It’s funny how a simple piece of fabric can alter someone’s very existence.
The very idea of a mask that hides away all the darkness, all the fear, all the hatred and becomes a shining symbol of hope.
Or a simple way for the depravity and evil in a mans soul to explode out into the world without repercussions.
It reminds me of a story I heard once long ago, of a champion of light and the dark reflection that shadowed his every moment.
In the very early of days of Arcadia, in the lawless and broken streets, there was a monster who preyed on the weak and innocent.
Embraced the nature of his sins, tortured, maimed and destroyed. Was vilified and feared yet no one dared look his way for fear they would be next.
Only one man, a silly little boy in a simple cloth mask stood up to his tyranny. Was the beacon of hope that lit through his darkness.
Everything the monster destroyed, the hero was there to repair it. To make it better, to save those who couldn’t save themselves.
Yet for all the hero did in defiance of this unstoppable villain, they never came face to face. Evil would be committed and the savior would avenge it afterwards.
Rumours were spread, questions were asked but Arcadia never had a definitive answer until the moment a lesser evil caught the savior slipping and unmasked him for all to see.
Revealing the darkness behind the veil.
A hypocritical, vile excuse for a human being who couldn’t help his base nature yet wanted love and adoration so much, he played both sides of the coin.
And as the facade was lifted, the fear dissipated into anger as he was ripped apart by the same people he needed so much.
Because deep down inside we’re all two sides of a coin, we all have parts of ourselves that we hate or fear or are simply disappointed in.
Most keep it locked away from the world, some embrace it as they work hand in hand with their dark passenger but some…
Some are exposed without their consent as their greatest nightmare they never knew existed comes true.
And for a tender sweet child who we all thought was an innocent little lamb turns out to be just the same as all of us wolves.
Even now, I see the Dark witch hiding behind the curtain ready to turn those wildflowers into ash. And the question remains, can you truly co-exist?
Or will your dark passenger tear you apart from within for an ounce of control?
Because other monsters may hide behind their masks of vengeance or simply not bother hiding away their darkness,
My mask isn’t to protect me, it’s to protect everyone else from the evil behind this dazzling smile.
So run away little child and hide in the presence of your hero because my mask is slipping
And unless Light and Dark can co-exist, the moment the Duke fades away
The Demon shall feed well.