5 The Walk of Zen

***Correlates with Chapter 5 in One Lie***

The poor malnourished blue bird, of whom the man had taken in, regained some of its pep. The bird would chirp occasionally and pout when it received little attention. This was the description the man began forming for the woman he had taken in. Her hair was an odd color of blue with purple undertones. She seemed frail, but with far more spark than one would expect from something so... small? ... or perhaps he was just too tall? Whichever the case may be, it has been some time since he had company beside him. For others, this may be a welcomed intrusion; as he is now, he grew wary, which in turn slowly drained him. To remedy this, he would step out for an hour and walk towards the lake nearby. There, he was able to clear his mind, drowning himself in numbing labor.

Seeing as this is the fourth day now since her appearance, he found himself standing at the edge of the lake once more. The forest softly bustled with the chime of birds, insects, and creatures therein. He eyed the fallen tree he had been working on nearby. His belt tethered a single sword to his left, and an axe to his right. Releasing the axe, he began the task at hand. With every swing, the sound of axe meeting trunk could be felt and heard. As his body worked rhythmically, his mind toiled away; Ever since her uncanny arrival, he had begun reminiscing of the days of old, something he hasn't done for some time now.

Memories of his brothers sifted through his mind. A smile emerged from the deep depths of his heart. Seeing their faces warmed him. He slammed his axe down, beads of sweat rolling down. Remembrance of their foolery and antics gave birth to a hearty laugh from this stoic fellow. Looking down at the hilt of his axe, a seriousness came over him. "What do I do, Lawson? What is it you would do? Nothing feels right."

"Why so serious, Margus? You look constipated... You're constipated aren't you?"

"... No Lawson, I'm not constipated."

"I don't know brother, you look it to me."

"Your annoyance never changes."

"Love you too, haha"

Margus and his brother began laughing together, chiding each other and smiling like mad men... When the laughing stopped, Margus wore a saddening smile. "He'd tell me I'm being a fool, and to lighten up a bit. The universe provides, we just have to be willing to see it."

In place of Margus's conscience were his brothers; Lawson being at the forefront. It was due to Lawson that Margus was able to realize the warrior's path. Though he can seem quite the joker, Lawson holds a great sense of honor, courage, and commitment. Always seeking self-improvement, and redemption. Whenever faced with a struggle, Margus would imagine how his brothers would converse with him.

"Oof, that laugh of yours earlier sent shivers down my spine. Did the tree upset you, Margus?"

"Don't start with me, Lawson. I was just reminiscing."

"A bit odd wouldn't you say? You haven't thought about us for so long. I see how it is."

"Oi, you know well enough I would never forget my brothers. I've had a lot to do, and a lot on my mind."

"Is that so? But you've got time to nurse the bimbo?"

"Would you have left her as she was?"

"Good, so you haven't changed too much since you left us."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"You've always been the serious one amongst us, brother. Has it consumed you? You left home, and taking with you the blade of our people. You're chasing some fancy and confided in no one. Not even me. What has become of you, Margus?"

"... You once told me, that though we may stray from the warrior's path, you and I always return to it, do we not, Lawson?

"You're right, but the struggle differs now that you have abandoned us."

"I abandoned no one! I do this for us! Do not act as if this was all for me! As if to fulfill some sort of self-fulfilling prophecy! That is YOUR piece to take to your damn grave!" Covering his face with one hand, Margus shook in anger and frustration. Shifting his hand from his face to his scalp...

"It is gone, Lawson. I don't even know what it is, but it is gone! None of you would understand. I would be painted a mad man. Just as you said!"

"Was it I who spoke such words, Margus? Or was it you?"

Breathing in deeply, Margus let out a sigh of defeat. "When did reminiscing turn so fucken dark?..." Looking down, Margus arched an eyebrow in surprise. The tree before him was now nothing but chunks and chips of wood. He realized only an hour had passed after glancing at the shadows of the trees around him.

"Maybe I am going mad afterall..." Margus picked up his axe and began walking back towards the cabin; Leaving behind whatever negativity he could. He knew the importance of this journey; He knew his brothers would understand. "It'll be alright" Margus whispered to himself.