The sky bleed into a pinkish orange as a young woman walked through the near-empty village. The young woman’s bright red dress dragged along the dirt covered ground and the dagger on her hip swayed slightly with each step. Her long black hair was tied back into a ponytail, revealing the shiny gems and chains dangling from her ears. 

The wind blew, the autumn leaves flying in the air, but the woman paid the beautiful sight no mind. Her pale face was somber and sorrowful as she carried on and headed straight towards the village’s shrine.

The doors of the shrine open on their own, as if to welcome the woman in, and shut behind her gently. She knelt in front of the statue of the god and bowed. She stayed like that for a moment longer before sitting up. She sighed before staring up at the statue.

“Father,” She whispered, voice cracking as she spoke, “I’ve failed.” 

The woman’s eyes grew misty and her breathing grew harsh. She buried her face into her hands and her shoulders trembled. She pulled her head away and stared at her hands. Then, she stared at the dusted silver bracelets on her wrists.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“Pathetic.” She mumbled to herself.

She looked back up at the statue, her face turning desperate, “Why? Why me, father? I did no wrong, not to you nor anyone!”

She seemed to rethink her words and grew quiet, “No. No, I hurt him, didn’t I?” 

She sniffled and shut her eyes tight, “No matter what I do…” She trailed off and took a shuddering breath, “...I’m always the one who destroys.”

She choked out a sobbed and bowed again, “Father, what am I meant to do? How do I fix this?”

No answer came and she was alone in the silent shrine.

The room was silent for a long time before she suddenly gasped as her head and upper-body shot up, eyes wide, “I know what I must do. I know!”

She reached to her side and unsheathed her dagger. She stared at her reflection in the tempered steel.

“‘To defend,” She whispered, “To protect’.” It was as if she was entranced as she stared at herself, as if she couldn’t recognize her own face. Teardrops fell onto the dagger, bringing her out of her dazed state.

She brought the small blade to her throat. She shut her eyes tight, tears falling from her cheeks. She took another breath before-