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That small frame huddled within the meager protection of the night, beneath that pallid moonlight. Delicate shoulders slouched so, slender arms wrapped so close, as if staving off the chill that he had not felt in so long.

Piece by piece of that crumbling facade peeling away. The mask sewn upon troubled features.

That fractious expression long since gone. Like drops of molten rain melting into nothing, leaving only a curious introspection painted upon pale features. Uncertain vulnerability peeking just beneath peeling layers of immutable clay. Those radiant eyes that flickered up looking more of a child lost, than a feral beast who ate human flesh.

And that was all he had ever been.

No more than a stubborn child in the always in the midst of a temper tantrum.  A miserable and pitiable creature born from a simple wish that, somewhere along the way, had gotten so horribly skewed.

Trapped within the wretched boundaries of this ‘family’ lost. Within himself. Those unshakable strands of bonds, of his own illusions. Sitting idly and spinning web after web of beautiful lies. Casting himself within his own demented dreaming. As well as anyone who dared to get too close.

Yet just like webs, dreams were so very easy to break. One touch could destroy everything…

Sooner or later. Everything had to end. Nothing within this world could last. The curtain had already fallen upon his make believe family crafted of empty dolls.....

A beat of silence then.

Azure hues, flickering up. Upon the steady melody of strange steps. Turning  then upon one bare heel, absently peering at the strange intruder. Catching absently upon a flash of deep yellow. A haori painted in colors of the sun...

The sword upon the intruder’s hip.