A Just Punishment

The gods are not meant to interfere in the affairs of mortals. It’s the golden rule that gods are taught from the moment of their birth. I knew it well and yet... it was the thing I struggled most with. How can I not? The mortals are just so fragile, driven by emotions such as rage and envy to do unspeakable things.

My father taught me a great many things when he was alive and the one that stuck with me the most was this: ”No matter who you face, always be kind, my child, for you never know who may need it."

Those words were always in the back of my mind, so when I witnessed a young boy being battered and bruised by a grown man, I simply couldn’t turn the other way. I changed into a large cat, jumping easily through the open window and attaching my claws to the man’s neck. He howled in pain, scrambling to dislodge me from his skin, which he succeeded in when he slammed me against the wall.

With a knife in hand, he threatened to first slit my throat and then the boy’s. It was purely self-defense, I assure you, but that man’s life ended that day. When I returned to my godly form, the boy hugged me and cried into my shirt. His skin was marred with wounds, both old and new. It made my heart ache.

As soon as I returned to Asgard, the guards were awaiting me. I didn’t try to run nor did I try to flee. I had broken the rules and I would accept my punishment, whatever that may be. I was brought before the great and powerful Odin for judgment.

“Goddess Hlina,” his voice boomed throughout the hall as I kneeled before him. “You have broken the law by interfering with the mortals of Earth. In doing so, you have ended the life of one such human. Do you deny this?”

“No, I do not deny this, Allfather.”

He narrowed his eye at me, the other hidden behind an eyepatch. “Then you shall be punished for your transgressions.” He paused for a moment in thought. “You will be stripped of your power and sent to live among the mortals that you revere so much. Your status of god... has been revoked.”

There was a whisper among the others in the room and I felt anxiety in the pit of my stomach. He was stripping me of my powers... for a god, it was one of the most humiliating punishments one can receive.

“Heimdall will be awaiting you at the Bifröst. Go at once, goddess Hlina,” ordered Odin, slamming the end of his staff against the ground to finalize his words.

I pulled myself to my feet before bowing to him. “Forgive me, Allfather.” And then I turned to leave, escorted by his guards. My mother was pacing outside, her red eyes indicating that she had been crying. They did not let me stop to speak to her and she tried to follow us.

Thor stopped her, explaining Odin’s decision to her. The last thing I saw was my mother falling to the ground, sobbing into her hands as Thor comforted her. I had to wonder if I had let her down. I wondered if my father would be disappointed in me.

As a god, traveling through the Bifröst is a simple process, one without pain or issue. As a mortal, it is painful and impossible to keep your balance. Thus, I was thrown against the solid Earth, rolling a few times before coming to a stop against a large rock.

I winced in pain, staring up at the sky above me. It was a beautiful shade of blue, fluffy white clouds dancing across the sky in the breeze. I’m a mortal now, fragile and easily influenced. Although I’ve always been fascinated by mortals, watching them closely whenever I got the chance, I had never actually studied them. How do mortals live from day to day? How do they cope knowing that their lives will one day end?

I pushed myself up, wincing once more as pain shot through my spine. Glancing around, I realized that I was in a clearing, surrounded by tall pine trees. I could hear cars far in the distance so I started to make my way in that direction. I had no plan in mind, no idea of how to survive my now mortal status. All I knew is that I had to do everything I could to survive.

Giving up is simply not an option.

I walked for several minutes before the forest ended and I found myself standing on the sidewalk. Cars drove past every minute or so and people were walking along the path, laughing and smiling with their friends or families. They gave me strange looks and I wondered if they knew who I was. No, that simply isn’t possible.

Glancing down, I realized how differently I was dressed from them. Of course, I stand out in such attire. My eyes scanned the row of buildings on the right, stopping at the clothing store. That will be my first order of business, then. If I’m to live among them, I must dress like them.

A small bell above the door chimed when I entered the store. There were only four people inside - a woman with her child, an elderly man, and a young man standing behind the counter. The first three paid me no mind, but the young man smiled at me when I entered.

“Welcome to Will’s Bargain Clothing. Let me know if you need help finding anything.”

“I shall,” I replied before stepping farther into the store, scanning the racks of clothes. I was more of a simple person. Clothing did not excite me as it did with most of the other goddesses. I care only that it is comfortable so it was easy to find something. As I was pulling a tan shirt from the rack, I felt a tug at my pant leg. Curious, I looked at the young girl standing beside me.

“You’re really pretty,” she told me, offering a toothy grin that showed off several missing teeth.

I returned the smile, patting her gently on the head. “So are you.”

Realizing that her child was no longer beside her, the mother rushed over with an apologetic look on her face. “I’m so sorry! Mary, what have I told you about bothering strangers?”

“I wasn’t bothering her,” pouted the young girl. “She called me pretty!”

The mother sent me a warm smile. “And did you say thank you?”

“Oh,” she blinked a couple of times before turning back to me. “Thank you!”

“You’re very welcome.” I patted her head again and the two walked away. It was but a small interaction, but it gave me hope. Mother often spoke of mortals as cruel and ruthless, doing anything to survive. Father and I were able to see past that cruelty to the kindness lying beneath.

Once I had chosen a suitable outfit, I headed into the backroom to get changed. They were a bit big on me which only made them more comfortable. I had chosen the tan T-shirt and a pair of jeans. Satisfied with my choice, I left the backroom and headed for the door.

The young man glanced up at me and his eyes widened in alarm. “Hey, wait! You have to pay for those?”

“Pay?” I repeated, turning to him with a furrowed brow. “With what do I pay you?”

He stepped around the counter, looking at me strangely. “You know... with cash?”

“Cash?” I repeated again, combing through my memories for any mention of such a thing. “Ah! You mean that green paper that mortals use?”

His lips tugged downward and he scanned me for a moment, scratching his cheek. “Where are you from?”

“Asgard.”

“A...Asgard?” he repeated with a scoff. “Asgard doesn’t exist, Miss. It’s just a fairytale told to children.”

I squared my shoulders, turning to face him fully. “I assure you that my home is very real and it is no mere fairytale.”

The man just laughed. “Next you’re going to tell me that you’re a god.”

“A goddess, yes,” I told him before realizing my mistake. My gaze fell to the floor, a frown on my lips. “Well, I was a goddess. Now... Now I am a mere mortal.”

His brown eyes scanned my face from beneath curly bangs. “Wait... you’re serious, aren’t you?”

“I am. Now, where can I acquire this... what did you call it?Cash?”

“You have to get a job and earn it.”

“I see. And where might I find a job?”

He scratched his cheek again. “Something tells me you’re not going to get one.”

“And why, pray tell, is that?”

He glanced at the clock before stepping closer. “Listen, my shift ends in twenty minutes. Wait for me outside under the apple tree, alright? I don’t really believe you, but I can’t just let you wander off on your own. It’s dangerous around here at night.”

“I assure you, I don’t need protection. The gods of Asgard are taught to defend themselves at a young age.”

“Yeah. Right. Of course, they do. Just...” He glanced at the counter where the old man was waiting with a pile of clothes. “Wait for me, okay?”

I thought about it for a moment before slowly nodding. “As you wish.”

“Great. Don’t wander off, okay?” He offered me a smile before rushing back behind the counter.

I stepped out of the store into the cool afternoon air, glancing around for the apple tree he had mentioned. It was to my left, near where I had exited the forest. The tree was tall, its leaves offering shade for the bench that sat beneath it. As far as I could tell, there were no apples in sight. Was it the wrong tree? The only other trees were the tall pine trees that lined the sidewalk.

I lowered myself onto the bench and waited, watching the mortals as they went about their daily lives. Now that I was dressed like them, they paid me no mind. Though it felt like only a few minutes had passed, the male appeared before me with a smile.

“Walk with me?” he asked, jabbing his thumb over his shoulder.

I nodded, standing up and walking beside him as he started down the sidewalk.

“So... assuming you’re telling the truth and you’re actually from Asgard...” he paused, glancing over at me. “Why are you here now?”

“I broke the rules set forth by Allfather,” I frowned, looking up toward the darkening sky. “Gods are not meant to interfere with the lives of mortals. For that, I was stripped of my power and sent to Earth.”

“That seems a bit much,” he muttered.

“Perhaps, but that is what the Allfather has decided. I knew the rules and I broke them anyway. It is only fair that I suffer the consequences of my actions. Do you not agree?”

“I guess you’re right. Then that means you have no place to stay?”

“I do not.”

The male was quiet for a moment, seeming to have an internal debate with himself before coming to a stop in front of me. “In that case... you can stay with me. Just temporarily, of course, until you can get on your feet.”

“I don’t want to impose upon you.”

“Don’t worry. We can use the distraction, trust me.”

“‘We’?”

“Me and my little brother, Bobby.”

I hummed thoughtfully, bringing my hand to my chin.

“It’s not like you have anywhere else to go.”

“Yes, you are right. Fine, as long as you’re sure it will be of no inconvenience. I appreciate your kindness, Mister...?”

“My name is Blake.” He held his hand out to me.

I smiled, resting my hand against his own. “Hlina. My name is Hlina.”

“That... is an interesting name. It’s definitely going to raise some eyebrows. Maybe we should give you a, uh... a normal name?”

“What do you propose?”

“Bobby, I’m home!” called Blake when he stepped through the door of his home.

I heard hurried footsteps at the back of the home, steadily coming closer.

A young boy appeared in the doorway, his dark eyes meeting mine. For a moment, we just stared at each other.

Blake hadn’t noticed as he approached the fridge. “My friend Helena is going to be staying with us for a while, okay? Make sure you’re -”

Bobby’s eyes filled with tears as he rushed at me, throwing his arms around my waist and burying his face in my stomach. I wrapped my arms around him, shushing him softly as I brushed his brown hair. Blake froze, eyes wide as he stared at the two of us in confusion.

“What... is happening...?” he muttered.

Bobby slowly lifted his head so he could address his brother. “It’s her! She... She’s the one who saved me from dad!”

“What?” Blake’s body tensed as he took a step closer to us. “The woman who turned into a cat... washer?”

The younger boy nodded frantically before looking up at me. “I thought I’d never see you again...”

I kneeled in front of him, brushing the hair from his eyes. “Your bruises are healing nicely. I’m so happy that you’re doing well, child.”

Blake pinched the bridge of his nose before running a hand through his hair, clearly still trying to process the situation. “Bobby, can you... I need to talk to her alone for a minute, okay?”

The young boy nodded. “You won’t leave again without telling me, right?”

“I promise,” I smiled at him which he returned before leaving the room.

A moment of tense silence settled over us as I waited for him to speak.

“You were stripped of your immortality and power because you intervened with mortals...” said Blake softly, leaning his hands on the counter. “That means... you lost your powers saving my brother from that bastard.”

“It appears so, yes.” I kept my voice soft as I observed him. “I apologize for taking the life of your father. It wasn’t my place to do so and I am unaware of the distress it may have caused you.”

He quickly shook his head, brown locks falling over his face. “No... no, you saved me a great deal of distress. You saved my brother’s life. That bastard, he... would have killed my brother and there was nothing I could do to stop it... they wouldn’t listen to me!”

A frown tugged at my lips as his voice trembled. I approached him slowly, resting my hand on his shoulder. He lifted his head, tears in his eyes. Before I could speak, he threw himself at me, arms around my neck as he sobbed softly, no doubt not wanting to alert his brother.

“There, there,” I told him softly, running my fingers through his hair. “Your brother is safe now. Fret not over the past, for it cannot change. Focus on the present, for it is what is most important.”

“You’re r-right,” he sobbed softly, his fingers clutching the back of my shirt. “But you... you gave up everything... to save my, my brother! I... thank you so much... Hlina.”

I just smiled, continuing to comfort him. “I do not regret my choice and, given the chance, I would do it again. Do not weep for what I have lost.”

He sniffled, finally pulling away as he wiped at his red eyes. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to... react that way.”

“No need to apologize. Do you feel better?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Of course.”

“Forget what I said earlier.”

“What do you mean?” I questioned, tilting my head to the side.

Blake smiled warmly at me. “You can stay here with us as long as you want.”

Before I could reply, there was a cheer from the living room as Bobby came rushing into the room, his face lit up.

Blake quickly turned away, trying to hide his red face and attempting to wipe away the remnants of his tears. “Bobby! How many times do I need to tell you not to eavesdrop?”

“It’s only fair since it involves me,” pouted the young boy. It was quickly replaced with a smile, though. “Is it true? Is she really going to live with us?”

“That’s up to her.”

His eyes fell on me, filled with hope. “Well? Are you going to live with us?”

I glanced between the two males, feeling a strange warmth settling in my chest. With a smile, I nodded. “I will stay as long as you’re willing to have me.”

“Yay!” cheered Bobby as he threw his arms around me.

Blake returned the smile before approaching us, throwing his arms around the two of us. “Thank you,” he whispered in my ear.

“I vow this day to always protect you,” I whispered back, my hand gently rubbing up and down his back. “Both of you, until the day I no longer have breath in my lungs.”

“You better make that a long time,” he muttered, squeezing me tighter.

I chuckled at his words. “I will do my best.”