Hall of the Slain
Within the lavishly decorated throne room that resided just before the dungeon party behind the marginally opened door, two similar voices could be heard subtly echoing into the hallway. Even now, the voiced seemed to be in heated debate, though one of the voices seemed only to be amused by the exchange. As the party drew closer, their words would now become audible as the light from within poured into the dimly lit tunnel.
"You're out of your damn mind," The angered voice called out in a near-shout, "You really think I give a damn about the opinions of others? Hell, half of the people in this town can't get by on their own, and it's not like I don't get paid to do my part.
"Ah, true," The other voice responded, it's tone more regal and formal in it's address, "But that does not explain your reasoning behind your heavy load. You run yourself ragged for their approval, and you have every right! Why would a shining beacon be content with being ignored? These people should worship and adore you for all that you have done for this city and the people within it."
If the party opened the door, they would be able a well lit throne room, ornate in it's design and decoration as several of the pillars that lined the interior of the dungeon now marked a lavish carpet that led further into the room. Despite the pristine condition of the expansive room, the walls and ceiling were littered with manacles that held within them a featureless figure that remained still in it's elevated nature. These blank bodies hung limply from their restraints, all with heads facing the floor as if in a display of bowing towards the throne. At the foot of the ascending stairs stood Masahide in his school attire, his foot placed squarely upon the first step as he looked up the pathway to another man, seeming an almost exact match to the male. Despite the resemblance in facial features, the complexion of the regal male atop the ivory throne was more lively than his counterpart, his body sheltered behind lavish gold armor that shone brightly in the well-lit surrounding.
At once, the attention of the seated male turned to the party as he arose with outstretched arms, "Ah! See? Even now, the people flock to their lord! They cannot exist without our guiding presence to lead them." With this, the regal figure of Masahide's shadow began descending the stairs, the red cloak of which he once sat upon billowing in an exaggerated fashion as he moved.
As the shadow mentioned the others, Masahide turned to the group in a mild disbelief, clenching his teeth as he attempted to still his growing rage as the words of the other, "Great. Now we have an audience." With a harsh sigh, Masa pinched the bridge of his nose in agitation as he fell silent.
"Hush, boy. You know that we long to be the center of attention," The shadow spoke out once more, having fully descended the stairs as he stood before the true Masahide with a knowing smirk, "It is only right for the people to pay homage to the true hero of this city! Let them marvel at our splendor." With this, the armored male passed by the other without another word, his arms falling to his side as his attention turned to the party once more.
Now trembling with anger, Masahide rounded, his fist clutched tightly as his voice rose to a shout, "I don't know who the hell you think you are. You keep talking like you know what goes on in my head, but you couldn't be farther from the truth. Who gives a damn if people notice me? Why is it impossible to believe that I'm just doing this to leave my mark on this world?!"
"It is not impossible, but what is a defining mark without anyone to witness it?" The regal Masahide quizzed the other, raising a brow curiously as his attention remained forward, "We both know your true desires. After all, I am just a spitting image of who you are. Which only comes naturally, because-" Turning his head to gaze over his shoulder towards Masahide, the man in gold armor retained his smile as he spoke, "- I am your true self. The one you try to keep hidden from others."
“What are you talking about?!” Masahide erupted with anger, his voice echoing through the very room as one the bodies subtly swayed.
“Hahahaha! Do not play dumb with me, boy! Why deny our perfection? You cannot possibly believe that you and I are so different? The sooner you accept it, the easier it will become. Embrace the fact that I am the true you!”
“… Shut up." Masahide snarled, his body growing heavy at the mix of hatred and embarrassment at the private words being bellowed out before the others that had arrived mere moments before, "Just because I’m trying to make this world a better place does not mean I’m a vain bastard like you! There is no way in hell you can be me!”
At this, a strong an audible pulsing resounded within the room, bringing the expansive venue to an eerie silence. Without warning, one of the manacles from the ceiling audibly snapped as the held body plummeted towards the floor. One would expect the lifeless figure to strike the stone beneath with a sickening slap, but the body merely landed upon it's hands and feet as it remained crouched at the side of the shadow in armor. Slowly, the form of the Masahide's shadow began to twist and contort, his arms and legs extending disproportionately as the features of his face faded to a blank expression with harrowing eyes. In a matter of moments, the man before them went from an ornately armored mirror-image of Masahide to a menacing, yet regal shadow that clasped what appeared to be a glass of wine that accompanied his lavish suit that replaced his former armaments. The blank form to his side also began to twist and distort, sprouting fur in tufts that quickly overtook the now elongated and bestial form of the creature that curled around at it's master's side.
"And with that, the curtain arises," a voice boomed within the room, the face transposed onto the seemingly wolf-like beast moving it's mouth along with the spoken words, "Come now, children! Offer yourself to the god amongst you!"