9/27 - The Holy Lands - ?

Digging, through a dank tunnel. Using a puny lantern, a child, barely 15, digs through the rocks of the earth. His pickaxe breaks apart the rocks that stand in his way. Exhausted from the strenuous work that being a mine worker, each bone in his body, every muscle inside him screams out in pain, wanting a sweet release from this slavery. However, escape is not possible, death awaits him if he tries to. Men from the kingdom would make swift work of him, he who lacks any skill in fighting. Besides, his attachment to his family keeps him from escaping, a little sister, a mother who tends to him whenever he is sick or hurt, a father that taught him how to use an axe, that helped him when he needed it. All of these people are dear to him, yet… A single thought crosses his mind from time to time.

“If only they did not exist.”

Such a thought comes off as a boy who does not care for his family, but such a matter is complicated. His love for his family is there, however, he knows the only reason he is here is that they are. He would have run away some time ago if they were not here. Thus, a thought that is selfish in nature conflicts with his love for his family. Both feelings are strong, leaving the boy confused, to question his thoughts, even his feelings.

“I just…want everything to disappear.”

A wish from the deepest pits of his heart, a wish filled with despair, desperation, and want to be free.

Then, as if the earth itself answered his call, rocks crumble before his last axe strike. What lies behind the rocks is a small area. Flowers, that glow pure white, as pure as snow. They illuminate this small part of the ground. Further in, lies a sword, beautiful in design, both sides sharp without a guard. Captivated by the scene, the young man drops his axe as he walks inside. His feet move, his mind focused on the blade, his eyes observing everything in the room.

Each step along the floors feels like the worries and doubts in his mind are being cleansed. Approaching the sword, he reaches out for it, only to halt. Unknown to him, the sword gives off an energy, fluid, yet ominous, as if it were mist. Then, to answer the sword’s call, the boy grabs the handle. At that instance, something had occurred…

The boy’s body locks in place. Something vile worms its way through his body as if bugs were crawling through his skin and surfing his blood. This mist slowly wraps around him, clinging to him like a parasite, suckling onto a person. The boy’s mind is invaded by a voice that is unfamiliar to him., yet it feels welcoming…

“They are a shackle to you… Shackles, all of them. Those who imprison you, those who hold you back, all of them restrain you. Such things are unnecessary.”

“B-b-but…I…”

“Doubt, fear, and reasoning are not needed. All you need is this blade, then, you shall find clarity. So, accept the blade, accept your inner desires, accept me.”

Reason fell, fear cleared, and his doubts died. All that remains is a boy who has accepted the blade, and more…

“Hey, you!” A guard walks in on the boy, holding a blade of his own. He’s quick to point his weapon, ready for any attempts of an attack. He edges closer to the boy. “...Where did you acquire that weapon!?” The boy does not respond. “...Answer me! If you do not, I’ll–”

A single second passes by, a second that makes all the difference. The boy, who had been standing in front of the guard, stands behind him. The guard, unable to perceive the speed of his attacker, was unable to process his own death. His head falls off his shoulder, blood pours out like a fountain. The white lotus’ soak the crimson liquid, changing from snow white to crimson red.

The boy pays no mind to the deceased guard, but instead, fixates on the blade. He cradles it as his cheek touches it, tender to preserve the cool steel that reflects his face.

“How long has it been… How long has it been since I’ve wielded you? With this body, I shall do my best to bring out your power. But first, let us sever this boy’s ties.”

The boy no longer speaks, instead, a monster released by a child who was unable to resist the temptation of his inner desire, his true feelings: bloodlust!.