Chapter Text
Jim rubbed his face after the trolls left through the backdoor, waved goodbye, then quickly left to the shadows of the early morning. Jim sighed as he closed the door then turned to his mom who was sipping coffee
“when did they get here?”
“earlier this morning when you were still asleep. I actually just woke up getting ready to go to work”
“so, having two trolls randomly knocking on the door that early in the morning, what came across your mind exactly?” Barbara giggled
“at first I actually thought they were lost and wanted to ask for directions. It’s happened in the past when your father was alive. But I guess it’s because they assumed it was safe place since they could smell a troll lived here, well even if it’s a half of one. Then when they told me they served you, I was hesitant to let them in. Then I remembered what you told me. So, I offered them a seat, offered them something to drink, then we all sat down and discussed everything” Barbara let a sigh through her nose
“I can’t believe all of this still. Never once having to deal with anything like this. Worst thing I ever had to deal with was when your father brought trash home for decorations or eating. And the shedding. Wow did he shed. I could have made a second him out of all his fur” she laughed then came to a stop when she saw how down Jim was. She got up and walked over, cupping his cheek and brushed the fur out of his face
“I promise I’m going to be here for you. I already called in sick today so, I have it off. Once those twins and I began to talk, I realized just how late I was so, might as well. Did you want to spend the day together? You can just blow off college. Bad thing to do, but I think for a situation like this it’s alright to do it” Jim gave a tired smile
“yeah. I’d like that”
Later that evening...
Jim took a deep breath. The day had gone by as anxious as ever. He knew he had to face the new reality he was living in. So, as mentally exhausted as he was, he knew he might as well just get on with it. Once he placed the sword onto his back, its weight felt like an actual ton right now, although that might have just been his body reacting to his mindset currently: tired, sore, and reluctant. Jim jumped in surprise with a small yelp when he heard the twins loudly greet him the second he stepped through the other side of the portal
“MASTER JIM!” The half troll watched as they both took a bow and spoke at the same time
“greetings master Jim, how was your academic day? Stop copying me. No YOU stop copying me! You always do th-”
“OKAY! ENOUGH! Please” Jim shouted then rubbed his face. Dic talked before Blinky could
“I apologize master Jim. I do not want to cause you any stress. Would you like a shoulder rub?”
“no thank you”
“how about your tail? How Is it? Would you like it massaged? Do you want to be groomed and brushed? I could polish your horns for you”
“no really it’s fine. But thank you for offering. I decided not to go to college today. I just didn’t feel like I had the energy to do it, not in the right mindset I guess”
“of course my sentinel, you merely need but to ask and if shall be done. Ah, well erm...I hope you have energy right now! Speaking of mindset...” Dic and Blinky looked to one another worried. Blinky spoke softly in a gentle manner
“we have not mentioned your...erm...history of self mutilation. We figured that...well...that was a bit more of a personal matter...and not our place to announce it. We believed you should be the one to do so-whenever you desire of course! And if you never wish to, then that is alright. Although it was quite clear to all when you did however admit to your past actions so...well, like I said. Presenting the physical evidence is your choice to make.” Jim’s ears drooped and he crossed his arms holding himself
“I bet you think it’s just the cowards way out like a lot of people do...” the twins looked at one another then back to Jim, Blinky answered
“Not...ah...at all”
Jims ears rose slightly in surprise
“Wait really?”
“trolls simply never have these kinds of...mind sets and emotions. We truly do not know what to make of it.” Jim knit his eyes
“alright...can we talk about something else now? I feel like things are starting to flare up. It happens when I talk about it for too long..”
“of course! Now then-” Dic pushed Blinky back a bit and cleared his throat
“it is time for your training! I hope you are eager as you as a half troll!” Jim winched and held his tail
“I don’t have to do any fighting...right?” Dic and Blinky turned to one another, shared a concerned look, then turned back to Jim. Dic put his hand over Blinky’s mouth in order to speak before him
“we discussed it with your mother and we have come to the agreement that with your current...state of both mind and body, we have decided to-” Blinky shoved Dic’s hand away and interrupted
“to focus on your education of the bookish variety. For the meantime all you must do is learn about your history” Jim rubbed his tail holding it closer for comfort as his anxiety rose
“my history? What do you mean?”
“well you as a sentinel must learn your history! Of the previous lives and adventures your ancestors had. Learn from their examples and claim glory for yourself! Protect the world and-” Dic pushed Blinky back roughly then continued for him
“and learn of our beloved dark underlord. You are his champion so you must learn of all the past champions history of service! Along with our master himself and his own history” Blinky shoved Dic and said aggressively
“AFTER he learns about his sentinel duties” Dic shoved back
“no. first he must learn his champion status and everything that entails!”
“and he MUST learn OVERALL-”
“ENOUGH!” Jim shouted in annoyance causing both the brothers to stop
“please. I’m tired and I’ve had an exhausting long day. I’m here because I promised and I keep my promises no matter what. If I’m going to be reading and learning then please take me someplace quiet and peaceful so I can learn. Please” the twins bowed with a smile
“of course”
……………………
Jim’s eyes went wide when he entered a section of the brothers shared library. Sure he saw it before of course, but actually SEEING and taking it all in fully was overwhelming. Blinky and Dic had gone around pulling out various books, putting them back, picking others out, jotting down notes, trading books, and eventually creating a few large stacks of them. Jim was guided into a small cozy area where large soft cushions laid on the floor and the warm gentle glow of the crystals dangling above him lit everything up. As far as reading nooks came, this one was pretty nice. And it didn’t smell that bad either.
Dic opened a book and presented it to Jim
“here we are. History of champions. Section 100 volume 3 Gunmars champions. Their names, monikers, lives, styles, powers they’ve unlocked with the divine blade, and the various blessings they’ve received from our dark lord.” Blinky cleared his throat loudly and laid a book on top of that one
“no. first you must read the beginners guide to sentinels. From birth till death. The very blood they come from to the-” Dic pushed the book away
“no. dark lord first.”
“he won’t be able to understand any of that if he doesn’t understand who he is as a sentinel”
“and he won’t know his duties if he doesn’t learn about how to be a proper champion!” Jim looked at the books as the brothers argued. He groaned then said
“I don’t know what any of this is” the brothers turned to him. Dic asked
“of course you don’t know your history yet” Jim shook his head
“no. I mean I don’t understand what all this is. I can’t read it” the brothers turned to one another then Blinky asked Jim
“you don’t know troll speak?” Jim shook his head no
“i wasn’t able to. My mother didn’t know it and since my dad is dead, I never had any troll in my life to teach me it. Dic sighed
“well that makes it all the more complicated” Jims ears folded back
“I’m sorry” Dic pat his shoulder soothingly
“oh no need to apologize. This is in no way your fault! You were only raised by your fleshbag mother and had no access to anything troll related. We will teach you how to read and write” Blinky tapped his chin and gained an idea
“I have a possible remedy for our current predicament…
……….
Jim sniffed the bottle and almost gagged
“what...is this made of?” Blinky tapped the bottle
“made of? Hmm...” Dic added worriedly
“perhaps it better you not learn. You might...erm...have second thoughts about it’s consumption” Blinky carefully handed Jim the bottle
“this is a potion called elixlore. But this specific bottle contains a slightly different recipe” Dic continued
“the drink aids in trolls learning speed. However since you cannot learn from something you don’t already have information to, this version of it allows you to...well in a sense add already known information into your mind. So for the time being after you’ve had a couple of very small sips, you will know troll speak as easy as you do English!” Jim ignored his taste buds and swallowed. Dic taking it away from Jim after two small gulps then stated
“this is all that is needed master Jim. Too much can cause...unique side effects. Now then, please open your book of-” Blinky interrupted
“your beginners g-”
“no. our dark un-” Jim snapped
“STOP! No fighting alright. Please. Look if I’m going to have to live the rest of my life serving the troll guy then I want to learn about him first” Dic gave Blinky a smug look
“see? Master Jim wishes to study his history first”
“master Jim I advise you not to. You have yet to understand the basic outline of your duties” Jim sighed
“I know. Look I just want to read what the champions of the past did so I know what to look forward to” Blinky accepted this and nodded
“very well.” Dic asked sweetly
“would you wish for us to stay by your side and aid you in your research?” Jim shook his head no and said kindly
“no thank you. I want to take myself on this journey alone for the time being. I’ll call if I need anything” the twins bowed and took their leave. Jim sighed and looked at the book, suddenly the words all just seemed to make sense. Everything was clear, clean, and smooth, as if he had had troll as his first language
“huh look at that...Sentinels, Champions of Gunmar. The skull crusher. The dark underlord. The black. Geez do you really need all those titles?”
‘yes.’
Jim shook his head, HOPING he was just hearing the wind and nothing else…
Jim flipped through and read various pages
“The champions of the Dark underlord Gunmar have always followed the strict path set out before them. While given much free will and freedom to grow a name for themselves, they still follow the laws of sentinels:
1st Always protect the world at all costs.
2nd never disrupt or endanger the balance
3rd never harm or kill another sentinel. Including by accident
The champions of Gunmar learn the following tenets by heart:
1st ALWAYS OBEY GUNMAR.
Never hesitate or question his commands. Certain questions may be asked as long as they would merely help to shed insight into a command you do not fully understand, while still being respectful. You are an extension of his will in the world both above and below. Do as he says. Always. If any of the following tenants would somehow go against an order of Gunmar, then you follow the order rather than the tenants
2nd NEVER FALTER.
Never show weakness, fear, and vulnerability to your enemies at any time. Yes, you are mortal and imperfect, But you must do as best as you can and beyond.
3rd ALWAYS BATTLE STARVED.
Always show you are the most brutal, bloodthristy, gore hungry, and violent when in front of your enemies.
4th ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE.
Those who are too weak must be expelled and forgotten. They should never be held in high regards when comparing them to yourself. Yes, leadership and respect should be applied when need be, but never diminish or show you are weaker than them at any given time.
5th BREAK YOUR ENEMIES.
It is simply not enough to slay them. You must show no mercy to your enemies. Always shatter all hope and fill their hearts with despair and dread. Only when you have given them and their allies true hopelessness does your victory count. Death is too merciful at times.
6th YOUR WILL IS YOUR WORD.
Show that you’re far stronger than all others. Whatever you speak, back it up with your strength to prove your words true. Promises and oaths are yours to make, but keeping them are optional. Will over word.
7th THE WORLD IS YOURS.
Take whatever you wish whenever you want. If any are to stop you, break them into submission until they learn not to stand in your way. Make an example of them. Wisdom must be applied of course.
Jim groaned
“of course everything has to be as evil as possible. At least some of them are not directly evil...alright time for some history” Jim flipped through some pages
“okay here’s someone. Avar the tyrant. Most known for his obsession with order. Absolute obedience or absolute destruction. Avar would not tolerate any who did not do as he commanded. With the Decimaar blade he would turn it on others to...take their minds!? Controlling them as puppets, he gained masses to follow his rule. Once he had been slain in battle, those who’s minds were taken finally regained their free will.” Jim blinked and sighed
“great. Now I’m going to be in a book with this guy. Alright let’s see...” Jim flipped through the book and stopped at another champion
“Vas the conqueror. Though she was small and stout, even for a quagawump, she was in no means weak and vulnerable. Using the divine blade she learned how to raise entire armies at a moments notice, summoning them straight from the darklands as well as creating them from magical crystals. Once she had died in battle all those that she had created broke and shattered into useless stone, those she summoned had gone back to the darklands” Jim groaned
“another bad person. Great. There has to be SOMEONE good!” Jim flipped through page after page, champion after champion. No matter what, every single champion of Gunmar had been dark, cruel, violent, controlling, or overall corrupted in one way or another.
“Jaa the just. Alright then this must be someone who has something good about them, right? Jaa the just was focused solely on redemption. Alright not bad so far. Jaa would oversee the redeeming paths others would go through. Okay that’s a pretty good thing to do! Although Jaa himself did not seek redemption, he was tasked at punishing those who forgone their redeeming choices. Those who strayed from the path they were set out on were brutally executed in the most violent and painful ways possible.” Jim slapped his face
“really?! Come on!” Jim rubbed his face and moaned
“oh well isn’t this fantastic. Everyone is evil and now I’m the next in line. That makes me evil doesn’t it? Please please please someone be good. Or at least some kind of obviously morally ambiguous person!”
“Darvaz the oath keeper. He was a tall and intimidating gumm-gumm. Larger than most and knew how to prove it. Many would go to him willingly and…offer their souls and eternal service to him if granted power. He agreed and sealed the pact. Their bodies and very souls would be branded with the symbol of the dark underlord Gunmar. Through Darvaz’s power, he grew a small following which soon became powerful and not to be trifled with. When he fell in battle all those who held the brand were killed within an instant. Shattering into rubble as their souls were yanked out of their bodies and sent to Gunmar’s realm. Gee how fun.” as Jim flipped through the book he stopped at a gilded page. Various runes were written in dark red, almost glowing. An image of a tall figure looking as imposing as all else. A lethal mace being held in one hand, while the other held the Decimaar blade. One horn broken off, face riddled with scars and an expression that showed anger and seriousness. The figure was clad in black armor that glowed red. Jim looked closer, seeing It was barbed, and with sharpened claws.
(listen to this for the proper mood to when reading)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuWHRJTWAsg&ab_channel=SecessionStudios
“Tellad-Urr the terrible. Gunmars most ferocious and capable champion. From the first day he was chosen, to the very last day of his life, he was the greatest of Gunmars champions ever to be known. He had quickly mastered all powers bestowed upon him by the dark underlord. None dared to even whisper his name without feeling the dreaded cold of his stare. He could do feats none had ever witnessed or even experienced before. Little, if nothing at all, rivaled his immense power. Even all other sentinels feared him and dared not to invoke his wrath and ire. It is said that he had a dearest love, and when his mate had perished he vowed to never let the world be forgiven for its transgression. Mercy was a word he had forgotten.
Nothing could hinder his wrath once invoked. Truly the stuff of nightmares, the world seemed to breathe easy for the first time the day he was felled. Only the largest most lethal of monstrosities never to have been seen before were able to slay him. Tellad-Urr had the most kill count to ever claim, and show clear evidence of. From his actions, both the surface world and below had been changed for all of time. The scars he left would never fade. The scars he earned would always be shown. If such another champion to even come closer to his capabilities were to be born, the world would surely never be the same again.
Tellad-Urr had once literally slain two armies in a single day. Peace was needed between two kingdoms that feuded with one another, and peace had been restored, once none were left alive.
Although many felt safer that he was felled, many felt vulnerable and became afraid. The strongest sentinel had fallen. The world would have to deal with much greater threats that could hardly be stopped.
“from birth till death he had the greatest might
He seemed to be bane and lifes very own blight
As strong as his master truly and undoubtedly was
He would always be a step away from him as one does
From once he lost his greatest love his reign did start
All lands cowered from his rage as he tore them apart
Protecting life he did very well
The nightmares came and he had fell
Wrath and might unrivaled with rage
Forever recorded on every page
As much as life had suffered with his cost
Many felt horrible and then lost
When his power became absolute and unbearable
All would remember the name
Tellad-Urr the terrible”
Jim was shaking lightly before taking a few calming breaths
“how could someone that horrible be born and left unchecked? Then again, not like humans were any better. Oh no...am I going to become like him? No. I’ll make sure of it. I’m a good person.” Jim felt over the page
“who even is Gunmar?” Jim looked around the book piles until he found a book on troll kinds greatest beings. He flipped through it until he came upon the section of Gunmar
“so this is who you are…
Gunmar the black, the underlord, the skullcrusher is a being not of natural birth. Long ago trollkind and humans were at peace. No one remembers who started it, many theorize it was from a great many details that eventually caused it to happen, the two races went to war with one another. One of the largest, most vital heartstones in the old world absorbed the nature of the environment it was surrounded in. it only knew peace and love, but once the war had began, trolls had festered with rage and resentment. The heartstone reacted to such a thing, and from such intensity it rotted and created from its very life force a literal manifestation of war. Carnage, violence, and all other powerful negative emotions fueled Gunmar. He could not be slain by any means. Eventually trollkind and humanity, through various events, signed a peace treaty. From this the fighting, more or less, had ceased. Gunmar being a creature of war and conquest, demanded they finish their domination. The trolls refused to do so, except for a few who agreed. Trollkind needed to be the owners of both the worlds. War flared up and fighting took place. Finally after a great many battles, various beings had come together in order to hold a council with Gunmar. He agreed and they met in a disclosed location.
From there, after many hours, a treaty was signed and a deal struck. Gunmar was granted true immortality and immense power. In return Gunmar swore not to invade the surface world, and take his armies to his home and keep them there. He had become the third most powerful being to exist. Now, a trio would keep the balance of the universe. Gunmar, Morgana, and Merlin. Gunmars followers still went back and forth under and above the surface working his will. Although he could leave whenever he wished, he has yet to do so. Whatever he plots and plans, is unknown to all. Now granted immortality, he has been able to create his own champions from the sentinel bloodlines. These champions have been the most ruthless of all. Feared and hated, all tolerate them for what they are, unable to deny them their right to protect the world and its inhabitants.”
Jim looked at the images of Gunmar. Eyes knitting together in worry
“so this is who he is. Bara boobs for sure” Jim turned and looked at his shadow
“so that’s what you fully look like. hm.”
Dic walked into the room holding a tray with a few snacks on it
“I’ve found human snacks for you! I thought it might help you regain some energy” Jim smiled and looked at how foul the snacks looked. Mashed, soiled, moldy, or just disgusting in some way.
“ah...thanks. I’m not really hungry for food right now though” Dic bowed then placed the tray down on a nearby table
“of course. I shall put this here in case you get hungry. So, how goes your research?”
“it’s...educational. Hey, Dic. Is there an afterlife? It talks about it in here but...what exactly happens?”
“Ah, excellent query! Those who serve our dark underlord swear their souls to him. When our bodies have perished and our lives come to the end, our souls join him! We are his to be used as he desires. We are in his eternal service until the end of time itself! We go not anywhere else. And, at the rarest of times, he will reforge our body to be used in the world once again. Exciting isn’t it?” Jims ears folded back as he rubbed the back of his head
“yeah...sure. So...even in death we’re owned by him?”
“Correct”
“so no heaven or hell huh”
“those are human concepts and beliefs. Even if we used them, it would not be applied to those who serve him”
“Well what about you? You don’t have sentinel blood” Dic waggled an index finger
“ah true! But you swear your life and soul to him when you agree to serve him! So when we both perish we could very much meet one another once again!”
“huh...so...only he can do this?”
“oh no no, the other two patrons can do the exact same! Swearing loyalty and servitude to the specific patron will have them own you. And before you ask, no you cannot switch patrons once sworn! The oath cannot be changed or broken whatsoever...well unless they no longer wish to claim you. Then your soul is sent into oblivion. To no longer exist in any form. The very end of you.” Dic smiled
“does this enlighten you?”
“yeah it does.” Jim touched his own chest
“I think I’m ready to head home now. I don’t want to read or be here anymore. I’ll be back tomorrow”
“Ah I see. Do you wish to take a book home with you?”
“No. I’ll be back. And read...whenever”
“understood. Would you like me to walk you home?”
“no thanks. I’m good”
………..
Jim tossed and turned in bed unable to be still…
Jim gasped and woke up. Except when he looked at his surroundings, he was once again in the darklands. Jim stood up off the floor and began to wander while looking around aimlessly. The air grow colder and more...cruel? Almost as if it were trying to suffocate the poor half troll. Jim began to cough and wheeze, grabbing his stomach as he bent over and almost lost balance. Everything suddenly became as clean and clear as before as he heard a voice. The deep soothing one
(Gunmars body language and tone is based on season 3 ep 10 when he’s speaking to walt and his voice is NOT sexy in any way at all whatsoever so don’t even try to imagine his voice being as sexy as it is >.>)
“my champion” Jim’s body suddenly relaxed, as if all aches left him suddenly. All knots in his back and tension throughout his body. It was as if someone had removed every pain and ache within him.
“rise my champion. Look at your lord” Jim stood up straight and saw Gunmar’s hulking figure standing merely inches away from him
“G-Gunm-mar” Jim stuttered in fear. Gunmar tilted his head slightly and smiled warmly
“have no fear my champion” Jim felt the anxiety within him leave rapidly, hardly a memory now.
“there, isn’t that better?” Jim bared his fangs and made a small growl
“what do you want with me?” Gunmar raised an eyebrow
“the very first time you’ve ever growled.” Gunmar put his hand on his chest
“And directed towards me? Why I’m hurt”
“I DON’T CARE!” Jim looked around trying to find someway out. He held his horns and shut his eyes tightly
“wake up Jim! you’re asleep! Wake up!”
“ease yourself my cha-”
“STOP CALLING ME THAT! I DON’T WANT THIS!” the anger left him as quickly as it had come. He took a deep breath and relaxed
“there. isn’t that better?” Jim looked into Gunmar’s eye
“Stop...doing that to me”
“But I want my champion relaxed. Feel warm and soothed, loved even. I do care for you”
“no. you don’t”
“oh but I do”
Jim backed up a bit as Gunmar stepped closer
“stay away from me! You’re evil!”
“evil? That word is meaningless to our kind. If anything I would imagine humans owning that word than any other”
“humans don’t try to corrupt me. Like you are!”
“corruption? Oh my champion...” Jim felt Gunmar tilt his face up with an index finger under his jaw
“you were practically born corrupted. There is no going back. Your bloodline has served me faithfully for generations”
“why?” Gunmar chuckled like a small child making a simple joke
“why? Because I offered power” in the other hand Gunmar opened up his palm and showed it closely to Jim. A red light began to form and pulse. Jim’s body went slack as he stared into it. It was...the most beautiful thing Jim had ever seen in his entire life. He couldn’t possibly describe what he was seeing, yet he couldn’t look away
“doesn’t it feel nice?” Jim could only nod. Gunmar closed his hand snuffing out the light. Jim whimpered slightly wanting it back
“now now champion. You will feel all that power one day. For now, we must work on it. I offer power to those who carry sentinel blood. Along with other individuals, but sentinel blood is so much more...delicious and potent. Many many generations ago A troll who held the blood begged me to make a deal. His eternal service and the service of all his descendants in exchange for immense power that would rival no other. I agreed and the contract was sealed, the deal was done. No undoing it in any way. The trolls child and their children and so on have served me well. Then for a time I focused my efforts on others, still keeping a close eye on your bloodline. I would occasionally select a champion among your family every once in a while. Then one day I foresaw a half troll who would be one of my greatest champions. Then, you were born. My beliefs were confirmed once I peered into your destiny. So many choices, so many beginnings and endings.”
Gunmar looked into Jim’s eyes as his own glowed
“out of all of them I wanted what was best for you. You have so much untapped potential within you. Not just your blood, but yourself in general. You would be in my top 10 greatest champion list….yes. You should feel honored and amazed that I chose you”
“but...why? You see me, you see who I am and my skill! You say I have potential but I’m cowardly and I cry and hurt myself a-”
“because I can see the beautiful flower you will bloom into. You are just a bud, and I will help your growth. You were destined for this. The day you took your first breath, until the day where you take your final, it will be in service to me”
“you don’t even know me!”
“oh but I do” Gunmar began to gently stroke Jim’s fur
“I have seen you your entire life. I have every one of your memories, every experience, every sting of pain. You are not a monster. You are not some vile creature you believe yourself to be. You are a beautiful creature who will grow powerful and-”
“no. I don’t want power.”
“oh but you do. You’ve felt the blade. You feel the hunger beginning to gnaw at you. You had your first taste and now...you want more. Your appetite will be sated my champion, I will see to that” Jim shook his head no and backed away a little
“no. you’re just some greedy vile monster! You hurt people and take things! I’ve read everything about you! I don’t want to be apart of anything!”
“what? You think I’m a monster? But I’m not. You read about one side of me. Are not all beings negative in some way? Everyone has a hunger within them. Some dark desire. Some itch they want to scratch. I help scratch them-”
“at the cost of being your slave!”
“what if I told you that every single one of my so called ‘slaves’ had come to me wanting to make a pact? What if I told you not a single person had been taken forcefully?”
“but your champions have the power to enslave others!”
“and? It is simply power I give them. They do what they wish with it. it’s theirs to use. I never used it myself. Don’t human leaders use their subjects as slaves?”
“I…no but...That’s different”
“oh? How so?”
Jim’s ears drooped and he held himself
“I...I just...I don’t want to be a monster. Not like you. Or anyone else”
“oh but you’re not! You belong here. With me. With us”
“still, I know you’re just some terrible beast! You LITERALLY were born from terrible things!”
“oh my champion you barely know everything about me”
“and I don’t want to!”
“oh?” Jim bared his teeth again
“I know about your past champions! How horrible they all were! How evil and cruel they were! I don’t want anyone to think of me like that! I don’t want anything to do with you or-or-or anything!”
“my champion. There is no getting rid of me. I’ve claimed your bloodline. Your very soul. Even when you die you belong to me. You will stay with me for all of eternity. Now, try thinking of me in a different light. You only are seeing the negative side of things. You have yet to see the rewards I can offer” Jim looked at Gunmar as he walked closer and asked lowly
“like...like what?”
Gunmar gave a loving smile. Everyone loved rewards after all...
“power. Wealth. Fame. Love. And oh so much more” Gunmar extended an arm causing Jim to turn to look at what he was referring to. Jim’s jaw dropped at what he was seeing. Jim’s eyes were looking at something he didn’t know what to make of. It was like someone ripped various moments of life apart and stuck them together like some kind of collage. One moment was a room filled with treasure of all kind. From gemstones to gold and anything that could be made from or with it. The room so large Jim could hardly even see the roof of it. Another moment was of his mom and him in the sunlight having a picnic laughing and enjoying themselves happily. No care or worry in the world. Something they hadn’t done in a while…
Another moment was of Jim and his apparent friends hanging out doing regular everyday things. Just spending time as a group. Jim having friends finally. What hes always wanted. Another moment was of him and a blurred figure. Like trying to look through frosted glass. Them smiling and kissing. Jim being held and snuggled. Them watching movies together at home, them watching fireworks at night on a hill. Them getting married. Them having a child.
Another moment was of him sitting on a throne in the darklands, reclined and swinging a leg off the side of the armrest as others did various activities and cheered his name in joy. Everything fun with no cruelty or anger towards Jim. Another moment was of a simple image. Him, in the middle of a fresh spring meadow. All alone. Taking deep breaths as he looked up to the sky. He picked a flower and blew its petals, watching them travel on the wind. The petals soon exploded into colorful lights, like mini fireworks going off.
Jim felt Gunmar begin to pet him once more speaking smoothly
“doesn’t all that look nice? All of it can be yours and oh so much more”
“who...who’s with me right there? who’s marrying me and having a child with me?”
“whoever you desire it to be. A nice large selection of bulls, I will provide you with. Choose whoever you want. Although I know you prefer a monogamous relationship. And if you find no one to your liking, then we will find one you do. You’ve always wanted a love in your life. Someone to hold you, kiss you, cuddle you and tell you everything will be alright. Someone to help you carry away those demons in your mind. And what about your friends? You’ve always wanted friendship with others. Wanting to fit in and be normal. Have fun in the sun and under the stars at night. Your heart will overflow with joy. You will experience every pleasure imaginable be it from flesh to emotion and everything in-between.” Gunmar growled a bit in joy as he saw Jim stare at the moments, feeling happier
“you will be well rewarded. Nothing will be outside your grasp. More and more. Let yourself overflow with pleasures of all kinds, shapes, and sizes”
“I’m not greedy though”
“then take your fill, sate your appetite, then have no more. Doesn’t all this look nice?” Jim nodded
“yeah. It really does”
“so, you have two choices. Be willing and do as I say and live your life of pleasure and payment. or...”
Gunmar waved his hand out and all the moments faded away. Jim reached out as if trying to grab them, stop them from leaving. Gunmar gripped a hand around Jim’s throat and squeezed. Jim cried in pain as he felt all the veins in his body burn and glow. It felt like he was having lava flow through him
“or you could be in a world of agony. Spending your entire life in endless pain. Hurting you and breaking you down to the point where you’re still able to do as I say and nothing more.”
Gunmar released Jim’s throat and ended the pain. Jim shook and coughed. Trying his best to breathe
“now my champion. Make your choice. Think on it. I will speak to you later. Pleasure or pain. Your choice.” Jim managed to cough out
“hardly a choice”
“like I said. You belong to me. I can do whatever I want with you. I want to be a good master. I enjoy my champions and I want them to enjoy me. Physically too. Although I doubt you’d want my intimate touch. Now then, wake to your mortal form my champion. And think about this carefully”
Jim’s eyes snapped open and he shot up out of bed, panting and shaking, drenched in a cold sweat. Jim looked at his hands and shuddered. Either pain or pleasure. His choice. Jim took in a few deep steady breaths to ease his nerves. Once he stood up he saw how beautiful the morning sun was. Then from a mirror, he looked and saw his shadow. The figure of Gunmar. Jim’s thankful no one else had really paid attention to that. He would have no idea how to explain it. The shadow of Gunmar. His soul really is claimed by the dark underlord.