destruction of their living room, catching his breath too, his hands on his knees, his green head shaking in dismay.

Loki knew what that head shake meant, but he didn't have time to discuss it any further. He simply let his head fall back against the floor thinking to himself, "_This is all going to really hurt in the morning."_

* * *

***Yeah this is a quote from Star Wars. It seemed appropriate at the time.  
**

**A/N: Finally an update. I'd say we're beyond the half-way point and I do plan this to be a two-parter story. That's if I can get my act together and start updating more frequently. Anyway, you know the drill.**


	15. Prose 15

**Disclaimer: Don't own them**

Prose 15

The next day, class started bright and early, the season now a crisp Autumn, as if Zeus decided to go full reversal on the seasons. Yui was speaking with Apollo who really let his enthusiasm over the Winter Solstice take over the conversation. The Norse gods were the last to enter and the classroom fell in a dull hush.

Loki had a bandage around his head, fiery red locks sticking out at odd ways. His lip was clearly split, and there was bruising underneath his eye. Thor too had a band-aid at the base of his hairline, another tight bandage around his knuckles. Balder, however, looked unscathed, though silent and a bit perturbed, seeming to be just as confused about his friends' appearances as the others.

Yui gasped, "What happened?"

"Nyah…a double boobie trap I forgot about," Loki explained a little too casually, creaking into his seat. "Poor Thor got quite a wallop too."

Thor didn't seem to be as eager to recite this "trap" story and he silently took his seat.

Takeru meanwhile shook his head, "Nah, man, that's damage someone gets when they get their ass pummeled by someone. What happened guys? Have a fight with a bulldozer?"

"Takeru!" Yui hissed, glaring at the sea god, who just shrugged. Neither could hear Loki murmur something under his breath, "Something like that."

Thoth entered in all his ruffled feathered glory, slamming his book down on his desk, staring dead at the class and they all took their seats. Normally, Thoth would've said something condescending, but was cut short upon seeing Loki's beat up face.

"By the Eye of Ra, you look like a disaster."

Loki gave a mock smile in return, "What a coincidence I was going to say the exact same about you too."

"What did you do this time...?" Thoth's eyes scanned the room, flitting briefly in Balder's direction. Loki saw the glance and spoke up.

"As I told them. Just a stupid prank. Can we get a move on?"

Thoth spoke through tight lips, "Fine. Open your books to page 394 where we talk about Modern Literature…"

Loki tilted his head back with a sigh, ignoring Thoth's lecture.

Balder sat, thinking. Not about the lecture, but about his friends. He remembered waking up this morning his head pounding. It could've been a hangover. There was a lot of drinking going on during break, especially on his part.

Regardless, he was very much upset to find his best friends patched up as if they recovered from a fight with a violent Jötunn. They told him two different stories. Loki said that it was just a trap gone wrong, as he always said when Balder found his damaged and bloodied. Thor said he slipped on some ice Hödr accidentally left, but then he changed his story later to inexplicably match Loki's.

Balder got the uneasy sense that both his friends were lying to him.

After class had ended, Yui scurried to the hallway to catch up with Loki and Thor. The Student Council had a few duties to do, so Balder reluctantly went with Apollo and Tsukito to their usual meeting place.

"Hey, you two," she called as she approached them, noticing the two gods going particularly rigid at the sight of her.

"What is it?" Loki said hastily, leaning against the wall of the hallway.

"I was just going to say that you guys should really really go to the infirmary. Especially you Loki," she scolded, not hiding her horror as it was quite evident that Loki was struggling to stand.

Loki heard this last night, as Thor did his best to tend to his wounds.

_Thor gingerly moved the unconscious Balder off of Loki, his red-headed friend struggling to stay conscious. It didn't take much for Thor to realize that whatever he did to heal Loki wouldn't be enough._

_"__Loki, we need to take you to the hospital wing. It's bad," he said frankly, noticing the streak of blood that ran down the wall to where Loki lay._

_"__Nah, I'll be fine. I trust your haphazard healing arts," the red-head slurred. He clearly had a concussion, if not full head damage.  
_

_"__I can force you, you know."_

_"__But you won't," Loki's voice grew dark, his one unswollen grey eye glaring at Thor. "Just get the bandages from the bathroom and get on with it."_

_Thor obeyed, carrying Balder to his bed and removing his bloody clothes from his body before hurrying to aid Loki, who was miraculously still conscious._

_As he did his best to stitch a few gashes, he asked, "So what the hell happened? What set him off this time? Or was he set off at all?"_

_"__Yeah. Partially my fault. I kissed Yui in front of him and you know he likes her."_

_Thor's eyes widened for a moment before murmuring, "And they call Balder the moron."_

_"__He's not a moron!" Loki hissed before giving out a weak cough. "He's special. Leave his intelligence out of this."_

_Thor unwrapped the surgical tape, "You know this can't go on much longer, so stop making excuses for him. It's only a matter of time before he kills-"_

_"__I got it. I got it," Loki waved Thor away. "Trust me this one time. I got it."_

Thor's jaw quivered as he said flatly, "I told him the exact same thing." He glared at his injured friend, "What a surprise, he doesn't listen."

Yui gave a small smile, "Surprise indeed."

Loki pouted. Then Yui leaned over closer to them, her voice a small hush, as she cast a wary glance over in the direction of where the Student Council left, "Is _he _responsible for this?"

"Fuck no," Loki responded without a pause. He regretted telling Yui about Balder.

"Tell me the truth."

Loki managed to push himself away from the wall, keeping his balance although he struggled to compose himself against the vertigo he was feeling, "You need to mind your own business. That's the truth. Come on Thor."

With that the friends left, leaving Yui behind.

Things only got worse. Balder tried to be engaging and back to his old self, especially once Loki fully healed, but he had been plagued with nightmares. Nightmares of him doing horrible things, of Loki doing horrible things, of Thor regressing to his angry self. He also became caught up in dreams that he was sure were actually memories.

Each nightmare of him unleashing unspeakable destruction felt more like déjà-vu rather than some horrid subconscious. Balder became increasingly aware of Loki's lies. And it began to really irritate him, more so than usual.

Balder pressed Loki for more information on what happened the night the Solstice guests left and Loki time and again came up with the exact same excuse. It was becoming more and more irritating. He felt that Loki was avoiding him as well as Yui. He could see her furtive glances in his direction, as if she expected him to do something.

In truth, Yui became highly aware of when Balder became moody. She still had suspicions that Balder was the cause of Loki's thrashing. As such she subconsciously tried to avoid him. Obviously, it wasn't completely possible, as he was a part of the student council. Even then she noticed that he gradually tried to force himself to participate. Something else was on his mind. Did he know?

Thor held his tongue for all these years. He was quiet, so it wasn't hard. But he was born and bred to be a defender. If it would protect others he would shout from the mountaintops the danger that resided with them. But this was different. Balder wasn't really some bloke from the North Woods destroying everything in his path every waking day. His bouts of unpredictability were sparse but nonetheless threatening. Add into that, Balder was his kin. They were close. He was the shining Prince of Asgard, more than likely destined to hold Odin's throne, if the worst were to befall the Allfather.

But that was not to be the case. Not what the Fates had in store for the God of Light. And Balder's fate was tied into something terrible. Whether the outcome, there would be no happy ending. Odin had told Thor so in confidence.

"_All that he is, must be between us, Thor. I do not yet know how to make this better. He lives, all will be destroyed. He dies, all will suffer a terrible darkness."_

He could tell Balder was getting more and more agitated, mostly in regards to Loki, who refused to tell him what really happened that fateful night. Balder wasn't the smartest god in the world, but he was sensitive and could tell when something or somebody was acting strange.

Loki's refusal to tell the truth and the wariness from Yui wore at Balder's patience. Thor had walked in after class one day to find Loki on the ground, Balder straddling on top of him, holding Loki's shoulders down so that the smaller god couldn't wriggle free.

Normally, Thor would've gathered that they were just play wrestling. But this time, instincts took. He hurtled himself after Balder, dragging him off yelling, "HEY! What do you think you're doing!?"

"Hey, hey! Get off, Thor!" Balder replied in annoyance, staring back at Thor in shock.

Loki leaned up and glared at Thor, "It's fine Thor, jeesh. Balder just can't let bygones be bygones."

It was then that Thor noticed that Loki wasn't injured, nor did he seem to be in a large amount of distress. Just a little miffed. Thor released Balder with a hoarse apology. Balder stared at him with anxious eyes. Those eyes, so youthful and bright, now were hardened and ancient, looking every year of his some thousand-year existence. Thor hoped that everything would resolve out soon.

Soon, the other students began to notice a change in Balder. Balder wasn't a huge talker, but he spoke enough to not be considered quiet. But in class and in Student Council meetings Apollo and Tsukito found him to be eerily silent.

One day during a meeting, Apollo asked quite plainly, "Hey, Bal-Bal, you okay? You look kind of ill."

Balder's eyes flicked towards him, the blue looking particularly bright and icy against his shadowed sockets.

"I'm fine," he said, his voice gravelly and he cleared his throat before repeating again.

Apollo warily left it at that. Yui was also going to suggest that Balder went home to get some rest, but the meeting was coming to a close anyway and if Balder wasn't really feeling too well he could skip the after-meeting tea time.

"Man, oh, man," Apollo said after they had finished the meeting. "I love the arts. I can't wait until we do our little Arts Festival. It'd be fun to see those pretty letters you paint Tsuki-Tsuki."

"You mean calligraphy?" Yui asked.

Apollo winked, "Yup, that's it! I myself am trying to decide between sculpting the perfect male specimen, or vase painting. I think Hades would prefer vase painting though. What about you Bal-Bal? Bal-Bal?"

Balder was sitting on the love seat, listless, staring onward as if deeply lost in thought. Apollo snapped his fingers to break him out of his trance, "Hey Bal-Bal!"

He jerked violently out of his trance and stared back at his friends. "Huh?"

"What are you thinking of doing for the Arts Festival, Bal-Bal?" Apollo repeated.

Balder shook his head, "Oh…uh…woodcarving I guess."

"Woodcarving?" Apollo for a moment sounded skeptical, before beaming, "Awesome! Miss Fairy told me you guys do practical rustic art. Sounds great!"

Tsukito poured the tea commenting lightly that it may help Balder feel better. Even he noticed that Balder was despondent, perhaps because Tsukito was used to being the most despondent person in the room.

The tea was set and everyone was setting to drink. Except Balder, who sat back, arms crossed over his chest, once again not really paying much attention to his surroundings.

"You're going to drink anything Balder?" Yui asked. "Balder?"

Balder took a wary glance at her, before slowly reaching over towards his teacup. His eyes rolled back in his head and he collapsed taking the tea and saucer with him to the floor with a clatter.

Immediately, Apollo sprang up and cried, "Bal-Bal!"

All three jumped to Balder's aid.

* * *

**A/N: A short chapter, more because it was the perfect time to end the chapter. One or two chapters left for the first part. And then on to Draumer Edda : Ragnarok.  
**

**You know the drill.**


	16. Prose 16

Disclaimer: Don't own this.

Warning: A little bit of gore in this chapter. If a little textual imagery of blood squicks you, you have been warned.

Prose 16:

As the Student Council rushed to get Balder help, over on the South end of the Garden, Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl relaxed near their temple. Tezcatlipoca lounged on the limb of a tree, on his stomach, resting his blocky head on his forearm, his other arm and one of his legs dangling, looking very much like a sleepy jungle cat.

Tezcatlipoca was not sleepy though, his sharp eyes fixated on Quetzalcoatl, watching the god wash himself with water. He liked to keep cool. Clean his feathers so to speak. He knew that Quetzalcoatl loved seeing the bright sun, despite how cool the weather still was. During the Solstice, especially during the infuriating snow, he and his fellow god huddled in their temple. Quetzalcoatl became agitated, because if he transformed into his serpent form, he couldn't adapt as well to the cold weather.

Tezcatlipoca's eyes narrowed, his thoughts on the events during the Solstice festival. He knew Quetzalcoatl had certain thoughts about him, that it shouldn't be at all surprising to learn that he specifically told the human girl to stay away from him.

Still. It hurt. Tezcatlipoca was never one to take Quetzalcoatl's disdain with any weight, but when he heard the Serpent God tell the human girl that he was dangerous it caused a rage in him that he hadn't felt in a long while. He had confronted Quetzalcoatl about it afterwards, the other god giving him soft complacent replies, not seeming to take Tezcatlipoca's feelings seriously.

He sighed to himself. That human girl. Yui Kusanagi. She was...unexpected. Were all humans like her? If so, he would be sick. He had, he confessed over and over again, taken human sacrifice to feed himself. He never met one in person before, but he heard their horns, could feel them take the sacrifice up the stairs of the temple, could imagine the strike of the club against the sacrifices' skull, could taste the blood that ran down the stone altars. It quenched his thirst, and he never bothered to know much about what fed him. There were days he tried to stop knowing the rising opposition for human sacrifice amongst the gods of the world.

But he couldn't help it. He really could not help it. Tezcatlipoca would be minding his own business, walking the jungles in the night, when the horns sounding that a sacrifice was about to happen would blare in his hears, loud and shrill. He would then be pulled into an uncontrollable frenzy, his conscious disintegrating, being pulled by an instinctual force that could not be broken nor satisfied until he tasted blood.

He distinctly remembered waking up with blood all over his hands and face. Quetzalcoatl stared down at him in all his headdress and jeweled glory with a look of disappointment and frustration etched on his beautiful face.

_'__You disgust me.'_

When Quetzalcoatl was dressed, he could be very intimidating and frightening whenever he was forced to break away from his normal pleasant self, perhaps even more so than when he was in his serpent form. Tezcatlipoca told him time and again that it wasn't purposeful, but Quetzalcoatl refused to hear that excuse.

_'__If everyone else can give up human sustenance, so can you. It's not about not being able to do it, but the fact that you refuse to.'_

In their long history together, they never got along, fighting and thrashing each other almost constantly, but this sudden change in policy had ever further the rift. Quetzalcoatl's attitude towards Tezcatlipoca's problem only further isolated the Jaguar god from his fellow gods and from humankind itself. As such, Tezcatlipoca never saw fit to ever try to adapt to the new policy. Not when everyone seemed to be against him from the get go.

Why bother? Why bother when it was the humans who dragged those victims up to the altar, when it was humans who struck those sacrifices, when it was humans who carved out the hearts.

Tezcatlipoca hated the sound of those shrill horns in his head, but he had learned to accept them as inevitable.

Here in the garden, however, the sounds of horns never cropped up. Here in this garden, he was free of his bloodthirsty obligation. Here he could talk to a human for once, who, in his opinion was a very patient and understanding person. Kind perhaps, though he hadn't much contact with her when she was not stricken with terror at seeing him. Tezcatlipoca wanted desperately to get her to seem him in any other way. Just so he could talk. He wanted, more than anything right now, to talk to her.

_'__Learn more about my food,' _Tezcatlipoca thought grimly, before regretting ever having that thought. Yui Kusanagi was a fascination all on her own, not at all related to blood, sacrifices, or human rituals.

"What are you pondering up there, Tezcatlipoca?" Quetzalcoatl was now under the branch staring up at Tezcatlipoca with a wry smile on his face.

Tezcatlipoca shifted on the branch, pulling his face away from Quetzalcoatl's gaze. "Go away," he mumbled into his sleeve.

"'Fraid I can't do that, amigo," the rainbow haired god said, tugging at his limiter, something that bound him to the ornery god in the tree. Suddenly, Quetzalcoatl grew serious, "Are you still angry about the festival? Tell me something I said that wasn't the truth."

No answer.

"You have to realize that you are, as I have continually said, an inherent danger to that girl. You have not convinced me otherwise. I will not see you responsible for any danger she may be brought in. I'm going back inside, I can sense that something's up here."

Tezcatlipoca could not stay in his branch then. As he crawled down the tree to follow Quetzalcoatl back to the temple, a hunger and fury welled deep in his gut. It was a frenzy he hadn't felt since arriving at the garden. But this thirst wasn't for human blood or sacrifice.

It was a hunger that could not be quenched until Quetzalcoatl lay submissive at his feet.

* * *

Cernunnos missed the winter already. He liked the brisk air, and over all silence the world seemed to be. The cold wasn't as much of an issue, and he was at least a little thankful for that winter god coming in and breaking in snow. For once, the garden seemed silent, and he could walk the forests with his companions in peace. With the celebrations all the nuisance of the other students were gone, all of them huddled inside to keep warm. The world, for once in a long time, seemed to be all Cernunnos'.

Now he leaned against a large oak, listening to the robins chirping in reprieve. He smiled in mild amusement to hear their excited communication. Despite being changed over to autumn, the animals who normally slept during the winter, were at least excited to stretch their wings, legs, paws, and tails.

The chirping quite suddenly stopped, and the air became eerily still. The autumn sunset seemed eerily dark. Something odd was happening.

Curious, Cernunnos stepped through the woods to take a good view of the school. Was it inside the school? Everything seemed calm.

"Wheels are turning," a sneering, spine rattling voice hissed. Cernunnos turned and gave Crom Cruach a look of hesitation, caught between fear and curiosity.

"You sense that too?"

Crom Cruach nodded before reaching down and tearing a dandelion from the ground. Cernunnos flinched.

"I don't know what's going on," Crom Cruach said with a hint of a lie. "But I smell a way we can escape this prison."

* * *

Loki's lungs were burning as he pumped his way down the halls of the school, racing towards the infirmary. Apollo was the one who ran to the Norse dorm to give the news that Balder had collapsed. Loki ran all the way from the dorm down to the school, Thor in tow, much less winded with the run. He spotted Yui sitting on a bench right outside a door in the infirmary, she stood with a distinct look of fear and concern in her eyes.

"What happened?" Loki asked breathlessly.

"We don't know. He was sitting there and then he just keeled over," Yui explained frantically. "Hey Thoth said you can't go in there!"

Loki didn't listen as he rushed into the infirmary.

Thoth looked up from Balder's body and cursed, "The hell!?"

Balder's torso was bare, red welts on his chest near his heart area. He looked rigid, almost like he was a corpse in the midst of still hanging on to life. A mask was attached to his nose and mouth, the hissing sound of oxygen flowing through it into his lungs, his chest barely moving.

"The HELL are YOU doin'!?" Loki spat rushing towards his friends' body. Immediately, Thoth grabbed him and shoved him away.

"You want him alive? You keep cool," Thoth threatened as if he would just as easily let Balder perish if he was interrupted.

Loki cursed at Thoth, delirious in grief and Thoth snarled, "Kusanagi, get him out of here."

There wasn't a lot that Kusanagi could do to restrain Loki. He was a smaller god, but wily when he didn't want to be held down. She pulled on the hood of his jacket, whispering words of condolence as she dragged him back out, listening in pain as Loki pleaded for his friend to wake up.

Yui bit her lip as she unfortunately caught a glance at Balder. He was attached to various machines to help his human body recover. He was immortal, so she surmised that whatever was wrong with him was internal. Something that no machine can cure.

She remembered going to see a movie with her friends that had a scene a lot like the one she saw. It was a movie about two young school age boys who became runners for a gang. One of the boys was shot in a particularly emotional scene and was dragged away to the hospital where the doctors actively did everything to keep him alive. The doctors opened up the boy's shirt attached the monitors, administered the IV, and gave him oxygen in a hurry, using defibrillators to get the boy's heart to start beating again. She guessed that Thoth used something similar to that on Balder. There were red marks on his chest that would indicate so.

It seemed surreal. And she was unsettled. Terrified in fact.

And all she could do at this point was console Loki and a very disturbed Thor.

"He-he's not dead is he?" Thor said in creeky crackling voice that was disturbingly weak coming from him. It crushed Yui even more that death was the first assumption Thor went to.

"He's...not..." Yui said even though Thoth had not given a prognosis.

Loki grew fidgety, bouncing his leg up and down as the students waited in silence.

"C'mon Thoth," Loki seethed through his teeth. Apollo laid his hand on Loki's shoulder.

"It'll be alright, Loki-Loki," said Apollo. "Bal-Bal can pull through. He's immortal right?"

Darkness crossed Loki's face as he refused to answer. Thor grumbled something as he approached his friend, tapping his other shoulder.

"Loki, we're going back," he said sternly.

He shook his red head, "I'm staying."

Yui glanced up at Thor, whose golden eyes glazed over. She could practically see the fuse on Thor shortening and shortening. His great chest heaved as he inhaled, before his large hand grabbed Loki's shoulder roughly and hoisted him up.

The others weren't so used to Thor manhandling Loki, who was writhing in Thor's stone-like fist. Thor's patience, with everything, was gone.

"We're going, Loki," he demanded calmly, managing to gently pet his smaller friend's hair. "Sitting here...won't help for anything."

Takeru leaned forward from his spot against the wall and asked, "Thor...what's going on?"

Thor spoke through tight severe lips, as if the very question were an insult, "Nothing."

"Come on, Thor. They don't know," Yui whispered.

That was a mistake, as Apollo heard her, "Know what?"

The look Thor gave Yui, was one no one ever wanted to see. More fear coursed through spine at that look than when she first met with Zeus. Still, Thor remained silent and hoisted a combative Loki roughly over his shoulder.

Apollo turned back to Yui, "Know about what? Miss Fairy?"

Yui couldn't manage to shake her head, but thankfully Hades drew Apollo's attention away.

"Let it go, Apollo. It's probably nothing."

"Nothing my ass," Takeru spat as he balanced himself away from his position next to the wall. "Something's going on, and those brutes won't tell us. If it's something that's going to affect him or us, we have a right to know."

Everyone but Hades stared at her intently, waiting for an answer.

"It's just a disease from being away from home," Hades said, trying to shift the focus. "I have brought upon him misfortune."

"N-No Hades!" Yui said through tight lips. "It really has nothing to do with you or anyone else."

"So you do know," Takeru said, arching an eyebrow, crossing his arms over his chest, waiting for an explanation.

"No...not entirely no. Let's just wait for Thoth."

Dionysus decided to jump in with the questioning, "Come on Kusanagi. The violence before Christmas. Him acting funny after the celebration. Loki shows up beaten to a pulp and now Thor won't give us the time of day without looking like he wants to murder someone. You cannot tell us something's not up with Hringhorni in there."

Determined, Yui refused to let anything that Loki revealed to her slip, "It's...not for me to tell. I swear to you all, I cannot tell you anything without Thor or Loki's consent. If you are curious, badger them with the questioning, because now I really damn wished I was never made aware of...this!"

Her hissing, half-tirade was cut short as Thoth opened the door to the infirmary. He gave all of them a very cold and condescending stare.

"You all are still here?" he scoffed. "Nevermind. The bimbo in there is stable. For now."

"But you are NOT to go in!" he added as everyone made to rush through the door to see Balder. "I mean it."

He turned on his boot heel and strode down the hallway, calling, "Make your way to the library, where I can keep an eye on every one of you."

* * *

Anubis' boredom was almost always to his detriment. He always got in trouble whenever his hands became idle his curiosity grabbed him, which lead to a few gods here or there get annoyed with him. Thoth especially. And nothing more grabbed his curiosity when someone told him NOT to do something.

But after Thoth entered his library looking a little shaken and tired, he couldn't help but sense something was off. Anubis knew it had something to do with the little Sun God rushing in talking about the north barbarian god collapsing unexpectedly. Anubis had run across the same north god a few days earlier, finding him calming but with a strange cloud of tragedy looming over him.

During the night, Anubis snuck down to the infirmary. It was empty and silent and he quickly found the room where the fallen light god lay. Anubis blinked once at the scene. The body was still, gray, and silent on the bed.

He looked ready to be embalmed.

Silently, he crawled close to get a better look. He was still alive. Very much alive...just...lifeless. He was obviously unconscious, but the lifeless face seemed to be experiencing an incredible amount of pain that he was holding in check through an appearance of numbness. His head was slightly tilted to the side.

Anubis reached over and straightened his head so that it was facing directly at the ceiling. There. He was properly resting.

No sooner had Anubis's hand left Balder's hair when he sprang to life, hand grabbing Anubis's arm in a vice-like grip. Anubis yelped and broke free from the light god's grasp and fled on all fours.

Balder gasped aloud, heaving in air from into his lungs. Ringing resounded in his ears and his vision was blurry and disoriented. He stumbled out of bed, ripping off whatever Thoth had attached to his body. He couldn't establish good footing right away, as everything was disorienting. He didn't know if he was in a dream, reality, or in a strange state of a dimension in between.

He's had night terrors before, and in increasing amounts lately, the numbness of his body and the disconnect he felt with his own body. He couldn't say he was in control. He may have been, he wasn't sure. All he wanted was to get out of there.

He stumbled through the halls itching to reach the outdoors. He thrust himself through the large double doors of the school, letting cool darkness greet him.

In her dormitory, Yui found it very difficult to sleep. Perhaps it was the notion that one of her schoolmates was gravely injured or watching the look of Balder's body as Thoth presided over him. Try as she might to not think about it, it just kept cropping up on the back of her mind before she could finally settle into sleep.

"Oi, Kutanagi, I can hear your anxiety from here!" Melissa said groggily.

In the dark, Yui could make out her doll companion poking his head out of his house.

"You have a problem, let me help you get it off your chest."

Yui shook her head, "This is nothing you can help with this Melissa, I'm sorry."

A short pause followed and Yui was sure she offended Melissa in some shape or form. But it was true. Balder couldn't be helped. Unless…

Yui shot out of bed when she heard urgent knocking at her door. Hurriedly she pulled over a cardigan over her nightgown and went to the door.

Apollo looked distinctly frightened when Yui found him at her doorstep. He was dressed in his uniform, tie loose, first few buttons undone. His eyes were wide and he was clearly out of breath.

"Apollo, what's-"

"Balder...he's...gone…" he said between breaths.

Ice immediately filled her gut and she was sure she would start weeping at the announcement until Apollo quickly clarified, "He's missing. Sorry Yui, I was working late with Tsuki-Tsuki and decided to check on Bal-Bal. He wasn't there. We can't find him anywhere."

Immediately, Yui sighed in relief, but immediately resolved to action, "I haven't seen him, but we'll find him. Let Loki and Thor know."

"Tsuki-Tsuki is already on his way there to check if he just decided to go home. I'll take Pegasus and see if I can find him if he's wandering about."

"I'll go walk around the school again," Yui slipped on her slippers and stepped out into the chilly night air.

Apollo hesitated for a moment, wanting her to go with him for safety, but thought better of it. Finding Balder was more important. He whistled and in no-time Pegasus had arrived. He mounted and kicked his steed into action, watching carefully as Yui went straight to the school.

First thing's first, Apollo thought it would be a good idea to get everyone involved as much as possible. He headed straight towards the Greek dorm to rouse Dionysus and Hades and get them to join the search.

For Tsukito Totsuka, who never did much in a rush, was quite astonished to see how quickly Thor and Loki sprang into action once he said in a very calm voice that Balder was not in his hospital bed.

With no regard for danger or weather they ran out into the now windy cold, calling for their friend.

Yui checked throughout the deserted halls of the school, calling Balder's name, but no luck. She wandered around the courtyard to see if he collapsed there and he couldn't be found. As she wandered further out, Yui got the very eerie impression that she was not alone.

She glanced up at the forest near the very edge of the courtyard and she swore she saw a figure walking through the dark trees. It could be the trick of the light-or lack thereof, but what did she have to lose.

She never noticed until now how dense the forest could be this close to the school. She knew the woods near the Norse dormitory held tall imposing trees, but these trees were thick, twisting and winding with lush leaves that seemed all but untouched by the cold. It was as if any sort of creature of the night could hide in this place. She tried to remain focused on the task on hand and instead of the twisting branches that could be mistaken for antlers of deer.

Wait...was that a deer?

Yui spotted a figure moving in the darkness towards her unhurriedly. She took one step forward and found that the "antlers" weren't antlers at all, but as she thought before, winding branches of a thick knotted tree, and the "deer" was in fact a tall man.

"Cernunnos!" Yui exclaimed in mild shock.

Cernunnos' emerald eyes seemed to glow in the dark as they peered at her.

"You come looking for me?" Cernunnos asked doing very little hide both his surprise and disdain.

"Yes...no...sorry no…" Yui stammered. "Balder's gone. He's missing, we have to find him quickly. Please. Have you seen him?"

The forest god's expression was unreadable, but he was holding back something.

"Please, Cernunnos. You can help," Yui whispered, clasping her hands together in an almost begging gesture.

Cernunnos' bushy eyebrows rose at this. He could tell her to find the boy herself. No matter what he or she did would not stop the inevitable. Then what good would he be? Crom Cruach made things perfectly clear. Finding the boy would be the best option...for now.

"I did see him," Cernunnos admitted. "He came running out of the school like a wildman. He clearly had no conscionable thought with him."

Cernunnos approached her, standing close to the girl now. He stared down at this...tiny human and said, his voice devoid of any emotion, "I would look in the quiet and dark forest near his dorm. Stunning what darkness can do for a light god. It can both cause pain and comfort. Either way, when disoriented and devoid of critical thought, any living being will gravitate towards its home."

Yui shuffled one foot back, not tearing her eyes away from Cernunnos' beautiful stern green ones. She gave him a nod and whispered with much gentleness, "I greatly appreciate this. Thank you Cernunnos."

She turned on her heel and raced as fast as her legs could take her to the woods near the Norse dormitory.

When she made it to the forest outside of the Norse dorm, her feet were chilly and worn, with several pebbles stuck in the soles, but she didn't pay it much mind. Though it was night, the bright stars in the sky managed to give herself enough light to search for any sign of Balder. Yui prayed a bit that her suspicion that Balder glowed in the dark was true.

She continued calling out for him, her voice mixing with the heavy wind. As she stepped over a fallen oak she took a glimpse of a figure next to a tall black tree.

It was easy to see it was Balder. He was leaning weakly against the dark truck, wearing his slacks and a dark worn pullover sweater that was at least two sizes too big for him.

Yui was too filled with relief to care that Balder's familiar warm glow was now a soft grey-blue and his skin took on an ashen and grey look.

"Balder!" she shouted, running towards him.

He looked up at her, a little disoriented but managed a pained smile upon seeing her.

"Yui…" his voice was gravelly and barely above a whisper.

She paused, noting his eyes were unfocused, as if he were drunk or drugged. Perhaps some of what Thoth gave caused this.

"Thank heavens you're here," she sighed. "We were looking everywhere for you. Everyone's worried sick."

Balder turned his head, eyes fixated on the ground, his fingers picking at the bark of the tree he was leaning against. Still he didn't give her a response.

"Balder?"

"I hurt him," he said pitifully.

"What?"

The muscle in his jaw quivered, "Loki, I'm the one who beats him. He gets hurt because of me right?"

"Well…"

"And DON'T lie. White lies are one thing. But not about this. Don't lie about this. I'm tired of it."

How would Loki handle this? Lying, Yui supposed. Lie and say that Balder has never hurt anyone in his life. She knew that was false. Everyone knew that was false. Who knows how many times Loki was on the receiving end of his outbursts. Yui had a feeling it was a lot.

"Balder, let's go back inside," she said, almost pleading.

"And do what?" he glanced over at her with steely eyes. "Break more bones? Choke someone out?"

His fingers dug into the wood of the tree, easily breaking the hard wood with quickly unfettered strength. Balder let out a big sigh and calmed down.

"I don't know what to do anymore," his voice was rough and gravelly, sounding decidedly aged. "I'm tired of...people covering up for my sins. Shielding me from any wrongdoing."

Yui let the silence cut the air. Let the wind carry thoughts away. All she wanted to do was get Balder back inside, safe and sound. She allowed himself some space. His breathing was halting and he ran a weary hand over his face.

"Let me go get Loki and Thor," Yui said warily, but before she could turn, she felt his cold fingers grab hold of her wrist, pulling her towards him.

"No please, don't leave," he whispered, pleading, looking afraid to move from this spot, but also not willing to let her leave. "Please, Yui I n-need you here."

She shook her head at that statement, "You're not thinking clearly, Balder."

He pulled her closer to him, "No, no please...Yui...I need you. I can only trust you. Please don't leave me. Don't leave me all alone."

He was nearly choking through his sobs, a distinct look of desperation etched onto his face, his pallid and clammy complexion growing even more pale, if possible.

"Balder! Get a hold of yourself!" Yui hissed. "Do you even hear yourself!?"

Before she knew it, she felt her back slam painfully against the rough bark of the tree. Balder had whisked her around and slammed her against the tree, his hands gripping her upper arms.

"You have to listen, Yui. Please listen...please…"

Yui quickly noticed that his voice grew lower and his eyes flashed gold. Not a good sign.

Immediately, she shrugged his hands away, shoving him away, using more force than she was used to against his solid, impenetrable from. He gave a small grunt of confusion and Yui took that immediate opportunity to leave.

She raced a beeline to the Norse dorm, despite knowing that Balder was not following her. She had to get Thor and Loki to take care of him. He was too much for her to handle at the moment. He just might be too much for anyone to handle.

She caught Thor just as he was about to reenter his dorm to get some torches to aid in the lighting.

"Thor! Thor! Help!"

"Kusanagi?" he turned, confused and worried. He jumped a bit when she nearly collided headfirst into him.

"Hold on. What happened, Kusanagi?" he ushered her into the warmth of the dorm, where Loki was sitting in front of the fireplace, wrapped in a sheepskin blanket. Apparently the cold was a little too much for the fire god, and he had to take a reprieve from searching. He jerked and turned, eyes wide seeing Yui's haunted face. He jumped to his feet.

Thor kept his giant hands around her shoulders to keep her calm as she stuttered what she had encountered.

"He's out there...Balder...he's...I don't know. You have to help him! I tried to, but I really can't..."

"You found him!?" Loki exclaimed.

"Take us to him," Thor told her and with a nod from her, the two Norse gods followed her out.

Yui lead Thor and Loki back into the woods. It was dark and she was trying to remember where she saw Balder last. The wind was ice-cold and howling, the tops of the trees swaying against the force. Once they reached where Yui fled from Balder, to their relief, he was still there, sitting against the trunk of the tree, head lolled forward.

"Balder!" Loki called through the wind and ran up to his friend.

Groggily, Balder lifted his head, eyes unfocused. Realization seemed to hit him and all too quickly, he seemed to return to himself. His eyes began to water at seeing his friends.

"Loki!" he cried, voice wavering with unshed tears.

Loki quickly knelt down next to his friend, "Shhhh...It's alright Balder." He petted the top of his head. "Come on. Let's go inside."

Yui followed as they lumbered along the dark path to the dorm, Loki slightly struggling under the weight of Balder's arm around his shoulders. Balder lost his strength to keep from collapsing so Loki had to help him along.

She run up the path to assist with carrying Balder back to the dorm. The light god seemed to rolling in between consciousness and unconsciousness, his breathing unsteady. She politely made the point that Balder should be taken back to the infirmary, but Loki just kept going.

When they arrived at the dorm, Loki immediately set Balder down at the bar stool on the kitchen counter, where he lay, hunched over in his overlarged shirt, head down on the counter, eyes awake but not aware of the surroundings.

The other three just stood around the foyer, not at all speaking, much less discussing any of the events that had happened. It was Loki who spoke first.

"Well...we all should get some rest."

Thor grunted in agreement, but fixed Loki with a hard stare.

"I'll go tell the others to call off the search," he said brusquely before going back outside.

Balder couldn't hear whatever conversation they were having. All he could hear was pressure, buzzing, hissing, all the music of the natural world gone.

Yui decided, but not after weighing her options, to stay and rest on the couch of the Norse dorm, just in case something were to arise. Just as well, Thor insisted that she stay. It was cold and dark outside, and everyone was exhausted from the search. They both thought this was more convenient.

Thor and Loki helped Balder to bed and went to rest themselves, though it was obvious that they would not be sleeping. As much as Yui tried to, next to the warm fire and wool blankets covering her body, she knew that despite her physical comfort, she would not either.

As the night grew still and it seemed that everything was finally calm, Yui couldn't resist closing her eyes and she slowly starting to descend into a light stupor. Her mind, in the early stages of sleep, actually assembled pleasant images. Her shrine, thriving, and well honored. Her friends believing every word of her story about a school of gods. Her parents smiling as she recounted tales about her godly friends. She remembered thinking about Tsukito and telling her father about him and his eccentricities when she watched his head snap towards a slammed door.

Yui fell back into full consciousness, when she realized that the slammed door was in fact in reality. She jerked awake, staring at the door that lead outside. As she rose to her feet, Thor and Loki both opened their respective doors and called down the balcony.

"Was that what I think it was?" Thor asked.

"I'm sure the door closed. But I was half asleep so I can't be certain," Yui called back up, before her voice grew weak. "I'm assuming Balder…"

Thor stared over his shoulder at the redhead, lips tight. There was no denying that expression. And this time, his heart tearing into shreds, he no longer had the will to deny it. No longer could he ignore it. It wasn't fun anymore. It was fine to pretend when it was assumed Balder was homesick. Now, after everything was continuing at an increasingly dangerous rate, it wasn't fun to pretend anymore.

Wordlessly, Loki turned back to go into his rooms. Yui's eyes searched, confused as to what Loki was doing. He returned with something long and dangerous looking in his hand, and he held it upright as he trotted down the stairs, Thor at his heels.

As he reached the landing, she saw with the light of the dying embers, that the long, menacing object in his hand was actually curved dagger. It Yui a few seconds before she realized, with terror, that Loki was out to hurt his friend.

"Loki! Wait!" she called into the night air. The wind died down to the that of a still, unsettling breeze. She ran after their trudging figures, struggling a little in her nightgown, and pulled back on Loki's sleeve, "No, Loki, don't do this!"

He refused to look back at her, and instead he wrenched his arm out of her grasp, and continued on.

"Don't Loki. Time's not up yet, he could still-"

"WE HAVE NO TIME!" Loki roared, his voice surprisingly thunderous, and his eyes stormy with rage. He swiftly turned to resume his march in searching for their friend. As Yui tried to go after him, Thor interfered.

"Kusanagi, don't."

"But we can't just let-"

"Don't," Thor shook his head, voice and face trusting and understanding, yet he was resolved to see everything through. He jerked his head in the direction towards the school, "Go back to your dorm, Kusanagi. I don't want you to see this."

She gave the slight shake of her head, her chin quivering and then tore away from Thor, running past him towards Loki.

"Stop!"," she called.

Loki slowed to a stop and Yui's cries died in her throat. In the moonlight of the clearing, they could clearly see Balder standing in the middle of a clearing blanketed by moonlight. His face was both pained and serene, as if the light of the moon alleviated his pain only slightly. When he noticed that Loki was standing there, his eyes fluttered open, watery and bloodshot.

He looked so ill.

"Loki. Why did you follow me?" he asked weakly, barely managing a smile. He did not notice the dagger as Loki casually hid it behind his back.

"Oh, you know," Loki shrugged nervously. "See the stars I guess."

Balder nodded with a faint, "...yeah…" before tilting his head back to watch the stars.

Loki shook with anxiety, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, wondering if he should take this opportunity to stab him. Before he reached a decision, Balder glanced down at his friend, looking genuinely concerned.

"What's wrong…?"

Loki let out a soft sound like a small sob and shook his head vigorous, tears pricking his eyelids.

"Balder, I'm sorry," Loki said weakly as he pulled out his mistletoe blade and pointed it at him.

Balder stopped and stared at the dagger, eyes widening for a moment at the glistening sharp blade, hewn with mistletoe. He remained still and silent, before slowly raising his hands in a defenseless gesture.

Loki stood there, pointing the blade at him, eyes like steel, but his rushed breathing betrayed that he was not totally ready to strike him. He hated it. Just hated it. Why did Balder just have to...stand there? Hands up in surrender.

_"__Fucking fight me, godsdammit!" _he thought bitterly. It would be so much easier, if Balder just upped and attacked. So much easier. Instead of just putting him down like a diseased dog who didn't know any better.

Loki's breath hissed between his clenched teeth, the hand clutching the dagger shaking.

"Loki…" Balder whispered, his eyes wide and sad. He lightly shook his head, as if to say, "Don't."

Yui spoke up, "Loki. Please don't do this."

"Would you just SHUT UP!" Loki roared. Thor came up behind her and held her still in his hands.

Loki took one heavy step towards his friend, Balder looking defeated and scared. He closed his eyes, working up the courage to just rush forward and get it over with. His feet however would not move.

Loki let out a roar and threw the dagger to the ground, where it lay harmless.

The red-headed god sank to his knees, weeping profusely, "I can't do it!"

"Loki!" Thor hissed.

"I can't do it. I'm so sorry…" he wiped his nose and eyes, withholding more sobs from his throat.

Thor was about to say something when Balder slowly approached the knife and picked it up, examining it with the curiosity of a Neanderthal finding the next civilization-changing tool. He brought it down, head hanging as he weighed it, realizing that the dagger was made specifically not to harm him, but to kill him.

Balder's voice was almost unrecognizable, "So this is how this will be."

Loki slowly got to his feet, immediately regretting ever relinquishing that hold on the weapon.

"Balder…you have to understand," Loki whispered, backing away. "I didn't think there was any other way. But…but…maybe there is. Come on Balder, let's just get home and get warm…and…and we'll talk about all this."

"I just can't take this…" Balder wheezed, his eyes weeping and glistening as if everything he ever loved and desired was lost. He was helpless. The dagger was in his hand, poised near his chest. It was hard to tell if he was going to attack them or himself.

As if they thought they could repair what was done, Loki and Yui tried to talk him down, "Balder, put the knife down. Put the knife down."

They tried to sound as calm as they could despite the panic deeply set in their chests. They were at a loss of what to believe or what could happen, now that he's got the mistletoe dagger.

"Yes, let's just go inside and talk," Yui's voice cracked horribly, tears spilling as her heart pounded in her ears. "Please, Balder. Just put the knife down."

Balder shook his head and pressed his hand to his forehead as if a massive migraine set in. His fingers clawed in his blond locks in anger and desperation as he cried out. Something hot and piercing plunged through his gut and spread through his body as he saw white and blazing anger…an anger that wasn't his but was consuming him. He didn't have time to think and just remembered seeing the looks of disappointment and fear on the faces of his friends when he picked up the dagger. He was stuck. His friends wanted him dead when he wanted help.

It's not their fault.

Balder slowly shook his head at his friends, tears escaping his eyes as his last bit of sanity gave him the strength and will to take his fate into his own hands.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered into the air, "but…no more…"

Thor, Loki, and Yui screamed as Balder brought the dagger to his throat and slashed it open. He fell to the ground with a thud, the dagger dropping from his hand.

Loki screamed for his name and Yui fell to her knees in shock, Thor holding onto her, staring on feeling absolutely helpless. Loki scrambled to Balder's body and held his head up. Blood was gushing from his throat and mouth like a fountain, the unpleasant gurgling sound escaping from Balder's lips as he was struggling to speak against the pain. His blue eyes were wide staring everywhere but nowhere as he convulsed. Blood pooled over Loki's hands onto Balder's chest and onto the ground. It sprayed a little with every retched cough and sputter.

"Hang in there!" Loki told him, doing his best to stop the bleeding with his hand, "Just hang on!"

Loki clung to Balder, desperately trying to fix the irreparable, yelling at Balder in hopes the god of light could get the will to stay alive just a few more minutes. But the expression on Balder's face sickened him. He wasn't going to let his best friend die with his face solid in that pained and confused gaze.

"Come on, don't die here!"

Balder's struggling slowed to a stop, the light in his eyes completely gone.

Then a cold chilling silence. Yui and Thor weren't sure what they were seeing was real and Loki was trying to find someway to believe that Balder really wasn't gone. In his mind there was still a chance. Always a chance that Balder would just sit back up and brush himself off. Loki thought he was prepared to see his friend go, but not like this. Not like a sacrificed goat with all this blood.

"Balder!?" his voice croaked as he tried to shake him to move. He turned to Thor and yelled so forcefully that his face was as red as his hair, "GET HELP NOW!"

Thor didn't budge. Later on, despite his opinion that Balder would be better off…gone, the God of Thunder thought that he should've ran to find someone who could help, but at the moment his muscles wouldn't move or respond to Loki's pleas.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? GO NOW!" Loki roared again. A flash broke the sky somewhere in the distance, but Loki paid no attention. Thor's eyes settled on the blood coating his half-brother's lifeless body. Was that how gods die?

A figure in red rushed out of the trees, his hand clenched on his staff. Zeus appeared, slightly out of breath, his brow furrowed in worry.

"What happened?!" he yelled.

Loki's mouth gaped, moving like a fish out of water. His tongue was too heavy to move.

"What happened, Loki Laevateinn?" Zeus asked pointedly, his eyes piercing an accusatory look on the god cradling Balder.

What could Loki say? He rambled all that he could find in his head, "He just…"

"What's going on!" the deep voice of Thoth pierced the darkness as came up beside Zeus. As soon as his eyes fell on the Balder he kept his mouth shut.

"You two can help him right?" Loki asked. His voice creaked in desperation. He even felt relieved to have the two gods he disagreed with the most here, but the disgusted look on their faces told him that their powers had no bearing here.

Thoth and Zeus knelt down by them. Thoth gently took Balder's body and placed it on the ground, checking the vitals.

"You can fix him?" Loki for a brief moment felt all that panic and fear escape his chest, but Thoth shook his white head.

"No," the God of Wisdom whispered. He too found it hard to form words, "H-he's gone. There's nothing I can do."

"Bullshit!" Loki cursed loudly as he stood, tears falling from his eyes. "You're the God of Wisdom. Where's your wisdom, now!?"

The older god's face was scrunched in disapproval, "Dammit, you idiot, knowing that he's dead and that there's nothing I can do IS my wisdom. He's lost too much blood and his heart has stopped beating. I'm sorry, Loki, but there's nothing we can do."

He turned to Zeus, "For certain he's dead."

Zeus' face changed. Minutely but it wasn't an expression one saw from Zeus very often. A mixture of panic and fear. His eyes stared searching the surroundings frantically as if expecting some monster to come out.

"Thoth take the body away, now!"

"Where?"

"I don't care, just do it!"

Zeus stared up at the dark sky, his ears tuned to squawking. Out of the corner of his eye he thought he saw two birds rise from the trees. Ice settled horribly in the pit of his stomach. He hated being afraid, but there was little he could do about the uncertainty ahead.

Loki cried out and went after Thoth to stop him from taking Balder's body away, but Zeus stepped in and pulled the struggling and weeping god away from the bloody scene. Loki kept screaming. He was inconsolable and dove for the bloody dagger.

Before Loki could copy Balder's final actions, Zeus knocked the dagger out his hands smacked him across the face with such force that sent Loki sprawling onto the ground.

"Enough!" Zeus' commanding voice roared. Loki braced his cheek staring up at the ruler of Olympus. His gold penetrating eyes were full of frustration, not at Loki, but at the situation, "Come to your senses. Thor!"

Thor blinked upon hearing his name.

"Take Kusanagi and Loki back to your dorm immediately."

Thor swallowed, his gaze shifting from a frozen Yui, to Thoth with Balder's body, to Loki and Zeus. He was slow at the start, his feet feeling like lead. He stood over a crying Loki, his own knees wobbling. He glanced once at Zeus before grabbing his friend's shoulders and helping him. He half carried Loki by the arm, and gathered Yui. He shook her shoulder and she jerked out of her frozen state. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, and he could tell a sob was hanging in her throat.

"Come on," Thor said softly, trying not to succumb to his emotions. He helped her up and helped both Yui and Loki back to their dorm.

Once inside, Thor kept Loki in sight, forcing him to stay on the couch as the red-head let out choking cries until he couldn't cry anymore. Yui immediately rushed to the bathroom and vomited in the toilet, sobbing uncontrollably. Trying to keep his own sanity together was tough, but with two friends scared and distraught to the point of sickness, what could he do?

Be strong. Be a man. Don't cry.

Thor helped Yui up to his room to let her rest, and Loki had cried himself to sleep. He passed by Balder's empty room, pain entering his heart at the knowledge that it would never be occupied again. Thor's jaw was set hard as he softly closed the door. With each step he felt his chest tight and his resolve weaken. His nose and eyes stung with the weakening attempt keep a straight face. Trying to keep calm. Trying to convince himself that it was all for the best.

He made it to the kitchen and tried to busy himself by cutting himself some cheese and crackers. Yet, after cutting a few slices of smoked cheese, the knife felt heavy in his hand.

Did the knife feel this way when Balder held that dagger? Did it feel light, so easy to cut his own neck?

Thor dropped the knife and braced himself on the counter, flashes of Balder's final moments penetrating his mind. And they wouldn't leave.

Be a man. Strong gods don't cry. Strong gods don't…

Thor slammed his fist down on the counter once. It wasn't enough…

He gasped, and let out a soft sob, unable to keep it in. He wasn't strong. He had to cry.

* * *

**A/N: **We're closing in. One or two more chapters for this part. I made this chapter extra long for y'all. You know the drill, pals.


	17. Prose 17

Disclaimer: Anything you recognize I do not own.

Prose 17:

That morning, the god students were gathered into the main hall where Zeus' throne sat. All were curious and concerned, especially when Yui and the Norse Gods didn't show. The only one who had a sickening idea was Hades.

As the God of the Underworld, he knew when a soul passed from the physical realm and he felt something. Something strange and disturbing. He thought he felt a soul pass, but it wasn't what he usually sensed from souls. Human souls when they passed felt a brief moment of relief at being released from their earthly bodies, but this soul just…stopped. No relief. Just nothing.

He swallowed against the aching pit of his stomach. The students waited for Zeus to say something, but Hades' younger brother sat on his throne, finger tapping nervously against the armrest, gnawing on his lower lip, looking distinctly like, for once, something didn't go according to his plan.

Thoth entered from the side, and stood by the door. He too had an unsettling look on his face. Hades gripped his seat in preparation for the worst.

Zeus finally stood and descended a few steps, before clearing his throat. It took him a moment to work any words from his mouth, but his voice rather than commanding, was laced in dark dread.

"Humans often believe that the best of people are taken from the earth too early. They believe that because they are too good for the earth that gods like me want them to live in heaven with us sooner."

He paused and took a deep breath, "In some regards that is true. There is no sense in having someone too pure and good to suffer on earth. But if it's a god…"

Zeus paused again, looking down for a brief moment, before deciding to cut to the chase.

"Students. Your classmate, Balder Hringhorni, passed away last night, after taking his own life."

If Zeus expected someone to make a sound, he was wrong, but the glazed and stunned looks in the eyes of his students told him that the reality reached them. Takeru shook his head, almost as if his body was in denial. Apollo's brow's were scrunched together, lines appearing deep in his forehead. Even Tsukito's eyes were wide, his jaw muscle quivering.

None could quite believe it. Balder…was dead? He was immortal, wasn't he? And a suicide now. Sure they all knew he had some emotional problems but none of them would ever think he would want to take away his own life. Apollo stood, wanting to refute Zeus, wanting to tell him that he was wrong. Balder wouldn't. He couldn't.

"We mourn his passing," Zeus continued his eulogy. "It was…never my intent to see a god die under my watch. In honor of him, I hope all of you put forth an extra effort in all this. That being said…Thoth has cancelled classes for today…so that we may collect ourselves, and pay our respects to a life taken too early. You are free to go."

The students waited, still, gripped in shock. The first to make a move was Hades, who dragged Apollo out of his reverie. The first thought on their minds was to find the Norse gods to see if they were okay. Only Takeru had precautions.

"Is it really okay to barge in there?" he asked to no one in particular. "Can't we have them mourn in peace?"

"What if they need friends?" Apollo asked. "It's only right to mourn with them."

* * *

Inside the hall, Zeus sat back on his throne with a sigh. He began rubbing his temples as a migraine was setting in. How could have everything go so wrong?

"That was a rather touching eulogy," Thoth commented, his arms crossed over his chest still. "I didn't know you had it in you."

"I meant it…mostly," Zeus shot back, burying his face in his hand, "Never could I have imagined that something like this would happen, but perhaps I was being naïve about…fate."

"Fate is crueler to some more than others," Thoth answered, though he had a distinct opinion about fate. "Unfortunately for Hringhorni, fate seemed particularly hell bent on making him suffer for existing."

"If he was doomed from birth then his whole life seems a waste," Zeus said in response and Thoth smiled. Perhaps Zeus was finally figuring it all out. Figuring that fate wasn't as big a deal as everyone seemed to think. But Zeus called back his thoughts, "Whatever those threads weave must've been part of some plan. I can't stop that."

Zeus' thoughts turned to the consequences of all this. A god of light, someone so important to humans, was now gone into darkness. That can't be good. Plus Balder's heritage…

"Did you dispose of the body as I asked?" Zeus asked.

Thoth nodded, "I dealt with it as fast as I could."

"It probably wasn't fast enough."

Thoth's frown deepened, wondering what Zeus seemed to be so fearful of. Whether or not Zeus was afraid of something, he seemed to accept it. He seemed to accept whatever the future held.

The instructor on the other hand did not wish to engage in whimsical thoughts of fate. He merely excused himself and retreated to his library. Thoth went to the very back of the library, where the most obscure and less informative of books laid. Erotica. Why the hell he had books of shunga prints here was beyond him, but he pulled out a tome containing works of Marquis de Sade and the bookcase shifted to the side, creaking, and revealing a dark staircase.

Thoth descended the stairs with resolution. He knew where to go and what to find. In the basement of his sanctuary that was only lit by torches, he spotted who he was looking for, napping, with a little mummified doll in his hands.

"Anubis!" he yelled and the god shot awake, scrambling away as Thoth practically charged after him. Anubis was backed into a corner. Though Thoth was someone Anubis trusted, the God of Wisdom did have his harsh days with him.

"If you want to find a way out of this accursed place you will listen and listen carefully," Thoth said, pounding his fist against the wall. Anubis let out a whimper, his purple eyes wide. "It is time you put your…skills to use again."

Anubis swallowed, "Kaaa!?"

"I know you hate doing this sort of thing on anything that doesn't have fur. But this is important," Thoth softened his tone.

"Consider this practice. Except in this case the practice is…much harder than the real thing. It will be grueling, but if there's anyone who can do this, I know its you."

Anubis' stance began to straighten, as he no longer feared Thoth's tirade. Thoth had faith in something. And most of all he had a plan, of some kind. Thoth leaned over and whispered words into Anubis' ear.

"Do you think you can do that?"

Anubis paused for a second, trying to assess the outcome of what he was about to embark. If Thoth had faith in him, why shouldn't he? Anubis nodded.

* * *

Though with some dissent, the gods decided to check up upon their Norse friends. The air seemed colder, and upon arriving at the dorm, it seemed darker. The dorm was made of darkened wood, but it always seemed to give off a warm light. Now it just seemed like a cold, solitary place.

Dionysus knocked on the door, shivering against the shock of what he heard and the chilled air. As they all stared at the door waiting, a part of them expected Balder to open the door with his white and shining smile.

It was Thor who opened the door. He only opened it a tad, before opening a bit more once he realized who was at the door. It was blatantly obvious that Thor had been crying. His eyes were red-rimmed and he looked like he hadn't slept.

"Thor…" Apollo said very weakly. He paused, awaiting some response from Thor. Thor was about to say something, but his lip started quivering. Apollo let out a small sob as reality hit him seeing Thor so broken. Both gods embraced each other with soft cries, sobbing into their shoulders.

After they both separated, sniffing through their tears, Thor invited the others inside, not mentioning any fact that all of them were now on the verge of tears.

They went inside quietly, seeing Yui sitting rigid on the sofa by the fire. She too looked miserable, like she hadn't been able to sleep one bit. Rather than ask any questions about what she may or may not have seen, Apollo immediately took his seat beside her, rubbing her back gently and asking, "Are you okay?"

She nodded with a soft, "Yeah."

She then wiped tears away from her already drained face. She knew she had to cry more, but she was sure she was out of tears.

"Where is Loki?" Hades asked.

"Er…in his room. He hasn't come down," Thor said running his hand through his hair. He looked close to losing it. He sighed and closed his eyes and whispered, "I don't know what I'm going to do."

Tsukito worked his mouth, debating on what he should say. He had said nothing since hearing the news. He was normally quiet, but even he found that his lack of ability to say something—anything odd.

"Hey," came Takeru's hoarse whisper. "We're here if you need us."

Thor nodded and managed a weak, "Thank you."

With a shake of her head, Yui abruptly stood and turned around the sofa, marching to the stairs.

"Where are you going, Fairy?" Apollo asked, stunned a bit at her sudden action.

"I gotta talk to him," she said without turning around.

Thor ran after her and grabbed her wrist as she stepped up the stairs, "What are you doing, Kusanagi?"

"I have to. I have to talk to him. What I'll say I don't know, but," a tear managed to stream down her cheek. "I need to be sure he's okay."

"Kusanagi!" Thor hissed, his normally stoic eyes flashing with very, undeniably human emotion. In the back of Yui's mind, she had hoped that Thor's shackle was close to breaking, because right now he was the most human she had ever seen out of everyone.

He was incredibly vulnerable.

"You don't understand Kusanagi," he said. "Those two, Balder and Loki, they were incredibly close friends. You know that. They share a bond tied by fate. He was destined to be Balder's enemy, his destroyer, the destroyer of Asgard's future, but Balder…he…"

"Befriended him instead," she reiterated matter-of-factly.

"When Odin brought Loki into our land, it was fully expected that he would not gain much favor, especially with his propensity of lying. But Balder was not going to let fate dictate their relationship. He did what the opposite of what was expected. The opposite of what fate wanted."

Thor shook his head, not realizing he revealed that much of the truth, "My point is, you cannot comprehend their bond. I don't, but right now, he 's probably best alone."

Yui did not give a reply. Instead, she shook away Thor's grip and returned up the stairs. She found Loki laying in Balder's bed, staring up at the ceiling.

"Loki…" she called weakly.

"Are they down there?" he asked, voice so soft it was almost a whisper.

"Yes. They want to...they want to be there for you."

He rubbed his forehead, "I know."

"Are you alright?"

"What do you think?"

Yui assumed that he wasn't. It was a good assumption. She didn't even have herself together, and she didn't know Balder as long as Loki.

"It's okay to be sad," she said.

Loki turned and gave her an incredulous look. "Do I look particularly happy?"

"No."

"Then don't assume what I should feel. I don't know what hanging out with Greek Gods has taught you with wearing their bleeding, poetic hearts on their sleeves, but we handle our emotions in a different way."

"I'm sorry."

"I just want to be left alone," Loki said with finality as he flipped back onto his back to continue staring up at the ceiling.

Before Yui could leave, the door opened and Thor and the rest appeared. Loki threw up his hands and gave an exasperated sigh, "Merciful Freya, what the hell now?"

"Loki" Thor said sternly, sitting at Balder's desk. Loki picked himself up and swung his legs on the side of the bed.

"We just want to help, Loki-Loki," Apollo sounded soft, defeated, devoid of his usual emphatic voice. "It's terrible what happened to Bal-Bal. But it will be okay. It won't be easy. But everything will be fine eventually. He's...in a better place."

Thor shook his head only slightly, but it was enough for Yui to notice.

"We can talk about the good experiences we had with him," Tsukito found the will to speak, finding an empathy he didn't know he had. "It seems only proper."

"Oh come on…enough of this bullshit. He's not worth this headache" Loki whispered under his breath. "Forever how long we mourn him, he won't come back. The buffoon. The coward. Doing something so selfish. What a waste-"

In an instant Thor shot to his feet in a fit of surprising rage, took a heavy tome from Balder's desk and smashed it right across Loki's face. The force caused Loki to crumble off the bed and onto the floor.

"You know you were always a punk Loki," Thor seethed. "But this. THIS. I would've thought you'd take a little more to heart. But you couldn't-"

"Kill my best friend. Yeah. Draw and quarter me then. I at least tried to uphold my end of the deal."

"No. That's not good enough," Thor replied, not once straying from his ground. "That's not good enough Loki and you know it. You kill him, it would be all over. It would be painful, but everyone would at least be safe, and Balder's spirit would eventually enter Valhalla where it rightfully belongs-"

Loki's eyes widened, realizing where Thor was going with his lecture.

"But NO! You couldn't just stab that numbskull and now he's a suicide."

Before Loki could issue a rebuttal, Dionysus decided to break into the fight.

"Wait," he said, holding his hands out as if to stop a boxing match before it even started. "I'm confused. What does him being a suicide have to do with anything."

"Only the spirits of warriors who died in battle or combat are allowed into the halls of Valhalla," Thor explained, not tearing his eyes away from Loki. " If Loki had killed him as planned, it would technically be a death from battle and his spirit would remain in Asgard, in spite of his death. But…"

"He killed himself. So he cannot return to Valhalla," Hades said with finality. "Then what happens to his soul now?"

Thor shrugged. "Who knows. It probably dissipated from existence, just like the souls of all those who died of old age, disease, accident, and so on."

Yui couldn't but think that was a horrid idea of an afterlife. Only warriors were granted an afterlife? What of times of peace? What of children and women? The idea in and of itself was unsettling. Even moreso that a god of Balder's stature went very much in the way of old and diseased humans in his time.

That didn't seem right. But it made all the more sense of why someone else had to kill him. At least he would be around in spirit. But now, there was nothing left of Balder. Only memories. Memories that were tainted with recent unfortunate events. Or that's what Yui had concluded from Thor's explanation.

Hades placed a subtle hand on Yui's shoulder as she tried to refrain from heaving in anxiety. He finally understood why that soul he sensed just vanished.

Still. It didn't exactly _feel_ like Balder was dead. Perhaps it was wishful thinking. Or that the full gravity of the situation had not hit Hades yet.

"Balder did what he did because he was suffering. He didn't want to turn into something he hated," Thor continued. "You could've helped him. But he did what he did because of YOU. The exchange of blood has ended. His blood is on his own hands. You are clean and you are free, Loki. He erased himself from this existence to help you."

There was a heavy pause. The weight of Balder's death only intensified it.

In a low, dangerous tone, like the rumbling of thunder, Thor continued, "And you dare sit there and call him a coward or selfish. I am honestly disgusted."

Yui was shaking at this point. Not only had Thor lost his temper, but the strong friendship between him and Loki by all appearances were shattering. Perhaps they were right in saying that Balder was the glue that held everyone together.

"N-now, come on…" Apollo tried in vain to calm the room, but stopped when Loki stood to his feet.

The fire god brushed himself off and walked past Thor and out the room, but not before issuing a particularly vicious sounding "Fuck off, Thor." They waited and flinched when they heard the front door to the dorm slam.

Everyone was deadly quiet. Though none of them wanted to stay for much longer, they did not want to leave Thor alone. Yui had real experience with grief, with the deaths of a few beloved bets and relatives, but never had she seen such a vicious stage of anger. It was like no one could comprehend how to react appropriately.

But then they say that everyone deals with grief differently.

"You all can go," Thor said in a steady low voice, as if he knew that they no longer wished to be there. "Seriously. Please leave."

The rest of the gods shuffled past the tall Norse god and slowly, with heads down, left the dorm. Yui stayed behind.

"You too, Kusanagi. Go home," Thor said.

Wordlessly, she followed the others, but Thor stopped her with a hand on her shoulder, "Thank you...Kusanagi."

Yui paused once at the doorway to Balder's bedroom, seeing Thor standing tall in the middle of the bedroom, back facing her, looking alone. She softly closed the door behind her.

* * *

Thoth called everyone back for class the next day. It was understandably very very quiet and somber. Especially with Loki and Thor absent. Thoth kept his composure quite well, as he explained the power of measurement systems and how they developed. That said, he refrained from making any snarky comments to any of the students. Measurement systems were the last thing on their minds.

At one point, however, even Thoth couldn't take the doom and gloom permeating the room and he chided lightly, "Look lively, you all. You still have work to get through."

Yui turned her attention from the grey sky outside towards the chalkboard, nervous that she hadn't written anything down from Thoth's lecture.

Before Thoth could continue, there was a loud banging from the door outside, as if a mallet-sized fist angrily pounded on the surface from the other side.

"THOTH, get out here!"

At first, the voice wasn't at all recognizable. It was loud, deep and ferocious that it terrified every student in the classroom.

"Dammnit, open the door! I know you put him somewhere! Tell me where Zeus put him!"

Thoth inhaled through his nose, and took his tome with him as he approached the door, probably to use as a weapon.

"Thor, I'm in the middle of class," Thoth said gently through the closed door.

The loud banging continued and the door seemed to give a little. Thoth grit his teeth severely as he jumped back hearing the force. He flung the door open and squared himself up as Thor pushed himself in, face red, shoving Thoth back out of his way.

His voice was a low rumble as he spewed all the pent-up grief, anger, and helplessness, "I know he took the body. You know where it is, bird. And yet you continually refuse to tell. Where is he!?"

"Thor, I cannot-"

"He deserves an honorable burial at least. On his ship back home! Hand his body over. I'm done asking Zeus. And I'm done asking you."

Thoth rubbed the bridge of his nose, "You Norse have a flair for the dramatic…"

Big mistake. If Balder's violent outbursts were terrifying, Thor's reaction was downright horrific. Thor grabbed a hold of Thoth's throat, causing the instructor to bend to his knees, gasping.

"You DARE make light of THIS!" the thunder god bellowed.

Takeru thought to spring to action, but before he could pry Thor's hand away from Thoth, lightning erupted in the room, shattering the desks, windows, chairs, and tables, causing all of the students to fly back and brace for cover.

Initially, they thought it was Thor breaking into his god form, but as the sparks cleared, he too was on the ground, shaking his groggy head.

Zeus stood over him, face dark, looking furious.

"Thor Megingjord," he boomed. "You dare disrupt the studies."

Thor picked himself up, Thoth straightening beside him.

"Give Balder back to me. Why won't you listen? Why won't you give...give his family a last reprieve?" Thor's voice was laced with tears and sorrow. He was desperate, broken. All he wanted to give his brother his last rights. And Zeus was now denying that.

"Zeus," Hades said sternly. "It's only right."

Zeus shook his head and frowned, "What is right is not what must be done. You are all living. We must keep it that way."

Hades' brows straightened, as if he sensed the cryptic message his brother sent.

"I have a right to get that body and you bloody well know it. Hand him over. I'm not going to say it again," Thor continued.

Zeus snarled and struck Thor across the face with his staff. "BE STILL! You do not know who you are talking to boy."

Thor blanched from the blow, but only a little. He stood tall and firm on his feet, eyes glinting with rage. If Thor thought to return the favor, he thankfully let his more mild-mannered half control his body.

"You have no idea what's coming," Thor growled, trembling with barely suppressed anger. "Nothing what I can do can compare to what HE will do to you when he gets here. And believe me, he WILL get here. I can only do what I can to soften the blow."

Zeus regarded Thor with narrowed eyes, invisible sparks of lightning seeming to surround the two, but he met his gaze with a small bit of understanding. "And for that very reason is why I am not going to allow your brother's body be advertised. You won't leave the garden, and neither will his remains. I WILL NOT have these studies interrupted, by you...or the one-eyed king. Go home and worry about yourself and your living friend."

After a stare down, Thoth gently grabbed Thor's wrist, who wrenched it out of his grasp.

"Get off me!" he hissed before retreating out of the classroom.

As Thor strode down the empty hallways, Thoth waited by the classroom door to make sure he left. Thor was shaking, still reeling from his outburst. His heart was pounding a mile a minute, and he was at least a little thankful that Zeus ordered him to remain home. Where ever that was. But he was disgusted. Balder deserved a proper burial and Zeus probably had his corpse locked away in a freezer like meat.

The cool air hit his face as he left the school. He could smell the tanginess of rain in the air. Despite the fact that it was his favorite scent, there was a looming sense of dread in the smell. A sense that Zeus wasn't controlling the weather this time.

Thor shuddered as he heard the piercing squawks of two birds nearby. The shaking didn't stop as two black crows. No. Ravens. Two large ravens flew overhead and out of sight. The stillness, the quietness of the garden could no longer be ignored.

"Vanir*, help us all."

* * *

Loki never returned to the dorm room after leaving the other night. He didn't want to be suffocated anymore. He didn't like being alone, but this time he couldn't stand to be around anyone.

He found himself in the exact same clearing where Balder last stood alive. The dagger still containing his blood was now held in his hand. He sat in the grass, listening to the stillness of the air as the clouds darkened overhead.

The final moments of Balder's life played over and over in Loki's head.

"Idiot," Loki murmured as he thought of his late friend. "What an idiot."

His thoughts turned to his other friend. Thor's words were harsher than his force, but it hurt that he would just throw him under the bus like that. As if this whole thing was Loki's fault.

"I'm not the coward, Thor," Loki seethed. "You are."

He didn't notice a figure slink towards him into the clearing. "Having an idle chat with our lonesome selves, aren't we?"

'_Oh, not this walking piece of excrement,' _Loki thought as he stood with an annoyed sigh. Crom Cruach appeared in the clearing, his hands shoved in his pockets and that sickening toothy smile carved into his face.

"Crom, I've already wasted one 'Fuck off' that I usually reserve for you. So you're going to get a strongly emphasized 'Piss off!' from me."

Crom Cruach made a click with his tongue in admonishment, "Tsk, tsk, Loki. You and I are one in the same-"

That made Loki laugh. A hollow, sardonic laugh, "Oh ho~! Yeah….no way. No way in hell. You and I are nothing alike."

"Oh but we are. We are considered the banes of our superior's existence. I, for example, do not answer to her lady Danú. And you sure as hell only answer to your god-king kicking and screaming."

Loki rolled his eyes, "Not even close, you worm."

Crom Cruach chuckled, "Sure, sure. You know, though, we do lie. We keep secrets. You want to know a few of mine?"

Loki shook his head murmured unimpressed,"No I really don't-"

"I found something that guarantees that I do not die. At least not in the hearts of people. I can be immortal, just as your boy."

"What are you blabbering about?"

Crom Cruach rubbed his knuckles against his chest, "Everyone knows that humans are the lifeblood of us. What guarantees their devotion?"

"A warranty?" Loki offered sarcastically.

"FEAR!" Crom Cruach hissed, his black eyes widening, face almost contorting out of its human form. "Nothing gets those humans to kneel at your feet more than fear. Fear of the dark. Fear of the dead. Fear of starvation."

Crom Cruach grinned at that last part as if had plenty of first-hand experience of how humans react to food.

Loki couldn't speak. He thought Crom Cruach had finally crossed the threshold into complete madness. No wonder the Tuatha de Danann sent him here.

"And what am I supposed to do with this information?"

"Whatever you wish," Crom replied, opening his arms out in a blessing gesture. "But, may I ask if I could keep the dagger in your hand?"

"Now I know you've completely gone off the deep end."

"Hear me out-"

"No."

"If you lend me the dagger. I can help you," said Crom Cruach.

Loki narrowed his eyes. No, he promised himself that he would not be lured into Crom Cruach's trap. Not like Cernunnos was.

"You give me the dagger," the harvest god said coolly, "I can help bring your friend back."

This gave Loki pause. A small, small sense of hope filled his chest, but it was quickly laced with dread and skepticism. Crom Cruach was playing with him, toying with his emotions. He had to be. Loki was smart enough not to fall into that trap.

"That's bullshit, Crom," Loki said, gripping the handle of his dagger tightly.

"No, not really. It'll be hard, but I'd do it. We ARE gods after all. All I need is that dagger. And I'll do it for you. I'll bring the light bearer back."

Loki stared at the dagger in his hand. He had to be insane to even consider it, but…

At the very least it could be a redo, a mulligan. Balder could die more peacefully this time. Or just erase the awful memory of what happened to him.

"What...do you want to do with the dagger?" Loki asked softly.

"Simple. Get rid of my shackles and get out of here. Win-win for you, I gather. I leave, and you get your friend back."

Something wasn't right about this, but...if it meant Crom Cruach could leave and possibly bring Balder back, maybe, just maybe…

Loki held out the dagger and Crom Cruach snatched it, all too eagerly. He examined the blade with a wide smile, seeing with mild glee that blood still graced the vine and plant tipped weapon.

"So, tell me fire bringer, was the blonde Prince of the Norse a virgin?"

Loki fixed Crom Cruach with a hard stare, before shrugging, "I think so, yeah…"

"…not for the lack of trying," he finished under his breath.

"Good," the other god's voice was long and drawn, causing Loki's spine to rattle.

Before Loki could react, he felt himself being pulled into blackness.

* * *

* they were fertility and wisdom gods that ruled the world before the Aesir took over after a very intense war. Kinda like the Titans from the Greek Pantheon except many Vanir became absorbed with the Aesir and became allies. Freja, Freyr, and Mimir are examples of Vanir.

**the clan that became Irish deities. The name translates to people of the goddess Danú. Cernunnos, Bridgid, and Nuada are examples.

A/N: There it is. The last chapter of Draumer Edda: A Yule Christmas. I am slowly working on the second part that takes place right after this. Keep any eye out for it. And as usual, read and review. And thank y'all for tolerating me.


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Kamigami No Asobi/神々の悪戯, Fantasy