Bones of Mortality

Disclaimer: This story is purely fictional, if a name resembles yours, apologies. If the situation resembles you, than I must be psychic. I have nothing against Satanists, if you truly believe in something I'd respect that and I'd respect you.

Bones of Mortality

He tied his boat off and started to climb the cliffs. He knew that no one had lived to tell what was behind the cloud, but still he climbed. The rocky mountain was very steep, and wobbly rocks were scattered everywhere. You couldn't tell if a rock was dependable or not, this made the climb more dangerous and time consuming. The sounds of water gushing against hard rocks filled the air, the scent of salt and sweat was in the air around him. As he ascended the rocky mountain his mind wandered on why he was climbing the mysterious mountain.

It was the dead of night, the sky was black and there wasn't a single star visible as they were covered by light pollutants. Even if the sun was asleep the city that occupied the earths' space was not. People buzzed around from corner to corner, light lit every corner acting as a temporary sun. But it was not all peaceful in the city, there was chaos that reined the alleys, shadows, and underground. In a car, away from all the commotion and into the darkest and dangerous part of the city were two men. The car was parked in front of an abandoned building, and best unknown to the residents there, that the two men inside the car that's been there for two days were in fact police officers.
"When are we ever going to get any action?" Trevor whined from the passenger seat.
"Perhaps never." Mitch replied, Trevor was Mitch's best friend since academy school. They were both junior detectives, who were undermined and were never given a chance to prove their skills, yet. Trevor had short brown hair that stuck out here and there, emerald green eyes, profound features, and a bulky build. He wore a brown suit, the casual uniform for detectives. While Mitch wore a black suit, Mitch had short hair which deified gravity, light brown eyes, had a sort of roundish features, and had a lean build.
"Remind me why we're here again." Trevor asked his words seething with the essence of bored.
"Leading suspect, Seth Ellison, was reported of being seen here before. He is suspected of three known crimes, and is supposedly a leader of a gang." Mitch nonchalantly reminded him.
"Right, how could I forget? Bes-" Trevor wasn't able to finish what he was saying as Mitch shushed him up. And signaled to a moving figure along the edges of the building.
"That's our suspect." Mitch informed.
"How do you want to play this?"
"Call for back up. He is notoriously known for being unpredictable and for always having some guards around him."
"Got it. Calling in, suspect Seth Ellison is spotted at, ..."
Mitch tuned out his partner's voice and concentrated on the task at hand, this also included looking for other dangers. When he found none he signaled Trevor for both of them to catch the suspect.

He had been climbing the never ending mountain for a while now, it sure as hell was very hard to climb. His breaths came out as pants, his muscles screamed at him to take a break preferably forever. From as what he could tell the mysterious cloud at the top of the mountain was not that far from his reach. Perhaps he was almost half way there, but he couldn't be sure. He looked up, and saw a tiny edge sticking out from the mountain. If he could just reach there he would take the needed break. Though it was a difficult task, he managed and sat. His feet dangled high above merciless rocks and ruthless waters. The sun was high above his head, indicating that it was almost noon. Time was of the essence, he needed to reach the top.

Trevor and Mitch were chasing the suspect down the alley. You had to give it to Seth, he was both evasive and instinctive. The two detectives followed Seth into an underground tunnel, where it was damp, dark, and felt eerie. Footsteps echoed the walls of the tunnels creating a beat of music in the air. Mitch and Trevor continued to run behind Seth when there was a faint glow ahead. The lighting didn't seem to be from above ground or and electrical system, what was it? Their questions were answered when they came into the opening. Three things happened at once, Seth came into view wielding a revolver, a strong scent of blood overwhelmed the detectives senses, and both detectives held their jaws agape.
Blood painted the walls, candles loitered the walls and floors, and demonic symbols painted in black and blood were literally everywhere! This blood must've came from somewhere but at the moment if the detectives weren't careful their blood would soon be added to the collection.
"Why are you following me?" Seth asked. Mitch was able to take in Seth's features, he was pale white, his eyes told the stories of madmen, his hair looked brushed, he gave both the aura of business and crazy. Seth was wearing casual clothing, jeans a white button up shirt.
"We're police officers. You're under arrest." Trevor said as he regain his composure.
"I"m not going with you, you can try as hell to stop me" Seth snarled before he sprinted down a different tunnel, the two detectives once again on the chase. 'Well this is getting repetitive.' Mitch thought.
Seth managed to make it to the surface and behind a restaurant. He was cornered! But the crazy man wasn't about to go down without a fight. Oh no. He still held the revolver in his right hand.
"Leave me alone!" Seth yelled waving the firearm blindly.
"Easy there partner, careful where you point that thing." Trevor eased.
"Don't tell me what to do."
"What was that room down there?" Mitch asked, trying to both to change the subject and to calm the suspect down.
"The selection room."
"The what?" Trevor asked.
"Where Satan chooses his followers and those who are worthy of being his sacrifices. Those who have failed have never left."
"What the hell are you mumbling about?" Trevor said, confused and agitated. If whatever Seth is saying true than this could be a problem.
"He is everywhere." Seth mumbled right before a gunshot filled the air. Seth managed to pull out a gun and fired a shot at Trevor. For Mitch everything went in slow motion as he saw his partner crumble to the ground from being shot. Nearby a few officers who were alerted of the commotion ran to the aid, and Seth was getting away.
Trevor was shot in the head, he wasn't dead, the bullet only grazed a side of head skull. Even though the would could be fatal, and Trevor needed to get to the hospital, now.
Mitch slumped to his knees quickly and applied as much pressure on the wound to stop the blood from coming out. "Call an ambulance!" He yelled, and junior officers nodded furiously and made a call. There was a lot of blood, and it just wouldn't stop no matter what he did. When the ambulance arrived Mitch was escorted aside so that the professionals could do their jobs and save his friend. Mitch was in shock, that all he could do after the ambulance left insisting that there was no more room in the vehicle was stare at his bloodied hands.

He began climbing again, his muscles ached less, but they were still sore. He doesn't know how long he's been climbing but it feels like forever. With everything that's happened to his so far he felt drained and depressed. But there was no time for that, there never was. If he knew what he was going to get into when he first got the case, he would've never accepted it. But how was he supposed to know? The last time he checked he wasn't psychic. He doesn't know what to expect or hope to find at the top of the rocky mountain, but he hopes to clear his name and bring a group of killers to justice.

"What do you mean, that he got away?" The chief yelled at the top of his lungs.
"He got away, sir." Mitch replied.
"I heard you the first time. And what's all this crap about a Satanic occult?" The chief spat disgusted. Oh boy, was the chief pissed off, he was a funny shade of red. He had a buzz cut, his hair grey, his eyes black as coal, and he was chubby.
"It's exactly as it sounds, we might be on the trail of a Satanic occult." Mitch muttered.
"Quiet down, do you have any idea the seriousness of that complaint? Heck, if there was a Satanic occult it would be hard to prove it, forget the fact that I'd have both the media and government officials running all over the place. Now, I'd suggest you to forget all about this 'occult' and find Seth."
"No, sir." Mitch said, courage, and anger filling his heart.
"What?!"
"I can't forget about it. I saw it with my own eyes and Seth, possibly the leader of this occult, shot my partner who is right now in surgery fighting for his life! So forgive me if I can't forget all about it!" Mitch yelled. The chief looked at him as if he grew another head.
"You're suspended, turn in your badge and gun." The chief ordered.
"Sir-"Mitch began to protest but the chief gave him a credulous look.
"Don't argue with me, take the week off and you'd better come back with a fresh attitude and you sure as hell better have forgotten all about the occult."
Mitch didn't even think twice as he turned in his badge and gun. He just slammed it on the chief's desk and stormed out, his frustration getting the best of him.

"You're friend is in a coma, it seems as though the bullet missed anything important, as to say. But there were major swelling, we had to puncture a few holes to release the swelling. We don't know the full extent of the damage and probably won't know until he wakes, which could be days, weeks, months, we don't know. I'm sorry." The Doctor said as he excused himself and walked away.

The rock beneath his foot shifted and his foot slipped off. He let out a yelp as his fingers held tight to the sturdy rocks above. It took a while, but he managed to regain his balance and footing. He was careless, and tired again. But all in all he had managed to reach the fog that sat atop of the mountain. Although that might see like relatively good news, it was not. This meant that the climb was just about to get even more dangerous, as he was about to begin climbing 'blind'. He entered head first into the opaque cloud, his right hand feeling around for a sturdy rock that he could hold a grip on. He repeated the process with his left hand and began his climb.

Mitch walked out of his car towards the local bar to intoxicate himself from all the pain he had suffered. When he was passing he heard a familiar voice and quelled in his tracks.
"You shot a cop?!" an angry deep voice shouted.
"I had no choice." the familiar voice retorted.
"The brethren aren't going to be happy about this."
"When are they ever happy?"
"That doesn't matter Seth," 'Seth?!' Mitch thought, 'the same Seth that shot my partner?!', "You'd have to lie low for a while." deep-throat spoke.
"Where do you think I should hide?" Seth asked.
"The sacrificial grounds on the top of Likana. Chances of you actually being found there are slim." deep-throat said.
'Likana? The stony mountain that laid not far from shore? The Likana with a constant fog above it, the same Likana in which it was rumored to be haunted as nobody's ever survived to tell their story of what's rumored to be up there? Are we thinking of the same Likana?' Mitch thought. 'Who ever would've guessed that it was a sacrificial ground for Satanists.'
Although Mitch now knows where Seth was going to be, and some hard evidence to prove the chief wrong he couldn't bring himself to do it. Chances were the chief actually firing him for disobeying a direct order. He was on his own, he would have to capture Seth and bring him to the station for the chief to believe his claims. He owed it to Trevor.

He kept climbing in the opaque mist, he could barely see his hands and they were only a feet from his face. But as he kept climbing the mist started to thin out, this meant that he was almost close to the top. It wasn't long before the mist became transparent, even though it was a bit hard to see. What Mitch was certain of was that Seth was here. As Mitch threw an arm over the top and heaved himself up, he gasped in shock. There in front of him was blood everywhere, and some were even fresh. What the hell happened up here? Bones littered the ground, and a huge pentagram was marked on the ground with black paint.
"Detective, what a surprise seeing you here." Seth said as he walked into view.
"Seth" Mitch sneered.
"How's your partner? Living life, I take it?" Seth taunted.
"Shut up!"
"Do you know where you are?" Seth asked with a credulous look on his face, "You're at hell's gateway. Many people have died here, willingly or not. Does anybody knows you're here Mr. Detective? I really hope you said all your good-byes. Cause, you die here."
"I'd like to see you try."
"Very well then." And just like that Seth was out of sight, using the mist to his advantage. Mitch immediately moved to a better location, slowly without making a single noise. He kept moving around listening with his ears and not his eyes, though it sounded easier than is really was.
"Do you see the bones?" A disembodied voice spoke, the sound vibrating with the wind carrying it everywhere. It was impossible to pinpoint exactly where it came from. "It's a symbol of humanities mortality." The voice continued, taunting the detective. "Don't you see it? When you get hurt or injured, the pain reminds you of your weaknesses and short life. When you die, the bones are the only thing left of what you once was." The voice sounded closer, eviler, crueler. "Only the blind can't see it."
Mitch quickly spun around coming face to face with Seth. A sharp pain erupted from his abdomen, Mitch looked down to see a knife impaled into his gut. Seth smirked and stabbed him again, and again, repeatedly. Mitch collapsed to the ground hands gripping his bleeding stomach. He was going to die there alone and defeated. The last thing he saw were a pair of feet and the red floor before darkness overtook him.

"Mitch Harrison, reported missing a month ago." The chief said, his voice cold yet saddened, another member of the family either missing or dead. "Our leading suspect is Seth Ellison, reason being Mitch Harrison had a bone to pick." Officers nodded and took notes, "There are no leads suggesting to where Mitch or Seth might be and we can't make any assumptions. Any questions?"

Trevor opened his eyes to the view of a white ceiling and the sent of stale medicine. Was he in the hospital? Better question is why? His memory was fuzzy, and a raging headache pounded at his skull. A nurse who just happened to walk in at that moment, looked at him with wide eyes and scurried out to find a doctor. The doctor rushed in and examined Trevor's vitals. "Do you know where you are?" The doctor asked.
"Hospital?"
"What's your name?"
"Trevor McCarson."
"Date of birth."
"Younger than you." This made the doctor give him a sharp look. "Listen doc, just tell me why I'm here."
"You were shot." The doctor said, Trevor did a double-take.
"Where?!" Trevor asked.
"In the head." A different voice said. Trevor looked to see the chief walk in with a slumped figure. The doctor nodded.
"You've been in a coma for three months." The doctor added.
"T-t-three months!!"
"Be happy about it. Its better than three years." The chief scolded.
"Sorry chief. Where's Mitch? Is he on the way to see me?" Trevor asked. The chief's face darkened, "What's wrong?"
"Mitch was declared missing three months ago. We have reasons to believe that he went after Seth Ellison in a blind rage."
"Is he, is he dead?" Trevor asked, his voice shaking.
"We don't know son, we just don't know." Trevor looked broken, and it looked like there was absolutely nothing that could ever fix that broken soul.

Deep in the waters below, beneath Likana were the bones of Mitch Harrison. He laid there amongst hundreds of others who were killed over the years. His soul screaming for help, and his bones showing his mortality along with the rest.

Seeing the Reality in Dreams

Please describe a dream that you had and then interpret the dream by explaining what you think the characters and events represented.  Then extend your response to include an analysis of the symbolism in any piece of literature that you have ever read.

Seeing the Reality in Dreams

There is a spaceship, that floats among the stars, when suddenly there was a overload with the main hyperspace generator resulting in an implosion in the secondary temporal resonance drive. The ship exploded, though not before a handful of survivors managed to escape in an escape pod. The escape pod, however, it landed on an isolated and uninhibited island far from society and any help whatsoever. On any other occasion, the island would've seemed like a paradise as palm trees sprouted from the sand and the water glistened from the sun. The day went on as normal and the survivors planned suggestions to living on the island and seeking help.

As the first night passed, it was noticed that someone had gone missing. The island itself was huge, and to look though unknown territory was not a good idea. The missing person for the time being forgotten, as the survivors fought another day. As the days went by, it became known that 'something' was plucking them out one by one. Night was no longer safe. Soon enough there were only three survivors left; Phoenix, Steve, and Endi. (Their names have been altered to protect their identities, but rest assured it's not you - whoever you are - you self centered human.)

That night, night 26th, Phoenix was walking by the shorelines with a pensive face. As he continued with his stroll he caught a glimpse of something from the corner of his eye, it was a silhouette of a woman. She sat with her legs in the water watching the sun set. Wondering who she was and why was she alone in such a dangerous island he quietly walked over to her. Though when he came close enough, she attacked him and dragged him into the cold water. The man panicked as he was dragged deeper and deeper into the abyss. His lungs screaming, from the lack of oxygen. Before he succumbed to darkness, he saw the slight glimmer of the woman's, scalene tail and the sight of a faint light below.

When morning arrived all too soon. There was no doubt that someone was 'taken'. Each night was a new, fear slowing building up and creating delusions and paranoia. But it was that this day was different, a body turned up. The body laid in such a position that it looked like as if it was tossed there on purpose. Blood seethed onto the sand making it look unnatural and eerie, dragging marks painted the sand, and lead into the calm sea. Besides the body were words written into the red sand, 'death for the greater cause.' Baffled on what the message meant or who left it there drove the two remaining survivors to insanity. Both separated to their own ways accepting their demise and suffering.

Endi thought that instead of suffering with her life and seeing what was too come. She decided to end her own life by jumping off a cliff. Her last thought was, 'My death will be written by my hands'
Steve did not commit suicide, instead he saw it that he owed it to those who were killed to find out the truth no matter if the death would be painful.

I believe that my dream, no matter how long and plot turning holds huge significance in my life. From the characters, the setting, and predicament. Each character in a way describes myself, from Phoenix the adventurer and kind hearted, Endi who believed in making her own life and choices, to Steve who was loyal, brave, and curious. These characters are in a way, myself. Reaching out and fighting to be different, knowledgeable, and imaginative. The setting, the isolated island, represents my prison. The boundaries that I have to bend, but in due time shall this island become a continent. As for the mythical creature, that represents my curiosity and love for the supernatural. My heart cries for the adventure of a life time, it cries to find something 'different' and 'impossible' to human normality standards. Though for the merciful killings I believe that, that represents a type of anger towards normality. As all the unimportant people were killed off first, that may signify the waste of their lives.

A piece of literature that I've read that held symbolism was "Gifted Hands" By Ben Carson. Where Benjamin Carson tell's his story of his life and how he came to be a neurologist and perform 'miracles'. Though there are many and various forms of symbolism, the one that caught my attention the most were his gifts from god. From gaining strength and courage from 'tests', knowledge gaining experiences, and life threatening predicaments. He felt as if he was given the chance to change other people's lives. Also to his steady hands, he performed miracles when no one else could. He goes into full detail of his discoveries, and states that his life was meant for the greater good. It is this book, that I'd recommend to others for them to see that everything that ever happens to you shapes you into the person you are. 

Dying For A Change

Disclaimer: Everything in this post, is not true; purely fictional. The picture/image does not belong to me, only the story does.
Word Count: 1188

The cold breeze ran through the city into every nook and cranny. The people wearing their jackets, knitted hats, and scarfs to keep them warm in such a cold weather. The night sky laid over head with tiny white dots littered the darkness above. The creatures asleep except for the crickets and people. One might think that there is all peace in the city, but there is not. For at the middle of the city chaos is in charge. A large group of people are gathered in the center where yelling and screaming.
On one side there are people in multiple colors, dressed casually, and of different ages protesting against their government. They held pigments, their fists raised in the air, trying to get attention from the outside world. Pleading for help.
While on the other side lined up were the uniformed militia. They were dressed in black and navy blue, covered in head gears and Kevlar, protected from head to toe. They also held plastic shields in front of their bodies in a unified way. They stood there because they were ordered to, they were given specific instructions to maintain the riot and only use force when necessary.
Across the street among the protesters was a little child who appeared to be seven was dressed in a puffy pink jacket, black pants, and a blue mask covering her face. She was holding her fathers hand and slowly approach the lined human shield, her father behind her making sure she was safe. In the little girls other hand, the one not occupied with her fathers hand was a pink heart-shaped balloon.
When both the father and the daughter reached the lined militia, the girl shyly stood in front of a female officer hands outstretched offering the pink balloon away. The female officer reluctantly accepted the balloon, and looked at the child with gratitude and flushed. With a nod the child walked away with her father, but before she truly left the little girl looked back and saw the female officer holding the pink balloon in front with her shield. The little girl smiled, waved goodbye and left.
The female officer's co-worker, Evan looked at her with unbelieving eyes. "What is it?" Caroline asked. Evan just shook his head.
"You're not supposed to get attached to the people here. They're a threat."
"But she was a child." Caroline argued.
"It does not matter, a threat is a threat no matter what age."
"What if that was your child Evan? Better yet, what if that was you out there, protesting against the government?"
"Well she isn't, and I'm not." He shot back.
"Well what if I was?"
"What do you mean?"
"You see how our government is, how corrupt they really are."
"What are you implying?"
"Damn it, Evan. You're always turning a blind eye. Remember last month of that huge drug lord we managed to take down?"
"Yeah? What about it?"
"Well I did a bit of researching myself. There was no news about the arrest, nor any file reported on it. In fact that man is still on the streets. He was released Evan."
"That's impossible."
"I thought so too. So I did some more digging, pulled a few strings with my friend who works with the higher ups. He says that this has been going on for years now. Criminals being brought in then released without charges, there's been investigations. Get this, all the officers that's been sent to investigate have all gone missing. But without any proof, they cannot do anything." Caroline said, sadness flowing onto her face. "And worst of all, my friend who told me. Turned up dead a week ago."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"He was a good friend, killed in a hit and drive accident, but I know that he was murdered by our government  I'm going to make sure that he died for a good reason."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm going to prove that the government is in fact corrupt, and let the people know."
"You're going to go against your own government?" He asked in disbelief.
"What? You don't believe me?" She asked with her chest puffed out. If it wasn't impossible, Evan might've noted that she was flushed bright deep red, and steam was coming out of her ears and nostrils. She looked down at her uniform and shield. She smashed her shield against the pavement gaining the attention of both the protesters and the armed officers. She ripped off her vest, holster, and helmet, letting her auburn hair rest on her shoulders.
"Caroline? W-what are you doing?" Evan asked.
"Watch me." Caroline slowly stalked to the other side, to the protesters. When she had joined them she faced Evan and yelled across the street, "I'm joining the protesters!"
"Caroline! Get back here!" He yelled trying to persuade her.
"No! The government is corrupt! And we're trying to stop the change!" She yelled. The protesters behind her feeling that she had become one of them joined her in the yelling. Soon enough the street was filled with yelling, and havoc. Some officers even joined into the yelling, their arms raised in the air into fists supporting her. Residents that had decided to stay out of the protest were coming outside and letting their voices be herd.
Evan only managed to smile. The female officer he had a crush on for years was indeed bringing the change. He believed everything she said, and was going to join in the protest when something caught his eye. A brief yet familiar light coming from an abandoned building that was set just behind the protesters. His eyes widened at the realization.
"Caroline!" He yelled, she turned to him with a smile on her face. But when she saw Evan's panicked face, hers turned into a frown. She slowly turned around and faced the abandoned building.
There was a loud sound echoing the street. Everybody stopped what they were doing knowing what that sound could be.
Caroline fell to the ground, her body limp. And blood leaked onto the ground, painting it a deep deep red. A scream broke the silence and people scattered. Evan stood there shocked, his body unable to catch up with the fast moving events and unable to hold the overwhelming stream of different emotions. The screaming snapped him out of his slumber, and he rushed over to Caroline's still body.
The first thing he noticed were her dead eyes; they were lifeless, and dull. Her once life filled green eyes now portrayed death, and fear. There was a bullet hole logged right through her forehead, and blood silently and slowly dribbled out. Once the body has stopped living the heart stops functioning, and blood is no longer moving beneath the flesh. His knees grew weak, and he cradled her limp body in his arms, a tear escaping from his eye.
He looked up to see everyone had ran away and the streets were deathly quiet. A pink heart-shaped balloon with blood smeared on it laid across the street before catching the wind and sailing over the city.
To Be Continued.

Fire Burns Within the Soul, Heart, and Mind

PARO, BHUTAN

The winds echo through the high mountains, and the mountains covered with life. The sun high above, in the right position where shadows are almost non-existent. Our ancestors learned to love and appreciate life, and so to become one with life they build their homes and temples on mountains. If you stood at the bottom of the mountain and looked up you'd see the mountains and trees paint onto the heavenly skies. The dirt underneath my shoes made a squish sound. Everything is still wet from yesterdays pour. Though for today there isn't a single cloud in sight, usually this time of year it is constantly raining, which is good for the farmers.  I love this nation, the country where I was raised and the beauty of this country always seem to grab a hold of me spiritually. The bells ring in the distant snapping me out of my trance, 'I'm late!'
Quickly I run to the temple careful not to slip on the wet ground. "Anzan you're late, again."
"Sorry, I was j-"
"There is no need to apologize. Whatever you were doing, will define your personality and who you really are." The master said. But to me he wasn't the master of the temple, he was my father. He raised me when he found me as a baby laying on the steps of the temple. I don't know my mother nor my father. But why would I need to? My family lays here, the people here are all my family. Intertwined with one another the way it should be. Every month there would be family celebrations, where everyone would fest and cheer happily. It brought comfort to me that even though I had no biological family I was surrounded by people who care and love me.

"Of course." I said and rushed trough the door to the temple and began my praying. It was a tough life I'll admit but its worth the hardships. Last summer Chugai, a farmer, was tending to his land preparing for the winter when a fire suddenly started in the nearby forest. The fire was quick, eating and consuming land quickly. It wasn't long before Chugai's entire land was gone including his house. He and his family were standing in front of the burnt down building tears running down their faces in hands were some possessions they were able to grab on their way out. Nobody died but what could the family do? The town seeing that they were in distraught and homeless all helped out. Before fall arrived Chugai and his family had a new house built and his land restored. Though his land wasn't going to produce anything for that upcoming winter for it was too late.
How the fire started was mysterious, fires here didn't just start. It was rumored that someone started it but who and why? We are a peaceful nation, we've done no harm to others. When father heard of the rumor he confronted the people during mass and said, "I do not know whether if the fire was started but if it was than let it." gasps filled the crowd, "They're hurting within. Let them relinquish their anger. Deep down they know what they've done was wrong and will forever live with that guilt, guilt that is bad for the soul. He harmed us, yet he will be the one in pain for an eternity." Father spoke, confidence filling every word. Nod's and agreements were then spoken. Father was the best, he had not only calmed the rumor but calmed the people.
Only that it wasn't a rumor, fires started happening more often after. Thankfully winter had arrived early and we were safe for the time being. During that winter it was obvious that Father was under a lot of stress, he was looking for some solution and it was obvious that he had found none. How are you supposed to confront an arsonist to stop what he was doing without the use of violence? It was impossible. So far there were no fires since last fall, but still fear walked among the people. Every night people were in fear that they're homes and farm was going to be burnt down. The people weren't as happy as they usually be, and no one spoke of the fires not wanting to jinx it.
The bells rung signifying that the time for praying was over. There was much work to be done for the upcoming winter. The sun had set fast today, with seemed to be odd for me. Gathering my tools I saw a human shadow stand among the tree lines, watching, observing. "Anzan!" I heard someone call from behind I turned my head to see Enku wave at me, signalling me to hurry it up. I nodded and turned my head back to the tree lines. The shadow was gone, who was standing there? Dread seemed to fill my entire being, and I had a bad feeling that something evil was about to transpire.
When the tools were properly stored away, the sun was long gone. The black starry sky took the place of the light blue one. Enku and I were walking back to the village when a high pitch scream filled our ears. Instincts took over and we ran to the village as fast as out legs could take us. Once the village light came to my vision, a strong scent of something burning filled my nose. Enku's mother, Fuha, came running to us.
"Anzan! I was just passing the temple! It's on fire." Fuha sobbed. My mind stopped, mouth numb, and body paralyzed. 'The temple? Was father still in there?' Countless questions entered my mind, but I could not think. Thinking would not help anything and would be saved for later. Taking a sharp glance at Enku, we held a brief eye contact in understanding. I ran to the temple Enku right behind me, as we came closer to the temple the scent  of burning wood was stronger. The temple was built a little far from the village so that people in the temple could feel secure and comfort.
When we came to the clearing, I wanted to sink to my knees. The temple was on fire, fire pouring from the windows, the walls painted black, and smoke coming from everywhere. But perhaps Father was still in there, maybe he needed by help. I took a deep breath and jumped into the burning temple. "Father? Father are you here?" I yelled my voice cracked. Vivid red and orange flames surrounded me and everywhere I looked there was fire. I felt blinded, smothered, and hot. "Father!"
"Over.... here." A weak voice penetrated my ears. "Father!" I scanned the area looking for him, he laid on the floor, his face expressed pain. "Don't worry I'll get you out of here." I quickly put an arm under his arms and heaved him quickly as possible out of the temple. When I reached the door way Enku ran over and helped me carry my father away from the burning temple. The villagers lead by Fuha, seemed to have come in the time I was in the temple. Father was taken from my hands and into the place of our doctors.
"Don't worry Anzan, your father is in good care now." I nodded.
A hand gripped my shoulder, "Anzan, look!" Enku held a pointed finger to the silhouette standing near the tree lines. It was the same person that was watching me earlier that day. When the silhouette saw us staring it ran into the forest. My vision went red and I quickly ran after the man, Enku knowing exactly what was going on and informing the others. Though they were behind me and I saw behind the arsonist. 'He tried to kill my father, let alone many others.' Adrenaline was the source of my outbreak, and I wasn't going to stop for anything. But it was night and it was hard to find the man, so I depended on the sounds around me.
I stopped running and stood there taking in my surroundings, having a clear mind would help me track down the man. It was quiet, trees were everywhere, the ground bumpy, and tiny chirps from the crickets gave the forest the eerie feeling.
A twig snapping originated from behind me, I quickly swirled around and came face to face with the arsonist. His face familiar, yet hard to place. He jumped at me, hands gripping tightly around my neck, it was getting difficult to breathe. I formed a fist with my hands and struck his face, his grip loosened. At that moment Enku and others from the village holding torches grabbed the man and held him there. Enku helped me up, "Thanks."
"Not a problem, you okay?"
"Yes, just tired." I told him. He nodded. the villagers were pleased to have caught the arsonist but yet angered that the man had burned down homes.
"We should kill him!" Someone shouted.
"Hang him." Another voiced, soon many violent options filled the forest.
"NO!" Father said, as he walked into view his clothes filled with burned spots, "We will do no such thing. Violence is not the way."
"Then what do you suggest?" Hoji asked. Hoji was the second priest, his opinion was highly valued during times such as these. Father was about to say something when Chugai came into view.
"Genyo?" Chugai asked, his voice in disbelief.
'Genyo?' I suddenly remember him! He was Chugai's brother, we all sat and ate at the annual family ritual years ago. But then he suddenly disappeared. But if this was Chugai's brother why did Genyo set all the fires?
"Yeah, brother. Now you notice me." Genyo said, his voice filled with hatred.
"Genyo, why did you set all the fires?" Chugai asked.
"I did it to show you that living in ignorance is wrong! The way we are living is wrong, why can't you see that? I was visiting the countries and how they live. The way that you're all living is wrong! You deny technology and depend on the old ways!" Genyo yelled.
"No, we are living the right way, we choose this way." Father interrupted the argument, "We learn to live with nature and spiritually. You have the choice to leave, it is your life."
"We can't let him leave!" Hoji yelled, "He has committed a serious crime and should be punished."
"I agree with you, and justice will be served. Genyo will be handed over to the modern society and be prosecuted by their laws. Genyo, the day when you learn the wronging of your ways. Will be the day that we will forgive you."
"I don't need your forgiveness." He spat.
"It is your life, child." Father said. Genyo was taken away to be held until morning when Hoji and Father will take him to the modern society and prosecuted. "Anzun." Father called.
"Yes?"
"Thank you. You jumped into the fire to save me."
"I would do it a thousand times." I said, truth within my eyes and soul.
"I'm glad to hear that. But what you did was idiotic and will have to help Fuha with the cooking for two months."
"What! That's unfair!"
"Life is fair. Now go home you look horrible." Father said with humor behind it. Fuha and Enku laughing behind their hands. I couldn't help myself from smiling, I was glad that everything had turned out fine.

When Even Hope Is Not Enough

Sandy, a normal human name had no meaning until this event happened. The total destruction that Sandy had caused gave that name the thought of disaster, death, sufferings, and evil. Although the name is associated with those words it also held the thought of hope kindness. Sandy showed that there are people out there that are willing to help no matter the cost and will sacrifice some of their time to others. but the definition of Sandy whether for good experiences or bad lies only with the people that experienced her wrath.

She was unforgiving and harsh but it was only through her influence that I learned what it felt like to be helpless. Here is the experience that I underwent. We had lost our power before the hurricane even hit us, and well before anyone else had. The feeling of unjust and unfairness was my first feeling towards Sandy but seeing the cup as half full I worked with it and kept my hope. I knew that there were going to be others out there in worse situations than I and with time things would eventually return to the society standards of normal. The first night without power was an insightful one. I witnessed the dependence that power had on my life. Without something to shine a light or keep us entertained was the most endearing I had to overcome.

Telling stories was the first that came to mind to help my sisters forget all about our situation. Filled with the spirit of Halloween, spooky stories were said around the tiny candle. During the daylight and a recon investigation in the closet, a pack of cards were found and used to the extent of the blackout. Competitions were held daily and the loser would do all the chores around the house. Books were either read aloud or individually. Day light was not to be wasted in vain, and as soon as the sun was gone we would sleep.

Sandy did not cause much damage except for the power outage, and some missing roof shillings. Though as the days passed by without power our hope was slowly dripping away but what else was there to do? The only thing that kept us going was on that tiny bit of hope that the power would return, it was not enough. Food was scarce and there were barely enough to go around. I eventually found staring at nothing became boring. My imagination slowly slipping away, my hope slowly dripping away.

Eventually the power returned on the border of the twelfth day. I'm not implying that through the power outage we experience was not a fun one or that I found plenty of time to read six books, but It's safe to say that I'd NEVER want to go through another power outage again. When the power was back as well as the cable we found out the full extent of the damage Sandy had caused on the rest of the shore line. I learned during the blackout, how technology and power had a huge grip on my life, and how I was WAY behind on my reading list. I desperately need to catch up.

Hindering Instincts

“So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” 

          I believe that Chris says that every human being is born with the instincts to explore. Man kind is a race driven curiosity, adventurous tendencies, the endurance towards new things, and be spontaneous. Although in modern society we are comforted by law, rules, and security. This hinders humanity to follow their intuition, they are willed to stay within their comfort zones. They feel secure with the knowledge of their futures. That an unknown and unpredictable future would be unfavorable and filled with regret. Humanity knows full well that nothing in life is free or without consequences. And so can one conclude that fear prevents us from doing what we meant to do. Only a brave person, a person with nothing to lose, a person with everything to gain, a person with compassion can do what Chris did.

          Chris was true to his word he abide by his own rules. Chris stripped himself of all security, conformity, and conservatism so that it would not hold him back. He discarded these things so that he wouldn't have a reason to return. He made his life hard, he filled it with obstacles, he made sure that his future would remain uncertain, unsecured, and unpredictable so that each day would be adventurous and free. He went our of his way to make unpredictable things happen, so that he'd encounter new things, experience new feelings, meet new people. This would be another reason on why he'd leave people when he felt as though things became too comforting. He wanted a hard life style, and to 'see a new sun everyday.'

          My life has been conditioned to life by security, conformity and conservatism. I was raised to believe in the social status, that the life I built so far was the life I was to keep building. That the path I've paved so far will continue towards normality, towards an average job, average life style, and average death. If I was to have meet Chris he would've informed me of my flaws. He'd rant on the unjust society, the society that defined normality, the society that hindered bolder steps, a society that is becoming corrupt. He'd probably encourage me to rethink my life style and try to change it. Try to be bolder, noticeable, and ignore those that disagree with changing humanity. He'd want to see change so by changing one person, that person would change two others, from then on slowly would humanity see its own flaws and attempt to fix it.

What He's Seen

Throughout all of McCandless's adventures and what he read it was clear that he wanted to be out in the open and away from society. He read passages about, "American West as Living Space.", "No Outlet for the Quiet Life.", and historic views of nature. He was amendment of finding a path out of limitations and run amok with nature.

A BETRAYAL
By:Shelley Sims

If I had but one wish I would give it to you.
For you see, there is nothing in my life I wish to undo.

Every mountain climbed and road journeyed down
Has made me the person who stands before you now.

At the many mistakes I did make,
Oh at the countless wrong turns did I take.

So from these things I now glean,
May I ask you just one thing?

Who are you to judge my life
And determine what's wrong and what's right?

For every decision I've made has defined who I am
And it's not your place to pass judgment on the race that I've ran.

Rather, let me hold up the mirror so you may clearly see
How each one of your negative comments further separates you from me.

At first you look away, you don't even try.
Could it be that you would rather believe a lie?

Conviction slowly builds up inside
And you soon realize this is something from which you can no longer hide.

And what is it in that mirror in which you see?
Do you see the truth of who you really are in all its monstrosity?

Tears begin to fill your eyes and then soon you see
That this whole time it was about your own pain and never me.

I forgive you for the pain you have caused my heart.
I only wish you could have been genuine from the start.

The time has come for us to part ways.
I pray you know and accept the truth for the rest of your days.

However, for the lies you told
I pray all hell unfolds
To devour your black and wretched soul. 

This poem relates to Christopher McCandless, for it defined him and his pain. When he figured that his parents were keeping a secret life he felt the pain of betrayal. He was tainted with blackness. But when he was given the chance he took it. He was the person that was built up over time. He didn't just decide out of the blue to be adventurous  No, instead he was molded with the desire burning within to escape as he was. To get as far away from human society, the race on whom he lost all hope with.

FREEDOM
By: Natasha ManginleyFrancis

To be free
Free from PAIN 
Free from SUFFERING
Free from CRIME
Free from DESTRUCTION

Oh! To be free
I can feel the freedom
I can taste the freedom
I can smell the freedom
I can envision the freedom

I wish to live till the day
The day we have total freedom
Yes! Total Freedom
Freedom from physical, emotional, and mental captivation

The shackles must break someday
If not this day
Then let it be one great day
When I get to Witness, this greatness

Meanwhile, this poem also relates to Christopher McCandless as it tells his goals and objectives. Christopher planned to escape humanity, escape society and government. He had witnessed first hand how people were corrupted and imperfect. He sought difference in people, looking for the good but was only rewarded with evil. He went into the wild and observed nature, fighting daily for survival. It was not easy what he did, but by doing it was he able to see the beauty of life on Earth. He interpreted life as it was meant to be seen.

Through my Eyes: Into Colorado

June 29th, 20XX
          I stand, dressed in a set of clothes I deemed worthy of protecting me in my journey. My eyes drift down casting upon my feet. I am not upset with my life, quite the opposite. I'm proud of the life I've lead so far but it is here that I chose to change. I must prove to myself that no problem is beyond my reach. I'm not chasing a life, I'm making a life. And so I must walk out into the world to find my true self. There is no turning back. I silently vow to myself that if I cannot accomplish what I've set to do, then I will not return. And so I take a step forward, this step symbolizes my commitment and beginning.

July 13th, 20XX
          Its been two weeks already and I've petaled for hours nonstop. My legs are literally killing me, I want to take a break but I can't. I'm afraid. I'm currently passing through a notoriously violent city. I'm afraid that I'll end up getting attacked, or worse killed. And I know that in my final moments if I were granted it, I would regret ever making this trip, more so ever thinking about it. And so I petal on, fear running through the coarse of my veins.
          Exhaustion finally over took me. I swore that I'll stay only for a bit and afterwards I'd rush straight to my bike and petal, petal far from society. My thoughts froze when I heard a 'click' from behind. Slowly I turned my head around to meet the end of a gun. He held it high in the air pointed at me, my breathing turned erratic and my body stiffened with fear. "Give me your money." he grumbled. Wordlessly I pulled out a twenty dollar bill, the rest of my money was packed in my book bag which clung helplessly to my bike.
          He snatched it, but the gun was still pointed at me. Slowly he strode to me. My fear dissipating into anger, he got what he asked for, why was he still here? A memory came into my head, a memory of my father teaching me how to knock a gun out of someones hands. My father was a funny man, he deemed it necessary to learn self defense among other things. As soon as he was close enough I whipped my hands forward with the power of desperation and twisted his hand. The gun was slapped to the ground and quickly I elbowed him in the face. Using the chance I ran to my bike, my goal was to pedal far away from here.
          Before I could get a couple of feet away from this dangerous man something tugged harshly at my leg and I found myself facing the floor. I yelled in pain, turned and tried to kick him. But I didn't need to, someone had come to help me. So the dangerous man was out as a light bulb. There were two people who had come to assist me. A man and a woman, the man seemed to be average height, with short black hair which seemed to defy gravity. He had pale skin and wore casual clothing. The woman was almost identical, were they related? But instead she was a bit shorter, she had long wavy black hair and wore sophisticated clothing. A hand lifted me onto my feet.
          "Are you alright?" The man asked, his voice was a little deep but in the calm and soothing way.
          "Yeah, thanks." I said.
          "We heard your yell. You must be a passerby." He stated.
          "I am, how do you know?"
          He could only laugh, "Well, the people that live here are all friendly. All you got to do is talk to the right set of people. I'm one of them, the right set of people I mean. The names Vel and that there is my twin sister Cel." I nodded and introduced myself. "Well than, would you like a proper tour of this glorious city?"
          "I'd like that."
          "You need a place to stay? You can stay with us." Cel said, Vel nodding.
          "Well, if you insist." This made everyone laugh.

          It was on that day that I learned that there are evil and good surrounding all four corners of the universe. All you had to do was ask to find them, they aren't hiding. They're all in plain sight waiting to help those in need. I stayed with Val and Cal for a week, promised to return and continued on my journey. I still had a long way to go and more to learn. But I guess that now I'll have something less to be afraid of, the fear of being alone and threatened.

Down in the Deep

The mermaid that gracefully overtook the ocean with her beauty and elegance was tragically taken. Her time had come and people from all over are in mourn of her death. But the question arises; was her death an accident or a murder? I plan to find out. With only little evidence, join me in the quest of seeking the death of the mermaid. Based upon, "The Rapture of the Deep, The Deadly Dive." by Gary Smith.

In my opinion I believe that Audrey was murdered. Let's recall to when her record was broken in 2000 and the only way that she'd be able to reclaim that record was if she either came close to Pepin's record - which was the world record for both sexes - or surpassed it. She wanted to surpass it but not without upsetting Pepin. Of course he was against the idea of her surpassing him, but after much thought he encouraged her to surpass him. He wanted her to join him under the sea, for them to connect. And so began her death story.

I'm not implying that Pepin murdered Audrey, no he loved her too much for that. I mean who else would mourn over the one that could understand him. He almost quit his profession, and the most important fact was that after her death he replaced Olokun - the god of the ocean - with Audrey. She became the one he spoke to everyday, and he had her drawing tattooed to his leg. His love for her was strong, so he couldn't of had killed her. No it was someone else, it was somebody nobody expected. Lets go to that day, that horrid day.

Pepin had a premonition, the gods told him to cancel the dive, that something ominous was to occur. But he couldn't there were 15 boats awaiting to with take spectators, reporters, and cameramen for the Ocean Woman movie. He did a final check of important equipment, he checked the lifting equipment to see if it would inflate and bring her to the surface. When he saw that it worked he shut it down without checking the pressure for the equipment. Of course this would indicate that the only reason that she wasn't able to rise to the surface was because the lift bag was malfunctioning.

On that day there were many people at the sea watching Audrey. Whats to say that one of them hadn't messed with her equipment to kill her? Remember that she was to surpass the world record for both sexes. Perhaps people weren't ready for a woman to surpass men. So they messed with her equipment thus killing her, and silencing the woman athletes. During the 2000's there was many discrimination against the sexes, that women were to stand behind men. With Audrey threatened to break that invisible rule she was silenced.

Of course there's no evidence that points to anybody or any theories so it was and still is classified as an accident. Perhaps we will never know the truth, but its what we believe that makes it count.

Into the Wild, Into Colorado

1. Where would you go? Why? Where is it on the map?

Assuming that I'm only allowed to travel only within the continents boundaries I'd like to live in Denver, Colorado. The reasons are that the people there are friendly, they're eco-friendly, crime is near minimum, and it is filled with nature. You're surrounded by nature, everywhere you look, every corner, behind every building there's a reminder of nature. Mountains fill the land, rivers passes through cities, forests surrounding every city. You're literally engulfed by mother nature herself. That's why I wanted to go visit Colorado.

2. How long will you be traveling?
I'd say that I plan to travel for a years time. Spending my time meeting new people, seeing new places, and living. I've done the research and saw that it would be an average of 1,823 miles for me to reach my destination. Using Google Maps, it would take 573 hours if I walked and 169 hours if I rode a bike. Guessing that I would half walk and half bike I would reach my destination in approximately 371 hours. Taking in hours needed for sleep, eat, self-time, enjoying surroundings, it would take about 2 months time for travel, by itself.

3. How do you plan to travel? Why are you choosing this mode of transportation?
I'd plan to travel by bike, and if i get too tired to petal I'll walk with my bike besides me. The bike is an ideal mode of transportation, since it would lift excessive amount of weight. I would not only carry necessary living equipment, I'll shorten time of travel and save money. Although at one point when biking seems to be too much, I'd plan to sell it save the money for when I want to bike again I'd simply go to a junk yard and buy another one, cheaper preferably.

4. What will you need for your trip? How are you going to provide food/traveling expenses while you're on the road?
For my trip I plan to take a pair of light weight set of clothes. My sketch pad, pencils, and a camera - are explained later- I'd take some good book to read when I needed a break from everything, where I'd drown myself in the lives of others. I also plan to take some money with me for my food. I'd buy cheap foods that are able to keep my stomach content. I would earn money buy running errands for people who'd want to help me. I'd plan to stop in a town long enough at a time to get a short job and earn as much money as I can before moving on. As for expenses I really wouldn't buy anything unnecessary since it would only lead towards dead weight. The only thing that I might buy while on the road would be even more books.

5. What do you plan to accomplish on this trip?
I plan to accomplish freedom, independence, confidence, and to live life to the fullest. To experience life's hardships and to gain patience. Although it sounds easy, and the phrase, 'better said than done,' does applies here, the main goal is to gain the courage to do things different. To be abnormal, stay from normality, live a bold life saying, 'that's right, I did that. I was stupid but I did it.' And finally I hope to accomplish trust, to follow my heart, and desires.

6. How will you record your experiences?
I will record my experiences by taking a sketch pad, art pencils, and color pencils. I'll draw what I see and who I meet. But just in case I'll also take a camera, one with a roll inside, that way it doesn't need recharging, and will always be convenient no matter what happens.

Searching ...

Found an interesting blog that'll scare the socks off your feet. It's called Self Inflicted Insomnia, and it tells really creepy stories. Stories that'll make you think twice of closing the door to your room, think twice to check under your bed, and watch out for haunted possessions. Though heave warning there are frightening pictures.
http://fuckyeahspookyshit.tumblr.com/

This blog is all about Science Fiction and Fantasy. It gives a whole bunch of recommendations and synopsis. As you read all the different and amazing books there are, the more you'll be dying to get your hands on them. This is just the beginning of dragging you towards the wonders of books. Its called SciFi Lovin' News and Reviews.
http://sqt-fantasy-sci-fi-girl.blogspot.com/

This blog is all about the universe, science, and more. Didn't you ever wanted to know about the multiverse? To some people the word 'multiverse' isn't even a real word. Do you know why? The word Universe means one verse. That's right ONE. While the multiverse means many verses, many universes. The word multiverse also keeps the idea of parallel universes alive. Want to know more?
http://www.portaltotheuniverse.org/blogs/

And finally, for the scariest blog I've ever witnessed, I present 3AM. If you wonder why is it called 3AM maybe its due to the trauma you'll receive once opening the page. Its filled with indescribable horrors. It's filled with GIF's and pictures that will keep you awake until morning. I find this website amazing because its so scary I can't keep it out of my mind. My mind wonders back towards it, as thought I was hypnotized, and  I'd wonder what's next? Is it real? Is it scary? Perhaps you'll love it as much as I do.
http://3amstories.tumblr.com/

Think Different

     While watching the video, 'Apple- Think Different' the narrator talked about change, about a different world. He spoke of how the people that stood out were the ones that makes us individuals. How the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the young ones, the one who see things differently, the ones that think they can change the world are the ones who changes our lives.

          In a way the narrator encourages people to be different, think different, be unique. But for change to come, for great minds to arise, for a different world it all starts with us. It starts with the young ones, the ones that can see through the evilness, the corrupt, the misguided and to correct them. That we hold the keys to the future, that we ARE the future. To think different, bring change.

          I agree that change is needed, that we need to change. This video applies not to just one life, it applies to all life. It makes us think, 'what will tomorrow bring'? Will we live in shelters underground because we were too late to change our ways? Will we live with gas masks on our faces and wear hazard suits because we didn't strive for an effort to be green? Or will we live in the harmony, peace, equality, and CHANGE? It all starts with us, it starts with us to think different. To make our home, our planet, a better place to live.