Blade of Darkness

Daily Life

Of all the things I have to do, this is at least my favorite part. Life hasn't been the same. Everything has seemed to slowly go off the rails. Life as a hero was fun and games, but not anymore; I am alone. It's just me doing all of this "hero" work that Bonnie assigns me. Nothing is on my own accord: I'm her puppet. Some days I look back, and I almost miss Jake's company. Almost, but he's weak. Jake couldn't handle the harder stuff I do now. He was about a life of fun and messing around. We all have to grow up and mature; I guess not even Jake could do that. Hopefully, he still has his relationship with Lady Rainicorn. I would hate for him to be alone, but I wouldn't feel too much sympathy if he is.

I pulled on my cargo pants. They're black and slightly heavy. Black is often hot and almost unbearable in Ooo's weather, but these are the best pants for the job. They offer some protection and can hold all of my various weapons. Maybe a little too heavy for my liking, but necessities come at a cost. Maybe if I was insane, I would wear a regular shirt, but I have to counteract the pants. I slip on a black tank top. Bonnie told me it's made of a special puncture-resistant material. Sure my arms should be protected, but who cares about that? It's a great way to show off the slight definition I've gotten from fighting all these years. No one will be watching me fight, but I like feeling good while executing my craft. It's like the one saying goes: "Look good, play good."

I look myself over in the mirror. I'm definitely a long shot away of fifteen year old me. My hair is cut short enough to my liking. My entire body is well toned because I have to be at peak performance every single day. I take my favorite dagger and put it in the right pocket. I take a few more small blades, and I fit them in various other places. This adds a few solid pounds to my person, but necessity has a price. I sling my sword onto my back. It's secure enough not to fall out while I run, but it won't be on my back for long. 

As I walked to the ladder, I stole a glance at the display case. There on a wooden ball held my old bear hat. I haven't worn that hat in years. The idea of wearing it brings pain to my chest: too many memories are associated with it. I hurried along and slid down the ladder. I walked out the front door. Now, it's time to get to work. I started to jog then I picked up the pace to a run. It felt like I could run forever some days. Somedays, the adrenaline could make everything seem light and easy. This, fortunately, was one of those days. The grass was soft and squishy. I felt a light squish between my boots as I ran. Now I have to get out of my head. Now is no time to be distracted

People say I'm a hero; I just do whatever Bonnie tells me to do. I am a servant of Ooo; I do not question whatever motives the princesses have. My job is to carry out whatever job they give me without hesitation or question. If I do so, then I can keep my job. Without this job I am nothing; I am alone. I look ahead, and within fifty feet of me stands a five story giant. It's walking, so this will be relatively easy to catch. It's heading in direction of the Candy kingdom, but it'll be a minute before he reaches it.

Breathe. Time to focus. This is the part of the job I hate. I don't seek understanding. My job is to eliminate the threats. This cold-hearted removal is what alienates me now. I don't feel like the hero of Ooo anymore. I take in a deep breath. I exhale slowly. I take in all of my surroundings: making myself fully aware of all around me. I am not the executioner. I am the weapon that is used by the kingdoms. I am the well-sharpened, precise blade that is plunged into the heart of evil. I unsheathe my blade. I take in its weight and feel. The center of balance is at the point between the hilt and handle. It's perfectly balanced, and it is a dream to wield. It follows the move of the wrist without strenuous effort from the wielder. It is the instrument of most of these creatures' demise.

Those same words echoed in my head: "Sometimes you want to kiss someone and be with them, but you can't because responsibility demands Sacrifice." Those words have stuck with me all of these years. It seemed foolish back then, but Bonnie was ultimately right. Responsibility requires sacrifice. I take one last look at the red blade of my sword. It almost has a malevolent glow hidden within its core. I guess that's what a demon's blood sword is like.

I looked at the giant. Time for him to go down. It is my duty. I let my muscle memory take over. I flew with speed towards the giant. I knew I couldn't take out its heart right away. I can't stretch up there without Jake, so I'll have to bring him down to me. I guess the only compassion I have left within me is I try make their death quick with as little pain as possible. That is my last gift to all: a swift death. I swing my blade into the giant's Achilles tendon. It's all just pure instinct, but I somehow know how to kill every creature quickly and precisely.

The giant stumbled forward and lost its balance. I knew this caused the creature pain, but this is a necessary evil to make this quick. I always have to remember that I am the last thing of their lives. I am neither the judge nor the executioner. I am the blade brandished by Ooo.

I guided the sword into the heart of the giant. The giant felt little pain before its life drained away. I pulled the blade out of its chest. I went to wipe the blood off of the blade, but the sword had absorbed the blood before I even reached it. I don't know too much about this sword. This was a one-of-a-kind blade. No one had any idea how it worked. I guess the blade required it because the sword never needed to be repaired or sharpened.

The clean up for these jobs were always the worst job, but Bonnie always had something prepared. I would leave that up to her. I pulled from my pocket my transmitter. I told her that the job was done. I walked home for there wasn't anything else for me. I did my job with precision and speed. No one could complain about what I did. I did the dirty work, so why complain? The world revolved around every princess. They could ask for the world, and it would be brought to them on a silver platter. I can't really complain too much. They are my employers after all. They give me a purpose, but I could find a use for my skills without them. They paid me well, and Bonnie would upgrade my equipment without question. She gave me any equipment I needed without me needing to pay.

Another day gone. More to go. I am able to deliver quick death to every creature. This job has taken most of me away. I barely even resemble the once hero of Ooo. I try to hold onto the shreds of my soul, but every day I find myself slipping further and deeper away from who I once was. It scares me, but fear is unacceptable. I must do what must be done.