Caught Red Handed

Chapter Thirty-Six, A Whole New Life

Tord's Perspective

As Tom walked into the door, I fell as silent and still as fearful prey. He was completely different from any of my past memories of him, and it terrified me. The man I had easily manipulated was now standing before me, looking like a boss or strict, well-dressed ruler. He was decorated completely, piercings and rings and a brand new hairstyle. His skin looked warn, and he had small scars scattered all along his body. He looked cold and stern, all business. His outfit reinforced all of this, with a dark blue coat and a black vest. Under the buttoned vest he wore a similarly colored dark blue dress shirt and a short criss-cross black tie under the collar. He wore a rather casual pair of black dress pants as well, with dress shoes. He didn't look necessarily special without his accessories, but it was a nice outfit.

It also had a symbol on the breast-pocket that I didn't recognize, that was shaped like two black wings crossed together with a snake. It looked sort of like the pin I had given him years and years ago. He walked up to me without a changing expression and stood tall and proud in front of me, like he had won a fight against me and I was dead. "We have a lot to talk about, Tord." He stated and I glanced over at my parents. They were at attention, which further told me that Tom was the new leader of something. Tom pulled over one of the seats and sat down, sitting upright as he kept his digital pupils trained on me. I didn't fail to notice the stubble he appeared to keep as a part of his new look. It was sort of hot, if that's what he was going for. "... Yeah. We do." I replied and repositioned myself, closing my legs a bit more and putting my hands to my side.

"I'll start with what happened as soon as you passed out, okay?" He spoke in a monotone voice, keeping his composure cool and professional. "Okay." I responded and stared at the mysterious new Tom before me. "After you destroyed our invading enemies, you came back as a contorted and broken body. Your organs were failing, your bones were broken, and you were losing way too much blood to stay conscious. The doctors had no choice but to put you in a coma, but you stayed in that state as you went through surgeries and healed. When they did attempt to wake you from the coma, you didn't respond and only became conscious. You stayed in that paralyzed state until now. As for what happened with me, I quickly took control of the situation along with the generals of your army."

"Seeming as I was the last person you wished to be the backup leader so-to-speak, I was trained in every way to replace you in a small period of time. I made changes in your army, big ones. For one, I changed the ugly uniforms. Secondly, I redesigned your system of how soldiers took shifts and trained, decreasing time of shifts and increasing time for personal periods among other things. Thirdly, I did continue to lead your army to take over the world, because I knew that humanity is too stupid in the state that it is. Fourthly, I will not be resigning your position and allowing you to come back as the fearless "Red Leader", as you are not fit for the position in my mind." Before I could cut him off, he made no attempt to hide the fact that he was in possession of a gun that was carrying my least favorite bullet.

It's called a "holy bullet" because it was specifically designed to destroy demons. He gave me a warning glare before continuing. "As I was saying, I also did other things as you were stuck in your disabled state. I collected some of the most wise souls on this planet, and we have begun to form a new system for the way of life we as a whole will enforce. Feel free to chip in, as my honored guest of course. You won't be part of this army any longer Tord, you will be a guest along with Edd and Matt. That means you must honor me and respect me in the highest regard, and I shouldn't see you slipping up at all. If you do one thing to pester me, I'm not afraid to have you either ejected or obliterated." He ended darkly and stared down at me with blank green pupils. I stared at him with a sickness in my throat and stomach. I felt so sick.

I came back only to be stripped of my title and forced to respect Tom and submit to him completely. I felt so incredibly sickened how the tables had turned. I was petrified. This can't be real. "... If you would like to join me tonight, I'm having dinner with Edd and Matt and your parents. Feel free to dress as casually as you'd like, you don't need a uniform. Just as your parents and the others won't need to either." He offered and I stayed silent. The terrible tense feeling in my stomach made me want to hurl. Is this what true defeat feels like? "Goodbye until then Tord, but feel free to visit me whenever you'd like. You are my guest, and I will allow you almost anything within your exclusive position." He said before getting up, walking off. The last details I saw of him were the familiar black wings hand-done on the back of his jacket.

I silently stared at the ground in disbelief. "I know it's a lot to take in sweetheart, would you like me to bring you to your room for now?" Pat asked and stood up, walking over to me. I simply nodded and got up, my mind swimming with thoughts and feelings. Pat gently took my hand and guided me through the halls, which were repainted completely. Navy blue halls, with black tiled floors. Once I arrived at my familiar room, I sat down on my bed and looked up at Pat who was hovering over me. "I have to go to my shift Tord, can I have a kiss before I go?" He requested and bent down. I half-heartedly smiled and gave him a quick kiss. I know it's strange to some to kiss your parents, but I'm completely okay with it. It's not romantic, and both of us know that.

"Bye Tord, I'll see you at dinner. I hope that you feel better soon." He said and walked off calmly with a content smile. I laid down on my bed and sighed deeply. God, this is so much to think about. Tom has taken my army from me, and now he will be ruling the world without me. He suggested that I would be a sort of voice under his wing, but I really wish that I didn't have to be in that lowly position. It's much to dangerous for me to resist him though, even if I were to change forms again. He has holy bullets, that son of a bitch. I got lost in my thoughts for the remainder of the evening, also showering and changing into more comfortable clothes than a medical gown. I put on a pair of comfortable boxers and some old black jeans I owned, along with a black tank-top and a cherry red sweater. It was a simple and comfortable outfit, and I had casual black athletic shoes to go with.

With my new snug outfit on, I took the time I had to think about my new life I would have to get used to. That along with smoking a cigar in my room kept me content as time passed. I glanced at the time to see that it was 6:37 PM. I suppose dinner will be soon. I wandered around my room in a pacing fashion, just to keep my legs from getting so sore like before. At one point, there was a simple and single knock on my door. I opened it to see a young soldier with a box, holding it with a respectful yet warm expression. "I heard that you were much better sir, so I brought you this. I hope that it will show my respect for you properly, and I wish you the best. You will always be Red Leader to me and my troop." He told me and held out the box. I hesitantly took it from him and examined it before removing the laced ribbons on the present and opening it.

I took out the contents carefully, curiously staring at my gift. It was a gorgeous set of rings that all held different meanings, all engraved with gold and having the words in Norwegian. What a pleasant gift, from someone I've never even met personally. I carefully put on the rings along my human hand, smiling at the beautiful set. I especially liked the different types of gems that went with each word, which added to the nice gesture. One for bravery, one for loyalty, one for intelligence, one for leadership, and one for strength. I looked back up at the soldier who seemed nervous as to if I liked his present. "Thank you soldier, I appreciate this thoughtful gift very much. I also appreciate your loyalty, and I give you my blessings for the future." I said with a warm tone.

He relaxed and genuinely smiled at me before saluting me. "Have a good night sir." He spoke kindly before walking off at a moderate pace. I wonder how many other gifts I might receive, if any. I set the box on my bed and stood at my doorway, continuing to admire the finely crafted rings. Each had a small symbol which indicated their worth formed by the small gems, and each was uniquely made in design. It was a gorgeous set of jewelry, something I never would have worn on my own. It's a truly beautiful gift.