Inhereting the Will of Fire

I know with time people grow up, grow apart, memories get distorted, connections are severed, new ones are made, and life moves on. I know this. This is the natural order of things. There must always be change in some form or another. The things that don't change, are the life lessons learned and how you behave according to them. I just watched one of those movies that makes you re-evaluate lots of things. This is why I particularly hate anime. They preach the message of friendship, and comradery and love, and bonds and relationships that sometimes can never be severed. These bonds somehow seem like fairy tales and can endure almost every trial and stress inducer. It doesn't help that one of my favorite quotes is "Love knows no limits and true friendship lasts a lifetime." I can't help but want to be a better person. And I see it happening. Soon I'll be a genuinely good person, and the actions of my past no matter how malicious laced with nobility will be nothing but a haunting memory. That's not why I write this time. I'm paying homage to a very important 'person' to me. He was my mentor, and my friend. He was my teacher and caretaker. I don't remember too much about him as a person, but I do remember the relationship we had. I remember being given assignments and his method of teaching. He was strict and yet kind. He wanted me to be just like him. Nihilistic, void of emotion, calculating and selfish. These all sound like negative qualities, but they suited him. He wished to make the world his own and live freely; a mentality I've adopted with minor amendments.

He believed there to be no force in the world more dominating than power. The forces of positivity and negativity meant nothing to one who had the power to overcome them. It is said that he happened to overcome both, thereby choosing negativity for it's allure. He questioned everything, and chose whatever answer or path seemed most beneficial for him. I don't recall how or why he chose me, but he did. I was taught that knowledge breeds power, but it's useless without application. The mind, body, and soul must be sturdy in order to endure any and all possible turmoil. I was taught science above all was most beneficial. I was told to read and conduct my own research in the fields of psychology, astronomy, chemistry, physics, geology, mechanics, and various forms of technology. Books regarding mental and spiritual health were emphasized above all else. In my spare time I was trained to endure various means discomfort and pain, as well as to overcome any physical weakness or vulnerability with sheer force of will. My destiny seemed to be that of the perfect protege to carry on his legacy.

Then everything changed. A woman was brought into my life many years ago and I began to slack off. I indulged in her and he was put second. Soon he thought it best to destroy that, but I took preemptive measures. Afterward I began to crumble. He left and I regained my composure. He returned for a brief time only to inform me he was leaving to become even more powerful. Where he is now I have no idea. He could have changed his name and appearance to be unrecognizable. Yet I owe him a great deal. I took his lessons and have fashioned them to suit my purposes. I wish to use what I've learned to lead a benevolent lifestyle in which I can help the world and those around me. I wasn't given a choice initially. I was to be exactly like him. I was so lost in life that prior to the intervention of this woman, I was happy to be given a purpose without having to search. I was happy to have someone around. I've grown up since he's left and even taken on a pupil of my own. I don't get to see or even train him as often, but we make do. He has a great deal of raw potential and a 'gift' that can prove amazing in the right hands should he refine it. Unlike my mentor before me, I'm giving my student a choice. He can use what he learns for doing either the right or wrong thing. Everyone should have a right to choose in my opinion. Should he chose the path of the wrongdoer, if I'm still capable I will stop him. Should he decide to be like me, I hope he will preserve and pass on my Will of Fire. I'm not entirely a good person just yet, but I am working at it. I do hope soon he can spread the message and lessons of peace I'm trying to instill in him. All it really takes sometimes is one person to start a chain reaction.
All in all, I'd still like to thank my teacher. I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for his influence.