[chapter 4] + The Punishment +

I was brought back to the palace. Father called for everyone who lived there, whether they are guards, servants, royal personnel or who ever. Father gathered them all in the gathering hall where they all waited, apparently knowing what was about to happen. In the place where father’s table should be standing, a long pole stood. It was scratched and practically ruined and I’m guessing that whips caused this. I waited outside the palace and from there, I can hear father’s voice saying that strictly no one can talk to me, not that anyone would bother to. I patiently waited although I did not know what I was waiting for. Every now and then I saw Atheis passing by and from time to time, we exchanged glances. He tried to approach me but I slowly shook my head. He should not be seen talking to a ‘filthy creature’ like me.

Soon, I heard the trumpets blowing. It was a sign that something has already begun. I saw Atheis rushing to where my father and Darcel were and everyone else were starting to tone down and be quiet. Something was indeed starting now and I think it was that ‘something’ for me.

Everyone was quiet now. Everyone was calm; everyone except for me. I felt the tension. I felt uneasy. Moments of silence passed by but it broke when I heard my father snap as he shouted “NOW!” I didn’t expect what happened next. Even if I was far, I knew my father’s gaze was fixed on me, a gaze that was pitiless and full of hatred. Then, a bunch of guards suddenly grabbed me from behind. They gripped my arms so tight, it felt as if my arms were ready to be detached from my body anytime. The guards mercilessly dragged me along the middle area of the room where the long tables laid. I was humiliated. Every single one who was gathered in that hall knew who I was; the king’s son, the demon who held the most respective name, the demon who turned against my own kind and now, the demon who is mercilessly being humiliated. I tried to see the reaction of the people. I tried to see how my father, Darcel and Atheis took this. Everyone was whispering to themselves; some disgusted yet some took pity although no one was courageous enough to help. I understood and knew why. I saw my father’s victorious smile. I saw Darcel’s expression. It was as if this was the happiest day of his life. I saw Atheis, my dear brother. He had his usual façade. I was proud. I was proud that he can stay that way even though I knew how he felt inside.

I was presented to my father who still wore that wicked smile. With all the energy I had left, I courageously asked “Why are you doing this?” He laughed. He laughed as if it was the funniest thing he ever heard. He looked at me with those piercing gaze and in a firm tone, he said “my reason is simple. You are the lowest life form in this kingdom and you deserve a punishment like this.”

With another snap of his filthy claw-like hands, the guards instantly chained me on the pole in the middle. I was chained in a manner that there would be no way I can escape. The chains were crushing my body. It was too tight. Then, Darcel approached me and in a calm voice, he told me “There is a way, Leviathan, A way for us and the whole kingdom to accept you once again.” I looked at him not because I was interested. Through the way my eyes looked, I tried to tell him that I wasn’t interested in being accepted again. He knew and understood what I wanted to say and with his one glance at my father, I was whipped.

“Are you not going to turn back on your foolish beliefs??” Father asked at the top of his voice.

“NO!” I shouted with all my might. “Don’t you see? It is your belief that’s foolish! How long will you be blinded? How long will ALL OF YOU be blinded by all of this??” I told them. I was devastated. I was angry. I didn’t care anymore.

Another whip.

“Leviathan, will you really not let go of this?” father asked once again.

“I think you know my answer to that, filthy king” I answered back.

Strong continuous whips went my way as my father shouted at the top of his voice. “How dare you talk to your King like that!” I knew I was about to become unconscious. My body couldn’t take this anymore. It was too much.

My vision was blurring. My body was dying down. I can hear murmurs. I can hear laughter. This was it. It was my time now. Or so I thought. I then felt footsteps. People were approaching. If my vision isn’t failing me, there were three people along with Darcel. I faintly heard my father’s voice saying “We have no other choice. This creature must live up to its name.” I didn’t know what he meant although I knew he was referring to me.

Soon, I felt Darcel grab my chin. I tried to fight back but my body’s weakness is overpowering me. He forced my mouth open and I felt the other two guards secure me from behind, as if the chains weren’t enough. Inside, I was struggling. I didn’t know what he, what they planned. I saw my father approaching. He held this bottle filled with glowing crimson liquid. As he neared me, he slowly opened the top cover of the bottle and with one quick move, he poured the liquid inside my mouth.

I coughed. I choked. My father triumphantly smiled. Darcel laughed. Everyone else cheered. I can feel a burning sensation inside me. What was that thing father made me drink? I obviously did not know but it was taking over both my body and my soul. I was losing it. I was losing myself. This elixir is not killing me. It’s taking over me. I didn’t know how but I was sure. I didn’t feel like dying. I felt like I was turning into a different being now.

. . .

My mind was blank. I can see my surroundings but it wasn’t registering in me at all. I knew I was being taken somewhere. The elixir was still acting up. It somehow did not completely take over me just yet. I was locked up. I didn’t know who was maneuvering this carriage. Soon, we stopped. We were at the gate of the Kingdom once again and as if by total replay, it was Atheis who took me here now. Him and no one else. He unlocked the steel carriage where I stayed. He looked at me with such painful expression. I wanted to talk to him, I wanted to ask him what happened to me but no words came out of my mouth. No, I can’t seem to control my body anymore.

He took the key of the kingdom out as he guided me towards the gate. I knew I was walking but I didn’t know how and Atheis was my guide in every step I took. He stretched out his hand to open one side of the gate and as soon as we were on the land that wasn’t occupied by my father, he slowly and gently laid me down the ground. Again, I couldn’t speak. He looked at me as he held my hand and I can feel his tears dropping onto it. I wanted to ask him what was wrong. I wanted to ask him what was going on but I just can’t. My body won’t move. “I-I’m so sorry, Leviathan…” he muttered as he stood up. It was the last thing I heard before he walked away back to the kingdom. I wanted to call him back. I wanted to reach out but even the slight thought of my own self-control sent great painful sensations in both my body and soul.

Then, it was just total darkness.