The Twentieth Birthday
Two years have passed like hell for Aaron. Nothing changed about him, not even a slight hair.
On the contrary, things became worse. The other monsters couldn't leave him alone. Though Tarou interfered a lot of times to defend him, they kept mocking him. And because of that, he spent most of his days depressed in his room.
Looking like a human at this old age was something shameful and unpleasant. Even if the monsters didn't say anything, he wouldn't accept that fact.
Tarou tried his best to console him, but, eventually, Aaron started doubting himself and nothing could change that.
- Aaron, are you okay?
- I'm fine...
- You don't look so.
- Tarou, please, leave me alone.
- How can I leave you alone while you look like this?
- You are right, I look disgusting. I look just like a weak human. Everyone started comparing me to them and some started thinking about kicking me out of the land.
- Who will dare to do such a thing to the chief's son? You are not disgusting. Besides, you have not received your task yet. No one can do anything to you.
- The next week is my 20th birthday. I'm supposed to go to the temple to receive my task, but what if the holy heart won't glow? Will it be the end for me?
- Don't say that, Aaron. I'm positive that you will receive your task. Just be confident in yourself.
- Tarou, If nothing happens in the temple, I will quietly leave the land. I hope you won't interfere.
Tarou was watching his brother falling into despair without being able to help him. This is his land's law. He can't change anything about it.
- Alright, I will do whatever you want.
The holy heart is a crystal stone with the shape of a heart. It was placed on a wooden stick from the blessed tree. The ancient stories said that it was the combination of the heart of the first monster and his human lover. Their souls were sealed together forever in that stone.
On the twentieth birthday of each monster, the Monk puts the stone on the head of the contestant. It will glow immediately and show him where he must go to find his task and complete it to become a fully powerful monster. But in Aaron's case, nothing was for sure. He didn't show any sign of having any kind of power, which will put him at risk of losing his task and being kicked out of the land from the beginning.
A night before the great day, Aaron was extremely nervous.
That day was supposed to be a celebration day for him, but it turned out to be his biggest fear. He couldn't sleep a wink while thinking about what will happen to him.
" Tomorrow, the truth will be revealed to everyone. The ceremony will end up either with glory or with shame. "
The morning finally came. It was about time to face his fear and surrender to his fate.
Aaron hardly woke up. His body was so heavy and tired. Unusually, his father came to check on him:
- Get ready son, it's about time, we need to go.
Tarou also came while smiling to give his desperate brother some hope.
- Come on, brother, smile. This is your big day.
Despite knowing that it could be his last day in the land, Aaron tried to act normal.
When he went out of his house, all the monsters gathered to accompany him to the temple. They must know if Aaron is a monster or a mere human that should be kicked out.
That crowd made Aaron even more nervous. His heart started racing more and more with every step that took him closer to the temple. He wished that the path will become longer, but eventually, he arrived.
" This is it...This is the moment of truth. "