Gabriel Common's Blog
September 5, 2019
Another Excerpt
Bryan was no stranger to bad circumstances. His entire life had been a struggle, as it was for most who lived outside the walls of Arcadia. He silently stared out, over the vibrant city, unable to regain the initial vigor he had the day before. Though he had to admit that it was nice they elected to put him in a comfortable room with a view, as apposed to a dank cell in their underground prison. Which he felt was more than he deserved. How could he possibly have let himself fall for something like this? Clearly he allowed his emotions to cloud his rationality. He was just so grateful to be accepted into Arcadia that he would do anything for its citizens, no questions asked. But for a man of his intelligence, he knew that ignorance was no excuse.
“How are you doing?” Came the soft voice of Michelle.
Bryan almost jolted with surprise. He turned from his view of the city to see Michelle standing directly behind him with concern in her eyes. Lost in his self-pity, he wasn’t at all surprised that he didn’t notice her enter.
“Sorry if I startled you.” Spoke Michelle with a warm smile as she stepped closer in concern. “But I figured you could use a friend.”
“That’s more than I deserved.” He replied as his head dropped in shame.
“The damage is done Bryan, gloating about it now will do no good.”
Bryan knew she was right but he couldn’t help his guilt. He should have known that even in the world’s most honest civilization, there would be serpents lurking in its corners.
Bryan forced his head up; he had to fix this, somehow. “Michelle I didn’t mean to....”
“I know Bryan.” She said before he could finish. “And the Tribunal knows as well, James left a note taking full credit for what happened. They know you were just a pawn.”
Bryan gave a sigh of relief. “So, why are they still holding me here?”
“I don’t know.” Michelle clinched her hands and began to walk around him toward the window of the other side of the room. “Right now everyone’s trying to figure out what it was the Locus had stole from us and why.”
Bryan gasp, “Wait, those men were from the Locus!”
“Yes.”
Bryan had never before encountered the Locus, though he had heard the stories. A vicious bunch of nomads, who travel the continent, invade lesser civilizations and strip them of their resources. Those who are lucky enough to survive their encounters are usually kept alive as slaves or toys for their amusement, only to be fed to the Locus’ beasts once their use has expired. Although they lack the technology that Arcadia and Magg city has, they do seem to have other means that makes them a force to fear. Control over nature itself and the beasts of the world. Something that even Arcadia’s greatest scientists fail to understand. Bryan’s civilization had been fortunate enough to have never encountered them. “So they do exist.” Stated Bryan, unaware of the words flowing from his lips.
“They haven’t been as threatening to weaker civilizations as they were before their former leader Mark was killed by the Phoenix.” Replied Michelle. “After his son Lexx had took control, revenge became his sole focus. They do still invade other civilizations from time to time, specifically when they’re low on resources but Lexx’s eyes are set solely on taking down Arcadia and killing the Phoenix.”
Michelle finished her explanation to see Bryan now standing right next to her with interest. “Well if everything I’ve heard about them is true, than what use would they have for an info-disk?” he asked.
Michelle sighed before turning back to the sight of Arcadia staring back at them. “That’s what everyone is concern about.”
Bryan again fell into deep thought. He couldn’t help noticing the park in the distance. It felt a bit ironic that they would give him a room with a clear view of it, as if to remind him of his ignorance. “Apart from getting arrested, it wasn’t such a bad night.” He said, again surprised by the words leaving his lips. He then turned back toward Michelle. “I saw your play, it was amazing.”
Michelle replied with a flattered smile.
“Is it your own creation?”
Michelle turned back toward the window, and stared at the empty stage in the center of the park. “It’s actually a story I’ve read in an old book my father had found in the barrens. He was a scout and would search various ruins to see what information and technology could be recovered from the old days. I’ve always had a fascination with ancient art so every time my father came across something, he’d bring it back to me. It started with paintings and sculptures, but as I learned to read he started to bring me books. One in particular was a collection of plays by a man named Charles Heareaux. The play that you saw is one of my favorites, confronting the pain of ones past to allow happiness in the future.”
Bryan latched on to her every word; he had never met anyone as passionate and pure as Michelle seemed to be. Most people he had encountered in the world were a product of their surroundings. Their thoughts and desires seemed limited to only what they can see, do or create. Michelle on the other hand seemed bold enough to allow herself to dream far past her limits. To ideas and realities that were knowingly out of her reach yet some how she was able to enjoy them all the same. As a scientist Bryan never once gave himself the freedom to dream beyond what he knew to be possible. He envied her for that, and hoped that once this Locus mystery was over, he could finally start his new life in Arcadia by learning how to break through his barriers of logic.
“How are you doing?” Came the soft voice of Michelle.
Bryan almost jolted with surprise. He turned from his view of the city to see Michelle standing directly behind him with concern in her eyes. Lost in his self-pity, he wasn’t at all surprised that he didn’t notice her enter.
“Sorry if I startled you.” Spoke Michelle with a warm smile as she stepped closer in concern. “But I figured you could use a friend.”
“That’s more than I deserved.” He replied as his head dropped in shame.
“The damage is done Bryan, gloating about it now will do no good.”
Bryan knew she was right but he couldn’t help his guilt. He should have known that even in the world’s most honest civilization, there would be serpents lurking in its corners.
Bryan forced his head up; he had to fix this, somehow. “Michelle I didn’t mean to....”
“I know Bryan.” She said before he could finish. “And the Tribunal knows as well, James left a note taking full credit for what happened. They know you were just a pawn.”
Bryan gave a sigh of relief. “So, why are they still holding me here?”
“I don’t know.” Michelle clinched her hands and began to walk around him toward the window of the other side of the room. “Right now everyone’s trying to figure out what it was the Locus had stole from us and why.”
Bryan gasp, “Wait, those men were from the Locus!”
“Yes.”
Bryan had never before encountered the Locus, though he had heard the stories. A vicious bunch of nomads, who travel the continent, invade lesser civilizations and strip them of their resources. Those who are lucky enough to survive their encounters are usually kept alive as slaves or toys for their amusement, only to be fed to the Locus’ beasts once their use has expired. Although they lack the technology that Arcadia and Magg city has, they do seem to have other means that makes them a force to fear. Control over nature itself and the beasts of the world. Something that even Arcadia’s greatest scientists fail to understand. Bryan’s civilization had been fortunate enough to have never encountered them. “So they do exist.” Stated Bryan, unaware of the words flowing from his lips.
“They haven’t been as threatening to weaker civilizations as they were before their former leader Mark was killed by the Phoenix.” Replied Michelle. “After his son Lexx had took control, revenge became his sole focus. They do still invade other civilizations from time to time, specifically when they’re low on resources but Lexx’s eyes are set solely on taking down Arcadia and killing the Phoenix.”
Michelle finished her explanation to see Bryan now standing right next to her with interest. “Well if everything I’ve heard about them is true, than what use would they have for an info-disk?” he asked.
Michelle sighed before turning back to the sight of Arcadia staring back at them. “That’s what everyone is concern about.”
Bryan again fell into deep thought. He couldn’t help noticing the park in the distance. It felt a bit ironic that they would give him a room with a clear view of it, as if to remind him of his ignorance. “Apart from getting arrested, it wasn’t such a bad night.” He said, again surprised by the words leaving his lips. He then turned back toward Michelle. “I saw your play, it was amazing.”
Michelle replied with a flattered smile.
“Is it your own creation?”
Michelle turned back toward the window, and stared at the empty stage in the center of the park. “It’s actually a story I’ve read in an old book my father had found in the barrens. He was a scout and would search various ruins to see what information and technology could be recovered from the old days. I’ve always had a fascination with ancient art so every time my father came across something, he’d bring it back to me. It started with paintings and sculptures, but as I learned to read he started to bring me books. One in particular was a collection of plays by a man named Charles Heareaux. The play that you saw is one of my favorites, confronting the pain of ones past to allow happiness in the future.”
Bryan latched on to her every word; he had never met anyone as passionate and pure as Michelle seemed to be. Most people he had encountered in the world were a product of their surroundings. Their thoughts and desires seemed limited to only what they can see, do or create. Michelle on the other hand seemed bold enough to allow herself to dream far past her limits. To ideas and realities that were knowingly out of her reach yet some how she was able to enjoy them all the same. As a scientist Bryan never once gave himself the freedom to dream beyond what he knew to be possible. He envied her for that, and hoped that once this Locus mystery was over, he could finally start his new life in Arcadia by learning how to break through his barriers of logic.
May 11, 2018
Arcadia Excerpt
Bryan was picking up an odd cynical tone from Josh, one that surprised him given the heroic stories he had heard of the legendary Phoenix throughout history.
“Is there a problem?” Josh asked, catching Bryan staring at him from the corner of his eye.
Bryan immediately looked down. “No it’s just…since I was a kid I had heard stories about you and, well meeting is just a bit different that’s all.”
“You sound disappointed.”
“I’m not, I’m just…..” Said Bryan and he dropped his head.
Josh sighed, “Do you wanna know why I like coming to these performances?”
Bryan remained silent and looked ahead at the actors on the stage.
“Because when you’ve been around for as long as I have, there’s very little that can impress you. I’ve seen our planet when it flourishing paradise more advanced than Arcadia itself. There was peace and the entire world was connected, we shared our cultures and the strong helped weak. Then I witnessed it changed from rich civilized union to a barren wasteland with each person out only for themselves. It’s a world I’ve spent centuries trying to save and fought to turn my father’s version for a new world into a reality. I’ve been through everything, and I’ve lost everything. And after centuries of trying to save this world, the thing I realized is that life is nothing more than a constant cycle of repeating stories. There’s always a new threat over the horizon or a new civilization is peril. There’s always a new king who declares himself God and a new band of ignorant fools ready to follow him. No matter how many lives are lost and how many sacrifices are made, they’ll always be a more to come.”
Josh then turned straight toward Bryan, staring him straight in the eyes. “Humanity doesn’t learn from its mistakes, people are too arrogant to even listen to the wisdom of the past. Yet the only one who has to suffer from this is me, the so called hero of Arcadia. I am the only one stuck in this constant routine of humanity’s arrogance. People come in, destroy this world even more, then leave while I’m stuck cleaning up the mess. Not even the great Arcadia’s hands are clean in this.”
“And what does this have to do with the play?” Bryan asked.
Josh then turned back toward the stage to watch as the actors began their performance. “Because it’s the one thing that’s new, and a way of inspiration that no one’s to try before. Granted we’ve had art before the world fell but it remained lost for centuries. No one even cared to find it. Until Michelle that is, she saw the impact it had and knew that if anything can change this world, it’s art. Of course I can’t say that for sure, but at least it’s something, and more than I can say for anyone else.”
“Is there a problem?” Josh asked, catching Bryan staring at him from the corner of his eye.
Bryan immediately looked down. “No it’s just…since I was a kid I had heard stories about you and, well meeting is just a bit different that’s all.”
“You sound disappointed.”
“I’m not, I’m just…..” Said Bryan and he dropped his head.
Josh sighed, “Do you wanna know why I like coming to these performances?”
Bryan remained silent and looked ahead at the actors on the stage.
“Because when you’ve been around for as long as I have, there’s very little that can impress you. I’ve seen our planet when it flourishing paradise more advanced than Arcadia itself. There was peace and the entire world was connected, we shared our cultures and the strong helped weak. Then I witnessed it changed from rich civilized union to a barren wasteland with each person out only for themselves. It’s a world I’ve spent centuries trying to save and fought to turn my father’s version for a new world into a reality. I’ve been through everything, and I’ve lost everything. And after centuries of trying to save this world, the thing I realized is that life is nothing more than a constant cycle of repeating stories. There’s always a new threat over the horizon or a new civilization is peril. There’s always a new king who declares himself God and a new band of ignorant fools ready to follow him. No matter how many lives are lost and how many sacrifices are made, they’ll always be a more to come.”
Josh then turned straight toward Bryan, staring him straight in the eyes. “Humanity doesn’t learn from its mistakes, people are too arrogant to even listen to the wisdom of the past. Yet the only one who has to suffer from this is me, the so called hero of Arcadia. I am the only one stuck in this constant routine of humanity’s arrogance. People come in, destroy this world even more, then leave while I’m stuck cleaning up the mess. Not even the great Arcadia’s hands are clean in this.”
“And what does this have to do with the play?” Bryan asked.
Josh then turned back toward the stage to watch as the actors began their performance. “Because it’s the one thing that’s new, and a way of inspiration that no one’s to try before. Granted we’ve had art before the world fell but it remained lost for centuries. No one even cared to find it. Until Michelle that is, she saw the impact it had and knew that if anything can change this world, it’s art. Of course I can’t say that for sure, but at least it’s something, and more than I can say for anyone else.”
May 21, 2017
Story of the Lion and the Deer
Have you ever heard the story of the Lion and the deer. The deer, a peaceful innocent creature. Each day it awakes gladly ready to spent its entire day working its ass off to find food. It minds its own business and never bothers a single soul. It's peaceful and kind, making a conscious effort to stay out of everyone's way. The deer is the kindest most gentle animal you will ever meet. Its trustworthy and you can always expect it to treat you with respect.
Now the lion, is the biggest dick you'll ever meet. Instead of working hard for its nutrients it takes it from others. When the lion wakes up in the morning, the first thing it thinks is, “whose life am I'm going to fuck up today?” The lion wants to use you for its own benefit. It cannot be trusted.
Now that you know that the deer is the good guy and the lion is the bad guy, ask yourself this. Which is the one that we pick on the most? Which is the one everyone is always shitting on for his or her own benefit? Answer: the deer.
No one will hunt the lion for food, they will hunt the deer, because we fear the lion, and step on the deer.
The deer may be seen as the good guy yet gets treated as the Villain. The lion may be seen as the villain yet get’s the rewards of the hero.
The moral of the story is, the deer is kind, people genuinely view kindness as weakness. The lion is an asshole, people genuinely fear and respect assholes. A nature, which not even humanity, can escape.
Now the lion, is the biggest dick you'll ever meet. Instead of working hard for its nutrients it takes it from others. When the lion wakes up in the morning, the first thing it thinks is, “whose life am I'm going to fuck up today?” The lion wants to use you for its own benefit. It cannot be trusted.
Now that you know that the deer is the good guy and the lion is the bad guy, ask yourself this. Which is the one that we pick on the most? Which is the one everyone is always shitting on for his or her own benefit? Answer: the deer.
No one will hunt the lion for food, they will hunt the deer, because we fear the lion, and step on the deer.
The deer may be seen as the good guy yet gets treated as the Villain. The lion may be seen as the villain yet get’s the rewards of the hero.
The moral of the story is, the deer is kind, people genuinely view kindness as weakness. The lion is an asshole, people genuinely fear and respect assholes. A nature, which not even humanity, can escape.
July 18, 2016
Phantom: Red Moon "Excerpt"
Mason stood staring out on the Alpha's command ship. They were just starting to see it, appearing as a large gray ball, floating in front planet Juno. He felt a soft warmth, touching on the fur of his arm and looked to see Rayne, standing next to him with a warm smile.
Mason smiled back, before turning back to the sight of the Alpha's fleet. “You know when I started this clan.” He said, in a gaze of thought. “I never intended for us to be taking on the Alpha's like this. I just wanted to unite us, and help others like myself.” He then sighed. “After all the Federation has done to our people, helping them was never how I expected things to turn out.” He then turned back toward Rayne, her glowing orange eyes were showing concern. “And I would have understood, if any of you had chosen not to follow me into this fight.”
“We're doing this because it's the right thing.” Rayne replied, still softly stoking the side of his arm. “If we turned our backs now and let the Alphas destroy Vana and all of its people, knowing that we could have stopped it; than we'll be no better than the monsters they see us as. We're better than that Mason, that's what you taught us.”
Mason returned a smile while lovingly rubbed her head. “Thank you.” He said.
“You taught us well.” Rayne replied. She then took a sigh, her eyes were still showing concern. “Look Mason, you've done so much for us that we can never thank you enough.”
“You don't have to.”
“I know.” She said, staring up into his eyes. Even in his transformed state, the wrinkles of his age were noticeable. “But maybe, just this once. Why don't you stay back and let us handle this. You've protected and saved us more than I can even count. How about this time, you let us protect you.”
Mason replied with a chuckle. “Ha, are you saying I'm too old?” He joked.
“Mason please.” Rayne begged, still giving him a concerned stare.
Yet after hearing her request, it became apparent that it wasn't concern he was seeing, it was fear. Of all the Omegas in his clan, he had helped Rayne the most. He had saved her at the brink of death, death by her own hands. She was younger then, barely a teen. Yet she, like most Kaiju, was always shunned for being different. It was hard for her to accept who she was when her peers refused to. Mason saved her, and guided her. Over the years she had become like a daughter to him, giving her the love and care that her parents had refused. It was hard being the only Kaiju in her family, but because of Mason she had gotten a new family, a family that accepted her for who she was, flaws and all.
Mason wrapped an arm around her and she leaned her head onto his shoulder. “You've grown into a strong woman, Rayne.” He said. “But I can't sit back while sending the rest of the clan to danger. I'll be fine.” He than released her to look into her eyes again, this time seeing comfort. “Besides, if anything does happen to me I know that the clan will be just fine.” He said before again rubbing her head. “Because they've got you.”
Mason smiled back, before turning back to the sight of the Alpha's fleet. “You know when I started this clan.” He said, in a gaze of thought. “I never intended for us to be taking on the Alpha's like this. I just wanted to unite us, and help others like myself.” He then sighed. “After all the Federation has done to our people, helping them was never how I expected things to turn out.” He then turned back toward Rayne, her glowing orange eyes were showing concern. “And I would have understood, if any of you had chosen not to follow me into this fight.”
“We're doing this because it's the right thing.” Rayne replied, still softly stoking the side of his arm. “If we turned our backs now and let the Alphas destroy Vana and all of its people, knowing that we could have stopped it; than we'll be no better than the monsters they see us as. We're better than that Mason, that's what you taught us.”
Mason returned a smile while lovingly rubbed her head. “Thank you.” He said.
“You taught us well.” Rayne replied. She then took a sigh, her eyes were still showing concern. “Look Mason, you've done so much for us that we can never thank you enough.”
“You don't have to.”
“I know.” She said, staring up into his eyes. Even in his transformed state, the wrinkles of his age were noticeable. “But maybe, just this once. Why don't you stay back and let us handle this. You've protected and saved us more than I can even count. How about this time, you let us protect you.”
Mason replied with a chuckle. “Ha, are you saying I'm too old?” He joked.
“Mason please.” Rayne begged, still giving him a concerned stare.
Yet after hearing her request, it became apparent that it wasn't concern he was seeing, it was fear. Of all the Omegas in his clan, he had helped Rayne the most. He had saved her at the brink of death, death by her own hands. She was younger then, barely a teen. Yet she, like most Kaiju, was always shunned for being different. It was hard for her to accept who she was when her peers refused to. Mason saved her, and guided her. Over the years she had become like a daughter to him, giving her the love and care that her parents had refused. It was hard being the only Kaiju in her family, but because of Mason she had gotten a new family, a family that accepted her for who she was, flaws and all.
Mason wrapped an arm around her and she leaned her head onto his shoulder. “You've grown into a strong woman, Rayne.” He said. “But I can't sit back while sending the rest of the clan to danger. I'll be fine.” He than released her to look into her eyes again, this time seeing comfort. “Besides, if anything does happen to me I know that the clan will be just fine.” He said before again rubbing her head. “Because they've got you.”
November 9, 2015
Legend of Alrum: Chapter 1
It was far pass their bedtime, but the two little siblings were too caught up in their imaginary adventures to notice. Chris, a sprightly six-year-old boy, was older than his bubbly sister, Ellie, who was four. The two kids were so engaged in their imaginary game, that they didn’t notice their mother walking into their room.
“Okay kids, time for bed.” Spoke the mother, just as her foot passed the doorway.
“But mom,” complained Ellie while holding her favorite doll. “We still have to save the princess.”
“You know the rules,” their mother replied “You have school tomorrow.”
“Okay,” said Chris with a disappointed sigh.
The crestfallen children climbed into their beds. Noticing thier saddened natures, thier mother reached to the top of a shelf next to their toy box and grabbed a large book with a bright colorful cover.
“I’ll tell you what.” She said as she walked over to their beds and sat on the end of Ellie's mattress. “What if I tell you two a bed time story?”
“Okay!” said Ellie as she sat up in her bed with great enthusiasm.
“Ooo; Tell us something scary!” Chris exclaimed.
“NO!” Objected Ellie with a cry as she pulled her blanket up to her chin. “I don’t like scary stories.”
The mother laughed as she opened the book she had picked out. “Don’t worry, I have a story you two will both like. It’s called “The Legend of Alrum.”
“Does it have action?” asked Chris with anticipation.
“Yes.” The mother replied before turning toward Ellie. “And it has a beautiful, friendly Princess.”
Ellie then smiled as her blanket slowly came down.
“But after this you both have to go straight to sleep okay?” asked the mother.
“Okay!” exclaimed both of the children.
The mother positioned herself comfortably on the bed as she took a deep breath and began to read the words on the first page.
Echoes of tiny footsteps bounced across the castle walls, accompanied by the happy giggles of a child. A young Alex Sith raced through the gray stoned halls of the castle turning from corner to corner with excitement. He finally burst through an old wooden door leading to a spiral stair-case. The little boy looked up with a radiant smile on his soft round face, before sprinting up the steps towards another wooden at the very top of the stairs.
Alex burst out onto a small balcony, mesmerized by the bright moonlight. He slowly walked out and lifted himself up on his toes as he held onto a short stone wall, trying to defeat its height.
As quickly as he had gotten caught up in the sight of his vast kingdom, he was taken from it by an older man’s voice calling out to him, “Alex, I’ve been searching everywhere for you.”
Young Alex Sith quickly turned towards the voice to see his father, the king, standing behind him. The king joyfully bent down as he brushed Alex’s long black hair from his soft gray eyes. “How are you this evening son?” he asked.
“I was just looking at the view father.” Alex answered with an excited hop.
“Then, let us enjoy it together.”
The king lifted his son up onto his shoulders, giving him a clearer view as they both begun to gaze upon the kingdom together. Before the castle was a clear lake that reflected the moon with dozens of villages visible beyond the moat.
To their right, was a large forest spanned far into the horizon. To their left were grassy hills with large mountains in the distance that towered over the tiny villages of the kingdom
“This is amazing!” said Alex still taken by the site of the kingdom. “How was Alrum built?”
“Our ancestors build it son. The Sith family has sat on the throne for dozens of generations, and one day it’ll be your turn to wear the crown.”
The young prince quickly grew an enthusiastic smile, “Father, I’ll be the greatest king ever.”
“Ha, ha, I know you will son.” replied the king with a laugh.
“I’ll protect my people and defeat anyone who opposes me. I’ll make sure my kingdom stays a wonderful place.”
Mother - “Prince Alex was a happy and ambitious young boy, who loved his father dearly. However, the ignorance of his youth blinded him from seeing the type of man his father really was. He was a brutal tyrant, who ruled his people with an iron fist. So much so, that at that very moment his people were preparing a great rebellion against him, and struck the following night. The attack was swift and caught the castle by surprise, leaving Alex an orphan. Hiding in the forest with the others who were most loyal the king, was only way he survived. The young prince vowed to one day return to Alrum, retake the throne and avenge his father’s death. Twenty years later, they became known as the infamous Knights of the Old Order. They would stop at nothing to rid Alrum of its new King, Mana Wist, and restore the kingdom to the Sith family name. As for Alex, being stripped of his family and birthright, being force to survive in the cruel forest of Alrum, and fighting everyday just to see the next, has turned him into a man just as ruthless as his father.”
“Prince Alex!” called the voice of an elderly man riding him of the flash back from his childhood. “My prince, are you okay?”
Alex looked to his right and addressed the older man who was kneeing beside him. “Yes Jacob, just thinking.”
“About what, my prince?”
“Nothing important,” Alex looked around the dark forest to spot some of his men; however, they well hidden within the trees. “Are all the men in position?”
“Yes, my prince but are you sure you want to get involved.” Jacob asked with concern for his young leader. “I hardly think your assistance is required for this.”
“I’m not one to hide behind my men Jacob, even for petty assaults.”
“As you wish,” replied Jacob with a sigh. “Like always, I will guard you with my life.”
The sky, over a small village, was dark with the only light coming from lanterns strategically posted among several tall posts. Its residents were retired in their straw homes while a few guards walked about the village keeping the peace. In the center of the village, was a tall watch tower that stood towering over the homes. A single guard stood in the tower watching over his peaceful village.
The guard in the watch tower stood patiently, with a bow at his side and quiver on his back. He cautiously stared out into the forest, until he heard the sounds of another guard climbing up to meet him.
“How’s the night?” asked the relieving guard.
“Peaceful,” answered the first guard before giving an exhausted yarn.
The relieving guard gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder. “Well you can retire now old friend.”
The guard showed gratitude with a slight bow; and began to leave but was stopped by a faint site in the distance. “There’s something in the forest,” he said as he pointed.
They suddenly saw several small spots of light, dancing in the forest.
“Yes, I see it as well.” Spoke the relieving guard. “It looks like flames.”
They then heard dozens of springing sounds as two flaming arrows flew from the forest and into their chests. Shortly after, more flaming arrows began jumping from the forest and rained down on the village. The straw houses quickly ignited and forced the peaceful residents from their homes.
In the next moment, there was a sudden battle cry and a small army of men raced from the forest with swords and shields lead by the now twenty-five years old prince Alex Sith. The guards quickly turned their attention to the attackers and tried their best to defend the innocent people of the village.
The citizens tried to evacuate as the guards held off the raid, but the attackers greatly outnumbered the guards. All of their efforts to defend their homes only allowed them to but up five minutes fight, before the attention of the attackers were turned towards the villagers and their homes. They showed no mercy and within hours the village was reduced to ruble and the villagers had either fled or were defeated by the cruel raiders.
Ellie - “I don't like this story mommy, everyone keeps dying.”
Chris - “No, it's cool, keep reading.”
Mother - “Don't worry Ellie it's still the beginning. Things will get better, you'll see.”
Ellie - “Where's the princess?”
Mother – “She's coming, just be patient. It's still the first chapter.”
Ellie – sighs “Okay.”
Mother - “Now where were we?”
The attack was over, and Alex was walking slowly around the site, admiring the work of his men. At his side, was his mentor and good friend Jacob. Alex had a light muscular body, and wore a red tunic with worn brown pants. This wasn’t the typical attire of a prince. He may have not worn no crown, but what he lacked in image, he made up for in brutality and narcissism. He carried his long sword on his back and a dagger on his waist.
Alex may have been young and reckless, but he was always kept in line by his old mentor Jacob. Jacob was the only one Alex had trusted. He raised Alex from a boy, once his father was killed, and taught him to survive. Jacob was a man past his prime yet had an abundance of knowledge and wisdom. He always wore a black cloak, with brown pants and kept his sword close to his side.
One of the other attackers walked up to the two and knelled respectfully as he made his report, “My Prince, the village is clear, we are now searching the homes for food and valuables.”
“Good,” replied Alex.
“Alex,” called Jacob. “these people are poor and didn't have much to begin with.”
“This is exactly the reason to invade such a place.” Alex replied. “Mana promises a carefree life for all of his people despite their stature. I’m simply proving him wrong.”
As they continued to talk, a single villager had risen from the ashes of his home. He began to look around and notice his village burning and his house now in ruin. Tears filled his eyes and anger filled his heart.
Across his ruined home, he notice the infamous Alex Sith standing a few yards away with his back turned, distracted in a conversation with one of his men. He then looked down and took notice of a sharp stick in the ruins of his home. The old man knew that he wouldn’t stand a chance but the pain of losing his family was too much to bare.
He quickly picked up the stick and sprinted towards Alex. Once he got close he thrust it towards Alex’s back, but Alex quickly drew his dagger and swung it around slicing off the man’s hand. The man fell to his knees in pain holding his blood soaked arm.
Alex then held his dagger to the man’s neck as he began to scold him, “This is your lucky day. I usually wouldn’t have tolerance for someone attempts to, un-honorably, stab me in the back.”
“How dare you speak to me of honor,” replied the man angrily. “You’ve just slaughtered a village of innocent people, to satisfy your ambitions.”
“As long as Mana sits on my father’s throne, no village in Alrum is innocent.” Alex then kicked the old man, causing him to fall back. “Now go and tell your king everything we've done here, and that until he returns the crown there will be more to come.”
Alex walked to his horse jumped on it and shouted to his men, “SALVAGE WHAT SUPPLIES YOU CAN THEN RETURN TO THE CAMP!”
He kicked horse and road off, leaving Jacob puzzled as to why he made such a hasty exit.
For more of this story, subscribe at http://channillo.com/series/the-legen...
“Okay kids, time for bed.” Spoke the mother, just as her foot passed the doorway.
“But mom,” complained Ellie while holding her favorite doll. “We still have to save the princess.”
“You know the rules,” their mother replied “You have school tomorrow.”
“Okay,” said Chris with a disappointed sigh.
The crestfallen children climbed into their beds. Noticing thier saddened natures, thier mother reached to the top of a shelf next to their toy box and grabbed a large book with a bright colorful cover.
“I’ll tell you what.” She said as she walked over to their beds and sat on the end of Ellie's mattress. “What if I tell you two a bed time story?”
“Okay!” said Ellie as she sat up in her bed with great enthusiasm.
“Ooo; Tell us something scary!” Chris exclaimed.
“NO!” Objected Ellie with a cry as she pulled her blanket up to her chin. “I don’t like scary stories.”
The mother laughed as she opened the book she had picked out. “Don’t worry, I have a story you two will both like. It’s called “The Legend of Alrum.”
“Does it have action?” asked Chris with anticipation.
“Yes.” The mother replied before turning toward Ellie. “And it has a beautiful, friendly Princess.”
Ellie then smiled as her blanket slowly came down.
“But after this you both have to go straight to sleep okay?” asked the mother.
“Okay!” exclaimed both of the children.
The mother positioned herself comfortably on the bed as she took a deep breath and began to read the words on the first page.
Echoes of tiny footsteps bounced across the castle walls, accompanied by the happy giggles of a child. A young Alex Sith raced through the gray stoned halls of the castle turning from corner to corner with excitement. He finally burst through an old wooden door leading to a spiral stair-case. The little boy looked up with a radiant smile on his soft round face, before sprinting up the steps towards another wooden at the very top of the stairs.
Alex burst out onto a small balcony, mesmerized by the bright moonlight. He slowly walked out and lifted himself up on his toes as he held onto a short stone wall, trying to defeat its height.
As quickly as he had gotten caught up in the sight of his vast kingdom, he was taken from it by an older man’s voice calling out to him, “Alex, I’ve been searching everywhere for you.”
Young Alex Sith quickly turned towards the voice to see his father, the king, standing behind him. The king joyfully bent down as he brushed Alex’s long black hair from his soft gray eyes. “How are you this evening son?” he asked.
“I was just looking at the view father.” Alex answered with an excited hop.
“Then, let us enjoy it together.”
The king lifted his son up onto his shoulders, giving him a clearer view as they both begun to gaze upon the kingdom together. Before the castle was a clear lake that reflected the moon with dozens of villages visible beyond the moat.
To their right, was a large forest spanned far into the horizon. To their left were grassy hills with large mountains in the distance that towered over the tiny villages of the kingdom
“This is amazing!” said Alex still taken by the site of the kingdom. “How was Alrum built?”
“Our ancestors build it son. The Sith family has sat on the throne for dozens of generations, and one day it’ll be your turn to wear the crown.”
The young prince quickly grew an enthusiastic smile, “Father, I’ll be the greatest king ever.”
“Ha, ha, I know you will son.” replied the king with a laugh.
“I’ll protect my people and defeat anyone who opposes me. I’ll make sure my kingdom stays a wonderful place.”
Mother - “Prince Alex was a happy and ambitious young boy, who loved his father dearly. However, the ignorance of his youth blinded him from seeing the type of man his father really was. He was a brutal tyrant, who ruled his people with an iron fist. So much so, that at that very moment his people were preparing a great rebellion against him, and struck the following night. The attack was swift and caught the castle by surprise, leaving Alex an orphan. Hiding in the forest with the others who were most loyal the king, was only way he survived. The young prince vowed to one day return to Alrum, retake the throne and avenge his father’s death. Twenty years later, they became known as the infamous Knights of the Old Order. They would stop at nothing to rid Alrum of its new King, Mana Wist, and restore the kingdom to the Sith family name. As for Alex, being stripped of his family and birthright, being force to survive in the cruel forest of Alrum, and fighting everyday just to see the next, has turned him into a man just as ruthless as his father.”
“Prince Alex!” called the voice of an elderly man riding him of the flash back from his childhood. “My prince, are you okay?”
Alex looked to his right and addressed the older man who was kneeing beside him. “Yes Jacob, just thinking.”
“About what, my prince?”
“Nothing important,” Alex looked around the dark forest to spot some of his men; however, they well hidden within the trees. “Are all the men in position?”
“Yes, my prince but are you sure you want to get involved.” Jacob asked with concern for his young leader. “I hardly think your assistance is required for this.”
“I’m not one to hide behind my men Jacob, even for petty assaults.”
“As you wish,” replied Jacob with a sigh. “Like always, I will guard you with my life.”
The sky, over a small village, was dark with the only light coming from lanterns strategically posted among several tall posts. Its residents were retired in their straw homes while a few guards walked about the village keeping the peace. In the center of the village, was a tall watch tower that stood towering over the homes. A single guard stood in the tower watching over his peaceful village.
The guard in the watch tower stood patiently, with a bow at his side and quiver on his back. He cautiously stared out into the forest, until he heard the sounds of another guard climbing up to meet him.
“How’s the night?” asked the relieving guard.
“Peaceful,” answered the first guard before giving an exhausted yarn.
The relieving guard gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder. “Well you can retire now old friend.”
The guard showed gratitude with a slight bow; and began to leave but was stopped by a faint site in the distance. “There’s something in the forest,” he said as he pointed.
They suddenly saw several small spots of light, dancing in the forest.
“Yes, I see it as well.” Spoke the relieving guard. “It looks like flames.”
They then heard dozens of springing sounds as two flaming arrows flew from the forest and into their chests. Shortly after, more flaming arrows began jumping from the forest and rained down on the village. The straw houses quickly ignited and forced the peaceful residents from their homes.
In the next moment, there was a sudden battle cry and a small army of men raced from the forest with swords and shields lead by the now twenty-five years old prince Alex Sith. The guards quickly turned their attention to the attackers and tried their best to defend the innocent people of the village.
The citizens tried to evacuate as the guards held off the raid, but the attackers greatly outnumbered the guards. All of their efforts to defend their homes only allowed them to but up five minutes fight, before the attention of the attackers were turned towards the villagers and their homes. They showed no mercy and within hours the village was reduced to ruble and the villagers had either fled or were defeated by the cruel raiders.
Ellie - “I don't like this story mommy, everyone keeps dying.”
Chris - “No, it's cool, keep reading.”
Mother - “Don't worry Ellie it's still the beginning. Things will get better, you'll see.”
Ellie - “Where's the princess?”
Mother – “She's coming, just be patient. It's still the first chapter.”
Ellie – sighs “Okay.”
Mother - “Now where were we?”
The attack was over, and Alex was walking slowly around the site, admiring the work of his men. At his side, was his mentor and good friend Jacob. Alex had a light muscular body, and wore a red tunic with worn brown pants. This wasn’t the typical attire of a prince. He may have not worn no crown, but what he lacked in image, he made up for in brutality and narcissism. He carried his long sword on his back and a dagger on his waist.
Alex may have been young and reckless, but he was always kept in line by his old mentor Jacob. Jacob was the only one Alex had trusted. He raised Alex from a boy, once his father was killed, and taught him to survive. Jacob was a man past his prime yet had an abundance of knowledge and wisdom. He always wore a black cloak, with brown pants and kept his sword close to his side.
One of the other attackers walked up to the two and knelled respectfully as he made his report, “My Prince, the village is clear, we are now searching the homes for food and valuables.”
“Good,” replied Alex.
“Alex,” called Jacob. “these people are poor and didn't have much to begin with.”
“This is exactly the reason to invade such a place.” Alex replied. “Mana promises a carefree life for all of his people despite their stature. I’m simply proving him wrong.”
As they continued to talk, a single villager had risen from the ashes of his home. He began to look around and notice his village burning and his house now in ruin. Tears filled his eyes and anger filled his heart.
Across his ruined home, he notice the infamous Alex Sith standing a few yards away with his back turned, distracted in a conversation with one of his men. He then looked down and took notice of a sharp stick in the ruins of his home. The old man knew that he wouldn’t stand a chance but the pain of losing his family was too much to bare.
He quickly picked up the stick and sprinted towards Alex. Once he got close he thrust it towards Alex’s back, but Alex quickly drew his dagger and swung it around slicing off the man’s hand. The man fell to his knees in pain holding his blood soaked arm.
Alex then held his dagger to the man’s neck as he began to scold him, “This is your lucky day. I usually wouldn’t have tolerance for someone attempts to, un-honorably, stab me in the back.”
“How dare you speak to me of honor,” replied the man angrily. “You’ve just slaughtered a village of innocent people, to satisfy your ambitions.”
“As long as Mana sits on my father’s throne, no village in Alrum is innocent.” Alex then kicked the old man, causing him to fall back. “Now go and tell your king everything we've done here, and that until he returns the crown there will be more to come.”
Alex walked to his horse jumped on it and shouted to his men, “SALVAGE WHAT SUPPLIES YOU CAN THEN RETURN TO THE CAMP!”
He kicked horse and road off, leaving Jacob puzzled as to why he made such a hasty exit.
For more of this story, subscribe at http://channillo.com/series/the-legen...
June 25, 2015
Phantom: Dark Legion (Excerpt)
As Traiven laid eyes on his estranged father for the second time in his life, he took a brief second to scrutinize his face, finding he it quite similar it was to his own. From his silk black hair to radiant blue eyes, Traiven was a bit overwhelmed just being in his presence.
Krisstan was patiently waiting on the other side of the flame. He stared at Traiven with an oddly distinctive look which gave Traiven the impression that Krisstan was already starting to judge him; without even getting to know him first.
“Go.” Ordered Moth, who Traiven had completely forgotten was standing beside him.
Traiven answered with another annoyed grunt before walking head, leaving Moth leaning on the wall next to the entrance.
Traiven slowly walked toward Krisstan and watched as he lifted his palm, motioning toward a spot just before the dancing flame. Traiven again took a deep breath still trying to relax his nerves as he accepted the offer and sat down comfortably in front of the fire. For the first time in his life, he was sitting face to face with his father.
Traiven was speechless; an unusual tone for him. At this point he would usually give a silly remark to break the ice as he always did when he was nervous; but this time he felt that the least Krisstan could do was start the conversation.
Krisstan was patiently waiting on the other side of the flame. He stared at Traiven with an oddly distinctive look which gave Traiven the impression that Krisstan was already starting to judge him; without even getting to know him first.
“Go.” Ordered Moth, who Traiven had completely forgotten was standing beside him.
Traiven answered with another annoyed grunt before walking head, leaving Moth leaning on the wall next to the entrance.
Traiven slowly walked toward Krisstan and watched as he lifted his palm, motioning toward a spot just before the dancing flame. Traiven again took a deep breath still trying to relax his nerves as he accepted the offer and sat down comfortably in front of the fire. For the first time in his life, he was sitting face to face with his father.
Traiven was speechless; an unusual tone for him. At this point he would usually give a silly remark to break the ice as he always did when he was nervous; but this time he felt that the least Krisstan could do was start the conversation.
November 4, 2014
Happiness
Let’s see if I can finish this blog before the Nyquil kicks in.
I’m going to be honest, “Happiness” is a subject that I saw as a challenge to take on. Only because it’s something that often eludes me time and time again. Now that I think of it, I’m the best person to write about this topic. I’m someone who’s only really experience it from the outside looking in. Of course I did take the time to think this through and try to think of the times in my life when I was most happy. However I couldn’t think of one in particular, even as a child I can’t think of one chapter in my life that I could say I was truly happy. I mean of course I’ve had the emotion of happiness hundreds of times in my life, but being happy and finding happiness are two completely different things.
First of all I’d like to point out that happiness can’t be found, in which I’ll explain later in this blog. That’s something I never realized until now, I’ve spent my life pursuing everything I could to find a life of happiness. I can say that I’m no where closer then where I started. Every time I’d find a measure of peace in one aspect of my life, another aspect would get corrupted. It’s been nothing but a never ending cycle of trying to fight fate, trying to seek and end and my ultimate goal, trying to sleep. Now when I say I’m trying to sleep I don’t mean in the sense of resting your body. I’m mean it in a more spiritual sense, in which I’ll explain in a future blog; that’s a-whole-nother topic.
Now happiness is something we’re all striding for, it’s the American dream. We’re all working so hard in out lives, building a foundation of life family and friends. It’s accomplishing your life’s goal, it’s getting married having a family, living a meaningful life then retiring at an old age, while watching your children find their happiness until the day you pass on. That’s what most would call happiness, something you work so hard to find, yet the way I see it the truth is far from that.
In truth happiness can’t be found, because happiness, like life, is a gift. No it can’t be given either, because it’s already been given. At some point in our life happiness was given to us all, freely and without consequence. Now here’s the secret that few, if not none, truly understand. You can only achieve happiness, by accepting it.
We are all offered happiness several times in our lives, but many of us refuse because we fail to see what it truly is, because of fear. We fear our faults, we fear the future, we fear not being in complete control of every aspect of our lives, and the worst of all we fear letting go. We often see letting go of our fear, as letting go of our dreams or our ambitions, but it’s really the exact opposite. To let go of your fears is to let go of your worries, it’s to live your life in the moment and accept the current blessings that are put before you rather then wait for something better. In other words it’s living in the here and now, just as my previous blog explained.
But before you start to lay it all out on the table there’s one thing you need to understand. Letting go of your fears will not end your ambitions, it will not end your dreams. You’re still be the exact same person on the exact same path, only now you will accept yourself for who you are in that moment, accept the life you live, the paths you took, and most importantly, accept the mistakes you’ve made and look upon them for guidance. The only way to become a better person is to first accept the person you currently are, and accept true happiness.
I’m going to be honest, “Happiness” is a subject that I saw as a challenge to take on. Only because it’s something that often eludes me time and time again. Now that I think of it, I’m the best person to write about this topic. I’m someone who’s only really experience it from the outside looking in. Of course I did take the time to think this through and try to think of the times in my life when I was most happy. However I couldn’t think of one in particular, even as a child I can’t think of one chapter in my life that I could say I was truly happy. I mean of course I’ve had the emotion of happiness hundreds of times in my life, but being happy and finding happiness are two completely different things.
First of all I’d like to point out that happiness can’t be found, in which I’ll explain later in this blog. That’s something I never realized until now, I’ve spent my life pursuing everything I could to find a life of happiness. I can say that I’m no where closer then where I started. Every time I’d find a measure of peace in one aspect of my life, another aspect would get corrupted. It’s been nothing but a never ending cycle of trying to fight fate, trying to seek and end and my ultimate goal, trying to sleep. Now when I say I’m trying to sleep I don’t mean in the sense of resting your body. I’m mean it in a more spiritual sense, in which I’ll explain in a future blog; that’s a-whole-nother topic.
Now happiness is something we’re all striding for, it’s the American dream. We’re all working so hard in out lives, building a foundation of life family and friends. It’s accomplishing your life’s goal, it’s getting married having a family, living a meaningful life then retiring at an old age, while watching your children find their happiness until the day you pass on. That’s what most would call happiness, something you work so hard to find, yet the way I see it the truth is far from that.
In truth happiness can’t be found, because happiness, like life, is a gift. No it can’t be given either, because it’s already been given. At some point in our life happiness was given to us all, freely and without consequence. Now here’s the secret that few, if not none, truly understand. You can only achieve happiness, by accepting it.
We are all offered happiness several times in our lives, but many of us refuse because we fail to see what it truly is, because of fear. We fear our faults, we fear the future, we fear not being in complete control of every aspect of our lives, and the worst of all we fear letting go. We often see letting go of our fear, as letting go of our dreams or our ambitions, but it’s really the exact opposite. To let go of your fears is to let go of your worries, it’s to live your life in the moment and accept the current blessings that are put before you rather then wait for something better. In other words it’s living in the here and now, just as my previous blog explained.
But before you start to lay it all out on the table there’s one thing you need to understand. Letting go of your fears will not end your ambitions, it will not end your dreams. You’re still be the exact same person on the exact same path, only now you will accept yourself for who you are in that moment, accept the life you live, the paths you took, and most importantly, accept the mistakes you’ve made and look upon them for guidance. The only way to become a better person is to first accept the person you currently are, and accept true happiness.
May 1, 2014
Arcadia Excerpt
Here's an Excerpt from Arcadia.
“Oh, it’s you,” said Isaac as he drew back his weapon and held out his hand. “Sorry, I must always be cautious. I've made lots of enemies in my past."
“I can imagine.” Josh said as he grabbed Isaac’s hand and pulled himself up.
“Of course, you would know something about that; right Phoenix...” Said Isaac.
Josh’s eye’s widened in shock, “Wait, how do you know?”
“Last night at the village wasn’t the first time we’ve met. I was only a boy then, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Anyway what brings you here?” Asked Isaac.
“I don't know; maybe I'm just a little curious.” Josh answered.
“About what?”
“Last night, you showed up out of nowhere and saved the village.” Said Josh.
“Yes, and?”
“Is that your home?” Inquired Josh.
“No.”
“Do you have friends, family, or loved ones there?”
“Well, I could say some of them are my friends, but that's about it.”
Isaac’s answer was only bringing up more questions, so Josh finally asked the question that he wanted to know. “Then why did you do it? Why did you risk your life to save them?”
“Do I really need a reason? I care for the innocent.” Responded Isaac.
“But Why?”
“Someone has to, without people like me the bad will prey on the weak and innocent. They'll continue to do it, and the world will be a place of pain and suffering. Those who just want to live a normal happy life could never do so. The civilization I grew up in was a bad place. We were relentlessly being attacked. There was no hero to protect us so little by little our people died. I lost my family when I was twelve and there was nothing I could do about it. This continued to happen until one day a hero showed up out of nowhere, and saved the few innocent people that were left. He had amazing powers that I could only dream of. He didn't know who we were; all he knew was that we were in trouble so he saved us without expecting anything in return. He was the one who inspired me to help others.”
“So that’s when we first met.” Stated Josh finally remembering.
“How can I forget? You were the great Phoenix of Arcadia. You left your own city to come and save us. There has never been a better hero.”
Josh closed his eyes, bowed his head and sighed in pain. “You don't know anything about me,” Josh said.
“I know that you were a good man once.” Said Isaac.
“Yes, but I never had the choice like you do.”
“What do you mean?” Asked Isaac.
“You help others because you choose to. I was raised to be a hero since I was a child. That's all I’ve ever known. You say you want to help others so they can live a normal life. Well, I never had the luxury of living a normal life. For a century I’ve been helping others, and was never given a reason.”
“You’ve never needed a reason.”
“I never had a choice, just imagine it, watching the people you protect living out their lives, making friends, being loved, having families, and feeling complete. I could never have that feeling. And when I finally found someone to love that loves me back, I can never be with her. She is only temporary in my life, just like everyone else I’ve known.”
“Sounds to me like you never truly understood how much your people appreciated and cared for you.” Replied Isaac. “You were the reason they could live out their normal lives. You may not have thought it but you were never alone.”
“But I let my people down. I walked out on them when they needed me the most; it's too late now.” Josh added.
“If you think it is, then it is,” Isaac held out his hand, and said. “But there is always hope. If you want me to prove it then shake my hand, and I'll show you how to be a hero even if you are just as normal as the rest of us.”
Josh stared at his hand and thought carefully about his words, then replied. “I'm sorry, but after going through a century of loneliness, I really don't want to go back.” He turned and began to walk away.
“Oh, it’s you,” said Isaac as he drew back his weapon and held out his hand. “Sorry, I must always be cautious. I've made lots of enemies in my past."
“I can imagine.” Josh said as he grabbed Isaac’s hand and pulled himself up.
“Of course, you would know something about that; right Phoenix...” Said Isaac.
Josh’s eye’s widened in shock, “Wait, how do you know?”
“Last night at the village wasn’t the first time we’ve met. I was only a boy then, but I remember it like it was yesterday. Anyway what brings you here?” Asked Isaac.
“I don't know; maybe I'm just a little curious.” Josh answered.
“About what?”
“Last night, you showed up out of nowhere and saved the village.” Said Josh.
“Yes, and?”
“Is that your home?” Inquired Josh.
“No.”
“Do you have friends, family, or loved ones there?”
“Well, I could say some of them are my friends, but that's about it.”
Isaac’s answer was only bringing up more questions, so Josh finally asked the question that he wanted to know. “Then why did you do it? Why did you risk your life to save them?”
“Do I really need a reason? I care for the innocent.” Responded Isaac.
“But Why?”
“Someone has to, without people like me the bad will prey on the weak and innocent. They'll continue to do it, and the world will be a place of pain and suffering. Those who just want to live a normal happy life could never do so. The civilization I grew up in was a bad place. We were relentlessly being attacked. There was no hero to protect us so little by little our people died. I lost my family when I was twelve and there was nothing I could do about it. This continued to happen until one day a hero showed up out of nowhere, and saved the few innocent people that were left. He had amazing powers that I could only dream of. He didn't know who we were; all he knew was that we were in trouble so he saved us without expecting anything in return. He was the one who inspired me to help others.”
“So that’s when we first met.” Stated Josh finally remembering.
“How can I forget? You were the great Phoenix of Arcadia. You left your own city to come and save us. There has never been a better hero.”
Josh closed his eyes, bowed his head and sighed in pain. “You don't know anything about me,” Josh said.
“I know that you were a good man once.” Said Isaac.
“Yes, but I never had the choice like you do.”
“What do you mean?” Asked Isaac.
“You help others because you choose to. I was raised to be a hero since I was a child. That's all I’ve ever known. You say you want to help others so they can live a normal life. Well, I never had the luxury of living a normal life. For a century I’ve been helping others, and was never given a reason.”
“You’ve never needed a reason.”
“I never had a choice, just imagine it, watching the people you protect living out their lives, making friends, being loved, having families, and feeling complete. I could never have that feeling. And when I finally found someone to love that loves me back, I can never be with her. She is only temporary in my life, just like everyone else I’ve known.”
“Sounds to me like you never truly understood how much your people appreciated and cared for you.” Replied Isaac. “You were the reason they could live out their normal lives. You may not have thought it but you were never alone.”
“But I let my people down. I walked out on them when they needed me the most; it's too late now.” Josh added.
“If you think it is, then it is,” Isaac held out his hand, and said. “But there is always hope. If you want me to prove it then shake my hand, and I'll show you how to be a hero even if you are just as normal as the rest of us.”
Josh stared at his hand and thought carefully about his words, then replied. “I'm sorry, but after going through a century of loneliness, I really don't want to go back.” He turned and began to walk away.
February 27, 2014
February 17, 2014
God of War.
My new blog series "God of War" is up. A story told blog by blog here is the link.
http://odysseyisland.weebly.com/god-o...
http://odysseyisland.weebly.com/god-o...
