Blind Faith: The Tale of Morgan

I want you to do a favor for me. Close your eyes for a few seconds, just a few. Go ahead, right now. Did you see that darkness? Did you see that spot of black that covered your entire vision? Now imagine you're like that always. Imagine that the light has gone out from your eyes, and your sight is completely gone. Does that frighten you? Well, if so, then you already have a fairly good idea as to what I go through every day.

I promised myself that I would never forget how I lost my vision. I started out as a gladiator for the queendom of Falena. I was known as an invincible warrior--I was quite literally the best in the land, perhaps even the world. I was NEVER beaten. Then, because of this "unfair" advantage I seemed to have, my eyes were gouged out and I was blinded from then on. Ha, that didn't hinder me in the least. In fact, I think I improved because of my blindness.

But that is all in the past, now. I was, shall I say, removed from that monarchy a few years later. I found my way to the Scarlet Moon Empire and the world-famous Qlon Temple, where I took a vow of priesthood in front of Master Fukien. Since then, I have dedicated my life in a pursuit of that which is holy and pure. I suppose I became a monk just then, so even while under study in the Temple I managed to keep my fighting style active.

My services were needed for a brief period of time, so when asked, I left my studies and journeyed towards lake Toran with Master Fukien, Hugo, Zen, and Crowley (imagine several people's surprise as they discovered that he had been living in that cave all this time! I, of course, knew of his existence). My time spent at Lake Toran was short but memorable; I improved my skills alongside fellow martial artists such as Eikei, Pahn, et cetera.

But believe it or not, it was after my participation in the Liberation War that my adventures truly began. Let me emphasize.

Shortly after the war, I came back to Qlon Temple, Fukien and Crowley at my side. Hugo was off recording the exploits of the heroes of the war, and Zen had remained behind to tend to the gardens, so other than Master Fukien, I would be alone. This bothered me little, for with my blindness, I never truly desired a large company with me anyway.

For awhile after my return, I continued studying the ancient holy scrolls that Hugo had kept. These scrolls documented a horrifying war against an ancient evil, one so old it dated back to the time when Harmonia was unpopulated. In the scrolls, the ancient evil had held a dark hand over much of the world, which was still in its infancy. Having an entire planet under one's thumb is horrible enough; having a planet with a youthful species populating it was downright terrifying.

This evil, which for convenience's sake I shall call Ma'handaa'Sythe'Tyiarrhe (roughly translated as "Child of Curses"), existed on this planet long before the invention of the wheel. Where it came from or why it desired destruction was a complete mystery, but none of that mattered then. Sythe (really, did you expect me to refer to it using its entire name?) was a terrible seed that had been buried in the grounds of hatred, and for what seemed like centuries, nothing could stop it.

Then, according to the scrolls, a group of holy warriors and priests rose up out of the ashes of the world and made war with Sythe. This war later became known as "The War of the Moon", for the forces of good (white) fought bitterly against the forces of evil (black). Many "months" passed, if you take my meaning.

To elaborate, the holy warriors and Sythe battled back and forth many times. Sometimes it appeared as if the holy fighters (which I will refer to as "Ma'handaa'Pyraz'Tyiarrhe", or Child of Blessings) won, other times Sythe emerged victorious. On some occasions, it appeared as if both sides were winning, or losing… but anyway, I'm talking too much.

Through some miracle, which is usually the case, the Pyraz beat back Sythe and destroyed it for good. This dark power would not be defeated so readily, though, and in a last vain effort, it split into much smaller versions of itself. These "miniature Sythes" are what make up the evil in all men, or so says Master Fukien.

When I was in the middle of my studies one day, I received a call from Antei. After attaining permission from Master Fukien, I packed some light provisions and set out on my journey. Oh, forgive me for not elaborating on this. When I say that "I received a call", what I meant was that I was asked to perform an exorcism. Yes, I have that ability (I don't spend every waking hour in the company of priests for nothing!), and I freely give it to anyone who asks. Of course, my only real fee is a room to sleep in and food to eat.

Antei was some distance away from Qlon Temple, but thankfully, it wasn't quite as far as Kyaro Town, which is where I performed my last exorcism some three years previous. I had been there before--I didn't know whether it was a blessing or a curse that I couldn't see the town. Was it good that I was unable to look at the material possessions and earthly objects of that town? Or bad that I could not see the wonder and beauty of such a place? Debates, debates, debates…

I could determine what Antei consisted of simply by listening to what surrounded me.

"Fresh fish, get your fresh fish!"

"Jewelry! Jewelry for sale! Precious gems!"

"Armor! Guard your life against evil monsters with armor!" (Chapman selling wares)

"Tee hee… you have work for me?" (That'd be Jeane. Thank you, God, that I cannot see her indescribable features)

"Oh! Don't you like drinking tea with a beautiful lady?" (Kimberly, you're too old for this)

"HELLO, BABY! Wanna spend time at my place? Dance? Sure!" (Mina. You're too young, Mina…)

"Hi! Welcome to Antei!" (Qlon… may God bless you)

"Excuse me, please let me though, I need to pass." (Tesla, always in a hurry)

"You!" Ah, my client. I introduced myself, asked where the possessed person was. I was led inside a cool house that smelled of wood and olive oil, and then I took my time going up the stairs. Fourteen steps--I must remember that. I entered the room, felt the intense spiritual energy emanating from the… girl. Of course, it was a girl. My age. It was a girl my age, and perhaps I should thank God for my blindness. I walked over to her, laid my hands on her forehead.

"I need privacy," I warned, turning my head to her parents. They understood, and left the room. Well, now that we're alone… Eh, your name is Morgana. How fitting. Here, let me get rid of this demon for you……

Ashira ladonai ki gaoh gaah

Ashira ladonai ki gaoh gaah

Michamocha baelim adonai

Mikamocha nedarbakodesh

Nachitah v'chasd'cha am zu gaalta

Nachitah v'chasd'cha am zu gaalta

Ashira, ashira, ashira…

I heard a scream next, and something that sounded like the howling of the wind. I felt a terrible black power erupt from the girl, trying to claw its way back into her. Sensing the fiend, I repeated my prayer fanatically, until the wind died and I felt the creature no more.

A long pause followed. All I heard was the weeping and panting of the girl. I bowed, and gently laid her down to sleep. Closing her eyes, I left Morgana on the bed and alerted her parents. Fourteen steps…

"My work here is done," I told them. "Your daughter had a seed of what we priests call Ma'handaa'Sythe'Tyiarrhe, the demon's seed." Understandably, they gasped in shock, and I paused before speaking again. "But, she is strong now, and she will be completely healthy by tomorrow."

"Oh… thank you!" cried her mother. The woman poured tears and kisses on my mighty hands, hands that previously beat opponents into the nether regions. I managed a smile, but the grin faded as her father tried to arrange a marriage between us.

"Why would you want her to marry a stranger like myself?" I asked.

"Nobody in the village wants my Morgana!" cried the man. "Not even the bums on the street! She is a good child, pure of heart and learned of the ways of the world, but… but…"

"She is not attractive?" I tried. The father sighed.

"We are the only ones who think she is beautiful," said the mother. I frowned, and took in a deep breath.

"Let me speak to her when she recovers," I said. "Until then, I ask for a meal and a bed in lieu of payment."

At sunrise, I received a knock on my door. I was fully alert by the time I received my visitor--after all, I had been awake for two hours already.

"Enter." I heard the door open, three footsteps, and the door closed. Silence.

"Uh, hello," came a voice. I paused in thought. It sounded like Kasios, only… somewhat younger, and a little less confident. But it was beautiful, quite lovely, and I liked the tone.

"Morgana, correct?" I said. I stood up from my meditation, bowed, and introduced myself. She found it odd that our names were so similar. Coincidence.

"You were the one that helped me, right?"

"I know of nobody else," I replied. A silly question, but then again, there was that lack of confidence to consider. Maybe she just needed to know that the demons inside her were really and truly gone. I can understand that.

"I, uh… well, uh…"

"I don't need to be thanked," I said, sensing what she was about to say. I was pretty sure that she gave me a smile after that. I can sense things like emotion.

"Sorry about what my father said," she offered. "He's being super-sweet to me, trying to marry me off to the first noble stranger who passes through. I really don't think he should do that, you know?" I frowned, but made no response.

"So you would not care for it?" I asked.

"Not if it were a stranger, no!!" I sniffed, and crossed my arms. I don't usually smile--not because I'm a dark or depressing man, just because I usually have a serious outlook on things.

"I see. Then I have no business here." I left the room, halfway expecting her to chase after me. She did: called out my name, pulled on my arm, wanted to know where I was going, asked if she could come along…

"I don't know," I answered, craning my head to face her. "I'm not sure if Master Fukien would allow it."

"Then at least take me as far as the Warrior's Village," she pleased. "Please? I've always wanted to go somewhere romantic like that." Somewhere romantic? The Warrior's Village? Why? I asked her these confounding questions, but all she did was smile and gush a little.

"Maybe I can find somebody to love while I'm on the road," she said. "Besides, father and mother have been wanting to get me out of the house forever. That's why father's trying to marry me off, at least I think so." I frowned, and shrugged in indifference.

"Do as you wish. I leave you now." I bowed my head, and calmly left the house and Antei. She followed, and acted as my eyes.

The End