A Pillar of Lies

Chapter 2: Tenko

Content Warning: The chapter may contain some graphic depictions of self harm. Don't want to spoil anything but it should be pretty obvious when that scene comes up and you can just skip over it to the -tdr-. Reader discretion is advised.

Tenko is 7 years old.

A Pillar of Lies

Chapter 2: Tenko

Tenko's head throbbed as he stumbled down the street, his world a swirling mess of colours and shapes. He struggled to keep his balance, barely registering the passersby's muttered concern or the others' disgust. He didn't care.

Tattered and stained, Tenko's clothes hung off his emaciated frame. The dirt and grime had seeped into every pore, layering his skin with a thick coat of filth. But he barely noticed. His gaze was unfocused, his eyes wide with terror as they darted around aimlessly, unaware of the world around him. He had no idea where he was going or what he was doing, but his legs seemed to have a mind of their own, propelling him forward in a mindless shuffle. It was the only thing he could do.

His mind was in even more disarray as it tormented him for his sins, distorting reality into a sickening blend of delusion. Mon's pitiful whimper echoed first, his small body torn apart, the backyard tainted in a deep red. Then came Hana's screams, her flesh crumbling as blood spewed from every crack, her body decaying into nothing. And finally, his mother's face—once full of love and concern—faded from his world. Their remains clung to him, dismembered limbs poking and prodding his skin, hands clawing at his neck as if trying to escape. And at the end of it all, his father loomed above him, club in hand. It wasn't the pain of the strikes that terrified him, but the look of disgust on his father's face. He wanted to twist that look with his own hands, crumpling it into a messy heap—and when he finally did, only the haunting reminder of his own face remained, contorted, consumed by pure bliss at the mere act of destruction. Then it repeated, over and over, relentless. Unsatisfied with merely breaking him. No, it wanted to—

Tenko's foot caught on something, making him stumble onto the hard pavement, bruising his forehead as it took the brunt of the force. The nightmare had come to a temporary halt, replaced by a high-pitched ringing in his ears. But the respite was short-lived, and the torment resumed. For a moment, he contemplated throwing himself to the ground again, hoping to escape his thoughts, but his body refused to cooperate, quickly shutting down the idea.

He struggled to use his arms, just barely getting himself upright again. As he looked around, he saw the faces of concerned passersby, but they avoided him like a disease, parting around him in the street. Unable to look at their faces, Tenko pulled his head down, hoping they would stop staring with that disgusting expression. He forced his legs to move forward, ignoring the itch spreading across his neck.

What now, he wondered, hoping that somebody—anybody—would tell him. But he could see the reality of it all. Even in this busy street; even with heroes and policemen prowling around, he was alone. Truly and utterly alone. Yet, a glimmer of hope still remained. Maybe things would get better. Maybe despite all he did, there was still a happy ending waiting for him.

If only he could grasp that future with his own hands... All he needed to do was speak up. He desperately wanted to. The words were on the tip of his tongue, but guilt racked his body and lodged itself in his throat.

'Somebody help me,' Tenko pleaded, but his voice came out as air, completely inaudible.

'Hi there, little one,' a raspy yet comforting voice interrupted, drawing Tenko's focus away from the disorienting surroundings. He struggled to focus his vision on the blob in front of him, but gradually, the figure began to take shape. It was an old lady with greying black hair, a square face, and a wrinkled complexion, much like his own grandmother. Her worried expression was a stark contrast to the others who had recoiled from him moments ago. Tenko couldn't help but hope that she would save him.