Chapter 55 (1/2)

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Walking down the ghostly path that widened further ahead, following his master more and more ghosts appeared at the path's sides, framing it with rows upon rows of people. Soon the first row of people transformed into big men carrying wardrums that they started to play as if a ceremony was about to start. Deep, reveberating sounds traveled through the endless darkness with every beat, making Azuls soul pulsate alongside each hit. Seconds transformed into minutes as Azul kept on following behind his master, all the while being submerged in the penetrating sounds of the wardrums, tempting him, leading him further until the sounds were the only things that he could truly focus on. Soon his master disappeared from his vision but Azul kept on going, further into the temple until he reached the center of it. Above his head the temples roof split open, revealing the endless darkness of the void to his eyes as he looked up as if on command, until he felt a pair of hands gripping his shoulders in a firm way, motioning for Azul to sit down, which he did completely submerged in the all consuming thunder of the wardrums that filled every cranny and corner of the temples room.

The pulsating sounds transfered over to his soul, and with every beat of said drums made Azul shut his eyes a little closer, not being the master over his own actions.

Slowly his concious mind began to shut down even further until only his emotions remained. At first they were tranquil, steady from the drums thunder. But soon the drums beat changed into a faster rythm, and a slow humming from thousands of voices intoning a melody began to fill the air, bringing one single emotion to the forfront of Azuls soul while the rest faded into the background.

Azuls mind began to submerge itself in this emotion, diving into it like jumping into a lake, until blackness overtook him once more, but not for long...

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As Azul opened his eyes he could see himself. And yet it wasn't him at all. His mind was muddled and all he could think about was showing the world his prowess. His superiority. His might. His!

As he observed his actions Azuls mind couldn't help but frown at what he saw. His body was moving without his command and he could do nothing but experience this strange vision.

As his body moved over a gigantic battlefield of thoughts, Azul observed as he roared and cackled in glee at the suffering he was causing, slaying foes and friends alike left and right, not bound by any chains or shakles and the absolute judge on this field of war. Completely free.

And yet, Azuls mind did not feel free at all. The more he viewed his own actions the stronger the feeling of shakling himself became, until he finally understood what the vision was about.

This vision was of what he could become if he gave in into his own inner flames d.e.s.i.r.e to consume and destroy if he did not learn to control his own emotions. Words of his master came to his mind, strengthening his belief on the vision he was seeing from his own eyes.

'When the body is free and the mind is not, then it matters not where you go. You will always be shackled. If you free your mind though, then it matters not where you are. Out in the world or shackled in a prison cell. You will always be completely free.'