The dark realm of the Shadow Kingdom, perpetually shrouded in twilight, was silent, save for the soft rustling of Scathach's long, dark purple hair as she moved. She stood still, her striking red eyes fixed on the grand projection screen before her.
On the screen was Odin, King of the Aesir, seated on his high throne in the Silver Hall. The one-eyed god wore his iconic eagle-shaped helmet and golden armor. His single, piercing eye gleamed with an ancient wisdom that seemed to strip away all pretenses, revealing the truths of the world beneath.
With measured grace, Scathach inclined her head respectfully and greeted him. "Your Excellency Odin, King of the Aesir."
Odin responded with a faint smile, his deep voice resonating with unhurried authority. "It has been many years, Scathach, Queen of the Shadow Kingdom. What prompts this unexpected contact through the runes I entrusted to you?"
"Indeed, I have a matter of some importance to discuss," Scathach replied, her tone steady and calm. "It concerns Kevin—the man of miracles, son of Lugur, and next leader of the Danu tribe."
Odin's expression shifted slightly, his brow furrowing as he stroked his long, white beard. Scathach continued, her voice unwavering.
"Guided by his father, Kevin has embarked on a journey to Asgard. He will soon arrive at the Bifrost Rainbow Bridge." She paused, observing Odin's reaction carefully. "Although Lugur has already spoken with your daughter, Balder, regarding Kevin's arrival, I thought it prudent to inform you personally."
Odin's frown deepened. His gaze sharpened, and his voice grew more serious. "Scathach, I appreciate your candor. But why is it that I cannot see this Kevin you speak of? In all my visions, standing beside Lugur, I see only Cu Chulainn."
At this, Scathach allowed herself a small, knowing smile. She straightened her posture slightly, her voice carrying a note of pride. "That is because my beloved disciple is unique. He is a man of miracles, recognized by the Danu gods. He exists neither in the past, nor the present, nor the future.
Kevin is a person without destiny."
The revelation struck Odin like a thunderclap. His single eye widened in astonishment, and the Silver Hall itself seemed to tremble under the weight of his reaction. "A man without destiny?!" His voice boomed, reverberating through the vast hall.
Scathach remained composed, unfazed by Odin's outburst. "Yes, Your Excellency. Kevin's existence defies the threads of fate itself. Even your all-seeing eye cannot perceive him. If you doubt me, I suggest you consult your daughter, Balder—she is well aware of his unique nature."
Odin leaned back in his throne, his thoughts visibly racing. Scathach's revelation had clearly unsettled him. As the king of the Aesir, Odin had spent countless ages peering into the intricate web of fate, even trading an eye for the wisdom to glimpse its mysteries.
But a being who existed outside fate? That was an anomaly even he could not ignore.
Closing his eye, Odin sought once more to find Kevin's presence within the vast river of time. Yet, as before, Kevin's existence eluded him. It was as if the young man stood outside the world's design, untethered to its natural laws.
When Odin opened his eye again, his expression was grave. "Scathach, you claim this boy is your most beloved disciple?"
"I do," Scathach affirmed, her tone carrying both pride and sincerity.
"And his journey to Asgard—is it for some purpose beyond mere pilgrimage?"
"Yes." Scathach's gaze did not waver. "Kevin seeks the blood of Fenrir to rebuild his body."
At the mention of Fenrir, Odin's expression shifted to one of bemusement. The faintest of chuckles escaped him, a rare sound that echoed through the Silver Hall.
"Fenrir? Of all things…" Odin murmured, shaking his head. His amusement faded as curiosity took hold. "Tell me, Scathach, what compels this young man to seek such a perilous prize?"
Patiently, Scathach recounted Kevin's story. She spoke of Lugur's adoption of Kevin, the trials he endured to master the magic spear, and his training in the Kingdom of Shadows. She described Kevin's unwavering resolve, his sacrifices for Cu Chulainn, and his ultimate decision to burn away his divine body to protect the future of the Ulster Kingdom.
Odin listened intently, his expression softening as the tale unfolded. When Scathach finished, a silence hung in the air. Finally, Odin spoke, his tone laced with admiration.
"Lugur, that clever old god... I see his hand in this." Odin's voice carried a faint hint of amusement. "He sends his child to seek Fenrir's blood, knowing full well the value of such a treasure. As the next leader of the Danu tribe, Kevin could easily have acquired a lesser boon to rebuild himself. But Lugur clearly desires nothing but the finest for his son."
Scathach inclined her head, acknowledging Odin's observation.
"You're right," Odin continued, his voice growing serious. "This Fenrir is no ordinary being. He is my brother's child—the monstrous wolf destined to devour me in Ragnarok."
Odin's eye glittered as he rose from his throne. "But even so, I will grant Kevin his chance. Though in Asgard, opportunities are earned, not given. If Kevin wishes to claim Fenrir's blood, he must prove himself worthy."
Scathach bowed deeply. "Thank you, great Odin."
"Do not thank me yet, Scathach," Odin said, his tone warning. "The trials Kevin will face will be unlike anything he has encountered. Even you, the Queen of Shadows, cannot shield him from what lies ahead."
Turning, Odin summoned a majestic eagle with a wave of his hand. The bird alighted gracefully on his arm, its piercing gaze scanning the room.
"Go," Odin commanded the eagle. "Summon my daughter Balder. Tell her it is time."
The eagle took flight, its powerful wings carrying it out of the Silver Hall. Odin watched it disappear into the distance before turning back to Scathach.
"I will ensure Kevin is given his chance," Odin said firmly. "But the rest is up to him. Tell your disciple to prepare, Scathach. His journey is only just beginning."
Scathach nodded solemnly. As the projection faded, she stood alone in the darkness of her realm, her thoughts with Kevin as he ventured closer to his greatest trial yet.
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