Legacy

The forest was a place where Sage would sneak off to when burdened with free time. The solitude was one of the few things that could bring him close to a feeling of peace. But there was something different about this silence. It was evident that something was amiss, so on his guard Sage would have to be regardless of how peaceful things seemed.

A sudden gust swept pink blossoms across Sage’s field of vision. And before he knew it, every tree was brimming with them.

Hearing only the faintest of sounds, Sage turned to find a woman dressed in radiant white. The robe she wore was worthy of the angels and was fluttering despite the absence of a breeze. But the most notable thing about the woman was the silken white blindfold she wore. Though her eyes were covered, Sage knew she would know every move he made.

“Who are you?” asked Sage.

“Our names are no longer important,” said the woman. “All you need to know is that I’ve come to free you from captivity.”

“I don’t know what captivity you’re talking about. And if I ever did need someone’s help, I certainly wouldn’t want it from the likes of you.” Sage then drew his sword. “So I suggest you go looking for friends elsewhere.”

The presence of a weapon did nothing to chase the woman.

“Are you really going to make me do this?” asked Sage. When he took a step toward the woman, a fierce wind began to blow. So powerful was it that Sage was forced to shield his face. When the wind died down, Sage discovered the woman was nowhere to be found. “I know you’re still here. So show yourself.”

When Sage turned, he found the woman mere inches away.

“I want to show you something,” said the woman, pressing her forehead against Sage’s. That act was enough to render Sage unable to move any part of his body. Whatever the woman wanted, there was nothing Sage could do to prevent her from getting it.

* * *

The sun had long since set, leaving the forest shrouded in darkness. Little could a moon obscured by black clouds do to illuminate it. And the stars, always in abundance, had hidden themselves from sight, leaving the sky a barren black.

Following a light in the distance, Sage made his way to a clearing. And it was there where he found a most disturbing scene playing out. A group of men dressed in robes were gathered around a newborn resting upon a stone altar. The familiar face of his master was easy to spot amongst the gathering.

“The world that seeks to corrupt us will no doubt attempt to lay claim to the soul of this child and make him yet another abomination in the eyes of our Lord,” said Father Gerard. “We will spare this boy that indignity and send him to paradise. For his soul is still pure and not yet tainted by the evils of man.” The father then produced a dagger.

“You think me seeing this will change anything?” asked Sage. Though she was gone from sight, Sage knew the woman could hear his every word.

With nary a trace of hesitation, Sage made his way closer.

After much hesitation on his part, Sage’s master followed through with the gruesome act. “Goodbye, my beautiful son,” he whispered in a voice far too silent to be heard by the others. But it had been heard clearly by Sage.

“I already know what happened that night,” said Sage. “Did you think the master kept it a secret from me? Did you think by showing me just how unspeakable the act was that it would change how I feel about him? The master’s methods may not be the kindest, but the ends clearly justify the means. Nothing will ever change how I feel about him.”

The sound of a door slamming behind him prompted Sage to turn around. That’s when he discovered he was now inside of a church.

“What is this?” asked Sage. “Why must you persist?”

“Drink,” said Father Gerard, lifting his cup into the air.

Knowing there was no way to stop what was happening, Sage put up no further protest and watched the proceedings.

After drinking from their cups, Father Gerard’s followers began to fall.

“Why?” asked one of the dying men.

“You really want to know why?” asked Father Gerard. “I did this because of one simple reason. Because I am a very sick and twisted man. There is nothing righteous about my actions. I merely enjoy watching people suffer. My only regret is that I had no way to torment more. For I know this will be my final act before degradation.”

To Sage, it looked as if his master was staring directly at him as he spoke.

For the entirety of his existence, Sage believed Shadow Kahn was doing everything for the right reasons. He could even overlook the prospect of the slaughter of all mankind if it meant one day the world would be built anew as a far better place. But never did he think he would hear such words from his master. He wondered if the ushering in of a new race of man would only lead to new and more cruel punishment from a warped God.

“I’ve seen enough. Take me away from here.” With his plea going unanswered, Sage grew angry. “I said I’ve seen enough!”

The room faded away into the darkness.

From the darkness burst a flame. A bonfire was burning only yards from Sage, who knew immediately that he was standing in his master’s throne room.

Before the fire appeared Shadow Kahn, who made no hesitation before reaching into the flames. Out of the fire he pulled a handful of ashes. When his master turned his back, it became impossible for Sage to see what he was doing. When Shadow Kahn stepped aside, Sage was presented with a perfect replica of himself.

“What is this?” asked Sage. “Some kind of trick? How dare you show me such a thing! Your lies won’t work on me!”

“Let not the mistakes of the past be made again,” said Shadow Kahn. “For your life will never again be held so frivolously in my hands.”

“What is he talking about?”

“I have breathed new life into your body. But I will never allow you to know what you truly are. From this day forth, you will be my loyal Sage.”

“What does that mean?” asked Sage. “Tell me!”

The darkness began to fade, returning Sage to the forest.

The woman had returned. But she was now at a safe distance from Sage, whose rage was so volatile that his whole body was trembling.

“What was the master talking about when he said those things?” asked Sage.

“I’m afraid I can do no more than show you,” said the woman. “I’m not allowed to tell you anything. Though your heart seems to already know the answer.”

“Where did those ashes come from? Tell me! They didn't come from him! I’m not made from him! It’s a lie!”

A powerful gust hit Sage, again forcing him to shield his face. When the wind died down, Sage discovered the woman and all of the pink blossoms had disappeared.