Pariah


Prologue


For generations unnumbered my family have given council and performed the rights of our community. It was always our honor. But now it has become our curse. For tonight I have been asked to perform a most heinous task. A task, which is a stain on my family's history. Usually a joy. A right to acceptance within my family and community.

But not tonight.

I walk a stony path. I trudge, to be more precise. With the most precious of cargo's, snuggled into the crook of my arm.

I trudge.

It is a long journey, tonight.

A pathway, never ending. But in truth, I do not wish to reach its conclusion. And yet I do not want it to stop, for there can only be one result, tonight.

I know it.

They knew it.

The entire village knew it.

All of us have dreaded this day. All of us. For Emily and Marcus were such wonderful people. The brightest in our little community. Always cheerful. So… beautiful. None could ever argue that Emily had been the bell of every dance, of every gathering. She had been the ray of the sunshine given form. Her hair a dazzling gold. Her skin clean and possessing a grace none could explain. She was like a summer's day.

Marcus? He had always been everyone's son. Always the center of attention. For he knew no fear, jet understood it in others. He did not mock them for it or saw himself as their better. Not Marcus. He would guide, smile, and make light of the darkness that threatened to consume Remnant whole. He would laugh at the danger and by doing so would become a beacon. A flame that inspired hope in others. He was the light in his own way.

They began to court and fell in love. It was the joy of the village. Like a poem brought to life. Their wedding day was the happiest in living memory. Many of the boys, and even men, had secretly hoped that Emily would choose them. That she would see their worth. Would fall in love with them. Yet for some reason none begrudged Marcus. His taking her hand. Her heart. For she beamed so bright. In everything she did, everywhere she went, to everyone she spoke to, Emily was happy. And in all our gatherings, we all seemed to reflect their light. We were all happier.

But then it happened.

The pregnancy was hard on Emily. Her back ached and her ankles swelled. The violent bouts of sickness that overcame her were… worrisome. But the entire village gathered around and helped as best they could.

That was not what went wrong.

For all knew she carried a girl. Pain meant power and favor to her child. It was a sign from the gods. Emily's own mother suffered similarly. But she had passed in the birthing. All now feared for Emily's life.

The day came and went. We all breathed a deep sigh of relief when Emily was declared well. She gave birth to a little girl as we all knew it would happen. But she had survived. The feast that followed was one of deep elation, warmth, and community. For Marcus was of such cheer, it was infectious.

Then the signs started. It has been such a long week. I haven`t slept since that first day. The day the Grim presence spiked around our secluded little village. Threatening to consume us all. But then they simply disappeared. As if an unseen presence had appeared and had driven them off. Deep down I knew. We all did.

Not even once did the little girl cry in that week. Her wide eyes showed brilliance and curiosity. Often smiling despite her age. Her eyes should not be opened yet. Not as wide as they are. Not as hungrily to take in the world around her.

Then the feelings of dread started to sink in. But only in her presence. The feeling of crawling skin whenever her gaze lingered or fell on a person. The uncomfortable feeling one experiences when standing beside her.

In the remaining nights, I have not been able to sleep. I know what will happen. I know what I will have to do. I know this will break my heart. The Hearts of Marcus and Emily. The hearts of all in the village. Our little community.

The birth of a pariah, also known as blanks, nulls, and 'the Soulless' is a dark omen. The discomfort one feels around such a being in infancy is only heightened the more they mature. The proximity can become very painful, if not lethal, should they reach their teenage years. They cannot possess Aura, not even the potential. The very thing that defines a person's soul. Their very being. And with it, they cannot possess a semblance. Some say that these pariahs have an affinity for combat. But the risk of greater tragedy is too high.

My musings, my mental defenses, my avoidance of the pathway of what must happen right now are over. My feet have taken me to the place of reckoning. A lake not far from our little village. I find myself standing on rocks, looking down at one life-giving, and taking place we all know. For it is the lake that feeds the fields around us, bringing crops to our tables. But inside it, are dangerous and swift things. Grimm that have lived here, even before the founding of our little village.

I take the child from my arm, nestled in the crook as she is. Wrapped in heavy-metal trinkets. So many. So many trinkets were given by all. For peace, they all said to themselves. But it is not really. I can imagine her wide eyes looking up at me in curiosity and wonder. For she has not even cried now. Not even when separated from her mother and farther and walked away by a stranger. I try and not look at the girl for the feeling of overwhelming unease washes over me once more.

And so I begin to pray to whatever gods may be listening. As cowardly as that may sound. But none answered my prayers.

I truly hate this day.

And so I let go of her. Her little body falling into the abyss below. Dragged down by the heavy-metal trinkets, pushed down under the water.

And it ends.

And so I lean on the nearest tree. As a man broken by the unspeakable act he has committed. I now have to return to the village. Have to then watch as Marcus and Emily die inside or worse, after I tell them of the deed. They may try for another child. A child that would hopefully turn out for the better.

As I started to make my way back towards the village I hear a twig snap. My entire body froze. In the treeline of the great forest before me. Gleaming red eyes watching my very being.

Creatures of pitch-black darkness emerged from the forest, slowly surrounding me.

Of course.

How could I have forgotten?

The only thing that the Grimm feared, were those born without a soul.

Fitting, I suppose. A deserved end.

And so I accept my penance with open arms.