echoes of stolen moments on my mind
I hear your sweet nothings whispered on the wind
empty promises
the devil on my shoulder
a moment ending to soon
cravings day and night
when and not insight
all judgement dissipates
when my eyes fall to temptation
trapped in weakness and need your delight
has me on my knees
just one more moment please
trapped in this cycle with no escape
please set me free
My heart is bruised
Where will I find the glue
Staple and sow
It is glass cracked below
Band aid hold
My heart you broke, part was soul
No longer new
Used and sore and partly blue
You lost hold of my heart
Fallen and cracked it is now part
now less whole
Incomplete a grain lost in darkness
you are now told
All this time as moved on
So much changed
You are still the same
Old memories find light
Looking at glass and brick
Time fly’s
You have not changed
Wood and metal
Hold you strong
You see all come and go
Dark days, and silent nights
Memories hold fast to your painted walls
New faces do not see
Scares hidden deep, cracks filled in
You are old but stand proud
History you hold
Mine, new and old
My past hidden deep
I remember you
I once called you home
148 you will forever be
Do you hear what I am not saying
Hold back the words
Inside I have a voice unheard
Be quiet and still
The silence holds heavy
The truth of unspoken words
day of the dead
It was midnight, the full moon was highest in the sky, she had just awoken making her way to the gate, its black metal, slightly gleaming in the moon light, the streets, were filled with masked revellers, celebrating the day of the dead, it had other names in other parts of the world.
She swung her body around, her head tilting to the side, a small smile gracing her lips, her slowly swing side to side, the music washing over her.
But she was seeking something, seeking someone, her mind snapping back to her tusk, she moved forward towards the one place she knew they would be.
Her dark clothes, the red flowers in her dark hair, and her face covered in paint, made it easy for her to make her way through the heavy crowds.
She was looking forward to seeing them, smiling.
Turning a corner she bumped into some dancers, swinging her body she joined in, moving her body to and fro, her movements liquid.
Her face filled with joy, the group of them moved in sync with each other, the music was like a drug, the emotions were over flowing, they were celebrating, life and death.
Her face turned, hitting the light, her partners eyes widened, she smiled at him, her head cocked to the side, she curtsied, moving off again through the crowds of people, she knew his eyes would follow her, but his feet would stay planted to the ground.
She was getting close she could feel it.
The crowds started to thin out, as most of the celebrations was located at the town square, she wasn’t here to actually celebrate, the costume, the makeup was just a way to make it easier.
With easy, and light step she was finally on her own street, they would not be celebrating with the big crowds, they would be having a small family gathering at the house.
There was a spring in her step, she was nearly home after such a long time, she couldn’t wait to see her babies, her little boy and new born daughter.
She stopped as she watched a parade make its way towards the party goers, horses and acrobats, magic makers and knife throwers, fire eaters, it was a vision of the senses, the smoke hit her nose, her eyes glittered in the fire light, her skin felt the heat, the music flowed through her ears, her hands gilded along the soft hair of the horse.
Its eyes widened, its head turned, it looked her in the eye, it through its head back, its body shook, throwing its front legs in the air it bucked darting away.
Some of the performs ran after the retreating horse. Luckily no one had been on it at the time.
Her eyes had followed the creature, envying its freedom, its power, its speed.
A small bit of fear, crept into her heart, anger, hurt. Her hand went to her throat, holding it lightly around the neck.
Her eyes kept pace with the performers, their laughter, and joy, she saw the other performs coming back with the horse, it had calmed down after they catch up with it, one of them talked the horse down, giving it something to eat, rubbing their hand along the spine as they made their way to the leather strap around the horse’s mouth.
Her eyes became glassy the world around her bled, the colours and sounds around her, the smells all blended together her senses becoming intense, it was a blur of emotions.
“Don’t you have some where to be”
She came back to herself. Looking down to her right, she found an old lady standing next to her.
Her eyes crinkled as she smiled. Her warn face telling many stories, a long life. Her clothes were black, and her face unpainted.
She cocked her head, her brow wrinkled.
The old woman laughed “I am too old to join in the celebrations”
She smiled, turning her head back the way she came. The parade had finally made their way to the main celebration.
“Time is running out, go do what you need to, see your family”
Her mind was over whelmed with a vision, a candle sat in the old woman’s hand, its wax a melted pile around her feet, the flame dim, the candle only a very small column of wax, its slow drips making their way down her hands, as it adds to the pile around her.
The old lady put her hand against the younger woman’s cheek “Yes, my time is nearly done. Do not be sad for me, My life has been full and I am content” Her smile, hit her eyes.
The young woman could see the beauty the old woman once was.
“Come, let me guide you” The old woman said, taking her hand away from her cheek and taking her hand. “You mind is wondering, I will keep you on the path you desire”
The young woman smiled, nodding her head, her eyes bright with hope.
The old woman guided her down the street towards the house, they found the front window, the glow of light coming through, the old woman, brought her closer. the figures slowly took shape.
Her heart became heavy in her chest, her free hand clinching itself, she held it close to her breast, feeling for the chain around her neck, her pulse became faster, she could feel her bloods coursing through her body.
She didn’t want to look, she turned her face away before any detail could truly come into focus, closing her eyes, she tried to calm down. She tried to pull her hand away from the old woman’s grip, but her hold was strong and tight.
She looked down at their joined hands, she tried pulling away again, her forehead creasing with anger.
“Come, come see them, look” The old woman whispered in her ear.
She shook her head.
She heard a door open.
“Grandmother?” a young male voice asked.
“Hello, child, I brought a friend with me, hope your mother doesn’t mind”
She heard a joyous laugh, finally opening her eyes, a small gasp escaped her mouth, there he was, he was older then she remembered this child was ten years old, last time she saw him he was five.
“I’m sure mother won’t mind, she loves entertaining”
The old woman nodded her head, smiling a little laugh coming out of her mouth. “Come, dear it will be nicer inside, my old bones would love to sit down, come, come you are safe” She patted the younger woman’s hand.
The older woman slowly pulled the younger woman by the hand.
Her feet slowly complied moving towards the front door, her hand still held tightly to the old woman.
Her eyes widened, looking around the room, she saw the photographs, saw herself, her childern, her head moved to the side, as she studied the image’s along the wall, the old woman letting go of her hand, as she moved closer to the pictures.
Her forehead wrinkled, confused. Her eyes found the old woman’s.
She just smiled in answer.
“Mother” a woman around the same age as her emerged from the kitchen.
The old woman, smile widened “Daughter” She opened her arms wide, inviting her daughter into a hug.
“My son tells me you have brought, someone with you tonight?” curiously she looked over to the other young woman, staring at the wall of photographs. “Mother!” a small amount of fear filling her voice.
The old woman patted her daughters hand, “It’s ok, where is my brother”
“Mother I don’t think that is a good idea”
“Go fetch your uncle now dear”
The young woman looking at the photographs looked up, watching mother and daughter tense, fear was radiating out of the daughter. She didn’t say another word turning on her heel leaving the room.
A few seconds later a older man then even the woman maybe five, six years older stood in the room.
“Brother” she said smiling “We seem to have a special guest, a visitor”
Her brother tilted his head, his eyes following his sisters, whose were focused on the woman with her back turned.
He turned back to his sister “I don’t understand?” his voice unsure.
The woman froze, her body stiffened, her body slowly turned, her eyes at first unfocused, slowly took in the details of the man in front of her, the first thing she noticed was how both brother and sister looked alike.
She heard his breath catch.
“How?” He whispered. “Why?”
His sister smiled “It is Day of the Dead, as to why” her voiced lowered into a whisper “Well, that is a secret that she only knows”
“That is a lie sister” He replied sharply.
She nodded “She is here for me, I know she is”
The young woman smiled, finally remembering why, remembered her quest this night.
She walked up, putting her palm to the old woman’s face, she leaned into her palm, her face relaxing.
“Sister, no, what about your children, your grandchildren” He grabbed her upper her arm.
She glared at him. “Brother, you know that it doesn’t work that way. Do you think for a moment if she had a choice she would have left us, would have left father and broken his heart”
Memories came flooding back to her, a cold night, isolation, fear, red and then darkness. Pushing through, her mind forms the images she had been holding back, a man, his grip hard around her body. It made her sick, the feel of a cold blade close to her neck.
Her hand moved to the spot that the blade had rested, feeling the bumps of the stitches.
She felt it slide along her skin, smoothly, opening her, her eyes glazing, her body limp, she watched as he took her belongings, and disappearing into the dark, her last thoughts of her new born baby girl, her young five year old son and her husband, his strength and his love, he will look after them, her will protect them.
Tears, made tracks along her face, mingling with her life blood, she didn’t want to die, she wanted to live, she still had so much more to live for, she was meant to live until she was an old woman surrounded by grandchildren, she was meant to be there when her children got married, her daughters first kiss, watching her son fall in love.
But she wasn’t going to see all those things.
She was here now, she was going to finally do something for her child, her hand had never left her daughters cheek, her other touching her belly, sadness swallowed her.
“Mother, you are here now, when I need you most, forgive yourself” She broke contact, moving to the lounge, “Ah, that is better” she laid down. “I think I shall like to have a nap now brother a nice long one”
“Sister, please, I am not ready, you are the only family I have”
“What about your wife, your children, and your an uncle, they are all here for you. It is my time yours will come, and then who knows who will come for you” She winked, her eyes closing.
Their mother sat beside her daughter, stroking her hair, hymning a soft tune.
She turned smiling, a woman stood nearby her face painted like her own. She rushed into her arms.
They turned and looked at the old man smiling, they got up and made their way out of the house into the night, its darkness warping around them.
they stood on the edge, the woods thick with trees, some of the last here, spread out before them was a vast plain, tree stumps breaking through the earth, almost like tomb stones, the last resting place of what was once a wood, a forest, bushland, full of life, now striped, silent.
Three figures stood there staring, they knew what lies ahead, it was over that last ridge, it would look over a deep valley and in the middle would lie their mark.
The leader a young woman, her long black hair was lose at the moment soon she would have to tie it back. She looked to her right another a young woman her hair was short and blond, just stopping below her ear. The other on her left was a man, his hair was just as black as hers.
All three of them were lethal, they had all trained together, they grew up together, the fled together and now, they would see it end together.
They had waited, learning expanding their knowledge, their power and their strength, and now it was finally time to hit back.
She sighed.
“What’s wrong?” The man asked.
“I knew this would happen Adam, that we would be headed here at some point, it’s the old memories the people we left behind and knowing what comes next” Her eyes darting to the woman beside her.
“We chose this path, Sin” Adam replied.
“And now we have to pay for those choices, we take on the consequences”
“So we have to suffer for them, so they don’t have to how is that fair” Sin yelled.
“Sin, please, it’s ok. We planned this we know it will work and we chose this path” The blond responded.
“Eva, is right” Adam agreed.
“Why, why are we paying for their actions”
Eva hugged Sin close, whispering into her ear “Because we are the only ones who can”
“I don’t want it”
Eva laughed “Did anyone say it was going to be easy. It is because its hard that makes the reward so much sweeter”
“But with a cost” Sin replied.
“Nothing comes for free, Sin, it is our selfishness, greed, lust that has caused this, we have to pay to get back everything that was taken”
“Fine!” Sin growled, storming into the open space, towards the ridge that would over look the valley.
“Please, Sin don’t be like this not now, time is short” Eva yelled out, grabbing hold of Sin’s arm. Tears started to stream down Eva face, I couldn’t bare that our last few hours together will be full of anger and hurt.” She pulled her close holding her in a hard hug. “Please we have been through too much”
Adam joined the two girls, all three silent in their embrace, just taking in each other’s warmth and love.
“I’m sorry Eva, I don’t mean to be like this, it’s just been so hard” the tears hot on her face.
“Sin, we are doing this together” Adam said, taking her fully into his arms as Eva moved away. “You do not have to take this onto yourself, we are here to help with the burden” Pulling her away from him, looking into her eyes.
Sin nodded. “I guess we shouldn’t wait any longer”
“Sin, know that we both love you” Eva said, holding her hand.
Sin smiled, looking at them both.
“Come, let’s see what is happening in that valley” Sin, said her tears drying up, and her fear no longer gripping hold of her heart. Her strength straitening her spin.
They made their way past the tree stumps, heading higher up to the top of the ridge. As they got closer they lowered themselves to the ground crawling towards the edge, keeping as low as possible so as not to be seen.
Sin looked up the grey clouds had started to roll in, in the distance, soon they would be on top of them. She forced her eyes down into the valley. Her heart was beating wildly, there was masses of them, and at the heart like she knew he would be the man behind it all, at the entrance to the underground base, his white coat standing out in the little sun that was left.
He knew that they were coming, why else would there be so many, he must of been hard at work for a very long time now.
“So many” Eva whispered on Sins, right.
“What has he done?” Adam asked.
“What he will always do. And now he has to pay, they will fight without question. We must fight as hard” Sin replied through clenched teeth “Eva” Her voice going hoarse “Are you ready if we need you”
“Sin” her voice choking on her words “I will always be there when you need me”
“Let’s hope we don’t” Adam said looking past Sin to Eva. “We shouldn’t keep him waiting”
“No!” Sin agreed, taking hold of the sword on her back, its blade sliding out of its sheath. She stood now not caring, if they saw her, if he saw her, moving back she moved with the blade slowly building up in speed until it and she was a blur. They were one.
By the time she had finished, she had found the others had also pulled out their blades, going through the motions, the power filling each of them.
It was the only time any of them was truly free.
The grey clouds had almost covered the valley, although bits of sunlight still covered the ridge they were standing on. Sin looked further through the valley seeing him, he hadn’t moved, but his face looked up, looked towards them, his mouth in a smile.
Sin didn’t have to say a word, she moved to the edge her feet picking up speed, she felt the others running beside her, they jumped, flying through the air, the wind whispered in her ears, her heart beat hard in her chest, her breathing became calmed, her muscles tense, she wasn’t afraid, calling on her power she slowed her descent, making her way as close to him as she dared, that would be where most of the more powerful of them would be, protecting the heart of the beast.
They were quick, they did not allow themselves to think, they did not take in faces, they did not watch the blood, or see the bodies drop. their strikes were fierce, deadly, some of the army in front of them would get a hit here or there, getting through their defences.
Only the sound of weapons clashing washed through the valley. the army was silent, they did not scream, they did not yell, they did not react to the blades slicing across them or when they saw one of them killed, no they just went on and on.
Adam yelled, distracting Sin for a moment, her eyes turning in the direction of the yell. She moved towards him, sweat had gathered all over her skin, her hair and dust clung to her body.
“Adam” She yelled out.
“Sin” He replied, his voice was closer now.
She growled swiping her blade through the crowd. A open space appeared around them. Adam holding on to his sword tightly, a wound on his leg. Sin kept the area clear, they were swarming around them.
“Sin, shit” Adam looked around. “I think I am done”
“No, no Adam” She raised her sword, into the air screaming, lightening hit the ground, in flashes, around the area, lighting up everything around them, the rain fell heavy, turning the battlefield to mud.
She took hold of Adam, pulling him up, leaning him against her.
“Sin, you can’t carry me out of here, they will not let you” Adam cried.
“Sin!” Eva cried out.
“Here, Eva over here” She yelled.
“Sin” She yelled coming towards them through the crowd.
Both Sin and Adam watched as Eva made her way towards them, the Army being cut down like those trees on the ridge.
Sin, kept her eyes from taking in the details of the people who Eva cut down.
“Eva, Adam is hurt” She yelled over the rain and lightening.
“Sin!” Eva yelled, her eyes sad.
“NO!” Sin yelled, dropping Adam, she ran to Eva. “Please no” she cried “We can still do this” She pulled Eva tight to her body. “We need you” She pulled away, she took hold of Eva’s chin, making her look her in the eye “I…I mean we love you”
Eva smiled. tracing Sins face. “I know” she whispered kissing her on the cheek. She turned to Adam “I love you”
He nodded his voice choking “I love you too”
Eva moved away, then feel into sprint pulling herself forward, gaining speed she leapt, her body lifting higher then should be possible. For a moment she looked around the whole valley the whole world was in her view. She realized how small, how unimportant they were, and below only three figures looked up at her, she smiled at the two in the little circle of protection, every time someone tried to get close lightening would strike them down.
She turned her sights to the other, he stood outside the entrance, his eyes looking up at her, his face blank.
So this was it, after all this time, her flame would no longer burn, she would never see them again, never laugh, touch, eat, kiss and love again.
She would miss their voices, miss the late night talks.
She felt herself slowly fall, she knew she would hit the mark, the spot they always planned to hit.
Her blade landed deep in the earth no problem, her body landed without a scratch, landing on her knees, she felt the power rise to its fullest filling her up completely, her eyes glowed, her body glowed her sword glowed. the earth cracked, a deathly scream made its way out of her mouth, she felt the power release its self from her, she felt the last of it wipe its self from her body.
She vaguely saw the ripples through the air that shimmered blue moving its way out through the army surrounding her.
the last thing, she heard, saw was the boom, the air being sucked away the huge flash of light, then blackness claimed her.
Sin watched as Eva’s body went limp, she felt the wave of power go over her. Sin knew it wouldn’t hurt her, it wouldn’t hurt Adam and it wouldn’t hurt him.
“Will you be alright?” She asked Adam.
He nodded.
What Eva did, to the outside world only took a second, to Eva, Sin and Adam it seemed as if time had stopped, and now it was time to finish it off, with one more act.
She climbed over the bodies, she did not pay attention to the faces, she would later though, she would see the young the old, Wemen and men, even a few children. He would stop at nothing to get what he wanted.
She moved fast, she aimed for him.
He hadn’t moved since all this started, the hours of fighting, the hours of killing people who did not deserve it, they were brain washed, they were forced to fight to kill to protect.
Sin came to the rise in the middle of the field, she moved slowly, stiffly towards him, he watched her his eyes the only things moving. Her blade was still soaked in blood, innocent blood.
“You must pay” She said her voice full of anger. “Her blood is on your hands”
He turned towards her. “I see though she spared you and the boy over there, was it because he was your lover, did you force her to take her life like that?”
She cried out, her voice carrying over the empty valley. “You know nothing, he was never my lover, he was my friend”
His eyes widened “And her?”
“My friend also” trying to keep her voice strong. “You, took what chance we would have away when you decided on this path”
“I did not breed you to be so inclined” he raged.
“I am not your pet” She screamed
“No, it seems you are as failed as these project, I must start again it seems” He dismissed her with a wave of his hand “I am sure I will get it right next time”
“They died because of you” She yelled out, putting her sword between him and his exit.
“You cannot hurt me, it is not in your nature”
“OH, I believe it is” and to make her point, she drew a shallow line across his leg. “Do not under estimate me father!” Her blade moving fast before he had a chance to react, it sliced through his neck, taking his head of his shoulders.
Sin looked down, his mouth was still open in surprise, his eyes were bludging. She watched as his body fell to the ground in a heap.
She turned to Adam, tears streaming down her face.
“It is done” She dropped her sword, she went to Adam taking him by the arm she made her way out of the valley.
Once they were far enough away and had collected Eva’s body, Sin had marked every face that she saw. She pushed the button.
They saw the explosion, the fire and smoke, the rain would make sure it would not get out of hand.
“Let’s go” Adam said to Sin “It’s time to move on”
Sin nodded.
Her left hand held onto the branch, her eyes scanned the area, it was dry, and dusty, her right hand held her staff. Her foot steps were soft and quiet. Slowly she made her way from the covered area, crouching low, stretching out her left leg into the sun.
The heat travelled up through her body.
She placed her left hand down dragging the rest of her body, exposing it to the heat and light.
The silence was heavy, she felt it weighing on her shoulders, clutching harder onto her staff she looked up, the sun was just rising, nodding her head she looked around. Slowly she relaxed her body, lifting herself up from the ground.
Dead trees surrounded her, old birds’ nests filled with bones and feathers. Her heart was heavy, she stared at the old bones, bleached dry from the heat of the sun, so much death and destruction surrounded her, the imbalance was most noticeable here.
A distant sound, snapped her back to her surroundings, wary now, her eyes shifted around the tree line that surrounded this sacred place, this was the last resting place, only those of the shaman calling were allowed to walk this place.
her tracks were the only mark’s that existed here, spoiling the untouched earth, the mud was dry and crusty, cracked and withered, but still soft. Her feet had gotten muddy as she had walked.
she placed her empty hand onto the bark of the closet tree, its grey branches smoothed by the weather.
She would spend the day here, meditating, her small drum at her right hip, and the only nourishment would come from the wooden jug on her left hip, both held by her belt around her waist.
The heat will blister her skin, the flies would circle around her, the crows would sit and wait.
finding the right spot, she sat, not caring about the mud staining her clothes, or the insects that began to crawl along her body.
her lips would crack, sweat would gather and after the little water she had was gone, her throat would become dry and sore, but she would ignore all this, as it was time.
There was little wind in this place, of dead trees and dry rock, but she was ready, she had been trained in these ways her whole life, and now it was time.
Looking around her at the dead trees, their grey branches sticking out at all angles, the resting place for many of the birds that used to nest here, she smiled, no sadness, no regret could be found in her heart, she was at peace, and only with that would she be able to find this scared place.
the hours passed, her body itched, her hair stuck to her face, the water had long ago been finished, her drum was the only noise, its earthy tone filling the place. Her staff still held in her right hand, while her left continued drumming.
Her bones, her feet, her soul was ready to move on, she was ageless, most knew never to be fooled by the outer appearance of another, she had been long on this earth, and the birth she witnessed a few months ago, marked her time on this earth as done.
The drum beats started to become deeper, slower.
She already felt the changes, her feet dug deeper into the ground.
Her beats slowed to a stop. Although her heart continued the earthy sound, keeping in tune with world around her.
Her arms, stretched high towards the sun, seeking it’s warmth even though sweat was beading all over her body, her clothes burned away, from the heat.
Her staff absorbing the light.
She felt herself lifting standing, growing, her body twisted around her staff,
This was all happening while her eyes were closed.
Her heart was the only thing she could hear now, its beat becoming slow and deep, like the echo of the earth. The rest of the world no longer existed.
She heard cracks and moans of her own body changing, feeling her body adjust. Her skin hardened its smooth texture disappearing, her neck lengthen, along with her hands and fingers all moving and twisting in all directions some away from each other some joining together and twisting intimately.
Her body was dancing swaying along with the earth.
She had not made a noise since this started, not once was any of the changes painful, it felt right, she would become one with the earth, the warmth of the sun, and the deep hidden water would be her food, the air her voice.
The earth was embracing her, she was embracing it, they were mother and child.
She no longer heard the world as a human, her ears where now part of her hardened skin, she could feel it cracking.
She felt the lush, cooling soft soil deep within the ground, she felt the life hiding in there away from the harsh sun, finally she felt the touch of a light breeze caress her upper body, where it had thinned out.
Her body did the lightest shake, feeling the beautiful warmth of the sun high in the sky, the elements no longer bothered her, her body no longer fought against them, instead she embraced them lovingly to her.
Her mind wondered deep within itself, no longer did she feel the need for a true voice, no longer did she feel the need to be around others instead, she just was.
The new tree stood tall and proud, its leaves a deep green, its branches still brown, a cool shade covered the area giving relief to the local wildlife, a light edging of green surrounded it, making its way to the edges of its shadow.
Small pink buds bloomed along the branches among the leaves of the tree. birds made their way into its branches finding places to roost. butterflies and bees moved around the small flowers.
Slowly grey clouds came rolling in, and a light mist of rain fell onto the earth.
The earth sighed in relief as it drank in the much needed water. The balance was restored.
Zachariah
He stood there, blowing into his hands, as he waited for the train.
His greying hair poking through his beanie, making its way down his back in a plat. A grey bread covered his face.
A well used, long brown leather jacket covered him. Underneath, he had a old long sleeved shirt, with a well worn T-shirt. Thick soaks, with holes covered his feet. His shoes where black steel caps, which had seen better days. His jeans, were a faded blue, with a black belt holding them up.
The buckle is silver, the Eye of Horus craved in the middle, a tiger eye stone set in the iris to finish it off.
The only thing that was well looked after, was a cross, sitting on a silver chain around his neck.
On his wrist, covered by his coat, a bracelet hangs with different symbols.
Glasses framed, his brown eyes that are well warn. Deep creases, covered his face, showing his years.
The night was cold, the moon high and full. Its pearl like glow covered the night sky. It was a clear night, Zachariah could see the stars blanketing it.
Looking at the board, that lit up the train time, Zachariah sighed “Finally” noticing the train was only a minute away.
Zachariah watched, as two rail guards stood a few metres away from him. He smiled to himself. When he noticed the guards eye him off.
Pulling out his ticket from the inside pocket of his jacket, he deliberately waved it towards the guards.
As the train rolled in, he placed the ticket back into his pocket and made his way on.
He took in the train, a couple sat cuddling up in the corner near the door. A teenager sat in the corner listening to their ipod, ignoring the rest of the world around them.
An old Chinese woman sat further down, speaking into her mobile in a loud voice.
Zachariah made his way passed the Chinese woman, he heard a slight pause in her conversation, as she watched him walk by. Her eyes flashing to his cross, a small hiss escaping her mouth.
“Not today” He said in passing.
He felt the woman relax. Zachariah, heard her go back to her conversation.
Finally choosing a seat further down the train, he sat and stared out the window.
He studied the rest of the passengers, the windows almost acting like a mirror.
A group of adult males where hanging out across from him, talking about who knows what.
A young woman sat on her own a backpack on the seat next to her, she looked nervous.
I’ll keep my eye on you. Zachariah thought to himself.
Turning his sights away from the woman, he saw his target, well targets actually, two people with hoods over their heads, sunglasses covered their eyes. He slowly forgot the nervous girl further along the train.
He watch as they cringed when one of the men yelled god.
Zachariah, smiled to himself.
Focusing on the world outside, he saw the city getting closer, its bright lights a beckon of human evolution.
He watched, the men make their way off the train, a couple of teenage girls replaced them. Although they made their way down the opposite end.
Zachariah was relieved.
At the next stop he saw the Asian woman hurry off, not before she took one more look at him.
Zachariah waved, cheekily. He coughed into his hand. Grabbing a cough lolly out of his coat he popped it into his mouth. “Ahh, that’s better” he said, to himself.
He watched, as the rest of the ride people got on and off. The train slowly empted, but the two people with the hoods and glasses stayed.
Good, Zachariah thought to himself.
Finally the Guards made their way off the train as well. Leaving only Zachariah and the two strangers.
Zachariah whispered something under his breath, making slight movements with his hands. His eyes focused on the camera’s along the train.
Standing he casually walked over to the two hooded strangers. He stood over them, looking down, at the one closet to him.
“Do you have the time mate?” Zachariah asked.
The one closest to him looked up studying him. then turned and looked at their watch “1:45am”
“God bless” Zachariah replied.
Both of them stiffened. Zachariah smiled “Something wrong?”
“No” the one near the window replied. “Nothing wrong old man”
“That’s good to hear” pulling a flask of bourbon out of his jacket. “Warms the bones” he said, showing his teeth in an aggressive manner. “Want some” Zachariah asked shaking the bottle at them.
Both shook their heads in the negative.
“Oh well your loss” Taking a swig.
Zachariah made himself comfortable, in the seat in front of the hooded figures. He heard the train start to pull up, moving his hand, towards the door. He made sure that the hooded figures couldn’t see what he was doing. He wanted to make sure no one interrupted their conversation.
Zachariah started playing with his cross. He watched at the two figures moved away from him.
“So where you off to?” Zachariah asked causally.
“Mandurah” The one near the window replied.
The one closer to Zachariah elbowed there companion in the ribs. The one next to the window made a noise, clutching their stomach.
“Shut it” the one closest to Zachariah said, through gritted teeth.
Zachariah smiled, so the one closest was a female, the one near the window was male. They could be a mating pair, but they don’t seem to act that way. More likely siblings. The male seemed the younger of the two.
He took another swig of his bourbon, now for the fun he thought. “I don’t think you will make it to Mandurah” He said casually.
“Huh?” the male said, looking more closely at Zachariah.
The female jumped up snarling. “What, are you going to stop us?” She laughed.
Zachariah got up with her, placing his flash back in his coat. He moved his middle fingers slightly bringing a set of Sai appeared in his hands, flicking his wrists, he took the handles of the Sai into each palm getting into position.
Zachariah, said a silent pray to whoever was listening up stairs. He let his breath slow. Listening to his beating heart. His muscles relaxed.
The female was tense. Her body language told him she was ready to fight, but she would do it blindly. She had no training that is what he was sure of.
So he thought, that is what you must be doing, realizing they must be headed to a training facility. They both crouched low. Each studied the other, as they moved.
Zachariah tested, the females defences every now and then. It only made her even more angry. At one point he caught her hood using his Sai, pulling it back. Underneath is what you expected the growth of horns coming out at the forehead. Her hair a dark black with highlights of blood red through it.
She hissed baring her teeth. He mouth was full of them all pointed and sharp two rows on the top and the bottom lined her mouth. Her hands were bony and long, her finger nails sharpened to a point like talons. Her skin had a slight red tinge, and in some areas were almost like leather scales.
Zachariah took all this in, within seconds of her hood coming off. Slowly they danced their way toward the opened area near the exit doors.
Each time she came at him, he blocked turning his Sai towards him, and then just as easily flipping them back into position. Both had worked up a sweat.
Zachariah wiped his mouth, looking down he found blood on his hand. He smile became feral “I see you got one in” His eyes travelled her face a long scar run along her cheek. “Seems I got one in as well”
She hissed.
He took hold of the pole in the middle of the train, using his body he swang around feet first kicking her in the gut.
“Humph” She breathed, as she hit the train doors.
She didn’t stay down long. Getting up she made her way charging him. Her eyes screamed for blood.
Zachariah was ready for her finding an opening, taking his chance. He charged towards her.
Her eyes widened as he passed. His weapons sliding in home.
Zachariah held his breath. He turned. Finding her on the ground. Her glasses broken. Her eyes were wide. Deep purple eyes stared back at him.
He didn’t bother, leaving her there bleeding. Zachariah made his way to the boy.
“Noo” She whispered.
The world went still. For a second.
Zachariah ignored it. He focused on the boy. His body seemed shocked. He had taken his glasses off staring at the body on the floor behind Zachariah.
His eyes were a deep green, unusual for his kind. Taking his weapons he said the words under his breath, a light fog covered them where he spoke.
“I am sorry” Zachariah said.
“Watch out”
He heard a voice call. Zachariah turned. Finding the female coming at him. He didn’t have time to defend himself.
A bright light burst forth engulfing her.
Zachariah, shielded his eyes from some of the light. Still slightly blinded he looked around for the source.
The girl from earlier, stood there the light slowly fading from around her form, that was floating in the middle of the carriage. Her eyes still shined with the power she just wielded.
Zachariah faced the boy again. Only to find the seat empty. He looked down the train. The boy was running it at a very fast pace.
“Damn it” leaving the girl where she was. He went after the boy. his weapons at the ready. dodging past polls.
“Next stop Mandurah” the voice over the PA said.
“Shit” Zachariah yelled.
The train came to a stop. He started to say the words, but it was too late. He watched as the boy vanished out of the doors.
Zachariah made his way back to the girl. she had fainted on the floor. He slid his weapons back into place and scooped her up. Her long blonde hair hung in the air a light breeze played along the strands.
She smells like sunshine, Zachariah thought. He made his way off the train.
Looking to the sky he sighed, “fuck” realizing he didn’t have long to find a place safe and dark.
Zachariah walked through the train station and into the night, letting its darkness blanket him and the girl in his arms.
No one would ever know what happened on that train that night. All evidence but a pair of dark sunnies, was wiped clean with the power of that one girl.
the end.
Standing at the gate, he looked up at the guards above. Giving the nod, they opened them. There it was, the maze and in the middle was the goal. It was something all of them craved, most were looking for money and fame, but only one was looking to win for a different reason. The crowds cheered, as they stood above them watching. As each person made their way in, he braced himself moving his shoulders. walking in his only weapon a wooden staff in his hand.
The morning was cold and wet, and the fog was thick, a light rain was coming down making the ground muddy. Stepping around a corner, he heard a scream, and distance the crowd cheering. “Another one dies” He said to himself. Turning around and walking again, the middle his aim, and one less person in his way.
Wondering around each corner, everything looked the same, but his feet were sure as he kept moving forward. Sometimes though a little doubt would flicker in his mind, but he would shake his head banishing it. Hearing a noise he brought his staff forward and waited, seeing a figure coming out of the fog.
He looked closer, as they made their way through. “Guard yourself well warrior” he heard the wind whisper.
His muscles tensed as the figure made itself known, both charging at the same time, their weapons clashed both backing off. Both on their guard they charged again, he made a swipe at his opponents head using his staff, missing.
The opponent laughed, it was a crazy laugh, knocking him off his feet, they went in for the kill. Just in time he blocked the creatures blow and as the weight of his adversary came over him, he put his feet into their stomach and propelled them forward, with as much force as he could. He watched as they landed on the ground face up. getting up as fast as he could he grabbed the dagger on his left hip and started to bring it down, before the creature had the chance to get up. As he went to make the killing blow, they laughed in his face disappearing. Turning around with dagger in hand, he crocheted low, his body on guard his muscles tense. Making a circle, he found the way he was going had become a dead end. Fear filled him, as he was completely sure that the wall that was there, wasn’t there before.
Looking the way he came, he saw the fires of the battlements and could hear the cheer of the crowds, as another cry went out.
Turning back the way he came, he choose a different way. Hoping his instincts would still guide him well, he felt the staff pulse with its locked power. Not yet he thought.
After an hour or two of not bumping into anyone or anything he started to relax. Feeling like he was getting closer, the staff in his hand was humming even more.
Looking at the sky it was coming onto midday, stopping and taking his pack off he set it down on the ground. Grabbing a drink from skin on his hip, he took out some cheese and bread and sitting against the maze he relaxed for a few seconds, his right hand never letting go of the staff. Looking at it, it brought back memories.
The day was warm the grass a vivid green, he was a child ten or eleven he couldn’t remember, his mother sitting under the shade of the tree, heavily pregnant with his new brother or sister. Those where the happiest memories, his most treasured memories. held very close to his heart.
He could still hear her voice. “Come, come its late.” sorrow filled him, as he could never remember her name or his, only the memory, the sounds, and laughter. That’s what he remembered, all the other details were lost, his name, his mother’s name, even the place he lived. He wouldn’t know where is it now, or how to get there.
Not noticing the eerie quiet that started surrounding him, or the slow movement of the vines that made up the maze as it took his pack.
“Watch out!” he heard someone scream in the distance, as cries of fear and screams were cut off. He jumped up just in time to watch everything he had that wasn’t on him swallowed up by the maze. Then in his surprise, it went for him thorny vines attached themselves to his legs, pulling towards it. Without a second thought, he grabbed the dagger that was still in reach and started cutting. His right hand never letting go of the staff, hitting the ground hard shook his head. His left hand still didn’t stop cutting at the vine, hearing a snap, he jumped up and started running blindly. Again letting instinct come over him, he turned corners left and right, sometimes he kept going straight, not watching where he was going. Still hearing screams in the distance and the cheers of the crowd, he kept moving forward not stopping.
Turning a corner he trip over a body laying on the ground, he picked himself using the staff in his hand, still it pulsed with power. He could feel it, he was close.
Turning once more, he saw something coming towards him, the night air stilled. it was large a beast, taller than the maze, its horns curling over its head, its strong legs making the ground around them shake. It roared lifting its neck to the sky.
He tried to back off, turning to run, he found his exit cut off. Turning back to the beast, it had come closer, its bright eyes stared him down, drool dripped from its mouth. A long red tongue lashed out into the air, almost like a snake taking in the scent around it.
It snorted, steam coming out of its nose, breathing heavily, it stilled in front of him. Slowing down his breathing, he waited his body still, his muscle tense, the staff beating against his right hand. The beast charged at him with a roar.
He roared back also charging. The world no longer existed, it was just him and this beast and looking past the beast, he saw what he had been searching for. Going for the dagger on his left hip he slid along the muddy ground cutting at the beasts legs as he went through.
He heard it roar again, its tail lashing out at him grabbing his leg. Lifting himself up as best he could he took his dagger and cut at the beasts tail. It screamed throwing him back towards the maze, he landed with a thump, shaking himself he lifted his body onto his hands and knees. He stared at his right hand making sure the staff was still there, sighing with relief he got up. Looking at the beast he found it standing there waiting for him, with a almost mocking look on its face.
Going to get up he stopped, turning he found the maze with its vines again grabbing him and pulling him towards it. Lifting himself up as it dragged him towards the wall of vines he cut himself free. Moving as far as he could from the vines, he turned back to the beast charging it. Only this time he jumped, inhumanly high landing on its back. He grabbed it by the right horn while still holding the staff he griped his dagger and plunged it down into its skull. It roared, bucking as it felt the dagger slide in, its eyes widened in fear. holding on tight to the horn, he waited as the beast fell to the ground. It made one last humph as dust and dirt rose as its body landed on the muddy ground.
The silence was deadly. Nothing else moved, the maze even seemed in its own way become silent and still. He coughed as the dirt and dust covered him, getting off the thing he pulled out his dagger smiling. “Elf magick does come in handy” he said, Wiping it on his leg and replacing the dagger.
Grabbing at the water skin, he took a big mouth full, then squeezed some on his face. He turned to the entrance, smiling to himself, his job nearly done.
Walking through the entrance to the middle of the maze, he looked up. There on its pedestal, the bright red stone sat glowing in the night, flowers and grass surrounding it.
He sighed, finally he thought, walking up to it. He climbed the stairs surrounding it and took it down. Smiling he placed it on the top of his staff laughing out loud, “I am finally awakened,” He screamed at the world around him. Banging the staff on the stone ground, there was a flash of red light. As the light faded he was gone, only the beast and maze remained.
The crowds looked around, fearful not knowing what this meant. The guards moved them out, watching as money exchanged hands and small fights broke out.
further out where the town sat on the out skirts of the maze, a man was sleeping in a tavern, sweat dripping off his face. His voice crying out in anger, fear and joy. The flash of red light and a voice filled the room. he awoke sitting upright, his eyes dilated and fearful, staring around the room he saw nothing. Turning to the window he heard the crowds outside making their way home. Something pulsed in his right hand lifting it up, he found a staff with a red gem stone in it, he made half a smile.
Getting up, he looked out the window and there in the distance, he saw the sun rise over the maze. It’s vine like structure withering like snakes, and he heard the beast roar. Moving away from the view he grabbed his bags and headed out, the staff still in his right hand.
the end.
Creative Cha0s 