Chapter 1
The wind howled through the streets of Asgard, sending loose leaves and debris scattered across the ground. Amidst the chaos, the reader could feel the familiar tug of their powers, calling out to them with a siren's song. As much as she tried to ignore it, the pull was too strong to resist. She didn’t know how much longer she could handle it. Bearing this power inside her was the main struggle. She is considered one of the most powerful goddesses of Asgard, and one of the youngest. Little did people know, it pained her as if her lungs were shattering inside her.
With a deep breath, she let her powers loose, the energy coursing through her veins and exploding outwards. For a moment, she felt powerful, invincible, but the sensation was short-lived. As the energy dissipated, she was left with searing pain, a reminder of the cost of their abilities. She groaned, pressing her hands, to somehow restrain her pain.
Hunched over, Rune stumbled down an alleyway, seeking refuge from prying eyes. She couldn't let anyone see her like this, weak and vulnerable. It was bad enough that they were struggling with their powers, but to let others know would be a fate worse than death.
She tried her best to hide it, to act as if everything was normal, but the more she used her powers, the worse it got. It was like a ticking time bomb inside her, waiting to explode.
Little did she know, someone was watching from the shadows, their curiosity piqued by her display of power.
“.. This is intriguing”
*
Another morning and of course the use of her powers. Sometimes she feels as if the Asgard itself uses her for its own benefit. But she quickly vanished the thought away. “I am helping people and the place of my mother” she simply stated to herself. Choosing the dark blue dress with gold accessories she headed to the infirmary.
Asgard is huge. From walls, and big statues of soldiers to clothes – everything shined gold. The place of gods and goddesses never disappointed her. Newest technology, enormous spaceships in the galaxy. Being Asgardian herself, she comes to the thoughts as “Seems we truly love the biggest things in the galaxy, huh?” Walking through the hallways people seemed happy, she thought who wouldn’t be glad to have the honor to live in this gorgeous place? Except her. She would truly give up anything to get rid of the pain of the use of power. She was ready to use it as much as possible to help the residents of Asgard, as her power is the source of her income and fame.
Rune entered the infirmary with a heavy heart, dreading the fact that she had to hide her pain and struggles from her colleagues, the healers. She was greeted by their familiar smiles and nods, clearly happy to see her. The guilt weighed heavily on her chest as she tried to appear composed and professional. She didn't want to burden them with her problems, especially when they had their own patients to tend to.
She made her way to her station, passing by a mirror along the way. A glimpse at her reflection showed the toll her powers were taking on her. Dark circles under her eyes and the pallor of her skin were clear signs that she was struggling to control her powers. Despite this, she reminded herself that she had a job to do and pushed through the exhaustion.
Rune spent the next few hours tending to the injured and sick. She used her powers to heal broken bones, mend wounds, and soothe the pain. Each use of her powers, however, made her feel weaker, and the pain grew more intense. She knew she couldn't keep going like this forever and needed to find a way to control her powers and minimize the pain and side effects.
As she finished her last patient of the day, Rune felt a wave of relief wash over her. She was grateful to be able to help, but she knew that she couldn't continue living like this. She needed to find a way to control her powers.
It was then that she noticed a figure standing at the doorway, watching her intently. It was Loki, the god of mischief, and one of the few beings in Asgard who knew the true extent of her powers. She tensed up, unsure of what his presence meant, perhaps someone had noticed her struggle.
Still lost in her thoughts, Rune was caught off guard when Loki approached her. "Rune, may I have a word with you?" he asked.
She turned to face him, surprised. Loki wasn't someone she interacted with often, and she couldn't help but feel guarded around him.
"What do you want, Loki?" she asked, trying to keep her emotions in check.
Loki looked at her intently, as if studying her. "I've noticed that you've been struggling with your powers," he said bluntly. "It's not easy to hide it from someone who knows what to look for."
Rune tensed at his words. She hadn't expected Loki to be so direct. "I don't know what you're talking about," she said, trying to sound convincing.
Loki raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying her lie. "I'm not blind, Rune. Your powers are taking a toll on you, and it won't be long before others notice as well."
Rune felt a surge of anger and fear rise within her. She had been trying so hard to keep her powers under control. She clenched her fists, trying to push away the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.
"I don't need your help," she spat out, her voice laced with bitterness.
Loki raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? You seem to be in pain every time you use your powers. How much longer do you think you can keep this up?"
Rune gritted her teeth, unwilling to admit that he had a point. She didn't want to be seen as weak, especially in front of someone like Loki.
"I can handle it," she said stubbornly.
Loki sighed, a hint of frustration in his voice. "You don't have to do this alone, Rune. I may not be the easiest person to trust, but I know a thing or two about controlling powers. And I can see that you need help."
Rune shook her head, backing away from him. "I don't need your help, or anyone else's. I can figure this out on my own."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Loki standing there watching her go.
Loki shut his eyes and let out a deep sigh, shaking his head in disappointment. He couldn't help but feel a sense of worry for her. He had seen what unchecked powers could do, and he didn't want to see Rune suffer the same fate. But for now, all he could do was wait and hope that she would eventually come to him for help.
As she made her way to her chambers, Rune couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. She was pushing people away, refusing to let anyone in. But she didn't know how to ask for help, or how to accept it when it was offered.
She lay down on her bed, trying to find a comfortable position despite the pain in her body. She closed her eyes and tried to clear her mind, but all she could think about was the offer of help she had just rejected. Maybe she was being too stubborn, too independent. Maybe it was time to accept that she couldn't do everything on her own. But the thought of admitting her weakness to someone else was almost unbearable. Rune sighed again and turned over, burying her face in her pillow.
Maybe she would think about it tomorrow.