Rushodan 59 Share Posted April 4 (edited) Sermi’s Execution I had already lost so much by that day. My closest companion, Juniper, left me in the middle of Lurin after I made it clear that I couldn’t separate myself from my mother. I couldn’t hold her accountable for her deeds. Naya had left me after I repeatedly returned to Sermi in a hopeless attempt to save her soul. My actions achieved the opposite of what I wanted; they pushed her further down the path of darkness. The people of Kaethul didn’t trust me- they knew I walked in the shadow the cursed child left behind. I couldn’t exactly blame them for it either, seeing what she had done. I had hurt so many people in the foolish attempt to preserve my relationship with my mother. I always blamed the others for her actions, and lashed out at those who tried to tell me I was wrong. I had been burned, mauled, maimed and manipulated by the Infernal Court of my mother, yet I was unable to tear myself away from her. I still saw the caring, loving woman of years gone by that would have done anything to look after me. . .to keep me safe. Sermi requested a meeting with Atsuko - my Sensei and guardian. A brilliant yet troubled Oyashi-woman who tasked herself with guiding me to become a better version of myself, to follow the warrior’s path. I facilitated such a meeting, the three of us below our fortress home in Sakuragakure. I did not realize that this was planned to be my final trial. The proposed final step in becoming a Samurai. As Sermi and Atsuko spoke, The Yasu-Tori, Danzen entered behind and prevented her from leaving. It was made clear that I would have to make a final choice. Either I could kill Sermi and prove that I was on the path of light, or fail the samurai trials and ultimately fail my Sensei, Atsuko. My mother didn’t argue, dropping to her knees and lowering her head. I found tears forming in my eyes, even though I knew it was always going to end this way. I had hoped it would take centuries. . . or at least years, until I was in this position. But fate had decided enough was enough. The rasp of my sheath cut through the air as my sabres were drawn. . .and slowly I advanced upon my mother. The blades felt heavier with every step, with walking becoming harder by the second - as if I were wading through tar. I soon found myself standing before the devil; my eyes met hers. She knew what had to be done, and gave me her final words. Sermi understood why I was doing what I was doing - appearing content that at the very least she could hurt me no longer. My blades crossed before her neck, with every fiber of my being begging for this to be a simple test of some kind. Of there being an escape. Atsuko and Danzen awaited my actions from the corner, a soft re-assurance being provided. I apologized to my savior for what I was about to do. Even after everything she had done, I could only see my beautiful, kind and loving mother - not the monster within her skin. In less than a second, the nightmare was over. The blades drew together sharply, taking my guardian’s head to finally absolve my sins. Her lifeless body dropped to the ground with a soft thud and just like that - the devil was no more. The Queen of Haense was avenged, the Samurai trials were completed, and the Inferi finally being pushed back, if only an inch. A wave of emotion raged within me as the weight of my actions sat heavily on my heart. I gazed down upon her body as the others looked on, tears streaming down my face. The curious yet fearful Fox Kyrell embodied was finally permitted to rest. In its place awakened the Inu, Ren, protector of people. It would be a long, difficult and painful path ahead - time would only tell if it was all worth it. (This is a POV post, not a missive. Please do not take this information as IC) Edited April 4 by Rushodan 25 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheese 2329 Share Posted April 4 A wave of guilt washed over Juniper. She knew she had done the right thing, forcing him to break ties with the devil. But yet, there was a familiar pang in her heart. A lonely one- a child left without a parent they once held dear. A sigh escaped her... She really hoped Sermi's head would not have to be kept in her apartment for too long, however. 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unwillingly 11226 Share Posted April 4 ((not sure if this is meant to be read as an IC journal or paper of sorts, but something about the first person POV scratches my brain. probably because it's not seen that often on the server so it stands out nicely. good job)) 12 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rushodan 59 Author Share Posted April 4 14 minutes ago, Unwillingly said: ((not sure if this is meant to be read as an IC journal or paper of sorts, but something about the first person POV scratches my brain. probably because it's not seen that often on the server so it stands out nicely. good job)) ((We can consider it his journal - but it's mostly just to document a critical story moment for Ren ^~^. Thank you for the kind words!!)) 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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