Sirens, screams, and other sounds of the nightlife filled the air in the slums of Arcadia. Raven watched from the shadows, curious of the actions of its inhabitants. Curiously, something caught his eye on the ground beside him. A parcel of food had fallen on the pavement and ants scurried in pursuit.
“Look at what happens when you dangle a prize within the sight of the desperate. Those giving chase are innocent enough. However, in their time of need, they revert to their animalistic nature to survive, no matter the cost.”
Vengeance bent over to get a closer view, watching their actions with intense curiosity. The ants feverishly crawled past and over members of their “clan,” focused only on the morsel of food.
“The focus is impressive. All other surroundings and distractions are turned away. The focus is only on the prize. There is no care for what happens to their fellow brothers. There is no thought given as to how the prize can be shared. There is only the desire to reign supreme…to singularly be in possession of the “prize,” Raven whispered under his breath, continuing to keep his eyes focused below.
“We’re not so different. This week, we gather at one of the grandest spectacles in our world…Pandemonium. There is much happening around the periphery, but we are blinded. We are blinded in the pursuit to stand on the pinnacle of Olympus as the Lambs to the Slaughter victor. We care nothing for our brethren. We care nothing for the state of our world. Instead, we viciously attack one another, singularly focused on the prize that awaits us. We surrender to our most basic nature, unleashing savagery upon our fellow combatants.”
Suddenly, the raven swooped down from out of the shadows, landing on the pile of ants. Its wings flapped with each scream into the night. In violent pecks at the street, the raven ate the ants, leaving none to achieve their goal.
“Tragic things can happen while our attention is averted. While scratching and clawing to win the prize, more sinister actions can be planned and placed into motion. Have we allowed our eyes to be averted towards the true goal of the night,” Raven questioned, watching the black bird finish his meal.
“The answer to this question will be answered soon enough. Alas, I will reluctantly play the game of the gods, participating in their frivolous display of violence. However, I will not be distracted. I will continue to keep a watchful eye on all that is manifested around me. The rest of you will wallow in your desperation. Like ants, the only focus is your selfish desires.”
Raven rose from his crouched position and the bird found its way to the shoulder of its champion.
“The fact is you’re all dead, you just don’t know it yet. You’re nothing but pawns in the gods’ chess game of life. One by one, you will be led to your final resting place…like lambs to the slaughter. Only one will remain in the end of this tragedy. Quote the Raven, nevermore.”
Raven walked into the alleyway, disappearing into the shadows.