Behind The Mask (Hidden Lore) *Big Post*

Lamb and Wolf. Eternal hunters born from death. A beautiful link between the two, bound to one another without the chains of time. It is said that only when a man feels the cold grasp of death's presence that he truly see's the world for what it is. Like a newborn's first sight, it is a most blissful memory forgotten within the very moments of it's creation. Man is not meant to remember the divinity of his own demise, but one man did, and his destiny was changed forever.

-_-

Khada Jhin was a young boy with a most twisted fascination in man's final moments. He saw a beauty in it, a beauty that most are ignorant of. Since the very first time he witnessed deaths embrace he became obsessed. He became obsessed with the way the soul fades from a man's face. He became obsessed with the way a man's eyes widen with acceptance in his final breath. He became obsessed with creating the perfect death.

Jhin spent many his years striving to create the perfect death. Time and time again the prefect death was so close to attainment, alas close to perfection and true perfection are immensely different to Jhin. A single tear drop was the difference between just death, and the perfect death. Jhin knew no bounds in his experimentation to civility, he must create the perfect death. The show must go on.

-_-

Jhin's tiresome search for the perfect death took him to new lands. Some familiar, and some more hostile than others. His pursuit could not be delayed for mere morality, for Jhin was serving a divine purpose. Each land he visited tested his will, but Jhin never faltered. Jhin's most recent show was one for the public, for what beauty is there in isolation? He knew he couldn't be around long enough to feel the crowd's emotions, but he knew they would be pleased at the near perfect scene.

Now enclosed in trees and brush not far from Needlebrook, Jhin began feeling uneasy. Something about the place was unsettling. As Jhin crookedly walked down the narrow dirt path he came across the remains of a wagon. By the looks of it, it was a traveling coach from long ago. It's doors were propped sightly open on broken rusty hinges. It had only one wheel visible as nearly half the cart was already swallowed by the earth it was sitting on. Old, heavily weathered clothes lay all around; some accompanied by remnants of human body parts. Jhin cautiously approached the cart, wading through the tall grass encompassing it. Above the doors was a sign reading "Orphellum Mechanicals." He wrapped his fingers around the ornate handle, and slowly pulled the creaky doors apart.

-_-

Jhin examined the wagon's contents: An old shoe, an interesting mask, and an propaganda flyer for an some old play. Jhin looked around further, his curiosity of the death's circumstances grew ever stronger. The sense of unease grew ever stronger as well... Jhin began feeling like he was being watched. Looking over his shoulder Jhin noticed an unusual grassy mount in the distance, not too unlike the one the wagon was half buried in now. Jhin slowly limped toward the mound, it was somehow captivating him. He knelt at it's base examining the slabs of stone he found there. Most were inscribed but illegible from erosion over their years here. Jhin ran his fingers across the old writings until they touched a hieroglyphic of two masks. He looked closer, uncertain of the inscriptions meaning. The two masks depicted were of two animals: a wolf and a lamb. A rush of panic suddenly fell over Khada Jhin; his heart began racing. He tried to stand but felt weak in his legs and fell to his knees. His head was spinning and the world seemed to fade away. On the brink of consciousness Jhin saw a figure approaching him, it moved of grace and poise. Jhin suddenly felt tranquil, and passed out.

-_-

"I hear a beating heart...may i have it?" a dark, ominous voice said. The words piecing the air as they were spoken. A moment of silence. "I want the tender-thing. Does it see us, Lamb?" The harsh voice asked.

Jhin's eyes snapped open. He felt breathless and alarmed. Stuggling to focus his eyes Jhin quickly observed his surroundings only aware of the mound he laid against, and the two blurry figures staring at him.

"Yes, dear wolf, it see's us." The other voice said. The voice sounded calming, almost serene.

Jhin was silent.

"You seem confused, beautiful one. What is your name?" Lamb asked.

"My name is K-Khada. Erm, Khada Jim..Jhin." Jhin muttered.

"Be at ease, young one. We will bring you no harm unless it is harm you wish upon yourself." Lamb said

"He plays a boring game. Let us play a new game, of chasing and running and biting." Wolf snapped

"Patience, dear wolf. It is for him to decide. Embrace me, or be hunted in his cowardice." Lamb replied, a slightly hostile tone in her voice.

"Who are you?" Jhin asked. The worry slowly faded from him. He felt anxious, almost excited.

"It does not fear me, Lamb." Wolf snarled.

"Tell me, tender one, why you are so willing to embrace me? You are most different from the others." Lamb remarked puzzled.

Jhin thought for a moment.

"For all this time I have tried to create the perfect death. For, in death, there is beauty; there is art. There was always something missing. I could never, even after all these years, find what key i was missing to unlocking the perfect death. Finally, I see the truth." Jhin replied.

"What game is he playing, Lamb? Will he run?" Wolf sneered, growing more impatient.

"I see now. The only perfect death... is my own." Jhin replied.

"You are truly not like the others. Your heart knows your words true." Lamb commented. "Maybe he can be of use to us."

-_-

The stage was set. The curtains opened, revealing a marvelous display of intricate planning and dedication. Everything in it's place, everything perfect. The crowd burst to life, clapping and cheering. Jhin took the stage next to the dead body, and gave a gentlemen's bow. The masked-crowd fell into a hushed silence, and slowly faded away, until just two masks remained.

"Another beautiful show, another perfect death." said Lamb.

Jhin smiled, knowing his work was only beginning.

-_-

This was just for fun guys don't be too judgmental. However, criticism is always welcome. Tell me what you think! Thanks for reading