Elements of Air

It was a peaceful day in the town of hillcrest. The sky was blue and clear, the sun was out and the weather was warm. People walked and drove their cars all around town going on with their daily lives. Zephyr was walking down one of the many side streets of the town, just passing through. She wore a black shirt, a leather chest piece with dagger holders in the back, black pants, brown boots, black leather glover that only cover the hand and go up to the wrist, and an elegant gray cloak with gold lining. Zephyr was an air element that sided with the dark elements. Despite her dark disposition, she didn’t look like a mean person. She had light skin, very light blonde hair and gray eyes. She looked youthful and somewhat approachable. Though wearing a cloak did make people think she was weird.

Annoyed and frustrated with having to use legs, Zephyr trotted along, traveling to her other dark element companions for some kind of meeting. She could easily just fly or teleport but her other half Aeolius the light Air element insisted she should walk more. He hoped that if she walked among the people she might see what he saw and learn to appreciate life for what it was. Elementals didn’t get tired, they didn’t need to sleep or eat so Zephyr could walk for eternity. She didn’t like how slow it was though. Also since she didn’t understand humans or their laws, she also didn’t pay attention to traffic signals, signs or people yelling for her to get out of the road. As she walked down a particular side street she was met with a crowd of people. It must have been a popular time of day or traveling route because suddenly fleshy creatures were everywhere. “I will kill Aeolius for making me do this” Zephyr seethed under her breath. Then as she was trying to calm herself some urchin pushed past her and snagged the gold ring she wore on her finger. It was pure gold and sparkled like the sun, so to a pick pocket it was worth going out of their way for.

 Zephyr noticed it immediately and before the thief could take two steps the air began to sizzle with electricity, not the sky just the air around Zephyr and the male thief. Then before the thief could blink the electricity in the air surged through his body. within a matter of seconds the man bumped into Zephyr, grabbed her ring and then was instantly electrocuted and turned into ash. The crowd was startled and looked around at what had happened. “Shit, I’ve killed one of the meat creatures. Now the rest are scared.” She muttered then quickly tried to escape. She was trying to make a quick get away when she walked right into a police officer. Before he could say anything he too was instantly zapped into dust. Zephyr could feel her anger growing. “Damn slow, stupid, fleshy creatures and your solid forms. Nothing graceful or pleasant about the lot of you! Why does anyone as beautiful as Aeolius care if you live or die!” Zephyr screamed. Everyone heard this and was a little worried. The clouds started to darken and the winds grew stronger. Zephyr stood and seethed rage and wind began pushing people around. Thunder and lighting cracked the sky and rain began to pour down. “I will abolish every last one of you vile beasts! Say hello to oblivion!” She screamed over the storm. Then let out an insane laugh.

Then before things got worse a second figure appeared out of nowhere. It was Aeolius (A-Lee-Us) the air element. He wore blue robes with a light yellow lining. He had dark skin, black hair that was so dark it was almost blue and bright blue eyes. He seemed to be a young man, even though he was just as old as the other elementals. Aeolius also wore a golden ring on his left hand ring finger. Unlike the other elementals, the air elements were very close and recognized that though they did not always agree they didn’t want to be apart from each other. So Aeolius convinced Zephyr to wear the ring, like a wedding ring, to show that they were always bound together. Though they never went through an actual human wedding of any kind.

The harsh weather was calmed and held back by Aeolius. The sky still looked gray and ominous though. Aeolius looked at Zephyr with his normal loving gaze and calm peaceful smile. “I am sorry for putting you through this. I didn’t think this would happen. It is my fault for asking you to walk. Please just calm yourself” Aeolius said. Zephyr released her control of the weather and the sky returned to normal, bright blue with a gentle breeze. “I lost my temper again. I can’t control it” Zephyr said, seeming a little disappointed in herself. “No, you are doing your best. If the light elementals ask me about this, I will cover for you. It will be fine” Aeolius said then smiled. His smile warmed her heart. The two looked at each other lovingly, then kissed.

Meanwhile the humans had retreated back into their homes. They had no idea what was happening. Even though it would be tough to blame two individuals for the change in weather, Zephyr and Aeolius decided it was probably best to leave. However before they could leave, Deus the earth elemental appeared. He wore a white buttoned up shirt with the top few buttons unbuttoned, the sleeves were rolled up to his elbows and his shirt wasn’t tucked in. he also wore black jeans, black boots, a green earth pendant given to him by Terra and this time he also wore a long green jacket. The jacket came down to his ankles and looked kind of like a trench coat or something worn for wind and rainy situations. “Zephyr. I always liked you best. THIS is my kind of fun. I don’t understand why you burden yourself with worrying about what a lesser air element thinks” Deus said gesturing toward Aeolius. Zephyrs head snapped forward and her teeth were barred. “I may wish to return to the old ways of chaos and freedom, but that doesn’t mean I need to fight my counter part. Also know that you and I only share one set of ideals. So don’t ever compare my other half to anything lesser than he is or I will tear the earth from your flesh and see how much power you truly have!” Said Zephyr her teeth gritted. Deus began to laugh. “Truly, truly my favorite. None of the other dark elements would have the nerve to threaten me” Deus replied still laughing. Aeolius still remained calm, but looked a little less peaceful and carefree as normal. “what business do you have here?” asked Aeolius.

“None with you!” Barked Deus, his jar almost unhinged as he yelled. The next second his face looked normal and he was smiling again. “The chaotic elements need to have a discussion” Deus said politely to Zephyr. “Yes, of course, the meeting” Zephyr replied. She looked at Aeolius “I will see you later. Thank you again my love. We will talk soon” She told him with a smile. The only time she ever smiled was when she spoke to or looked at Aeolius and though Aeolius always seemed happy, they only time he ever felt truly happy and whole was when Zephyr was around. Then with her final goodbye she disappeared in a gust of wind. Deus let out a tired yawn and melted into the ground. Aeolius stood around for a minute then he too vanished into the air. The three elements had gone and the humans poked their heads outside trying to see if it was safe again.

Calm is the night

Hello! I had a sudden urge to try a different writing style. not sure how good it is, but at the very least it is a nice change of pace. enjoy!

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Calm is the night. The room I stay in is lit with only but a candle. I stare off into the endless darkness and it haunts me. Still it haunts me to this day that I be subject to such horrors. With the passing of my family and fiancé the night grows longer and ever more dark. While others might turn to drink I try to resist and hold my own. I would be a fool to dull my senses, as it might seem like a sweet escape for now, I believe it would only further my own agony. When the light of dawn arises I would feel a sickness in my head and stomach, and still the nightmares would not be vanquished.

            The days are no more comfort, I toil away and labor for my simple pay. I wish to busy my mind with other things. To distract from the sorrow that is my life, but alas to no hope. I would be glad to be rid of the pain, if only someone else would take it from me. But no manner of kindly word, daily distractions or nightly gallivanting can sooth my savaged heart.

            When the world turns pale and I feel there is nothing else, I ponder my own demise. I wish for it, I wish to be rid of this world and its infinite sorrows. But no matter how I wish and hope, my heart still beats and my lungs still take in air. My misery fills my head with death, but I cannot bring it upon myself. I know not what I have to live for, but still I cannot do the deed. Perhaps I am a coward, too fearful of what lies on the other side, too healthy for death to take me, but too craven of a man to go seek him myself.

The hour grows late and I grow tired. I feel as though in the entire world, I am the last one to sleep. It is only at such ungodly of an hour that I become wearier than I am broken hearted. So with that I will end this. To my bed I shall go as I hope that I will one day rest and dream a peaceful dream.  

Elements of Fire

            Delia walked the lonely deserted streets. Rain poured down over the entire city. thunder rumbled in the distance. Each raindrop that hit Delia burned up and turned to steam. She had natural red hair, green eyes and light skin. She wore a mild orange jacket, a red shirt, brownish tan pants, orange scarf and brown shoes. She looked like she was dressed for an autumn day, as she dressed warmly and wore colors that might remind someone of autumn or fire.

            Delia stopped and looked up at the sky. Rain continued to fall, but her face remained dry. “It’s funny. We burn so brightly and we claim so much power, but we anything special?” Delia said out loud. A tall slender figure stepped out of the shadows. “How did you know I was there” Asked Kaji the fire element. He wore all black, jeans, boots and hoodie with the hood up and it was zipped up in the front. Underneath he wore a white t-shirt. He had bright red hair that stuck up and looked crazy and red eyes. “I can always tell when your near” Delia replied. “well to answer your question. We are special. We made this world, we let the humans and other animals live on our backs. So yes, we are” Kaji replied. Not sure how this wasn’t obvious. “Spoken like a true follower of Deus. “Oh how sad for us to be chained and burdened by the humans. We used to be so powerful. Remember how great chaos is?” Delia said doing a mock impression of Deus.

            “Your pitiful” Delia told Kaji. Kaji was smiling, but now his face turned into a sneer. “watch your tongue. At least we still remember who we are!” He yelled. Little sparks of fire jumped off Kaji as he grew angry. “who you used to be. All of the elementals are powerful, but we don’t do anything. Its been millions of years of the same argument, yet you call the humans petty. I wonder if we are special. All we had to do was just stay still long enough and the world formed by itself. We didn’t create life, we just have to not get in its way. We are giants among mice, but who is stronger, the giants who do as they please or the mice who hold on for dear life and build something out of nothing” Delia said. Kaji just stood and listened to her. “Your not going to sway me. I don’t care if the humans are determined. We should be the rulers, we should do as we please!” Kaji replied.

            Delia just smiled and turned away. “I am tired of this” She muttered. Kaji walked back into the alley. He was tired of the rain and the cold. “I was enjoying a nice hot beach and I went to hang out at a sauna. It was nice. Then I get ordered to keep an eye on you. I’m pretty tired of YOU” Kaji grumble. Delia stood in the rain started to laugh. “Yes, do as your told. For Elements that love chaos you sure take a lot of orders from Deus. Meanwhile the ‘uptight’ and ‘peace loving’ elements pretty much do as we please. Delia smirked. She loved messing with Kaji. He thought he was such a ladies man and despite other elementals being drawn to each other, Kaji and Delia were the exception. Their personalities clashed and they hated each other. Morana the water element acted like she hated Seigh, but secretly was just as much drawn to him as anyone else. Kaji and Delia legitimately wanted to kill each other.

            Kaji’s hands clenched into fists and fire burned all around his body. “You watch your tongue witch, or I’ll-“ Kaji began to say, but Delia cut him off. “You will attack me? Our battles end up being a duel, every time. I would love to take you apart, Dear Kaji, but I can’t” Delia explained. Kaji was very prideful and Delia was always digging into his ego, this created even more tension. “Just you wait, I will find a way to end you once and for all” Kaji threatened. Not able to stand Delia’s presence, Kaji vanished in a burst of flames. All that remained was a scorch mark where he stood.

            Delia disappeared too, shortly after Kaji left. In a serene forest setting, Terra sat on a stump, leaning forward to pet a chipmunk. Delia appeared in a whirl of flames and the chipmunk ran off. “Sorry” Delia said as Terra gave an annoyed look. “I must talk with you, I do not know who else to turn to” Delia said. “Sit down, whats the matter” Terra responded. “I think the chaotic elements are planning something. Kaji was spying on me and even threatened me like he knew something big was going to happen. This was not his normal kind of threats either” Delia explain Terra listened and nodded. “Yes, I see. I talked to Seigh earlier and he seemed concerned by Morana’s behavior as well. I tried talking to Aeolius to see if he heard anything from Zypher about what the chaotic elements are doing, but he wasn’t sure. Since Aeolius and Zypher are so close the both seem out of the loop. No one trusts either of them with sensitive information” Terra explained. Delia sighed. “those two love birds, its like their heads are always in the clouds” After saying this Delia and Terra were silent for a moment. Then Delia forced a cough and said “No pun intended”

            “I will watch for signs and will alert you and the others if I suspect anything further. The best we can do is wait and see. I just hope nothing happens. I don’t want anyone to get hurt. Humans, light elements or even the dark elements. I wish we could live in peace” Terra said, then let out a sigh. Delia nodded then vanished in a puff of smoke. Terra’s mind was burdened with what might be but still she smiled and then resumed her attempt at befriending that chipmunk.

Elements of Water

            Morana (More-Anna) was sitting at the edge of an old pirate ship. She stared off into the gray bleakness of the sky and let her feet dangle in the icy waters below. The ship was just a relic of days of old, half sunken and forgotten in some arctic wasteland that humans dared not to go. She loved it. Morana wore black jeans, thick black boots, a gray pirate shirt from the seventeen hundreds, a dark blue pirate captains coat that hung down to her shins and a matching captains hat. Elementals could wear anything they wanted because they could change their appearance, clothes, skin color, shape, gender, as they pleased. All elementals stuck to one form though, they all decided on a preferred appearance long ago. Morana had black hair, gray eyes and pale blueish skin. She looked like a young twenty something girl, who was also a pirate captain, that freshly drowned. It suited her fine.

            Elementals were immortal and they didn’t need to eat or sleep, so they had a lot of time on their hands. Most of the chaotic elements would keep to themselves in quiet solitude, staring off at their favorite scenery. Most do. Kaji the chaotic fire element did things a little differently, as for the peaceful light elements, they were another breed altogether. Morana let out an annoyed sigh and crinkled up her face like she smelled something foul. Just thinking about the light elements made her sick. She couldn’t believe that they were all once from the same element. One element kept popping into her head though, Seigh the water element of peace and light and all that sickening nonsense. Morana couldn’t stop thinking about him, she couldn’t decide if she loved him or hated him more than anything she had ever hated before. “erraaah!” She screamed throwing her hand out in frustration. An iceberg was lifted out of the water and thrown off into the distance by this one gesture.

            While Morana sat and fumed, Seigh was probably out having the time of his ‘life’. Interloping with the humans, eating their disgusting food, laughing and acting like one of the lesser beings. Morana couldn’t sit still any longer. She jumped into the water and vanished from sight.

            All elementals could detect other elements, so Morana knew exactly where Seigh was. She appeared on the beach. It was annoying bright and sunny. People dotted the beach with their towels and sun umbrellas, they were a blight on the landscape and Morana wished she was allowed to do something about it. How easy it would be to wipe this beach off the face of the map. Morana scanned the area looking for Seigh, then she saw him. He wore a light blue tanktop with a dark blue wave pattern, tan shorts with a little turtle keychain attacked to his belt loop and was barefoot. He usually had an even skin tone but was tanned from all the time in the sun. Well, elements didn’t tan, but Seigh wanted to fit in, so he gave himself tan lines. Seigh had light brown hair and piercing crystal blue eyes. He was at a beachfront pizza shop eating all sorts of horrible human food.

            “Wow, dude, this is good!” Seigh said as he leaned back in his chair. At his little table was two beach bunnies wearing hardly anything and a familiar fourth person. The fourth member of the group was wearing almost all black, black jeans, boots and hoodie, with a white t-shirt underneath. He had bright red wild hair, the kind you would only see coming out of a bottle of “Insanity red” hair dye and bright red eyes. His whole eye wasn’t red, just his the iris was red. He was almost passable as a human. “Kaji! Seigh!” Morana yelled. Her anger swelled up and an icy cold breeze swept over the beach. Kaji the fire element of chaos and Seigh the water element of peace were not only hanging out together, but also were in the company of human females. Kaji and Seigh both turned in alarm. The two girls slinked away. Morana looked crazy and violent and anyone in the immediate area decided to back away.

            “J-just in time for the party!”Seigh said with a goofy smile. Kaji kicked Seigh from under the table. “Shhhh!” He said. “What the hell are you doing?” Morana yelled. The beach cooled down immediately and the waves began growing unstable. “we were hanging out. No sense in being bored for eternity like you and Deus!” Kaji snapped standing up. Before Morana could say anything, Kaji vanished. The only trace of him was the smell of smoke. Just had the same stupid smile on his face. “Who who, relaaax. We don’t have to be enemies. Like Kaji said, we were just letting off some steam” Seigh explained then began to laugh. Kaji was letting off steam. It was funnier in Seigh’s head.

            “I can’t believe we used to be the same element” Morana said angrily. “Why do you even care what I do?” Seigh replied. “I don’t!” She said quickly then kicked the table. Morana wished she didn’t care, it would make things so much easier. She was so distant and cold about everything else, but Seigh was her weakness. He was the only thing that could bring her temper up like a raging storm. It was probably because they were now separate elements. “All of the elementals must be this way about their counterparts” Morana assured herself. “Dude, not Kaji. He doesn’t even like Delia. I don’t think she likes him either” Seigh replied. Morana realized she was talking out loud and not thinking these things to herself. “Arrrg!” She yelled. A spike of ice jetted out of the ground and destroyed the table in front of Seigh.

            “One day I will be rid of you! You and all the annoying humans that you love so much” Morana threatened. Then melted into the ground like ice on a hot day. Only a puddle was left where she was standing. Seigh looked a little worried. “Dude, that sounded bad” He said to himself. It wasn’t clear if Morana was just threatening out of anger or if the chaotic elements had a plan. Seigh also vanished from the scene in a splash of water. He had to talk to Terra, see if something big was going to happen.

Elements of Earth

This is a new series of short stories i am writing. I don't know how often i will post these stories but it will probably be something like four or five parts over the next two months with random stories mixed in. something like that. depends on where my inspiration takes me.---

            When the universe was still new the elements of Earth, Fire, Wind and Water, raged out of control. The elements had consciousness, but weren’t bound to any form and existed without the hindrances of ‘reality’. The elements were both one mass of swirling energy and individuals all at once. To some of the elementals this chaotic movement and unlimited use of power was wonderful and was freedom to do as they pleased. Others saw this chaos as a bad thing, with the universe in a constant motion and as the elements thrashed about in freedom, it prevented life from growing. So the line was drawn, some elementals wanted more to spring forth, they wanted to grow life and help it prosper, the others just wanted to be free and lash out with their unlimited powers as they saw fit.

            So for the first time ever, the elements broke apart. The mind of the elements varied in opinion and personality, to say it plainly. But never did their views conflict so harshly. The ‘light’ elementals favored life and saw how it could bloom if only the power of the elements could be limited and tamed. The ‘dark’ elementals saw this as insane and couldn’t understand why they should cradle a weaker species such as life. The freedoms of the higher beings were to be bent for the needs of the weak and struggling.

            The two elements began to fight over who was right. The battle took place before time was created, but if time was such a thing, the battle would have lasted for centuries. After much struggling the side favoring life had won. The dark elementals surrendered their power and did as they were told. The very moment the elements restrained their power, life began to grow in the universe. The Earth elements worked together to create a cradle for life to begin. The wind and water nourished life and the fire kept the earth spinning and warmed the life. Pretty soon the elementals had created planets and stars and even agreed on a set of rules for a proper reality. Life thrived off these offerings and grew and was beautiful. Content on what was accomplished the elementals broke off into individual forms and went off across the universe.

            Trees swayed in the wind and the afternoon sun warmed the grass. A man named Deus (Day-us) sat under a tree and stared up at the sky. His eyes were dark and menacing and he looked at the beautiful landscape and the lovely weather with a mix of annoyance and boredom. Deus was a thin man, pale with brown hair and piercing green eyes. His hair was shaggy and he had a little facial hair. He wore a white buttoned up shirt with rolled up sleeves and black pants and a small green pendant that was attached to a thin chain that he wore around his neck. He seemed ordinary enough and people usually left him alone, which is what he preferred.

            As Deus was staring up at the sky a small shadow was caste over him. He looked to see that a girl had walked up and was now staring at him. She gave a cute little smile when Deus noticed her. “Terra, why do you insist on coming here?” Asked Deus. Terra was a cheery girl with tanned skin, dark brown hair and brown eyes. She wore a light green sundress and also wore a green pendant around her neck. “I know how bored you get. So I came here to cheer you up!” Terra replied. Deus groaned in annoyance. “you come here every day and every day you insist that I cheer up. Isn’t it enough that you and the others got your way, must I also be happy about it?” Deus replied.

                        Terra sighed “You don’t need to be happy, but what is the point of being miserable all the time? Besides you know you love spending time with me” Terra said. “Ha, you must have become delusional over the last million years” Deus scoffed. Terra pretended to pout. “Fine, be that way. But if you didn’t like me or want me around, why do you wear that pendant I made for you?” Terra said slyly. Deus was caught off guard and needed a minute to respond. “It is too complicated for you to understand” He said quickly. The truth was, Deus didn’t have an answer but didn’t want to seem soft.

            Terra sat down next to Deus and the two of them were silent for a while. Then Deus finally spoke. “Do you ever miss it?” Deus asked, sounding sincere for once. “Miss what?” Terra asked. Deus just let out another sigh. “Miss being free. Wild and unchained, no longer stuck in these bodies, these personal prisons” Deus replied. Terra thought for a moment. “Sometimes. But those are selfish desires. Nothing ever came out of that kind of chaos. This way is better. I mean, look at all the wonderful and unique things that grew on just this one planet alone” Terra replied. “Parasites. They leech off our power and don’t even realize who they owe their lives. We are mighty elements and yet we suffer so inferior beings can exist” Deus said. He was starting to get riled up and Terra knew where this conversation was going. “You need to live with it, you need to adapt. Dwelling on these thoughts wont do you any good. Besides if you wanted to go back to the old ways you would have to go through me” Terra said. She was beginning to get annoyed now. Deus hesitated before speaking again. He hated humans and all life that lived on earth, but he remembered once being one with the other elements. To turn on them would be like turning on his family. So once again he was at a stand still. “Get out of here. I am tired of your intrusions” Deus finally said. Terra stood up and left in a huff.

            Deus swelled with anger. All of the other elementals were close to him, but Terra was special, before time and before life, Terra and Deus were one powerful being. Earth, was their name, but in order to create a planet and sustain life they needed to split up and break off sections of their power. If they stayed one being their combined power would wipe out life whether Earth wanted to or not. So when they split, Deus felt a piece of his body or soul was missing. Not only did he feel incomplete but his literal other half no longer shared any of his ideals. He was unable to do anything else but brood and plan. He thought about every angle and how he could somehow return things to the way they used to be.

Summer landscape

Everyone has their own favorite season, some show such delight in the summer months, I prefer the cool autumn days. Even though i dislike summer and dread every hot summer day, there is a small part of me that sees the appeal.

 I have lived a hundred different lives and in the deepest recesses of my memory I imagine a beautiful summer landscape. I sit outside in the sun and instead of shrinking away back into the shadows, I look up toward the sky and bask in the heavenly glow. There is a long endless bright green field, the grass blowing in the gentle wind and the sun shining brightly off the surface. the trees stand tall and soak up the energy provided by the sun and the bugs hum a playful tune as they fly from flower to flower. everything is green and lush, the plant life thrives and i am in the middle of it all, observing with a big smile across my face.

Beyond the fields of green and the tall trees is where the ocean meets the land forming a beach of bright gold, with speckled rocks and seashells dotting the land. the ocean waves rush up the hot sand and then retreat, making such a pleasant noise as they go. The sun shines down on the water and the ocean sparkles. The sparkles of sunlight mixed with the deep blue of the ocean is such a serene sight that anyone who sees it would be silenced by its beauty. I sit on the hot sand and a cool wind blows up from the waves. it keeps me cool and has such a relaxing fragrance. I stare out at the endless ocean, the water goes off into the distance as far as the eye can see. it looks like it goes on forever. not only does the ocean stretch outward, but then i think how deep it is too. From going outward into the distance and then going down deep to the darkest depths, my mind is boggled by the sheer mass of it all. People swim happily on the surface of the water but how many of them think about how much life is just under their feet, how many thousands of species live in the infinite depths of the ocean.

The ocean doesn't go away when summer is over, but it is the summer sun that draws us to the waves. It is in the summer the common man is truly able to appreciate its beauty. Just like the beach, the fields and trees do not go away. the seasons change and so does the colors of the grass and leaves, but the endless stretching fields do not disappear and the strong standing trees do not retreat into the ground.

Summer days have the sound of birds and cicadas, the nights have crickets, owls and frogs. Summer nights are special to many people as well. The hot air has relaxed to a warm breeze and fireflies can be seen everywhere. Little bugs that up close seem so ordinary, but to view them from a porch is truly magical, little lights that dance in the summer air. The glow such a mysterious green, even when you realize that they are just bugs the magic is still not lost.

There are so many reasons to love the summer, from flowers and trees to bugs and the ocean. I think back to these past lives, the days that i used to bask in the summer glow, Old memories of a different life. I appreciate being able to see why others enjoy summer so much, but there is a time for memories and a time to live in the present, and for now I still can't wait for the fall.

World of Chaos

            I float happily in a world of dreams and peace. Everything is dark and the only noise I hear is a rhythmic thumping. I feel like I have slept here all my life and hope that I can continue to do so for all eternity. Safe and secure I stay curled up in a ball and listen to the rhythm of the beats. Thump thump, thump thump. How nice it is to be here, to be in between existence and nonexistence.

            Then I feel something tug on me, my world shift and something is pulling me into another world. My head spins and my heart races, I cannot comprehend what is happening and can only feel terror. My world of peace is falling down around me and I am being rejected by it. Soon I fee a rush of cold air then a blinding light and terrible noises overwhelm me. I am in shock as the world falls to chaos.

            My eyes try to adjust to the light and my mind races to comprehend what is going on. Just as I start to calm down I am struck with a powerful force. I cry out and my voice adds to waves of confusion and noise. I experience pain, this only adds to the bright light and noise that I have come to hate. Hate, I can add that to the list as well. I have only been in this world for a few seconds and already have felt pain and hate, as well as confusion, anxiety and fear from the chaos of it all. I do not know why I could have possibly done to deserve this but I feel that I can’t go back to they way things used to be. I can never go home and instead must endure this.

            After some time has passed my eyes adjust to the light and the noise is no longer so intense. My mind begins building mental walls so I can survive this hellish place. I wonder how long I will be doomed to be here, but then again I do not think I want to know. I don’t think I could handle the truth right now.

Autumn sun

            Peter stared out through his window, it was another sunny, summer day. Everyone was out playing in the heat or going to the pool or beach. But peter stayed indoors. He didn’t like the heat, it always made him feel so sick and tired, but his friends loved the summer and always went out with their families for fun summer activities. Feeling left out and loney, peter let out a sigh.

            He watched as waves of heat rose up from the sidewalk. The air was so hot it moved in waves and cooked anything in its path. Just the sight of the hot sun beating down on the land made him feel uncomfortable. The air conditioner rumbled in a nearby window, spewing cool air that drifted through the house and made the summer tolerable. On days like this Peter would look away from the reality of summer then he used his imagination to create a special filter, so when he looked back outside the things he didn’t like would be filtered out and replaced with more pleasant images. The filter worked and Pete marveled at the new outdoor scene that lay before him.

            Outside it was a crisp, cool day, with a bright blue-sky, autumn trees everywhere and leaves blowing in the wind. The sun had changed too, instead of harsh yellow and white, beating down on peoples backs, it had become an Autumn sun, orange, yellow and red, it provided balance, as the chilled wind blew the sun would smile down and warm the people outside, letting them continue their travels along the road dotted with maple trees. People walked by with sweaters and scarves, houses were decorated with pumpkins, dried corn stalks and hay bales and the smell of fresh pie was everywhere. Peter took a deep breath in and let out a relaxed and happy sigh. Autumn was his favorite time of the year. It wasn’t too hot and not too cold and the chilly autumn nights were nice because he got to use his favorite blanket. He loved the weather, the color of the threes, the fresh apples, the look of pumpkins that eventually became jack-o-lanterns and best of all it was the time of the year that his whole family seemed happy. In the autumn months thanksgiving and Halloween brought his family together and for a few months a year they would talk and be nicer than ever before. Christmas was nice too, but it was as fun as it was stressful to Pete’s family so he never saw the same light in their eyes. Plus it was in the winter and enough snow could make anyone grumpy.

            Autumn was the best time of the year and Peter’s imagination went wild as he imagined what this years Halloween would be like and he wondered how many pies he would eat this year. He thought of the cool nights were his parents would listen to soothing music and drink brandy and he would have apple cider and watch the glow of the fireplace or the spooky look of fall trees at night.

            Not everyone liked Fall and even more disliked Halloween, but Pete didn’t care, everyone had their season. While some enjoyed the summer sun with its heat, inviting people to the ocean for a day of fun, Pete preferred apple trees and the Autumn Sun.

Gunfight with the beast

It was pouring rain and the streets were empty. Then walking through the fog were two figures. The first one wore a black trench coat and hat with a red trim on his hat. The other wore a tan trench coat and hat with a blue trim on his hat. The two figures walked up the street with their heads down. Then strange shapes began twisting out from the shadows. The two figures pulled machine guns from their coats and opened fire on the shapes. Screeching and roars could be heard throughout the city. the twisted figure was revealed as a strange monster with blue skin and yellow eyes. Its scaly skin dripped with rain and blood from its bullet wounds. Its body was long and twisted like a snake, but had arms and legs and a face with human like features. It was the kind of hideous most people only saw in nightmares.

            The two gunmen began strafing around the beast firing off shots as the monster spit acid from his mouth. The acid burned into the road and each hole quickly filled with water. Despite the gunfire and roars of a monster no one came to the scene, or maybe it was because of the gunfire and roars. The two men continued to shoot as they dodged the acid spit. The monster realized it was losing and charged for the man in red and black, the beast had its claws and fangs bared ready to strike. The two men focused fire on the creature but couldn’t stop it in time. The beast rammed into the man in the black coat, bit him and threw him against the side of a building.

            “William!” Shouted the man in tan and blue. He ran over to check on William, worry gripping his face. “I’m ok, Alex” Said William standing up and brushing himself off. Two young teenagers walked home in the pouring rain. As they walked their imaginations went wild and pretty soon they were fighting a blue monster in the city streets. When the two walked home they jumped around and made machine gun noises as they pretended to shoot. Then William slipped and fell, hitting his back against a building. The two decided to stop playing and walk home quietly. They would be in enough trouble for staying out past 6pm and coming home in the rain, they didn’t need to be yelled at for their injuries too.

            “So what happened to the monster?” Asked Alex. “We beat him of course!” Replied Will. “Well, maybe you died in the battle first, then I beat the monster, ya know for revenge” Added William. The two boys walked home and laughed as they did.

Autumn forest

            It was another crisp cool day in the autumn forest. This forest had autumn trees of bright red, orange and yellow. The wind would blow the leaves off the trees and through the air, but the trees never looked any different. It was as if early autumn was captured and contained in a large sprawling forest. This forest was located near the haunted forest where the town of Hallows End is located.

            In the Autumn Forest was a small town called Maple town. Just outside of the borders of Maple town was a tavern. The tavern was shaped like a large pumpkin and was a nice place to get away from your troubles and relax for a few hours. Pints of pumpkin ale, coffee and fresh apple ciders were served all day. Mellow music played in the background as everyone talked and drank.

            Sitting at the bar was a young man with an old fashioned brown coat that hung down to his feet. It looked like something a sailor or pirate would wear, but brown and with a hood he could put up if it rained. He also had on black boots that were sturdy and came up to his shins, a red shirt also similar to that of an old fashioned sailor and a pair of black pants. He drank his pumpkin ale and seemed as joyful as the rest. Things were peaceful for the time and everyone was pretty content. When the man finished his drink he paid the bartender. “Thanks for the drink” he said. “No problem, Red” Replied the bartender. People who didn’t know the young man called him red, because of his shirt and also his hair was reddish brown.

            As Red stepped outside he was met with a cool breeze. He let out a relaxed sigh and was once again reminded why he came to this land. His peace was short lived though as he soon saw three mean looking men walking closer to the bar. He immediately recognized them as assassins from the desert town of Sandstone. Each of the men were wearing white and tan clothes, each with a white hood to keep the sun off their necks and goggles to protect their eyes from the bright sun that they had become so accustomed to. “You guys are wasting your time. I’m not going back to your scorching little hell of a desert nor am I going back to harbor town to do your smuggling for you” Red shouted to the approaching assassins before they got too close. “I’m warning you!” Red shouted again as he put his hand into an inside pocket of his brown coat.

            The Autumn forest was such a peaceful place, but in an instant the peace was shattered. Red drew two black, long barreled revolvers and began firing at the three men before they had a chance to say a word. Red’s guns had runes engraved into the side of each gun. The engravings were bright white and read “Death touch” in an old forgotten language. Five years ago Red entered the Hallows End haunted forest and went deeper than anyone has ever gone, when he came out, he had two new guns in his possession, but that is a different story for a different time.

            The assassins moved so fast it looked like they just disappeared altogether. Red tried to keep a beat on them as he fired wildly into the forest at the attackers. One of the Assassins had jumped off a tree and landed next to Red. The Assassin slashed upward with his sword, Red brought up his guns in defense and the mystic energy of the guns blocked the sword attack, but Red was still knocked back by the power of the strike. Not only was Red sent backward into the forest, but the sword strike caused a gust of wind that blew all of the bright red and orange leaves into the air, making it hard for everyone to see each other.

            Red landed on his back but continued firing even as he fell. Bullets ricocheted off trees and rocks and ripped holes in the surrounding area. Red purposely fired away from the Tavern and town, but still regretted having to fight in the forest at all. The Assassins moved quickly but the hail of bullets managed to wound one of the them as they charged forward. One fell to the ground and the other two dashed off in opposite directions.

            Red held his guns up, ready to start shooting again. He looked around and stayed alert, watching for the slightest movement in the trees. Then like lighting an assassin was right in front of Red and thrust his sword forward to impale the gunslinger, but Red deflected the attack with one of his guns then kicked the Assassin in the stomach. Red was about to shoot when he felt a searing pain in his arm and back. In the few seconds he used dealing with one assassin another came up behind him and slashed his right arm and sliced his blade across Red’s back. Red fell to the ground but was able to fire off a coupe rounds before he did. This wounded the Assassin in front of him, before the swordsman darted away.

            Red looked up and saw the last Assassin bringing his sword down to stab Red in the chest. Seconds before impact the Assassin was swept up into the air and tossed into a tree. Red scrambled to his feet and then looked very surprised when he saw the bartender of the tavern, but for some reason the bartender had claws and fur. He was half transformed into a reddish brown werewolf and seemed totally in control of his power. The Wolf’s fur was natural looking but also looked like it might blend in with the autumn trees. “You runts better run for it. That little slap was just a warning” Said the Wolfman. Soon his head and the rest of his body transformed into a seven foot tall wolf that could stand straight up on two legs. With arms and hands with vicious looking claws. One of the Assassins tried for a sneak attack, having his pride hurt from being thrown into a tree. The assassin blade never even got close as the Wolf man spun around, grabbed a hold of the assassins arm and broke it off mid air. The assassin fell to the ground and clutched his bloody stump. “I’m keeping this” Growled the wolf, holding onto an arm with a sword still clutched in the hand.

            The one armed assassin decided to run away, then one by one they all ended up retreating back to their homeland. Red brushed off his coat and smiled “Thanks man, I couldn’t have done it…” He began to say, but was cut off by a very angry wolf. The angry bartender looked at Red with a murderous glare. “This forest is open to visitors, but I don’t want to see you bringing any more trouble to this forest again. You can’t hide out here and hope everything will be alright. I got my tavern customers to protect and the mayor has his village to think of. So next time your under attack, run off to the haunted forest or something” Growled the Bartender as his face slowly transformed back into a human face. His body slowly returned to normal again as he walked away back to his tavern.

            Red didn’t mean to cause any harm and felt terrible for what happened, but was still glad the bartender saved his life. He began to walk away too. He would travel a bit more and hopefully by the time he returned to Harbor town to see his family, the assassins would no longer be looking for him. As he was leaving the rich gold and red forest, a thought went through his mind. “Wait…the mayor?” Red said out loud. The Autumn forest certainly had more secrets left to discover and maybe one day Red would see them all for himself, but for now, it was time to leave.

Audio of Shadowfal

Shadowfal police department

Audio file 1-3

Recovered evidence from crime scene

Case 3210

Investigator, Detective Joseph Roberts

Recording one

I’m recording this because I don’t know what else to do. I have been drugged and am wondering the streets like a madman as I get lost deeper and deeper into the city. Before the drugs kick in I will try to recall what happened.

            I was walking home and I took a shortcut through an alley. Thinking back I wish I just walked the extra ten minutes it would have taken. As I’m walking I see two men stuff another man into a trunk. I’m not proud to say I ran. My name is Raymond smith, I’m a bank manager, not a police officer or someone that likes to play hero. So I panicked and ran, but I was too loud in my retreat and the thugs rushed down the alley after me. I ran as fast as I could as my heart pushed my blood through my body faster than it ever has in my entire life. I got winded so quickly and the thugs caught up with me.

            I don’t remember what happened next. They must have knocked me out. I woke up in a chair, tied to a chair. And this guy in a suit injected me with something. Told me it would help me relax. I think he needed to see what I knew. I wasn’t about to stay there so they could get the info then dispose of me. Uh. So I was in the chair. I’m getting dizzy I need to rest.

            Recording two

I escaped the chair, the ropes were loose or something. So I ran for it as soon as I saw an opening. The two thugs chase me. One of them wore a white t-shirt and blue jeans, the other had on a sports jacket over a red t-shirt. Like a sports jacket would make either of those two goons look professional. This time I was gone before they could catch up. So I began walking the city. it doesn’t seem familiar to me. I admit I never traveled down every street of Lakecity, but still this whole place seems foreign to me. Maybe it was the injection, I don’t know what was in it. I could be insane for all I know. I don’t even know if this is going to sound like actual English when I play it back. I don’t even remember why I have this recorder. Was it to keep track of good ideas that I had? Did I ever even have a good idea? Damn, my head hurts.

            Recording three

I have been walking around for what seems like hours, this must be a different city. The street signs and buildings look so strange. No matter how far I travel, nothing seems the same. I tried asking for directions but people seem afraid of me. My suit is torn, but otherwise I don’t know what they are so afraid of. I am a nice guy. People like me, I think. How did I get in the park? Its night and I am in a park. Seem to be carrying a crowbar. I don’t know where I got a crowbar. Wait, I see those guys. Those thugs. They are still searching for me. I’m going to show them, I will show them I am stronger than I look. I’m going to get back to my bank and manage it forever. I will lead a glorious life in my bank. Linda my boss will be so proud that I beat up two thugs. Maybe I will bring her an ear back. She can keep it on her desk. Linda likes ears, maybe? Chocolate. Not ears.

End of Recordings

            Police reports say they found the recording device with the three audio files on two bodies. One victim wore a white shirt and jeans, the other red shirt and jeans. Both adult males in their mid thirties. Both also were physically fit and seemed to weigh about two hundred and twenty pounds each, approximately. Raymond smith has not been found and is considered dangerous. As we assume he is still drugged and armed with a crowbar. Police are looking into this case to see if any of what was on the audio is actually correct information or fabrication of a madman.