Aether : Calraem

Chapter 41: Asphyxiated

Fears are something that could not only be experienced, but could also be learnt. In the sense that fear is not only an emotion that could be triggered, but could also be seen as an experience that could be taught to another person, allowing them to gain the "ability" to have this emotion called fear.

Fear, or "awareness of the unknown"- as some would likely express it as, has been around since before the beginning of history. Before men have picked up the pen or carved history into stone tablets or painted their hobbies, they had nothing. The only thing they had were themselves and a world completely unknown to them. They had become aware of the unknown, or, so to say, known about the unknown.

Does that mean the first emotion that one had felt at that moment was fear? Or was it an innate curiosity to discover what exactly caused this emotion within themselves, solving the mystery and discarding what exactly it is about the unknown that causes such an adverse effect within ourselves. What exactly, is it about the unknown, that drives our imagination to the worst possible scenario, scaring ourselves from ever taking a leap forward, towards faith?

Even in our modern day era, men and women are still ridiculed, ruled by this emotion that we call fear. The fear of being judged, ridiculed, criticized, hated, abandoned, rejected, neglected, unsafe, disrespected, humiliated, insulted, betrayed, unloved etc... Until we realise that this is only a state of mind, and we can do whatever we want, we will be chained to the confounds of our imagination. We will not be able to embrace change.

But, alas- this is not the end of the world. As this all depends on mind state and how the mind influences the body, it should be possible to change oneself from the inside. It should be possible to resolve the issues that one really has instead of displacing emotions and creating problems that never existed.

Self-reflection is key. Look within oneself with the mind's eyes and dig deep. What is it that one is truly avoiding and afraid of? What is it about all the emotions that have been left untouched that muddled the mind and is clouding one's judgement? You have it in yourself to recover from all of these issues by accepting them-then detaching oneself from all of these feelings.

Remember, these problems are only an illusion. They are only big because you think of them as big issues. Detach yourself from them and move on with your life. Detach, detach, detach, detach.

-And then you can realise these conflicted emotions that you feel towards your father.

Will you do it? Or will you allow yourself to be consumed by your pride?

Lucifer.

Lucifer.

Luci-

*

"-fer."

His eyes shot open, then Lucifer's body launched itself in an upright position from the bed.

"Haah...haah...haah..."

Breathing heavily, he glanced at his hands, feeling a tremendous amount of sweat gathered on his face and body. For a few moments his thoughts were sporadic, incomprehensible, and disconnected.

Then he managed to regain his composure and slowed down his breathing.

"Lucifer."

Looking to the left of his royal bed chambers, he saw his betrothed, Silica. Her facial features were softened, showing concern in her gaze.

"Silica..."

"You tossed around in your sleep. It seems like you're getting worse." She gently placed a hand on his forehead. "Your fever hasn't changed."

Lucifer laughed.

"I'm surprised. You've never had this before."

"And what might that be."