Crimson

Flames.

Fire.

That's all I see before me.

They threaten to engulf me.

But I embrace them first.

I am always one step ahead of them, aren't I?

I am an inventor, yes.

With my mind, I create things, things that perhaps were never meant to be created.

Yet I create them anyways.

And for what reason?

For whose benefit do I create these weapons of destruction?

For myself, of course.

For myself to enjoy, for my own benefit.

I like watching things burn.

I like the flames.

For myself, only for myself.

At least, that's what I say.

That's what I'm told to believe.

You know, I can't help but wonder sometimes…

Who am I doing this for?

What am I living for?

A hidden deity none of us will live to see.

A dark being, hidden in the shadows.

Isn't that funny?

Amusing?

Ironic?

An inventor that was invented, for the purpose of inventing.

I am a creation too.

I, too, was created for a greater purpose.

Seems a little backward, doesn't it?

Sometimes—and this is not very often, I assure you—I wish…no. Not to be like them, but to…perhaps live a life without being chased by Death.

To live a life without being consumed by flames; by darkness.

I'd like to be an inventor, you know.

If I had the chance.

A real one, who makes all kinds of different things, not just monsters.

Would I create things to help people?

Perhaps.

It would be a challenge, to build things that create instead of destroy, after all these years.

But yes, I would like to invent other things.

Not just fire.

Anyone can make fire.

You just rub two sticks together.

Too easy.

Far too simple.

I like the complexities in life.

The machines I build are complicated.

You wouldn't be able to figure them out, if I never told you how.

I'll never tell you.

Why?

Because they aren't really mine.

I made them, yes.

But…they belong to someone else.

I belong to someone else too.

It's a fact I've accepted a long time ago.

There's no escape from reality, no matter how harsh.

I was created.

I was created for a reason.

It's a bit strange, considering the circumstances.

All I do, really, is create things to destroy what others have created.

I feel a small twinge of guilt every time my creations destroy something, I really do.

Even if it's a tiny, speck of guilt. I do feel it.

Though I will never admit it.

I feel what it's like to be an inventor, a creator, a builder.

What if my greatest inventions were taken from me?

Destroyed?

Demolished?

Incinerated?

I might feel sadness.

I might feel regret.

Maybe.

Perhaps.

I can't show it though.

I will never show it.

I have quite a reputation, you know.

I am actually quite well known.

I'm the oldest. The wisest. The fiercest. The most powerful.

Always.

Sometimes I hate it.

It's too much to live up to, at times.

I do have a lot sitting upon my shoulders.

But most of the time I love it.

I am not weak.

Never that.

I am in control.

I can control anything.

I will always be on top.

Always.

Maybe I don't get to do everything I want to do.

Maybe I'll never get much accomplished.

After all, Death is still chasing me.

He's rather fast, in case you were wondering.

He could be getting closer, at any moment.

I can almost feel his breath on my neck.

But I can run faster, still.

I will always be on top.

I will always be one step ahead.

And I will embrace the flames, because in the end,

I cannot escape my destiny.

And that's alright with me.

In the end,

I am the fire.

Always.