The Stories of the Sufferers

Athanasia: The Origins of Mortality

Athanasia: deathlessness; immortality. The word is from the Greek a-, "without", and thanatos "death".

Lars, A Man of Malice:

In ancient times, when mankind was fresh and thriving, humans were immortal. No matter how many times they clashed with one another, their bodies defied modern-day biology and repaired itself, slowly with no medication, quickly with aid. Consequently, brawling would stir upon the individuals, since they will never die regardless.

The human race was rapidly growing, as people would only reach forty-five and remain that age. Women did not acquire menopause, which allowed them to have as many children as they wish.

A child of one of those mothers, Lars, abused his immortality. Everywhere he went, a look of contempt followed him (except when he was flirting, of course). A weapon was always near him, whether a knife, a stick, or even his two fists. His tall, husky built made him appear to be menacing, and his reputation did not help. He would fight with whomever he wills, be with whomever he wishes, ravaged whatever he wills, and ultimately, do whatever he wills, no matter how barbaric it was.

Once, he had gotten into a quarrel with a shepherd, since he needed free sheep (he did not understand how the world works). The shepherd demanded coins or at least a trade. After bickering for a few minutes, Lars lunged for the skinny shepherd's staff and beat him mercilessly, to the point where his face was distorted. The staff violently swooshed up and down, producing squishy sounds when in contact with flesh. His face was a bloody mess: eyes were swollen (it looked as if it would pop like a balloon), lips gushing (just like a waterfall), and the nose was broken (as if a child drew a zig-zagged line from bones). Lars climbed off of his victim and headed toward the sheep, stealing three. The shepherd ended up regenerating fully after a few hours but never sought revenge.

On another event, Lars was feeling angsty, and whenever he did, he committed immoral actions. This next misdemeanor is perhaps one of the worst. Lars went to the marketplace in his city, Moro, in search of a new girlfriend, even though he was currently dating one at the time of this event. He usually used them for sex, maybe impregnate, and then leave.

Lars strolled across the pavement, looking left and right for an attractive female. When his eyes landed upon one, he made his move. This woman, René, was indeed dangerous. She was similar to Lars in personality. René had short black hair, ghostly skin, and empty black eyes, contrasting to Lars' lengthy sandy hair, tan skin, and green eyes. They were similar in pursuit: make other's lives harder while making theirs better. When Lars figured René out, he knew he had found a partner suited for him, one where he did not need to cheat or use only for intercourse. They went around town causing chaos and destruction everywhere their feet landed. A knife and a bat was their weapon of choice.

Once, they disemboweled an elderly lady (forty-five years of age) who dared to interfere and call out their horrible ways. He cut open her abdomen, pulled out her insides, and sliced her organs into bits. Regeneration was painful.

Another victim was a seven-year-old boy, Kirk, who was playing soccer. He accidentally kicked a ball, hit René, and angered Lars. Lars pulled out his knife and slashed Kirk's legs as if they were vegetables, dismembering him. The wound was precise with practice. Kirk wobbled and fell atop his ball. His previous leg lay beside him, flowing freely with blood. Lars took a piece of the leg and force-fed it to Kirk. René stood by and laughed.

Lars' mother, Eileen, thought her son was cruel. Inhumane. He did not perform any positive actions in his life, and if he did, it was only for his own gain. He exhibited psychopathic behavior, unable to feel remorse for his destructive deeds. Even though she was his mother and desired the best for her son, she thought it was about time he got an adequate consequence for his misbehavior.