Joseph Stephens and the Clover brawl part 2

            It was a quiet St. Patrick’s day evening, the grass was green the trees were starting to bloom and everyone was having a good time consuming low level poisons that tasted like bread and happiness. On the outskirts of town was a pub that the locals referred to as “The Clover”. Joseph Stephens and Jaye Williams stood in the demolished bar as a whole group of magical and ‘roided out bros stared them down. Joseph and Jaye glowed with a golden light from the magical Irish stout they drank in the basement of the bar and they were ready to show these jerks not to mess with people who just want to mind their own business. Wizbro smiled from under his amber-crombi brand hood. Joseph ran forward with the fury of a guy who was picked on in high school and now has magical powers. Joseph swung at the Wizbro and midair Joseph’s arm turned to stone. The stone punch connected with Wizbro’s face. The stone fist shattered his good looks and the other bros quickly leaped on him and devoured him to gain his power. The Bros can smell weakness and hate the weakness in themselves as well as others, so they seek to destroy all who are considered ‘less’ than themselves. Also Wizbro was magical so eating his flesh could give people magic.

            RoidBro stepped up in his place, now surging with some small amount of magic stolen from Wizbro and veins filled with illegal drugs he charged at Joseph and punched Joseph so hard he flew backward, destroying a support beam and part of the wall as he went. “No one beats on him but me!” Jaye shouted, then reached into his pocket and pulled out a claw hammer engulfed in flames. “Flaaaame Hammar!” He shouted, hoping his catch phase would catch on. He then threw the hammer with all of his magical strength. it whirled through the air at Roidbro. Before it could hit, Roidbro caught it out of the air and began to laugh. His laughing was interrupted as the flames from the hammer spread out along his arm and then quickly covered his whole body in scorching flames. RoidBro slammed his palms on the ground causing a shockwave which extinguished the flames. RoidBro was too late though and his shockwave was his last act. Roidbro fell over and hit the ground with such force it shattered the floor under him and his body fell into the cellar.

            Several Bros charged Jaye at the same time, unaffected by another fellow council member’s death. “I am starting to think this group is more about picking fights than sticking together” Jaye said as the group rushed at him. Jaye jumped in the air causing wind to start spinning around his body, when he landed the wind was discharged and sent out rushing toward the group. Hurricane winds blasted back the bros and shattered all the windows in the building. Jill was taking cover behind the bar and when the hurricane winds blasted out the windows she went into the basement.

            Every time Joseph or Jaye took out a Bro there always seemed to be more to take their place. Joseph tried to focus his energy, all of his golden energy focused into his hands and he shot it into the air. He used all of his power but was still drunk. Joseph fell over from exhaustion and because he was a lightweight. As soon as he hit the floor a crack of thunder shook the sky. Rain began to pour down and a bolt of lighting shot down through the ceiling and struck a group of bros, blasting them to ashes. The bar caught fire from the lighting strike and the wind from the storm spread the fire over the wooden furniture. Jaye realized how serious it was getting and grabbed his friend. Jaye used the last of his energy to teleport both of them a twenty feet away from the bar and outside. Jaye then remembered Jill the bartender was still in bar. He started to run toward the bar when he saw a group of Bros charging in over the horizon like a vicious army of beasts. Then the redheaded bartended blasted out of the bar, glowing with energy and using wind magic to fly. She drank the rest of the Legendary Irish Stout and now surged with power. The bros were furious as they charged the bar. Jill the bartender charged up a ball of fire and then launched a stream of flames out from her hands. The bar, the army of bros and any grass in the area was consumed by flames as the flying bartended laughed hysterically.

            Time passed, the rains extinguished the flames and Jill, Jaye and Joseph had all sobered up and exhausted their magic. There was nothing left of the bar, just scorched ground and ash. Joseph had regained consciousness and was staring at the spot where the bar used to be. “We did the world a service getting rid of those bros” said Jill. “What will you do now? Asked Joseph. “Maybe the Owner will sell me the land cheap, I could start my own bar. Not a gimmicky bar, just something nice to call my own” Jill replied. “Can we get free drinks?” Jaye asked excitedly. “If you help me build it” Jill replied. “Well that’s a deal!” both Jaye and Joseph said at the same time.

            It was a cold, rainy night, St. Patricks day was almost over. Joseph could think of better ways to spend his day, but having a drunken magic fueled brawl while ridding the world of a dozen or more Bros is still pretty great.

Joseph Stephens and the best Christmas Ever part 1

            It was the eve before Christmas and it had been raining all day, the air outside was chilly and the skies were all gray. Joseph Stephens was in his kitchen with cookies to bake and it had not snowed all day, not even a flake.

            Joseph Stephens’ house was lined with Christmas lights that sparkled and shined brightly out against the gray skies and dim light of day. The smell of pine trees and cookies added a comforting aroma to the air. Joseph and Jaye had been listening to Christmas music, relaxing, finishing up last minute gift-wrapping and cookie baking. Joseph noted that when Jaye was visiting he would run out of cookies ten times as quickly.

Joseph and Jaye sat on the floor next to the Christmas tree as they placed the last of their gifts under the tree “hey, so I was wondering…” Joseph started to say as he turned to his friend. Jaye was noticeably eating another cookie. Joseph wasn’t sure where that cookie even came from because the cookies they baked were in the kitchen and neither of them stood up in the last half hour. “Yeah?” Jaye asked with his mouth full of cookies. The pointed end of a star shaped cookie was sticking out of his mouth. Joseph chose to ignore that. “So, yeah I was just wondering if you heard from Old Man winter since you bashed him over the head last month” Joseph asked. Jaye slowed his chewing but didn’t stop. He had a thoughtful expression as he tried to remember. “Yeah, I think I remember him saying something about no snow for Christmas because he was annoyed with me” Jaye said. Joseph sighed. “Maybe I can talk to Old Man Winter tonight and see if he will make it snow for tomorrow. By the way do we have any more of those cookies left?” Joseph said. Just as Joseph asked, Jaye was in the middle of taking a cookie out of his pocket and was about to eat it. Joseph looked at him, then at the cookie. Jaye slowly moved the cookie to his mouth and then ate the whole thing in one bite. “No, we just ran out of cookies” Jaye said with a mouthful.

            Joseph stood up and went into the kitchen to get a snack. “If I cant have cookies maybe I will have some coffee or hot chocolate” Joseph called back as he rummaged through his cupboards. “Ooh! Whatever you make, make some for me too!” Jaye called into the Kitchen. After searching through the cupboards Joseph checked the refrigerator. When he opened the door to the fridge he spotted a pumpkin creamer left over from Autumn. “hey I found some pumpkin creamer, I think Patches left it here. Pumpkin is kind of a winter thing too right?” Joseph called into the living room. “yeah, Totes! Brew up some coffee and lets take a trip to flavor town” Jaye called back.

            Joseph started his coffee machine and looked at the bottle of pumpkin flavored creamer as he waited. He remembered trying it in the Fall and he remembered how fresh it tasted. It tasted like it was made with real cream, sugar, spices and fresh pumpkin. Only Patches would bring something like that with him. soon the coffee had finished brewing and Joseph poured two cups of coffee, both with pumpkin creamer.

            Joseph walked into the living room with two cups. He saw Jaye holding a cookie out, offering it to Joseph. “I just found this in the side pocket of my hoodie, do you want it?” Jaye said. Jaye was wearing a green hoodie and often kept food stored away in its large pockets. “it was in a plastic baggie, so don’t worry” Jaye added with a laugh.

            Joseph sat down and took the cookie “thanks man”. Joseph took a bite of his cookie and then washed it down with a swig of pumpkin coffee. As soon as the flavor hit his tongue his eyes lit up. The creamer tasted even better than he remembered. Joseph and Jaye both looked at each other and nodded with big smiles on their faces. “This stuff is magical!” Jaye said. “yeah man its so good!” replied Joseph.

Joseph looked at his tree and smiled, the lights sparkled so brightly with Orange, yellow and red lights. “Wait…didn’t we use Christmas lights?” Asked Joseph. “And weren’t the trees bare?” Asked Jaye. Joseph looked outside and saw that all of the trees that lost their leaves had returned but with their fall colors. Christmas lights and decorations still covered houses, trees and street lamps but everything had an autumn look and feel to it. “Its like an Autumn Christmas” Jaye said as he ran outside. “Maybe that creamer really was magical” Joseph said as he followed his friend outside.

            Outside the air smelled of woodsmoke, the ground was damp with fallen leaves and rain. the light rain sprinkled down on their heads. The trees were in full autumn colors, the lights were white, yellow, orange and red. The creamer made the two friends see autumn everywhere they went and they would see autumn colors until the magical effects wore off. “This is the best!” Jaye cheered. “this is great but I hope Christmas day looks like Christmas day. “Don’t worry! Winter will probably help us with that. I mean he cant stay mad forever right?” Jaye said with a laugh.

Joseph Stephens and the trouble with Winter

            Joseph Stephens sat in his car as snow gently fell to the ground. The car was running and Christmas music was playing on the radio. Joseph was waiting in a parking lot alone, just him and a bag of fast food. Joseph peeled back the paper on a large burger and took a bite.  The taste sensation that filled his mouth was extraordinary, the savory flavor of meat and cheese mixed with the sweet flavors of ketchup and pickle. After one bite Joseph knew he was a changed man. He took another bite, then another, each bite as wonderful as the last. Joseph looked through his frosted driver side window and saw Jaye Williams walking toward the car. Joseph was waiting for Jaye and wanted to get out of the car and greet his friend but the burger called to him. Joseph took another bite. It was impossible to resist. The burger was so good that Joseph felt compelled to eat it, the same way someone wouldn’t be able to stop kissing someone they loved. The two lovebirds knew they would have to depart but every kiss felt like fireworks and ‘just one more kiss’ was never enough.

            Jaye knocked on Joseph’s window and Joseph turned to see his friend and then waved. Joseph unlocked the passenger door and Jaye climbed into the car. Joseph had ketchup on his face, empty burger wrappers in his car and a feeling of shame in his soul. “So what is up my homie?” Jaye said, making sure to enunciate each word. Joseph started the car. “Not much man, just waiting for you” Joseph said hoping that Jaye wouldn’t ask him about his burger experience. “Sorry it took so long, you’d be surprised how many weird looks I got when I asked for Christmas clothes for my hamster. At least I was able to find the decoration we needed” Jaye replied. Joseph and Jaye almost never spent the holidays together but due to a strange stroke of luck they had been able to spend both thanksgiving and now Christmas together. “Sweet Turduckin Christmas this is gonna be the best Christmas ever!” Joseph said as he backed out of his parking spot and drove off.

            Jaye was staying with Joseph for the holidays and they both decided to go all out and decorate like madmen with a mission. As soon as they arrived at Joseph’s house they set to work hanging Christmas lights and making eggnog, which is the second best nogg just behind Pumpkin nogg. While Joseph was trying to balance on the later Jaye did his best to steady the ladder, that was until Jaye got bored and they began banging the ladder with a hammer because it sounded funny. “H-hey, how about some eggnog. You should go make some” Joseph called down. “You sure you don’t need help out here?” Jaye said sincerely. “yeah, I am fine. You go on and start the nogg a’brewin’ “ Joseph replied as he did his best not to fall off ladder.

            Jaye went inside to make Eggnogg. As Joseph was working on string up lights a hard wind blew and shook the ladder. Joseph clung to the roof as the ladder shook under the force of the wind and was eventually swept away. Joseph fell but grabbed onto the rain gutters just in time. The rain gutters cracked and Joseph lost his grip and fell two floors to the ground. Just before impact a winter wind grabbed Joseph and gently set him down. Before Joseph could say “what was that” a well-groomed blue and white skinned gentleman appeared out of nowhere. He wore a large coat, had a white beard, blue and white skin, black eyes, dark blue winter boots and a stylish winter hat. “Old man winter?” Joseph said sounding skeptical. “That’s right my boy! Winter is here for another wonderful season!” Winter cheered then put his arm up in the air to emphasize excitement. “What happened to you? Usually you are cranky and have anger problems also you drink in excess and chase off Autumn. Autumn actually left town a little early just so he wouldn’t have to fight with you like that one time you and he fought so hard half of the city almost was destroyed” Joseph told Winter. Winter let out an old man chuckle as he remembered the good times. “Oh ho ho, yes indeed I remember that. I am pleased to say I have given up booze and have been working on my temper. I am a new winter” Winter said with a smile.

            As Joseph was talking to Winter Jaye came rushing out of the house. “Old man winter! I am tired of your shenanigans!! Feel my wrath!” Jaye shouted and then swung a sledgehammer down and smashed Winter over the head with it. At that very moment Jaye remembered that Winter was immortal and probably wouldn’t be knocked out even by a sledgehammer, the searing pain made Winter instantly enraged and Joseph wondered how Jaye was able to get into the tool shed and find his sledgehammer.

            Winter screamed in pain and then took a deep breath in and blew out as hard as he could. The full force of winter winds was aimed at Jaye and Jaye was thrown backward. He sailed through the air half frozen and immediately regretting his decision. Joseph jumped in front of Winter “Its ok Winter, remember your progress? Ok? Also remember you weren’t always the nicest guy and Jaye didn’t know you were working on being a better person” Joseph said. Winter started to calm down but was still angry “Yes, you are right. I will leave though, I can’t risk being set off again by your friend” Winter said as he barely contained his rage. A cold wind blew over the area and Old man Winter was gone. After he disappeared snow began to fall from the sky, but only over Joseph’s house.

            Joseph looked over at Jaye who was upside down, half frozen and stuck in a tree. Jaye smiled and gave a thumps up. Joseph nodded and then sighed. Joseph helped Jaye out of the tree and into the house. The two friends then made some hot chocolate and sat in front of the fireplace to get warm. The fire crackled and the two friends sat in silence.

            Jaye finally spoke up. “Ever think…” Jaye was about to say but then Joseph interrupted. “…How hard it is to balance life, work and relationships? How after a while you see time, emotional energy and physical energy as commodities or currency like money, something to save up, spend and budget? How, no matter how much you yearn for the past you can never recapture it? Yeah I feel like that too” Joseph said all in one breath. He replied in day dreaming voice as if he was just airing out his thoughts and not actually talking to Jaye. “Uhh..What?” Jaye said finally. “what?’ Joseph said as he snapped back into reality. They both stared at each other with quizzical expressions. “What was that thing you just said?” Asked Jaye. “Oh, sorry, I was thinking about a hamburger I had today” Joseph replied.

            The two friends sat in silence for a while. Then Jaye looked outside to see it was still snowing “Want to build a snow fort?” Jaye asked. “yes, I really do” Replied Joseph. The two friends always preferred Autumn and missed it dearly but winter had its own good side and despite all of the trouble with Winter, Joseph Stephens and Jaye Williams were determined to have a great holiday season together.

Joseph Stephens and the best Thanksgiving ever

            Joseph Stephens lived in a small town in America. Every November Americans celebrated Thanksgiving, a day that celebrated the Indians or Native Americans and their generosity to the Pilgrims. The Indians were killed shortly after. It was truly a holiday steeped in much tradition. Joseph Stephens and many others celebrated the day by spending time with their families, some would say as punishment for what their ancestors did to the Native Americans, but Joseph was not so cynical.

            It was a crisp autumn day, the season had lasted almost two months that year, which was a record day that many had not seen the late winter of Nineteen tickedy-two. Joseph walked down the street whistling a happy tune. He wore a green coat, jeans, black sneakers and a shirt with a collar on it and everything! Joseph also had his hair combed back to show that he was being extra considerate on this most thankful of Givings.

            Before going to dinner Joseph stopped by the house of his friend Jaye Williams. Joseph and Jaye had been friends since they were little. Ever since they survived the great Yeti mating season when they five. Spring sprang in early that year and the thawing snow kicked the Yeti’s into survival mode. But that is another story for another day.

            Jaye Williams was a tall thin man who wore a gunmetal gray coat, had black hair, olive skin, hazel eyes and was surprisingly not Italian. “Ready for another stuffing day?” Jaye asked with a wide grin on his face. Joseph often couldn’t tell if Jaye was just being silly, drunk or always had a hidden meaning to his words. “Yeah man lets get to it” Joseph responded. The two friends began to walk down the street. Normally they would eat separately, eating with their own their own family but this year one of the wealthiest men in town randomly selected whole families to eat at his giant house for dinner. The man was named ‘Grand Duke Richard Albatross the second’ Richard Albatross was not royalty but when you are rich you can make people call you whatever you want.

            Joseph and Jaye were taking it easy that day, while their families rushed ahead to explore Sir Albatross’ mansion. The two friends preferred to travel together and take their time. “This dinner sounds pretty extravagant” Said Jaye as they walked over the cracked sidewalk of low town. “Yeah, I heard there would be so much food and so many types of people. I know it’s going to be exciting but I hope nothing weird happens” Joseph responded. “Weird? Like what? Are you saying you hope the random dinner invitation from an eccentric millionaire will lead to a normal and calm night?” Jaye asked with a smirk. “I have had a really weird year and so far this kind of thing doesn’t even register on my weird scale” Joseph replied. “Maybe you’re so weird that strange stuff is just attracted to you. Like some kind of freak magnet” Jaye replied. Joseph slapped Jaye on the back. “Well if I am a freak magnet and you are my best friend what does that say about you?” Joseph laughed.

            The two friends walked through low town and arrived at the crosstown bridge. This Bridge would get someone across the river below and connected Low town and High Town. The bridge had a sidewalk on either side and had two lanes of traffic going in and out of from High Town. The first step onto the bridge and Joseph already felt safer. The crime-ridden streets were behind him and the bridge to fancy pants Ville was ahead. The Cross town bridge had newly paved roads, freshly set sidewalks and carved, waist high stone walls on either side of the bridge to keep pedestrians from falling into the water.  As the friends crossed the bridge they could already see the Duke’s mansion ahead. They walked quickly across the mile long bridge as they both day dreamed of the feast that waited for them ahead.

            The frosty November air nipped at Joseph’s nose and it made his breath visible. Joseph was not looking forward to his meeting with Old man winter, but knew that he was close. Soon he would have to say goodbye to autumn as winter the old drunk stumbled in like a train wreck. “Whatcha thinking about?” Jaye asked when he noticed Joseph had a serious expression. Joseph smiled “Just thinking about how I am going to eat so much free food. I might even eat more than you!” Joseph said. Jaye laughed, “No one can eat more than me, except for fat Joe the ham champion. Fat Joe had won every single eating contest ever held in High town and Low Town.

            The friends made it over the bridge and stepped foot into high town. All of the houses were medium to large sized, spaced apart and had their own gardens. The street lights were styled like old fashioned street lamps from the 1700s and Christmas decorations hung on light posts, trees and buildings. “GAH! Christmas stuff already? Turkey day isn’t even over” Jaye complained loudly. Joseph sighed “Yeah man I know. I love Christmas but this seems excessive. Some people just can’t wait” Said Joseph. Then both friends remembered how excited they were for Halloween every year and often put up Halloween decorations in September.

            After a short walk through High Town the two men arrived at the Mansion of Sir Albatross. The whole building was in the style of a London house mansion from the 1700s and decorated with Autumn leaves and thanksgiving colors. White Christmas style lights adorned the lampposts in the front of his house and along the borders of his house. Joseph walked up to the large red door and knocked. A short butler answered the door. The butler was short but looked solid like he could double as a body guard. His eyes were narrow and he had a short nose. The Butler frowned when he saw Joseph and Jaye at the door. “More of Duke Albratross’ ‘guests’ “ Said the butler who clearly didn’t approve of inviting strangers to the house.

            The butler led Joseph and Jaye into the main room. It was a large room with large staircase in the middle that led to the second floor, part of the second floor was visible from the front door and looked like an indoor balcony that led to other rooms. Jaye and Joseph looked around and tried to peek in on side rooms as the butler led them down a hallway into the dinning hall. “This isn’t Sir Albatross’ normal dining area, this is for parties and guests. Please stay in the dinning hall and do not wonder the house” Said the butler in a stiff voice. Joseph and Jaye giggled to each other as their minds raced with the mischief they could cause. They weren’t likely to cause much or any trouble but they could imagine so many things to entertain themselves with in such a big house and when the butler told them not to do something that made them want to explore and cause trouble even more.

            Jaye and Joseph were led into the Dinning hall. The room was enormous and could have held half of the families in low town. The Banquet Hall was filled with people but not so packed that people couldn’t move around freely. Jaye saw his family and ran over to greet them. Jaye’s father was telling a dirty joke to a stranger, the strange looked uncomfortable. The sight of it all made Joseph laugh. He walked through the room alone and tried to look for his family. The Dinning Hall or Banquet Hall was large, the walls were white with gold trim and the floors were marble tile with an intricate design that spread out through the whole room. The tables were round and sat up to ten people each. The tables each had one solid color tablecloth, either dark brown, red, orange, yellow, black and green. These colors alternated throughout the room. White lights were wrapped around marble pillars on the edges of the room and large arched windows dotted the walls letting the guests enjoy the view of the outdoors. The Banquet hall was located toward the back of the mansion and had an excellent view of the wooded area behind the house and a small river at the bottom of a sloping hill. The front of the mansion was visible to the public but the Duke owned a large plot of land and much of the back half of the mansion was surrounded by nature. The forest behind the house went on for miles.

            Joseph saw his parents at a table and waved. His mother was drinking heavily and his father was reading a book he brought with him. Both seemed unimpressed by the mansion. Joseph knew his parents weren’t rude but he did wonder why they weren’t more excited. He decided to talk to them after dinner, due to his mother’s trait of talking for hours. Joseph found Jaye in the crowd and ran up to him “After years of trying to hang out for the holidays its so awesome that we actually get to spend thanksgiving together” Joseph said with a smile. Jaye turned around and smiled. He was holding a small white cup of coffee and kept taking sips as he nodded. “Yeah man, its crazy. I plan to enjoy every minute of it. I can see my family anytime, you and me, we gotta live it up. What should we do first?” Jaye replied. “Well first you show me were you got that coffee, it smells great” Joseph said.

            The two friends walked through the dinning area and toward the back. In the back of the room was a large fireplace, crackling and popping as the flames flickered on the wooden logs. Armchairs were placed in a half circle around the fireplace. The chairs and fireplace rested on red carpet, which broke up the design of marble tile. The back of the room had the most windows, the best view, was the quietest part of the room, had a fireplace and over all seemed like its own separate room away from the party. The coffee was located on a fancy table. Various kinds of coffee and creamer were laid out and the sugar was in a white and gold porcelain bowl. Joseph poured some coffee and mixed in pumpkin flavoring. He and Jaye sat down in chairs and watched the fireplace. The smell of wood smoke mixed with the fragrant aroma of Joseph’s coffee. From the back of the room Joseph could also smell the kitchen preparing dinner. It was so wonderful Joseph wished he could have stayed there in that chair forever.

            Joseph and Jaye sat in their chairs drinking coffee and relaxing to the sound of the fireplace crackling. “We are couple of old men” Joseph said with a laugh. “Yeah we are. But its ok. I would rather be here than whatever people in their mid twenties are supposed to do” Jaye replied. Both men turned looked behind their chairs and saw Greg Smithson and their friend Briggs Magillakurk at the bar on the western side of the room. Greg and Briggs were drinking like it was the end of the world. When a party has free booze some people can’t control themselves and feel like they need to drink enough to make up for a weeks worth of drinking. Briggs and Greg were talking and laughing as they drank. Briggs made a joke and the two laughed. Then Greg shouted “I need it!!” So loudly that most of the room heard him. Greg and Briggs laughed but not as hard as Joseph and Jaye laughed. When Greg randomly shouted “I need it!” Joseph and Jaye burst out laughing and couldn’t control themselves. Neither of them understood the context of the situation but doubted that any conversation required someone to drunkenly exclaim, “I need it!”

            After the two calmed down and caught their breath they relaxed a bit more, chuckling in their chairs like idiots. Randomly saying “I need it!” back and forth to each other. But they didn’t say it very loudly so only they could hear the joke. A loud and majestic trumpet interrupted their jubilance. Grand Duke Richard Albatross emerged from a side door and the trumpets sounded again. “Greetings gentle guests, thank you all for coming to my Thanksgiving Dinner. As many of you know, I do not have many remaining family members, but this town, both the high and low parts of town, have been so very dear to me and have always been kind. So I invited some of my favorite families to my dinner. So we can all enjoy this wonderful night together” Duke Albatross finished his speech and everyone cheered. “Bring in the Turkey!!” Shouted Sir Albatross.

            Servants wheeled in a large mental table on wheels, on top of the table was a giant turkey. The turkey was the size of a small car and it took several people to move it across the floor. Joseph had never seen such a big turkey and wondered what it looked like while it was alive. Tables lined the walls and soon servants were bringing out trays of food. Mashed potatoes, squash, pumpkin bread, green beans, turnips, stuffing, apples baked in honey, corn bread, macaroni and cheese, all sorts of pickles, and various olives. The food went on and on. Joseph couldn’t even keep track of all of the types of food that were brought out.

            Jaye and Joseph sat at a table together. Servents brought trays around the room and served up the food as they passed by. The server with the sweet potatoes passed by Jaye put up his hand to say “none for me” and Joseph nodded and said “Two please”. After all of the servants walked by every table it was time to eat. Joseph and Jaye had two plates full of every kind of Thanksgiving and autumn food there was.

            “We should hang out with eccentrics, lonely billionaires more often!” Jaye said as he took a big bite of turkey. Dinner went on and everyone happily ate and talked. Hours passed and the sun had set on the town. Empty plates stacked up on every table and people grumbled and gurgled as they held their stomachs. Soft music played in the background creating a relaxing after dinner atmosphere. Servers came by to collect the empty places and remaining food then came by with coffee, brandy and different kinds of pie. Joseph had a slice of pie loaded up with whipped cream and Jaye had a slice of pumpkin pie and a brandy.

            The night went on and it began to snow. Gentle snowflakes drifted from the sky and settled on the trees and ground outside. The snow and relaxing music gave Joseph a good holiday feeling. Christmas was right around the corner and he could already feel it in the air. Joseph enjoyed a little snow and loved Christmas but he wasn’t in a rush for Thanksgiving to be over, especially this Thanksgiving.

            The night was peaceful and the talking had quieted down to a murmur. Jaye and Joseph sat back in their chairs as they finished their desserts and drinks. Joseph Stephen’s might not have had an crazy night but he did have a great one. Joseph could tell by the glazed smile on Jaye’s face that he was happy as well.

            Joseph Stephens and Jaye Williams would go on to have many exciting times and great holiday adventures, but the Thanksgiving they spent at the Duke Albatross’ house was certainly the best Thanksgiving ever.

The noise in my Head

            My mind is racing full of emotion. My mind is like a crowd of people all jammed into a room. Everyone has a thought to say and usually they all wait their turn. During times of stress they all panic and try to talk at once. All of my thoughts talking at once and suddenly it gets very loud in my head. I hear my thoughts yell and scream to be heard, each one yelling over the next. The best thought isn’t always heard but the loudest one is. Just like real people, the loudest person isn’t always the smartest, but being loud gets attention. So people follow the loudest thought and the loudest voice regardless of whether or not the ideas are good or sane.

            I sit quietly in my chair at the library, the world in my head is buzzing with noise but the world outside is quiet. I stare with a neutral expression and no one can tell that I am trying very hard not to shout at myself to quiet down.

            I leave the house with my thoughts buzzing around my head like a swarm of bees. I get into my car muttering to myself. I turn on the radio and a song blasts out from the speakers. Its that one song that plays fifty thousand times and everyone is sick of but it still gets played. I hate the song and I hate that people love it. The loud outside noise mixed with my loud thoughts and adds new thoughts to my head. “Shut up!” I yell finally as I slam my palm into the radio. The radio is silent and for a moment so are my thoughts.

            I begin to drive and little by little the thoughts begin to pop up, like meerkats coming out of their nests to see if the area is safe again from the loud shouting words. The thoughts return but driving has my focus. I have something to look at and pay attention to. Focus is like the big daddy of thoughts pushing its way through the crowd. The thing that I am focusing on is now the most important and deemed the strongest in the group. The other thoughts sit quietly in fear of focus. Large towering focus helps me keep track of what I am doing.

            I turn down the volume on the radio and then switch it on, I turn to a station I like and continue to drive. A song comes on the radio that I am not familiar with so I listen intently as I drive. The words speak to a part of me. The upbeat lyrics sing of nice blue skies and I try to cheer up, but the lyrics fall flat as they continue. The song is trying to be upbeat with a general message of “I understand times are tough but you need to keep on going” which is a fine message but the examples of pain or ‘tough times’ are pitiful. Anyone who stresses over such meaningless problems needs to stop complaining, they don’t know what real pain feels like. I have felt pain and others have felt pain, this radio singer has not felt pain. My focus wavers and my thoughts jump on focus like an angry mob. My mind grows cloudy once again as all of my thoughts shout at the top of their imaginary lungs. A sea of thoughts swallows focus as it struggles and then dies. I race down the highway as my mind races through my thoughts. I forgot why I was so angry but I am swept up in the anger.

            I hear a loud car horn and I realize I have been driving too fast and too recklessly. I swerve to avoid slamming into the back of a car but end up slamming the side of my car into a motorcycle. The man on the motorcycle gets tossed off his bike and thrown into traffic. My car spins out of control as I recoil on the steering wheel. Another car drives forward and slams into my now sideways car. My car flips over and I fall unconscious. The thoughts fade away, their voices lower and vanish. All is quiet all is dark.

            That next moment I open my eyes and I am in the library, sitting in my chair. The world outside is so quiet no one would ever know how loud it was inside my head.

Autumn Memories

            I remember an autumn day that was so bright and beautiful that I still visit it in my dreams. It was mid autumn in the small New England town where I lived. The cozy homes were decorated for the fall with pumpkins and autumn colors. Bright red, orange and yellow trees dotted the landscape. That year had the most vibrant colors I had ever seen. That morning was cool and misty. I went for a walk early so I could enjoy morning to myself. It was the weekend and no one was outside yet.. The air was refreshing and the smell of damp earth and rain lingered in the air. The sky was slightly overcast but just the right amount to make a person feel relaxed and sleepy.

            That afternoon I met my friend Wilson for pizza. The weather was still chilly but the sun was out so the occasional breeze didn’t bother me. I remember the bright blue sky as a background for beautiful autumn colors. The town was a little busier at this point. Everyone was wearing their warmer clothes and the smell of coffee was everywhere. I had pizza with Wilson that afternoon. We laughed the whole time we were together. Making jokes, enjoying the pizza and for an hour we forgot all of our troubles. It was perfect. During lunch Wilson was getting sentimental about the season, talking about family and relationships. I carefully listened because he was rarely a serious person. In the middle of his thought the pizza had crept up on him and he let out a loud burp. He stared at me with surprise, his eyes wide and a grin across his face. I squinted my eyes at him and smiled. It was gross and I was trying not to laugh, finally we both starting laughing hysterically. Wilson had not planned that and the burp was just as much of a surprise to him as it was to me. The day moved on and I still chuckled about that even after I left.

            Night came and I headed home. Night settled in, blanketing the town with darkness. As the sun went down street lamps and porch lights went on. Soft lights from lamps, autumn decorations and open windows of houses added a warm touch to the otherwise cold night. The smell of wood smoke drifted through the air, its rustic fragrance made me feel more relaxed and happy than any scent I had smelled before. The small town neighborhood was quiet and peaceful.

            As I was walking home I saw a black cat sitting on the steps of a rustic orange house, with a dark brown door and soft light coming from the windows. The cat wasn’t paying attention and seemed bored with me. I reached down to pet the cat, but right as I did the cat walked off. I couldn’t help but laugh. If cats weren’t so cute they wouldn’t get away with half of the things they do. I recovered from that devastating snubbing and continued to walk home. Pride wounded, but intact.

            I reached my house, it was a brick house with a green door and green window shutters. I walked in and instantly smelled the faint scent of pies and baked goods. My wife Jess and I had been baking and the scent rested through the house like a lazy cat. I turned on lights and removed my coat. My house was decorated with plastic autumn leaves, light up pumpkins and an autumn wreath on the door. I lit an apple cider scented candle and sat back in my chair.

            Jess came home with a big smile. She walked into the house carrying various boxes and decorations. Her strawberry blond hair kept falling down over her face as she carried everything inside. I helped her bring everything in and that’s when she told me about all of the Halloween decorations she bought. Halloween was over and it left a sadness in my heart, but my lovely wife went out to scoop up the remaining decorations for a fraction of their normal price.

            In the box was ghosts made of cloth and plastic, a Jack-o-lantern that screamed when you touched it and a twisted wooden sign that said “Hallows End”. I didn’t know what a Hallows End was, but it sounded spooky.

            The night wound down as I listened to soft music and sat in my comfortable chair with a glass of hot cider. Jess was reading on the couch and wore her adorable reading glasses. The music played on like a distant memory in the back of your mind. I started to fall asleep and my mind wandered off. It went and chased happy memories thoughts of fall and goals for the future.

            I thought of my slowly growing family that I had with Jess, the cool night air and how good the warmth of the house felt, hot tea, cold apple cider, baked goods and brightly colored trees. I was completely content of that night as I thought about misty mornings, bright fall days, cold October nights, autumn memories…and pizza burps.

Assault on the Dark Spire part 2

         The Necromancer stood up as blood gushed from his wounds. The Ancient dark magic staff had expended all of its energy, but the evil staff had a mind of its own and was determined to retake as much energy as it could. The staff began to absorb the dark power of the Haunted forest, the cursed clearing, the undead minions and the Necromancer himself. Dark energy swirled around the Necromancer but he refused to give up the staff even though it was killing him. He held it tight against his body as the dark energy stripped the flesh and organs from his bones. The undead minions all collapsed to the ground and their souls were released into the air. The demons of the Haunted forest fled from this realm as they feared their energy would be drained from the mad Staff’s power.

            The Mayor could barely stand and had to watch the madness unfold as he struggled to his feet. When the energy and flashing light faded the Necromancer stood before the Mayor as a skeleton. The Skeleton was fused with the power of the staff. The Staff held his magic, his life force and his soul and the Necromancer held the Staff. It was even more important to him now than it had ever been.

            The mayor couldn’t fight and even if he could he didn’t know how to kill a skeleton wizard with so much power. The Mayor stood up defiantly. He didn’t think he could win, but he had to try. He had to fight, even with his last breath. “Foolish Mortal. I have been reborn. I am the most powerful undead wizard of all time. I have been reborn as a Lich and my power surpasses all. I have power over death itself!!” The Lich Shouted. At that moment Death appeared. The Grim reaper wore a black cloak and carried a scythe, he floated in front of the Lich and his cloak seemed to fade into the shadows. “As a mortal you tried to bend the laws of life and death to your will, you twisted the laws of reality to match your selfish desires. I cannot take mortals before their time so I had to sit and watch as you sinned against nature. But you are no longer mortal, you are an abomination that claims to have powers over me. Alright then Abomination, do your worst” Death said, its voice came from the air and not its skeletal mouth. Each word that Death spoke echoed and sent chills down The Mayor’s spine.

            The Lich wasted no time and held out his staff sending his strongest spell at the Grim Reaper “Lord of Death, you shall bow to me!” Shouted the Lich as the magic of the staff blasted the Grim Reaper and surrounded him. Death spun his scythe through the air and the magic spell dissipated. “Fool” Death said then in a blink was next to the Lich, then in another blink the Grim Reaper had slashed his Scythe through the Lich.

            The Lich was thrown back and damaged but was not destroyed. His life force was safe within the Staff. The Lich was quite possibly immortal, but he was not stronger than Death itself. The Grim Reaper summoned a dark portal below the Lich. Shadowy hands rose up from the portal and grabbed onto the Lich, dragging him down into the ground. The Lich screamed as the shadow hands pulled him into his dark prison deep down into the earth. The ground shook and the Lich slowly disappeared underground.

            “Thank so much” the Mayor said as his voice quaked with fear. He knew Death was a natural force and not a villain like the Lich, but it was still terrifying to be in its presence. Death nodded to the Mayor “You have also contributed to this victory young Mayor. You and John Baines” Said Death. “What will happen to the Necromancer? Or the Lich or whatever he calls himself” Asked the Mayor “He will be sealed underground for eternity. But I fear he will regain his power one day and return. He will return but will need to use all of his energy to do so. Only then will he be able to be destroyed once and for all. So I hope that there will be mortals as brave as you when that happens” Death explained.

            “I want to be there when he comes back. I will do anything to make sure the Necromancer doesn’t come back to destroy the world” The Mayor said. The Grim Reaper was surprised “it is within my power to do this but there is a price. You will be immortal, free from dying of old age, but you can still be killed by other means. Also you will only be immortal while standing on these Hallowed grounds. You may leave the forest to see your family, but as you reach the end of your life you must never leave the forest or you will die the second your foot touches the outside world” Death explained.

            The Mayor was overjoyed to have a chance to protect his people and the people of the world. “Thank you so much for this chance, I will not let it go to waste. I promise. But these grounds are not hallowed or holy, are they?” Asked the Mayor. “Yes, this was once the burial site of many heroes of the ages. This was the site for the heroes of not just the Autumn Forest but of many lands as well. The Necromancer corrupted that energy and turned it to dark energy. The land and forest will be forever scarred, the Haunted forest will be free from demons but the spirits and creatures of the night still lurk within. The land will remain blackened and twisted but the dark energy has been removed and sealed within the staff. This land is once again a holy land, the burial site of heroes and many dead who lost their lives to the Necromancer” Death Explained.

            “Speaking of Heroes” Death said. Then appeared next to John’s body. “Arise John Baines, you have not left his world yet” Death said. The mayor watched a ghost of John appear and step back into his body. John’s eyes opened and he slowly stood up. “John you have done well. I know you have heard what the Mayor has asked of me. I ask you now, do you wish to join him in guarding this land or will you move on to the afterlife?” Asked Death.

            “I wanted to be free for so long. Now I am free from the Necromancer’s curse and I feel as though a weight has been lifted. I would very much like to go to the afterlife, but I cannot rest as long as the threat of the Lich is still present” John said. “Very well John. I will make you immortal as long as you stay within this land. Magical weapons and spells can still kill you but you have nothing to fear from mortal weapons. Since you have already used up your lifespan you cannot ever leave this forest and if you do, you will die. When you and the Mayor die you will go to afterlife and welcomed as heroes” Death explained. John and the Mayor nodded to show they understood.

            “Before I leave, I will bestow one more gift” Said Death. The Grim Reaper floated over to the ground where the Lich was buried and stuck his finger into the ground, pulled it out then dropped a small seed into the earth and buried it. “This plant will sap the Lich’s power, delaying his return and making him more vulnerable. The plant will grow over the years and it will transform the dark magic of the Lich and the land into the holy energy this land once had. After a time the land might actually recover and become a place of beauty again. What the plant grows into is entirely up to you. It will take any form you wish. But protect it with your lives” Death said. Then before John or the Mayor could say anything, the Grim Reaper vanished.

            John walked over to the seed and looked down at it. “It can grow to anything? What should we grow it into?” Asked John. “I have always been fond of Halloween, the people in the Autumn forest never get into it as much as I do. Maybe we can grow it into a symbol of our victor, a symbol of a new holy land of the dead, a symbol for Halloween. What do you think, John?” The Mayor asked. “It sounds like you want to grow a Jack-o-lantern” John said with a sigh then smiled. His smile was determined but a little frightening “If we are going to live in this hallowed end of the world and grow a Jack-o-lantern as a symbol, then I guess you can call me Jack” Said Jack, his broad smile and wide eyes combined with the scars on his face really did make him look like a pumpkin that was carved on Halloween.

“Alright Jack, consider this your new life. And if we are going to start a new life and actually have to live here, we might as well make it more comfortable” the Mayor said. “What like build a house?” Asked Jack. “No, we build a town” Replied the Mayor.      

Assault on the Dark Spire part 1

            Permanent night blanketed Haunted forest, the trees were black like burnt wood, the branches were bare and instead of sap, they had green slime oozing from any opening. The haunted forest was very large and deep within the forest was a large clearing. The ground was full of rocks and gray dirt. Nothing grew in the Haunted forest and the clearing looked even more barren. The only thing in the clearing was the Necromancer, his evil minions and the Dark spire that stood at the center of it all. The feeling of dread would wash over all who looked upon the spire.

 John Bones and the Mayor of honeydew village finally reached the Necromancers spire within the Haunted forest. John stepped out from the black and twisted trees into a clearing of gray, dead soil and stepped into a gloomy green mist that lingered through the air.  The mayor followed John into the clearing and looked up at the evil spire that loomed over them.

            John was technically a minion of the Necromancer but the Mayor was an intruder to the land and soon alerted the other minions. As soon as the Mayor stepped foot into the clearing the ground began to shake. Undead minions crawled up from the ground, ghouls, skeletons and zombies clawed their way from the earth with their skeletal hands. Eerie howling could be heard in the air, distant and echoed. John unsheathed his sword and walked forward on the uneasy ground.  Undead that guard the spire shambled forward toward John and new undead continued to rise up from the earth. The Mayor held up his broad sword as he prepared to fight. His sword was made of silver and blessed by a priest. He had it forged so that he could slay the Necromancer.

            The Mayor was brave and determined but his resolve wavered in the face of so many enemies. John saw this “Do not waiver, victory is at hand!” John said then charged forward to meet the enemy. John ran as fast as he could, his feet slammed against the ground, if he had a heartbeat it would have been pounding out of his chest. Most of the undead were nothing more than skeletons and walking suits of armor, but some had partial human faces, newer undead still seemed like people. This made John think of himself, how he was no better than these shambling undead. He began to wonder how he retained so much of his independence when the others were mindless even when the Necromancer wasn’t present. John began to doubt himself and his mind became clouded.

            “John!” Shouted the Mayor. John looked up and realized he had reached the undead horde but was so distracted that he didn’t keep his guard up. An armored skeleton brought a sword down and slashed Johns arm. John escaped with only a cut on his arm thanks to the warning from the Mayor. John’s arm began to feel pain and green blood oozed from his wound. John realized that all of the undead must carry cursed blades. Which meant any undead carrying a blade of any kind could permanently kill John. John’s first thought was “That could be a way out” If he had a way to die then he would no longer be bound to his undead body and maybe he would find peace. This thought was quickly pushed out. If John died now he wouldn’t be able to take his revenge out on the Necromancer. Many would suffer at the hands of the dark wizard if he wasn’t stopped. John knew that he wouldn’t be able to face Captain Mohardy in the afterlife if John took the easy way out.

            The Mayor slashed undead as he ran forward to meet up with John. There were so many zombies, skeletons and undead knights that he couldn’t stand and fight each one without being overwhelmed. “We need to run to the spire” The Mayor called ahead.

            John was fighting two Skeleton knights, both with jagged broad swords and covered in armor. John found it difficult to dodge the attacks and find the weak points in his opponent’s armor. John ducked one sword slash then stabbed his sword upward as he stood back up. His sword stabbed into the helmet slots of the first undead knight. John pulled his sword out and the undead knight crumbled to the ground. The second knight swung it’s sword at John but just then the Mayor ran up and cut the skeletons head off. He slashed and perfectly hit the space between the Skeletons chest armor and the bottom of the helmet.

            John and the Mayor ran forward and reached the Spire gates. John touched the gate and the door opened. The tower reacted to dark magic and John used his curse to their advantage. John and the Mayor ran into the spire and closed the door behind them. The undead didn’t understand how to open the door and just stood next to the spire with vacant expressions.

            John and the Mayor ran up the stairs as fast as they could. The twisting staircase seemed to go on for miles. John did not tire but the Mayor was starting to fatigue. He was a muscular man and very fit but he had been running since they stepped foot in the clearing and now they had to run to the top of a giant spire. “Keep going, I will catch up” The Mayor said as he slowed. John continued to run forward. He knew he couldn’t face the Necromancer alone, but he couldn’t wait either. He was too determined to seek revenge and couldn’t bear waiting another moment.

            John reached the top of the spire and kicked open the door. The Necromancer turned with surprise but then smiled when he saw whom it was. “Ah my lovely Jack pumpkin head, pumpkin Jack. Jack-o-lantern Jack…well you get the idea. Your face is a disaster and that’s coming from a Necromancer who has seen all kinds of faces” The Necromancer said with a cocky smile. The Necromancer wore all black robes with a small symbol on his chest. The symbol was dark purple and looked like an eye with a cross through it. The Necromancer had long black hair and a trimmed goatee. He looked young for such a powerful wizard, late forties at most.

            The Necromancer lifted his hand up and stopped John just as he tried to pull his sword. “This is getting tiresome. I noticed you caused quite a disturbance on the ground. It was amusing but now it has become bothersome” Said the Necromancer. He closed his hand into a fist and John felt shooting pain through his body and crumpled to the ground. The Necromancer smiled but his victory was short lived as an axe came hurling through the air and hit the Necromancer in the chest. His eyes went wide and he stumbled backward. “W-who was that?” He muttered as blood dripped from his mouth. He pulled the axe from his chest and threw it to the ground. The Mayor stood in the doorway behind John. The Mayor was brandishing his silver sword and had a row of hand axes strapped to his belt. With the Necromancer distracted John was able to rise up and took his opportunity to strike.

            The Necromancer tried to stop John but was stabbed through the chest before he could react.  John pulled his sword out and glared at the Necromancer as he fell to the ground. “That was for the tradewind, its crew and anyone else you killed” John said.

            The Necromancer began to laugh and then stood back up. “I cannot be killed so easily” He said. Then held his hand out to summon the source of his powers, a magical staff of the undead. This ancient artifact boosted the Necromancers power from his average dark magic abilities to the skill of a one hundred year old wizard.

            The Necromancer shot a beam of dark energy from his staff. The beam cooked the air as it shot forward at the Mayor. John jumped in front of the blast and was struck in the chest. Green energy burst from John’s eyes and mouth then he went limp and hit the ground. The Mayor threw another axe then charged forward. The Necromancer blasted the axe mid air and then turned and shot at the Mayor again, but the Mayor was gone. “Where have you gone coward?” Shouted the evil wizard. The Mayor did not hid or run away but instead jumped straight into the air. The Mayor came down with his sword pointed at the Necromancer’s head. The Dark wizard held up his staff as a reflex to defend against the strike. The Mayor’s sword slashed and broke the ancient staff, releasing all of the magical energy at once. Dark energy exploded from the staff sending The Necromancer, the Mayor and John’s body to the ground below. The top of the spire was destroyed and it was a miracle that the Mayor even survived.

Where my Dreams take me - part 6 The New Day

Jack stepped through the charred doorway of his former Boss’ office. The office was untouched by flames and was just as flashy and awful as Jack remembered. “Jack my boy, such wonderful new powers you have. I think we can work out a deal. You keep working for me and I will forgive you for killing all of my guards” The Boss said calmly.

            Jack smiled, he grinned ear to ear as he walked forward slowly. “Deals? We are making deals now?” Asked Jack, his smile still wide and frightening. He slowly sat down on a crimson leather chair across from the Boss. Jack leaned over the Boss’ desk and looked him in the eye. “You will forgive me? Forgive me? FORGIVE ME?!” Jack said his voice jumped into a shout toward the end. Jack cleared his throat and brushed his hair back. “You should be begging me to spare your life and you sit here making deals? You should be asking ME to forgive YOU!” Jack said, his voice jumping as he barely contained his anger. “I would never make a deal with you, but I did make a deal with someone else. Someone who wants you dead just as much as I do” Jack said as he looked the Boss right into his beady dark brown eyes. “Who would have the nerve to send you after me? And while I am asking questions, where did you get that magic?” The Boss asked. He didn’t move from his chair, but he was slowly becoming uncomfortable.

            Death slowly appeared into view behind Jack. A floating cloaked skeleton holding a scythe appeared as a response to the Boss’ question. Then a second later Death was gone. Jack didn’t see Death but he assumed the Boss did by his changed expression. All of the color drained out of the Boss’ face when he saw the Grim Reaper.

            Jack stood up and lifted his hammer to strike but the Boss acted quickly and shot Jack point blank with his shotgun. Jack froze and his eyes went wide. He had come so far only to let his guard down for a second and to get killed by the same person and the same gun that killed Isabelle. Everything seemed to slow as Jack looked down to check for damage. As he looked down he saw the Boss was horrified instead of pleased. Green flames spilled out of Jack’s chest and stomach. The flames covered his torso instead of blood. Magical flames moved across Jack’s skin but instead of burning him, they were healing the skin. The flames that dripped to the ground burned a hole in the floor.

            Jack looked at the Boss and smiled “Death sends his regards” then launched forward and grabbed the Boss by the throat. Green flames burned brightly in Jack’s eyes as rage filled his body. Jack lifted the Boss up by his throat and hurled him through the back wall. As the Boss’ body soared through the air like a rag doll Jack lifted his hammer and then flung it forward. The hammer flew straight out and hit the Boss, then engulfed the Boss in flames. The Hammer and the Boss’ body dropped to the ground with a thud. Jack couldn’t see where the Boss landed because it was dark and also his body was sent out past the city limits.

            Jack jumped out through the hole in the wall down three floors and hit the ground. Jack landed on his feet and took off running. This part of Dark city was the section unlucky enough to be built on the edge of the Haunted Forest. Jack approached the forest, which was swarming with spirits and weird glowing eyes that looked on from every shadow. Jack didn’t want to go anywhere near that place. “Halloween night is almost upon us Jack. Halloween is when the Haunted forest grows restless and the spirits become visible and the monsters more aggressive” Death whispered. The Haunted forest was always dangerous, but the development of Dark city riled up the inhabitants of the forest and with Halloween approaching the spirits were even more restless.

            The boss was standing on the edge of the Haunted forest, too afraid to run into the forest to escape Jack, but too afraid of Jack to distance himself from the forest. Jack approached “Not dead yet? Good, more fun for me” Jack said as he walked closer, his hammer burned brightly as Jack approached. Jack lifted his hammer off the ground and held it up with one hand. “J-Jack please, I can bring her back! I can help you. Don’t kill me” The Boss said his human skin dripped from his face revealing red demon skin. Small yellow horns poked out from under his black hat and his eyes glowed yellow. Jack sneered and shot another blast of fire at the Boss.

            The flames burned the Boss’ clothes and melted away his human disguise.

The Boss stood five feet five and was now in his true form. He was still overweight but his skin was scaly and red, his mouth was a large gaping maw and his eyes burned bright like fire. “Disgusting” Jack muttered. The Boss pulled a black gem from his torn suit pocket. He smiled and held it up. “I saved this gem for supernatural opponents, it cancels magic. Since magic is holding you together right now, prepare to be torn apart. The Gem shot out a blast of energy at Jack. Jack threw his hammer at the blast and jumped out of the way. The Hammer and the dark blast collided and caused an explosion. Black, red and green flames shot over Jack’s head as he lay flat on the grass. The Boss was blasted backward into the Haunted forest.

            “He’s going to escape!” Jack shouted. “No, he is not” Death replied. The glowing eyes went out and the spirits that floated around the trees rushed into the forest. Everything that Haunted that forest seemed to move in on the Boss as soon as he landed. Screams echoed out of the forest accompanied by the sounds of bones breaking and meat being torn.

            It was over, Jack had his revenge, and the Boss was dead. Death appeared in front of Jack in the form of a young woman. She was very pale and slender, she wore all black and had long black hair that flowed into her black dress. She walked toward Jack and smiled “You have done well” She said with a kind smile. Death knelt down and picked up the Hammer with ease. “The stories this hammer could tell…” She said as her voice drifted off. Death stared at the hammer as if it was telling her all of its amazing stories.

            “What do I do now?” Asked Jack as he lifted himself up. “I want a peaceful life, I want to be done with this nightmare. Am I even human anymore? What was that green fire inside of me?” Jack added. Death sighed “The hammer’s magic kept you alive. MY hammer kept you alive. Now that you have given it to me, you are as mortal and human as before. Now you can go build your life. It is yours for the taking. Do as you wish with this freedom. The mountaintop, the autumn forest, maple town and even a black cat all wait for you in your future. The traveling and building is up to you” Death explained. “Thank you, Jack” Death added with a smile then vanished from sight.

            Jack felt sore, tired and hungry. Before he left Dark city forever he decided to pay a visit to Old Carl and see if he could make him some food for old times sake.

            Jack stumbled as he walked back into the city, leaving the sights and sounds of the Haunted Forest behind him. As he approached the city he saw a black cat with green eyes. It was just a kitten, it was lost and alone and rummaging through a garbage can for food. Jack walked up to the cat and put his hand out to pet it. Despite living on the street, the cat was friendly and trusting enough to let Jack pet him. Jack saw an old can of pumpkin puree in the garbage and smiled at the dirty logo of a pumpkin patch. The black cat bit down on the can but then reared its head back when it realized the can wasn’t edible.

            “Would you like to come with me? I’m homeless too” Jack told the cat. The cat mewed and began to purr. “Have you ever been to the mountains? I hear they are lovely this time of year” Jack said as he picked up his new cat and placed it on his shoulders. “I am going to call you Karu, if that’s alright” Jack said. Karu meowed.

            Jack and Karu walked through Dark city, toward the Lousy Dame bar. The rain had stopped, the sun was rising and Jack had a brand new life ahead of him.

Where my Dreams take me - part 5 Assault on the Organization

            Jack stood at the ground floor of the Organization’s base of operations. He decided to take the stairs up to each floor because he knew the elevators could be switched off and even unlatched. This was a defense that the Boss used to kill intruders stupid enough to trap themselves in a metal box when attacking a criminal organization.

            “Jack, I have another deal for you” Death said as Jack headed for the stairs. “I don’t want to make a habit of making deals with Death” Jack replied then stopped walking so that Death had his full attention. “I can enhance your weapon. Your killing hammer has seen so much death, it would be very easy for me to augment it with more power. Having extra power would ensure your victory to be sure. The deal is, I imbue your hammer with magic and when you have had your revenge, you give the hammer to me” Death said in a calm voice. “If I am going to retire why would I need my hammer? Its win-win again for me” Jack said. Then paused. Part of him didn’t want to give up his precious weapon for anything. Even though getting rid of it would shut the book on his old life, he still didn’t want to give up his hammer. He had the hammer since he was a teen, he carried it every single day of his life for the past fifteen years. If anyone came looking for Jack he wouldn’t have his hammer to defend himself with. Making his hammer stronger would make it easier to get revenge with less chance of dying, and giving up the hammer would truly mean he was done with his old life, he would be able to move on completely. He could think of his time in Dark city as a bad nightmare that he finally woke up from.

            “Why would you want this hammer? You aren’t trying to do me any favors” Asked Jack. “No, our deals are not meant to help you at all. I am getting something out of every deal. That doesn’t mean it has to negatively affect you though. As for why I want the hammer, lets just say it will be more valuable to me. I collect rare things. My favorite thing to collect are items that have killed large numbers of people, the dark aura on the weapon is stronger if it kills strong enemies. I see many things that you cannot. A hammer that has killed many, that becomes enchanted only to slay more humans and a demon is incredibly valuable to me. You wouldn’t even understand its true worth at that point. So, do we have a deal?” Death asked.

            Jack hesitated, Death answered the question but Jack didn’t feel comfortable giving up the last piece of his past. The hammer linked him to his past, both the good and the bad. It made him remember the awful things he did, but also let him remember Isabelle and the good times. Jack needed to survive this last fight though and agreed to the deal. “Yes, fine. You can have the hammer when this is over. After everyone is dead. The boss, Galore and anyone who was there the night Isabelle died.” Jack said. “Agreed!” Death replied.

            Without any more delay Jack rushed up the stairs. His heart was pounding, he felt like he was being pulled into the underworld with every step. Making deals with Death, challenging a demon to do battle, attacking his old place of employment. It was all a bit much for Jack to handle. Well except for the attacking the former place of employment, Jack was enjoying that.

            Jack reached the second floor and kicked open the door, he lifted his hammer up and green flames engulfed Jack’s weapon. Jack slammed his hammer down onto the ground and flames spread out along the floor burning up everything in its path. Guards, guns, tacky furniture, it was all consumed by the hammer’s magical flames. Death never explained how to use the Hammer’s magic and never even made of show of enchanting it, yet Jack somehow knew how to fight with his newly enchanted hammer.

“Satisfied with the results?” Asked Death. “Very” Jack replied with an evil grin.

With the second floor cleared out Jack could move onto the final floor where his Boss always sat. Jack was glad the Organization was located in a factory and not a skyscraper. Jack ran up the stairs to the third floor and blasted the door apart with his magical green flames. Galore Riggs and a group of guards stood waiting. Everyone had their guns drawn and Galore had an assault rifle. “Sorry Jack, I can’t let you go” Galore said. “The Boss is a demon, Galore. He killed Isabelle and he holds you like a prisoner. He holds us all. The only people who are happy in the Organization are the ones who never get tired of the killing, the drugs and the stealing. The rest of us, we die off. Galore, this is your last chance to change sides.” Jack said, being strangely diplomatic.

Galore laughed “You might be right Jack, but I am the one with the guns and the backup. You have one chance to give up. I am not backing down” Galore replied.

“I gave you a chance, I am actually glad you didn’t take it. You might not have killed Isabelle, but you did stop me from killing the Boss. You wont be stopping me this time” Jack replied as he lifted his hammer above his head. Bright green flames swirled around the head of Jack’s hammer as he lifted it into the air. Galore aimed his assault rifle at Jack and went to pull the trigger when one of the guards spoke up. “Uh, does that deal count for me too?

            Jack and Galore both let out an annoyed sigh at the same time. “Yeah, sure. Anyone who doesn’t want to die protecting the Boss and also wasn’t in the room on the night Isabelle died, can leave” Jack said as he held his hammer ready to strike. Four guards quietly left the room and shut the door behind them. When Jack heard the door click shut he swung his hammer in an arc, which made a flame shield. Galore and his remaining guards unleashed a flurry of bullets. Everything near or behind Jack was torn to shreds. When the dust settled Jack was standing unscathed. “Second thoughts?” Said Jack with a smile. One guard raised his hand but then was promptly shot by Galore.

            “You are a dead man, I don’t care if I have to take you apart with my bare hands” Galore said his voice full of rage. Galore began to unload another clip from his assault rifle as he walked toward Jack. He was determined to hit Jack at least once. Jack outstretched his hand and then turned his hand up with his palm facing Galore. Jack’s hammer began to spin in the air in front of Jack’s palm. The flames from the spinning hammer burned the floor and surrounding area. The hammer spun so fast it was actually blocking Galore’s bullets. Jack closed his hand into a fist and his hammer shot forward and struck Galore. The hammer hit Galore in the face, shattering his skull on impact, the hammer continued to fly forward and smashed open the metal door to the Boss’ office.

            Galore’s body slumped to the ground and the remaining guards tried to run for the exit. Jack’s hammer flew back to his hand. Then Jack spun his hammer around to make another fire shield but this time Jack took a deep breath in and then breathed out with all of his might. Jack’s breath blew through the flames causing a green flamethrower effect. Jack rotated in a circle torching everything and everyone in the room with his green fire breath. There were no survivors.

Where my Dreams take me - part 3 Into the Dark city

            Night had settled on the land, rain continued to pour down on the autumn forest. Jack walked through the forest, sore and exhausted. As he walked he noticed the trees change from bright Autumn colors to dark brown leaves and eventually to bare trees with black gnarled roots. Jack had stumbled into the last remains of the dark forest. The dark forest was a dangerous place filled with wild animals and twisted trees. The Dark Forest is the result of corruption from dark magic spilling into a previously healthy part of the Autumn forest. The Haunted forest, which was now known as the cursed land was the source of the dark magic and corruption that tainted the surrounding area turning it into the dark forest.

            Luckily for Jack he was able to spot a city beyond the dark and twisted trees. Slowly the corrupted Dark Forest was being cleared away in development of cities and roads. Despite aggressive development, the Haunted forest, which was located on the edge of the city, was not touched. Too many workers, hunters, explorers and people in general went missing in that cursed place. The wildest beasts of the forest were nothing to be afraid of compared to the ghosts, spirits and demons that lurked in the Haunted forest.

            Jack walked in the rain toward the city. The dark, twisted trees parted to make way for a large brightly lit city, full of towering ominous buildings and seedy streets. From a distance the city was a beautiful sight, the city lights from the buildings and traffic shined like a beacon in the dark night, but as Jack walked closer he saw the city was unwelcoming and dangerous.

            He approached the city from the forest, he climbed over a fence, walked through a parking lot and ended up on the sidewalk. Jack needed to find someplace that was still open even at this late hour, so he could get directions or maybe even a ride home. As he walked he realized everything was open. This city was very different than his home in the mountains and that forest village were everyone went home at 9 o’clock.

            As strange and foreign as the city was, Jack somehow knew his way around. After a few minutes of walking he found a bar called “The lousy dame” It was a dive bar that no one in their right mind would visit. Jack went in, he felt compelled to go. When he entered the bar he saw it was a dimly lit room, with most of the place being taken up by a large bar and bar stools. A few old booths lined the back wall. The bartender was an old guy with a beard. He might have been old but he looked like he could hold his own in a fight. He had the appearance of someone who used to either box or wrestle when they were younger. Some muscles don’t go away.

            The bartender walked in “you must be lost” he said with a sneer. “Heh, yeah actually. Uh..were am I and could I use your phone?” Jack replied. The bartender’s face stiffened. “Yer in Darkcity. Formerly Dark Oak city. And you are standing in my bar, the Lousy dame. Just figured I’d mention that too ‘cause you look brain dead as well as lost. Also no you can’t use my phone. Only custumers use my phone”  The bartender replied.

 Jack smiled, trying his best to be friendly despite being called brain dead. “Well then I will have a beer a shot of whiskey, a basket of pumpkin fries and some chicken fingers” Jack replied. “Also I would like to use your phone” He added with a smirk. The bartender gave Jack a second look as if trying to place his face somewhere, but then walked into the back kitchen to get Jack’s food.

            Jack was hungry but he wasn’t sure why he ordered all of that stuff. He didn’t want to get drunk. He could have just had a beer, used the phone and nursed his beer as he waited for a taxi. “That’s an awfully specific order” Said a large man as he walked up next to Jack. “Yeah? No one order the chicken or pumpkin fries before?” Jack asked, trying to stay light hearted. “No, they don’t, because pumpkin fries aren’t on the menu, only people that know old Carl order them. He says they are a pain in the ass to make and only makes em for friends” said the large man. “Well it must have been a lucky guess. Who are you?” Jack asked the large man who was now looming over him.

            “Galose Rigs, and you are Jack the hammer” Said Galose the large man. He leaned down and Jack saw his face, which looked like it was in a permanent sneer. Galose has jet black hair and olive skin, he wore a trench coat over a bullet proof vest and a dress shirt. “My name is Jack but I don’t know…” Jack began to say but then Galose smacked the silver hammer that Jack was doing a poor job of concealing under his coat. the hammer flung forward but Jack caught it mid air, spun around kicked Galose so hard that made him fall backward then Jack raised the hammer above his head ready to slam it down on Galose. This all happened in a second and Jack moved out of reflex not rational thought. “Don’t touch my hammer” Jack said with a sneer. Then his face shifted from frightening to confused. “MY hammer? When did I ever buy a hammer?” Jack muttered.

 Galose, who was not afraid of anyone, was now on the ground shivering. He was thought he was going to be executed by Jack. “You kill people Jack, that’s not something you can just forget” Galose said after he got his nerve back. Galose had seen Jack murder people for less and smacking Jack’s hammer was up there on punishable offenses.

            Old Carl the bartender came back out with a Jack’s food and drink and was now wearing a smile. “You know Jack, I thought you were a lost bumpkin the way you were acting. I recognized your face but your attitude was way off. I didn’t know you enjoyed practical jokes so much” Said Carl as he set Jack food down. Jack was now sitting at the bar trying to remember his old life and Galose had left.

            “you know me?” Jack said in a shaky voice. “Yeah a’course I do. You’re my best costumer. I worried you would stop coming by after…you know” Carl said but trailed off. “What?” Jack said looking up with concern. “Isabelle…died. She died Jack, you did know that, right? I mean I heard you were there. I heard…well don’t worry what I heard. You just relax and eat and drink. It’s on the house. You rest up. Did you really need to use my phone” Carl said then began to smile as he mentioned the phone, remembering Jack’s hilarious ‘joke’. “No, it was a joke. I just haven’t been myself lately” Jack replied with his head hung low. Carl nodded solemnly. “I know my boy, I know. You two were set to be married and everything. I-I am really sorry” Carl said and then went back into the back room kitchen.

            Jack began to remember everything. He remembered his past but his present seemed hazy. He remembered Isabelle dying. He saw her gunned down by their boss. Jack was worked for a criminal organization as an enforcer. He grew up in Dark City, he was raised by the Organization and then became their strongest and deadliest member.

            Jack remembered he had just come back from a job when he saw Isabelle. She was beautiful, Tall, red hair with blue eyes. She was standing confidently in front of the big boss. The most ruthless man in the city besides Jack himself and Isabella stood unwavering as they spoke. Jack walked in and heard them talking. She had just joined the Organization for money. She had skills as a thief but knew she needed support to stay out of prison and get the bigger jobs. Her joining wasn’t supposed to be permanent but if the Boss likes someone, he doesn’t want to let them go.

            Jack went out of his way to talk to Isabelle on a regular basis. When she was around he let himself relax. He could be a nicer version of himself when he talked to Isabelle. They connected instantly and after a year planned to get married.

            “We should just run away, Jack. Get married and get out of the city” Isabelle said as she stood on the balcony of their fourth floor apartment. Jack slowly got dressed, as he talked “I can’t just leave, the work pays well. Besides where would we go? Run off to the mountains? I grow pumpkins and you raise kids?” Jack said with a sarcastic laugh. He put on his gray t-shirt, black jeans and black combat boots then walked toward the balcony. “Why would we leave?” Jack asked as he tried to soften his voice. He spent his days delivering death threats and orders, so when he was with Isabelle he had to consciously make an effort to not sound like an asshole. “I joined the organization to make money, I made money, now I need to leave. I don’t want to live in Dark city all of my life. Do you?” Isabelle asked. Jack grabbed his dark green trench coat and put it on then walked to the balcony. “No, I suppose not. The boss isn’t going to be happy” Jack said as he pulled Isabelle close. “The boss is never happy” She said. “You never answered my question. You wanna be pumpkin farmers and raise kids in the mountains?” Jack said with a sarcastic smile. “Ass” Isabelle said, she punched his arm and then kissed him.

            Months later Isabelle and Jack went to the Boss’ office together. “No, I need you both for an upcoming job. Besides you are two of my best employees” said the boss. He was an overweight man who had a taste for expensive suits, flashy furniture and naked woman paintings. Jack didn’t like being around him.

            “You say this every time we try to leave. You promised this wouldn’t be a permanent position for me. We both made money from me working for you. We both made out well, now let me go” Isabelle said. She knew everyone who worked for the Organization needed the Boss’ permission to leave or they would be hunted and dragged back to Dark city. “I can’t risk losing both of you. I can’t count on Galose or Big Davy to do Jack’s work and most of my professional thieves are small time” The boss said. Then he hesitated “One of you can go. Not both” He said then slapped his palm down on his marble and gold desk. “One not both. Take it or leave it” He said.

            Jack turned to Isabelle “You go, I wanted to stay anyway. This can still work” Jack said. “No, both of us. Jack worked for you his whole life. You don’t own him or me. We are leaving.” Isabelle said. Guards stood in her way to keep her from leaving the room. She gritted her teeth. This organization was pushing her patience. Without another word Isabelle grabbed two daggers from her belt and stabbed one into each of the guards. She jammed her daggers into their necks before they could even pull their weapons, or scream. The boss pulled out a shotgun from under his desk and fired it as Isabelle.

            Jack went to jump in the way but was tackled by guards wearing suits and ties. Isabelle only had enough time to turn before she was blasted by the shotgun blast. Blood splattered the white and gold walls. Jack threw the guards off as fury built up in him. “You didn’t have to do that! HOW COULD YOU” Jack yelled. The guards tried to restrain him but he pulled out his hammer and swung it through the air. It hit the first guard and shattered his skull on impact. The second guard was kicked to the ground before he could get close enough to attack, then Jack finished him with a downward hammer drop to the skull. Blood and brains splattered the floor and ceiling. The Boss put his gun down. “Feel better?” He asked coldly. The other guards didn’t even attempt to attack.

"Feel better?! I won't feel better until I split your head like rotten fruit!" Jack yelled then tried to lift his hammer but Galose acted quicker and broke an end table over Jack's back. Jack collapsed on the ground and was carried away.
  “Keep on eye on him. Like I said before I can’t risk losing both of them. He will come around. Jack had nowhere else to go. We are his family” The boss said to one of his goons.