Predestined Demise of the Celestian Guardian

Chapter 1

In a desecrated form, I wondered the church's hall illuminated with nothing but the dimly flickering light of a candle. I drag my skinless limbs across the cold ground, every step feeling as though a knife impaled the soles of my feet. The blood-stained sleeves swayed with every step, dancing as though they enjoyed the arm-less state of their master. 

At this moment, none of this mattered to me. I had already realized my pathic position. How, if I remained in such a state, I would be a failure to the very humanity I was created to protect. For once in my pitiful life, I was determined to make my own decision. 

The sound of that knocking resonated over and over again in my mind. The quiet and feeble voice of a child calling to me, pleading, telling me I am the only one who can save them. And, it was this very plea, that has caused me to stand up to those who believe they can control me. It was this plea, that told me of an opportunity to prove that I am worthy of my status. If I can not even do this much with my own free will, then why do I even deserve to exist? 

As I finally found the room designated for refugees of war, I was met with horrified faces. I suppose with my current state, such a reaction is to be expected. For, if I was any normal being, I would be long dead by now, merely a corpse identical to those in the very room I stand in. How must they feel to see the infamous 'holy saintess', their hope for survival, in such a state I wonder. 

A dark haired sickly-looking boy, perhaps only a few years younger than I, hesitantly approaches me, "I'm sorry, I went to you despite hearing you were currently unwell..." 

This boy was destined for a soon death. His left arm was non-existent from the elbow downwards and concealed beneath the bandage covering the injury, was a spreading infection. According to my power of sight, he only has a few days remaining at most. 

"You have no need to apologize. I should try to help the people regardless of my current state." Despite my words, as I surveyed the room, I quickly realized that everyone within the room was mere children in a much more lacerated form than I initially anticipated. 

This was an eerily familiar situation. I can't revive those on the brink of death. With my young age, I have yet to develop the power to regenerate blood loss, rid the most deadly diseases or infections, nor can I regrow the limbs of others. In this situation, just like before, I can't help them no matter how much I desire to do so. And knowing this, my heart sank - once more, I am nothing but utterly useless. False hope to those in desperation. A hoax of a tale that is spread among the people. 

"Unfortunately, with my current power, I cannot save those who are destined a soon death. This... Includes every single one of you," these were my words to all those I stood before. I could only watch as the light of hope in their eyes shattered while their expressions darkened. 

The atmosphere in the room became heavy at the news of their impending death. The only noise that interrupted the dreadful silence were those who cried. In shame, I cast my eyes down to my legs which bore no skin - its appalling appearance a result of amputation.  My arms were the same, from the wound hung a short rod of bone and tissue as a result of its attempted regrowth. From its appearance, I suddenly became consumed in thought, "There might be one way." These words slipped out of my mouth absentmindedly.

It was a method I had deemed out of the question during my time with the Duchess. Following her death, however, I had reconsidered my decision time and time again. Given the option between losing her life or her humanity, which would she had chosen I wondered. Out of my pure selfishness in my love for her warm nature, I had made the choice for her unknowingly. However, perhaps this time, I should allow the person in question to make this decision.

"You may become a being like me. You will regrow your limbs, be immune to any disease, be granted immortality, and gain the gift of sight. However, this also means that you will lose your emotions and ties with humanity." I take a deep breath and cast my eyes downwards before continuing, "I request that you contemplate this decision carefully."