Friday, January 23, 2009

Dwane VS The Enigma: #8

Evening approached rather quickly that day. Dwane felt that he had only just lay on his bed for a few minutes, but the sun was already setting. Still feeling tired, he forced himself to wake up and head for dinner. A delicious scent was hanging around the corridor as he reached the dining hall, and his tummy began to grumble. "I just noticed I didn't have much for lunch just now," he sighed to himself.

There were only a few people there inside the hall. Dwane noticed Mr Kitaro standing near an open window, intently observing the outskirts of the hotel. He could still feel the tingle of the serious warning given to him that day. He could feel that something bad would happen. Jibakurei. "My, my. You're deep in thought Mr Dwane?" a young woman's voice greeted him from behind.

Dwane came back to his senses and spun around. It was Sara, dressed in a pretty white gown. Her pink lips were more profound without the sunlight around, and her faced seemed to glow even more under the chandelier. She smiled. "Good evening," she gestured. "Good evening," Dwane replied with a smile. "And please don't add 'Mr' while addressing my name. It makes me feel old." Both of them laughed.

"Well, Dwane, it seems like we have a very talented chef in this hotel. The smell is just wonderful," Sara exclaimed as she glided her away towards an empty seat at the dining table. "Would you care to accompany me in dinner?" she asked with a sweet smile. With short bow, Dwane uttered, "Of course." Both of them then took their seat side by side. As they chatted while waiting for food to be served, Mr Oliver came into the hall.

"Food will be ready in five minutes," he announced to everyone. Dwane glanced around. Ray was not yet there. "Did he overslept? Maybe I shoul check up on him," he thought to himself. He then gave his focus towards Mr Oliver who was about to give a short briefing. "For tomorrow's agenda...owwwwww!" he cried in pain all of sudden and fell down. Someone had knocked him from behind. "Joshua!" Mr Oliver roared.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I guess I am really influenced by the 'classical English' style while writing this. Trying to develop as much as possible with the storyline. Well, hope this is enjoyable!

Zero Degrees: Twelve

Illurra Forest was just like any other forests you can find in that world. It was filled with thick green bushes and tall trees, and some bleak coloured flowers sprouted randomly across the land. Dill wondered how these plants could grow prosperously despite the very low temperature of the climate. Perhaps there's some kind of magic behind it, he thought to himself. As Blaine and Dill moved deeper into the forest, the tune they had heard earlier became more profound. "We're almost there where the path splits up," Blaine voiced out. "We're going to meet the Forest Pixies."

Dill's heart drummed with excitement. This is his first time meeting the illusionary creatures. After a while, Blaine who was in front came to a halt. "Here we are," he exclaimed as he moved to the side. Dill could not believe his eyes. In front of him were what seemed to be hundreds of little pixies fluttering about, singing the music that they had heard at the entrance. The pixies that he saw were little; perhaps only a few inches tall, and they had two butterfly-like wings growing from their back. Other than those similarities, the pixies seemed to have different their own unique appearence. Some had hairs of diffent colour, some even had muscular arms and legs.

When some of the pixies noticed their arrival, they seemed to tune out some kind of signal towards the others and it became silent all of the sudden. Now, hundreds of eyes are locked on Blaine and Dill. Panicked, Dill shot a confused glance at his companion. Blaine just replied with a smile and a gesture that means "all is fine". The sudden silence almost made Dill choke. He saw an elderly pixie fluttered to the front and suddenly boomed, "Welcome!" All the other pixies then began to cheer welcoming gestures and whistled. Dill only managed to reply with give a friendly laugh. It began to get lively again.

"I am the High Pixie of Illurra Forest," the elderly pixie. "Lets just cut to the chase, I sense an aura of urgency among you. Come, this way." The High Pixie then urged both of them deeper into the forest. As Blaine and Dill followed, the other pixies started to sing again. They walked for a few more minutes, before they reach a path that split into various directions. "Let us begin. The Test of Hearts."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Question. Does pixies have different genders? I'm feeling confused about that point. Anyway, good luck to all who are having their tests! Take care. ^^

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Zero Degrees: Eleven

The road to Rhodean Town was a long one. It would take almost a day if you plan to travel by foot; since it's not a straight forward route and not a safe one either. To get to the town from Crusco Island, one must walk their way along Sanki Beach for about half an hour until they reach a rocky pathway leading into Illurra Forest. Inside the forest, one will be magically given a set of path to choose; all leading to the same destination he or she wishes to go to. Having a strong 'determination' in the heart is the key in making that choice; either the route would be an easy one, or filled with numerous obstacles those following the route must face.

Both Blaine and Dill had already left Crusco Island, and they were now walking silently along Sanki Beach. It was not that they had nothing to talk about, but the sudden drop of the temperature and the slight snowstorm that had came made them focused entirely on getting to the forest immediately. There was no room for any energy to start a conversation. Blaine kept his pace in stealth, while occassionally keeping a careful eye on Dill who was having trouble keeping up with him. Dill on the other hand made rough movements in his steps, and was trying his best to breath and look up ahead at the same time. The snowstorm began to rage stronger.

"We're almost there!" yelled Blaine as he pointed up ahead. Dill stopped in his tracks, took a deep beath, looked up, and saw a huge green forest in the distance. He would not have been able to see the forest so clearly if there weren't any light shining from inside it. Must be fireflies, Dill thought. I'm sleepy.... "Dill!!" Blaine's voice boomed, making Dill snap back to his senses. Blaine was standing in front of him, looking worried.

"I'm okay! Come on!" Dill said with much energy, and began to head towards the forest entrance with Blaine. As they reached the entrance, both of them could notice a faint tune blowing their way. The melody was harmonious, and invited a certain warmth inside them. Blaine gave a smile of relief. "This is the Pixie's Melody," he said to Dill, who seemed to be searching for the source of the sound. "Haha, stop looking around. We'll meet the singers once inside." With that, Blaine and Dill made their first step into Illurra Forest. They did not notice the huge shadowy figure who seemed to slowly drag it's body following them. "B...BLAINE!"

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Ah, it's been a while. It took me quite some time to construct this, since I was writing it with pretty much distraction. Sorry! Hehe, at least I produced something today. The story begins to develop, so await the next entry for this title. Until then, take care!! ^^