December 2012
Midnight Writers
Table of Contents Cover: “Tokyo Sleeps,” by Suzy-chan This Page: “Christmas Roses,” by Aphrodite Page 3: Ask Aphro & Dite:
Movies, klutziness, and Christmas music
Musings of Hades:
The Dark Lord Rants (about holiday gifts)
Athena’s Corner: Book Reviews
Page 10: “Fifty Years From Now, Part II,” by Nemesis “These Hallowed Halls,” a photograph by Chiron
Page 11: “Interview With Ally Condie,” by Athena “Santa’s Doorway,” a photograph by Aphrodite “Scarlet Fragility,” a photograph by Aphrodite
Page 12:
Drake’s Quest by Pat Croce & Adam Slutsky, The Twist“Calypso’s Island,” a column by our resident pariah ed Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart by Leanna Renee “Neverland,” a musing by Tink Hieber
Page 4: “Cinderella Dream,” a poem by Kenpachi “One Christmas Evening,” pic. by W1tchHunter64 “Season’s Greetings,” a photograph by Artemis “It’s Christmas,” a poem by Vivian Griselda
Page 5: “Farmer Charming,” a short story by Melody
Page 6:
“Under Heaven’s Eye,” a photograph by Chiron
Page 13: “Strange Dream,” a short story by Artemis “The Mourning,” an illustration by Japanda3
Page 14: “The Miracle of Life,” an illustration by Japanda3 “Standing,” a poem by Hippolyta “Journey’s End,” a poem by Soufflé Girl “The Magic 4 Ball,” a photograph by The Owlish Bookworm
“Farmer Charming” continued “Things Are Looking Up,” a photograph by The Page 15: Owlish Bookworm “His Name Is Blood, Part III,” by Hades “A New World,” a poem by Athena
Page 7: “The Roads I Know,” a poem by Hades “The Journey Home,” a poem by Zenyatta “Westward Bound,” a photograph by Suzy-chan “Puzzle Pieces,” a poem by Queen Shadowblossom
Page 8: “The Little Merprince,” a short story by Athena “Cirque du Port,” a photograph by Suzy-chan
Page 9: “Kiss of Ice,” an illustration by Selene “Blue Veins,” a poem by Aradia “Cold Rain,” a poem by Chronos “Darkness,” a poem by Artemis
Page 16:
HNIB continued “Confrontations,” an illustration by Chronos
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Ask Aphro & Dite Dear Aphro, What did you think of Skyfall? I thought Wreck It Ralph was more amusing. I fell asleep during Skyfall... ;) Sincerely, Chronos Dear Chronos, Skyfall was good as far as movies in general go, but it’s not the best Bond Movie in existence. I don't like Daniel Craig as Bond. Wreck It Ralph was dabomb.com. It was amusing and cute. It was animated but the best movie I've seen in a while. Love, Aphro Dear Aphro, What are some ways to cover up a trip at school? Yours truly, The Ultimate Klutz Dear Klutz, Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. This is my top five list of things to do when you trip at school and you don’t want people to notice. Number 5: Grab a wall and hope to look like you're casually standing there Number 4: Bend down and pretend like you were just checking your shoes. Number 3: Drop an item and bend down to pick it up. Number 2: Pretend you were just giving the floor a hug ‘cause we all get lonely. Number 1: Jump onto the person in front of you like you were asking for a piggyback ride!! Love, Aphro Dear Aphro, I'm already enjoying Christmas music. To be honest, I started a little before Thanksgiving. What what are your opinions on when Christmas music is appropriate? Jingling Already Dear Jingling, Christmas is an amazing holiday. Presents, cheer, love. Why not start early. Christmas Music is appropriate any time of the year! But really, after Thanksgiving is probably the best time to start and please stop by midJanuary. Love, Aphro
Musings of Hades Is holiday shopping for your family difficult? Try shopping for vain, spoiled Olympians. First, each of us alone is rich enough to purchase all of pre-debt Greece as a summer home. Second, we’re immortal. If we really want something, we probably have it already. And third – we get bored easily, and presents are only new and interesting for so long. I’ve gotten the hang of picking out gifts, though. Persephone made it clear centuries ago she thinks Underworldian food is awful, and that’s probably the real reason I choose to live on coffee. At her request, I usually arrange for her to have cooking lessons with professional chefs of various cuisines, restock our kitchen with new tools, and try dismally to make her dinner. (I still burn the toast.) It’s a running joke between us now. I present her with a terrible meal, she laughs, and we order Chinese takeout. From China. Hermes gets glow sticks. Athena gets books, obviously. I give Aphrodite a dieting guide, just to see her throw a tantrum. Poseidon gets rubber duckies, and Zeus… How I loathe that twerp. When Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets came out a few years ago, I mentioned I wished getting a break from being Lord of the Underworld could be as easy as receiving a sock. So he spread some rumor about how I really, really want socks, and for the holidays that year, all I got was socks. White, black, plaid, argyle, hot pink. I set everybody straight and I’ve never gotten a single pair of socks again. Except from this one person who always anonymously sends presents to me. They must not have gotten the memo because they still. Get. Me. Socks. Happy holidays. Keep an eye on your Santa stocking. It might spontaneously combust if you aren’t careful.
Athena’s Corner Drake’s Quest By Pat Croce & Adam Slutsky July 2012 Charlie Drake is escaping his former life onto the deck of the Churchill, where he will find lifelong friend Mac and others. This book chronicles Charlie’s adventures as he proves himself worthy to serve on a pirate ship and worthy of his pirate captain father’s pride. His adventures are described with fascinating detail and written in a very engaging way – overall, a very easy and fun read.
The Twisted Tragedy of Miss Natalie Stewart By Leanna Renee Hieber November 2012 Although Jonathon has been released from his curse, Natalie has found her voice and the two are finally together, the evil is not completely banished. The two must continue to fight against the demons that threaten their friends, and forever banish the demon that possessed Jonathon. A romantic, Gothic tale guaranteed to keep you flipping pages. Special thanks to Sra. Steele, Hades, Athena, Hippolyta, Hermes, Raindrop, and Aphro. 3
“One Christmas Evening,” Illustration by W1tchHunter64
Cinderella Dream By Kenpachi To make a wish Upon the sky To make all time Never tick past
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So the time for bed Can’t stop this rhyme This child’s fairy
tale
A girl’s dream To be a princess The perfect story Shall we entertain This Cinderella
dream It’s Christmas
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“Season’s Greetings,” Photograph by Artemis
By Vivian Griselda The day you’ve been waiting for, It’s finally come. Here we are today, I’m missing out on all of the fun. Broken hearted again, What a surprise. But even as the time passes, You remain beautiful in my eyes. Christmas lights glisten, and I’m here by myself. Stuck reminiscing and thinking about how I felt. There were seasons when we weren’t apart, Despite your distance, It doesn’t feel like you’re that far. Let the mistletoe hang and the candles glow, Your friction is resisting my everlasting flow. Because no matter where I stand, My thoughts lead to you. People around me don’t comprehend, The beautiful and tragic thing we had was true. If only you really were a car ride away, I hope you realize you have the key now. Please use it for what you need to say, I’m sick of pretending I don’t want to be found. They say there are plenty of fish in the sea, But the only thing I want is miles from here. I know for a fact that you are the one for me, So I wish you a happy sixteenth birthday, my dear.
Farmer Charming by Melody
My name is Alex Charming, but I’m no prince. This is the story of how I met the girl of my dreams. A new girl entered first period on the first day of school. She was beautiful, blond and blue-eyed. She caught me staring and smiled. I took out my things, but they scattered across the floor. A hand reached over and gathered my school supplies . “Th-thanks…” I stuttered. “It’s all right,” she replied in a British accent. My heart was pounding. “What’s your name?” “Um…uh… My name’s A-Alex. What’s yours?” I smiled nervously. “I’m Ella.” She held out her hand and I shook it. “I think I’m going to like it here.” When I got home, after finishing my homework, I washed the pigs, which took three hours. (I live on a farm.) Finally, I walked into my room and flopped down on my bed. “ALEX!” Jack yelled. “Milk the cows! Dad’s not feeling well!” Dad has been getting really sick lately and I don’t know what’s up. His “cold” started up again today and he has a fever. I’m not sure what it is, and neither of my brothers has a clue, but we all agree: we want Dad to get better. The next day, I woke up to the sound of loud coughing. “Dad?” I walked into his room. He looked pale and shivered as if he was having a seizure. Blankets covered him, but he kept trembling. “Do you want more blankets? A hot drink?” “N-n-no, son. I need t-to t-tell you s-something. I want you…to tell Jack and Trevor…I love them.” He started to cough violently and I looked at him confused. “No. Dad, what do you…” I stopped. “Dad, no. You can’t die!” Dad was the rock in our family. He kept us together when we fell apart. He gave me advice and encouraged me when no one else would. “N-no. Don’t cry, Alex. B-be strong. Take care of y-your brothers.” His eyes began to flutter. “I-I love you, A-Alex.” He closed his eyes for the last time. I sat on the floor and hugged my knees. I stared at the ground, letting my tears fall. Two weeks passed and I still hadn’t gone to school. Saturday morning, Jack finally spoke to me. “Alex, you need to go to school.” “Since when do you care?” “Since you started working instead of learning, Dimwit. You go to school. Let me and Trevor take care
of things.” The next morning, I walked into class and sat at my desk. “Alex?” a girl said. I looked up at her. She had long brown hair and green eyes. I recognized her from last year. “Oh, hi, Lily.” I sighed. “I haven’t seen you in school for a while, what happened?” I looked at the ground. “Um… my dad, he uh… He passed away.” “Oh.” She placed her hand on mine. “I know how you feel. My mom passed away when I was thirteen. I’m really sorry.” “It’s okay, really.” I moved my hand away from hers. She seemed hurt, but she didn’t say anything. I saw Ella walk into the room. She came over and sat in front of me then turned around to face me. “Where have you been? You’ve missed school for a while now.” I was still feeling down, but I explained to her what had happened over the two weeks I didn’t come to school. “I’m sorry to hear that.” The teacher began the lesson and soon, I was staring off into space. “…and next week is the Homecoming masquerade.” Ah. I tapped Ella on her shoulder and asked her if she was going to the dance. “I’m not sure… Maybe I will.” I was about to ask her out, but some guy came up to her and said, “Ella, wanna go to Homecoming?” “Of course, Luke, you’re my boyfriend, why WOULDN’T I want to go with you?” She giggled. I looked at Luke. He was always picking on the weak kids. The King Bully. Why was she with him? “I’ll see you at the dance, Princess.” He winked and left. I sighed. Before I knew it, Homecoming was tomorrow night. I tried to think of a way to get a nice suit for the dance. When I asked my brothers, they laughed and pushed me away. After school, I heard something rustling in my closet. I opened it. Out fell…a man in a fairy costume? He was middle aged, with a round belly and stubble around his chin. He held a plastic wand that probably belonged to a six year old girl. I couldn’t help but laugh. The man got up and brushed the dirt off his behind. His pink tutu was so fluffy, I couldn’t stop laughing. When I finally stopped, he was glaring at me and tapping his foot, arms crossed over his leotard. “Who are you?” The tiara on his bald head made me snicker. “And how’d you get in?” “I’m your fairy godfather.”
“And I’m a garden gnome.” I snickered. “No, really.” “I. Am. Your. Fairy. Godfather.” He grit his teeth. “I came here because you needed some fancy, schmancy clothes for a dance.” “Is that all you can do? Snap and put clothes on people?” He lifted his hand up and snapped his fingers. Immediately, he transformed into Ella. Then “Ella” snapped and turned into Jack. Then Jack snapped and turned back into the fairy dude. “I can shapeshift. That good enough for you?” “That’s cool. But why don’t you shape-shift into someone who DOESN’T wear a fairy costume?” “My true form would pulverize you. I’m not here to explain things. Let me give you your suit and I can leave.” He snapped his fingers again. Something slid past my chest and soon, I was wearing a tuxedo. “Whoa! Thanks…uh, fairy godfather?” “No problem, kiddo, just be careful. The suit will perish after midnight.” He snapped his fingers once more and vanished. I went to the mirror in my bathroom and saw I even had a golden mask on. My hair was styled and my teeth were a shade whiter than usual. Maybe I could ask a girl to dance, and she wouldn’t ignore me. I walked into the gymnasium and saw everyone wearing masks. I spotted a girl with a beautiful white dress, with gold sparkles sprinkled at the top and bottom of it. Stepping over to her, I tapped her shoulder. “Would you like to dance?” “Of course.” She flashed a beautiful smile. We walked over to the dance floor and a slow song started. I awkwardly placed my hand on her waist as she put her hand on my shoulder. We shuffled slowly to the tune of the song. After a couple minutes, I started a conversation. We talked for two hours, and soon everyone was leaving. I looked at my watch and saw it was 11:45 pm. “I have to go.” “Can I have your number? Maybe we could text each other sometime?” the girl asked. “Sure.” I searched for a pen in my pocket and found one, along with a small piece of paper. I silently thanked my fairy godfather. I gave the piece of paper to her and rushed out of the gym. By the time I was home, the tux was gone, along with the mask, and I was back in my regular clothes. Suddenly, I heard a ping and my
cell screen lit up. I and saw the text from an unknown number. ‘It was nice to get to know you; hopefully I’ll see you at school tomorrow. :)’ I texted back. ‘Same, I’ll be looking forward to meeting you. ;)’ The next day, I kept my eyes peeled for the girl. She had brown hair that was perfectly curled past her shoulders. Her eyes sparkled whenever I looked at them while we were dancing. I walked into first period and sat. Lily was next to me, so I asked her how Homecoming went. “Perfect. A guy asked me to dance… It was the best night.” “What did you wear?” “I was wearing a white dress. It had a bit of …what do you call it?” “Sparkles?” I asked, hopefully. “YES! It had some sparkles, and I loved it. The guy was wearing a golden mask. It covered half of his face, though.” She looked at the ground. “He had to leave early, but I got his number.” It was her. Lily was the one I had danced with. “Lily…um, I think I know who danced with you that night…” “Who was it?” “Me.” I hoped she wouldn’t cringe at the thought. She smiled. “I had the best night, Alex, thank you so much.” She leaned towards me and hugged me. After school ended, I met up with Lily and we walked to her house. We spent all the time in her humongous room. After a while, it started getting dark. I thanked her and she led me out of her house. As I walked home, I kept thinking about Homecoming, how Lily look so beautiful that night. Though I couldn’t see her through her mask, I knew she was gorgeous, just by her personality. That sounds cliché, I know. But it was the truth. We had so much in common, and I found it hard to believe I didn’t fall head over heels for her at first. Lily kept inviting me to her house after school, and we became closer as best friends, and one day I asked her to be my girlfriend. “…and that’s what happened when I found out my brother had been sneaking into my room, taking all my Halloween candy.” She giggled and I laughed. I looked into her eyes, and she gazed back into mine. “Lily… W-would you like to be my, um, g-girlfriend?” “YES!” She smiled and hugged me tightly. After a second she let go and kissed my cheek. Continued on Next Page
Farmer Charming cont. 5 Years Later: “Come on Alex, we got to go!” Jack yelled. We were attending Trevor’s ceremony. He was being awarded for largest pig in the state. “I’m coming, hold up!” I fixed my tie then went to the car. “We need to pick up Lily on the way,” I told Jack. I felt around my pocket and touched the object I was looking for. I couldn’t wait until we got to the ceremony. A few minutes later, we reached Lily’s. The door opened, and I saw her walking down the stairs. She looked gorgeous. Her hair was all onto one side and she was wearing a
white dress. Just like at Homecoming. I still couldn’t believe I remembered that. She entered the car and put on her seatbelt. I grabbed hold of her hand and smiled as she grinned back. Once we got to the ceremony, I saw Trevor and we all walked up to him. “Hey, Trev. Congratulations, big bro.” I shook his hand and he beamed. This was the proudest moment of his life. I stepped back as Jack took Trevor in his arms, hugging him tightly. Honestly, I thought it was the weirdest thing ever, but Lily gushed and “aww’d.” After a few minutes, the mayor called up Trevor and congratulated
him. Trev walked up to the stand and began his speech. “I’d like to thank my brother, Jack, for helping me raise this pig from when he was just a little runt, and I’d also like to thank my other brother, Alex, for his support. Without these guys, I wouldn’t be receiving this medal.” He paused and added, “Hey, Alex. Come up here. And bring Lily, too.” I knew exactly what was going on. Trevor knew I wanted to ask Lily something, and now he was going to make me say it in front of everyone. I took Lily’s hand and we both stepped onto the platform. She was confused, blushing and smiling at the crowd. I got down on one knee
“Things Are Looking Up,” Photograph by The Owlish Bookworm
and took a black box out of my pocket. Lily’s cheeks flushed red, and she bit her lip out of excitement. “Lily, ever since junior Homecoming, I’ve hoped this day would come. I love you, with all my heart. Will you marry me?” She exclaimed, “YES!” before hugging me. Everyone started clapping and cheering. Both of my brothers wiped a tear from their cheek as I kissed my soon-to-be bride. And we lived happily ever after.
The End
A New World by Athena Boredom was Oppressively stagnant On my bus ride To school that morning. Nothing to do, Nothing to see, Just waiting for it To end. Yet sunlight flashed Through the trees As I listened To the conversation In the seat in front of me. They were talking Of mysteries In far off places, Of daring adventures As though They were real. I asked to hear, And they handed me A book. Skeptical, I cracked open the pages Desert sand poured out, Pooled at my feet, I began to sweat In the desert heat As I read Of Nancy Drew’s mysteries And began to experience Them myself. The sights and smells Engulfed me As I broke out Of my cocoon, Spread my wings, And flew into A new world.
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The Roads I Know by Hades These roads I walk are ones I know, From memories so long ago. Small, faded footprints on the earth, Echoes of olden days of mirth. I once chased sparrows at this bend, Shared sweets and laughs with my best friend. This tall willow I sat beneath, Before running across the heath. I lay down and gazed at the sky, Saw visions in the clouds so high. I picked daisies for my mother, Played carefree games with my brother. I sat on my father’s shoulders, Picnicked on blankets on boulders. When I was older, I hid here, Where none but squirrels thought me queer. I strolled barefoot in the river, Feeling no cold, not a shiver. Sometimes I camped here in the night, Though I went home before sunlight. I had my first kiss on this hill, I can feel his lips on mine still. I once said goodbye to these trees, Once tried to linger with the breeze. “Westward Bound,” Photograph by Suzy-chan
But life called me to journey on, So I walked east into the dawn. Now I’ve returned to this strange place, Of odd beauty and pleasant grace. The moss and grass have overgrown, Hiding this place, this place I’ve known. But the sparrows still sing their songs, The willow stands where it belongs. The heath still an eternal land, The sky a canvas at command. Daisies and boulders still remain, The river still floods when there’s rain. This place has still remained the same, But I, alas, can’t make that claim. My feet twice the size of these prints, A sloppy kiss that makes me wince. But this place that’s as old as time Makes me feel like I’m in my prime. It still echoes with my stories, Still possesses all its glories. These roads I walk are ones I know, From memories so long ago. Perhaps if I rest a while, I can walk another mile. Maybe I’m walking toward my past, But this next page is not my last.
The Journey Home By Zenyatta I traveled far and wide, I traveled near and far. With no one by my side I walked tow’rd the North Star. I saw so many places Where ever I had roamed. But none of them had faces That I could call my Home. So I came back to see my land And see my home again, I walked into my dear old home With cloak and staff in hand. It looked so sad without bright light, So I resolved to stay. And now into the dark black night My fire burns away.
Puzzle Pieces By Queen Shadowblossom I put together as many pieces as I can. People are like puzzles. A mystery and a jumble at first, But as you spend more time with it, More and more becomes clear And pieces snap together. I deal with people like puzzles. I get to know them, lend an ear, Gather every piece about them I can. With me they have nothing to fear. What I love about you Is there is always a mystery, No matter how close I get. New pieces rise from your depths, And I don’t know where to put them. You are your own category In a world full of puzzles. 7
The Little Merprince By Athena Once upon a time, lived a merprince. He was heir to the kingdom under the sea, but he had no desire to rule. But the king wanted his son to reign. They fought long and hard and came to a compromise: the merprince could give up his crown if he found a princess to marry him by his eighteenth birthday, one whom he truly loved. The merprince was never able to connect with any merprincesses. They couldn’t see past the title of heir to the most powerful merthrone. Eventually he decided he would find his true love on land. So began a search to find a worthy bride on ships that sailed above the waters, one that would take years. Three months before his eighteenth birthday, he saw her. A spirited, beautiful princess climbing a ship’s rigging. He heard a splash and the sailors screaming for someone to save the princess. He swam to where she was struggling and swept her onto a rocky outcropping. He waited for her to begin to cough up water and was about to swim off when she caught his arm and asked how she could repay him. He smiled and replied, “You can promise not to fall off ships anymore.” “How rude!” the princess cried, but her smile betrayed her true feelings. “Well, insolent cur, I am Princess Laurette of the kingdom Île. And who might you be?” “I happen to be Prince Ashley of the kingdom Mer. How do you do?” Laurette sputtered. “I have never met a Merman before!” Ashley smiled. “Your Highness, since you owe me a favor for saving your life, I will collect later. For now, I have to prepare.” And with that, Ashley dove back into the sea. Ashley swam into the room of his best friend Wyatt, who practiced magic. “Wyatt, I need a spell that will make me a human.” Wyatt spilled the potion he was making. “What has possessed you to do a crazy thing like that?” “I met a land princess who could be my true love, but I’m not human so I can’t go above ground. Do you know any spells to fix that?” “You know I do.” Wyatt got to work. “This jar contains the spell and can never come out of this bag or off your neck. If either happens, the spell will break and you have two minutes before you need water again. If the bag is taken off your neck but the jar isn’t broken, it can
be put back and the spell’s effects will appear again. And the spell only works for two months. After that, it will dissolve on its own. Make those months count!” Laurette and her parents were in the throne room when the doors opened. In trod Ashley on his new legs. He bowed low. “Your Majesties, I have traveled far in search of a princess worthy to be my bride, and your daughter is the most perfect of all. May I court her?” Laurette gaped. Ashley winked but resumed his serious face. “W-Well,” spluttered the flustered King Orson, “I - ” “Of course, good sir,” Queen Ombline interrupted. “What is your name? Where is your homeland?” “I am Prince Ashley of Mer, a place that is wet all year round.” “Dear me, it rains all year round! However can you live in such a horrible climate?” “One learns to adapt, ma’am.” The queen smiled. “I hope you adapt to our climate and come to enjoy it as we do.” “It would be my pleasure.” So Ashley began courting Laurette. Their first date was walking down the beach, where they met some of the people she would one day rule. Ashley was considerate to all he met and played with the children. He was conscientious of Laurette and what she wished to do. Laurette was swept off her feet by his blue eyes, his charming smile, but most of all by his kindness and consideration of everyone. There was another suitor who grew jealous of Ashley. Prince Astor was an arrogant man who loved nothing but himself and money. He noticed Ashley was never without his necklace, not even when bathing or sleeping. Astor found this suspicious but resolved not to voice his misgivings until Laurette’s choice was made, lest he seem to be trying to ruin Ashley’s reputation. Astor’s overconfidence convinced him he would be chosen, so he would wait until his victory to cast suspicion. The day of Laurette’s choice arrived. Astor and Ashley were brought into the throne room, where the king, the queen, and Laurette sat on their thrones. Today there was another throne, for the fiancé. Neither prince was nervous, for both thought they would be chosen. Laurette stood and smiled. “Both of you have done your best to prove your worth. I choose not only for myself but for the kingdom. There-
“Cirque du Port,” Photograph by Suzy-chan
fore I chose the man who will work hard to please me and his subjects. I choose Prince Ashley!” Ashley grinned, running up to Laurette and kissing her breathless, until the king coughing brought him back to his senses. Ashley blushed and let go, and Laurette giggled. But all forgot Astor, apoplectic with rage. He plastered on a smile and went to Ashley, as if to offer his congratulations, but instead of clapping him on the shoulder, Astor ripped off the necklace! As the bag clattered to the floor, Ashley dove to save it from breaking. But spell was undone. Ashley’s legs merged into a tail. He was a Merman again. Laurette rushed to Ashley’s side as he crashed to the floor. He gave her the necklace and whispered, “I’m calling in my favor. You need to keep this safe. If you put it around my neck, I can be human again.” Ashley smiled sadly. “No matter what happens, I always will love you.” Laurette was about to respond when Ashley was carried off by three palace guards. He was tossed into a large pot filled with water that was then chained shut. He was taken to Prince Astor’s home, since he had convinced the distraught king and queen that Ashley needed to be removed from the castle for Laurette’s safety. Laurette cried for hours, wishing Astor wasn’t so vengeful, that Ash-
ley was human. Eventually she realized Ashley was in the hands of an enemy. Nobody else cared—it was up to Laurette to save Ashley. She put on boy’s clothes, knowing no one would notice a stable boy, so she managed to reach the back gate, mounted her horse, and galloped to Astor’s castle. Ashley woke up in the pot. He didn’t wait long before Astor came. Astor tipped the pot’s contents into a larger pool, and Ashley realized he was not alone. A hungry shark kept him company. “Have fun,” Astor laughed as he sauntered off. Then the iron pot flew into the pool, hitting the shark on the head and knocking him out. Ashley laughed with relief but quieted when he saw Laurette threw the pot. When she offered her hand, he swam away, conscious of their difference in species. Laurette rolled her eyes and jumped in the pool. “Ashley, I don’t care we’re different. I love you, and I won’t marry anyone else. You’ve spoiled any other man for me, and you better take responsibility.” Ashley laughed. “Of course. I love you.” And the two kissed like there was no tomorrow. Eventually they would have to deal with Astor, their parents, their kingdoms—abut right now, all they wanted to do was to be together. And in the end, they lived happily ever after.
The End
“Kiss of Ice,” Illustration by Selene
Blue Veins By Aradia Frozen, it’s cold My eyes watery in the sight
Cold Rain by Chronos Cold rain bites into my skin And I'm brought to nostalgia once again
“Aren't you cold?” Your worried expression warms me To the point I burn
Why are so many things So very blue? Yet left in darkness Veins that snake
Stop it Leave me Why do you keep following me?
‘Cross life and soul
Restlessly your image haunts me Day after day
But blue as water
Night after night
And blue lips are still Freezing in the dusky night I wish I was far away Where it wasn’t so cold So isolated and dark And I wasn't alone With the people Who speak no more
That time I wished For time to stop But time could only move forward Toward the unseen future That time I wish we could have walked together Tonight the rain sympathizes with me Sending freezing water in my wake Reminding me of your existence
I miss you
Darkness By Artemis The darkness comes here Slowly creeping from behind Unnoticed by all Shadows stretch from you They’re always there, shifting size Following behind Slowly, so slowly They finally overtake you Unseen ‘til too late But the light comes, too And illuminates the darkness Keeping it at bay The light and darkness Like yin-yang, counteracting Keeping eternal balance
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Fifty Years From Now: II By Nemesis I groggily eat my breakfast and shake off the sleep from my eyes. Lately I have been having weird dreams. Most of the dreams center around when there was still a shred of green on the world and the world was mostly clean. Gong… The morning bell snaps me out of my trance. I quickly follow the stream of children and adults to the assignment boards. I have been assigned to the job of food preparer. The day soon passes and I am back in bed with another mysterious dream. Living in this refuge, my life is a cycle of boredom and peace, but is wasn’t always like this. I don’t remember where I came from since I had amnesia when I was found when I was six. All I remember was that I lived with loving parents in a prospering town. The rest of my memo-
ries are gone. Nearly seven years have passed, and I still remember nothing. Most of the adults assure me it’s all right, but I want results. I must go past the walls that bind me here, but that is impossible since it is against the rules. The outside world holds many dangers to children. But I am almost thirteen. I have asked the mayor many times, but he refuses. Today is another day. The bells control our schedule. Usually we have breakfast first then are assigned our daily schedule. Chores, lessons, jobs and free time. Since I am not eighteen yet I don’t have a proper job. As usual I go to the assignment board and receive my schedule. I go to my first stop, lessons, which include arithmetic and English. My favorite part of the day is at the end, when the elders tell us stories about the world fifty years ago, and about the mysterious world outside. The elders say this world is beautiful and if we are careful and mend our ways, the Earth will heal its scars and its beauty
will return. Younger adults scoff that those are just legends. How science has proved it would take hundreds of years since our processors damaged it so much. Most of the adults here say we must continue living a civilized life since the world is always changing. They believe the world will resume its old ways of living in countries instead of separate little towns and we can be normal again. They tell us this message a lot, but when I hear this I want to scream back that this is just a fantasy. The world will never be the same. I just wish something interesting would happen in my life. I don’t want to live this dull life forever. Can you believe just this one little wish changed my whole life? It all started with the stranger. He came from beyond the doors, from the outside. We children are restricted from any contact with him. The stranger was kind, though I could tell it was an act. I could detect unsavory feelings radiating off from him.
“These Hallowed Halls,” Photograph by Chiron
Ever since the stranger came, there were strange noises at night. After two days I decided to investigate what this stranger was doing. I usually finish all my tasks and have dinner at 7:00, so I’ll have time before the 9:30 curfew. I’ll have to be very careful in the halls. I guess I will code name this mission “Stranger.” The day goes by as planned, and at seven I walk through the halls and the whole building that I live in to plan the route I will take at night, and also to collect information. At precisely 9:30 I slip into bed. Slowly everyone falls asleep and I slip out into the halls. I listen for the sound. “It should be around somewhere,” I mutter to myself. Suddenly around the corner I see the stranger. I look around and then follow him down the building and through the city. He stops at the great doors, places a machine on them, and types in digits. The door creaks open.
To Be Continued...
Interview With Ally Condie for so long, even until age 80. By Athena Where do you get ideas from? I had a conversation with my husband about marriage and government involvement. We were talking about how government has the power to define marriage, and we gave it that power. I wondered what if the government had power over every aspect of marriage, and that inspired the idea of Matching. The Banquet came from chaperoning prom for two years. It came about after imagining what prom would be like taken to the extreme. The opening scene was inspired by a dance where you take a multiple-choice test and get matched up with the person most compatible with you. Another inspiring tradition was sending around a list of dateless girls about 3 weeks before prom to make sure no one would go alone. Are there any authors who influenced your writing? The biggest influence would be Ray Bradbury. I read his short stories for many years and taught them for years after that. Agatha Christie is also a big inspiration, for her great dialogue and suspense. You learn a lot from her ability to write gripping plots… Ray Bradbury had a 50-60 year career and wrote so well
“Scarlet Fragility,” Photograph by Aphrodite
He was very foresightful in his writing. He was one of the few fiction writers who never got jaded, who continued to hope. Do you believe our country is facing a future similar to the one portrayed in your books? This book is about a future that could happen. I’m not writing about a specific government taking over or anything. I’m writing more about people, their creativity and their willingness to give it up. People will give up freedom for convenience – that is what I’m speaking to. Definitely continue to create – it fosters rebirth and growth. Notes from Q&A Did you leave the specifics of this future vague on purpose? Yes. If I was too specific, I would have to fact-check. Also there would be political interpretation and that would limit it. It was left open for a possible prequel. Not to mention, my editor wants readers to believe in the possibility of these books being set in a parallel universe. Where did you get the ideas for the pills? When I was pregnant and sick all the time, my brother-in-law (a pharmacist) whipped up a drug to keep me calm and it got me thinking about the trust we
“Santa’s Doorway,” Photograph by Aphrodite
give to people who give us stuff we don’t even know the components of, and how that trust could be used for evil. Why did you decide to write? I have shoeboxes of stories, some dictated to babysitters from before I could write, but I never really followed through on them. Once I was done with teaching, I felt nostalgic – I can’t teach anymore – but if I write books I can still teach my readers. Were the books planned out? No. I wrote one book and had ideas for the second but wanted to focus on selling the first before thinking about it. I write outlines, but results never match up. Telling the story always changes the story. Why did you use the poems you did? I used to teach poetry, and I wanted there to be a limit on creativity in the Society. Top 100 lists led to the idea of only 100. For the poems Grandfather gave Cassia, I wanted literature that was a call to action but was small and fit into a compact and was
easily accessible, so I chose “Do not go gentle.” Since copyright is much easier with dead poets (compared to the living ones), I chose Tennyson and Dickinson for other poems. Why did you choose to write for young adults? I never thought of writing for anyone else. Young adults were a part of my teaching experience. I love their energy. Being a young adult is a fun time because everything is a first, and that is exciting to write about. Do you get writer’s block? I get it almost daily. I go outside for a quick walk, I switch between projects, and when all else fails, I tell myself to take a break for a week. So far, I’ve never lasted a week – ideas start to pop up in a few days and I continue to write. Do you have advice for teens interested in writing? Writing is a personal experience, and my advice may not work for everyone. Put in a few hours each day. I used to coach cross-country, so I think of it as similar to running. You can’t be fast until you train.
Calypso’s Island I adore the holidays. You should’ve seen Ogygia during Halloween; I converted my entire island into a haunted forest. Still, it’s lonely celebrating without my family. Hermes says going all out is how I compensate, but then again, he once told me to treat a hydra bite with gummy vitamins, and everyone knows you’re supposed to drink nectar for that. It’s depressing to spend festive holidays like Christmas alone, but I understand not being invited to the family getNeverland by Tink I . The first time your eyes open there is only darkness. Shadows stretch as far the eye can see, painting your world into a black abyss. Your hand presses lightly to something smooth, like velvet, it’s spread about you, encasing you into its inky haven. Rich foreign scents linger thick inside, sweet and pure. The air hums around you, like something alive; coaxing your body to stir, for your hands to push more strongly against the soft walls trapping you within, until they give way and pull apart, one by one, opening to reveal a world undreamed of. Light enters your vision and gives way to color, greens and reds and blues merging and separating, adorning the lands before you. You breathe in, you breathe out. The flower below you ripples with the wind, petals breaking away and following the warm breeze. And your wings unfold, spanning out to their full length, carrying you with the current as well. You land on tendrils of green that caress and envelope over your tiny form, drawing you to the ground beneath. Your face presses into the soft black soil, and a hushed whisper meets your ears, a sudden awareness flowing into your being. Tears run down your cheeks and into the soil beneath, a broken gasp falling from your lips, your hands bunching and gripping tightly to the land. Neverland smiles to you. I I . They’ve come onto your
togethers every year. It’s easy to forget the quiet goddess living on her lonely island somewhere in the Aegean. I do my best to make up for not being able to see my family by sending them presents. Some of my family members are a little difficult because they don’t seem to like anything. For the longest time, I had no idea what to give Hades, but a few years ago Zeus told me Hades loves socks. Ever since, I’ve been knitting him a pair for Christmas (I use fuzzy yarn so his feet won’t get cold down there in the Underworld).
soil. They’ve ravaged your lands. They’ve taken your lives. And now they expect mercy? The word is foreign off your tongue, undefined and unexplored. It’s a subject you have never had to broach, never here in the perfect lands of your home. But now it lies before you in waiting. And you deny it. There is no mercy. Not in this world. Neverland is yours by right. She is your mother. Your deity. Your God. And these foolish giants, who wield without magic and carry no wings, have risen against her. You feel her pain, the scarlet gashes they have driven across her chest reflect on yours, festering there, deep, red, and angry. A hatred you have never fathomed buries deep into your conscious, branching and growing into something moving within you. You breathe in her cries, and roar out in frustration. There is no mercy. You see it play out in your mind’s eye; they tear her down like savages, masked in flesh and bone. You will tear their guises away. You will turn them into the beasts they are. And you will make sure they can never forget. You are Neverland’s child, and you will give them what they deserve. I I I . His smiles are odd to you. The way they curve over the sides of his lips, pink and bright and innocent. He smiles to you a lot. It makes your wings flutter and your cheeks flare. You think of smiling back, but you aren’t
I usually send presents anonymously, which might contribute to not being invited to holiday parties, but I think it’s nicer that way. They can think the gift is from anyone they want (one of my presents saved Zeus a few years back when he forgot to get Hera something). Plus it adds to the warm, fuzzy feeling of giving presents during the holiday season if it’s anonymous because the focus is on the love behind the gift and not on finding something to give in return. So send an anonymous present; you might make someone’s holiday.
“Under Heaven’s Eye,” Photograph by Chiron
sure. He’s different from the rest of these giants, still small, still pure, still sweet. He even hides you into a jar and calls you firefly, which is absurd, your name is Tink. You try to tell him so but he doesn’t hear you, and the words only echo from the glass walls encasing you, falling back to your ears. A part of you warms when he smiles, the part that kindles to life as you watch lips part to reveal ivory bone, your heart thundering loudly in your chest. It’s hard to make
sense of the hesitance and excitement humming under your skin. These feeling flittering in your stomach are an oddity. He’s an oddity. But you can’t help looking forward to every visit, to every smile. So you sit in the jar, watching him curiously, heart filled with things strange. ‘Til one day you push against the jar, the glass shattering to a million pieces around your feet, and you wait for him. A smile laces over your lips. Fin
Strange Dream By Artemis Keiko considered herself a rather rational person, with no tendencies towards hallucinations or insanity. So how is it that I woke up in a grassy clearing when I could’ve sworn I fell asleep in my own bed? Keiko took a few breaths to calm herself down. She was in a grassy clearing with trees beginning about twenty feet to her right. Wild flowers with vibrant hues of blue, purple, and pink waved in the slight breeze. The sun threw golden honeylight around, the birds were chirping, and the cloudless sky was a dazzling cerulean. It looks like a scene from a Disney movie. Where are the singing forest animals? Then she became aware of a faint clip-clop sound that was steadily getting louder. She turned to face the sound when seven horses with riders burst into the clearing. The figures in cloaks pulled out what looked like bows. Keiko quickly put her hands up. The bows lowered, and she sighed in relief. One rider hopped of his horse and walked forward, taking off his cloak. He was a boy, with pointed ears and reptilian eyes, light brown hair with a single long braid down his back. He held out his hand. “Hello, my name is Green Fern. Nice to meet you.” Keiko shook it. “Konnichiwa, I mean, hello. My name is Keiko and it’s nice to meet you Green Fernsan.” She paused. “Are you pretending to be Kami?” “Kami?” “Kami are nature spirits. They were in the stupid stories my ojiisan told me.” Green Fern laughed. “No, we are elves, luckily for you.”
Keiko stared hard at Green Fern. “Elves don’t exist.” Green Fern smirked. “You’re looking at one.” “Oh, sure,” Keiko replied sarcastically, eyes rolling, “and I guess your just going to wave your magic wand and poof up a magic dragon to carry off into the sunset, eh?” “Me, a wizard? Of course not, that’s Maple.” Green Fern pointed to cloaked rider. “Magic and elves don’t exist,” Keiko insisted. Green Fern’s smirk grew. He whistled and his horse bounded over to him. The other riders came over at a slower pace. They all took off their cloaks. “That’s Maple, a wizard.” Green Fern said, pointing to an older woman with blue hair cropped short. “That’s Cherryblossom,” a small girl with pink hair, “Oak,” this time a huge bald man, “Ash,” a lanky boy with jet black hair, “Yarrow,” a small boy with white hair, “and Evergreen,” a girl with dark green hair down to her waist. “Hello,” they chorused. Keiko was nervous as they were all staring at her like some unknown creature. They’re staring at me! Which is strange, considering that they’re pretending to be elves of all random things! Green Fern jumped back on his horse, grabbed Keiko, and pulled her behind him. At some unspoken signal, they all started galloping back into the woods causing Keiko to scream, “I’ve never been on a horse befoKYAAH!!!” at the top her lungs as she held onto Green Fern for dear life. A few minutes later,
they arrived at a group of stables. Trees that had what looked like houses in them surrounded the group. As the horses stopped, Keiko slid off the horse and onto the ground. Green Fern laughed as he jumped off after her. “You wanna see magic?” he asked. Keiko eyed him and nodded. Green Fern pulled her up and started running towards one of the tree houses. They stepped on a wooden platform that started rising. Keiko gasped. “How?” “Magic,” Green Fern replied. Keiko thought about that. We’re literally floating in the air on a piece of wood. Maybe there is magic and elves. Maybe… The platform stopped. They walked into one of the huts. Keiko was
flummoxed at what she saw. Things were glowing, flying, and poofing. An old man hobbled up., “Hello, what can I get for you? A protection charm, a love spell, a healing salve?” “Magic is real.” Keiko breathed. Green Fern laughed and handed her a green stone. “Told ya. Here’s a protection charm, so you have your ‘proof.’” Keiko smiled and was about to open her mouth when a bright light flashed and Keiko was in her own bed. Maybe it was all a dream. She thought. But then she saw the green stone in her hand, and smiled. “Ojiisan, can you tell me those stories again?”
Fin “The Mourning,” Illustration by Japanda3
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“Miracle of Life,” Illustration by Japanda3
Standing by Hippolyta Every two weeks, my father and I get in his car, Drive almost an hour to my college counselor. And I sit and answer questions, About deadlines and schools and “what he should do.” I try to sink into the black interior, And not feel like a liar on the witness stand. Then we arrive, my father leaves, And I sit and wait for Wendie. Anxiously, I pick at the armrests on her office chair. Noticing how worn and hole-ridden they are, I realize so many kids have done the same thing. I wonder who made the first incision? Did their anxiety pay off? Or did they pick at the chair in a panic after failing? These meetings are supposed to prepare me for tomorrow, But I feel like a girl in the principal’s office. But finally, one day, the decision comes. Sitting in front of the computer with my mom, I’m shocked at first. Then I jump to my feet and shout triumphantly, Feeling for the first time, Like I can stand on my own two feet.
Journey’s End By Souffle Girl Into the Darkness Falling slowly Haunting silence Alone in thought An endless Journey But The destination matters This time More permanent Than most. It is the E N D 14
“Magic 4 Ball,” Photograph by The Owlish Bookworm
His Name is Blood: Three By Hades Rem sees my white face when I walk into the kitchen. “Are you okay?” I nod and shake off my fright. It pains me to begin my forced servitude, but getting together ingredients for cake helps distract me. After lunch, we spend a few hours in the library until sunset. “Time to get breakfast ready,” Rem announces then. “Why is everyone except you nocturnal?” I ask as we return to the kitchen. “Blood operates on a night -schedule, and everyone eventually succumbs to it. I’m actually ‘nocturnal,’ but I wanted to be up when you woke so I could get you settled in.” “How are you staying up all night to work if you’ve already been up all day?” “Some of the girls will have kitchen duty.” Rem carries out platters of breakfast food to the dining table while I lay the dishes and silverware. “Rem, how many places should I set?” “One for Blood. Thirteen for the girls.” I finish setting the table. The dining room doors open, and a brunette glides inside. She freezes when she sees me. “Rem why is there another new girl already?” “Lorelei, this is Anne. Anne, this is our new pastry chef,” Rem responds. “Don’t worry, she’s not one of you.” Anne relaxes, imperceptibly, and nods sharply at me before continuing to her seat. “Good. It shouldn’t be Eleanor’s time yet.” “Her ‘time’?” I repeat. She scowls as she begins serving herself oatmeal. “When Blood brings in a new girl, one of the old girls disappears. He operates like clock-
work, and Eleanor should still have a few months left.” Rem’s face looks grim as he explains to me. “Eleanor is twenty-nine, the oldest of the thirteen. She’s next.” The next girl to arrive is Roxie. She’s older than me, but in New Hamelin, everybody knows everybody. (I vaguely recall Anne disappearing when I was nine years old.) Roxie’s hair is still as cropped and her eyes still catlike green. She blinks when she spots me. “Lorelei? What are you doing here?” “Baking. What else?” Roxie sees the pastries. “Muffins. Yeah, your work.” “Ugh! Remy, don’t tell me you baked for us again?” Enter girl number three, a redhead this time, and drop-dead gorgeous. “Why can’t you just buy things from that bakery in town?” Even good-natured Rem is irritated when she walks in. “Venus,” he mutters. The rest of the thirteen trickle in. Rem introduces me to all of them, but their names slip from my minds almost as soon as I hear them. There are a total of four brunettes, three with black hair, three blondes, and three redheads. One of the only people I end up noting is this poor Eleanor, one of the redheads, whom everyone is always so concerned about as soon as they see me. “You don’t have to stay,” Rem tells me. “I’ll make sure the cake gets served. You can go take a break, relax before you go to bed.” I nod. “Thanks, Rem.” I exit the dining room, deciding to grab a book from the library. As I’m walking, I hear a door opening upstairs, and I stiffen. All thirteen girls are eating, and Rem is with them, so only one person could still be roaming about.
I run past the stairs, determined to put as much distance as possible between me and the master of the house. I end up in the foyer, and I’m about to duck into a side hallway when I realize something. The front door is open. I hear footsteps, and, heart in my throat, I race outside. Somehow I reach the tree line, and the forest closes in around me. Branches scratch at my arms, and I shield my face as I hurry towards town. Soon I’m exhausted, and when I stop to rest, I realize I have no idea where I am. “I was walking south. I’m going the right way,” I mumble to myself, studying my surroundings. But the woods must’ve rearranged itself when I wasn’t looking. A twig snaps, and I whirl around at the sound. There’s another noise, this time in the opposite direction. I stumble and fall. “Who’s there?” “Just a friend.” A woman steps out into the light. It’s the third redheaded woman from the house. Whereas all thirteen of them were beautiful in their own way, this woman is absolutely stunning. Her eyes are smoky and violet, her lips as bright a red as her tumbling tresses that reach her waist. Even Venus looks plain next to her. “Need a hand?” She offers me hers. “Thank you…” “Morgana.” She smiles. “How’d you know I—” “I have the seat facing the window in the dining room, and I saw you running out. I have no idea how you got past the doors, but it’s not a good idea to wander these woods alone, especially at night.” I look down at my feet, clasping my hands together. “I want to go home.” “Everyone does,” Morgana says sympathetically. “But
you don’t want to anger Blood. Even if you go home, he’ll just find you again. It’s best to stay put for now.” Her words echo what Rem said to me this morning, when he was explaining why he’s never considered trying to escape Blood. With a wistful glance over my shoulder, I follow Morgana back to the mansion. “Do you think Blood knows I tried to run?” “No. He entered the dining room just as I left. He’ll have been distracted with entertaining the other girls.” I wrinkle my nose but nod. Morgana is about to lead me inside, but I pause. “Can I stay here for a few minutes? I don’t know the next time I’ll be outside again.” Morgana hesitates but nods. “Don’t take too long or Blood will notice,” she warns. I’m left alone in the garden, which seems tended to but is slightly overgrown. The smell of roses permeates the air, and I find a stone bench and sit down, luxuriating in the fresh air for what may be the last time in my life. I think longingly of New Hamelin, the town and home and life I’ve been stolen from. I never had many friends. I got along with my classmates, but all of my free time was spent at the bakery, so I never grew closer to them. In a way, you could say my father was my best friend. With a pang, I wonder what he thought when he woke up this morning and realized I was gone. The town’s police have probably already given up on me. Left me to my fate as New Hamelin’s monthly sacrifice to the God of Death. Although, as Blood has made it clear, he doesn’t intend on killing me any time soon. Continued on Next Page
HNIB continued Scowling, I pick up one of the chunks of stone from the gravel walk and throw it. I’m stuck in this stupid mansion for the rest of my life, catering to spoiled women and a psychopath, and my father is left alone to struggle with the bakery. “It’s not fair.” “Life’s not fair.” Goosebumps rise on my skin, and I face the object of my resentful thoughts. “What are you doing out here?” Blood shrugs, plucking a rose from the bush. “It’s my house. I can do whatever I want.” He briefly examines the flower before casting it away. “You know, I should be asking you that question.” “The door was open.” He shows no sign of surprise on his face. Why should “Confrontations,” Illustration by Chronos
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he? He’s the only one who could’ve opened it. He changes the subject. “They all liked your cake.” I blink. “Oh.” I fidget. “Okay. Um. Did you like it?” “I didn’t have any.” “Oh,” I repeat. “Was there, uh, not enough to go around?” “There was. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, remember? As it is, I’m not a big fan of carbs.” …Not a big fan of carbs? “I’m a baker,” I say slowly. “If you don’t like carbs, why am I here?” “I’ll probably have a request for you once in a while. Don’t worry, you’ll have something to do.” For a moment, I see red, and before I know it, I stand, and another rock is flying out of my hand, straight for
Blood’s head. He easily dodges and laughs. Laughs. The single rock turns into a hail, and Blood realizes I’m not stopping. Something collides with me, and suddenly I’m knocked flat on my back. “Enough,” Blood growls, pinning my wrists to the ground. His dark eyes flash red, and he looms over me like a monster in the night that’s cornered his prey. “Just let me go home! You know I won’t be going anywhere. I can’t go anywhere. You can come to the bakery whenever you want. Please. Just… Just let me…” A gasp tears out of my throat as I try to breathe. I squeeze my eyes shut. “I want to go home.” When I open my eyes, Blood’s face is emotionless, and his eyes are their normal
black again. He leans forward, and there’s a soft sigh in my ear. “Sorry.” He’s on his feet, and he holds out his hand. After a moment’s hesitation, I take it, and he helps me stand. “Whether or not I want to, I can’t just let you walk free,” he says coolly. “Why not?” He laughs mirthlessly. “I’m not the only powerful being here. I cannot let you go without justification.” I frown, completely lost. Something lights up in his eyes. He stares at the house, deep in thought. “Lorelei, I have a deal for you.” “…What?” “I have a question…riddle. Answer it and you’re free.” “What’s the catch?” “There isn’t. Just tell no one – and I mean no one.” “I don’t believe you. There has to be more to it than that.” Blood narrows his eyes. “Have you ever considered maybe I’m not the villain?” Um…no. I think it shows on my face, because disappointment flickers across his expression. “Okay, then. So, what’s the riddle?” Blood looks utterly emotionless and apathetic again. “What is my real name?” I raise my eyebrows. “Your real name?” “I wasn’t christened ‘Blood.’ Tell me my real name, and the doors are wide open.” He begins to turn. “I have no time limit for you, but I do recommend the sooner, the better.” “Why’s that?” “Like I said. I’m not the only thing you should fear.” In the blink of an eye, he disappears into the house, and I’m alone again, left to ponder my deal with the devil.
To Be Continued...