Hueeeennnngh….
I'm tired….
The cold table slowly heated up.
"Oh? Who's bullying our adorable pre–cious newbie~?"
…
The candle melts so easily…
"Hey~"
Such a bright light…
"Hello~?"
Comforting…
"Ignorance has a limit."
"Urhk–!"
Save me…!
Desperately I tapped on her arm.
"Hm~hm~"
"You should let go."
"Our junior is too adorable~?"
"..."
"Acceptance will be delivered. Merciful repayment if~ you acknowledge~"
Ca…n…t…b..re..a…
"Ah."
"Should have let go."
****
Ah…
The Eternal Flame whimpers.
A pitiful sight compared to it's savage characteristics.
It's shallow, light flickers. Teetering on the edge of vanishing.
No kindle.
Premature.
Maybe this was what our ancestors saw.
Not the grandiose title but a seeping darkness.
It needs a kindle.
A kindle to be the hearth.
Devouring until the end.
Not this empty meaningless face full of ashen pits.
Likewise there was only a choice.
Just like when the Eternal Flame was given to the First Kindle.
Like all other Kindles.
Perish we may. Our spirits drive forward.
Serving our people and the ancient.
A warmth courses in me.
The hue deepened.
Once more the mantle is carried.
— — — —
Death is often.
Like grass, culled at the ripe time.
The summoning of 'god'.
It doesn't feel real.
Something happened.
Nothing happened.
Maybe that's why I think…
Desperation.
It's desperation.
No matter how many are extinguished, they keep coming.
So their only hope and reliance is on…
Hope.
I am crushing hope.
…That.
Does that make me..?
….
I guess I wasn't ready.
I wasn't prepared.
The molting blood singed the floor with a sizzling sound.
Then what are we if we are puppets of…