Monarch Of Shadows

My name is Kyle and I have the worst luck.

It all began when I was 9 and my nightmares began, the world swallowed by void, a blanket of darkness to devour all pain, light, death and joy.

These nightmares stay with me always, the primeval darkness that takes away all things follows me like it's hiding deep within my soul.

When at school and being bullied the shadows in the room would darken and spreading, protecting and covering me.

This happened too often to have just been a coincidence so I went to many doctors and they said that my body was always is better then peak condition for my age and I was always astonishingly strong and my stamina was near inhuman.

Without ever trying I became an anomaly that nobody went near unless it was to torment or berate me.

This was when I learnt that humans are the worst and most disposable creatures. Always bullying the ones that don't have support simply just for pleasure.

Like this my life went on for 6 more years of torment, until I was finally enveloped in that darkness when I had finally given up hope.

A calm feeling similar to floating in a warm bath enveloped me, floating in the eternal night with nobody to bother me and no cares.

An old man with a top hat, cloak and a walking stick suddenly appeared in the ever peaceful abyss.

He turned at stared with a sympathetic yet intense gaze that would make a lesser person afraid of upsetting the other.

However I was no ordinary person.

"Oy old man what are you doing ruining my rest!" I shouted in an indignant and arrogant tone. After all why was he here in my sea of darkness, my personal space.

The intense old man cracked a smile that looked unnatural as his features were all caved in and wrinkly giving him an unsettling look, as though he were pained he said begrudgingly after a too long "I have seen your life and believe that you're issues and rage can all be linked to your father"

This information shocked Kyle as nobody had ever told him about his father, his mother had abandoned him and the orphanage did the bare minimum to support him. He often wondered about his worthless waste of space parents that had only ever taught him one thing. Trust and rely on nobody and you won't be hurt.

Kyle suddenly got enraged shouting "SHUT UP OLD MAN! How could you know anything I've never seen you before yet you act as though you e seen my life and know about my parents. How could you? How could you know that it's his fault and not my mothers or any mother of these disgusting people that make up society? All people are selfish and hurt other for their own gain so why can't I why be just like them?"

The old man was stunned for a short moment suddenly realising that what the young man had meant about the human cruelty and that nobody had ever been there for him. With smile full of sorrow the old man gently spoke. "I know this because I am the Allfather. Odin. I know your father very well and believe that you find comfort with the shadows and that they protect and guide you correct?"

Kyle stayed silent suddenly intrigued what this Odin person was saying. His rage dissipated slowly.

After receiving no answer the Allfather continued "so that's a yes. I am sorry for the life you've had yet I believe that I can give you a new life, one full of magic and mysteries where darkness may be the best path"

Kyle spoke suddenly "why should I live again? Just to be stated at and hurt be my fellow people just for being better?"

Odin smiled cunningly a light flashed in his eyes "They aren't your your fellow kind, they aren't even the same race as you! You're the son of the god Hodr, the god of darkness how could you think that you and those barbaric cruel people are your kin." Suddenly he paused for a short time to let the realisation sink in.

Suddenly Kyle felt like everything was right for the first time he could finally understand why the shadows and darkness haunted and comforted him

Odin spoke again "would you like to be reborn with your memories? You will have to lose your body yet you would gain a new profound manipulation and amplification of your innate abilities"

Kyle suddenly said in an almost accusatory and highly suspicious tone "why do you care what happens to me it's not like you did anything?"

Odin gave a sigh and spoke in a slightly embarrassed tone "I honestly pity you're situation and blame myself for not teaching your father about how to treat his children" after a moment he repeated his question "would you like to be reborn?"

After some time pondering Kyle knew what his answer was "sure but can I have one thing?"

Odin was bewildered at this young mans audacity with wide eyes, waving his hand for him to continue.

With an innocent smile Kyle said "can I have an animal to grow in strength with me and always be by my side?" What Kyle truly wanted was to increase his strength and destroy those who had been dismissive or cruel to him, no matter the life cruel people would always exist. Why not get some payback?

The Allfather suddenly let out a laugh and waved his hand, asking him "what kind of animal do you desire" this question seemed innocent yet was a true test of character.

Kyle was astonished by the animals that were now in front of him, all breeds of know animals on earth were before him and even magical animals like dragons living flames and many more marvellous living beings.

A black flame with azure streaks was pulsating, seemingly calling him towards it, sensing him and begging for his help.

Kyle had been the one in this flames position before too many times to found before he stopped caring, he suddenly spoke with a resolute tone "I choose the azure black flame!"

Odin smiled widely nodding and pointed with and old finger and the flame shot towards joy turning into a ring inside his mind and when he wanted he could have it in his finger, this ring looked black like obsidian with vein or lighting like patterns of azure blue.

This flame seemed to be grateful as a new feeling and voice appeared in his head.

The flame and him had merged.

With a feeble, weak voice a female voice could be heard "thank you"

Odin looked at the you man and his ring with an unknown expression perhaps sorrow for the pain he had caused or joy for the chance to help.

The Allfather said "enjoy this chance and please look after the flame, it has been through much and needs a companion. However dont abuse it as it may engulf you otherwise! I will tell you more about the place you are going, this place is called Midgard there are nine worlds with different functions and properties yet you still only be at Midgard until you get stronger it seems as though earth is around 1400 years ahead so you won't have technology or the same facilities, be wary of monsters. Both the human and wild beasts. When you become a peak existence by using your own piers you become the god of those primordial energies. Good luck and I hope you achieve greatness!"

A blinding light enveloped the eternal night.

The world was enveloped in a white.

Kyle had a new life. A new world. A new everything, this would be terrifying and difficult.

Yet now he wasn't alone.