Chapter 2: THE FIRST MATE
EINAR
Here is the legend...
He is one of the dreaded sons of the trickster god Loki. Named Fenrir, he was brought up by the gods to alter a prophecy he shall take part of. Destined to destroy the king of Asgard, Fenrir was restrained with invincible fetters constructed by the Duergat of the Nidavelir. Soon, he was isolated. The story would have ended temporarily until his mother, Angrboda, found and kept Fenrir out of the sights of Asgard and his prison at Niflheim. While the treachery wasn't regarded by Odin, he later found out that the dreaded pcreature formed a contract with a human in exchange of power and prestige. Whatever Fenrir's reasons were, Odin found the opportunity to once and for all destroy Fenrir and reverse his own fate.
Fenrir's body was hidden under a mountain. But by the advent of human establishments, his mountain, named the Wolf's Mount was dwelled by the nomadic tribe of Scaldor. Blessed by Fenrir's celestial presence, the mountain lived bountiful despite the surrounding dead desert. From out of his mouth was the river of Van where humans depend for water and life. Living with the tribesmen were wolves who somehow became attached and fought beside their humans. They soon served as the tribe's guardians and protector. Every human reared their own cubs while the adult wolves roam the territories devouring any human intruders whatever their intents were.
But out of his deity was the malice inherited from his father, especially to those outside his protection. The Wolf's Mount was a blessing for the Scaldors but a curse to the neighboring territories who greed for their resources. Akin to abundance were lives and blood of humans constantly feeding the unsavory deserts. With every war won by the Scaldors, was the expansion of lusher territories. Every battlefield produces new life and every life spent grew trees and plants - all at the expense of the invaders' lives.
250 years after Fenrir's isolation and 70 years after first humans set foot on his slumber, the once dark mountain that protected him nestled with life, humans and war. The expanse of his blessing reached vast territories, well guarded by wolves and the Scaldors, now numbered to 2,000.
However, envy enveloped the hearts of the adjacent dwellers, thus, three empires united decisively and waged a huge war of 45,000 strong and a thousand sorcerers to back the heavy armed Knights. The overkill was apparent slaughtering a third of the Scaldors and the wolves. While the surviving few dozen wolves and humans comfort themselves in a hidden tavern, the invaders looted their treasures and burned their crops. Animals of many kinds sought refuge inside a hidden cave where huge boulders stand as the tribe's final defense. It was at that time a man named Rohkeus emerged, the hero and tribe chief, destined to meet the god of the wolves in order to save his people and the land.
Underneath the mountain was a vast stretch of intricate labyrinth, some towards deadly falls, and some dead ends. The Scaldor tribe chief paid no heed to the unending entrances as the eldest grey wolf guided him to the heart of the mount. He felt a strong and tempting presence from whence he was powerless to resist. There, at the foot of the great crevice showed an enormous eye, gazing at the first human to stand before his presence.
It was not written on records what and how a contract was created between Fenrir and the tribe's chief. The next thing the world knew was that a man named Rohkeus Fenris emerged from the depths of despair to a victorious champion of the Wolf Mount.
Hence the tale...
Of all the stories told by his father, Einar Kazuya could vividly remember every detail of the myth. So vivid that even in his dreams, he could feel the earth and breath the air of the supposed dream land. Other than that, he occasionally finds himself among unfamiliar faces chanting strange languages while parrying indiscriminate debris thrown in all directions. In the middle of the circle was a figure of a man, bound in silk lace, struggling to break free. Einar knew the man was seeking for deliverance not only from the binding, but also from an inner war against a powerful entity about to devour him.
While those recurring dreams became more apparent, towards the end of the current ones, Einar always finds himself kneeling before a woman. He is wearing an ancient garb of ivory and Crimson. On his back is a leather quiver filled with silver-head arrows, the bow neatly tucked around his shoulders. He also wields a huge sword, with its hilt weathered by time and use. Beside the woman is a man whom he call his King.
Normally, Einar would shrug the specter of his imagination because of his baseball career. However, while visions have become clear and vivid, another realistic being began appearing around him. First a soft hiss, but over time a slithering crimson and gray creature began to invade his space. Only he could witness a huge serpent about his size and thrice his length slowly restricting his movements and suffocating his air.
Are you okay? Asked his teacher, Olga, quite concerned with his pale face.
Uh... I'm fine. He forced a smile, realizing the creature disappeared upon her touch. The regulated air flowed freely, enabling him to gasp in relief.
The slithering creature didn't appear for the next few days, prompting him to conclude it has completely departed. On the fifth day, while swinging his bat after a grueling training, the snake reappeared. Its gaping wide mouth enough to swallow him whole first wrapped its coil around and squeezed his battered body till he lost oxygen. Must be the end, he thought. But soon as his vision darkened, his body floated and disintegrated. Metallic lights engulfed what is left of him, blown by the wind towards a dim enclosure. In the middle of it is a huge humanoid figure sitting on a colorless wooden throne. The figure slightly moved his head and opened his mouth. Einar stiffened as depressing thoughts of death and pain barraged his consciousness.
--up! Wake up Einar! Called a soothing but panicked voice. He felt his soul return to his body, and his eyes involuntarily glance at the source of sound that pulled him out of horrifying end. Good. I thought you gave in.
I'm fine, thanks. He sat and held his neck, pain free and tranquil. Not far sprawled a huge serpent, still and seemingly dead. His reflexes kicked in, retreating huge distance resulting to sudden vertigo.
It's dead. Olga assured just as the serpent faded away.
Wait, how? Einar stared at his homeroom teacher who transformed from a normal woman to a red wolf and back to a human figure. Hey, teach... What is happening to you?
Olga raised her hand, from it appeared an old tome, beautifully decorated with nordic runes and scented with lilac. Its seemingly cleaved gray pages unfurled midway and out of the tome was a rune, not of Einar's tongue, but comprehensible to his long-before understanding. Olga pronounced:
A second I know, which the son of men
must sing, who would heal the sick.
Einar held his head, quite lethargic of the sweet smell. Figures bombarding his brain of dreams he thought were just figment of imagination began to form into someone's memory forcefully sharing as if it was Einar's own.
Hey. Are you witnessing some memories of your ancestor? She asked, partially sounding indifferent. Einar nodded, slowly the barrage of ancient recollections faded although his perception of reality became a bit hazy. What was clear was seeing himself clad in warrior's garb, wielding a special weapon and fighting creatures he wasn't sure of.
Einar felt growing unease soon as he realized that he grew up with someone supernatural. They had been neighbors and she took care of him, but he never realized the woman in his dreams looked like Olga. And here I thought all those dreams were just figments of my imagination. More like... I never thought you were part of it.
Me too. It's amazing you easily recovered from the shock. Olga chuckled. An hourglass then appeared and floated beside Einar. They're real. For you to see the son of Nidhogg means time has come to fulfill your duty. In 24 hours, its real body shall appear and consume you for real.
24...? Wait, what? Seriously? Einar held her hand, terrified of her sudden declaration. I mean, I understand these magical things. But... Have you known this all along? She nodded. Why didn't you tell me?
My consciousness of the other world just came about earlier than yours. I was a normal person just like you until last week. She had to argue with her master to spare Einar. However, in his absence, Olga will find difficulty in searching for her Duergats. More importantly, the next hours shall be inevitable and I wouldn't want you get consumed by that Odin's pet. She held his right arm, a rune similar to what she read earlier etched in his skin. This event is a prelude of our departure.
Einar Kazuya! A pair of boys soon approached. You come out and tell me about my new dynamic pitch! Says Jun, a junior who pesters him all the time to catch for him. Just two days ago, Jun was able to master his slider to the strike zone whilst adding more spin, making it look like a fastball during the release. Einar suggested that he change his stance and release point to make it a lot effective.
Oh my, your rowdy team. Interrupted, Olga floated beside Einar, giving space for everyone to talk with him. Don't worry, you're the only one who can see me. Talk to them.
Einar gathered his thoughts and grinned. Anyway, I might be giving you a list to take note while pitching so just meet me at the covered field later. You too. He looked at young Tony Cruz, the young catcher and roommate.
Ha?! What's up with that suddenly?! Jun reacted. Does that mean you're catching for me?
You're so persistent. He scratched his head and stood. Alright, pitch till you drop! But wait for me there! He pushed them out of the batting area. Soon as the area kept quiet, he slid on the door. The shock of him leaving suddenly was slowly creeping in. Einar's life shall be cut short. Tearfully writing comments about the team and other possible developments that would help his teammates, Einar poured out his knowledge. It took him about 30 minutes to meet his juniors.
Took you so long! Jun complained in his usual high-pitched tone. They proceeded talking about pitching and catching. Soon as the dorm closed, Einar then stood at the river bank. If he was right, Olga must have known of his fate on the day she woke up. She always looked conflicted whenever they talked.
Olga appeared beside, slowly descending on the ground. Effective today, I'm fired.
Yes I heard. Long pause... So tell me about you. 'Sides who you were here.
On that whole week, I was brought to a place named Wolf's Mount. She started. I am one of the six candidates. Six sisters obliged to look for the new king's Duergats. Einar looked at her. It'll be a matter of time before the Wolf King dies. Before Ryobou ascends the throne, one of us should complete the Duergats to prevent the spirit beast taking over his body and soul.
And?
Once we awaken our first mates, the quest to find the rest shall commence. Scattered throughout generations, our means shall be to travel across time. These peoples shall serve the kingdom as their lives are intertwined by their blood. Once the contract is absolute, they shall be called the Duergats. You are the human manifestations of seal that bound the god of the wolves thousands of years ago.
Duergats. Of course Einar is familiar with the term. He could already draw a picture of what was about to happen, similar to what his supposed ancestor has done for his King. He held his jaw, eventually realizing that his father may have knowledge of what was about to happen. At one time, his old man mentioned that... 'Maybe I would be called to serve... Maybe you.'
Seriously? Einar chuckled and held his head. So you mean I am some kind of a blessed individual fated to serve a fantasy kingdom? And I cannot refuse?
Something like that. She answered. Should you have existed while the king was strong, we could have lived our alternate lives to the fullest. You and the Duergats shall serve the court.
Where is that kingdom? Out of this planet?
Not necessarily, but definitely not of this realm. We will just return to the world we were designed to live in. It's just that... I understand you have established a good life here.
If he was angry, it was already beyond that feeling. The knowledge of one's own death is scary, let alone what lies beyond maybe a lot worse than his life on earth. However, within his deepest consciousness was a joyous feeling of restoration of something he must have lost eons before his existence.
I've got.. 22 hours left. The hourglass appeared soon as he stretched his hand. Although still conflicted, Einar made up his mind to live his last hours finishing things he could. How about you? You seem to have accepted your fate rather conveniently.
Olga floated away. Yeah. You were my only friend for all those years. It was really weird we were always together, but it makes sense now. She eventually understood that they were meant to stay close. She just happened to be born first.
x.x
Einar Kazuya, a star catcher of Quirino Technical School, is probably destined to become a national team player. After the retirement of the seniors, he was elected the captain during his sophomore year, leading his team to the Nationals. He, however, was forced to retire the rest of the season after suffering an oblique strain. On his senior year, many scouts tried to offer scholarships and professional contracts as early as summer.
Einar spent his day like usual the next morning, talking to people and friends and ended up practicing until evening. Three hours left, he checked the train station schedule. It would take him an hour to reach his old home and his father must be asleep once he arrived.
I can help you if you want to go somewhere. Olga appeared beside him. I can go places instantly.
You do? He nodded and stretched.
Have you made all the preparations?
Probably. He had a conversation with his coach about his observations on field, the tendencies of pitchers and everything he had been noticing towards his teammates. Einar also pissed his closest game buddy more than his everyday routine and enjoyed the pitchers' rising irritation towards his comments. Earlier lunch, Einar also called his former teammate pitching at a different school, just to diss his pitching. It sounded uneventful, but Einar respects the man for his sheer skill. He was quite satisfied.
Olga tapped Einar's forehead, sending him into a trance-like state before finding himself in front of his home. His father just closed the shop.
I didn't know you were coming. He casually greeted although a bit surprised to see his son in his pajamas. Have you had dinner?
Not really. I could make us some.
Sure. He handed him money to buy at the nearest grocery. Einar bought ingredients for curry and other food her mother used to prepare for them. He finished all in an hour and the two ate. I never... Really had problems with you. You are a strong boy and did almost all things by yourself.
Eh? Ah, haha. He scratched his head then finished his meal. Dad, have you ever watched any of my games in high school?
Hmp. What's that all of a sudden? He sighed. Top of 8th inning, runner from second rushed to the plate resulting to a nasty collision. I knew you were hurt but since you kept a tough facade, there was nothing much I could have done.
Haha, so you remembered that of all. Einar gave him another bowl. The father and son talked mostly about the family business before the former decided to retire for the night. Einar washed the dishes and saved leftovers at the fridge. On top is their family picture.
I suppose it's obvious who among my parents carry the gene of fate. Einar grinned while looking at his family portrait. While a lot changed after his mother died, Mr. Kazuya remained widowed despite several offers from younger women.
Yes. And it's probably why he chose to adopt me as part of your family.
So he knew what was coming.
Yes. Olga stared at the young man. Two days earlier, she visited Mr. Kazuya and told him about his son's fate. The old man had no particular expression but soon sighed in relief knowing Einar would still be under her care.
Please take care. You two are all that I have - he knelt and bowed. I can only sense your presence and dangers so there's nothing more I could do. If you fail, you have a home to return to. It's not only my son... You are also my daughter so I want to see you both live happy lives.
So she actually has a family. Had she died from the suicide attempt, Olga would not have known.
I see. Despite looking solemn, Einar's face softened and knocked on his father's door. The only time they talked long was about five years ago.
He then asked Olga to bring him to the National Baseball Field where they won the championship during his sophomore year. Their victory was bittersweet but the contentment of each one to play for the nationals was worth the experience. He could do more, he thought... But the lady beside him seems to be resilient with her goal to take him away. Einar was quite angry at his fate, but was somehow curious of the new life he was about to embrace. Can I bring something with me?
This one? She showed his mitt, ball, family picture and baseball team picture, the new and old batch.
So you really prepared everything. He forced a grin. They returned to the dorms where he can see the school's baseball field. Einar closed his eyes, hearing his own heartbeat racing thrice the speed of his slow stride. His time has come and Olga left him alone. Einar failed to see the upcoming car that hit him.
He didn't feel the pain as his supposed soul left his physical body. Einar watched the distraught driver come out and call for help. Moments later, people began appear, a resident recognized his school's baseball cap and immediately called for the coach.
Would you like to see what happens next? Olga asked. The young man looked away as the dumbfounded members of the baseball club witness ambulance wheel out his body to the hospital.
~end~
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone