STFUAJPGM

This week's theme: The Story of a Hero

Act 1: Hero has awoken from what he thought was a nightmare when he realizes all of his fellow townsfolk are gone. The only thing that remains of them is the lingering scent of burnt flesh in the crisp winter air. Afraid at first, he shivers. He is alone. And at the same time a flame within has been lit. He must avenge the horrendous slaughter of the people he knew and loved. He explores his surroundings and finds a note which simply reads “You're the only one left. Find me, so that I might finish the job.”

Act 2: Hero loses all control when he finally confronts the one responsible for the death of his family. After what felt like years of slaying the more minor enemies of his story, this is the first time Hero has felt comfortable with killing. His entire adult life has lead up to this moment. This will possibly be the first time he will not cringe at the sight of blood. There isn't any turning back...

Act 3: The action was in slow motion. Hero's sword glided through air and met it's target, as if it belonged there. The body of his enemy fell to the ground. First falling to it's knees, and then flat on it's face. The locals emerged from their houses to congratulate Hero on such a fine job. But Hero had no response. Hero stared for nearly an hour at the last corpse he would ever create. He felt a part of himself die at the very moment his blade made contact with his enemy. Hero didn't know what he had left to live for, nor did he know how to cope with the thousands of lives he had taken.

NESMETAL: I'd have to say 'Wander' from Shadow of the Colossus. He journeyed into a forbidden land alone, wandered around trying to find the 16 giants, and then killed them (which in real life altogether probably would've taken weeks). And in the end lost his life... all for the sake of his wife, or girlfriend, or sister, or whoever she might've been.

NESMETAL: Well, I can't say I've ever been in a forbidden land with just a horse and sword trying to fight a giant 20 stories taller than me, but on an emotional and mental level? Yeah, I can relate to him, albeit under different circumstances. Everyone has "giants" in their lives. 'Wander' overcame the obstacles that stood in his way, and I imagine if he knew he was going to die in the end he still would've done it. I would.

It was nearly an hour since Hero had slain the majority of the hordes. Clean up was getting rather easy as most on the field had been incapacitated. Hero did not like dealing with the groaning heads and wriggling arms, that was for his penchant underlings. If it wasn't for them, well, no need to go there. Hero was living up to his name. The princess' carriage had arrived and Hero wasted no further time. He began unbuckling his heavy armor. "Princess, it is time to measure my girth''," proclaimed the ravished warrior. His men nearby looked in shock and awe. Hero spoke! He actually said something in a low, deep voice. It was the first time since he uttered those few words, challenging the evil overlord, "Prepare to meet your Master!" which confused most since his geriatric master was standing behind him.

Questions? Comments? Contributions? Concerns? stfuajpgm >at< stfuajpgm >dot< com