I let out a sigh as I sit in my wheelchair in front of my lararium dedicated to Mars and Sol Invictus, and I start saying a prayer in latin. During the prayer I reminisce about my life for one final time. Last year at the ripe old age at 18 I had my life ruined, I had been diagnosed with an aggressive form of Multi Sclerosis, leaving both my legs useless, ending my dreams of a MMA career or even having a normal life. MMA and combat sports ment a LOT to me, I have been training in them since I was 5, hell I'd say it's a family tradition, my dad had been a European K1 Champion, so of course I started off early.
First I started of with Kickboxing just like my dad, then at age 8 I started with Greco-Roman wrestling. At 9 I began gaining consecutive tournament wins both in kickboxing and in Greco-Roman wrestling, at 10 I tried my hand at a European tournament, I fucking lost and it left a bitter taste in my mouth but I learned my weak points and improved and avenged that loss at 12.
I kept stacking wins and getting better, at 15 I entered the world of MMA and I was fucking good, I was dominating my opponents. I knew the importance of having both good grappling and striking. At the age of 17 my talent had been recognised and I got offered a contract at a ONE Championship. I won my first 2 fights that year.
The next year after 1 more win, I had developed some troubling symptoms, after extensive diagnostics, I had been diagnosed with a aggresive form of MS, after a couple months I had lost complete controll of both my legs. Right then I made a decision, I would not spend my life as a worthless version of myself, I would not see myself become utterly useless and helpless.
I would FUCKING win this one final battle, I would not fucking lose to some stupid ass disease, I WILL go out on my own fucking terms. I spent a couple months pushing away one of my only friend's I've ever had, the other overdosed a month ago, I hope hes happy wherever he is, I don't blame him on what he did, dosen't make me any less sad though,I let out a sigh . I was quite anti-social when it came to people. Never had many friends or even have a girlfriend.
Finishing the prayer, I bow my head before the lararium, hands resting on the arms of my wheelchair. The words of the ancient prayer settle into the quiet room like incense. I felt a warm wave of calmness wash over me, it was cathartic. With a final "Ave Patrem Martim", I prevent the illness from it's joy of making me helpless.
Darkness stood before me, endless and silent. Then there was light. Before me stood two figures, both radiating power and warmth To my left stood Mars clad in gleaming scarlet armor, a crimson cloak flowing behind him like a banner on the wind. He held a tall spear in one hand and a broad shield in the other, the wolf of Rome etched upon it. Yet his eyes visible beneath the shadowed helm looked upon me with the proud recognition a father gives a worthy son.
To my right Sol Invictus, dressed in pristine white robes, a radiante crown adorned his head. His entire form shone a radiant gold like a miniature sun, His smile was warm and welcoming.
Mars spoke first, his voice strong yet kind "Child, you have shown great courage, strength, and devotion throughout your life. From the day you first stepped into the arena at a young age, you honored me with every strike, every grapple, every refusal to yield. Even when cruel fate sought to break you, you fought on in spirit. You never stopped being a warrior. I am proud to claim you as my own.".
Sol Invictus placed a gentle hand on my shoulder and spoke in a gentle tone "And I have watched you burn brightly against the coming dark. Illness tried to dim your flame before its time, yet your will shone fiercer than ever. You prayed to the unconquered sun for one more dawn and your heart deserved to see it. I offer you not just rebirth, but the chance to rise forever.".
Mars nodded, lowering his spear in a gesture of blessing and spoke "We grant you a new world one forged in endless struggle, where mankind tests its mettle against shadows each day. There you will fight as you were meant to, with limbs strong and spirit unbroken.".
Sol invictus raises his other hand, light gathering into a golden laurel that hovered onto my head. "And there you may prove yourself truly unconquered. Grow without limit. Become eternal beneath our watchful light. We will guide you, strengthen you, walk with you.".
Twin brands ignited upon my soul one warm crimson, one radiant gold filling me with strength, purpose, and a deep, abiding sense of belonging.A translucent blue panel appeared before my eyes, glowing softly.
[Divine Title Bestowed: Son of Mars – Beloved Heir of the God of War]
[Divine Title Bestowed: Chosen of Sol Invictus – Eternal Dawn-Bearer of the Unconquered Sun]
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[System Initialization Complete]
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[Reincarnation in progress… Destination: Remnant.]
Mars' voice rang with paternal pride as the void began to brighten."Go forth, my son. Fight gloriously. We will be with you in every battle.".
Sol Invictus' final words wrapped around me like the warmth of sunrise "Rise, my chosen. The sun will never set on you again.". Crimson and gold light swirled together, gentle and all-encompassing and I was sent on my way.