"Mom, what are you doing...?" A young boy asked as he scratched his drooping eyes.
"These are offerings, my child," The woman answered.
"Offerings...?"
"Yes, Samael, Offerings."
***
A small figure jolted up, his breathing erratic. His face distorted as he winced under the searing pain of the wounds etched deep in his skin. His skin hugging his ribs.
That nightmare... Again, He rose to his feet, a groan escaping his lips. The chilly night air wafted through his disheveled hair, its familiar scent filling his senses. Leaning on the coarse wall for support, he cautiously navigated his way towards the sole barred window nestled in the corner of the room, narrowly avoiding a stumble.
image [https://i.ibb.co/3M9WvrM/cold-dirty-empty-cell-made-of-bricks-single-barred-window-medieval-dark.png]
With his trembling hands, he grasped the rusty steel bars, feeling the sharp edges brush his skin. He peeked outside.The silver gleam of the moon bathing him in it's warm embrace. Its ethereal light served as a beacon of hope for the child. In that moment, Samael longed for the freedom he was deprived of.
He used to live a life of peace and prosperity, until that one ominous, life-altering night. A memory he never wanted to remember, but by some cruel twist of fate, he always dreamt of it. Over and over again. A never-ending cycle of torment.
Every time he closes his eyes, he is confronted by that same haunting image. The towering pillar of flames that devoured everything he loved. The crackling of the infernal heat that drowned the voices of his friends. The laughter of those monsters while they slaughtered his family in cold blood. The way they forced him watch as they tore everything. It was all cut deep in his memories.
With a deep sigh, Samael fixated his gaze at the boundless night sky. Soon... Just a little longer. And the darkness swallowed his consciousness again.
***
"WAKE UP!" A booming voice shouted beside Samael's ear, jolting him awake in panic and confusion. The perpetrator erupted in a hysterical laughter, filling the room with his coarse voice, as if he just heard the best joke in his life.
As his vision gradually cleared up, he finally saw the man, his skin wrinkled and back hunched. He was wearing a robe tainted with dirt and grime, draped over his small frame. His long disheveled beard swayed under the nudge of the wind, and the pungent smell of urine and liquor permeated from his body. Regrettably, that same man was the boy's master.
"HAHAHA! YOU SHOULD'VE SEEN YOUR FACE!" The man said as the bottle held loosely in his hand, pointed towards the scrawny boy. Clearly, he was drunk again. If he was sober enough, he wouldn't even bother coming here. Samael narrowed his eyes and glared at the man.
"Huh? What the fuck are you looking at?" The old mage asked in exasperation. He whipped his arm back and a bottle flew at Samael's face, followed by a loud crash. "Look at what you've done! You just wasted a perfectly good drink!" The old mage sarcastically exclaimed.
It smells bad. Samael thought, the putrid stench of alcohol made his nose scrunch up. He grimaced and tugged on the ragged cloth of his shirt, rubbing his face dry.
"Failures, failures, AND MORE FUCKING FAILURES!" The old mage roared, his face flushing red every passing second. Samael can guess that his experiment probably failed again.
"This is all because of you! YOU! Ever since I bought you, nothing's ever gone right!" The old mage ranted, pointing his crooked finger towards Samael.
The mage withdrew his hand and delivered a forceful strike with the back of his palm against Samael, the impact reverberating with a resounding echo. Samael crashed to the ground, the metallic taste of blood filling his mouth.
A relentless onslaught of kicks and punches rained down upon him. Gritting his teeth, he endured the storm of agonizing pain, steadfastly waiting for it to subside. Not a single sound escaped Samael's lips, further stoking the man's fury and igniting his destructive tendencies.
"That felt great!" The old mage said in delight, a grin plastered on his face. He wiped the crimson stains off his hand using a rag. All while Samael layed motionless, his body oozing blood.
The man sneered, he spat and walked out the room.
It hurts... The boy pushed himself up, only to fall. The sharp aches of his wounds made his arms feel boneless, paired with the gaping hole in his stomach and the unrelenting fatigue it brought along. He wondered when was the last time he ate or the last time he slept on a bed. He had forgotten. It has been too long. Far too long.
BITE!
Samael bit his lip, blood trailing down his chin. He felt wronged. He was wronged, but it was too late to change anything. They can't bring back what he lost or erase the traces of the torture he went through.
Gathering the flickering flame of strength he had. He urged himself to crawl forward. Each movement an agonizing battle against the searing pain of the wounds embedded on his flesh. He reached for the jagged cold surface of the steel bars. Each passing second felt like an eternity.
He has been relentlessly counting down the passage of time. Every hours, seconds and weeks. Fueled with unwavering determination, he yearns to break the chains that bind him. The event of "Star Fall" looms close, a day that holds the key to his escape.
Star Fall is an event that occurs every year. The day when the gods bestow upon their blessings to their mortal subjects. They promise endless wealth, unfaltering strength and everlasting prosperity for those that worship and revere them. It's a day of peace and celebration. A time of laughter and love.
The telltale signs were as glaring as the midday sun. The birds shunned the sky, their melodious songs now hushed, echoing the unrest among the populace. The mage himself has been increasingly erratic these recent days.
Unfortunately, such gifts only applies to kids aged 8 and above. Any younger than that and the person will crumble under the titanic weight of the power given to them.
A few days ago, he had his eight birthday. He knew it's only a matter of time until star fall commences.
All he has to do is wait and see. After all, his family were devout followers of the God Taranius, the god of light and peace. Every day, they would pray and worship. Offering all sorts of treasures in the altar. So surely he would get his blessing.
Across the darkened midnight sky.
A streak of light, so swift and bright.
The gods grace us with their celestial might.
Oh bring forth, the awaited time.
Let the stars rain, Star Fall...
For a second, everything halted. No sound, no wind, only the deafening silence prevailed.
Then there was light.
A small spark traveled high in the heavens, illuminating the dark starry night in its lush glow. His breath hitched, and his heart galloped.
Then there was a blinding flash.
Before his eyes, an explosion of vibrant colors illuminated the night sky, soaring across its expanse and leaving luminous trails in the desolate darkness, untamed and potent.
It has finally begun.
Across the globe, the same phenomenon blessed the sky with their radiant streaks. These trail of lights came in clusters, moving fluidly and weaving in their own distinct paths, as if they had a will of their own, before descending upon their fated vessels.
His eyes held a soft glimmer as the colorful streak of lights danced in the night sky. but something was amiss.
None of them flew in his direction.
Huh...? What's going on? Where is my blessing? Did it not see me?
His breathing galloped like a stallion, and his hands shook in fear.
The dark gradually devoured the boundless night sky, eating with it the tiny sliver of hope he had.
Wait... No... No... No!
His grip tightened and his palm turned white. The sharp edges of the rusted barred window scraped through his skin, blood watering the coarse surface of the steel bars. Beads of sweat fell on his forehead, some drenching his back.
What's happening?! This can't be right! Wait—No! Come back! No! Please!
He reached out the blood soaked window, it's jagged surface brushing against his cheeks leaving marred gashes.
Yet, no matter how hard he tried, nothing happened.
Please...
His sobs filled the room, leaving hushed echoes of sorrow. His tears rained down like a storm, washing away the blood trailing down his face.
Why...? What did I do to deserve this? Please, don't leave me... I'll be good... I'll pray more— so please!!!
Samael slowly kneeled in defeat. He couldn't help but question everything he knew. Were their offerings for naught?
But we gave them everything.
But in the end, they were still abandoned.
"Did you actually fucking think you would get a blessing? HAHAHA YOU FOOL! And here I was thinking you couldn't get any dumber than that!" A grating voice berated behind him.
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"You, a slave, getting the attention of the gods? You must be delusional!" The mage spoke in a mocking tone. Further fueling the hate he felt in his heart.
Samael felt something grasp his hair, followed by a pain on his scalp. Like a rag, he was raised and slammed down the dirty cement floor. His breathing once deep and confident, now weak and barely audible.
The old mage unzipped his trousers and threw them away, a smirk plastered on his face.
"At least this way you'll be of some use," The old man whispered in a hushed tone, his breath grazing Samael's ear.
He didn't fight back anymore. He was tired—too tired.
His eyelids narrowed, and the dark greeted him once more.
Then, there was fire.
He was standing in a field of flames. He can still vividly feel the infernal heat on his skin and the distant sounds of explosion permeating the air.
No... Not this again.
As he cast a sidelong glance, his attention was drawn to a little boy tightly clinging to his mother's clothing, his small hands scrunching up the pristine white dress. Tears trickled down his face, staining his milky white cheeks.
"Mom! What is happening? I'm scared!" The kid said to her mother.
"Shh... Shh... It's okay... Everything will be okay." The woman enveloped the kid in her protective embrace as she caressed his hair.
"Where's father?" The kid asked.
"Y-your father... H-He will be back." The woman replied, her words stuck to her throat, as though a stone is lodge between them.
"For now, I need you to be a good boy and listen to me," Her grip tightened and her fingers quivered as she held the boy, inching her face close to his.
Samael shut his eyes tight. He can't look at this. He has seen this scene hundreds and thousands of times.
Please, no more. He pleaded for the nightmare to stop.
"Look at me... Look at me! Samael" The woman pleaded, tears drenched her pale cheeks. "You have to run, okay? You run and don't look back. Promise me!"
She clung tightly, unwilling to let go. But deep down, she knew of the sacrifice she needs to make.
The kid nodded, bolting away as the wind crashed on his face.
He ran away without looking back. Ignoring the booming explosions and the blood curdling screams of those he loved, but when he thought escape was at his palm, a hand grabbed him and threw him back.
"Let me go!" The boy roared.
The men held him tight, their fingers digging deep in his skin as they unsheathed their blades. Their metal surface releasing a sharp glimmer under the celestial light of the moon.
The young boy screamed and begged for them to stop, but no one listened. The men loomed closer the woman, grabbing her face and catapulting her downward.
Samael clenched his jaws, his fist turning into a ball. His hands pale white while his nails dug in his palm. Pin-drop silence shrouded everything. except for a single voice.
"Survive, Samael. Survive!"
Samael flinched as he jerked his head towards the source of the voice. He was confronted with a sight that bought a lone tear down his scarred cheeks.
A mother protecting her son, encasing him in a hug, shielding him from the dangers that wish him harm. Her cheeks glimmered under the onslaught of tears, but she wore the most loving smile he had ever seen.
"Survive," The woman whispered, before multiple blades impaled themselves behind her.
Then there was silence.
...How could he forget? He was so busy running away from his fears that he forgot to look back at those he left behind.
Something in Samael snapped. Bringing down the chains he shackled himself with.
A violent tsunami of energy slammed his body. His muscle tensed, veins bulging, as he jolted his eyes open. Hiding behind them a spark that illuminated his unyielding will.
He was done running away.
Burning through his waning strength, he clenched his fist and delivered a plethora of attacks. He punched, clawed and pulled on the old man, not stopping even if the pain was too much. What would a little more do?
"HEY! ARGH! STOP!" The old mage brought his arm forth, acting as a makeshift shield.
"YOU LITTLE SHIT!!" The old man spat in pure rage. He balled his fist and rammed it downwards, crashing against Samael's face, but his unrelenting fury has yet to subside. The old man continued pummeling the boy, until his blood smeared the floor crimson.
"You think you can defy me?! You ought to learn your lesson!" His face contorted, drowned in anger, he switched to choking the half-dead boy.
Samael dug his nails onto the old mage's hands, his face flushed red as he hungered for air. He tried to pry it off him, but his strength was too little to make a change. His vision dimmed, and his strength gradually vanishing.
Is this it...?
The world around him swirled. Seeming like all of this is nothing but a nightmare. Yet, that unyielding flame in his eyes refused to be snuffed out.
If I'm going to die, then I'll take you with me!
In a desperate attempt, Samael dragged the man closer, albeit slightly, it was enough. He slammed his teeth shut, tearing the nose of the old mage.
Blood sprinkled down his face as the man released a thunderous scream. He held his face and rose to his knees, only to crash down with a heavy thud.
A sharp ache pierced the man's neck. His body stiffened, cold sweat drenching his back as he grabbed his throat, only to notice shards of glass protruding from his flesh.
His shaky eyes glanced at the battered boy, shards of glistening glass sat idle on his palm and the lingering scent of alcohol enveloped the room, barely shrouding the metallic stench of blood.
The old man gasped for air, but the puncture was too deep. Horrific gurgling sounds escaped his lips as he slowly drowned in his blood.
A shiver snaked down the mage's spine as he desperately crawled away, his nails scraping the icy surface of the cell, leaving crimson claw marks on the floor.
Bit by bit, the rusty metal door of the cell became wider and clearer. His lips quivered into a small smirk. His escape was inevitable!
Then a hand clung to his leg.
The old mage's eyes widened in horror. He glanced back and saw Samael's half dead body unrelentingly holding him back. He shook his foot, but to no avail.
"N...No...!" The old mage retorted, his tone hoarse. He was so close. This can't be happening to him! He can't accept this!
The old man grasped the boy's collar. His hand trembling and his complexion pale.
Samael opened his eyes ever so slightly. Looking the man straight in the face. His reflection bouncing off the glassy pupils of the mage.
"H-H-He..lp me..!" A hoarse voice came out. Then silence reigned once more.
These were his last words before the light left his eyes. His body went limp and fell down with a soft thud. The old mage was dead. At the same time, Samael collapsed from exhaustion.
It didn't take long before the light of dawn peeked at the horizon. Its warm golden glow bathing the cell in its radiance. At the same time, signaling the start of a new day.
Twitch... Twitch...
Samael's eyes scrunched up, his face contorted under the throbbing pain of his head. As he opened his eyes, he was greeted with the familiar view of the ceiling, but he noticed something else. A putrid stench that assaulted his nose.
"Huh...?" Samael said, his forehead creased as his eyes fixated on the source of the scent. There was a body—no, a corpse—laying motionless. Its rotting body stiff and pale, infested with maggots eating its flesh.
The boy's eyes widened, and the memories of what transpired last night started to resurface.
Samael felt his stomach churn. The realization that he killed a person has finally caught up to him. His whole body shook uncontrollably as he stumbled to get away from the corpse. His vision turned hazy, and he felt suffocated.
I can't breathe!
Samael held his chest, his heart galloping wildly. He felt heavy, like something was pinning him down.
I killed someone! Samael thought in horror. He couldn't believe he had taken someone's life.
His vision swirled and he felt his stomach turn. He wanted to vomit, but there's nothing to release.
With his shaking legs, he rose to his feet, and bolted away. Not even daring to look back.
He kept running. Ignoring the hysterical voices in his head. He felt scared, alone, and weak. He just wanted to escape.
And so, he left.
***
The lab wasn't too big or too clean. Stains of dried blood marred the once pristine walls, along with the eerie silence that encased the place.
There were a few rooms, and when Samael checked them, he gagged. Countless rotting corpses and skeletal remains hung on steel chains.
Some were burned, while others were severed. Their faces were distorted in pain, showing signs of torture before death.
The further he went, the more prevalent the acrid stench of rot and blood was. Each chamber held the same view. One In particular made the boy's stomach churn.
A room in the furthest part of the lab had men, women and children stripped naked, as they hung on steel hooks embedded deep in their palms, their lower half mutilated into a mess of gruesome gore.
Samael's face distorted. He felt an inconceivable amount of disgust. He couldn't imagine what could've happened here. The fact that they were still whole means they were recently killed too.
"Monster..." Samael's hushed voice reverberated in the room, sending echoes in the desolate chamber. How could someone do this monstrosity?! That man—no, he's worst than scum. Maybe his decision to kill the man wasn't so wrong after all...
Samael get a grip!
He shook his head and threw the unnecessary thoughts away. No matter what he does, killing is killing. He took a life, and now he's paying the consequences. Or perhaps he was simply afraid of the thought of getting used to it. At the thought that he will become like the man he killed.
He stepped away from the room as he wandered aimlessly. Lost and afraid. Hoping to escape this hell. In doing so, he stumbled upon a chamber, or to be precise, that deceased mage's personal abode.
There were multiple apparatuses laying around, and organs were stuffed in liquid-filled jars. The stench here was the same as everywhere: unbearable.
Samael hurriedly checked the room for anything he could use. He rummaged through the cabinets, under the bed, and through the clothes of the deceased mage. Afterwards, he gathered what he found.
In total, he acquired: An old, dusty knife, a worn-down bag, some clothes, a few moldy pieces of bread, and a candle with a few unused matchsticks.
Samael packed all the necessary items in the bag and greedily ate some of the bread he found. He didn't care whether they were moldy or not. As long as they can fill his stomach, he'll gladly eat them.
Once he was finished. He took the bag and slung it on his shoulder before walking away. His footsteps echoing in the empty hall of the lab. Somehow, it made him feel melancholy.
Do not be mistaken. He didn't feel any sentiment for the place. Rather, he felt for the countless innocent lives lost for the sake of "greater knowledge." He didn't know what kind of research the man conducted or what results he sought, but was that really enough reason to treat human lives like toys? What was the point of gaining such knowledge when it came at such a hefty cost?
The boy shook his head as he made his way to the exit. He shouldn't focus on such things for now. He should direct his energy towards leaving this place first.
If I remember correctly...
Samael looked around and saw a rusty iron door. He once saw this specific door when he was being led to the "Play room." He speculated that this door was probably the exit since it had multiple locks shutting it tight.
He approached the door with steady steps and examined the heavy steel locks. Where could the keys be? Samael wondered as he scanned his surroundings.
Could it be in the play room?
As far as Samael remembered. The old mage only entered his office, which the boy had already checked, and the playroom, in which he committed various atrocities.
It can't be right...? Oh, who was he fooling. It's the only probable place where that mad man hid his keys. Where else would he keep such a precious item other than his favourite chamber?
As much as possible, he wanted to avoid that specific place. The only thing he remembers when he goes there is the awful stench of blood and the countless screams of pain.
He let out a deep breath and steeled himself. He has gone too far to give up now. He just needed to enter and leave as fast as possible. No pressure Samael, no pressure
Unnerved, Samael made his way to a lone door in the corner of the building. Every step he took felt heavier than the last. When he touched the steel surface of the chamber, he felt the urge to pull back and just find another escape route. But this is the only way.
He gritted his jaw and put his weight on his arms, ignoring the sharp aches pestering his body.
A loud screeching reverberated in the hall, bouncing off the filthy walls of this damned lab. The heavy steel door slowly made way for him and the nauseous stench inside the room.
His nose twitched and scrunched up. He let go of the door and held his mouth tight. What kind of mess could cause such smell?
The room was dark, until the soft glow of the lamps invaded the interior. Setting light to the horrors that sat there, frozen in time.
His eyes widened and his breath halted. He held his abdomen and vomitted on the floor. Tears streaming along the contents of his stomach.
Bodies, specifically kids, were strapped on the ice-cold metal tables with their hands bound tight by leather belts, scraping their skin off, showing the muscles beneath. All while their upper body are wide open and held by steel clamps. Free for everyone to see. There were also organs hanging on steel hooks, infested with maggots and flies.
What form of monstrosity is this?
Samael shakily wiped his mouth as he did his best to hold on to the remaining sanity he had left.
Keys... Where are the keys?!
He carefully looked around and saw something glimmer beside a small mountain of corpses. He didn't waste time and snatched it, without sparing even a glance, before running out of the room.
Once he got out, Samael halted his steps and wiped the ice cold sweat off his forehead. His brain still couldn't process what it saw inside. Probably never will.
He took a mouthful of air and went forward. The voice inside his head, louder than ever before.
It wasn't long before the rusty iron door presented itself.
He held the keys with his trembling hands, struggling to maintain them from shaking.
One by one, he opened the locks. His anticipation was already reaching its peak. He had already forgotten the feeling of the grass under your feet and the warmth of the sun on your skin.
First lock...
CLICK!
Second lock...
CLICK!
Beads of sweat fell down his forehead as the sound of metal clanging ran down the hall.
Last lock...
Samael firmly grasped the lock with his small, calloused hands, he plugged the rusty bronze key. With one swift twirl, he heard a click.
CLICK!... THUD!
Accompanied by a loud screeching. Like the rising sun watching above all, the light, slowly but surely shrouded the room. And the familiar scent of grass invaded his senses.
He was finally free.