god {was} a woman - (rhys day 4)

      As Rhys sits back in the carriage, his thoughts drift back to the harrowing events that unfolded in the arena. The memory of beheading Vali weighs heavily on his conscience, a stark reminder of the moral complexities of survival in the Hunger Games. Despite the fleeting rush of triumph that accompanied his victory, Rhys is plagued by a profound sense of guilt and self-loathing. He struggles to reconcile the conflicting emotions within him, torn between the desire for victory and the burden of taking a life.

As he grapples with his inner turmoil, Rhys can't help but wonder how his actions would be perceived by his parents, both of whom hold esteemed positions as peacekeeper higher-ups. Would they be proud of his triumph in the arena, seeing it as a testament to his strength and resilience? Or would they, as usual, find fault in his actions, criticizing him for succumbing to the brutality of the Games?

The weight of his parents' expectations adds another layer of complexity to Rhys's already turbulent emotions. He longs for their approval and validation, yet fears their judgment and condemnation. In the silence of the carriage, Rhys is left to confront his inner demons alone, grappling with the haunting specter of his own moral ambiguity.

As time passes, Rhys finds himself gradually coming to terms with the events that transpired. The pain of Jericho's loss lingers, but with each passing moment, it fades into the background, overshadowed by the overwhelming weight of his own guilt and remorse. Though time may heal some wounds, Rhys knows that the scars of his actions in the arena will forever mark his soul, a constant reminder of the price of survival in a world where morality is but a fleeting illusion.

--

As Rhys contemplates the events that have unfolded, a chilling realization dawns upon him: he has taken the life of a formidable opponent, a figure of strength and power. Vali, once seen as a goddess among mortals, now lies slain at his hands, her divinity extinguished in the merciless arena.

The weight of this revelation settles heavily upon Rhys's shoulders, yet amidst the turmoil of his emotions, a flicker of dark humor emerges. He muses on the irony of his newfound title: the 'God Butcher'. It's a moniker that carries with it both a sense of dread and a twisted sense of empowerment.

In the twisted landscape of the Hunger Games, Rhys has become a harbinger of death, a force to be reckoned with. The name 'God Butcher' resonates with a grim sense of inevitability, a reminder of the merciless nature of the arena and the lengths to which one must go to survive.

Though Rhys may shudder at the implications of his newfound title, there's a part of him that embraces it, recognizing the power it grants him in this deadly game of survival. For better or for worse, he is now a figure to be feared, a force of reckoning amidst the chaos of the arena.

As he stares out into the darkness, Rhys can't help but wonder what other horrors await him in the days to come. But one thing is certain: he will carry the weight of his actions, and the title of the 'God Butcher', with him as he navigates the treacherous path that lies ahead.

--

As Rhys reflects on the events that led to Jericho's tragic demise, a profound sense of guilt washes over him like a tidal wave. He can't shake the feeling that he bears responsibility for leading them into The Fold, into the heart of darkness where danger lurked at every turn. The weight of Jericho's death hangs heavy on his shoulders, a constant reminder of the consequences of his actions.

Despite the turmoil raging within him, one thing remains clear: Rhys's unwavering determination to protect Garnet at all costs. He knows that he can't change the past, but he refuses to let history repeat itself. He vows to be more vigilant, more cautious, to ensure that no harm befalls his friend under his watch again.

With each passing moment, Rhys's resolve strengthens, fueled by the memory of Jericho's sacrifice and the unwavering bond he shares with Garnet. He may carry the weight of guilt and regret, but he refuses to let it paralyze him. Instead, he channels his emotions into a fierce determination to keep Garnet safe, no matter the cost.

As the carriage rumbles forward into the unknown, Rhys's grip tightens on his glaive, his eyes fixed on the horizon ahead. The road may be fraught with peril, but he knows that as long as he has Garnet by his side, he will stop at nothing to protect him from harm. For in the face of adversity, Rhys finds strength in the unwavering bond of friendship, a beacon of hope in the darkest of times.