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Thursday, November 25th 2004 - 11:45:53 PM

2wo Hours Till Sunrise

I stood under the microscope of her fluorescent kitchen lights and watched as my friendly conspirators vanished through the threshold from the kitchen to the living room. They said something to each other, giggled and beckoned me to join them where they were. My uncoordinated body numbly followed, as I hesitantly resigned myself to the mysterious potential of what was to transpire. Finding myself near the couch, I plummeted limply to its soft recesses. Still somewhat apprehensive, I tried further relaxing as I puttied myself to her couch and soon thereafter, overwhelming sensations enveloped me.

I felt like an automobile crash dummy quickly approaching its target until ultimately meshing with the cars twisting steel frame, plastic dash and concrete barrier slab. Only, I didn’t feel deceleration or pain on impact, but rather, grossly perverted heightened sensations. I felt as if I had unwittingly walked up to and into a large spider web, breaking its silky elastic threads of entanglement. But there was an added sensation, of after frantically ridding oneself of the saran wrap web, becoming wonderfully swallowed by the warmth and bubbles of a Jacuzzi.

My skin tingled and became warm. My palms moistened and I clinched them into fists several times, feeling them cool as air passed over them. My sense of touch livened and drew forth both curiosity and exhilaration. I explored the back sides of my front teeth and the roof of my mouth with my tongue and marveled in its exquisite texture and smoothness. My pupils dilated to the size of dimes, giving me vision of a nocturnal mammal. I was able to see fine contrasting patterns in the carpet fibers and wood furniture never before noticed. It was like wearing someone else’s nearsighted prescription eyeglasses that are too strong for you. My fascination of my enhanced sensations ebbed to the realization that I was not alone.

My eyesight, however acute, became distorted. I viewed my surroundings and received choppy, strobe-lit, disjointed images of a black and white TV show. I turned my head left to look at her and the TV images followed, until finally I was able to blink it free. I was told later, that my severely dilated pupils allowed extra light to my receptors in the rear of my eyes, which caused light reflections and perceived images in delayed order. She sat on the carpeted floor in front of me irradiated by the luminescent glow of the aquarium behind her. I glanced to my right, past the TV, to see her friend sitting with me on the couch. She leaned toward me and reached out. I felt the soft tendrils of her cool fingertips lightly tracing invisible spindled patterns up and down my right forearm. My hearing became acute with the thunderous pulsating of blood passing in my ear canals. I closed my eye lids but did not see the expected darkness. Instead I saw enhanced visions of her loveliness and felt my ever more acute sensory perceptions continue to grow. The barely audible ballads of familiar trusted voices crept through my ears and hovered in my head composing celestial music of spheres that only I was privy to hear. And so it began—my euphoria, my ecstasy.

As quickly as you can snap your fingers, I lost all my chips to comfort and became its slave. Comfort had not only come to play in this friendly game, it came to win. Cascading over my shoulders, comfort pinned me to the couch in grandeur fashion only to release me to the ring-leading whims of pleasure. Pleasure conspired with imagination and soon both puppeteered my senses. They were now my masters and I was commanded to party. [Note to self: Imagination parties relentlessly hard and likes to smash boundaries. May cause stupidity; take in small doses and in conjunction with logic. Pleasure may be armed and considered dangerous. Pleasure has been featured on People’s Most Wanted.]. Once they had control of my senses, pleasure sent me appreciation martinis and the party started rockin. Pleasure was on the prowl with my mind and body its playpen. This was an invite only party and I was the best dancer there.

My mind sped to first place as I approached the last hairpin curve. The track was an emotional and tricky course and behind me laid numerous scattered crashes. I approached the checkered flag and took 1st Place. My trophy was filled with elevated desires of pleasure. Pleasure pumped through my veins searching for her. Visions of her were reported near my eyes and pleasure arrived soon after. Pleasure voyeuristically observed her as she manicured her toes. I was frozen in puttied state. I was a deer in headlights--fearful of the looming impact of what was to occur.

I allowed myself to continue upon this bread-crumbed trail and explored my hidden thoughts, eyes closed, unshackling the always present bindings on my imagination. Every fabric of my imagination coupled with my senses melded. I sat there unable to move as my floodgates lifted and opened fully, releasing torrent flows of extreme passion and eroticism never before experienced as they washed over me. I floated to the surface, baptized, reborn and emanating my new religion. It humbled and crippled me, dropping me to my mental knees.

There was irony and travesty not to be shared; we weren’t sharing and holding these same sensations together for each other. Guilt approached screaming, “violation”, but acceptance and comfort prevailed. Pleasure skydived in, clad in a maestros outfit and was quickly ushered to center stage of this grand symphony. I watched intently as pleasure conducted my enhanced passion and sensations. I started to enjoy my new freedoms and took pleasure in itself--it was after all, my party.

I perceived sensations of magnetism, of nature’s forces drawing my resistant essence to her as she watched me from her spot on the floor. Feeling drawn to her in this manner was at first unwanted and questionable on my behalf. After years of knowing her, I had suppressed some of my romantic and lustful feelings and fine tuned my open behavior to fit our friendship. I was now uncomfortable because my own vulnerability to my personally imposed boundaries could be exposed and unfairly exploited. I questioned my motives for thinking and feeling as I did. I ensured myself it was just my euphoria and rationalized acceptance. With huge effort, I consciously put aside thoughts of reality and allowed myself relaxation, succumbing and ultimately plummeting to her gravity.

I approached my sensations and thoughts with the excessive indulgence of an addict. I knew that it was fleetingly inspired by consumption of euphoria and my resultant physiological responses. My yearning thoughts grew bolder and unadulterated. They encompassed every possible combination of exploring her body and mind and of what pleasures might be derived between us. The soles on imaginations shoes smoked and sputtered flames as it danced in frenzied anticipation. Sensory riots from my toes to my head erupted upward and outward like a Roman candle, ricocheting wildly inside the cramped prison shell of my body. Unchallenged, imagination grew like rampant vines, weaving it into rich larger-than-life creations, all the while, smothering tangent, rational and non-essential thoughts along the way. All these sensations leapt through me leaving me nearly breathless. There was that saying that if you love something, set it free. If it comes back then it will always be yours. I set my thoughts free, and surely they did return from the joyride on their own.

I compulsively became consumed with the single thought of having a shared experience of touching her, of tasting her, of listening to her heartbeat and breathing, of seeing her in her nudeness unabashed, of smelling her essence and sharing each other in our thoughts. I wanted to feel what she felt and conversely let her feel what I felt.

In this bliss, this fantasy, we experienced only happiness and the wonders of innocence. They manifested themselves in fantastic images and the perceived senses of joining with her on multiple levels. In my thoughts neither one of us spoke. There was no anger or fear, or judging. There was only radiating bliss in our actions and reactions to each other. We thought of the incredulously small and what used to be seemingly insignificant sensations and how they were now monumental pleasures. My desires and pleasures were acknowledged and reciprocated in her eyes. I saw in her facial expressions and body movements, protective mental walls falter and finally fall to rubble—her eyes glistened with peace and content.

My lungs expanded and hers contracted in unison as we exchanged life sustaining air slowly between our tender kisses. I smelt her erotic essence wafting from her hair and neck as I lightly caressed behind her ear with occasional nibbles and flicking of my tongue. Goose bumps speckled the back of her arms as I made long soft strokes using a feather, starting from her jaw line and traversing down to the small of her back. She crinkled her toes as I delicately placed almost unperceivable whispered kisses on her ankles and behind her knees. I felt the electricity created by the small hairs on the back of her neck becoming brisk as her body went limp with pleasure from my lips lightly pecking her ear. I pulled her close to me from behind, using my left arm across her breasts and draping my right hand down the front inside of her thigh. She relinquished pleasure to me and I to her in continuous unselfish flow of attention and titillation. I experienced her soothing touch as her fingers sifted and combed my hair away from my forehead. I knew my body and spirit were blissful to her, because I could feel what she felt through her touch and hear what she thought in her eyes and lips. I slightly bit her neck muscles and suckled the splendid flavor of salty perspiration, savoring it on my taste buds as that of a wine connoisseur that has discovered a rare vintage. She let forth an almost inaudible moan coming deep from her bosom as her eyes searched behind fluttering eyelids for the source of such ecstasy. We made love. It was the slowest of slow lovemaking. I elated in the warmth of her touch and endless pleasure derived between us. Throughout the duration of this fantasy we shared an untainted fusion of our mental and physical senses. We were both in ecstasy.

Time happened and early morning begat early sunrise, evaporating my world as baby-blue light probed gingerly into the house. She and I went to her back porch and watched the new day begin. The earth turned ever so steady, bringing us to face the greetings of the new day’s sun. Trees, buildings and hillsides were silhouetted in our gaze as we looked eastward. For a brief moment, we connected in thoughts as we both commented on how beautiful it was. I thought of what I had experienced earlier and tried to recapture some the faded experience. Unaware of my heavily weighted thoughts, she went inside her house and left me standing against the fence rail—alone.

I continued to stand under the sky, on her back porch as the sun shown brighter and brighter. The sky changed from baby blue to bright yellow and finally bright white where the sun rose. I thought of my fantasy, of how our shared rapture had been indescribably vivid, overflowing with erotic and sensual thoughts and sensations. Sluggishly, I could feel it cheapening and becoming hollow as previously suppressed reality kept poking its roots through my unfettered disposition.

Reality now oozed freely, cresting my imagination and opening its eyes--first one, then the other. Fighting against diminished sight, it blinked for moisture, until finally, peripheral vision returned and the haze that had been my imagined world evaporated. It stared at me with frigid intensity. I looked away, sightless and degraded. Devoid of my illusions, I scoured my surroundings for some semblance of my former wanderings…

Searching, I am searching. What’s that, ah—I found something! It was a box with my name on it. Perhaps a gift, contrived from the Gods. I liked gifts. Today would be a good day…

It scurried to me, for it had movement of its own, and I embraced it. My field of vision narrowed and I entered tunnel-vision pondering the gift contents. Behind me, an unknown woman beckoned for my attention and next to her sat a man with his legs crossed and a scowl on his face. Ominous, dark, foreboding clouds rolled in—I was oblivious to all but my gift. In retrospect, had I known what I do now, I would have tried to smite my gift using all my natural and unnatural strength and fortitude. I would have tried to bury it in the deepest caverns beneath the deepest seas. If that did not work, I would have enlisted NASA’s help to send it to the recesses of unexplored space and after doing so, would've prayed to the heavens above that the gravitational draw of a black hole captured it. I would've prayed that the the hole drew it forth, sending it in a spiraled fashion inward to the confines of its own excessive mass.

If I had been attentive to my surroundings when I found the gift, I would have noticed the man and woman behind me. I would have recognized the woman as Pandora. I would have heard her say, “Heed my words! Do not joust lightly with my possessions nor tread innocently in the muddy aftermath of what would be gained—do not follow in my footsteps.” She had indeed spoken, but I was deaf to her words. She had tried to flag my attention, waving her arms frantically, but I was blind to her movements. She had tried to grab hold of my shoulder, yet I felt not her touch.

I would also have noticed, sitting next to her was not man, rather a Norse god. I would have recognized him as Loki, god of mischief. I’d have seen his scowl crack into a crazed ear-to-ear grin as I opened the gift. I would have felt and heard the thud of him falling to the ground in hysterical, shrilled, high-pitched tenor laughter as he held his stomach tightly with both hands. But I did not, for I was oblivious to all save my gift.

No time for the chastity of caution as I curiously and I quickly opened the gift. To my delight, it contained the sweet solace of memory. I stood there, brazenly basking in its pious glow. I now would remember my experience forever. [Note to Self: Memory does not come with clarity. Clarity sold separately]

With my memory intact, ensuring me of chronicled archives of what I had experienced on this day, I felt like I had become a crusading knight endowed with impenetrable armor, able to take on any dragon that would hold my experience hostage. Halleluiah. Praise be this armor called memory. This was a good day…

My anxiety of the possibility of forgetting my euphoria lessoned and relief nestled in. I recalled my experience over and over remembering all the otherworldly sensations and thoughts accompanying it. I wanted to dissect it to help me understand its meanings and relevance. When I was unable to explain external factors, I turned to self-reflection--and reflect I did.

For those two hours before sunrise, on the early morning after my birthday, I had seen her in my euphoric moment, pure and righteous in her being. Beautiful and pristine! Her every fault and splendors combined, made her perfect.

Hours later, I unearthed one slap-in-your-face question. How would it feel if my fantasy were real? Determined to answer this mystery, I set forth devising a strategy. I would attempt without hindrance, my quest for the Holy Grail. I wanted to know if those feelings and moments I had experienced, where actually a possibility given the right circumstances and timing. Wicked thoughts of rejection lingered and lurked in my shadows.

I devoted the following days trying to spend as much time as possible with her and resolve my questionable dilemma. I looked for hints in her behavior and when I found none, in a moment as awkward and one could have, I candidly proposed the idea of escalating our friendship to something more.

The outcome? Rejection. I felt like and fool and after feeling this way, resented myself to the point of doing and saying things to her that might have blemished her opinions of me or worse, destroyed a very dear and special friendship. I reiterate: a very dear and special friendship. A friendship which had grown over years based on respect and trust.

Damn you Loki…
Friday, May 28th 2004 - 10:14:12 PM

RUN RUN

I run full speed, darting in between discarded hay bales and old farm equipment. I stop and lay on the ground. A brief look around finds a sheet of corrugated iron; I pulled it over my self. I lye there panting, desperately trying to quiet my laboured breath. My assailant creeps ever closer inch-by-inch drawing nearer, I can hear his footsteps.

Where is he?

Footsteps resounded in the old farm shed, making it impossible to tell where he was. Crunch, crunch, I can hear the loosely packed soil crunching under his weight. The sweat beads on my forehead and slowly runs down my nose, landing on the cold soil beneath me. I am getting nervous. I have been lying in the one spot for too long.

Does he know where I am?

I jump up, the tin flies to one side, hitting a long forgotten trowel rusted with age. The noise gets my assailants attention. He quickly jerks his head in my direction. I run as hard and as fast as I can, pushing my physical boundaries. I can feel the adrenaline kicking in, making me even faster. But he is gaining on me, edging ever closer slowly closing the gap. I try to lose him by darting in and out of a few piles of hay, but to no avail. He is now only two odd feet behind me. I have to think quickly.

What do I do?

Running at full speed I place two hands on a tractor I am about to career into and push my self over the top of it. I am now on the other side of the tractor. Now all that separates me from my attacker is a cold hard piece of machinery. At this moment how I love the rusty old tractor. I am looking my attacker in the eyes I swear I can almost smell his pungent breath. We stand there motionless, neither one of us dares to move. He quickly darts to my left I respond by running in the opposite direction. Now he changes direction and darts the other way this lasts a brief moment and we are now back were we started, in a Mexican stand off. Me to scared to run away from the protection of the tractor and him waiting for the prefect chance to pounce. He feints to run to the left but actually goes right. I’ve been around to long to fall for that one and I get away.

Now what is he doing?

He takes a step back, sizes up the tractor and then runs and leaps over it. I react in turn by running around the tractor so we have now swapped sides. I’m feeling game; I decide to make a dash for freedom. I’m running to what seems like a safe spot but before I can reach my safe heaven I feel a strong hand clasp my shoulder. The hand spins me around so I am facing my assailant. He puts his other hand on my shoulder and pushes me over.

“Your it!” screamed James as he runs of into the dark depths of the farmhouse. I turn around and start counting aloud

“One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten ready or not here I come!”

Wednesday, May 26th 2004 - 01:09:49 AM

Big City #1 - Avatar pt 2

Charlie hadn’t moved in hours. He hardly noticed the dripping of the IV and the whispered bleeps of the monitors. He just watched Laura breathe, waiting for some sign that she was waking. He didn’t know what time it was. He kept drifting in and out of sleep in the chair. His brief nap was usually cut short by the sound of a cart in the hall.

The scene replayed over and over in his mind: how the creature’s skin was like liquid, what he could have done differently. He should never have tried to tag the thing, but he was tired of everybody else doing all the exciting stuff while he and Laura did all the bookwork. ‘Baby steps’, he thought.

Charlie felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up into the face of the nurse.

“Mr. Pickens? I need to change her dressings.”

Charlie wiped the sleep from his eyes. “Sorry.”

“Mr. Pickens, you’ve had a rough 24 hours. You should really go back to your room and rest.”

“Thanks but I’d rather stay here.”

“Well, I’ll only be a minute.”

Charlie nodded. He hoisted himself out of his chair. The walking cast was bulky and uncomfortable and, worst of all; they cut up his favorite pair of pants. He hobbled into the hall as the nurse pulled the curtain behind him.

Through the hallway windows he could see the Big City afternoon going on like usual. The world hadn’t stopped. Somewhere out there the others were trying to find whoever was behind all this. He wanted to be out there, too. He wanted Laura out there with him. They made a great team, had been through so much already. He couldn’t imagine life without her.

He sat on a couch across from the nurses station and let his head lull back against the wall. As his mind wandered from exhaustion, grief and anger, he became aware that two nurses were talking to each other in the nurses station.

“…they just moved him into OR, but it doesn’t look good.”

“What happened?”

“From what Rita said it looks like something dug out the sides of his stomach.”

“Something?”

“They think maybe one of the prisoners.”

“That’s awful. Who could do that?”

“Rita said it was really strange, because he’d been burned too. Like the guy had cut him open with a blow torch.”

“Really strange.”

“Yeah. I guess his insides are all messed up, I mean what’s left of them.”

Charlie kept his eyes closed. He found one word floating around in his mind.

Freedom.

*

There was a thunderous crash. Wood splintered and part of the lock flew across the room. Reg leapt from his seat with a start. He dove for the cigar box on the end table across the room. His hand reached the gun just as he felt himself lifted up. A moment later he found himself face to face with Needless Action. Needless gripped the elf by his filthy sweat shirt.

“Hi Reg.”

“Oh man! I just replaced the lock! The hell is with you Needless?!”

“We need some information, Reg.” Stack said, striding into the room.

Reg looked over at Stack. “Oh man. Have you tried the phone? I have a website too. Or are you cops not tech-savvy yet?”

Stack sat on the couch. “I’ve seen your website. Not bad. I did have our hacker team change your splash page though. Instead of saying “You’ve entered the den of the Elf Masta” it now says “Hi I’m a felon. Wanna play?”

Reg sighed. Needless pushed him to the recliner and sat on the arm rest.

“Fine. What do you want?” Reg groaned.

“We’re following a stone. Little tiny thing about the size of my finger tip. Kind of amber looking. Seen it?” Stack said.

“I don’t know, maybe. I see a lot of stuff.” Reg looked out the window.

“Reg, this thing is hot with magic. It would require special handling. Now, you are the town’s biggest relic mover. Nothing comes into Big City without you knowing about it. Now I’m going to ask you again and if I don’t get a real answer, Needless is going to eat various parts of you. Starting with your nose.”

Needless cocked his head at Stack in confusion. Stack just shrugged.

“I didn’t see it. About a week ago this guy comes to me, pays in cash for advice. Just advice. I never touched the thing, I never even saw it. Said he had this rock coming in, like you said. Small. Super hot. He just wanted some advice on handling. That’s it. I swear.” Reg sunk further into his chair.

Stack leaned in, “What’d you tell him?”

“Usually a crystal and rock combination to diffuse the magic. Like a geode. You know, two halves of a geode taped together. The crystals diffuse the energy and the rock protects the handler. Playground stuff. Just so I wouldn’t feel guilty, I made up some crap about a velvet pouch. You know, give him his money’s worth. I never saw the rock. I swear. “

“You know this guy?” Needless said, pulling out his notepad.

“I’ve seen him around. He moves some small stuff. Amulets and things. His mag is shit. It’s all nearly tapped out. “

“You got a name?” Needless inquired.

“Flax something. Human kid. His older brother is in the joint. Stamper. That’s it. Flax Stamper.”

Stack stood up. “Rance Stamper’s brother? Hmmm. It gets more interesting by the minute.” He looked at Needless. “How long did we send Stamper up for?”

“Twelve years.” Needless nodded.

Stack moved to leave the room. “That’ll piss a guy off.”

The two moved out into the hallway.

Reg, regaining some confidence, stood up. “Hey! What about my door?!”

Needless chuckled. “You shouldn’t leave it open. There’s a lot of crooks in this neighborhood.”

*

Smiles sat on the hood of his car in the late morning sun smoking a cigarette and watching a group of kids play Square Tee’s. He could hear Welp questioning Wyshok endlessly in the backseat of the car. The events of the past day were spiraling through his mind as he watched the kids throw the box back and forth.

“Hey Smiles!” Came a voice. Smiles turned toward the voice. His gaze fell on the familiar sight of The Java Jalopy and its driver Greta pulling up next to his car. Greta stopped the Jalopy and smiled. “What are you doing on this side of town?”

Smiles hopped off the hood of the car and leaned on the window. “Working a case. How about you? What brings you to this neck of the woods?”

Greta nodded at the kids playing in the street. “You wouldn’t believe how much these kids love iced lattes. Speaking of which, you want one?”

“Sure.” Smiles shrugged. Greta climbed in back and started pulling him a latte.

Stack and Needless exited the building and stepped up next to the truck.

“Hey Greta,” Stack smiled. “Could I get one of those?” Greta nodded.

“So what’d you get?” Smiles said sliding his money to Greta.

“Reg never saw it. Looks like it came through to a small time handler named Flax Stamper. We sent his brother out to Thieves Island on a twelve-year stretch. I’m thinking his brother, Rance, got The Skiv.”

“We’ve got to get out hands on this Flax guy. Find out what happened to the Skiv.” Needless interjected. “Then get out to Thieves Island and talk to Stamper.”

Smiles turned and motioned for Wyshok and Welp.

Greta handed Stack his latte, “Good luck.” They all looked at her confused. “Thieves Island is on lockdown. A prison guard got killed this morning apparently. It’s all over the radio.” Stack and Smiles looked at each other. Greta looked at Needless, “How about you handsome? You want anything?”

Needless, smiled and shook his head ‘no’. He then looked away immediately to keep from staring at her. Wyshok and Welp stepped into the loose circle.

“We’ve got to get out to that island. If Wyshok is right, Stamper has no idea what he’s doing. He’s going to hurt more people.” Smiles said. “Worse yet, they have no idea what they’re dealing with.”

“If he starts casting a spell while we’re there, I should be able to counter on the same frequency.” Wyshok said. “I won’t be able to for long but it could buy us some time.”

“How do we find the Skiv? And when we find it, how do we get it?” Needless asked.

Wyshok thought. “To use something like this, it has to be on his person somewhere. I’ve seen people swallow relics or have them pulverized and tattooed into their skin. It could be anywhere. As for retrieving it,” She reached into the duffel bag she carried and pulled out an old pair of gloves. “Use these.” The gloves were huge canvas things that had yellowed with time. The tips sparkled. “The crystals in the tips should diffuse the magic enough that you can transfer the Skiv to a safe box.”

Welp finally spoke up. “What about the guy?” They all looked at him. “If that much power is ripped away from somebody, who already isn’t in control of it…what will happen?”

Stack looked at Wyshok. She slowly shook her head. “It could kill him.” They stood quietly for a moment.

The Square T’s game stopped when the kids saw Greta and the Java Jalopy. The blocks and balls fell to the ground as the kids rushed her. Greta began pulling iced lattes at a furious pace as a dozen dirty faces peered through the open serving window. Tiny fists launched money into the air. After a few minutes, when all the kids were quietly suckling their coffee drinks, Greta leaned her head out of the window. She had thought of another witty quip that could, maybe, grab the attention of the cute cop they called Needless Action.

But they were all gone.

*

When news reports began to trickle out that a guard had been killed on Thieves Island, journalists scattered like bugs. They pleaded with the police that were blocking their entrance to Big City General Hospital. Through the doors, the journalists could see some more guards. In the distance, a young man with a walking cast pleaded with a nurse behind a pane of glass.

“Please! I have to see the body or talk to the doctor.”

The nurse shook her head. “Unless you have a warrant or some kind of authorization, you cannot and will not be taken to the body. And Dr. Walker is very busy. Plus, I don’t know you from Adam! Now go back to your room before I have security escort you back to your room.”

"Lady, time is running out here. I’m a private investigator. I’ve been working with the police on this.”

“Where’s your badge? A warrant? Something?” She shook her head. “Security!” She bellowed down the hall. Charlie was quickly joined on either side by two guards. “Would you please take this patient back to his room?”

“Lady, please!”

A doctor stepped out of a door behind the nurse. He wore surgical scrubs and was signing some papers on a clipboard. He looked up. “Is there a problem?”

“No, Doctor Walker, there’s no problem. This gentleman was just leaving.”

“No I am not. Doctor! I need to see the body of the Thieves Island guard. It could be a lead in a case. I’m with Big City Eyes Investigations. This could lead us to a very dangerous criminal.”

The Doctor shook his head. “No, I’m afraid you can’t. The family hasn’t even seen him yet. I’m sorry.” Dr. Walker turned and began walking down the hall. The guards began moving Charlie in the opposite direction.

“Fury, Action, Freedom!!” Charlie bellowed over his shoulder.

Dr. Walker stopped in his tracks. He turned slowly back.”Wait!” The guards and Charlie turned around. “What did you say?”

“Three words. Fury, Action and Freedom. Probably found on the body. Burned in somewhere. You found that, didn’t you?”

The Doctor stared at Charlie for a moment. He nodded to the guards who promptly released Charlie. Dr. Walker turned to the nurse. “Buzz him in.”

Charlie smiled to himself. At least his instincts weren’t broken.

*

The sirens had stopped blaring. The prison guards had dusted off their riot gear and were making their way up the hallway to the solitary confinement cell. They had no idea what to expect. This guy had burned holes into Tandy’s gut. They steeled themselves for the worst.

The prisoner could hear them moving in. He tried desperately to control himself. He didn’t want to hurt anybody again. Yes he did. He wanted them all dead, especially those bastards Action and Fury. He really didn’t want to hurt anybody. But it was so easy now. He was in control. He really was. Wasn’t he?

What had the dentist done to him?

He felt the burning in his mouth again. He clenched his teeth to hold back the words he felt coming. He didn’t know what they meant but he knew they would make him feel better. More in control.

What did that damn dentist do to his mouth?

The door to his cell crashed open. He found himself face to face with three-dozen shotguns.

‘Go with them.’ He thought. ‘It’ll be all right. It’ll all be over soon.’

The burning in his mouth grew and he could feel it in his hands again.

*

Welp and Wyshok stared out into the bay at Thieves Island Prison. The water was white-capped in the wind. The island was on lockdown and prison officials, police and the media clogged the dockside. Commissioner Janet Bledsoe and Prison Warden Joe Tierney stood talking to reporters.

“The only details we have currently is that one of our prison guards was killed by a prisoner. We will release the names as soon as the families have been notified. That is all for now.” Janet Bledsoe turned away from the cameras to the usual barrage of questions from reporters. Janet was convinced that they prepared, in advance, the questions they would blurt out but would never have answered. She and Tierney moved back behind the police tape to Captain Breen who stood waiting.

Smiles approached her.

“Hello Janet.”

Bledsoe rolled her eyes. “Johnson, what the hell are you doing here?”

“I think I can help you here, Janet,” Smiles smirked. “But I need to get out to the Island.”

“No.” Bledsoe yelled into the air, “Somebody get him out of here.”

Breen put his hand on Smiles’ shoulder. “C’mon Smiles.”

Smiles pulled away. “Look Janet, there is a prisoner out there that has a relic of incredible power. He is responsible for the lake attacks over the last few nights.”

“There are no relics out there!” Tierney yelled.

“Look, there are going to be a lot more deaths if I don’t get out there. There isn’t a single person out there able to handle this kind of magic.”

Janet laughed, “Oh and you are?”

Smiles pointed at Wyshok, “No. She is. She was a Sweeper 40 years ago. She’s the only person able to help in any of this. She can help contain it.”

“This is stupid.” Bledsoe declared. “What proof do you have that this has anything to do with the lake attacks? You have no right to be here at all. Now gather up your little “mystery club” and get on the other side of that tape.”

Smiles, Wyshok and Welp moved back behind the police tape. Smiles’ eyes pleaded with Breen. Breen just smiled sadly and went about his business.

Breen had known Smiles for years. He had been Smile’s commanding officer when Smiles got bumped up to detective. His mind filled with images from the past. He thought about the Gina debacle and how he had watched Smiles shrivel inside, had watched Stack and Smiles grow apart. Breen’s thoughts were interrupted by the rookie standing next to him.

“Sir, this just arrived for you.” The rookie handed him a manila envelope.

Breen began to open it. “Who’s it from?”

“Some guy at the hospital. Said it’s urgent and to give it to you directly.”

Breen slipped some pictures out of the envelope. A note was attached to the top,

‘Breen,

If they haven’t already, I’m sure Needless, Stack and Smiles will

be there soon. I hope this helps.

Thanks, Charlie’

Underneath the note was a series of pictures of the security guard, Tandy. The last picture was an X-Ray. Appearing on the X-Ray, burned into the breastbone, about where the heart should be, were the words “Fury, Action, Freedom.”

*

The chase ended in an overturned vegetable cart. Needless and Stack were covered with mashed up tomatoes, marshbulbs and various other salad fixings. Flax Stamper laid on the ground under a pile of mushrooms. He hated mushrooms.

Needless tried to catch his breath as he pointed his gun at Flax. “Get up!” Flax stumbled as he tried to stand. Stack grabbed him by the arm and hoisted him to his feet. They cuffed Stamper, read him his rights and began the walk back to the car.

“I really think it’s in your best interests to cooperate, Flax.” Needless said.

“I want to talk to my lawyer.”

“Don’t worry, you will. But before that, we want to know about The Skiv.” Stack said.

Flax went white. “What?”

They stopped him in the middle of the street. Needless spun Flax around to face him. ”The Skiv. We know you moved it. How did you get it? We don’t have time for the usual games here. Several people are dead and the trail starts at you. “

Something in Needless’ eyes burned a hole through Flax. He knew better than to mess with this cop. “I don’t know the guy. He came to me, told me that this thing, the Skiv, was coming into town. Then he paid me 10 grand to hold it and wait for instructions.”

Stack looked at Needless puzzled. “What instructions?”

“Then I get a call from this other guy, again I didn’t know who. He tells me that I am supposed to get the Skiv to my brother and that I’d find another 10g’s in a locker at the bus station. So I slipped it to my brother and lo and behold, money was in the locker.”

“So this guy wanted your brother to have it?” Needless said.

“No my brother doesn’t touch the stuff. He was supposed to deliver it to this guy in jail.”

Stack looked at Needless, “We’re chasing the wrong guy.”

*

Welp watched as the boats hopped across the rolling white caps toward the Island. He hadn’t counted on any of this. As he watched Smiles, Wyshok and their armed escorts move across the water he took out his notebook. He flipped to the last page and began to write. He had to make sure that this was separated from his Manzetti notes. It was a trick he used to try to organize his usually disorganized mind. He wrote some quick notes about the Skiv, trying to recall everything that Wyshok had said to him.

Wyshok seemed like she wanted to spill over. She had thousands of stories and he wanted them all. This was far more interesting than anything that happened with the Manzettis. She was from a time when magic was everywhere. It wasn’t relegated to dark alleys and hidden dens. Magic had been abundant and used for both good and evil. Now it was nothing more than a dim memory to the last generation and a quick high for the next.

He was sure that it was the best intentions that drove the Wizards and the city to ban magic, yet it didn’t seem right to him. Sweepers were shuttled out the door so fast that the people of Big City didn’t have time to react. Wyshok, this brilliant lady, had been put out to pasture. As always it was the people in the middle that got hurt. It wasn’t the city. They benefited. They were able to cut Sweeper programs and the like and save a bundle. The Wizards went off to wherever it is Wizards go.

He jotted the last three words in his notebook, ‘bring back sweepers.’

He looked up again and became vaguely aware of a commotion behind him. He turned to see Needless and Stack’s car screech to a halt. Both leapt from the car and they were met by Breen and Tierney.

Stack took a deep breath. “Okay. The guy in the backseat is Flax Stamper, Rance’s brother. He handled the relic when it came to town. He was taking orders from somebody with money he doesn’t know who. All he knows is that his brother was supposed to hand the relic off to someone inside.”

Tierney gulped “Someone in the prison?”

Needless nodded. “Yeah, it looks that way. Who does Stamper have intimate contact with?”

Tierney thought for a moment, “Stamper is almost a model inmate. He has contact with lots of people. We have him working in the infirmary. He keeps records on all the prisoners who get sick or see the dentist. I can’t believe he’d be involved with this.”

“You have doctors and dentists on staff?” Stack asked.

“No, they’re usually volunteers. They come out once a week. They are all screened and searched. They’re all clean. They don’t do anything major. Shots and fillings and crowns and such.”

Stack and Needless looked at each other.

Needless’ eyes grew wide. “Crowns! The guy has the Skiv in his teeth and he doesn’t even know.”

Stack looked at Breen. “Find the Dentist. And get us out to that island.”

*

“Look at me!” The guard shouted at the prisoner. He punched him in the stomach again. “I said look at me, Vester!”

The prisoner, Michael Vester, dropped to his knees. His hands were cuffed to a searing steam pipe which kept him from collapsing completely. He could feel the burn in his mouth again. This time it was taking the pain away. His hate bubbled in the back of his throat. He could feel the words coming. He tried everything in his power to contain it.

‘Wait,” said the voice.

The guard hit him again and again. “So, Vester, you think you’re big man? I don’t know how you did what you did but you can be sure that you won’t do it again.”

He couldn’t take anymore. He couldn’t wait any longer. It was time to go. Vester stood, Blood dripping from his forehead. He smiled at the guard. It was a smile that curdled the guard’s blood. The last thing the guard heard was Vester mumbling something.

A blast of light burst out of Vester’s mouth. It tore through the guard’s middle and set fire to the wall behind. The other guards leapt back and aimed their guns. Vester pulled apart the cuffs that confined him. Then he picked up the nearest guard and pulled him close as the guards opened fire.

Vester threw the bullet ridden body of the guard to the floor and let loose a stream of energy that moved around the room searing the rest of the guards. They all shrieked and fell to the floor.

Michael Vester raised his arms. “Now” he intoned.

* Smiles’ and Wyshok’s boat was nearing the island. Smiles looked at Wyshok. In the direct light of the bay he noticed just how old she was. His stomach sank because the true nature of the danger beginning to dawn on him.

“Are you sure you’ll be all right?” he asked her.

Wyshok nodded and smiled. “I know what’s going to happen.”

The water ahead of them exploded. The creature rose above the boat and roared.

On shore the media, the police and Welp gasped as they saw the huge creature rise from the water. Stack and Needless sped away from the pier, directly at the creature.

The second boat of armed police capsized, pitching the cops into the water. The creature roared and brought its fist down, smashing the capsized boats. Smiles tried to steady himself on the boat as it rode the ripples the creature created. Behind him Wyshok was chanting and keening. She held out her arms with a cry that Smiles couldn’t understand.

The creature exploded into droplets and rained down on the boat.

Smiles turned to the pilot, “Go!!”

The boat’s pilot gunned the engine and plowed through the white caps toward the prison.

*

Inside the prison, Vester felt the collision of vibrations. He didn’t understand exactly how it happened, and he didn’t really care anymore. He was unstoppable. He roamed the halls past the silent prisoners who stared at him, terrified. He moved to the cell of Rance Stamper.

“Stamper.” Vester wheezed, “ How are you?” Rance Stamper stood in the center of the cell staring back. “Stamper? What did that dentist do to me?”

Stamper shrugged. “I don’t know. He had me get something from my brother. I don’t know what.”

“He put something in my mouth. Something powerful.” Vester smiled. “Thanks.” Vester took a long breath and then exhaled. He could feel them close. He moved swiftly toward them.

*

Wyshok and Smiles had already vanished into the prison when Needless and Stack arrived. They jumped from the boat and ran inside. They stopped at the main courtyard.

“Where now?” Stack asked, looking around.

Needless shrugged. “Smiles?!” he bellowed.

There was a blast of light from the far side of the courtyard. The concussion of the blast knocked Stack and Needless to the ground, and rained debris down on to the courtyard blacktop. When the dust settled they stood up.

“I knew you would come sooner or later,” came the voice. Stack and Needless drew their weapons. “Now who has the upper hand?”

Vester floated to the rubble that littered the courtyard. Stack and Needless stepped back.

“Vester?” Stack said. “Michael Vester? We sent you up on a nickel for burglary. Is it worth all this?”

“Oh yes. Do you know what it it’s like here? What they do to people in here? You two are the cause of all my problems.” Vesper clapped his hands and they became white hot. “Now I have the power to reclaim my life.”

Stack put away his weapon. “Vester, you don’t understand what’s happening. This thing inside your mouth, it’s eating you up. You don’t know how to handle this kind of power.”

“I don’t care anymore.” Vester said, chuckling. “The power is all I care about.”

“It’s going to kill you.” Stack pleaded.

Vester thought for a moment. “I’m sure I’ll have plenty of time to take care of you two.”

Needless finally couldn’t stand it anymore. “Get over it! You were like a year away from getting out of here. It’s not like you don’t deserve what you got.”

“In your mouth, Vester. The dentist put a powerful relic called the Skiv into your mouth!” Stack interjected. “Your body isn’t built for it. Please, Vester, stop all of this before it’s too late.”

Vester’s voice deepened. “It’s already too late, Forray! This power is mine. We’ve talked enough. It’s time to kill you both and get out of here.”

Vester raised his hands and the white-hot glow intensified. He dropped his arms to throw the magic and kill Stack and Needless. As if kicked, he was thrown by a flash of light. Stack and Needless scattered. From the top of the courtyard Smiles and several police opened fire on Vester.

Stack tried to scream over the gunfire. “No, don’t! Don’t kill him! It’s the Skiv!”

No bullets touched Vester. He stood in the courtyard as the bullets were thrown, in all directions, by unseen forces. With a roar, a huge creature burst from the courtyard floor. Clumps of dirt, concrete and metal flew together to create a towering creature that looked up the wall at Smiles and the cops.

As the creature approached the wall, two arms and hands jetted out of the wall and latched on to the creature. They struggled. Each evenly matched.

Confusion drew across Vester’s face. His eyes scanned the courtyard for who it was that dared challenge him. In a darkened window, on the third floor open air walk-way, stood a frail old woman. Her mouth was moving in a furious chant. With one great leap, he stood in the window glaring down at her. Wyshok looked up at him as Vester’s hand clenched her throat.

Outside, the arms that held Vester’s concrete avatar crumbled. Smiles and the cops broke into a run as the creature began to climb the wall again.

Wyshok tried desperately to breathe, to no avail. Vester’s hands were too tight. As he squeezed the life from her she grabbed his face and began to drain his power. Vester began to feel the energy draining from him and his grip on her neck slipped.

Wyshok’s eyes rolled back into her head. The power was too much. Flashes of her life rocketed through her mind. As she felt herself lifted from the floor she thought of Frank Johnson and how strange it was that the end would come helping his son.

Smiles, in his retreat, turned to see Vester fling Wyshok through the window and down to the courtyard below. Stack watched in disbelief as the old woman crashed to the ground. His ears were filled with the angry cries of Needless who was hidden somewhere across the courtyard.

As Needless’ last scream died away, there was silence.

Vester leapt to the ground and nudged Wyshok’s body with his foot. His creature stood motionless facing Smiles and the cops.

“Your witch is dead!” Vester yelled, filling the courtyard up with his voice. "There is nothing you can do to stop me.”

Smiles and the cops again opened fire on the creature. Vester turned and raised his hands to control the avatar. Vester was surprised when he felt the bullets plunge into his back. He turned to see Needless crossing the courtyard, firing into him. The old woman had drained enough power that it took all his concentration to control the creature. He let go of his control on the creature. He closed his eyes and turned all his attention to deflecting the bullets that Needless fired at him. The wounds in his back closed and he attempted to stand to his full height. Despite the fact that the bullets he was firing were missing Vester, Needless continued his march. When his clip was empty he charged Vester and tackled him to the ground.

Over and over Needless hit Vester in the face. Vester desperately tried to regain the upper-hand, but the punches were coming too fast. He had no time to think. He clamped on to Needless’ side and began the burn. Needless ignored the burning hands that he felt igniting his coat. Harder and harder he hit, his elven blood boiling and pushing his human side to work faster.

Then there was a small clink that seemed to echo around the prison.

The creature crumbled to the floor as Smiles and the cops looked on. Vester’s burning hands cooled and fell limp to the ground. Stack rushed forward toward Needless who was still hitting Vester. He pulled his partner off and the two fell back to the ground.

“John! John!” Stack yelled, trying to hold Needless still. “It’s over. It’s over.”

Needless looked over the unconscious body of Vester. There, in the middle of the courtyard, lay a tiny crown and within it, a small amber stone. Needless slipped on the gloves that Wyshok had given him and picked up the Skiv. Even through the gloves it felt warm.

He moved to Wyshok’s limp body and knelt beside her. Her eyes fluttered open and her breath was shallow.

“Is it over?” She wheezed. Needless nodded. “Good. I have seen your future, John. I know great things lay ahead. Protect the Skiv. Keep it safe.” Needless nodded. Wyshok looked across the ground to Vester. She looked up at Needless. “That guy was a real asshole.” Then Wyshok Meen, last of the Big City PD Sweepers, died.

*

The old man with green eyes read a magazine in the waiting room outside ICU. With the exception of some time spent investigating the strange death of the prison guard, Charlie had spent the entire day in Laura’s room. The old man still couldn’t believe how recklessly Charlie had acted. He was angry like a father, but happy that Charlie was all right. He detected a sense of pride in his heart, pride at Charlie’s bravery. He figured Smiles felt the same way. He couldn’t have picked a better father figure for Charlie. Smiles was a good man, just a little rough around the edges.

He glanced up from the magazine. The young man that he was sworn to watch and protect was still out of site. He smiled. Even if Charlie didn’t know, the old man was never far away. He thumbed a few more pages and read his horoscope. The magazine told him that this week would bring change and friendship.

Inside the room Charlie continued his vigil. He watched Laura breathe. He squeezed her hand again and was surprised when her hand squeezed back. His eyes moved to their hands and then rose to greet her gaze.

Laura smiled weakly.

Charlie laughed. He laughed until tears came to his eyes. He laid his head on her stomach and sobbed. Laura’s hand moved to his head and her fingers tangled themselves in his hair.

* Twenty-one Big City police officers fired their rifles into the air as the coffin was lowered into the ground. As the coffin came to rest in the grave, Smiles turned to head back to the car. Stack leaned over to him.

“I guess Breen really read Bledsoe the riot act until she agreed to give Wyshok a policeman’s burial.”

Smiles smiled. “Good.” He stopped and lit a smoke. “Any word on the dentist?”

Stack shook his head. “They found his body in the bay last night. He’d been dead for weeks. I don’t know who went out the prison and put the Skiv in Vester’s jaw, but they’ve disappeared.”

Needless stepped up. He closed his cell phone. “I guess Vester finally came around. He doesn’t remember a thing. The last thing he remembers is Rance Stamper signing him in to see the dentist for a cracked tooth.”

“Well, I guess that’s it.” Stack shrugged. “Everything is wrapped up nicely, for somebody.”

They walked a little further and found Welp leaning against the car.

“So, Welp, got enough material for your book?” Needless inquired.

“Actually I’m putting that on the back burners for a while. I think I’m going to stick around. This whole thing has peaked a lot of interest in Sweepers and their history. I think I might write a book.” He smiled. “I’m hearing rumblings about pressure on the City to reinstate the Sweeper program. Maybe I can do some good.”

Stack shook Welp’s hand. “Take care, Welp.”

Welp said his goodbyes and headed to his car.

The three stood there for a moment and enjoyed the balmy breeze.

“Do you feel it?” Smiles asked, flicking an ash. Stack and Needless looked at him.

“Feel what?” Stack replied.

“Change.” He said, looking skyward. No reply came, though they all felt it. They waited a few more moments. Then, silently, they climbed into the car and followed the other cars out of the cemetery.

*

The light moved outward from the moon and filled the night sky over the flats with descending rings of blue, gray and black. Slith took another drag off his cigarette and threw it to the dark sand. He had been watching the headlights approach from across the flats for 15 minutes. He could finally hear the engines. He straightened his tie and lit another cigarette.

A few minutes latter the dusty truck came to a stop by Slith’s car. A cloud of dirt and black sand hit him. Two figures stepped out of the truck. The truck then turned and headed back into the nighttime Flats.

One of the figures, the one Slith recognized as Manzetti, stepped forward and shook his hand.

“It’s good to see you Slith.” Manzetti said. Slith noticed that he had lost a lot of weight and was tan. He also sported a large beard. Manzetti smiled. “Did the package arrive safely? How did everything go?”

“Exactly as planned sir. Forray and D’yen have been busy for days. It gave us enough time to get everything ready.”

“Good.”

“Things have quieted down considerably, but most of the city council members that you relied on are gone.”

Manzetti smiled. “I don’t need them anymore.” He motioned to his companion who remained silent. “I’ve got some new tricks up my sleeve.” His companion wore a dark hooded cloak, and Slith could only make out a faint glimmer in the eyes. Manzetti moved to Slith’s car. “I’m taking back my town, Slith. And no one is stopping me this time.”

The three climbed into the car and drove back into the mountains toward Big City.

THE END
Friday, May 14th 2004 - 08:18:04 AM

Big City #1 - Avatar pt 1

Something in the lovers said to take their shoes off. Only an hour before he had declared his love for her and she for him. Now, with the lights of Big City looking over the trees like a child watching ants on the pavement, the lovers walked barefoot through the dewy grass of Center Park. As if scripted, the man pulled the woman to him and they kissed. Nearby, an old Elf couple passing on a moonlight carriage ride, stole a glimpse of love just beginning. The lovers kept walking further from the path and the lights.

Near a small lake, in a quiet corner of the park, they made love.

They tried to hold back the world. They wanted to stop time and not have to return home to separate beds. They wanted to stay there forever.

They never heard the splashing. They never saw the thing rise from the lake. The man only opened his eyes in time to see the thing bear down on them and rip them apart. When it was done the thing returned to the lake. It was tired. The next time, it would go further.

The remains of the lovers lay there, their arms still holding one another. Beside them, carved into the ground, the words: FURY – ACTION – FREEDOM.

************** BIG CITY

“AVATAR”

by Eric Schwartz **************

There was a creamer, then a box of blue-tip all-weather matches and a laminated bookmark (as a balancing agent). The capper was a crisscrossed grid of three swizzle sticks at 90 degrees to the three paperclips on top of them. This one had been standing for 7 days, nearly approaching the station record of 13 days. Any files or packages were gently deposited on the other side of the desk. The tiny sculptures and their longevity had become a source of office pride. As shifts came and went most everyone would take a look to make sure the little masterpieces were still standing. Anyone clumsy enough to knock one of the sculptures over had to buy doughnuts for the office. If a perp being booked knocked it over, the responsibility then fell on the arresting officer. Somehow over the years, the nervous habit of one detective had become the totem, the icon, the defining symbol of all his fellow officers. All the officers but one.

Needless was early as usual. He sat at the desk adjacent to his partner’s, glowering at the tiny sculpture that sat proudly on his partner’s desk. He would protect it from anyone…only because he desperately wanted to knock it over himself. He saw the sculpture as a personal threat. It was the physical embodiment of an ordered mind or at the very least, a mind trying to order itself. It stood for days daring him. It taunted the seed of chaos that had given the nickname Needless Action in the first place.

Somehow Needless could never bring himself to smash the little piles of stuff. Little angel vs. little devil – angel wins.

The man that the department knew as Stack sat at his desk. He was meticulously transcribing the taped phone conversation between a suspected arms dealer named Wilsted and a Goblin lawyer named Slith. Wilstead was suspected of selling weapons to street gangs for the remnants of the Manzetti crime family. Slith, it was believed was helping to launder the money. As yet the police had no proof. This tap had been on Wilstead’s phone for weeks. Nothing out of the ordinary was heard. A dozen pizza orders. A few calls to phone lines of ill-repute. Nothing. He transcribed everything. Every last word archived in his computer.

Stack stopped the tape and dropped his headphones on the desk. He looked across at Needless, who was staring at the small pile of objects that had been on Stack’s desk for a week.

“Are you going to do any of this?” Stack said to Needless. Without breaking his stare Needless shook his head slightly. “You really want to knock this down. Don’t you?”

“In the worst way.”

They both became vaguely aware of two people standing next to the desks. Needless shook off his stare and looked up into the always-red face of their Captain, Dennis Breen. Standing with him was a shorter man. The man looked disheveled, like some one had just pulled him out of a coma, made him smoke a half pack of cigarettes and dumped him outside the police station. Stack and Needless stood up.

“Sgt. Forray. Sgt. D’yen. This is Albert Welp,” Breen said sporting a broad smile that indicated to the two that they were about to get the royal – gold plated – jewel encrusted – oiled gently shaft. “Mr. Welp this is Detective Sergeant Adam Forray and his partner Sergeant John D’yen.”

Handshakes were exchanged. After a quiet moment Needless finally chimed in. “What’s going on?”

“Mr. Welp here is writing a book about the Manzetti Family. He’s here to follow you guys for a few weeks. You know, to ask questions about how you broke them up and stuff.” Breen said beaming. “Oh and you guys have been requested down in Center Park.” Breen laughed deep as he left Stack and Needles with Mr. Welp.

“Okay,” Welp said pulling a notepad out of his back pocket, “which one is Stack Fury and which one is Needless Action?” Welp then sat on the edge of Stack’s desk, knocking over the small creamer/matchbook pile that could have gone into the department’s record books.

*

In the quiet dark the rat’s nails clicked along the concrete floor. The rat scampered along the corner of the room. It smelled something. Something it hadn’t smelled before. A hint of static electricity. Sweeter. Harder to define. The rat continued to move in the dark.

In a sliver of light, a black eye followed the rat. A word was mumbled. The room filled with bright light as the rat erupted into flames. As the flames died away and the rat’s carcass sizzled, a hand reached down and snatched it from the floor. Within moments the rat was devoured and its bones picked clean.

*

“Fury, action, freedom.” Stack read as he squatted next to the two lovers bodies. “I suppose it could be us but it’s kind of ambiguous.” He stood up and looked at Needless. “What do you think?”

“Got me?” He scanned the scene. “I mean these two are torn to shreds, there is this huge animal track and then ‘fury, action, freedom’. It’s not adding up to me.”

Stack turned to the patrolman standing near by. “Are they checking the lake?”

“They’ll be sending a robot sub in about an hour.”

“Tell me what they find.” Stack and Needless turned and headed back up to the car.

“You thinking lake monster?” Needless said removing his latex gloves.

“Man, I don’t know. If it is, it’s developed the incredible ability to write.” Stack stopped and looked back at the lake. “I don’t know what to think.”

“You think it has anything to do with us?”

Stack just stared out at the lake and started stacking coins in his pocket.

*

Smiles Johnson pulled the toilet paper off his face where he had nicked himself shaving. He wondered why the girl that drove the Java Jalopy didn’t say anything. He wondered why Maurice at the newsstand didn’t say anything. He wondered how many people had noticed this and no one told him. It was a conspiracy. A conspiracy of silence. The whole world laughing at him and plotting to keep him in the dark. Everybody but Charlie. He could always count on Charlie to tell him everything.

“Is that better?” Smiles said dropping the bloody toilet paper into the trash can.

“Smiles, have you ever considered maybe an electric? You know, with a rotary blade? Something where lotion comes out and leaves your skin nice and smooth?” Charlie flopped down on the forest green vinyl couch that he and Smiles had saved from a flea market 3 years before.

“Charlie, my dear friend, don’t you have something to do?”

“Nope. All our case files are closed. The coffee is made. Laura is at work. I’m free to harass you. How did you get to be the most sought after private investigator in the city when you can’t even tell that there is toilet paper on your face?”

“Advertising. Look, you may not have anything to do but you do have your own office. Why don’t you go play one of those video games all the kids are crazy about.”

Charlie stood up. “See ya later old man.” He left the office chuckling.

“Shoo.” Smiles was already rummaging through cold case files, looking for something to do. Technically he shouldn’t have had these files. He took them when they left the force. He pulled some out whenever he needed something to do. Maybe there was something he missed. Perhaps he would gain a new perspective on an old crime. The only file he never opened anymore…was Gina’s. Even seeing the name on the tab was rough. It was getting better, but the pain was still there. Back in the drawer. He was relieved when there was a knock at the door.

“Yep!” Smiles said jamming the file folders back into the drawer. A moment later Stack and Needless walked in with some guy who looked like he was buried overnight. “Hey guys come on in. Can I get you guys something? Charlie said the coffee is on.” Stack walked to Smiles and shook his hand as Needless and Welp sat down on the couch.

Welp turned to Needless. “Now who’s this guy?”

“That’s Robert Johnson. Everybody calls him Smiles. I haven’t quite figured it out why yet. Him and Stack were partners until 4 years ago.” Welp jotted down a few things in his notebook. Needless watched him. “Why would you want to write a book about Pasketti?”

Welp stopped writing and looked up. “Who?”

“Paske…Manzetti.” Needless chuckled. “Sorry. It’s …a thing.”

“Why would you call him Pasketti?”

“Doodles. Doodles Pasketti. It’s a sign of disrespect. Smiles started it. Apparently Manzetti doodles all the time. Pasketti…is just a thing. So why the book?”

“Because it fascinates me. The inner workings of the mob. How you guys broke up his syndicate. It’s a great story.” Welp went back to writing. “Do you think he’s still alive?”

“Pasketti?” Needless’ face fell. “I hope for his sake he’s not.” Welp stared at him. Needless motioned to Stack and Smiles talking by the desk. “These two…they’d kill him if they ever found him.”

Welp looked back at his notes. “Gina?” Needless nodded silently. “What about you?” Needless turned slowly and looked hard into Welp. “Manzetti killed your brother, right?”

Needless’ looked right through Welp, to the answer he had prepared for years before for this question. He looked at his hands. “What happened between my brother and Pasketti was known only to them.” Needless stood up, “You got a real knack for making people clam up. I’m getting some coffee.”

Needless left the office. Welp sat for a moment thinking about how that could have gone better.

“Lake monster?” Smiles said sitting on the desk.

“That was my first thought but they checked the whole lake. Nothing.” Stack stared out the window.

“So what do you need us for?”

Stack turned back “You know the Department’s attitude toward Sweepers.”

Smiles stood up with a sigh. “Oh boy.”

“Look, Smiles, officially I can’t bring one in. If you do it, it’s all legit.”

Smiles looked at him. “Okay. I’ll let you know what I find. I won’t be able to get to my Sweeper until tonight. I’ll have Charlie stake out the lake until the Sweeper can get in there tomorrow.”

Stack shook Smiles’ hand. “Thanks.”

Smiles smiled weakly. “Sure.”

*

Charlie sat in his office reading the paper. The phone rang. He answered it and smiled. Probably Laura.

The old man with the green eyes lowered his binoculars and shifted in his seat. He breathed a sigh and unwrapped his sandwich. Pastrami would be one of the things he would miss most when his job was done and he had to leave. Pastrami, Elven jazz and Goblin wine. A quarter century here had grown on him. He was a citizen of Big City. Like everyone else.

He wouldn’t however miss endless days of bushes and rooftops watching the child. Protecting him from afar. He had grown to love Charlie like a son, living through everything with him. Every lost tooth, grade school play, kiss and heartache. Wanting to tell him everything he knew but being unable to.

Someday he would be able to. Someday.

The old man lifted his binoculars again. Johnson was now in Charlie’s office. They were talking. Watching closely, as that is what Watchers do, the old man finished his sandwich. Thinking again about how he loved pastrami. *

Laura dropped another strawberry into her mouth. There were worse things than spending a balmy night in the park with the man she loved, watching a lake.

“So do you private eye types do a lot of this lake watching?” She said pulling her hair back into a quick bun. Charlie chuckled as he poured her another cup coffee. “I’m apparently in the wrong business. Who needs city council meetings, deadlines and murder trial stories when I could get into the growing field of water surveillance?” she said as she rested back on her elbows.

“You got a pretty smart mouth. How did it get hooked up with the rest of you?” Charlie smiled. She kissed him. “Anyway, you heard about what happened. Smiles is going to get a Sweeper and just wanted me to make sure nothing and no one showed up to clean the place.”

Laura looked at him and shrugged. “I know I’m just a dumb girl, but… what’s a Sweeper?”

“Uh…” Charlie searched for a way to make this sound less crazy, “..a Sweeper is like a forensic …magician.” Laura let out a laugh. “No, seriously.”

“I am all ears.”

“Smiles explains it this way: every manipulation of energy, like a spell or a curse, leaves behind a trail. A marker. Like a fingerprint. Sweepers come in and sweep the place. Find out what happened.”

“I’m assuming it’s not exactly legal.” Laura said, blowing on her coffee.

“Well no, not really. But Sweepers were once used by the police all the time.”

“Like 40 years ago.”

“Yeah. There’s no reason to think they don’t still have their place. People are still out there using magic, albeit illegally. Everybody knows that.”

As the two talked, the surface of the lake rippled and gurgled.

Laura bit into another strawberry. “You know, during religious ceremonies and the like. It was banned. Self banned. The magic users themselves declared the moratorium on all spells, and secreted the library away. Big City is a magic free zone. It’s a nearly dead art. There hasn’t been a magic related crime in over 40 years.”

“What about that kid they found all magged out on the flats last year? Icons and relics can still be purchased on the streets.” Charlie was fairly proud of his argument and sipped his coffee in approval.

“Charlie, a quick buzz isn’t like conjuring up a murder. Okay, let me amend my statement. All the truly powerful magic is off the streets.” Laura lifted her coffee to her mouth and looked out at the water as the lake exploded with a roar.

*

Smiles checked the address on the yellowed piece of paper again. The address was correct. This rundown tenement was home to one of the last living Sweepers. Smiles stepped over the drunk passed out on the front steps. Sounds of a husband and wife fighting echoed through the hallways as he stepped over bags of garbage and some toys lying on the floor. Finally he reached the door and knocked.

After moment a gravelly voice bellowed from the other side of the door.

“Who is it?” came the voice.

“My name is Robert Johnson. I’m a private investigator. I’m looking for Wyshok Meen. This is the address I was given.”

“You have the wrong address.”

“This is the address I was given. Wyshok knew my father. Do you have another address you could give me?!” There was silence on the other side of the door. “Hello?” Still nothing. Smiles waited for a moment, listening for anything on the other side of the door. There was nothing. Smiles crumpled up the address and shoved it into his coat pocket. “Thanks anyway.” Smiles said as he moved away from the door.

The door opened. Standing in the doorway was an old woman about a head and a half shorter than Smiles. She wore an ancient house coat.

“You must be Frank’s boy.”

Smiles turned back. “Yeah.”

She looked him up and down. “Frank was a hell of a guy. One of the best politicians this city ever had. He was an ass, but a hell of a guy. Come on in.”

Smiles stepped into the apartment.

* “Run!” Charlie yelled as he grabbed Laura’s hand and scrambled away from the water.

“What the hell is it?!” Laura yelled as they ran through the darkness.

“Big!” Charlie shouted.

The giant shadowy hulk stepped on shore and bounded after the two. Trees shattered in its path.

Charlie and Laura burst out of the tree line and arrived at the car. Charlie threw open the door, grabbing his shotgun and a small velvet bag. The creature smashed into the clearing and howled at them.

“Charlie! Get in the car!” Laura yelled .

In the dim parking lot light Charlie could see the thing better. Nearly shapeless, yet defined. Parts of the creature became sharper and then softened as he looked at it. As though it was going in and out of focus. It stood nearly 20 feet. Charlie cocked his shotgun and aimed it.

The Watcher with green eyes bolted out of the trees a ways off just in time to see the Charlie and the creature staring each other down. Then the creature turned and ran into the park away from Charlie.

Charlie threw the shotgun into the back seat leapt onto the hood of the car clutching the velvet bag. “Follow it!!” He shouted to Laura.

“Are you out of your mind?!?”

“Follow it.”

Laura threw the car into gear and drove off into the dark after the beast.

The Watcher ran after the car pleading with them to stop but it was too late. He extracted a small metallic object from his pocket and was no longer there.

*

Stack wasn’t sleeping. He sat with a beer in his hand watching late night reruns. Something wasn’t right with the lake problem. He laid his bottle cap on top of the remote control which was balancing on a small stack of coasters.

The phone rang.

“Hello?” He answered. He heard the voice of one of the third watch cops.

“Sgt. Forray? We just got a call from one of our mounted officers. Something is happening in Center Park.”

“What kind of something?”

“Something is loose.”

Stack hung up the phone. “Charlie,” He murmured to himself as he grabbed his gun and headed for the door.

*

Carriages and late night strollers scrambled for safety as the creature moved swiftly in a straight line across the park.

The creature knew where it was going. It hoped it would make it this time. It could feel the weakness growing. The grip that kept it running was beginning to loosen.

Charlie held tight to the roof of the car as Laura tried desperately to drive across the grassy terrain. They were catching up to the creature. It was obvious it was heading out of the park.

“Pull up on it and try to keep pace next to it!” Charlie bellowed over the wind. He pulled a small piece of electronics out of the velvet bag and put it in his teeth.

Laura would have rolled her eyes at the machismo if she hadn’t been so terrified. Instead she gunned it and gained on the creature. She brought the hood of the car even with the beast.

Charlie pulled a switchblade out of his pocket, flicked it open, swallowed all common sense and took a running leap at the creature. The knife sunk into the surface of the creature as Laura slowed and pulled away. Charlie attempted to use the knife as leverage to get a hold on the creature. Until he realized that, as the creature’s skin shifted, his arm was being sucked in.

“What the hell?!” He screamed as all tension vanished and he fell 12 feet to the ground. The creature continued on without him. Charlie heard a snap and felt pain shoot up his spine as he hit the ground and rolled to a stop.

Laura sped after the creature. Adrenaline slammed her foot to the floor. The creature was yards away from hitting the streets of Big City. A short prayer, which sounded like an expletive but was indeed a plea for help, crossed her lips as she barreled into the shrubs that lined the park. As she crashed through the line of shrubs onto the street, she realized the thing was gone. She slammed on the brakes but found they locked and the car began spinning out of control. As she hit the light post at full force she thought of Charlie. Glass shattered and she tasted blood in her mouth. Laura Medrano slipped into blackness as the streetlight toppled to the ground next to the car and shattered.

*

Stack stood in the center of the aftermath barking orders at city workers and beat cops, telling them to question those people, close off that area of the park. Trying like hell to hold back the wave of fear, sorrow and guilt that were brewing just below the surface. Two friends were on their way to the hospital and it was his fault. He knelt next to the stretcher where Charlie was strapped down, waiting to move.

“Charlie? I’m so sorry.”

Charlie looked at him. “Is Laura all right?”

Stack could only shake his head. “I don’t know, Charlie. I really don’t know.”

Charlie closed his eyes.

Stack rested his hand on Charlie’s shoulder. “Charlie. I have to ask. What was it?”

“I don’t know. It was huge. It walked on two legs, and the skin. It wasn’t solid. It was…huge.” Charlie closed his eyes and thought of Laura. He felt sick and numb as the EMTs lift the stretcher into the ambulance.

Stack watched as the ambulance pulled away. He put his hands in his pockets and sighed. He made his way back to the street where Laura’s car was being towed away, her unconscious body long since rushed to Big City General. He watched everything closely but he heard no sound. Just the mind-hum of concentration and guilt. His thousand yard stare was broken by the appearance of another officer.

“Sgt. Forray? We found something over here that I think you should see.”

Stack followed the uniformed officer back into the shrubs that separated the park and the city street. Stack crouched near the patch of ground indicated by the officer. As the officer shone his light on the patch, the image became clearer to Stack.

The words seemed blasted into the soft ground near the end of the beast’s trail. The words read: “HELP ME.”

*

It had taken the hospital staff almost an hour to tell Charlie what was going on with Laura. When they finally told him they said only that she was in surgery. He didn’t care about his leg. His mind was filled with Laura. He wanted the thing dead. He wanted to get his hands on it. Rage turned to frustration and frustration turned to tears. He stared out of his hospital room window at the lights of the city.

There was a knock at the door. He looked over slowly as Smiles walked in and stood by the bed.

Charlie’s mouth was dry as he spoke. “Laura…”

Smiles didn’t let him finish. “Laura is going to be fine. She’s out of surgery. There was some bleeding but they’ve stopped it. She’ll be in here a while, but she’ll be all right.” Like a fist loosening, Charlie let go a slight yelp as he started crying. Smiles pulled a chair up next to the bed. “You will probably be able to see her in the morning. For now the doctor wants you to relax and get some sleep,” Smiles said, sitting. Charlie wiped his eyes and nodded. Smiles loosened his tie. “I guess my suggestion would be that you get your head checked out.”

Charlie looked his boss in the face, “What?”

“What the hell were you thinking?!” Smiles exclaimed as he stood again. Charlie could only stammer. “Both of you could have been killed. We don’t even know what this thing is!”

“You told me…”

“I told you to stake out the lake. I never told you to go off half-cocked after the thing. It sounds like something Needless would do. I don’t want to lose you, Charlie. I don’t want to lose Laura.” Smiles folded his trench-coat over his arm. He looked at Charlie and knew what he was feeling but only managed to shake his head. Smiles put his hand on Charlie’s shoulder.

Charlie stared at his blanket.

“I don’t know what scares me more: the fact that I could have lost you or the fact that I would have done the exact same thing,” Smiles said in a low voice. Charlie looked up. Smiles patted Charlie’s shoulder and moved toward the door. “I’ll stop by tomorrow when we know more about what that thing was,” he turned back, “and how to kill it.”

Charlie smiled slightly as Smiles turned back to the door and left. Charlie was asleep before Smiles’ footsteps stopped echoing in the hall.

*

A mist hung low to the ground in Center Park as dawn swiftly overtook the sky. Albert Welp made a feeble attempt to lay down the oily cowlick that rose from the back of his head. He hadn’t slept. He had tagged along most of the night with Stack and Needless as they interviewed witnesses to the Center Park incident. Sipping his frothy latte, he read over what he’d written the night before:

Sgt. John D’yen loves being a cop. He oozes machismo from every pore. His reckless steadfastness in the face of adversity and his ability to throw caution to the wind has rightly earned him the nickname Needless Action.

In his car he keeps a box of mix tapes, each one created and labeled for the different types of calls that he could be on. Terry Stop, High Speed Chase, Rolling to Interview and Serving Warrant are but a few that he keeps on hand. He has personally upgraded his standard issue gun with a much larger piece that he has lovingly name Penny.

Underneath the hard-line cop image is something darker. A constant awareness of his mixed human/elven blood and the determination to clear his family name of the taint created by his brother’s corruption. His low simmer hatred of the Manzetti crime family makes him a player in the Manzetti story.

In contrast to D’yen’s open-air, forceful approach is the intensity of his partner, Adam Forray. Forray is the thinker. Known throughout the force by his tongue-in-cheek moniker, Stack Fury, Forray is a man of well thought-out action. Part profiler and part hunter, Stack is a driven man. The kidnap and eventual murder of his Fiancée, Gina Johnson, at the hands of Manzetti, has driven him to work tirelessly to break up Manzetti’s hold on Big City.

The third piece of the puzzle is the late Gina Johnson’s elder brother and Stack’s former partner, Robert Johnson. The Gina fiasco broke Johnson. It drove him from the force and into brief hospitalization. He now makes his living putting his mind to the troubles of paying customers as a private investigator.’

Welp closed his notebook with a fair amount of satisfaction. He took another sip of his coffee and moved closer to the action so he could hear what was happening.

Wyshok Meen crouched near the lake, her hand hovering at the surface. Her eyes were closed tight in concentration. Needless rolled his eyes and turned back to Stack and Smiles.

“You’re killing me here.”

Stack smiled. “I figured you would feel that way.” He turned to Smiles. “How’d you find her.”

Smiles took a drag off a cigarette. “She knew my father. Apparently she worked for the city as a liaison between the City Council and the Magic Users. She did some Sweeper work for the force too.”

“How long has she been dead?” Needless chuckled, “She’s ancient.”

Stack turned to Smiles, “So what exactly was Charlie trying to do last night?”

“He didn’t say,” Smiles shrugged. “If I had to guess, he was trying to get a tracking device on the thing.”

Stack wanted to apologize again but instead just looked out to where Wyshok was Sweeping.

The spell traces were strong on the lake. Wyshok could feel them when she was walking up to it. It wasn’t easy for her to keep her hand near the water. It was hot with magic. She felt something terrible. A vibration she hadn’t felt in years. She shuddered as she came across the main vibration. It was like a scream. It was like a bolt of hate, like an angry child that was stomping its feet. Her blood ran cold as she reached deeper into the web of energy and she could feel the core of the vibration. A steady energy that fueled the hatred. Like a laser it cut through the center of the magic. The source. So pure. Older than anything. A flaw. An emissary. The weaving of destiny’s threads. The future. She withdrew her hand from the surface of the water and looked at Stack, Needless and Smiles. The residue of the magic marked them in her eyes. The path of each laid out before her.

Stack stepped closer to her. “Well?” he said.

“Who the hell did you piss off?” she said.

*

Corrections officer Ben Tandy approached the solitary cell. He hated this part of the job. He wondered quietly why he always got shafted with taking the shmuck in solitary his food. It was bad enough that he worked in a prison but this place was disgusting. It smelled like sweat and urine. He always swallowed his hatred of The Hole and did it for his kids.

He banged on the metal door with his night stick. “I got your food. Step back from the door. “ He heard quiet mumbling inside the hole. He banged again. “Yo! Hey! Step back if you want your chow!” The mumbling stopped. There was silence behind the door. Tandy readied his taser as he unlocked the door.

The door creaked slowly open and Tandy slid the tray across the floor into the dark. He looked into darkness. The prisoner stood still facing him from the back wall, his face obscured in the dark.

“Crap, man! You scared me.” The Prisoner said nothing. Tandy shrugged. Another guy driven crazy in The Hole. He began to shut the door.

The prisoner let out a dusty wheeze of pleasure. Then, like an animal, he leapt at Tandy and buried his hands in Tandy’s sides..

Tandy let out a cry for help and fell back against the wall. He could feel the prisoner’s fingers melting into his sides. The pain was inhuman. The prisoner’s unshaven face was in his, snarling. Tandy tried to gasp but could feel the prisoner’s searing hands squeezing his innards. The prisoner was panting and growling words that Tandy couldn’t understand.

Thinking of his children, Tandy raised the taser to the prisoner’s neck and triggered it.

With the yelp of an animal, the prisoner flew back into the cell. Tandy staggered forward and hit him again with the taser . With his last bit of strength he slammed the door shut, then collapsed to the floor.

His fellow officers found him trying to crawl out of the solitary hallway. He didn’t want to die there. Not down there. Tandy slipped into blackness as he heard the other officers gasp at his wounds.

*

Wyshok raised the glass to her mouth and gulped like she had just stumbled out of the desert. She put down the glass and stared back at the men who sat around her kitchen table. She took a breath.

“I haven’t felt anything like that in years. It was so angry.”

Smiles leaned up. “What do you mean? The magic was angry?”

“No.” Wyshok shook her head. “ Magic itself can’t be angry. By it’s very nature magic is neutral. Spells can be cast in anger, but this was different.”

“So the creature in the lake is being controlled by some kind of spell.” Stack said as he raised his glass of water to his mouth.

“Yes. But the creature isn’t IN the lake. It IS the lake.” There was a long pause as Smiles, Needless, Stack and Welp, who was writing furiously, blinked at Wyshok. She held up her glass. “Do you have any idea the kind of power it takes to turn this into a killer. You are dealing with an avatar. A water golem. This avatar is created through magic and is full of hate for you two.” Wyshok pointed at Stack and Needless.

Needless threw his hands up. “So we find the guy who’s pissed off and we stop the creature? That’s easy.”

“How do we prosecute?” Stack shook his head. “Since the Moratorium took effect, any magic that is used to gather evidence or secure a warrant is thrown out of court.”

Needless smirked. “Who says we have to prosecute?”

Smiles stopped them. “We don’t even know who this is yet.”

“There’s more.” Wyshok’s voice cut across the discussion. They all stopped and looked at her. “There’s more. And I don’t know how to tell you without sounding crazy. Who ever this is isn’t in control. The avatar was projected but not on purpose. This guy has a lot of anger and hatred toward both of you. But he doesn’t know what he’s doing. He has come into possession of something.” She hesitated because this was the crazy part.

Finally Welp’s voice broke the silence. “What?”

Wyshok sighed. “The Skiv.” She waited for the shocked looks. All she got were blank stares and shrugs. “The Skiv? Clear amber-like rock chip? About yay big?” She indicated the size with her finger. She grunted in frustration. “Thirty years ago this was one of the most sought after relics in the world. It was feared, desired, hated, loved. Are you all familiar with the Melk Stone?”

They knew that one.

Needless stood up. “This is stupid. We’re wasting our time here. Smiles, I don’t know what you’re paying her, but she’s trying to give you your moneys worth.”

Smiles flashed an angry look at Wyshok. “You can’t be serious.”

Stack put his face in his hands and Wyshok sat silently.

Welp looked around the table. “What’s the Melk Stone?” he said weakly.

They all looked at Wyshok.

“The Melk Stone is a rock of incredible power…” she began.

“Fictional rock!” Needless interjected, “Fictional! Legendary. Whatever word you need to convey in your notebook that it doesn’t exist.”

Wyshok rolled her eyes. “The Melk Stone is a powerful magic relic. According to legend and the G’luh Mhal holy book, the Melk Stone is the weapon that the last Elf Messiah will use against the Elves’ oppressors and it will open the door to Mhalasia…uh paradise.”

“Welp. I don’t know how versed you are in Elf culture, but no one believes this anymore. In fact most new printings of the G’luh Mhal have taken out the Melk Stone section. It’s an ancient load of hogwash and I’m leaving.” Needless turned to leave.

“Sgt. D’yen!” Wyshok stood up. “Of every one here this should matter to you the most.”

“Look, I like fairy tales as much as the next guy, but this is too much. I will accept that the creature is the result of magic but…the Melk Stone?”

Stack finally spoke, “Needless. Please. We have nothing else to go on. Let’s hear her out before we pass judgment.”

Needless groaned and flopped back into his chair.

Welp looked back at Wyshok, “So, what is The Skiv?”

Wyshok went to her antique roll top desk as she spoke. “According to legend, there are three Elf Messiahs. The first stole the Melk Stone from the forces of darkness, the second protected it during the Goblin wars and the third, which is yet to come, will use the Stone to vanquish the Elves’ enemies once and for all.” Out of the desk she pulled a large, beaten up leather binder and moved back to the table. “According to the legend, during the Goblin Wars…eight hundred years ago, or something…The Second Messiah, in an attempt to protect the Elf King Onrius Skiv, chipped the stone with his own sword and sent it off to the front lines. On the way to the battle, the rider was ambushed by Goblins and the chip passed to them. The Goblins believe it turned the tide of battle. The King was killed and the stone became known as The Skiv Killer, and eventually just the Skiv.”

“What do you think?” Smiles said, finally unfolding his arms.

Wyshok shrugged. “Mr. Johnson, I am a firm believer that behind every legend there is some truth. And Mr. D’yen, for your information I do not believe the stories as told. We know The Skiv exists.” From her binder Wyshok pulled a stack of papers. She slid a black and white photo to Smiles. “This picture was taken 45 years ago at the home of the chief Magic User’s, a wizard named Hogarth, during a political dinner. Mr. Johnson, you might recognize the man in the photo with him.”

Smiles did indeed recognize him.

Needless looked at the picture. “Who is it?”

“It’s my father.” Smiles said, looking deep into the picture.

Wyshok pointed at the photo. “The Skiv is on the table in front of them, in that display box. It was part of Hogarth’s personal collection. When your father and Hogarth brokered the moratorium, it was hidden away with the magic user’s library and several other relics.” She flopped a yellowed stack of papers on to the table. “It’s even inventoried here as a matter of public record.” She sat back down. “All I know is this: The Skiv is a relic of exceptional power. Whether or not it is a chip of the true Melk Stone, I don’t know. I do know that some one has obviously as found the hidden library and the Skiv. Somehow our angry friend has it.”

By the time Wyshok had finished speaking there was a stack consisting of coffee cups, spoons, napkins, a wallet, two sugar cubes and a set of keys on the table and Stack was staring hard into it.
Friday, May 14th 2004 - 08:17:19 AM

More Than Dead

Sunday, March 28th 2004 - 07:49:20 PM

Tales from Pagorah

Tales from Pagorah

Treb and Ty worked as hard and as fast as they could. By the end of the week, they had the space ship ready to go. They packed the supplies they would need to secure the egg. The vortex would speed up their trip. After preparing everything they were on their way, and for a couple of days Ty had extensive training on space flight. Feeling satisfied with what had been learned, they stepped into 'SUSPEND'. Monica, Treb’s girl friend had been seriously hurt and if they could secure a Nomac’s egg it might heal her.

When the computer woke them, they were in viewing distance of Excalray. This trip to Excalray had been Ty's opportunity to learn about space flight and he embraced it with open arms. They circled the planet and looked for sections of flat land with some trees. They knew that Nommacs liked to eat leaves and to graze. There were sections of mountains and great sections of plains. Nommac’s looked similar to a giraffe except it had two long necks with a small head on each neck and only two legs.

Some areas had trees and some had just grasses. They lowered the ship to a plain that had both trees and grasses. There were also small lakes in the area. As they slowly cruised over the plain area, they saw their first Nommac. A little further on--they saw more. The Nommacs were all over the countryside.

They knew little about Nommacs and their habits. The only experience Treb had had was with a domesticated Nommac. They would have to learn about the wild Nommacs as they went along. They landed the ship in an area where they had seen a lot of Nommacs. They put on the illusionary shield that gave the ship the appearance of large rocks. They left the ultra sonic sound waves off as they did not want to scare any animals away. Treb and Ty sat in the ship and observed the Nommacs from the safety of the ship. The only time they had ever seen a Nommac's egg was in their visions. There were many Nommacs around the ship grazing. Some were large and some were small. Many of them came right up to the ship thinking that it was rocks. Some of them used the north side of the ship for shade. They watched the animals for several days. The Nommacs were always on the move. One large Nommac kept pawing the ground with her foot. She dug a good-sized hole.

Ty and Treb watched fascinated by what they were seeing. They watched as the Nommac’s skin began to ripple up both necks. The body of the Nommac got lower and lower as this happened. The Nommac’s legs stood on either side of the hole and the body of the Nommac lowered to the ground. As this happened the Nommac's necks seemed to grow longer. It was only the movement of the skin that was lowering the body down toward the hole. The animal was in that position for a long time.

The skin began to ripple again and the animal resumed its normal shape. They noticed after she stood up that there was a large egg in the hole. The Nommac walked several yards away and grazed. If another Nommac came near the area where the egg was, the Nommac would charge. The egg was about a thousand feet from the ship.

"How do you think we can get the egg without the Nommac seeing us?" Treb asked.

"Why can’t we just use the tractor beam and we will have it in our possession immediately.

“We can’t use the tractor beam until we have the correct coordinates for that type of egg. If it gets damaged it will not be of any use to us.”

“Perhaps we can get the mother preoccupied in a diversion. Also, we have to take the egg back to Pagorah in good shape. Do you want to go out and get the mother’s attention while I try to get the egg?"

"No thanks. I don't think I can run fast enough. I brought some brown beans and Nommacs love brown beans. There must be a way we can perhaps coax the mother away from the egg," said Treb.

"We need something to protect us while we were out there. I wish we had a couple of vehicles we could use."

“There is a way. I saw an egg in a capsule in a vision. That's it Ty—I can use a capsule. It will protect me from the attacks of the Nommac. If we hook an anti-gravity mechanism on the capsule, it will move easily."

"The only way it will move will be if you get out and push."

"That is true. And if the Nommac charges I can get in quickly, the force field will keep me from getting hurt."

“If the animal attacks the capsule with the anti-gravity mechanism on it, it could move the capsule miles away without any difficulty. You might have to walk a long way back."

The two thought for a while.

"I know what I can do. I will hook up a switch inside the capsule that will turn the anti-gravity mechanism off. If the Nommac attacks the capsule, it will be on the ground and hard to move. I will put a bag of brown beans in the capsule. Maybe the Nommac will become gentle if I feed it."

"Okay, that sounds good. Let's give it a try. If you can get close enough to get the egg, you can put it in the capsule. Pushing it back to the ship will be easy."

Treb and Ty went to work installing a switch inside the capsule. Treb got into the capsule after they attached the anti-gravity mechanism. He tried the switch. It worked, but the capsule fell like a rock when the switch was triggered. The force field in the capsule kept Treb from being hurt.

"I’ll take the capsule outside. Ty, if I get in trouble come and save me. Turn up the ultrasonic sound waves so that I can get outside without being attacked. Just turn it up high enough to affect the creatures next to the ship."

They had no idea how long their plan would take, so Treb put food in his capsule just in case. They also put a bag of brown beans and a blanket inside. He would use the blanket to carry the egg back. Feeling prepared, Treb pushed the capsule through the door into the atmosphere of Excalray. The temperature was pleasant, but the odor of the Nommacs was strongly acidic.

Treb pushed the capsule toward the Nommac. One of the Nommac's heads turned and looked directly at Treb pushing the capsule. The Nommac was standing over the egg giving it shade. As Treb moved slowly toward the Nommac, the other head turned and also looked at him.

"Watch your step Treb. You've got both heads staring at you now," said Ty through the speaker in the ship. He was watching everything on the viewing screen. Treb continued walking slowly toward the Nommac. Suddenly, the Nommac darted directly toward Treb.

"Get in the capsule quick!" commanded Ty.

Treb immediately jumped in the capsule and just in time as the Nommac moved quickly. Treb had barely gotten into the capsule when the Nommac attacked and knocked the capsule away. Immediately Treb turned the anti-gravity mechanism off and the capsule fell to the ground with a thud. The Nommac did not hesitate, but stopped just outside the capsule and battered it with its two heads. It even tried to stomp on it with one of its feet.

The necks swung around in a circle. Treb had no idea a Nommac could move its necks like that. The charge against the capsule moved it several feet back towards the ship, but Treb was secure in the force field inside the capsule. Since the capsule was no longer moving, the Nommac returned to her egg.

The Nommac seemed calmed but one head looked constantly at the capsule. Treb pushed the button that activated the anti gravity mechanism and the capsule rose off the ground. The Nommac immediately attacked again but by the time it got to Treb, the capsule was back on the ground again. The Nommac sniffed around the capsule and returned to the area where her egg was. This went on all day. Towards evening, the Nommac was still watching the capsule as it rose from the ground. This time, it did not come to investigate.

At dusk Treb raised the capsule and opened it, there was no movement from the Nommac. Slowly he got out and pushed the capsule about twenty-five feet closer to the Nommac. He wanted to get as close as possible, but the Nommac charged him and he was barely able to get into the capsule this time. He opened the capsule only enough to throw out a hand full of brown beans. He decided to sleep the rest of the night. He told Ty what he planned to do.

First thing in the morning, the Nommac came over to the capsule. Treb made sure the capsule was sitting on the ground and not moving. The Nommac sniffed around the capsule and found the brown beans and ate them. It gradually moved away to some tall trees nearby and ate leaves. While she was at the trees, Treb got out of the capsule. He picked up a long stick from off the ground. The Nommac saw him and charged, but Treb was safe in his capsule. He threw a handful of brown beans on the ground. The Nommac came over and ate them. Then it went to graze on some grass a short distance from the egg. Treb opened the capsule after turning on the anti-gravity mechanism. He sat up in the capsule and slowly, inch-by-inch, pushed the capsule along with the stick like a gondola. Every now and then, he threw some brown beans as far away from the capsule as possible. He noticed another Nommac coming near. It must have smelled the beans as it headed directly towards the area there Treb had thrown them.

The Nommac that had laid the egg charged the other Nommac. While it was distracted, Treb jumped out of the capsule and pushed it right beside the hole near the egg. He was heading for the egg when he heard Ty yell at him to get back to the capsule. He immediately got back into his capsule. He turned the anti-gravity mechanism off and the capsule made a thud as it hit the ground.

This time the Nommac's attacks were really vicious, but Treb was secure. After a while, the tired animal sat down on the egg. Treb was so close to the Nommac that when it sat on the egg, its fur rubbed against the capsule. Evening was again coming. Treb held the blanket hoping for an opportunity to jump out and get the egg. Finally the Nommac got off the egg and began smelling the capsule thinking it was okay. It left and went over into the field where it began to urinate.

Treb jumped out of the capsule into the hole and covered the egg with the blanket. He was just getting a good hold on the egg to lift it out when the Nommac began running back. Treb had no time to get back into the capsule instead he slipped under the blanket that he was planning to use to carrying the egg. The blanket was the same color as the egg. The Nommac checked the capsule, and since it had not moved settled on top of the egg and Treb. Unknown to Treb, the Nommac had a hole between its legs that fit comfortably around the egg keeping it warm.

Treb barely fit in the hole with the egg. The smell was awful and he began to perspire.

Ty saw what had happened so he left the ship and started making a lot of noise. The Nommac charged him even though he was far away. Treb did not move until he saw the Nommac was far enough away. He grabbed the blanket with the egg in it and carefully placed it in the capsule, and then he climbed in.

Ty made it back to the ship barely in time. The Nommac had occupied him so completely he did not know what had happened to Treb. The Nommac returned to the nest, but when it found the egg missing it began to search for it. It checked the capsule first, but Treb had closed it. It could not smell anything coming from the capsule. Its heads looked in every direction but could see nothing. It began making a high whistling sound and ran over to the illusionary rocks---which were the ship. As it got dark the Nommac disappeared into the night.

"Treb, are you all right?" Ty asked.

"I'm fine. I have the egg."

"Great, I’ll scan the immediate area.”

There was no sign of the Nommac.

“You’d better hurry back here. You know how fast that animal can run. I’ll let you know if I see anything."

Treb got out of the capsule and began pushing it. He quickly ran toward the ship as fast as he could. In a few moments, he was safe within the ship's walls.

"Look at the size of this egg," he said, smiling at Ty.

"Yuk, you smell like an old Nommac."

"It will be worth it if this egg will make Monica whole again." They placed the egg in a capsule and turned on suspend. The ship sped away from Excalray to Pagorah.

THE END

By Loreen Hastings

Sunday, November 23rd 2003 - 11:31:32 AM

oh how i love him

I dream about him all the time.who am i talking about?ALAN RICKMAN.He is the one I love and i hope to meet him one day.Maybe Icould get to meet him alone in his house/trailer.But I don't think it will happen because of his stupid girlfriend,Rima Wilson.Until then I must say to myself,and think tomyself "oh how I love him."
Monday, November 10th 2003 - 09:08:29 AM

Short story

(sorry, I don't know how to publish to HTML) SHORT STORY Please excuse the typos. This is a quick, sort of weird story. I hope you like it. If you can get it printed somewhere where I might see it, great, or just pass it around. That’d be fine. Also, I hope you aren’t offended by the bad language, that’s how I talk. Also, if you are an anti-religious person, please don’t let the religious elements stop you from finishing the story, I hope you can enjoy it. Roger woke up at about 5:00 a.m. this Saturday. He usually slept till about 5:30, but he had enough energy so he got up. His bike ride went ok. It was still only early fall, so he was pretty surprise at how cold it was. But that only made it more invigorating. He sang the invitatory song with a little bit of gusto, probably because the cold err was crackling in his lungs. He showered very quickly. Didn’t wash his ears, he never did on Saturday. He always felt so defiant when he affirmatively decided that, since it was the weekend, he could leave this out. He might have to deal with his wife about it later, but here bitching about his ears wasn’t limited to the weekend, so he didn’t really care. He did it during the week out of love for her, but on Saturday and Sunday he was resting, he figured, so why the fuck should he wash his ears, which he hated to do. Anyway, it was nice not to have to rush like he usually did. He continued with his Hours. He had cycled to his favorite poem, Hopkins “Grandeur of God.” The sun was barely coming up and he felt like he could really relate to the Holy Ghost’s bright wings. While he enjoyed the psalm, he sort of rushed through it. He jumped in the car and started driving. Out of habit he sped quite a bit, and listening to some Gypsy fiddle music didn’t really help with that. He arrived at the Planned Parenthood a little bit early, and had nothing to do but mill around with the other folks who’d be praying. He didn’t really know anybody, but said hi to a couple people and shook the priest (who he figured probably had never molested any kids) hand. They started the full Rosary right on time. The full Rosary, if you don’t know what that is, is fifteen sets of prayers which start with the Our Father, go on to ten Hail Mary’s, then a Gloria, and then a prayer called the “Fatima Prayer.” There are a few other prayers, too, but that’s the jist. You think about different aspects of Jesus and Mary’s life during each decade. When you think about the persecution and brutal murder of Jesus, or about Mary, a twelve year old girl, being told that she can accept of reject the life of God in her womb, and you’re standing outside a place where little people are being burnt with acid and torn limb from limb, well, you can probably guess how a pro-life person feels. Aft er the Rosary he held a sign for a few minutes while he prayed Morning Prayer. Luckily one of the big foam signs was available, it’s much easier to hold a bulky book that way. The whole experience, Rosary and prayer, put him in one of those odd good moods that you feel when you are in the presence of a great tragedy but have peace inside. He took a little long on morning prayer, so he had to hustle to schismatic Church. He really poured himself into hearing Mass. Especially at the prayer before the Eucharist he was just drawn so deep into the priest’s prayer of the Trinity. He had to push back the thought “how can any human being reject a religion which teaches that the basis of existence is the complete and perfect unity and equality of separate person? How can any liberal reject it?” He also rushed home after Mass. He lived in nice suburban ranch. While he didn’t really like ranches, any neighborhood with bungalows was just bound to be too iffy. As he rushed along listening to talk radio he kept silently praying “Jesus, please help me to not argue. Please Jesus.” He came in the front door at about 8:50. He was feeling so good that he couldn’t help but smile. “Hey, honey, how’s it going” he said to his wife. “Sammie” (his daughter) “what’s on the tv?” “Well you’re home early!” “Well, no, I get home at this time every week” a sharp stick jabbed him in the sternum, making him wince “but I’m sorry if I get home late.” There was a screw in the side of his head which twisted, and the radiation coming out of his wife burned him. But luckily his happiness lept up like holy water and doused heat. “Whaddaya wanna do? Should we go to the diner? Man, biscuits and gravy sounds good!” “Well, ok, if that’s what you want to do.” “No, do you . . .” the heat started at him a little bit, but he moved out of the way “allrighty, let’s get Sammie and go. Hey Sammie, get dressed, time for Saturday morning breakfast.” Sammie was such a little short happiness. During breakfast, every time a bit of acid dripped down from the ceiling onto his scalp when his wife looked at him or told him what he was doing wrong or about some food on the corner of his mouth, if Sammie smiled salve dripped instead. But then Sammie would just sit there staring at her food. She had more dietary issues than he could imagine in any 9 year old. “So, what should we do now? Do we need to run any errands?” “Well, what do you think we . . .” he felt bad, but knew he should interrupt her “sorry, I’m so sorry for interrupting” the bugs crawled on his scalp with their sharp little feet “but I almost forgot, the balloon race is today. I just wanted to mention that.” “I knew that. Why did you think I didn’t know that? Of course I knew that. Sammie” she gave her a little kiss on the cheek “do you want to go?” “Oh, I guess.” “Hey, wifey,” he leaned over and whispered to her “what about letting Sammie invite Jane?” “What are you guys talking about?” He said “don’t worry about it, you know we’re doing it so we can discuss something you don’t need to worry about.” The little thumb tacks jumped out of his wife’ eyes at his chest. “ Do you really think we need to deal with Jessica? You know Jane can’t come unless Jessica comes.” “Yeah, but I thought it might be fun for them, and I don’t think Sam and Jane have done anything this week, have they?” “I don’t think we should take on the responsiblity.” “Also, do you mind if we mention it to Jack or my sister or Jim?” “Can’t we just do something as a family?” He fell hot oil oozing down his scalp in little drops. “Oh, sure, that’ll be fun,” he said, smiling. They ran errands for a couple of hours, going from store to store. He and Jane had fund playing slow-mo hide and seek at wal mart. They got hot dogs at the hardware store. They got home around 3:00. “Man, I really need to mow. But, gosh, I’m bushed. I think I’ll lie down for ten minutes.” “Sure, take a nap. You won’t be up for an hour.” “Oh, I’ll get some mowing done. It’s really getting long.” He wound up lying down for twenty minutes. He then got up and got Sammie and they went outside. “Hey mom” she yelled. “Mom? Can I ask Jane to go to the balloon race” The flames shot out of wife’s eyes. His hair caught on fire. “Can we go talk for a second?” “Sure.” “When did you tell her to ask?” “I didn’t.” “Oh yes you did. She hasn’t mentioned Jane all day.” The words froze onto this fore arms. He could feel the flesh cracking. “No, honey, I did not.” Just then the phone rang. As he reached for it the burning heat returned, and the frozen skin snapped. “Hello?” “Hey, it’s your sister.” “Hi Molly. What’s up?” “Hey, are you guys going to the balloon race?” “Um, uh,” he saw the Enola Gay flying overhead. There were two doors on it, one said “nukes for if you invite your sister” and the other said “nukes for if you don’t baby your wife right now.” “Yeah, we’re going!” Some happiness at the thought of the balloons healed some of his wounds. “Do you guys want to hook up? I was thinking I’d bring Jim and Jack, too.” “Uh, let me see what Sandy says. Hey, Sandy” an ice-cycle fell off the ceiling overhead and pierced his school, severing his frontal lobe “do you mind if we hook up with my sister.” Sandy did the trick with her eyes where she squinted and two little slits simultaneously opened and shot tiny chinese throwing starts. They embedded themselves in his forehead, still spinning. “Well” he could feel the blood flowing “sure! Tell them to meat us at the top of the hill by city hall at 5:00.” “Sure, you guys come.” He then called down the cone of silence and whispered as he turned to replace the phone “bring a bottle of Old Crowe? How’s about it?” He then spoke up “see you guys there! Love you!” The lawn mowing luckily absorbed the next couple hours. He even got some edging done. Throughout he could feel his muscles surging. and he said mid-afternoon prayer. They arrived at the hill right on time. They had a pretty easy time finding his sister. Sammie and Jane immediately chased off into the crowd. The adults found a spot about halfway over on the Eastern side of the hill. The balloons looked beautiful as they sat down.” “Hey guys,” Molly said, “anybody for a little booze.” Jim and Jack each took a couple of pulls. Roger got out all of the stuff for the sandwiches. It really was a perfect day for the race, just cloudy and cool enough to need flannals, but not cold. “Boy,” Sandy said “it sure is a lot colder this year than it was last year.” The little nails went past him. The bottle came his way “don’t mind if I do, Jack.” Sandy and Molly talked about work. Jim and Jack and Roger talked about music. Roger had a couple more pulls. “Man, that crow must’ve been made of ambrosia.” It was almost time for the race to begin. Sandy and Molly were talking about their siblings. Jim and Jack were telling Roger that there was no way in the world that Bill Monroe was the third most important american musician. “Oh, fuck you guys” Roger said “c’mon, I’m sure that he’s just as important for country musicians as Jimi is for rock musicians.” “Nobody sounds like him, you idiot.” Not mad, just the way you can talk to a good friend when you’re not talking about anything too serious. “Yeah, but they all cut their teeth playing him.” Sandy smiled and clapped at them. “Hey guys, the balloons are starting to go up.” Jane and Sammie were back, and they both stopped what they were doing. Everybody looked out. It was at the moment that Roger, in the heat of the moment, decided again to try throat singing, you know, like the Mongolian herders and Tibetan monks. He felt really far down in his throat. “mmmmmmm” He didn’t really expect what happened to happen. At first, it looked like the balloons were just going up, but then he noticed that they were going up with the fluctuation in his pedal tone. He began his whistling. And what happened wasn’t just how he felt about it, it really happened. The whole earth began to rumble. He started whistling a little pange lingua. The whole earth gave him his pedal tone. That was when the cracks really began to appear. Roger was worried about the crowd falling into one of the cracks in the earth, but the cracks were quite discriminating. Sandy was looking at him and starting to smile. He whistled more intensely. The cracks opened, every fifteen yards or so, spreading. Rainbow beams of light started pouring out. Everyone began floating. Pretty soon they were all floating along with the balloons. The trees and birds were echoing pange lingua with him. They all floated with the balloons to the fairgrounds. When it was over, Sammie said “well, that was great!”
Saturday, September 20th 2003 - 06:22:16 AM

Short story

(sorry, I don't know how to publish to HTML) SHORT STORY Please excuse the typos. This is a quick, sort of weird story. I hope you like it. If you can get it printed somewhere where I might see it, great, or just pass it around. That’d be fine. Also, I hope you aren’t offended by the bad language, that’s how I talk. Also, if you are an anti-religious person, please don’t let the religious elements stop you from finishing the story, I hope you can enjoy it. Roger woke up at about 5:00 a.m. this Saturday. He usually slept till about 5:30, but he had enough energy so he got up. His bike ride went ok. It was still only early fall, so he was pretty surprise at how cold it was. But that only made it more invigorating. He sang the invitatory song with a little bit of gusto, probably because the cold err was crackling in his lungs. He showered very quickly. Didn’t wash his ears, he never did on Saturday. He always felt so defiant when he affirmatively decided that, since it was the weekend, he could leave this out. He might have to deal with his wife about it later, but here bitching about his ears wasn’t limited to the weekend, so he didn’t really care. He did it during the week out of love for her, but on Saturday and Sunday he was resting, he figured, so why the fuck should he wash his ears, which he hated to do. Anyway, it was nice not to have to rush like he usually did. He continued with his Hours. He had cycled to his favorite poem, Hopkins “Grandeur of God.” The sun was barely coming up and he felt like he could really relate to the Holy Ghost’s bright wings. While he enjoyed the psalm, he sort of rushed through it. He jumped in the car and started driving. Out of habit he sped quite a bit, and listening to some Gypsy fiddle music didn’t really help with that. He arrived at the Planned Parenthood a little bit early, and had nothing to do but mill around with the other folks who’d be praying. He didn’t really know anybody, but said hi to a couple people and shook the priest (who he figured probably had never molested any kids) hand. They started the full Rosary right on time. The full Rosary, if you don’t know what that is, is fifteen sets of prayers which start with the Our Father, go on to ten Hail Mary’s, then a Gloria, and then a prayer called the “Fatima Prayer.” There are a few other prayers, too, but that’s the jist. You think about different aspects of Jesus and Mary’s life during each decade. When you think about the persecution and brutal murder of Jesus, or about Mary, a twelve year old girl, being told that she can accept of reject the life of God in her womb, and you’re standing outside a place where little people are being burnt with acid and torn limb from limb, well, you can probably guess how a pro-life person feels. Aft er the Rosary he held a sign for a few minutes while he prayed Morning Prayer. Luckily one of the big foam signs was available, it’s much easier to hold a bulky book that way. The whole experience, Rosary and prayer, put him in one of those odd good moods that you feel when you are in the presence of a great tragedy but have peace inside. He took a little long on morning prayer, so he had to hustle to schismatic Church. He really poured himself into hearing Mass. Especially at the prayer before the Eucharist he was just drawn so deep into the priest’s prayer of the Trinity. He had to push back the thought “how can any human being reject a religion which teaches that the basis of existence is the complete and perfect unity and equality of separate person? How can any liberal reject it?” He also rushed home after Mass. He lived in nice suburban ranch. While he didn’t really like ranches, any neighborhood with bungalows was just bound to be too iffy. As he rushed along listening to talk radio he kept silently praying “Jesus, please help me to not argue. Please Jesus.” He came in the front door at about 8:50. He was feeling so good that he couldn’t help but smile. “Hey, honey, how’s it going” he said to his wife. “Sammie” (his daughter) “what’s on the tv?” “Well you’re home early!” “Well, no, I get home at this time every week” a sharp stick jabbed him in the sternum, making him wince “but I’m sorry if I get home late.” There was a screw in the side of his head which twisted, and the radiation coming out of his wife burned him. But luckily his happiness lept up like holy water and doused heat. “Whaddaya wanna do? Should we go to the diner? Man, biscuits and gravy sounds good!” “Well, ok, if that’s what you want to do.” “No, do you . . .” the heat started at him a little bit, but he moved out of the way “allrighty, let’s get Sammie and go. Hey Sammie, get dressed, time for Saturday morning breakfast.” Sammie was such a little short happiness. During breakfast, every time a bit of acid dripped down from the ceiling onto his scalp when his wife looked at him or told him what he was doing wrong or about some food on the corner of his mouth, if Sammie smiled salve dripped instead. But then Sammie would just sit there staring at her food. She had more dietary issues than he could imagine in any 9 year old. “So, what should we do now? Do we need to run any errands?” “Well, what do you think we . . .” he felt bad, but knew he should interrupt her “sorry, I’m so sorry for interrupting” the bugs crawled on his scalp with their sharp little feet “but I almost forgot, the balloon race is today. I just wanted to mention that.” “I knew that. Why did you think I didn’t know that? Of course I knew that. Sammie” she gave her a little kiss on the cheek “do you want to go?” “Oh, I guess.” “Hey, wifey,” he leaned over and whispered to her “what about letting Sammie invite Jane?” “What are you guys talking about?” He said “don’t worry about it, you know we’re doing it so we can discuss something you don’t need to worry about.” The little thumb tacks jumped out of his wife’ eyes at his chest. “ Do you really think we need to deal with Jessica? You know Jane can’t come unless Jessica comes.” “Yeah, but I thought it might be fun for them, and I don’t think Sam and Jane have done anything this week, have they?” “I don’t think we should take on the responsiblity.” “Also, do you mind if we mention it to Jack or my sister or Jim?” “Can’t we just do something as a family?” He fell hot oil oozing down his scalp in little drops. “Oh, sure, that’ll be fun,” he said, smiling. They ran errands for a couple of hours, going from store to store. He and Jane had fund playing slow-mo hide and seek at wal mart. They got hot dogs at the hardware store. They got home around 3:00. “Man, I really need to mow. But, gosh, I’m bushed. I think I’ll lie down for ten minutes.” “Sure, take a nap. You won’t be up for an hour.” “Oh, I’ll get some mowing done. It’s really getting long.” He wound up lying down for twenty minutes. He then got up and got Sammie and they went outside. “Hey mom” she yelled. “Mom? Can I ask Jane to go to the balloon race” The flames shot out of wife’s eyes. His hair caught on fire. “Can we go talk for a second?” “Sure.” “When did you tell her to ask?” “I didn’t.” “Oh yes you did. She hasn’t mentioned Jane all day.” The words froze onto this fore arms. He could feel the flesh cracking. “No, honey, I did not.” Just then the phone rang. As he reached for it the burning heat returned, and the frozen skin snapped. “Hello?” “Hey, it’s your sister.” “Hi Molly. What’s up?” “Hey, are you guys going to the balloon race?” “Um, uh,” he saw the Enola Gay flying overhead. There were two doors on it, one said “nukes for if you invite your sister” and the other said “nukes for if you don’t baby your wife right now.” “Yeah, we’re going!” Some happiness at the thought of the balloons healed some of his wounds. “Do you guys want to hook up? I was thinking I’d bring Jim and Jack, too.” “Uh, let me see what Sandy says. Hey, Sandy” an ice-cycle fell off the ceiling overhead and pierced his school, severing his frontal lobe “do you mind if we hook up with my sister.” Sandy did the trick with her eyes where she squinted and two little slits simultaneously opened and shot tiny chinese throwing starts. They embedded themselves in his forehead, still spinning. “Well” he could feel the blood flowing “sure! Tell them to meat us at the top of the hill by city hall at 5:00.” “Sure, you guys come.” He then called down the cone of silence and whispered as he turned to replace the phone “bring a bottle of Old Crowe? How’s about it?” He then spoke up “see you guys there! Love you!” The lawn mowing luckily absorbed the next couple hours. He even got some edging done. Throughout he could feel his muscles surging. and he said mid-afternoon prayer. They arrived at the hill right on time. They had a pretty easy time finding his sister. Sammie and Jane immediately chased off into the crowd. The adults found a spot about halfway over on the Eastern side of the hill. The balloons looked beautiful as they sat down.” “Hey guys,” Molly said, “anybody for a little booze.” Jim and Jack each took a couple of pulls. Roger got out all of the stuff for the sandwiches. It really was a perfect day for the race, just cloudy and cool enough to need flannals, but not cold. “Boy,” Sandy said “it sure is a lot colder this year than it was last year.” The little nails went past him. The bottle came his way “don’t mind if I do, Jack.” Sandy and Molly talked about work. Jim and Jack and Roger talked about music. Roger had a couple more pulls. “Man, that crow must’ve been made of ambrosia.” It was almost time for the race to begin. Sandy and Molly were talking about their siblings. Jim and Jack were telling Roger that there was no way in the world that Bill Monroe was the third most important american musician. “Oh, fuck you guys” Roger said “c’mon, I’m sure that he’s just as important for country musicians as Jimi is for rock musicians.” “Nobody sounds like him, you idiot.” Not mad, just the way you can talk to a good friend when you’re not talking about anything too serious. “Yeah, but they all cut their teeth playing him.” Sandy smiled and clapped at them. “Hey guys, the balloons are starting to go up.” Jane and Sammie were back, and they both stopped what they were doing. Everybody looked out. It was at the moment that Roger, in the heat of the moment, decided again to try throat singing, you know, like the Mongolian herders and Tibetan monks. He felt really far down in his throat. “mmmmmmm” He didn’t really expect what happened to happen. At first, it looked like the balloons were just going up, but then he noticed that they were going up with the fluctuation in his pedal tone. He began his whistling. And what happened wasn’t just how he felt about it, it really happened. The whole earth began to rumble. He started whistling a little pange lingua. The whole earth gave him his pedal tone. That was when the cracks really began to appear. Roger was worried about the crowd falling into one of the cracks in the earth, but the cracks were quite discriminating. Sandy was looking at him and starting to smile. He whistled more intensely. The cracks opened, every fifteen yards or so, spreading. Rainbow beams of light started pouring out. Everyone began floating. Pretty soon they were all floating along with the balloons. The trees and birds were echoing pange lingua with him. They all floated with the balloons to the fairgrounds. When it was over, Sammie said “well, that was great!”
Saturday, September 20th 2003 - 06:21:33 AM

My Pocket Of Thoughts

This is a short story of a pocket of thoughts. The pocket that we see the past and sometimes the future in. Some of us think there is something out there called ESP. And then there are those of us who do not believe in the pocket of thoughts.Do you have an open mind? Do you believe in the pocket of thoughts? It happened to me,Did it happen to you to? or did it? It was on a bus trip back to florida... I had flown to Texas on an emergancey.My mother was in the hospital,she had suffered a stroke and was not doing well at all. Mother got better and was released to go home.I was to catch a flight back home the next day. But for some reason my thoughts kept saying to me no you need to ride the bus, and you need to wait for three days.There it was that pocket of thoughts.Right when I needed it, but I did not know this yet. I was so tired from the emotional drain of the past week, not knowing if mother would make it or not, just exhusted.I guess I had fallen into a deep sleep.There was a pond in my sleep with a small but not so tiny doc for fishing and diving from. This pond was on a beautiful streatch of land.Big trees and flowers everywhere.I was lying under a great magnolia tree, the smell was heavenly.I saw a child of about 4yrs..walk to the waters edge.I reached for him as to say no come back, don't go closer. A chill overcame my being,it was hard to breath,I heard the pounding of my own heart beating.The child turned and smiles ever so sweetly, with sparkling blue eyes.I seemed to get lost in those eyes.The water clouded my mind and I could see a star floating beneith the waters edge,I watched as it sank to the depth of forever.I sudenly realised that I was under water.And that the child was trying to swim,but could not seem to move.I looked past the child and saw that he was caught on a hook under the doc.I could hear voices. They were calling out.Calling out for this child that was lost to them. Jef..I heard oh dear god please Jef where are you?I snaped awake to the sound of a door slaming shut.As I looked up I saw a slinder young lady step on to the bus, and in her arms was a small child with sparkling blue eyes..I tried to bring myself to speak to her,she looked lost and afraid.I wanted to help her,but did not know how to go about this.For you see I did know she would think some what strangly of me.I could not blame her.I felt uneasy but settled back in my seat.I fell fast asleep once again I was hearing a calming tune playing in the air. So sweetly the music played.I tried to fallow the course of its origin. There was a group of people walking towards me they were carring something,it seemed to be a dark object.As they came closer I could see it getting clearer in my mind.Was it?oh my god yes!I believe it is a small casket.No!!I screamed Please no!With a loud sound I was awakened once again. Scared and unsure of where I was I begain to search the room.I realised I was still on the bus,and there across from me...just 2 feet..was that child..what can I do I thought.The bus driver anounced that the next stop was Tallahasse,and I heard the lady whisper wake up Jeffey...I felt my heart stop. Jeffery?I knew I had to speak to her. But what would she do? Would she believe me? I did not know and I had decided I did not care I had to try I took a very deep breath, I must have been very pale. She looked at me and spoke: excuse me mam' are you ok? I could not belive it she was asking after me.And I held her sons very life in my pocket of thoughts.Why yes I am ok,I replied. She smiled and said ok then'you just looked like you had seen a ghost.I was so stuned by her words It must have been a few minutes before I could speak. May I ask you something please? I said to her.Sure ofcourse you may. Well'where you are going,is there a pond?a pound with a small but not to small doc? yes mam there is why do you ask?and how could you know that?I touched her arm and reached for my pocket ofthoughts. Copyright©2002,JudyMcCarn May
Thursday, May 29th 2003 - 07:29:19 PM

Lonely, Yet Not At All Alone

Keilie sat in the comfortably overstuffed armchair in the waiting room of her new counselor's office. Counceling had been the state's idea, and she had to do what they said. She had to tell the new counselor her secrets. She was supposed to anyway. She stared at the door, then at the fire, waiting for something to happen. Willing it to. The waiting was driving her mad. They said that all she had to do was tell the counselor the truth, and she'd be okay. That everything would be okay. But it wouldn't, not really, not ever. There was a handsome man sitting at the desk in an armchair facing hers, apparently waiting as well. He had a fringe of dark blonde hair across his brow, and delightfully golden brown eyes. His skin was lined, but rather pleasantly, and his face showed a kind of gentleness she had never seen before. She couldn't help but look at him, as he radiated a peace that made her desperatly calm. "Are you going to say something?" he asked in a quiet tone with an English accent, almost too softly for her to hear. "Ex-excuse me?" she asked timidly, as a mouse would, cornered by a vicious cat. He sighed. She looked like a trapped animal. "I mean, we've been in session for over five minutes, and you have yet to speak more than two words." "In session? What are you talking about? I'm hear to see a counselor for the state. I don't know who you are." His eyes twinkled with mirth. "Did they just shove you in and tell you to wait?" She nodded the answer to his question. Keilie was quite confused. "My name is Alan Valmont, and I am the counselor to which you refer. You don't have to talk if you don't want to. I can't guarantee that you'll feel better. But, I can help you. If, and only if, you want help." His voice had a mesmerising quality to it, and she found that she could not break eye contact. "I don't want to talk about it," she said with a pleading quality in her voice. "They're making me come, but I don't want to talk about anything with you or anyone else. Nothing happened to me. Just leave me alone." * * * Looking through Keilie's case files after their first unsuccessful session, Alan began to wish he'd never decided to become a counselor. From ages five to fifteen, Keilie Doe (the authorities knew only her first name) had been abused, starved, and raped by her own brother. Apparently, he was the only one who knew she had existed until police had found them both in a wrecked car on the side of a road. He had not survived. She had sustained a concussion, but after x-rays, had been shown to be a victim of severe abuse. He sighed. He'd never had a patient like her before. She was deeply hurt, and there was almost no chance of being able to help her. But he could try. The thought that any human being could survive after living like that was an unbearably thought, but this only strengthened his resolve. He had to help her, no matter what. * * * More to come soon. All me love, Katie
Friday, January 17th 2003 - 02:59:11 PM

The young one

I think writing is fun even though I am still an amateur. Some people tell me that I have a wild imagination. I know that is true. A friend told me the following story should be made in to an anime or something. I think that would be cool. It is based in Winnipeg Manitoba and this story is actually part 2. Please feel free to constructively criticize or tell me if there are any contradictions in the dialogue!

It was snowing as Rajio stood on top of the Investors Group building. The winds were hurling snow in spirals. His cape was beaten by the shimmering winds. He gazed at the dull amber colored glowing city below him. It was almost ten at night. Rajio turned towards the roof door. Police sirens and wailing winds were Winnipeg’s constant night winter melodies. The occasional human voice accompanied this harmony. Rajio was inside and the door shut behind him. He walked down the hallway of the building’s top floor. The winds cried in frustration as they shifted the windowpanes in their frames. The hallway became darker. The lights were off and Rajio could see the glassy marble floor pattern through the moonlight. The far elevator emitted an electronic whir far off as it lifted the janitors to different floors.
Rajio was merely eight years old. This was his first day on earth. He was walking down Osborne St. a few hours earlier when he saw a large figure swooping high above the city towards the Investors group building. He went there to investigate and to find out what his orders were while he was on earth. He left three dead janitors behind him in his haste to find this creature that was obviously one of his kind. Rajio stared at the ground as he walked down Portage Avenue. He was five-foot eight, dressed in a long wooly trenchcoat with short black hair and brown eyes. He was wandering aimlessly through the streets like he was an observer at a zoo. He thought that he should wait for his orders. The divine master would surely tell him what to do when he was ready. What should he do until then? The answer would come in the form of another boy who approaches him on the street.
“Hi.” Says the boy.
Rajio lifts his head and sees him standing in his way, smiling. The other boy was about the same age and he was. He was dressed in a bombers jacket. Rajio smiles at him and replies.
“Hi.”
“Are you lost?” The boy asks.
“Yes.”
“Me too. Maybe we can look for our parents together. My name is David what is your name?
“Rajio.”
David looks at Rajio and squints his eyes.
“You are dressed funny Rajio but oh well. Want to be friends?”
“Okay David.”
Rajio felt an attachment to this boy that he had never felt for any other being in his life. David fascinated Rajio. He decided to accompany this boy until he was called upon by his kind. But the thought of killing someone as kind and as innocent as David saddened Rajio. He was grief stricken at such thoughts. He then wondered if the Janitors in The Investor’s Group building were innocent like David. Perhaps if he had spoken to them then Rajio might not have murdered them. The images of the torn bodies flashed through Rajio’s mind. Rajio tried to forget it and had learned his first lesson on earth.

“Rajio?” David asks. “My dad ran towards the Legislative building after it blew up.”
“Let’s go there.” Rajio replies.
“Race you.”
David started to run down the street. Rajio smiled and ran after him. Rajio felt joy in playing. He caught up to David and for the first time in his life he laughed.
“Man, you are fast!” David huffed.
“You were hard to catch up to yourself.” Rajio replies.
“Holy smokes!”
David pointed at the legislative building. The roof had a huge hole in the top of it. There were crowds of people gathered murmuring to each other. The lights of the emergency vehicles flashed. Police were moving people away from the scene. David grabbed Rajio’s hand and ran through the crowd and David runs up to a man who is six foot in height, wearing jeans, a leather jacket. He had a baldhead.

“There you are David! My god! I was so worried!” The man says.
“I’m okay now Dad.”
“Don’t you ever run off like that again do you understand me?” The man calmly tells David.
Rajio stood inanimate and watched the father and son hug each other. Then a large piece of cement cracked and broke off the top of the building. It smashed on the floor inside. The dust chased the firefighters out of the building.
“What do you think happened?” The man suddenly asked Rajio.
Rajio then remembered the red and black, bat-like creature he had seen.
“It looks like something crashed through the roof.” Rajio said.
“Dad, this is Rajio.” David says.
The father approaches Rajio and shakes his hand. His fingers were thick with calluses, and oil. His breath smelled like alcohol.
“I’m Harland, Rajio. Where are your parents?” The father asks. Rajio is able to pin point a tiny bit of blood trickling down the side of the eggshell dome roof. It distracts him. I must go in there. Rajio thinks.
“I’m sure they are here somewhere Harland I’d better get going if I want to find them. It was nice meeting you David.”
Rajio began to walk towards the smashed building, which was now on fire. There was an entrance on the eastern side that was surrounded by a ten-foot plywood construction wall. Rajio looked around for anyone before clearing it. There was an oak mahogany door. Rajio turned the handle and pushed the locked door open with a crack, and a few metal pieces chimed as they bounced on the ground. Rajio was a spirit gliding up the stairs. Rocks continued to crumble off the ceiling as he walked in. The crumbling became more and more frequent as Rajio slipped up the stairs like a ghost. Just then, a dozen basketball-sized rocks pounded the floor and were followed by a huge slab that smashed into a thousand fragments! A huge dust cloud pushed itself out of the building through every orifice!
There was a gold statue sticking out of the floor. Rajio ran his thumb down the arm of the statue and there was blood on it. And Rajio looked at the blood on his thumb as it began to evaporate into fire. Its embers spiraled upwards and became lost in the dust, forever gone. Suddenly a soft voice spoke: Come to me Rajio. Rajio was startled. He turned right into the face of a statue in the room. Startled by it, He made his hands into claws and he raked across its face. Its head flew in two pieces and broke.
He heard the voice again. By the waters, by the dock, by the bridge, come to me. I am waiting. Rajio then saw the smoke begin to assume the shape of a face then the shoulders and then an arm that slowly raised and pointed towards the wall in a southeastern direction. Come.
From above, the bat-like creature known as Garmond was high above the city, camouflaged by the night skies. His breath left a trail of steam behind him as he flew towards the boat dock. There was no activity that went on below that Garmond did not know every aspect of. He searched throughout every person’s mind for any sightings of the Demon he had thrown through the top of that building, the one that he had thrown through the ceiling and was impaled on that statue. All minds pointed to the boat dock near the riverside. Garmond flew like a bicycle streamer, like a dragon and slammed into a wall with his hands and feet. From where he was, he had the perfect view of the dockside. His wing claws hooked onto the wall also. He was a cat ready to pounce, when he saw a small boy with a black coat running across the bridge and down the side towards the dock. Garmond’s face made a huge grin like the Cheshire cat, as his eyes glowed a bright yellow. He scanned every aspect of the boy with the precision of a computer. Rajio’s memories told the tale of a demon in search of answers who was finally called upon by someone, perhaps the one that Garmond was searching for.
Rajio slid down the icy grass to the side of the Red River towards the black waters. He stood in the mud looking at the waters, hearing the gentle trickle of the stinking water. The smell of death was a heavy fog that dragged itself forever down the waters. The mud below he stood in was gray. That’s when he noticed something swaying back and fourth with the tide. Rajio grabbed the white cloth attached to it and pulled the body ashore. The muscular male figure had golden hair, and was dressed in a white robe with wings protruding from his back. He flipped the body over and the entire front of the robe was covered in blood. There was a gash in the angel’s neck. His face was frozen in an expression of terror. His golden sheath was empty.
On the wooden dock behind Rajio, he heard the hiss of a man exhaling and then laughing.
“Ha, ha, ha, ha…” cackled the demon in his human form wearing a ripped security uniform. One of his eyes was constantly moving everywhere as if scanning the area.
He had a golden sword in his hand, which he held above his head while staring at Rajio.
“This is MY tool now! In my hand, I hold your fate and the fate of thousands of angels. For this is the only tool that is able to kill them!” The creature said.
The creature then pointed the huge sword at Rajio.
“You are lucky young one. You get to choose your fate.” He said with a smile that was so disproportional.
“You make it seem as if it were my choice. I think you are insane.” Rajio said.
The man walked up to Rajio in the mud and lowered his face to his. Both eyes twitched as they stared into Rajio’s.
“If you knew who I was or what my mission was then you would be hailing me! My efforts in this world are going to benefit me only and it is going to start with this sword! The only sword that can kill an immortal! And with this I shall make MY kingdom, my domain on earth and that none shall pass between them or exist without my consent! I will rule the men of this earth before forging an army that will take over heaven and hell. I will rule them all!” The creature said and then he lifted the sword.
“Consider it an honor to have your blood spilled by this special sword.” The creature said.
Rajio was fearful. Then a voice spoke from inside Rajio’s head: Don’t fear Rajio. I will save you. Just elude his attack and assure your survival.
In the corner of his eye he saw part of the wall of the side of the nearby apartment complex come alive, wings spread as it dropped downwards.
The creature was lurching while he walked towards Rajio with the giant sword held with two hands over his shoulder as if he were role-playing, as if it was a joke. He was smiling. Rajio parted his legs and prepared to dodge the sword. Rajio’s fists were tightly clenched.
Suddenly red and black blur flew into the creatures back with upward force of a canon. The creature was projected into the air above the river before dropping in with a giant splash. The sword splashed nearby the shore.
Gamond circled the area in the air before landing on the dock. The boards creaked under his weight. The boards thumped and creaked as the huge winged creature walked to the dock railing and became visible to Rajio who was standing in the mud.
“Come on up here! There is no time!” Garmond spoke and beckoned with the wave of his arm.
The water bubbled and the security guard outfit floated by. Just then a head and shoulders of the creature appeared in the middle of the river, splitting the current. He simply gazed at Garmond and Rajio with a grin in his transformed, demonic state. The water reflected the steam from each breath that the creature took.
The boards cracked as Garmond jumped high and over the railing, towards the place where the sword fell. The creature’s head disappeared under the water. Rajio watched as Garmond was desperately searching for the sword. Suddenly Garmond’s legs were pulled from underneath him and he landed with a splash. The twelve-foot creature stood from out of the water and over Garmond. Its spiked fists clenched as it let out a roar that echoed throughout Osborne village. People came out onto their balconies to see what was happening.
Garmond then jumped from the water, fist first into the creature’s stomach with the force of a shotgun blast that ripped open a hole in its flesh. The creature growled as it wrapped its hand around Garmond’s neck and punched him in the head with its spiked knuckles. The force of the blow sent Garmond to the bottom of the river where his head bounced off the rocks. There were screams coming from the balconies above. Rajio jumped over the railing and kicked the face of the creature, which countered with an arm hook that sent Rajio flying twenty feet away into the cement support structure of the bridge with such speed that the pillar cracked and one side of the bridge started to sink. Rajio’s body fell into the river. The creature picked up the sword and ran down the side on the riverbank towards the Forks, knocking down entire trees in his speeding path.
Rajio woke up underwater as pieces of cement were falling on top of him. The support structure had completely collapsed and was dragging the road into the river. Rajio could hear the cars squealing and crashing into one another as a large piece of the road landed directly on to of him. Suddenly the piece of cement was lifted off and there was Garmond. Grab onto my legs. Garmond said telepathically. Together they moved under the water towards the forks and Rajio holding onto Garmond’s leg. From underwater, Garmond could see the shoreline and the path of destruction to follow. There were embers flying into the air from the creature’s blood dripping from the wound Garmond had inflicted. Garmond head was split open as well. Rajio could hear the faint sounds of a police chopper. He looked up and saw the spotlight searching the trees. Garmond already knew that they were investigating the multiple bizarre reports of “creatures” or “aliens” causing destruction.
The creature was in the woods opposite Queen Elizabeth Bridge. The chopper was also following the path of destruction. The creature was annoyed. He picked up a boulder and hurled in at the chopper. The rock knocked off the tail rotor and sent the helicopter into a spiraling decent. It hit the ground near the Forks Market, and then caught fire as it rolled up the outside stairs and through the window of a coffee shop. Garmond and Rajio climbed ashore at the Forks Dock. People were running away from the flames.
“Stay here Rajio!” Garmond said as he ascended high into the sky. Garmond knew exactly where the creature was in the trees. He continues to fly higher and higher, above the trees where it was. From the clouds, Garmond was a lightning bolt as he pushed himself towards the earth ten times faster than the earth’s gravity would pull him.
The razor sharp plates on Garmond’s arms flared out as he descended. The creature saw him and made a long spike protrude from his forearm. The creature jumped into the air and met Garmond’s wrist slash, while the creature’s entire arm impaled Garmond. They hit the ground and Garmond had a giant hole in his chest from which blood along with hit life was pouring out of him. The creature was ripped in half from neck to navel. He tried to physically hold all of his organs in his body but they poured out his back. The creature gave up and fell onto the ground, his blood was evaporating into tiny embers. He knew his life was over.
“I would have offered you a place in my kingdom Garmond. And now you will never find the sword…for I have hidden it…” These were the creature’s last words. Then his head went limp and his body exploded into millions of tiny embers. Rajio had seen the impact that they had made on each other. He rushed across the bridge towards Garmond. He was sitting in a thick pool of his own blood next to a tree trunk.
“Are you going to die Garmond? Rajio asks.
Garmond was looking at his wound and then at his own internal organs sprawled across the ground.
“Yes Rajio” He replies.
“What are my orders Garmond?”
“The balance of good and evil must remain constant. There are reasons why neither goodness nor badness must prevail. It was my job to uphold that balance Rajio. Now it shall become your job. You are still young, and you are yet do discover your powers. I sense something great in you. Use it and stop creatures like that from ever gaining spiritual power. Find others like you and ally with them until you are strong. Appreciate the value of human life. The dark lord is full of lies…Do not believe in him…Just believe... believe in yourself.”
Garmond bowed his head and passed away. Rajio finally knew what he had to do. As he walked away, Garmond’s ashes made a flurry in the night air. As the last ash had distinguished, Rajio unearthed the sword that the creature had planted. He stuffed it into his trench coat that was almost dry from the water. Besides, if he needed clothes he could just steal them.
It was almost morning. And Rajio had to find a good place to hide the sword. Maybe with David he thought. He headed towards David’s school wondering what adventures lie ahead. He pondered his thoughts. The only thing he knew was that it was going to be an exiting journey. But nothing could prepare Rajio for what will happen next.

Wednesday, December 4th 2002 - 03:27:00 PM

Austin

I could give you perfect. I could give you hope. I could give you strength, control, I could help you cope. Just give me full attention. Just give me your good time. Just give me all you've got. And I will make you Mine. He was standing in line at the school cafeteria.. all the pretty girls and boys lined perfectly up behind him. The lights overheard glared down, obtrusive gray squares, reflecting off the glass arranged neatly over the buffet. There was a tray in his hand, feeling quite light in his heavy arms, with a porcelain plate resting shyly atop. He looked to the menu up on the wall, but all the letters blurred in front of his eyes.. swirling in ways that made his head ache. So instead he dropped his gaze to the food itself. Wrapping his fingers about a serving spoon, he placed a small portion of mashed potatoes on his plate. Moving further down the line, his feet shuffling with languid, drunken steps, he ladled a spoonful of thick, country white gravy on top of the spuds. His fingers (round and pudgy, as are a child's) slid away from the steel ladle, a dollop of the salty gravy clinging to the tips, and he rose his sluggish hand to his lips.. and licked the greasy drops away. Eyes roaming, clock ticking, he moved down the line.. and discovered the freshly carved roast beef. Peculiar thing to serve at school.. but he helped himself anyways. He was about to check out, but.. wait.. there were biscuits to be had! Picking up two in the bare palm of his hand, he placed them on the tray. And after that, a cup of chocolate pudding. The girl behind him, dressed prettily in a bone-tight turtle kneck, told him to hurry up.. her voice knifing through the air. He looked back, ashamed, and said he would. But before he could take another step, he caught sight of one of the lunch ladies coming out with a tray of burgers. She looked up to him with boiling chocolate eyes and asked him if he'd like one. They have bacon.. and cheese. And he nodded compliantly as she placed one on his tray. The girl behind him urged him to get going, but as he moved to take a step forward, he felt that he couldn't. The tray he held in his hands was suddenly far too heavy for him to support. Looking down, he realized the food was overflowing from the clean white plate he'd began with.. and as he watched, eyes hungry and fat, the mess began to expand. French fries, roast beef, greasy pieces of pizza, began to fall from his teetering tray onto the floor, smacking against the tiles with a sickening, slurping noise. Mayonnaise, whip cream, cheese curls, marshmallows, tater tots.. all mixing together, sliding into his hands.. until he was staggering beneath the weight of his lunch room tray. He felt his knees giving out as the sweat collected on his brow, and just as he was about to collapse.. he awoke, shaking. Pulling away the bedsheets, those that clung to his damp flesh, he stumbled frightened out of bed. Through the black of his bedroom, and the quiet, familiar glow of the hallway, he ran franticly to the bathroom. As his feet struck the cold, relentless floor, he felt himself once more sagging beneath the weight of his lunch tray. A sob rose in his chest, tears burning the back of his eyes, as he dropped thankfully to his knees in front of the toilet. Trembling hands gripped the sides as he let himself go.. releasing the sob that'd built up in his chest. And as the tears burst forth, his glassy eyes clenched against the world, his stomach emptied itself into the basin.. cleansing his insides of all that was impure The sour taste was soothing to his throat, stomach juices gently burning his gums, and he garbled a few helpless "I'm sorry"s into the merciful bowl. Dirty blonde hair matted thick against his forehead, his arms were weakening now as he heaved up saliva and acid. When the gagging finally slowed, he slumped down against the cold fixture, blindly extending a hand to flush the mess away. When he finally opened his eyes, he'd find himself staring into the pristine comfort of a porcelain toilet bowl.

Not unlike the glittering fancy of the porcelain plate, sitting on that hellish tray.
Tuesday, August 6th 2002 - 10:41:22 AM

Untitled

"It all started with a box of ceral." the little boy went out, as those twisted features were washing over the crowd. The jury..court room..he was on the stand. His lawyer came up, and rested that blue over coat covered arm on the stand, lettin' the head..topped complete with jet black hair. Not a smudge of gray..and he had to be in his late 30's. "Go on Jake." He urged the boy on. A gulp was given from Jake, as he nodded a little. "I saw that ..Nick had a box of ceral, while we were out on the playground. After school. He told me earlier, his mom gave it to him to feed the ducks at the pond with. I wanted it. I..had to have it. When I got home from school. I took my bike that my dad build me for my paper route..has a big basket on the back, with a sheet..and started to the playground. Once I saw Nick..I..yelled at him, he said he wouldn't give me the ceral..So..I.." He let the words trail down into a mumble, as the head was lowering, and he let a tear slip down one of those youthful cheeks of his. "I..can't explain the rest." "That's ok Jake. I'll tell the rest of the story...from what you told me.." A simple nod was given from the lawyer, and he offered a ..plastic smile to the kid, he knew he despised, but knew he was getting paid to defend. "When he spotted poor defendless Nick, sitting by the poud, feeding the innocent ducks. Hate must have struck into this young man, taking over his small form. Not just because he wanted that box, but because of Nick not sharing. So he took off in a rage. Nick of course knowing the all so familier look in Jake's eyes..Got up, and ran..Leaving the box on the ground..right were police found it. Taking him as fast as little legs would lead him, he ducked out of the gate...he did have a head start on Jake. According to the story I heard." A deep breath was taken, and those eyes scanned over the jury. They didn't look happy. Then a glance was given to the Honor..She didn't look happy. He let the tongue wash over his lips for a moment..god, he needed a drink, before continuing. "Nick started down the sidewalk, and ducked in a local trophy shop..He knew the owner..Spotting the man behind the counter, he tried to explain everything before Jake came in..But..to late. Jake was off his bike, and already starting into the place. Pencil in hand...Freshly sharpened." Another gulp was given from Jake. "He halted beside Nick..and..stabbed that pencil right into poor Nick's eye..Jamming it upward, causing blood to spill forth onto that carpetting. What do you think the owner did?..He egged Jake on. Nick collapsed to the ground, just to have Jake take hold of his little wrists, and drag him back out through that door. He had a basket..he had a sheet. He could cover up his mistake...right?".. Jake was..shaking his head now. "That's not what I wanted!..I didn't mean to!. I swear. Please, he was my friend." "But, you killed him Jake." "No, I didn't, he's alive." "No he isn't, he is dead..You buried him." "No I didn't!" He threw his hands into the air, and stood. Eyes on that so-called-lawyer of his. "I didn't touch him damnit!." This one of course turned, and was setting big hands on little shoulders, lowering the boy back to his seat.."Calm down Jake..It's ok. You need to finish the rest.." Tears were burning and stinging in little eyes, as he blinked ..causing them to run down those cheeks...stained red now. "A..alright." Plain and simple words, a little balled fist came up, and brushed the tears away.. "I dragged him out to my bike..and...lifting...pulled..tugged. Got him into that basket. It was a lot of work, and I remember really wanting a soda after that. But..I knew I had to do something with Nick. But, he was moving..under the sheet..He was moving. I thought about just leaving him on the ground, but..he'd tell, and dad would spank me, and refuse to give me dessert. Can't have that, so..I found were daddy kept his gun, and..I pulled it from my jeans. It was tucked under my shirt..I didn't want to get in trouble, I just wanted to see what it was like to hold a gun." Trained eyes slipped, and rested on his father and mother. His mom was weeping, his father was giving off the disapproving shake of the head. The one Jake hated. "I shot him..He couldn't tell on me then. Four times. I ..don't know where, but I know the sheet was staining red, and..he didn't move after that. ..I tucked the gun under the sheet with Nick, and ..got on my bike. ..riding off." "Where is the body?".. "I don't know." "You just admited that you killed him. Where did you bury him?".. "..He was a dog..he's in my backyard." Officers retreated now, and were starting down the hall, They would go and search for that body in Jake's backyard. "You may step off the stand now Jake."
Tuesday, August 6th 2002 - 10:24:40 AM

Yin's Forest: Anakara's Arcane

Chapter 1 “Calm down!” shouted the figure as he dodged the kick. He crouched his body down and clenched his fists tighter, prepared to counter. Just as his mental picture of attack was about to be put into motion, a fist connected with his jaw, sending him back to the ground. “Damn, take it easy! This isn’t a real fight you know, “snorted Bruce. He dug his knuckles into the ground and spat out a small mixture of blood and saliva. He looked up at his opponent. A subtle spark in Bruce’s eyes became visible as his brother, Azrel, stood above him with a teasing smirk that made him want to break his neck. “I don’t even know why I decided to come here. Chasing after some ridiculous “demons,” which let me remind you, haven’t even shown up yet,” protested Bruce. He stood up onto his feet. The two brothers’ eyes met briefly until Azrel decided to break the contact. He blinked and frowned deeply, “They will show up, eventually. I believe what Rouken said, and YOU should too. That’s why YOU should quit slacking and fight harder.” “It’s been an entire year already! Rouken and the Regals have all of us living here for nothing!” “You were always the best between us at the art of whining.” That was it. Azrel’s last remark nearly made Bruce dive at his brother and kill him. His common sense kicked in and he remained where he stood, knowing that Azrel’s fighting ability was far superior to his. It seemed as if Azrel was greater in every way compared to Bruce. This concept, ever since the entire group traveled to Arcane City, served as Bruce’s fuel of resentment for his brother. It was clear now. He was starting to hate Azrel. As his mind wandered so did his eyes. With incredible speed they surveyed the area of huge trees and greenery, making their way toward the house where everyone stayed, not too far away. Bruce’s mouth curved into a frown as he saw Lily, sitting on the step reading a book. The temperature was warm and the sun was beaming intensely. She was wearing black shades and a light blue shirt and skirt. Her legs were crossed. It was as if her clothes were being generous to his eyes, hugging her curves and revealing just a bit more flesh than expected. Her dark hair was rolled up within a sky-blue bow. Absolutely beautiful, he thought. Suddenly Bruce was snapped out his dream state by a knock on his arm. “Let’s go, you seem distracted. We can continue tomorrow,” stated Azrel. Lily leaned back and stretched her arms, a yawn escaping her lips. “Unbelievable! How can George do that to his sister! I’m going to strangle the author of this book.” Just as she was beginning to look back down for her “victim’s” name, Lily caught a glimpse of two bodies approaching. She smiled enchantingly and quickly stood up with her arms spread out. Azrel hugged her and placed his hands on her waist, rocking her hips slowly side to side. Bruce, deciding not to stay and watch, proceeded to enter the house. Lily leaned close toward her husband’s ear spoke softly. “You’re sweaty.” “Does it bother you?” “No, not one bit. It’s not like I’ve never touched you when you were sweaty before.” “Well, time’s up.” Azrel slowly let go of his embrace, and she followed. “I have to go shower.” He began to walk into the house. “Should I join you?” asked Lily with a teasing smile. Azrel stopped in his tracks turning his head with a smirk, “Let’s make that our date for tonight.” With that said he continued into the house and hopped upstairs. Lily laughed softly and blushed, returning to her book. +++++++++++++ Hours later, nighttime emerged. The soft breeze tickled the leaves of the trees and grass. They jiggled under the moonlight. Lily sat on the bed and brushed her wet, curly hair. She tightened the strap holding her pink robe together and felt her eyes getting heavy. Putting the brush down she lay on her back and closed her eyes, a line of blush from cheek to cheek still present. It had been there for the past two hours, the time she and Azrel spent on their date in the shower. Just as Lily was about to fall asleep, Azrel dived onto the bed making it rumble. He quickly flipped on his back facing the ceiling. “My brother is being lazy.” “What do you mean?” Lily asked as she dangled her irremovable necklace. “He’s not training as hard as I know he can. I feel like I’M the older brother, not the other way around.” Azrel closed his eyes, flashing back to the facial expression he saw earlier today. “Bruce doesn’t seem like himself lately. Ever since the whole treasure situation began, it seems as if he’s disliked me. Not to mention he’s developed an incredibly bad attitude. What if he is right? What if this is all a complete trick, and the only reason you’re not able to take that necklace off is because there’s a special lock of some sort that needs to be found.” Lily turned to look at him, hearing the concerned tone in his voice. She placed a hand on his chest and snuggled against his neck. “Give him some time. As weird as it may sound, he doesn’t seem to enjoy this kind of stuff, despite being a relative of a warrior class.” “I guess you’re right.” ++++++++++++ Bruce trudged through the grass with his head down. He was pissed that Azrel had beaten him this morning. No, it was not that. He was pissed because he had been beaten in front of Lily. Whether she was watching or not was not an issue. She could have been though, he wondered. His mind continuing to wander, Bruce slammed into something extremely hard. He held his head as he looked up and saw a man with torn shirt and pants slouching in front of him. “Watch it man! What are you doing out here in the middle of the night anyway?” He then began to laugh. “I guess I should be asking myself the same question.” Bruce noticed his new company did not laugh. Mistaking it for bad humor he began to walk passed him when the man grabbed hold of his arm. Bruce flinched at the sheer power of the grip and responded by throwing a punch at his face, connecting. With no success the man’s hold became tighter. Bruce’s eyes widened as the man opened his mouth. Teeth sharp as a wolf’s and mouth oozing with a green substance, he tackled Bruce to the ground, making him regret all the days he spent being lazy during training. The man tilted his head and pinned it to the ground, mouth preparing to indulge. Bruce shut his eyes awaiting his demise. Chapter Two His eyes remained closed, and for a split second he thought his life was over. Bruce’s lips curved into a deep frown as he felt something drop on his face. He cracked his eyes open slowly and looked up at his attacker. The man’s grip grew weaker and he began to lean to the side. Bruce glared at his neck and quickly flipped the guy off of him, hurrying to his feet. Just as he was about to attack the man, two star-shaped objects soared passed him and pierced the man’s neck. “What the…” Bruce muttered, looking behind him. He spotted two shadows hiding behind a group of tall bushes. They both jumped out and continued their attack on the already injured man. “Rose? Leo? What the hell are you two doing here?” asked Bruce. He wiped his and looked at his hand. His eyes grew wide at the sight of the green substance. What the hell IS he, Bruce wondered. “Saving your ass that’s what!” Leo shouted. He signaled for Rose to back away. Leo punched the man in the jaw a final time and kneeled down, realizing he was unconscious. Rose and Bruce glared at each other simultaneously. They shrugged and walked over to Leo. Leo stood up, a confused expression fell upon his face. “Why is his blood green!” shouted Bruce. Leo did not respond. He scooped the body up and began walking in the direction of the house. ++++++++++ It was morning. Lily growled in an annoyed tone while rolling over. She wished the curtains weren’t so transparent. The sun targeted her face and she sprang up stretching her arms, stomping to the window to look outside. “Azrel, I’m so glad we didn’t have to travel someplace else. I kind of like it here.” She blinked slowly, feeling this was the right time to explain herself. “I’ve been getting the feeling that Bruce has been looking at me. I know you’re confused, and I hope you don’t jump to any conclusions. It’s just that,” she cleared her throat, “I think Bruce has an attraction towards me. I am loyal only to you, and I don’t want him to conceive something that will never happen.” Lily bit her bottom lip waiting for a response. She turned around and frowned, placing her hands on her hips to see that the bed was empty. Her mouth opened wide and let out a sigh. Figuring that time alone was good practice for the real time she tells him, she went to go shower. ++++++++ Downstairs was Azrel. Usually he was not able to escape from the bed without Lily waking up and frisking him for such an attempt. This time he was lucky. He strapped up his light-armor plated boots and put on his black gloves. The gloves were cut at the fingertips and laced with red rubies on each knuckle. He opened the front door of the house and started to walk out when he heard the sound of feet creeping behind him. Expecting the sneak to be Lily he quickly turned around and whipped the bandana in his hand at her legs. She jumped back and his eyes widened in surprise to find out he was mistaken. “Ow! You asshole, what do you think you’re doing?!” Becca shouted. Her eyes were a light blue and her hair was golden, riding down a bit farther than her shoulders. She was wearing a dark-red skirt and top, with black high-heel boots. Anger caused her eyes to sparkle. This was the second time Azrel had noticed the subtle transformation, the first time being their initial encounter in the forest. “I’m sorry Becca, thought you were someone else. A word of advice, try not to sneak around behind me, and maybe I won’t react that way towards you again.” He closed the door changing his mind about his destination and walked passed her, heading for the huge area on the first floor. It was an enormous version of a common’s living room. “It’s ok, really.” Becca stated quietly. The stinging on her legs didn’t hurt at all to her actually. She blushed as she turned on her heels and followed him. They each took a seat, facing each other. Both were quiet. Azrel disliked this kind of silence. It usually meant something was up. He stood up and wrapped his bandana around his head, preparing to leave when the silence was broken. “Azrel?” He stopped walking. “I’m sorry, about calling you an asshole. I didn’t mean it.” “It’s ok.” “Can I ask you something?” Azrel nodded his head and turned to sit back down. He halted his movement when he saw that she had switched positions, moving into the seat next to him. He blinked quickly and sat down next to her, “Go ahead,” he stated flatly. “Will that necklace ever come off of Lily? What if it shrinks and chokes her? Or kills her somehow?” She did not mention the fact that the necklace choking the life out of Lily was in a dream of hers last night. Azrel obviously flinched at this. His muscles tensed at the mere thought. It was obvious such an image disturbed him. It was heard in his voice. “I won’t let that happen! Before you interrupted me, I was planning to go out and speak with the locals of the city. Someone has to have seen or noticed something unusual.” Azrel cocked one eye open a bit wider at her sudden advancement. He did not realize she was THIS bold. Becca slowly inched her petite body over to him, and put her arm around him. Azrel took a deep breath to compose himself, and found that he was getting annoyed. Isn’t she aware that I’m taken? Does she even care? These questions rolled through his mind in split-second fashion as his fists began to clench together. “You do not know what you are getting yourself into. I suggest you take your hands off of me right now, or--“ Becca’s hand over his chest quickly shushed his commanding voice. “Now that Lily has that thing on her neck, she’s most likely in great danger. Sooner or later she’ll become a target, and when that happens, who’s to say if you are able to save her or not. Face it, her end is near Azrel. Make the right choice,” she inched her lips closer to his cheek, “do not tamper with which has become poisoned. She is poisoned, now.” Azrel gritted his teeth in anger, but also was listening to every word that she said. He frowned and moved his head away from her, ready to push her off when a foot met Becca’s face, sending her back off of the couch and rolling onto the floor. Azrel jumped up quickly to see Lily in a fighting stance. She did not bother looking at him. He had never seen her THIS angry before! The sight overwhelmed him. He wanted to say something, but wasn’t sure of how his words would make her react. Becca got up on one knee, wiping a trickle of blood from her lip with her hand. She looked up at Lily, “You bitch!” and dived at her with a small ninja star concealed in her hand. Chapter Three Becca hit the ground hard, her back first. The sound of metal was heard as the object Becca attempted to harm and possibly kill Lily with skidded across the floor. Lily, who had a fierce raging expression earlier, had her eyes tightly shut, as if awaiting an inevitable hit. Lily slowly removed her hands from her face and cautiously opened her eyes. She knew very well that fighting was not apart of her, although she had learned a few techniques here and there from her husband, just for the possibility of having to defend herself. She and Azrel both knew that her beauty would frequently attract unwanted attention, and her light training was the solution. But this female, Becca, she was not prepared for. Lily blinked a few times and began to regain her composure. She realized her attack was based on impulse alone. Lily looked in Azrel’s direction. His hands were still locked in fists, frowning deeply. Then he relaxed his hands and walked over to Becca who was unconscious. He knelt down and turned her cheek left to right. He felt a bit surprised that he didn’t bruise her. She’s tougher than I thought. Lily took a few steps toward Azrel, faking a concerned tone in her voice. Now that she witnessed Becca’s stunt firsthand, she did not want her around. “Is she dead?” Azrel placed two fingers just under her cheekbone, feeling for a pulse. “No she’s alive alright. Weird, she isn’t bruised at all either.” He lifted her up over his shoulder and laid her body flat on the couch. “Why did you even try and fight her?” Lily huffed and crossed her arms, leaning her weight to one side. The nerve of him! Acting as if he wasn’t aware of what she was trying to do! She took a few more steps toward him. “I don’t know if you noticed, but from what I saw, that witch was trying to seduce my husband.” Azrel smirked enigmatically, and closed the distance between them, putting his hands firmly on her hips. He then leaned close to her ear. “I don’t blame her for trying, due to my “genetic contribution.” But who said that she would succeed?” While finishing his last words he faced her and flaunted the earring he smoothly took off of her ear. Lily’s eyes widened and shoved his arm in soft laughter. “You sneak, give it back!” Becca’s eyes were open halfway observing the two. She smirked evilly and decided to be deemed unconscious on the couch for the rest of the time. ++++++++++ SLAM! The front door shut, causing Lily in the room upstairs to jump up, holding her book out as if it was a weapon. She quickly calmed down and growled in a light voice, hearing the sounds of a group of voices coming her way. Bruce walked into the room first and bowed. “Hello Lily, how are you on this great afternoon?” He added a British accent to his words. This was obviously a joke. Lily laughed and put the book over her head, signaling that she was busy reading. “This will only take a moment. We have a surprise for you.” Lily sighed and folded a page in the book. “Okay, what is it? I’ve been trying to finish this chapter all morning,” then she furrowed her eyebrows in his direction, “because of so many interruptions.” Bruce outwardly grinned at this, but frowned deep down inside. I bet your “interruptions” had something to do with all the giggling I heard from you and Azrel in the shower this morning as I walked pass. “Introducing, our new member!” While changing his voice into a bad imitation of a trumpet, the body of the man that attacked him in the woods slowly walked in, all the stains of his green blood in tact. Lily screamed and hopped onto her feet. Then she glanced down at his feet, noticing the extra pair behind the man’s. She crossed her arms and tapped her foot. “Maybe you should try learning to walk WITH the body you’re carrying instead of AFTER it.” She smirked, proud that she was able to notice that. “Damn!” Leo blurted out as he put the guy on his shoulder and signaled for everyone to come downstairs. Chapter Four “I’ll take…hmm…those three apples,” stated Rose. The wrinkly-faced shop owner smiled as he put her order of fruit in a small basket. He wrapped it up with plastic and handed it to her. Rose turned and walked out, ripping the plastic off without hesitation. “Can you eat that any faster?” Leo asked. He turned to face her, mimicking her fast motion of eating the apple and laughed. “Well if you came to town and stayed here all day without eating breakfast you’d do the same!” Leo shrugged his shoulders, “I guess you’re right,” and surveyed the area. “All of this time out here and nothing has popped up. Not one person like the guy we found in the forest.” “Maybe because it’s daylight. If we come back later tonight we might find something.” She blinked and closed her eyes. The image of that man still remained clear in her mind. “Disgusting,” she muttered. She then ran a hand through her hair and started to walk, when her arm was grabbed and pulled back. “No wait. Look, over there,” Leo pointed. Rose nodded. The crowd of people cleared from the counter of the store the two kept an eye on, moving in all directions. All who were left was the guy who appeared to be the seller and a rugged looking woman. She wore a long white dress, filled with holes and marks of dirt. Leo narrowed his eyes and put his hand over them to protect from the sun. The man seemed frightened, and took a few steps back from the woman. She wobbled to the side of the counter and kicked the door down with little effort, lazily reaching her arms out. Her tongue slipped out, along with the familiar green liquid, and licked her lips hungrily. Rose was prepared to take off and stop what was about to occur but was halted. Leo shook his head. “If we kill her, then we won’t know where she came from. Hopefully she’ll lead us to the rest of them, whatever they’ve become.” Rose nodded understanding. +++++++++ Becca cracked an eye open at the sound of a mug being set on the table beside her. Her eyes widened, surprised that she fell asleep on the couch. The last thing she remembered was hearing Azrel and his wench fooling around while she was faking her slumber. She cursed herself mentally for allowing herself to actually fall asleep. That wasn’t the plan, she thought. She turned to her side, blinking a few times to adjust her eyes to the sunlight. Looking over her, she noticed being covered by a blanket and quickly removed it, sitting up straight. “Did you?” Becca asked the man who sat across from her. “If you’re asking if I was the one who put that blanket over you, the blanket you just HAD to get off of you, you are correct.” Bruce crossed his arms defensively. “You should keep resting. I heard my brother slugged you pretty hard.” “Shut up!” Becca shouted. She felt humiliated. She should have never gotten hit in the first place, being a member of The Regals. They were elite bounty hunters. Even though his punch did not hurt her in the least, everyone seems to have heard about the incident, that she was hit and that she was knocked unconscious. She wanted to let everyone know that she couldn’t be injured by mere humans if she didn’t want it. Bruce threw his hands in the air as if being held hostage. “Hey, don’t get angry at ME because YOU couldn’t dodge it!” He frowned. “Believe me, I know what it’s like to take one his punches, without wearing those ruby gloves of his. Try taking five or six in a row!” He then looked directly at her. “Why did he hit you anyway? I know he can be a hot-head sometimes, but there had to be a reason as to why he did what he did. So spit it out.” Becca found herself taking on a shyer manner and bearing. She rested her hands on her hips, then crossed them, and crossed her legs. Her mouth opened, speaking in a light tone, seemingly as if she was talking more to herself than to Bruce. “I tried to seduce him. I thought he had a considerable amount of interest in me, even though he didn’t say it. I thought I was getting to him. Unfortunately…it didn’t work.” Bruce’s eyes widened at this. “Then his wench attacked me, so I was going to kill her right there, then HE socks me in the face…knocked me across the room.” “I’m not surprised,” Bruce responded. He stood up and sat next to her, putting his arm around her. She looked up at him and he returned her stare. “My brother seems to be completely loyal to Lily.” He gritted his teeth. “And she’s the same with him.” Becca nodded, realizing she was tearing. She reciprocated Bruce’s embrace, both remained silent. Chapter Five “How long is this tunnel…” whispered Rose. She stayed close behind Leo as they continued to follow the rugged-looking woman. Rose was thoroughly pissed off. The lady had taken them not only a long walk through the city, but watched as she picked up a few human meals along the way. And now they were in the sewers. “I don’t know…” Leo whispered back. He too was growing impatient. “Hopefully not much longer.” Rose slowly closed her eyes, and for a moment caught the images of the innocent people that this monster, this being who was once human, had consumed before reaching this point. The woman suddenly stopped in her tracks. Leo quietly tugged on Rose’s shirt and both simultaneously hopped onto a ledge above. “What’s going on?” Rose quietly pried. Leo slowly leaned over to observe, and his eyes widened at what he saw. “That’s him!” whispered Leo as best as he can. Rose leaned over to take a look. Her small mouth opened wide. “That’s the guy who was attacking Bruce in the forest the other day…how could he have made it here all the way from the house? Last thing I remember, we restrained him with chains in the basement while he was unconscious.” “I guess he was too strong for them,” Rose pointed ahead. “There is another one approaching.” After ten minutes, an entire group of these people had shown themselves, gathering under the ledge Rose and Leo were hiding on. Leo leaned back and huffed. “What’s going on here? I’m not sure whether to say that they are aware of us being here or just resting.” A bright light emitted below the ledge, followed by the sound of a miniature explosion. Smoke began to consume the entire area. Rose reacted on instinct and swiftly pulled out a short, multiple-edged knife, and held two ninja stars in the other hand. Seeing an opportunity to attack, she straightened her posture and prepared to jump down. “No!” a light voice shouted. Rose turned her head and smiled. “Becca, how did you find us?” “Oh, just forget about the one who set off the gas bomb why don’t you!” Bruce muttered as he stammered up, throwing his back against the wall. The smoke was beginning to clear and the sounds coming from the undead ones at the bottom made it obvious; they were angry. “Becca and I were chatting when we heard rumbling in the basement. I went to take a look and that MONSTER just shoved me out of the way!” He laughed, “Didn’t try to attack me or anything. I found that very weird.” He then nodded over to the female next to him. “It was Becca’s idea to let him go and follow him. Looks like she was right!” He leaned over the edge. A pink and greenish hand swung at his face. He quickly hopped back and gasped, laughing again. “Just one question, how do we get out of here?” “From what you said, it seems as if they’re all grouping here for a specific reason.” Leo frowned. “And that reason might just be not too far ahead.” “Well, I say we just go down there and show them what we’re made of. We can take them!” Rose stated in a confident tone. “I have a better idea,” stated Becca, revealing a small orb-shaped object. She pushed a button on the top. “Everyone, on the count of three, close your eyes and head for the end of the tunnel.” “What’s that Becca?” questioned Bruce. He leaned his head to the side to get a better view. Then he shut his eyes, as did everyone else. “One…two…THREE!” Becca tossed the ball down, and it was caught by one of the zombies. He scanned it for a few seconds and immediately dropped it as a bright light emerged. The luminescence consumed the area, and the four warriors made their way through the zombies, pushing, shoving, and fighting. +++++++++++++ “You have to be kidding me…” said Bruce, his eyes as wide as they could go. His eyes traced the huge, green, larva-looking creature all the way to the top of its tiny head. The being was incredibly large, with tons of lard making most of it to thank for that. It had no arms and one eye, and with it caught Bruce’s glance. Its mouth opened, the similar green substance, that drooled out of the zombie’s mouths, dripped from the corners. “How do we kill that thing?!” Bruce shouted. “One thing is for sure,” said Leo as he peered back through the tunnel, “we have to get rid of it before his ‘helpers’ return. They’re already pissed from the Light Stunner.” Rose took off at it, preparing to strike with her short knife when the creature released a wave of green goo from its mouth. Rose was stopped immediately and fell to the floor, the goo beginning to spread over her body. “Rose!” Everyone yelled simultaneously. They all rushed toward her. Leo, with a frightened expression, thrusted his hands in the goo, trying to rip it away. A loud groan rumbled throughout the tunnel and everyone, minus Rose who was stuck to the ground, looked up in fear. The gigantic larva spewed the goo once again. “Watch out!” Bruce shouted. Unfortunately it was too late. Now Bruce, Becca, Rose, and Leo were all stuck to the ground, seemingly in the same pile of goo. “Idiot! You’re not supposed to hit me…just them!” Becca mumbled to herself. “What did you say?” Leo questioned with wide eyes. Deciding to change the subject she pointed toward the tunnel. The zombies were approaching. “We’re dead!” Bruce cried and looked up then down, then back up. An expression of shock and relief fell upon his features. “You bastard! Where the hell have you been all of this time!” “Shut up!” Azrel retorted. He somehow found himself on top of the creature’s head. It shook its head numerous times to get him off but with no success. Azrel unsheathed his sword and jumped down the front, digging the blade in its neck. The sharp edge went though and sliced down until Azrel’s feet touched the ground. He jumped back and calmly watched the left and right side of the monster fall sideways. “Azrel!” Bruce hollered. The zombies were beginning to crowd the fallen in the goo. Suddenly, they all fell to the ground and the goo’s hardened structure softened so everyone could escape. Azrel quickly walked over to his brother and punched him in the arm with a smirk. “You cry too much. Who’s the older brother, you or me?” “Oh please!”
Thursday, May 23rd 2002 - 12:47:27 PM

Yin's Forest: Legend of the Golden Treasure

Azrel had heard of the dark forces. He was warned may times by his brother Bruce not to go to such a dangerous place. Although it was dangerous to even consider, Azrel could not resist. The area called Yin’s Forest held a terrible reputation. Its legend is known throughout the entire world. Dating centuries back, it is said that many travelers from around the world entered the forest in search of a great treasure. To date, no one knows what that treasure really is, but it is said that at the center of the forest lies a golden box which contains the jewels of an ancient, extinct civilization. Some say that Yin’s Forest is haunted with the ghosts of people who died attempting to reach its center. Whatever it is thought to be, the place is presumed dangerous and should be avoided. “Don’t go Azrel,” shouted Bruce as he held his little brother’s arms. “It’s too dangerous to even consider going there! You’ll just get killed like all the other fools who tried!” Azrel was the younger of the two, and apparently the most stubborn. Being born into a family of great warriors trained in various martial arts, Azrel took pride in his abilities. The death of his father Ronan left he and his brother as the only two descendants of the great Saki Warrior Family. Azrel felt that in order to keep his family name alive and strong he must take on every challenging task possible. In this case, he desired to achieve greatness by capturing the forest’s treasure. “I’m not like every other! We aren’t Bruce! You should have more pride and honor in our family name! If father ever heard you speaking that way, he’d definitely punish you!” retorted Azrel. He stared at Bruce, trying to understand what made him act so opposite of the rest of the family. Bruce did not seem like the warrior type. The polar opposite of his younger brother, Bruce’s demeanor was that of a peace maker. “Think of your wife damn it!” yelled Bruce. It was his final attempt at getting Azrel to listen. “I overheard the two of you the other day talking about having children. What if you get killed? Doesn’t that mean anything to you?” Azrel calmed down and closed his eyes. Bruce was actually getting though to him for once. “I love Lily. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt her, you know that.” Bruce sighed with relief. He was going to listen this time. Finally, the squirt listens to me. Being a big brother is tough, even if Azrel is twenty-one. The two left the family castle and walked out to the field in silence. Azrel suddenly stopped in his tracks and looked down. Bruce noticed something was bothering him. “What is it Azrel?” “I have to go.” He simply stated. “What do you mean?” wondered Bruce as he too looked down in shock. “You may not carry a sense of honor for our name, but I do. I am a Saki Warrior, relative of the best fighters to ever live! I will make that name even greater by doing what no other has done. And that’s retrieving that forest’s treasure!” With that proudly said, Azrel left for the destination. Bruce stood astonished. How can someone have so much honor in a simple name? Once we’re gone it won’t even exist anymore! ++++++++++++++ Bruce sprinted to find Lily and explain to her what was going on. He searched throughout the entire castle. It all seemed hopeless. He sat outside on the park bench. “Where in God’s name is that woman? She’s going to flip out when she hears about this.” Bruce leaned back and glanced behind him. His eyes widened as he saw Lily sitting in the grass a few feet behind him. “Lily!” shouted Bruce as he ran towards her. She looked up calmly, despite his upset mood. “Hello Bruce. What’s up? Would you like something to drink?” She poured herself a glass of juice. “I have your favorite grape juice!” Her eyes seemed to light up everything around her, even in daylight. Bruce could not deny he was ever attracted to her. He was, but she did not know it. Her long, black hair, peach-colored skin, and bright green eyes all contributed to this. He always felt Azrel was no good for her. He had a feeling that Azrel would do something like today that would jeopardize her life. Bruce turned his head away from Lily as he clenched his fists. “That’s not why I’m here.” “What’s wrong then? Something bothering you?” “…It’s Azrel.” “Azrel? What happened to him?” asked Lily with a concerned expression. “He heard about the legend of Yin’s Forest and decided to go there. He’s determined to get to its center and get the treasure for the family name.” Lily spilled the entire glass of juice on her white dress. Remaining calm, she took some napkins and uselessly tried to dry herself off. Bruce was shocked that this new information did not at all bother her. “Doesn’t this bother you?” asked Bruce. He was trying to get something, anything out of her. She looked as if she fell into a daydream state. Lily then snapped herself out of it and smiled gently. What’s with her? She should be unbelievably pissed and worried by now! She should be worried to death! “Do not worry, Bruce.” “Excuse me? Do not worry? There’s a good chance he’ll die there you know!” “Azrel will be fine. Besides, there is no way to stop him now anyway. When he gets into these ambitious moods there’s really no stopping him. I think that’s why I married him. He’s always so determined to do things.” Lily spoke in a confident tone. Gentle, but always confident. I guess that’s what makes them so compatible. He’s always sure in doing something, and she’s confident that he’ll succeed no matter what it is. ++++++++++++++ “Are you sure you want to do this? You may face extreme consequences if you remove the forest’s treasure,” stated the old man. Azrel did not respond verbally. Instead he simply nodded his head in understanding. He knew all too well he might not make it back home, but that was a risk he was willing to take. The old man dug into his pocket and pulled out a rusty and torn map. “This is a map of the forest. I bet you’re wondering how I’m able to have one. Well kid, let’s just say I was unlucky and lucky at the same time.” “What do you mean?” “I was unlucky in getting the treasure, but lucky enough to make it out alive. Do not be so surprised! It was decades ago!” The old man began laughing. The unorthodox way he laughed was humorous in itself, and Azrel started to laugh as well. After three minutes of non-stop giggling, the old man suddenly snapped out of it. Azrel soon followed. He handed him the map. It was torn in most places. Fortunately the path was not distorted. “Just because I was lucky enough to escape doesn’t mean that you will be as well. Sometimes I’m glad that I didn’t get to the treasure. I have a feeling that it is not meant to be removed. That may explain why so many people died in there.” Azrel scowled and clenched his fists, “I’m different old man! You’ll see! I’ll get that treasure all by myself and come out alive without a scratch!” He grabbed the map rather aggressively and proceeded to walk away. The man quickly snagged his arm with a cheeky smile. “By the way, my name is Rouken. Have a nice day!” ++++++++++++++ “Bruce doesn’t know what he’s missing,” gloated Azrel as he took his first few steps into the forbidden area. “Now that I have the map, this should be quick and easy. Done faster than I can blink…twenty times that is.” He took three deep breaths and continued walking. The forest did not seem like the normal ones everyone was accustomed to seeing. The trees were tall, but did not bear leaves. There were pathways that led to other paths, made from past travelers so they would not lost their way. There were no animals or wildlife to be found. No signs of life whatsoever. Azrel came across a human skull or some unknown remains every few feet. “If there are no living things in here, what could’ve possibly killed these people?” he wondered while shifting a skull around on the ground. Two hours passed, and still Azrel seemed like the only thing alive throughout the entire area. He glanced at the map and walked forward, “The center should be right up this way.” He took a few steps forward. As he approached the center, a light began to illuminate. The closer Azrel got, the brighter it became. It grew unbearable, so he covered his face while continuing to walk. “Damn, a treasure that glows? This better be worth it.” Without looking, Azrel grabbed for the treasure box. His eyes opened as he realized it was not the box he touched, but someone’s backside! “Huh?” Azrel squeezed out in shock as he snatched his hand back. He focused his eyes on a beautiful, red-haired woman with her hands on her hips. She stared at him furiously and began to walk up to him. “Is this a product of my imagination? Or the treasure’s power? Come on, get it together man. She’s not real.” SLAP! The woman smacked Azrel square in the cheek. “The hell I’m not real! I’m as real as that shiny box I found!” “That YOU found? Sorry to burst your bubble lady, but I was here way before you came. Now out of my way. I don’t have all day,” demanded Azrel. Growing aggravated, Azrel simply lifted her out of his way and picked up the box. “Becca!” yelled a voice from a distance. “Huh? More people?” questioned Azrel as he saw two more figures appear from the shadows. I better see what’s inside this thing before they get a chance to. There was some small writing on the front of the box, but Azrel had no time to decipher it. He quickly opened the box and grabbed the necklace that was inside. “Rose! Leo! I told you I’d find it first. My path was the best to follow,” stated Becca. “But it seems we weren’t the only ones looking for it today.” After four hours of debating over who the true owner was, Azrel gave in. It was his idea to start the argument in order to clear any suspicion of him taking anything from the box. It was clever and he knew it. After enough time had passed, Azrel handed Becca the golden box. “See, I knew you would understand. This is rightfully ours because my team and I arrived here before you.” Azrel did not respond. He began on his way home, giggling to himself every now and then while he thought how funny it was to imagine their faces when they realize that the treasure is missing. “Heh, they are going to be so angry.” ++++++++++++++ It was nighttime. Bruce remained worried that Azrel would not return, and Lily remained composed that he would as she read her book. Bruce stood up and paced back and forth to the window. The castle was huge, but from Bruce’s window the entire castle’s entrance could be seen. “Why don’t you quit walking around and take a rest? I cannot concentrate on this book if you continue to worry,” suggested Lily as she slammed her book on the couch. “I’m sorry Lily, but if I find out that he’s been killed, I’ll never forgive myself. What kind of big brother am I?” He sat down and sighed heavily. A half-hour later, the roles reversed. Bruce began reading while Lily searched out the window, hoping for some trace of Azrel. “He’s back!” screamed Lily. She sprinted down to the front gate. Bruce quietly followed behind. Some part of him was relieved that Azrel came back in one piece. Unfortunately, the other half was full of jealousy and resentment that wished Azrel to soon take a fall. This side of Bruce, even more than that, wanted to be with Lily. He knew that for sure. As soon as Azrel opened the front door Lily tackled him onto the ground. She was on top of him, staring into his eyes. “What in the world took you so long? I was actually beginning to get worried.” “Whatever for?” replied Azrel with an assuring smile. “I think my brother’s worrying is contagious!” Before he could open his mouth again, Lily put her finger over his lips and kissed him gently. In the background stood Bruce with a horrifying glare. He bowed his head and allowed a few tears to shed. +++++++++++++ “This is it!” exclaimed Rouken as he looked at the three young travelers. “You managed to get this AND stay alive, good work!” “We didn’t have any trouble really,” stated Rose while holding onto Leo’s arm. “We DID run into some guy though. He claimed to have found the treasure before we did. A guy very attractive-looking I might add, but nonetheless a total jerk!” declared Becca. Rouken’s eyes widened as he began to realize who the guy she was talking about was. He closed his eyes and smiled, “Did this man have a map with him? Was he REALLY arrogant and demanding?” “Exactly,” agreed Becca. She did not admit that Azrel really did not seem arrogant to her at all. She was, in fact, quite fond of him, even after meeting only for a short while. The old man laughed, “I can’t believe it! Azrel my boy! He actually made it to the center. I guess that map did work. I should be proud of myself then, I was the one who made it! Wonder why he didn’t put up much of a fight and just let them have the box?” +++++++++++++ “Here, look at what I brought back with me.” Azrel pulled out the necklace. It was laced with small diamonds and rubies. Each jewel, it seemed, represented a lost civilization. “This is a gift for you Lily.” Her eyes brightened and she happily threw herself into his arms. She turned around while he put it on for her. “I love you Azrel, “Lily said in a soft tone. Azrel turned her around and peered into her green eyes, “I love you too Lily. Let’s take a walk outside. You too Bruce.” He was sitting on the couch trying to ignore the romantic moment. The three of them strolled out. Lily was locked onto Azrel’s shoulder. Bruce kept a small distance from the two. “So Bruce, were you worried about your little brother? I came back in one piece like I said. Thanks to some old guy named Rouken.” “I can see that Azrel. How did Rouken help you? I’m just curious.” Azrel pulled out the map and showed it to Bruce. He nodded and continued walking. Azrel then began to fill Lily and Bruce in on who the old guy actually was. “Speaking of Rouken and the way you described him, isn’t that him in front of us Azrel?” asked Lily while pointing forward. He squinted and agreed, “that IS him! And he’s with THEM!” “Azrel my boy! We meet again! I heard about the run in you had with the Regals.” declared Rouken. He always had a cheeky smile on his face. Azrel lost hold of Lily and backed up into a fighting stance. “I take it those three are the Regals. What do you want?” “Take it easy, we just want to talk to you about the box.” stated Becca. She looked Azrel up and down, then shifted her view towards Lily. Lily responded with a facial expression that said ‘don’t even think about it.’” +++++++++++++ Azrel, Lily, Bruce, Rouken, and the Regals proceeded into the castle’s roundtable room. “This is a huge castle boy! Are you rich?” asked Rouken. He looked around in circles at all of the room’s glamorous paintings and portraits. “No,” responded Azrel. “But my family consisted of great warriors, and their reputation usually preceeded them. They had many admirers. Many who would do almost and pay almost anything to learn the Saki Warrior way.” “Did you say Saki?” questioned Becca. Azrel nodded in agreement. “So what’s this all about anyway?” asked Bruce. “Let me put it this way: what did my brother do?” “I’ll tell you! When we opened the box, nothing was in it! Either the whole treasure thing was a hoax, or your brother stole whatever was in it!” protested Leo. “You mean this?” asked Azrel. He stood up and put his arms around Lily, pointing to the necklace. “That’s what was in the box?” shouted Rose. She tore herself away from Leo and went to take a closer look. “We found it first, so get that thing off of her neck and give it to us Azrel!” demanded Becca. “Actually I was there before you stuck your behind in the way, so back off.” “Everyone shut up!” yelled Rouken. The table was silenced and all eyes were focused on the old man. “Thank you. Who really owns the necklace is the least of our worries. I read the inscription on the box. Azrel, you may have ignored it, but when translated the writing says ‘Do not open, for the seven jewels represent the seven demons of the lost Anakara Civilization.’” “So, what’s that supposed to mean? I mean, if the civilization is gone, how can the demons exist?” wondered Lily. She tightly held onto Azrel’s arms as well as the necklace. She really did like it. “It’s just something to try and scare people from ever finding out what was in the box that’s all.” said Azrel confidently. His intention was to make Lily feel safe. He could feel her shaking from being afraid. Rouken stood up and looked at a painting on the wall. “Don’t be so naïve. Read in between the lines. You released the chain so you released the demons. The question is when and where are they to be released into the world?” “Why don’t we just put the necklace back in the box and place it back in the forest?” suggested Bruce. He looked over and saw Lily struggling to take it off. “We cannot, because it will not come off,” she sighed. “Looks like we’re all in this together, “said Leo. “Then it’s settled,” said Rouken enthusiastically. “We will track down these entities and destroy them! I still have some life in me yet!”
Thursday, May 23rd 2002 - 12:44:54 PM

Snape's Lover / Part 5

Hello, Here is Part 5 for you all to enjoy! Part 5 More Than A Friend Snape didn't eat lunch in the Main Hall, nor did he eat it in his classroom. No, there was a secret corridor on the 2nd level along the south hall that only two people knew. (Except for maybe Dumbledore.) Shasta found the secret room by pushing in the brick that squeezed out of place a bit just like Snape had instructed her to. It was just a regular room, not anything thrilling. It had a desk, a closet, cupboards, and even some shelves to decorate it. Severus said he liked it there best because he could be alone and think over things. He only trusted Shasta with this secret, no one else. " Come in and dine with me whenever you like," he had told her. This was what she was planning to do. Shasta pressed the brick and the door swung open, disguised as part of the wall. Inside she saw Snape, who hadn't noticed her walk in. Instead of eating though, he was leaning against the opposite wall and reading one of her personal favorite novels: Forgotten Loves. It was written by an anonymous writer, so no one knew who the author was. Shasta was certain it was a man, for the words and choice of sentences just seemed to be so different than how a woman can express something in that manner. You could say it is hard to 22 explain it to you, for it is. You'll just have to read it yourself someday to see what I mean. " Hello," Shasta said and gave a tiny wave. Severus looked more stressed and worn out today than usual, for his hair frizzed out in many directions and his robes were wrinkled and torn at the corner; he had not touched his food. " What do you need Shasta?" he asked, not pulling his head up from the book. " I came here to talk to you, my love. I missed you, and I feel alone inside. I don't know what's happening Severus. I have no friends to chat with, except for you. My mind is whirling and spinning, I feel so dazed... Please, can you not look at me?" His head rose from the rim of the book and Shasta gave a startled gasp. His face was red, blotchy, and tear-stained, as if he had been crying for quite some time. She knew it was a depressing novel and all but...wait. The story, the man...could it possibly be? Was Snape the author, and the man in the tale? " Severus," she began, " did you write..." " Yes... My fiancee' left me for another man, a more talented wizard. Well, that's her opinion of course... My parents were loyal to the Dark Lord, Voldemort, and had the sign cursed upon my wrist when he first rose into 23 power. I was NEVER one of his followers, truly, even though many believed me to be. I lost all my friends because I was different. No one ever cared if I lived or died, and I still feel that way now..." he trailed off and quickly tried to wipe the tears from his face that had started to flow again. His sleeve rolled down so far that Shasta could easily see the Dark Mark underneath his left wrist. " Why are you down here?" " I told you. I came to see you Severus. I care, I wanted to be with you. You're more than just a friend, you know that, don't you?" Shasta pleaded with all her heart that he would say yes. " I don't know what to believe. You're just a young girl, how could you know what I've been through? How could you care about me?" " I may be young, but my emotions are strong. Snape, I care for you the same way you care for me. You do care, am I right?" Now she was sobbing more than ever, being a very emotional girl. And because being so emotional, she could not hide her feelings. There was no reply. " We've spent time together, and I've discovered you're more than just a teacher. You are a person who needs both love and friendship, both of which I'm giving you freely. You don't have to except it, but I won't give up. I shall not stop. I stood up for you today against my own house. Snape, I care, I feel, I understand, and I'm a true friend to the end. If you don't want me anymore, that's fine, just say so. But 24 remember, I've cared when others have not. With that she began to walk out of the room. Maybe I said "care" too much, she pondered, but I'm only trying to help. In one quick second though, Severus dashed and grabbed her hand. " Shasta...I, I...never knew...I care too..did you really come to see me? Oh my dear, you ARE more than a friend... I've never known a soul so good and kind...please don't go..." and with that he bent down and kissed her hand. Now she cried of joy, and then learned that love comes in mysterious ways... Hope you like it, tur-rah! Ashley Alan Rickmaniac
Sunday, January 13th 2002 - 09:25:45 AM

Snape's Lover / Part 4

Hallo! Ok, I hope someone is enjoying this story, I don't know because no one has e-mailed me. Oh well...if you could find the time, please do! Here's Part 4! Part 4 Affectionate Friends That night again Shasta left the Gryffindor common room and went to Potions class. This time Snape was waiting for her, and they greeted one another warmly. " Let's set to work," Severus whispered and they entered the area with the bubbling cauldron together. The two chatted, laughed at jokes, and asked the other questions while they worked on their concoction. Shasta noticed that his hair was neatly brushed and the robes looked cleaner than ever before. Could it be, she wondered, because of me? It made her quite joyous with the thought that she might actually be changing this lonely man. Her affection for him grew more and more, and Shasta's heart missed a beat every time she gazed into his majestic face. How lucky I am, she thought, to know Snape in this way. There couldn't be a more fortunate girl in the whole world. Severus felt the same way for Shasta. This girl, he said to himself while stirring the potion, is so marvelous and talented. I've never met anyone like her! She's so sweet, kind, smart, thoughtful...and actually seems to care about me. Nobody cares about me... The days went by, one after another. Shasta's love for Snape only grew 19 larger, and his for her as well. Shasta ate tons of Chocolate Frogs till she finally found a picture of Snape and hung it right above her bed. Day and night she dreamed of him, the hands, the eyes, the comforting smile, the merry chuckle, and the satin voice...even his black hair and how it waved out on the sides seemed absolutely perfect. One thing was fore sure; she had never felt this way about anyone before. One fine Wednesday morning a group of Gryffindors were talking unkindly about Snape. Shasta overheard their conversation, and it wasn't pleasant things that they were saying. " Man, I hate old Snape. He's such a grouch and is no fun at all," commented an older 4th year by the name of Ramon. " I agree," complained Harry. " He takes away points, is boring, cruel, vicious; the guy's just plain evil. Gosh, you'd think he'd lay off one of these days. That Shasta girl though, she sure put up with a good fight!" Harry, Ron, and all the others listening broke out into laughter. " Yea, sloppy, sleazy, slouchy, stupid, shrilly Severus Snape!" joked Fred Weasley. " Oh, you forgot snotty!" laughed George and the two twins burst out hysterically. Shasta had heard enough of this. " So," she said walking up to Harry, " you liked our little fight the other 20 day, huh?" " Yeah, it was great! Could you do it again? Maybe it'll knock some sense into scary Snape!" Once again humor. " Well, listen up, I'm gonna knock some sense into you. You don't know Snape like I do, he's not what you think he is. You need to respect him, mister Potter, and he deserves it too! Good-aye!" Shasta stomped out of the room and through the portrait. There was still plenty of lunch time left, and there was someone she wanted to talk to... Ok, there u go! Bye! Ashley Alan Rickmaniac
Sunday, January 13th 2002 - 09:20:35 AM

Snape's Lover / Part 3

Hello! First off, sorry for the last mess-up, and my story really is indented with paragraphs, but when I pasted it got all screwed up somehow or other. Anyways, here is Part 3! Part 3 A Slight Misunderstanding The next morning came and Shasta felt a little groggy from the experiences of the previous night. She didn't say one word at breakfast, and barely could touch her food. Shasta was so excited for 5th period to come that she couldn't even pay attention in Transfiguration class when Professor McGonagall asked her if a penny or toothpick would be easier to change into a chair. All she could think about was HIM, his swirling black robes (she was curious if he had gotten the stain out), those hazel colored eyes, the warm strong hands, and best of all, his silky dream-drifting voice. She couldn't keep her mind on anything else. It alarmed Shasta though how attached she had become of him in just one night. Fifth period finally came and she ran so fast from Care of Magical Creatures that she seemed to fly, but Shasta still wasn't the first one there. Instantly she took her seat, and sadly found she had raced for nothing. Snape wasn't anywhere to be found. Neville waltzed in and trotted over to Shasta's desk. " So," he began, " how did it go?" He was talking about her 'detention' last night. Neville had been the first one to ask, but soon everyone wanted to know, including Harry. 15 (I'll probably get detention with him someday, he though. Might as well know how it went.) Shasta didn't know what to say. She had promised Severus not to say a word about the dealings with last night (probably so the other teachers wouldn't think he was sluffing off) and intended to keep it. Fortunately, Snape just then came into the room and saved her. " What's all this?" he grumbled. " If it's so important that all the students are huddling together in the same spot to hear what is going on, then I think I should be informed of this wonderful news." No one spoke. " Eh? What was that? Nothing to say? Then get to your seats!" Immediately everyone leaped in all directions, hoping not to get detention themselves. Shasta grinned widely, recalling how nasty Snape had first seemed to her. Only she knew his true kindness. " You, Shasta!" he bellowed and pointed a finger. " What are you smiling about? Do you think I'm funny?" His words only made her smile grew wider, which seemed to infuriate him. She knew it was all just an act. " Maybe you'd like to have detention AGAIN, Ms. Fox. And 20 more points from Gryffindor!" Suddenly Shasta realized that this was not fair. He liked Shasta, so why was he picking on her? None of it made any sense, so all she wanted to do was cry. Classtime went on and she didn't like it at all, despite her previous 16 eagerness. She was hurt inside, very deeply. Maybe him being friendly last night was his idea of a joke, but she thought Snape as different than that. Then again, she could have judged too quickly, so apparently not. When the next period bell rang Shasta was slumping out the door when a strong grasp jerked her aside. " Are you still coming tonight?" Severus whispered into her ear. He tried to have a displeased look on his face so passing students would think that she was in trouble. " I have to," she sobbed, trying to choke back her tears. " You gave me detention again." " Only because then you have an excuse to be down here. What if Filch catches you one day? He'll give you real detention Shasta." " But what about the points?" " I know it's not fair to my house since I'm the head of the Slytherins, but I've been awarding you points, not taking them away. You see, people would begin to wonder if I announced that I was giving points to another house instead of discarding them. Do you see what I mean?" Shasta nodded, now content with her misunderstanding. " I thought you didn't like me anymore," she peeped sheepishly. Snape chuckled. 17 " Why would I do a foolish thing like that? Now off to class, and I'll meet you later on tonight..." Ok, there u go! Bye! Ashley Alan Rickmaniac
Sunday, January 13th 2002 - 09:11:15 AM

Sunday, January 13th 2002 - 08:55:06 AM

Snape's Lover / Part 2

Hello! I am wondering if any of you have acknowledged my story yet, for I have not recieved any e-mails. Please, tell me what you think of it, good or bad. Here is Part 2, for all who enjoyed Part 1. Thanks! :> Part 2 Detention In The Dungeon It was 6:00 and all the Hogwarts students were sitting down at the large, four brown tables that would soon hold their dinner. Shasta took her place at the farthest end in the back, hoping that maybe she could be alone, but no such luck. Neville came and sat beside her, accompanied with two other Gryffindor boys. " Hallo," he said cheerfully. " Man, I'm starving! Sure was a jolly good show you put up for us today. With Snape an all, I mean." He took a giant bite of chicken, while Shasta just poked it with a fork. " Eh," she replied. " Why don't you go and sit somewhere else? I want some peace alone." " Because there are no other seats," one of the other boys commented while holding a drumstick. This was a good enough reason, so no more was said. Some people were more friendly to Shasta now, since many wanted some sort of revenge on their Potions teacher. Others hated her even more than ever, but only because she had lost them a hundred points. There was little chance of winning the House Cup now. 7 Shasta gave a long, drawling sigh. She wasn't looking foreward to tonight, not one bit. Why did she have to go and make a fuss? Couldn't she have kept her mouth shut, just this once? Was that asking too much? Usually she was quite fond of teachers, and they repeated the affection. Potions was her favorite class back at Quaduel, but here at Hogwarts it seemed that she would dread it. " Has anyone else ever had detention with Snape before?" Shasta inquired. Maybe someone could tell her how bad it would be, or what to expect. " Nah," mumbled Neville, his mouth full of pudding. He swallowed and continued. " Least not anyone has come to mind." Shasta shifted in her seat, for every minute " it " grew nearer. Everyone said Snape was horrible and mean, and it certainly was true. But later it would just be him and her alone, so anything could happen. She didn't want to think about how nasty he could act without anyone around to see what he'd do. At 7:45 Shasta slid out the portrait of the fat lady from the Gryffindor common room. No one was asleep yet, but the castle seemed eerie and quiet. She wrapped a purple cloak tighter around her body. It wasn't that it was cold, but more of trying not to let the chilly, frightened feeling in. Too bad it wasn't working. 8 Shasta quickened her pace as she watched the faces of paintings smile as she passed by. More than half of the torches hadn't been lit (Filch, the school caretaker, liked the dark better.), so swadows seemed to creep up and follow. The rocky brick walls felt icy and clammy as she ran her hand among them; so did the railing of the stairs that brought Shasta down into the dungeon floor. The steps creaked and moaned with every step she took, like grumbling, " Get out, go away! I don't wish to be disturbed!" At the bottom only a single flame lit her view. Dumbly she had left her wand behind, for a light spell would've been extremely convientant at the moment. Scarcly she could make out the door to the Potions classroom as she squinted to see. Shasta knocked once, then twice. No reply. She jiggled the brass handle, but it was locked. She cocked one eyebrow up and titled her head sideways, clearly giving a confused look. Was this some kind of joke, or had she taken a wrong turn? She gave one final attempt at knocking, and when there was still nothing and did not succeed she made way and retreated to those forlorn stairs again. From behind a candle-lighted lantern shone brightly. That same, meticulous voice arose. " And where do you think you're going? What are you doing down here anyways....perhaps trying to get in and steal some mixtures, or attempting to play some sort of joke on me..... Shouldn't you be 9 off to bed? Ahhh...you disobay our rules. Well then, I smell detention..." Shasta instantly flung around and once again met Professor Snape's hazel, glowing eyes (that seemed to be illuminated in the dark). His hair was even more untidy than earlier, and a drop of candle grease had splashed onto his robes. She held her cool this time. " You sent me down here for double detention sir. You said 8:00, so here I am. You can't give me more detention for doing what you told me to." " Don't tell me what I can or can't do. But, ahhh yes, I remember you now." He paused and wetted his lips while folding his arms. (He had set the lantern down, of course.) " Shasta D. Fox, soooo nice to see you again." He snarled sarcastically. " I believe the first time we met, some quarreling went on." " Yes, and I'm very sorry..." " Shush!" Snape put up a hand as he interupted, and Shasta eyed how smooth and strong-looking it was. " So here you are now, but what I am to do with you?" He began to pace back and forth, sounding as acting like some criminal who couldn't decide whether to shoot you dead quickly, or torture you slowly. " Maybe first we should go inside?" Shasta gave a cheezy smile, trying to act a little friendly, but Snape took no notice. 10 " Yes, indeed we shall," he drawled, giving her a this-will-be-most-intersting sort of glance. He took out a small gray key, the silver on it tarnished. The wooden door swung open with a BANG and the two stepped inside. Snape removed the candle from his lantern and used its flame to light other numberous candles in the room. " Haven't you people ever heard of electricity?" she inquired. Snape had his back turned as he answered. " Candlelight has suited us just fine. Besides, electricity is Muggle equipment. Are you saying you wish to be a Muggle?" There was a tad of amusement in his voice, clearly saying, " Do you have a problem with me and our ways?" Shasta violently shook her head no. " Good," he grumbled and lit the last candle. " Now what?" Shasta leaned against a wall, and was surprised to see Snape was taken aback and shocked. He never had given one thought to what she had to do for two hours. Shasta made her confused eyebrow thing again (She loved doing it, for the look gave an akward, yet silly expression.) as the professor scanned the perimeters. " Too bad I just dusted the entire place yesterday, with a charm of course, but I would have made you do it by cloth. Got away with that one, didn't you?" No reply, all she did was shrug her shoulders. " I suppose...I 11 suppose you could always put all my ingriediants in alphebetical order. I can never seem to find the one I need." She carefully drifted over to the bottles once more. " And be careful you don't break any!" he thundered, and then seated himself at his desk and started to write. Within ten minutes Shasta had already completed the task. Snape hadn't even paid attention, so with hands on hips so questioned, " What's next?" Snape looked up from his papers without moving his head. His eyes rolled way up, giving a quite annoyed look. " I still have an hour and fifty minutes down here professor. I just can't stare at the wall all day." " Find something to do. Don't you have any homework?" " No." " Do you have any books about you?" " No." " ARRRRGGHH!" Snape covered his face and let out a groan that sounded as if he were in excruciating pain. " Then maybe you should just bloody go away!" Shasta's heart softened. Snape was very stressed, that was plain and clear. Even for a teacher that disliked her, there was something about him that made pity grow for this Potions master. " I'd be happy to help you with anything," she cooed. Shasta gave a tiny 12 half-smile and continued. " What about your paperwork? Does it need sorting? Please, let me help you as an apology for my earlier actions." Snape pulled his head up all the way this time. Was this girl being, well...nice to him? His own heart softened too, and for the first time ever, he gave a warm and friendly smile. " That's...very kind of you." He stuttered over the words, shakey at this new feeling. " The papers are not important, just notes of mine. I don't really need them, they're just junk. But...now that I think about it...there is a new potion I've been meaning to try out. Will you help me?" Shasta's smile widened as she grew with interest. Her? Shasta Fox? Snape was trully willing to let her help him make a new potion? Unbelievable! " Yes! Oh, lets!" Snape chuckled under his breath at her enthusiasm. Maybe this girl wasn't so bad after all. Besides, she was smart and eager, perhaps they could do this more often. Not as detention, but just working together. This new thought struck his mind like a lightening bolt. As for now though, he wouldn't speak a word. " It's called the Shinia potion. It is supposed to make you skinny." Shasta's eyes became as round and wide as a golf ball. Sure, he could be mocking me, she thought, but this could be a real treat. " I could use some of that!" she blurted out unitentionally. Instantly her 13 cheeks flushed red as she blushed. Not only from saying that, but because she was ashamed of her own body. Severus gave no reply, thank god. " OK now...I need some unicorn mane, minced slug, gershew weed, and bolbie flower petals." Shasta nodded and dashed to the bottles, now thankful for having them neatly organized. Once all the materials were collected, he summoned her to grab the medium-sized cauldron in the back room. " How long will it take to make this?" Shasta asked, hoping it would be completed soon, maybe in a week. Snape grinned at her anxiety. " Two months. It has to boil for quite some time you know." The two had just finished reading the instructions and had poured in the first bottle as the old castle clock on the wall dinged 11:00. " Oh, look at the bloody time!" he exclaimed, rolling his eyes exasperatedly. " I've kept you an hour too long. I'll escort you to the door." They rose from his desk, Shasta's mind whirling madly. The once mean, evil Snape had now turned into a kind English gentlemen. As she stepped through the doorway, he laid a warm hand on her shoulder. " Would you like to...come back again tomorrow at the same time? Not as detention!" he made haste to yell, much too loudly even to his own surprise. " More of being an assistant to me. But, could you keep it a secret? I mean, not mention it to the other students?" Shasta nodded and smiled once more, then did something Snape 14 least expected. She hugged him, gave a squeal of glee, and ran up the stairs quicker than lightening. Snape just stood there, his mouth gaping open like a newly caught bass... There u go! Please e-mail me! Ashley Alan Rickmaniac
Saturday, January 5th 2002 - 11:30:50 AM

Why did you go?

Her name was Missy and she was tall with blonde hair and green eyes and she was very pretty. She was 17 and in high school and worked on Saturdays at my office where I got to know her. I was 38, and lonely and I was looking for someone, but not someone so young as Missy. We slowly got to know each other at work and we talked about our problems and what we wanted out of life and eventually we got rather personal. She told me about her Mom and Dad and her drugs and boyfriends and I told her about my ex- and how lonely I was now. We were friends and we sometimes ate lunch out together. One day she asked me to show her where I lived and I took her to my small apartment and showed it to her such as it was. We sat and talked and I told her how much I liked her, but that we could only be friends, because of how much older I was. But then she touched my arm and smiled and we kissed a long deep kiss, which continued on and on. I was so hungry for affection that I couldn't stop, until I saw she was unbuttoning my shirt. I stopped and asked her what she was doing and she told me that I was so old that I would probably not live to see her again so she had better make love to me while she had a chance at me. We laughed hilariously and I told her how full of it she was. Then we loved and teased and played and kissed and when it was all over we were changed and something new had been created. I loved her and somehow she loved me, as well. What did she see in me? I was trim, for my age, but not great looking, and not even rich. Why did she like me? I figured she must need new glasses, but I wasn't going to complain. She asked if we could get together on Friday evening and I agreed at once and we went back to work. Friday night was amazing, as we ate out and saw a movie and again got cozy together in my apartment. She was a dream come true and she made me feel like a man again, and it had been a very long time. I had her home by twelve and I asked her what she had told her Mom about me. She told her that I was older, but didn't say how much older. That was probably the best thing. We kissed deeply goodnite in the car and then she bit my nose and ran in the house laughing. She made me feel alive again. We continued seeing each other for the next year and a half and now she was 19 and continued to get prettier by the day. People looked at us funny sometimes, but we didn't care and came to find it a turn on. One day we were to meet at my place at a certain time and when she came in she looked like a different person- older and colder. She told me that she had just seen her doctor and I innocently asked her why. She told me that she was getting married and had to have a blood test. She had another friend who was younger and he had proposed to her. She wanted her own life and her own place and her own family. I looked down and I couldn't answer that. She told me how much she cared for me, but that it would all have to end now. I couldn't answer. Then she kissed me and told me goodbye and she was gone, just like that. It was so sudden that it nearly shocked me to death. I was so sad and so lonely and I hadn't a clue what to do next, except that I only wanted to die. To have tasted love so sweet and lost it was worse than never having known it. In time, I came to hate her and all she had been to me. I tore up everything she had given me, each little note and even the photos and the hate somewhat seemed to protect me from the pain and I was able to go out and search for another lady. But I found none like her. Weeks and months went by and one day I got a call from a friend at work who had known that Missy and I had been friends. She asked me if I knew that Missy had recently died? The funeral had been last week and she was already buried. I exclaimed and asked her what Missy had died from, but she didn't know. The next day I went to see Missy's best friend and she told me the whole story. Missy had not been married, but had died from a painful bout with cancer. She had not seen any of her friends in the last months because she had not wanted them to see her die little by little as the disease and the drugs fighting it ravaged her body. She wanted them to remember her as she was when she was beautuful and young and alive. I felt like someone had hit me in the head with a baseball bat. I went home and cried for her for hours. Then I bought some flowers that were as beautiful and she was, almost, and visited her somber grave. Goodbye my love. I still love you and I will never forget you!
Thursday, January 3rd 2002 - 02:51:35 AM

Snape's Lover / Part 1 : A Harry Potter AR fan-fic

Hello! My name is Ashley, and I've been a HUGE fan of awesome Alan Rickman for quite some time now. Besides my love for acting and drawing, I enjoy writing thoroughly. Here is my first fan-fic on him, a Harry Potter one. I shall be producing this one in parts. Other fan-fics will be on the way as well. Hope you enjoy it (kinda mushy, not one of my better romances..sigh...) and please comment me at Crescentmoonluna@aol.com. Thank you! :) Part 1 The Quarrel In Potions She was new, and her name was Shasta D. (the D for Daisy) Fox. She had just recently transferred out of Quaduel, an American school, into Hogwarts. Sorted out as a Gryffindor, Shasta was already unpopular. Many disliked the new girl because of her looks. Shasta's hair was oily (no matter how many times she washed it) and long, a dirty blonde color. She had a big nose (much to her own dismay), and her gray-blue eyes always seemed to give a piercing glance. Her favorite color was black (as she wore it quite often), but rarely did she smile. Many thought her to be sarcastic, maybe even rude. " Not right for a Gryffindor," said all the other students. " Not appropriate at all." Yet she was good at school, smart I should really say. Shasta scored up there right along with Hermione. Another thing was that she was large. Quite tall for a second year, 5 ft. 9", and her body certainly wasn't skinny, but pudgy and overweight. No one cared for the new girl. All except for one, but we shall come to that later. It was only her third day at the castle and it was time for her first Potions lesson with the Slytherins. The famous Harry Potter, the boy who lived, was in the same class, along with Ron Weasly and Hermione Granger. 1 None of those three had once even spoken a word to Shasta. Hermione hated her with a vengeance, since Shasta's grades were just as good as hers, maybe even better. Shasta entered the dark and dismal room used for potion teaching. It was freezing cold, since it happened to be way underground in the dungeons. Way in the back on the left corner hung bottles after bottles of weeds, potions, mixtures, herbs, spices, poisons, and all sorts of different animal body parts. Not knowing where she was to be seated, and being a very curious sort of girl, Shasta read the labels one by one while waiting for her teacher to arrive. " Frog legs, dragon liver, unicorn mane, wolfbane, yemslew (some sort of black, curled leaf), Aging Potion, shire weed, moonstone, fairy dust (she paused on this one, remembering all the American tales including this rare ingredient), Love Potion (could use that, she thought), cat whiskers..." Shasta was just about to study the vampire fangs when a low, deep, yet majestic voice stopped her from continuing. " What, may I ask, are you doing?" Slowly she turned around, and met Professor Severus Snape's cold, menacing hazel eyes. He glared quite ferociously as his long black robes encircled his whole body as his untidy black hair swooshed out on the sides. He too had a big nose (she found this quite amusing), and his eyebrows furrowed themselves so deep and his frown 2 so grim that all you would want to do is apologize and instantly retreat to your seat. Unfortunately for her, she didn't have a seat to retreat to. " Run away!" piped little Neville Longbottom. Snape switched his glance to him and scowled at Neville, who, was so frightened that his knees shook very violently and knocked together. Shasta just stood there, looking dumb-founded, and gained the courage to speak. " Professor, I have no seat." " Do you not have eyeballs?" " No." " Do you not have legs?" " No." " Then find yourself a seat! I don't know what they teach you at those American schools, but here you need to fend for yourself. Grow up girl!" Snape stooped lower upon her, but instead of whimpering like a poor hurt dog she just smiled and glared back. " I can take care of myself. I can very well find my own place to sit as well, but it shows laziness in a teacher when they do not wish to help their students. Yes, especially the new ones who don't know the way around or aren't used to the English culture." She stopped to catch her breath, and noticed Snape's eyes now glowered with fury. She went on. " Weakness. 3 You show weakness. Or maybe you are unable, unwilling, or too scared to be nice? Could that be it, my dear professor? Weakness...it torments your soul, doesn't it Professor Snape?" She kept eye contact the whole time, starring, gleaming, it was almost like being Snape herself. He, however, could stand this no longer. " Stop this insulting at once! Fifty points from Gyffindor, and double detention tonight down here! I'll have you suspended for this, you American!" He turned his back on her, only so that she could not see his red-hot burning face. " Why? Suspend me for asking a question?" " No. For back-talking to your superior teacher, you ignorant brat!" " I wasn't back-talking, just simply making a statement about you and your actions." " Don't argue with me!" " I'm not arguing, just explaining to you my facts." " Fifty more points from Gryffindor!" Snape roared out this one, a tremendous bellow indeed. Shasta held her post. " Please, just sit down," whimpered Neville. " Don't make up lose any more points." " Heck with bloody points," she mumbled. Snape pointed a long finger 4 at the seat closet to his desk, intending to mock her. " Sit here," he ordered. " Oh, how kind and thoughtful of you! I wondered if I'd have to stand here all day!" Laughter arose from the other Gryffindors. Harry himself began to enjoy this (except they had lost 100 points), for never did anyone have the courage to stand up to Snape. Also, it did waste time, and wasting time was best spent during Potions. Shasta sat down, and they went to work. (Much to the Gryffindors dismay. The Slytherins just sat there the whole time, watching the cat fight between pupil and professor.) Snape often took enjoyment in peering down at Shasta's paper, searching for mistakes, but none did he find. One time he spelled Forgoime (a twisted, screw-like purple plant) on the board as Fergome and Shasta corrected him, which made him furious. Flames seemed to shoot out of his head. At last it was time to go and Snape pulled Shasta aside. "Now listen, and listen good. I don't take fooling around to kindly, you got that? And you better not be late tonight, 8:00 sharp!" he growled, and snarled under his breath. Shasta did a cocky half-smile. " Whatever. Oh, and by the way, I don't take fooling around to kindly either!" Before he could mutter another word she dashed off to her next class. There you are, hope you like it! Please, I need to know how I did! Thank you very much for your consideration and time! ;) Ashley Alan Rickmaniac
Wednesday, January 2nd 2002 - 08:56:43 AM

Metatron's Little Angel

(Didn't put breaks in the last one... I will on this one though!)

Chapter 2 When Metatron finally reached where God stayed most of her say the anxiety hit him. Should I really do this? Metatron asked himself before he went inside the room. He finally decided that he would, it was his dream what fool wouldnt let there dream come true?

He entered the room and walked over to where God was sitting down. He took a seat next to her and they began there conversation telepathically, of course.

**Hello, Metatron. What can I do for you.?** God asked Metatron.

**Well, Rufus told me that you were thinking of getting a mortal pregnant with another angel and that one of the angels up her would be its father or mother. Is it true?** Metatron asked hoping that it was really true.

**Actually yes that is true. Did you come here to ask if you could be the father of this child?**Metatrons heart gave a leap then and he smiled and shook his head yes.**Then it is going to be done.In 9 months you will have a daughter that you will raise and then once she is old enough you will train her to be an angel.**

**Its going to be a girl?**Metatron asked God.

**Yes of course. I think she could actually influence you.**God said and smiled at him.

**Thankyou so much! I guess I owe you now**Metatron told God.

**No you dont. You have been a loyal angel to me and you wont have to do anything to make this up to me because you deserve it!**God told Metatron as he ran off to tell everyone.
Sunday, November 25th 2001 - 06:57:15 AM

Metatron's Little Angel

(This is a chapter story that I wrote a long time ago... o Enjoy I hope!) Chapter 1 We enter and see Metatron moping around in Heaven. Nobody knew why, he had been doing this since the incident in New Jersey, which had happened 3 days earlier. Serendipity couldn’t take it anymore. She walked over to him and made sure to get his attention, she grabbed one of his wings which usually got his attention in times like this, he looked up to face her but just turned away again. Finally she asked, “Metatron what is the matter? You have been acting like this for the past 3 days and its bugging the hell out of us!” “Nothing is the matter! I’m just fine!” Metatron yelled at her and walked of to try and find a quiet spot where he could sit and not be disturbed, which was hard at times because someone was always needing his assistance or something like that. All of his normal chilling out spots was taken so he decided to try somewhere new for once. It was a fountain and it was really beautiful! Metatron was surprised that no one was there, so he went in and sat in a chair by the fountain. Why can’t I just tell everyone the truth? Because just maybe if I did my wish will come true. Metatron thought to himself. Metatron’s wish was, well, ever since the incident and Bethany finally getting a child he had been jealous. His wish was for a daughter or son of his own. He would even cut of his wings for the ability to, you know, so he could get the chance to get married and have a daughter or son. But it was impossible, and he felt horrible about that. “Metatron, there you are!” Rufus, the 13th apostle, said and walked over to him. “I heard that you are feeling the blues. So what’s up man, what’s botherin’ you?” He asked and sat in a chair next to him. “You promise you won’t laugh or tell a single person or angel about this?” Metatron asked sounding serious. “I swear!” Rufus told Metatron. “Well, ever since the incident in New Jersey, I have felt really jealous about Bethany getting pregnant and all, and its because I want a child of my own.” Metatron told him expecting him to laugh or something like that. “Why didn't you say so? Didn't you know that God is going to get a mortal pregnant with an angel but she needs and angel up here to be the father or mother?” Rufus said without the slightest hint of a laugh in his voice. "Yu're kidding me!?"Metatron said shocked that his wish might come true. " swear I’m not. You better go to God now because if she doesn't have a volunteer she's just going to forget about it!"Rufus told Metatron and patted him on the back while Metatron was leaving the room. I can’t believe this! My dream is finally might come true! Metatron thought to himself and he walked a little bit faster so his dream may come true a bit quicker.
Sunday, November 25th 2001 - 06:47:53 AM

The Title again

Where are my posts going?

ARRRGGGH
Thursday, August 23rd 2001 - 01:59:08 PM

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