Shot! (special):: Then, They Went Far

The cool breeze of air swept past my cheek, sending shivers down my body. The clouds showed signs that it was about to rain, yet I still remained where I was. Trying to keep warm, I shoved both of my hands into my pockets. I glanced around at my surrounding. One hour had passed since I stood there.

From a distance, I could hear the growls of thunders. From afar, I could catch a few glimpse of flashing lightning. As I continued standing there, drizzles of light rain had fallen on my body. It was chilly. I wanted to find shelter, but my body won’t respond as if time had stopped. Did time really stop? No. Five minutes had passed.

Help, I have probably gone insane! But was there still anyone there among the rain, which could hear my voice? Was there still anyone there, who could pull me back to where I am supposed to be? The rain grew heavier, like piercing ice. Yet despite the pain, despite the agony; nothing changed. I continued to remain there. Seconds passed by.

Deep within my thoughts, I knew. Time really flew by quickly, and it shall never turn back. It was then I realised, they went far away from my grasp. They shall never see me cry as I stood there under the pouring rain. Time goes on.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: People continue to meet with the risk of being apart. Time shall tell when I will meet them again face to face. Perhaps at that moment; we’ve reached the peak. Goodbye Anisah. Goodbye Hajar. Goodbye Hana. Goodbye Odi. Goodbye Amirah. Goodbye Dzaf. Goodbye Zatil. Goodbye Bee. Goodbye Lala. Goodbye Fafa. Goodbye Hani. Goodbye Tasha. Goodbye Sya. Goodbye Dayah. Goodbye Moon. Goodbye Farah.

Zero Degrees: Thirteen

"T...Test of Hearts?" stammered Dill. Blaine who was behind gave a chuckle, went near large tree and sat down. He looked at Dill intently. "Didn't I tell you," he said with a smile. "The path splits here, and one must make a choice in which path to choose. You will choose the easiest path if you have a strong 'determination' in your heart." As Blaine finished explaining this, he stretched his arms and laid his back on the tree. Dill did not understand any of Blaine's actions. "If we have to choose, then why are you relaxing there? Shouldn't we focus or something?"

The elderly pixie twirled itself across Dill's face, looking intently at Blaine who began to sit down comfortably on a large root. Blaine yawned and drew a smile on his face. "Listen Dill. I've been to forests such as these countless of times," he said cheerfuly. "This time, I'll leave all the decision up to you. Perhaps I can also see how strong is your heart's determination." Dill listened to this with mixed feelings. He didn't know what Blaine meant by saying that, and he was certaily feeling some sort of heavy burden weighing on his back. What if my choice is not right? What if I pull both of us into more trouble?

"Dill!" Blaine's voice snapped Dill from his thoughts. "I'll go along with you no matter what the path is," he said with a grin. The elderly pixie who had been watching this whole time tapped it's tiny hands on Dill's shoulder, and said, "Your friend trusts in you young man. Make your choice calmly, and show your determination." Hearing this, Dill began to relax. He then turned his sights upon the many forked roads that lay ahead.

"Right," he whispered to himself. "Here goes." Dill began to close his eyes slowly. He began to recall that in the past, an old man had taught him that determination comes from the heart. The Test of Hearts. Breathe in, breathe out. I am determined to head to Rhodean Town. I am determined to find more of the Script. I am determined, to follow my mother's will even if it will cost me my life! Despite having his eyes closed, Dill could see a faint light in front of him. It was on the left, very far off to the left. "It's there!" he exclaimed as he opened his eyes, and pointed towards the direction where he saw the light. A dirt road was there, stretching deeper into the forest.

Blaine began to get up, and laughed heartily. "Thus our adventures will continue on that road," he said. Dill looked at him and gave a smile of satisfaction.

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It had almost been an hour since Blaine and Dill left the fairies at their place. All of the fairies were singing excitedly, when all of a sudden a huge green armour emerged from the forest's entrance. The place was silent again, an the elderly pixie moved towards the frosted body. "My, my," the elderly pixie said. "You still can move under such conditions. What...drives you?" The armour shook and shouted, "BLAINNNEEE!"

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. ^^

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!! ^^

Shot! :: She Asked "Why?"

A mysterious air hangs itself around it. As I walked across the empty hall, my every senses captured the sensation. My eyes could see it lingering, my ears could hear it calling; and I could've swore the mystery was touching my skin, tugging me towards it. Where? Near the 'unused staircase'.

Our family had used that nickname ever since my parents owned the house. The stairs were not built steep, and it was quite short for its size. It seemed to lead itself towards an empty extension of the house. From where I was standing right now, I could see the inside of the room; completely bare. Perhaps small animals accomadate the area, but no one could make it certain.

It is quite a mystery, as to why we never use the staircase. Ever since I was small, I always saw my parents walking about the stairs; but never setting their eyes on it. It was as if the stairs were ignored, as if it was not part of the house. I'll make it clear that this was no hallucination I'm having. My siblings could see it, and my 3 year old daughter could see it. And my parents were the one that came out with the name 'unused staircase'. But why has it been ignored, being unused?

Despite the strong mysterious aura the stairs were emitting right now, there was also a spark of loneliness. The spark of wanting to be acknowleged, the spark of wanting to be cared for. I took a step closer. Why am I feeling this now? Even after so long living with it in the past. Another step closer. I was at the foot of the stairs. I'll solve the mystery now, I'll destroy that depression now. Here I go, making my first step!

"Why have I never seen anyone using this stairs?" asked my daughter who came out of nowhere. The feeling I had a while ago suddenly vanished. I looked at her, her curious eyes glistening among the sunlight. I smiled. "Perhaps there was a reason, my dear daughter."

AUTHOR'S NOTE: It's been a while, but here I am adding another piece to my writing collections. I was attracted by this picture not only by the picture itself, but also the title Dwane put on the picture too (do check it out on his Flickr, the link's on my main page). I intended to make it into a ghost story, but then it turned out into some sort of story having a few issues to reflect on. Hope you guys get my message of the story. Happy New Year all...!!

Once Upon A Cherry Tree (Pt.2 of Ch.1)

Surprised, the girl glanced at the window sill and smiled. "Good morning Little Robin," greeted the girl as she put her right arm forward. The bird tilted its head a little, uncertain as how to react. It chirped once again before spread its wings and flew out of the little girl's sight. The girl sighed as she closed her book. She got out of the rocking chair, stretching both of her arms as far as she could. Feeling satisfied; the fair-skinned girl skipped across the room towards a large mirror, which made her long dark hair swayed in rhythm.

"Good morning to you too, Selina," she giggled as she pointed her delicate index finger at her own reflection. It's rare to find young kids nowadays appreciating themselves with a warm greeting so early in the morning. Selina already understood that the person you spend most of your time with is yourself; so why not take some alone time when the day was at its fresh and be nice to your own self? Selina always thought it made her feel good.

Of course, in Selina's case, she completely understands this since she was almost always by herself no matter what time it was. Being the only child in the family, she does feel quite alone. Her father had died because of an illness, her mother was always busy with the company and she even attends home school which make her making any friends rare. Perhaps Selina's loyal companions were books; and nature would sometimes also play its role as her bestfriend.

Selina made one final stretch before she slipped herself into a more comfortable clothing. She had decided to spend the day making an excursion through the hills. After fitting a pair of dark coloured gloves, she exited her room and jovially glided towards her mother's room.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Yay! I finally found this series' manuscript, so the story will go on. Though lately I lack the 'classical' influence, hope I can maintain the style I'm using to write this title. Until next time folks~ ^^