The Task

When Aaron and his family arrived at the temple, they couldn't enter because of the huge crowd that was waiting for them. Every monster was gathered that day to witness what was going to happen. No one has the answer.

- Do you think that he will succeed?

- I don't think so, can't you see him? He is a human being, just like his mother.

- What a waste, the chief will be very disappointed in his son.

- It's okay, we have Tarou. He will become his father's successor.

Aaron could hear them blabbing around him, while walking in heavy steps toward the entrance.

At that moment, he wished that he could run away from all of that madness, but what about his father's honor? The least thing he could do was have the courage to face his destiny.

They entered through a big gate, then he started climbing alone, long stairs that lead to a mountain near the temple.

When he reaches the top, he turned around and took a last look at the crowd, his father and his brother who were watching him, then he entered a small cave.

An old monk was waiting for him:

- Come closer, my son.

A terrible silence took over the place. No one must talk during that sacred ceremony. All the eyes were fixed on Aaron while waiting for the result.

Aaron got closer to the monk, took a deep breath, then got on one knee.

The monk lifted the holy heart, then he put it on Aaron's head.

Aaron couldn't handle watching, he closed his eyes and waited. It was only silence, then he opens them slowly and.... nothing happened.

The heart didn't glow.

Despite all the sorrow in his heart, he just smiled and stood up. What he feared the most was happening but what can he do?

His father, his brother, and everyone must be in shock and disappointment.

- This is it, I failed. Said Aaron with eyes full of tears.

- I'm sorry son, no one can control the holy heart.

Aaron clenched his hands and turns around. He was ready to face them and accepts wherever decision they will take.

When he was heading back he saw his brother Tarou coming in hurry toward him.

- TAROU? WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

- DO IT AGAIN, PLEASE, PUT THE HEART AGAIN ON HIS HEAD...PLEASE, ONE LAST TIME.

- STOP IT, TAROU, IT IS OVER. LET'S GO BACK.

- NO, ONE MORE TIME, YOU WON'T LOSE ANYTHING.

Aaron was very upset, well, nothing worse can happen.

He stepped forward again but without any hope, the monk put the stone on his head.

And again, nothing happened.

He wished with all his heart to receive his task like everyone did and shut all their mouths, but as he expected, he will go back with the failure and the shame to his family.

When he was lost in his thoughts he heard his brother scream.

- WAIT! DON'T MOVE!

- Tarou, please, stop. What you are doing is not helping me!

- BUT...BUT THE HEART GLOWED FOR A MOMENT!

- What are you saying?

- I SAW IT, AND IT GLOWED...I'M SURE...PLEASE, DO IT ONE MORE TIME.

Aaron was very confused he didn't know if his brother was telling the truth or he was only buying more time for him.

He sighed, then he got again on his knee.

- Alright, just one more time.

The monk put the heart on Aaron's head again. This time, his eyes were open. He must make sure that the heart didn't glow and that it was all Tarou's imagination. And as he expected, it didn't glow.

The slit hopes that Aaron had faded away at that moment.

- See...there is nothing. Stop interfering Tarou. It won't change anything.

But when he stood up, the heart flashed.

Aaron stiffened in his place. He saw it! He saw the light!

- What did just happen?