R E C C A N T I

Kain from Final Fantasy IV

#Swordtember Day 1: Fire

> I came to an important realization recently My face... Isn't my _real_ face

> That's when I knew there was something strangling my real face. And it became impossible to ignore I couldn't breathe, everything felt so stuffy

> It's like a mask, a layer on top of my true face I noticed it a few days ago My head felt heavy, and there was a tightness around my forehead, nose, and mouth why would my body suddenly so feel so foreign?

> But it's okay I'm taking care of this tonight No matter what it takes, I'm getting this fake face off And when I'm done... I'll see the world as I was always meant to

> The worst, though, was the eyes. It felt like there was a film over them, like the world was blurred.

| PANEL 1: The Traveler stares at the jewel in their hand. PANEL 2: The Traveler grips the jewel tightly PANEL 3: The Traveler begins to walk down the forest path. End

> PANEL 1: The Faerie begins to fade FAERIE: Farewell, child. Until we meet again PANEL 2: The Faerie disappears, leaving only a few scattered light particles as the Traveler stares at where it once was.

> PANEL 1: FAERIE: If you still wish to remove your mark, seek out the Witch of the Deep Woods PANEL 2: FAERIE: She may know of something. And as for my debt... PANEL 3: The Faerie creates a small round jewel out of thin air FAERIE: I give you this jewel. When you wish to claim your favor... PANEL 4: The Faerie hands the jewel to the Traveler FAERIE: Simply break it, and I will appear before you