A VISUAL SHORT STORY BY JACK PACKSHAW
Whether a person has been knocked out by violence, anaesthetic, a seizure or something else, the mind transitions from the conscious mind to the subconscious mind. The person is not aware of what is happening around them whilst in this subconscious state, so where does the person’s mind go? ’Freedom II: Natalie Returns’ provides an option for where the subconscious mind may travel to during a person’s unconscious experience. The first visual short story ‘Freedom’, focussed on the subconscious mind whilst seizuring but this one focusses on the subconscious mind when under-going neurological surgery. As an epileptic myself and someone who has had neurological surgery I have a high interest in the subject and am drawn to exploring it deeper. -Jack Packshaw
I have tried over ten different kinds of pharmaceutical medications, many herbal alternatives and I’ve even been optimistic enough to try some spiritual healing methods, but nothing has seemed to stop my seizures. Now, I’m in a hospital bed getting prepped for brain surgery and I am super nervous about the operation, there are so many risks. Possibilities of paralysis, changes to my personality, or even death are pretty high. Though these risks are hefty, I’ve decided that having this procedure is a better option than living a somewhat ‘limited life’. Infact, I think I see the neuro-surgeon coming over now. It’s time for me to go. Wish me luck.
I felt around in the dark for a door handle but there wasn’t one. I screamed and banged on the door but there was nothing but silence. I took a step back feeling confused and worried, where am I? Suddenly the door opened slightly and a beam of light shot into the darkness. I turned my head and looked at the light, pausing for a second then stepping forwards and pushing the door open. Bursts of light shone through the doorway, I closed my eyes and covered my face with my arms. Hundreds of voices started talking in different languages at the same time as I walked through the doorway and disappeared into the light.
They’re known as Reminiscence berries and can be very poisonous if you eat the wrong colour. Follow me Natalie, I know exactly where to find the berries
Indeed Natalie, now if only you could remember your journey with my father… Yeah, that would be helpful, I’m so curious, I’ve had this déjà vu feeling since I arrived in this place, if only there was a way to make me remember... There may be a way to revive your memories. my father told me of these rare berries, found in the eastern side of the forest that can apparently help you remember things that have been long forgotten Okay then, what are we waiting for?
You don’t remember your journey with my father? Ahhh, of course you wouldn’t! The amnesia would have completely masked your memories and experiences from here in Freedom Freedom? Is that the name of this place then?
So you’re Grey’s son? Why does that name seem so familiar to me?
Natalie? Is that you Natalie? Yes, my name is Natalie, who are you? I am Roland, Grey’s son.
My father told me that if you keep following this path you would reach the three sacred trees that have grown into one, the berries are at the top of that tree
I found some...
Where are we going now? We are going to meet someone who can help. They’ll be able to provide us with a spell so you can sneak into Epileptus’ castle and stab him in the back of the hand... That is his only weak spot Natalie.
WHAT?... HOW COULD I POSSIBLY DO THAT? This is the knife you need to use. It’s the only weapon that will destroy Epileptus and restore peace and harmony to the land we call Freedom.
Thank you
Okay then, here is the mossst potent invisibility potion I have
I promise you this, you will live in the light of day again
Hmm, and you can promissse me thisss, rabbit?
Unfortunately I can’t tell you very much, but what I can tell you is if you help us you will be able to go above ground and return to your true home Serpantania”
An invisibility ssspell? Why would you need a ssspell like that?
This is Natalie, and we are on a journey to kill Lord Epileptus and restore peace to Freedom and all creatures that inhabit it. We have a way of defeating Epileptus but all we need is your assistance with an invisibility spell
Help? Pfft! How can I help you? And who is thisss?
I have come to ask for your help
Ssso Roland, ssson of Grey, why have you come here?
My name is Roland, son of Ronald the Larnavere rabbit, you may know him as ‘Grey’. I came here many years ago and met you with my Father
Wow, so how does it work?
Oh, you’ll see
You probably have, it used to belong to my father. He gave it to me before he passed. It’s called a ‘Teleportationer’, it can deconstruct energy matter and reconstruct it in a different place
Hey, I think I’ve seen that gizmo before
YOU SMELL SOMETHING?
IT SMELLS DELICIOUS...
HUH? WHO’S THERE?
show yourself! I want to look into your eyes as I annihilate you
MY ONLY WEAKNESS
As he tightened his grip on my throat, I let out the last bit of air in my lungs. I closed my eyes and saw a bright light moving closer towards me with calm voices beckoning me into it. I let myself go as I floated into the light with a feeling of peace within me, a feeling that I had done what I was destined to do.
WRITTEN, ILLUSTRATED & DESIGNED BY JACK PACKSHAW © 2014 1st Edition