Chapter Book #1

Hoshi

Chapter 1

 (If anyone is reading this please tell me what you think of it so far)

           Everyone else was asleep, as I tiptoed through the old house and out the creaking door. The climate was cool. A soft breeze rustled the grass, tickling my bare feet.  I took off, racing toward the hills. Even though they were forbidden no one could resist, especially me. For the hills, they called me there with their views, and aura of magic. There was also something else that called me there tonight something urgent.

            For a boy of 17 I was the fastest around. It only to minutes before my feet slowed as I reached the base of the first hill.  A light flashed across the sky illuminating the colorful fields of flowers. Then it was dark. I ran up the hill to see what was going on. Panting I reached the top as my questions were answered. A body lay on the ground just below me. It was a girl that looked just about younger than me, with flawless features.

Tan eyelids closed, touching a deep strawberry blush, blood red, breathless lips, her black locks fell around her, and next to her was a chain. The chain made me gasp. For on the silver chain was the symbol that was only heard about in stories. A symbol that no one had seen for one hundred years!

             How? Why?

            A star had fallen. Forcing myself to rush down the hill and check it out I came to a halt near the bottom. The star had disappeared in a cloud colorful magic.

             Another light flashed across the sky. And another, and Another! There were tons of falling stars. Lying all over the hills were the stars, both women and men. All had the symbol somewhere on their person, and all disappeared. One at a time.

            Why was this happening? I questioned my eyes. This couldn’t be happening. No, it was all true, and it was happening.

 After a long while of the stars falling it ended. I sat down on the damp grass, and pondered, just pondered. I thought about the world, how devastating the world was, what will the future hold, why all these stars fell to the earth and died, and what will happen next.

            Interrupting my thoughts was another flash of light. I raced toward it! This one... This one was different.  I could tell. When she landed she stood up, her eyes were clear and she was surrounded by fire. Wings of fire appeared on her back, and then slowly vanished. Diminishing with the fire. Her eyes lost their clear gloss and turned an enchanting pale green. Then she fell, landing softly on the grass.

 I caught her. Lifting her up I started to carry her back to my village. She was lighter than I expected.  Looking down at her I realized that she was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. Thin and pale she looked like an angel. Turning my attention away I noticed a shadow watching me advance. Its glowering eyes met mine and it vanished. I quickened my pace.  It appeared again closer, and closer. It was advancing toward us! Making a mad dash for it I raced toward the last incline. The thing was gaining fast. I dashed up the hill, and turned around. It was motionless, still glowering, and black as could be, standing erect, and emanating darkness. Could it be the shadow? The one who so many years ago caused the destruction of a whole country? It was him.

  I stepped back and slowly edged myself to edge of the hills. Finally I passed through the barrier and into my little town. The sun was slowly rising in the east. People were starting to awake.

             Pushing open the door to our little shack, the wooden door creaked open. Standing there blocking the doorway was a kindly old woman, with a thoughtful expression.  It was Grandma. She looked at me started to speak when she noticed the girl. The star’s face was pale and her breathing was slowing down.

             Nodding Grandma looked at me and asked, “Where did you find her, Akira?” I took a deep breath. No scolding for going out at night without telling her was a big relief.

 “Um… It’s a long story,” changing the subject I asked, “Can you see if she’s alright?”

 “Yes, I shall. Tis best to ask her the questions my nephew will not. Lay her on the bed there.”

            Complying I laid her down gently. It was the softest bed in the house, and was the one we used for the sick. Shuffling over Grandma was checking her pulse right as little Rini ran into the room. Glancing at Grandma and the star she hesitated for a second. Then she glanced at my mildewed covered pants, and grass stained cloak.

 “You were in the hills again,” she scolded, “Grandma’s told you time and time again not to go there.”

“Huh?! Not you too!”

 “I will excuse it this time,” said Grandma, “but only because he saved this poor young girl. Why she cannot be more than 16!”

 “The Shadow lives,” I said, “And for some reason he wants her.”

            “The Shadow?! But how?! Why is he after her? What’s going on? And most importantly how do you know?!” Rini questioned.

            “Akira, tell us the whole story. Now,” Grandma demanded.

 I told them. (Well, I didn’t really have much of choice. When old people get mad they go insane). By the time I was done Grandma looked like she’d seen a ghost, and Rini was gawking.

 “So is that the star,” Rini asked pointing toward the bed, “And why did so many fall?”

             “Yes Rini. That’s her.” I turned toward Grandma. She was shaking, eyes wide, and she was as white as snow, “Grandma!” She stopped shaking, and looked at me and Rini. Face returning to normal, she shook her head.

            “I’m alright. Just promise me this.”

            “What?” We both asked.

“Promise me this, that you will never let her fall into the wrong hands.”

            “We promise grandma,” I said.

            “Yeah,” said Rini, “We promise.

            The room went quiet. We all just looked one another and thought, but then she stirred. Her deep black lashes fluttered open, revealing those mysterious green eyes. Sitting up she looked around questioningly.  Her milk white skin looked tinted blue in the sunrises light, strawberry-blonde locks flowed smoothly down, light pink lips, silver green eyes jumped around in a curious way, her hands grasped the woolen blanket, as her light gray pink dress wrinkled in an unreal way.

            “W-where am I,” she asked?

            “You’re safe,” said Grandma, “Go to sleep now, but first what’s your name dearie?”

            “I-I don’t remember,” she replied, “Why? Why, can’t I remember anything?”

            “Then get some rest. Maybe your memory will return then,” she turned toward us, “And as for you two. You two should really be getting to work now. C’mon! Get going.”

            “Thank you.”

 We departed, and headed to go do our morning chores. I wondered why Grandma made us make that promise. There was something she was hiding. And that girl had something to do with it, but no matter what it was about. It was probably best not to question Grandma about it. She was unbreakable when keeping secrets. Even the town mayor had trouble.

            Stepping outside with my mind still full of questions I noticed a dark figure watching me. I took a closer look. No. It wasn’t the shadow. Taking a deep breath I sighed. For some reason I was on edge.  Even the smallest noise would come to my attention, and send shivers up my back. So when Takai (my best friend) came over, he was wondering why I was so jumpy.

            “I don’t know Takai, I’m scared just to tell you in case you get involved too,” I said while sitting cross-legged in the grass.

 “C’mon, Akira you can tell me. I’m not a chicken like you,” He leaned down and punched me in the arm.

            “Ouch, Takai that hurt!”

             “You’re scared of something. I can tell.”

            “No, I’m not! I’m just. Just, worried I guess. Alright?! Something happened this morning, and it set me off edge.”

            “Tell me! Please?”

“No, Takai.”

“Come on. Please!”

            “Fine,” I sighed, “I was in the hills again.”

            “Akira! You know that place is forbidden! Even to the strongest warriors! Why would you go there, besides the obvious?”

            I opened my mouth, and closed it again. Should I really tell him? I will. I shall.

            “Something or someone was calling me there. I don’t know what still, but when I got there I saw billions of falling stars. All of them disappeared except one girl. She’s at my house now asleep and weak. Ai’s the most beautiful creature I’ve ever seen,” I caught myself and got back on topic, “But that’s not the thing that’s put me off edge. While carrying her home I noticed that something was following us. It wasn’t till I got close to the barrier that I found out who it was.”

            “Who was it?”

            “It was. It was the Shadow. He tried to get her, but I got through just in time. I’m just worried that he’ll come back.”

            Looking at Takai I noticed his eyes were wide for a second, and then a grin crept across his face. He looked me over again. Then he burst into gales of laughter. When the laughter subsided he smiled wide.

            “Akira, you’re kidding me! What really happened?”

            “No, I’m not kidding you! That’s what really happened. I’m serious!”

            He leaned back against the wooden fence and sighed. That blue-eyed gaze looked far away, black hair waved around in the soft breeze, and he looked kind of sad, for all of the laughter was drained from my friends face. Looking down at me once more he smiled again. What I had seen him like seemed like just a piece of my imagination.

            “I’ve been hoping this wouldn’t happen,” he sighed shaking his head, “I’ve known about this for so long, but still. I just couldn’t accept it.”

            “Wait. What?! You knew?!

            “Yes, I knew. I heard the elders talking it over. They noticed me and made me swear not to tell a soul about what I had heard. Of course I swore. I mean those oldies scare me!”

            We laughed.

 “No seriously.”

            “I agree.”

            We just sat there for quite a while, and watched the clouds float across the sky. They were spread out and calming. The breeze carried the smell of wild blossoms, as my younger sister ran out of the house excited. Her wild green-brown hair flew valiantly in the wind, laughing brown eyes gazed at my friend, and then her face reddened into a hue that I had never seen before. Especially not on her.

            “Akira,” she called, “She’s awake! She’s awake!”

            “What! Sorry Takai I’ve got to go.”

            “I’m coming with you!”

            “Fine, hurry up though.”

Poem #7

Silly Poem #2
Football and Me

Girls can play football!

Just please let me play

I want to do something

 Non-boring today

Oh why can’t I do it

I know I’ll be good

For thirty minutes I’ve stood

Here, and I’ll stay here

Until you let me

Play two-hand-touch football

~

And when I did play

They saw I WAS good

And let me play as I should

(Never again did they underestimate ANYBODY when it came to football, but basketball… On the other hand)

Poem #6

The Lonesome One

Alone in the midst of strangers

I’ve been pushed farther back

They scorn and they mock

And force me from the pack

I know I don’t have so much as a dime

While they get hundreds at a time

But still I wish they would accept

Me for the time that I’ll be here

Pondering why they care to do it

I start to wonder and start to fear

Is this just because I’m poor

Lonesome here my heart is sore

Is this really how life is?

Can’t I change it in any way?

Last time I barely managed

Hearing the things people would say

About how I can never be more

Because I’m lower than they are

Poem #5

Silly Poem #1
Crushed Crush

Walking down the High School halls

I saw a figure past the walls

turning away I started to blush

I'd never of guessed it was my crush

 he planned to go to the other school

Oh my and dear what do I do?!

His lockers two away from mine

my face is cherry this isn't fine

My stuff I need is in my locker

But I can't walk past him, I'd feel like a stalker

I'll just stand here and wait a while

eventually he'll leave with style

This isn't working he's still there

but then again why do I care

Walk right past him that's what I'll do!

He won't even notice, or will he, phoo

What is my problem, I've missed the bus

Why can't he just move thus

Go girl, just run like lightning

But I don't want to seem frighting

a distraction is just what I need

If only there was someone to heed

my instructions, or just help me out

How can I live with this, I start to pout

Oh why oh why, does he have to be

the only crush I can't have see me

well he's cool and smooth, and smarter than I

I wish I could be at his level, sigh

Two hours later he's finally moved

I rush to my locker, I've proved

myself to be patient, well sort of 

what's this a letter, oh heavenly dove

Who's it from I've just got to know

It's from him! I think I'll read it slow

What! It's a note about the English assignment

Aw, I was hoping it was one of refinement

Well, I guess it's still kind of sweet

that he waited two hours to meet

me to warn that my poem was two days past due

as student body presidents do

Oh well it's a long walk home

I'd only wish I hadn't forgotten my phone

So teacher dear upon my life

my poem of a girls endless strife

I hope you like it so with care

memories like this are hard to bear

Sorry it's three days late

a poem from a girl without a date

Poem #4

A tear falls upon the ground
sorrow surrounds the day
what once was loud make no sound
for it's a sorrowful May
a child cries and will not play
the sun won't shine only night
brings out it's bestest light

Poem #3

Oh laughing death o'er stars of silver sweet
her feilds red, opens wounds of man
bemused despair deprives the thieving child of life

Mini Story #1

While in Lehi

 It was the morning of our first day of school. 12:47am to be exact. A few minutes later all us kids came , went to our rooms, and fell asleep on the already brought in mattresses. I awoke from my mom waking me 6hrs and 13min later. Dragging ourselves out of bed Johnny, Kate, and I got ready, gathered our school supplies and trudged our way to the bus stop. Not knowing anyone all three of us squished into one seat. It worked out fine though since we were all pretty small.

  When we got off the bus we all split up on our way to our own classes.  I unwillingly stepped into the big school with the ‘Welcome to Foxhollow Elementary’ sign. Now if I were still in Kansas I’d be starting middle school so that sign wasn’t to appealing. I mean I was in sixth grade! Walking up the stairs into Ms. Muir’s classroom I felt my cheeks reddening.  When I walked into the room with my face bright red, I found my seat. I got quite a few stares being new and all until finally the bell rang for class to begin.

  “Welcome,” said Ms. Muir. Ms. Muir was a nice teacher around her twenties, and not yet married. All of us kids liked her. We went over the usual first day of school stuff. The rest of the day was average for a new school. I should know, I’ve been to three other’s before this move. I hated moving, but life continues on as it always does.  

After a couple of weeks, I became good friends with this girl named Megan. She was tall, sweet, imaginative, and great with everyone. For a couple of recesses we had just played tag, but we got tired of that fast. So we decided to invent an imaginary world.

   In our imaginations I was a magical, flying, elven guardian, named Yuri, and Megan was a magical, flying, fairy guardian, named Umeko. We made a character for all we knew.  Most didn’t even know that in our minds they were characters, but some like Hannah and Hailey knew who they were and had picked their own characters. Hannah decided to be an evil witch and the controller of all evil in the land of Mizu(I had a Japanese book)and Hailey wanted to be Hannah’s pet, a little shape changing demon. Of course we had a king and queen. Madi said she didn’t care what she was because we would make be in our world no matter what, she was right, so we made the Queen, and the guy she liked, Tannan, was King. Obviously we of course picked ogres, villagers, princesses, knights, evil, creatures, etc. I was so excited I even drew a map with a guide for my little sister!! When we had finished getting ready and creating it, one week later, we promised each other and ourselves that we would never forget our “Never Ending Kingdom”.  That’s what we called it. In our kingdom each day brought new surprises. I specifically remember the third day we played it.

 After sitting down forever, recess had finally come. Megan and I rushed out to the playground. Grabbing ahold of her hand I led her past the tarred area, we ran up the grassy hill to the football field. Winded we fell to the ground smiling.

  “I’ve thought of another thing,“ Megan panted, staring at me with those deer-like eyes. “I have a second sword, and I fly and run so fast that it’s hard for you to keep up! Okay?”

 Sure she could have what she wanted. Why not?? Now… What do I want???

“Okay, but I get a dragon’s tooth dagger, and instead of fairy wings I want bird-like ones,” I replied pulling myself to my feet.

“Today Yuri we must reach the Evil Witch Hannah’s lair. The only way there is through the ogres forest. Once we pass the ogres forest we’ll be in “Shi” the place of evils works. “Sound good?” Megan ventured.

“Yeah, sounds fun!” Jumping up into the air, we raced to the end of the football field.

 “Now!” we yelled in unison. We were surrounded by ogres, all sickening and putrid! Hundreds streaked towards us! Umeko drew her sword, and I, my bow.

 They were coming upon us, thousands in number, against only two of us. Completely unfair! I let loose an arrow. It pounded into the black leathery skin of a troll, the same troll that had angered me two weeks ago.  Looking back I noticed that Umeko was doing just great! Swords dripping in slimy green blood, she cut down two more ogres that were threatening to bind her.

 “Yuri,” she yelled as an ogre grabbed my feathered wing and yanked me toward the ground! Twisting to face the smirking brute, I yanked out my dagger and attempted to stab him. He pulled to the side and I ended up slicing my wing. As I shrunk back in pain, he grabbed ahold of my wrist, in turn knocking the dagger out of my hand. His cold bloody hands twisted my wrist around and yanked my arm behind my back. If I struggled and tried to pull free it would break.

 Twisting my head I glared at him.  He was frustrating. His mouth twisted into a half-witted grin. I grimaced.

 “Aaahh!!” I screamed as his poison blue fingernails crawled their way into my pale skin. Apparently he didn’t like what I did to his friend. Attempting to kick him I slipped in the mud pulling both of us to the hard barren ground. In an attempt to catch himself he let my arm go. I pulled it close and braced myself for an impact into the mud.

   My breath went out as I pounded against the ground. Realizing the ogre right next to me was pulling himself to his feet, I gasped and quickly rolled over. But surprisingly he just started to race in the opposite direction, big rough feet pounding.

  “Yuri,” Umeko called as she cleared a way toward me, avoiding a bloody carcass some ogres had been munching on. It looked vaguely human like. Shivering I averted my eyes back toward Umeko. Her blonde brown hair was streaked with dirt, her hazel eyes darted back and forth. One cheek that was cut deep and long was bleeding down her neck, and wiping off in her hair, scratches covered her, she was holding one arm close, blood was seeping through her silken torn sleeve, still coming over, I noticed that she was slightly limping.

  Pulling myself to my feet I shuffled over to her. I wondered out loud, “Are you all right?”

 “Yes, I’m fine. But what about you?? I’ve noticed that your arm has been poisoned badly.” She was right, the spots where his blue nails had been were puffing up and starting to puss. My arm felt numb, and looked icy. I touched it. A cold shock ran up my spine.

 “It’s icy. Your cheek! It’s badly injured,” I continued grabbing a hold of Umeko, I started to chant. We glowed brighter and brighter. Slowing we dimmed till I was finished. Both of us looked less beat up, and the poison was starting to escape my arm in the form of a navy blue gas. Umeko even had some of the rose returned to her cheeks.

  “Thanks,” she said, “But next time I want to use my healing chant. It works faster!”

  “Fine,” I said hitting her arm lightly in a teasing like fashion “Maybe next time you can get run over!” We giggled for a second.

   “Why do you think the ogres and trolls ran away?” she wondered.

    Why did they?

   “I don’t know,” I was about to finish but a sudden thud and a rush of wind, made me change my sentence, “But I think we’re about to find out.”

We turned around. A ferocious, malevolent, dragon glared down upon us with eyes of pure evil. Breathing down on us I caught a whiff of blood, metal and magic. The dragon’s metallic shadow colored scales rippled in the clouded light coming from above.

  Leaning over Umeko whispered in my ear, “Run!”

  Swiveling to meet her, I opened my mouth to speak, but she was already dashing away torn blue dress waving in the wind. I started to race after her, but then I spotted a gleam on the dark ground. It was a dagger-- My ‘dragons tooth’ dagger! Heart pounding, and hope rising, I changed my course.  When I was almost to it my foot caught on a broken log. I sailed toward the ground. Sprawled out in the filth of blood, dirt, and dust, my hand reached out attempting to swipe the dagger and throw it at the beast. But as I was about to reach it a hand snatched me up above the ground.

  Ow! He started squeezing me tighter and tighter until I was gasping for air. I hoped this wasn’t my last breath. Loved ones, dear ones, and even people that I was just “Friends” with, all came to mind. Would I never see them again???? Oh dear there’s a sad thought that I’ve had to deal with before. My, my, my…

  My vision was blurring, and my comprehension of things was fading. A bright flash streaked across the forest. Then Umeko was there standing next to my dagger yelling, “Catch!”

 The dagger sailed through the air straight toward me! Just for a second my breath came back and I caught the dagger. Twisting around as much as possible I plunged my dagger into the rough, oily, black scales of the dragon. He dropped me screeching out in pain, for one of the only things that penetrate dragons scales are dragon’s teeth. Plummeting to the ground by something other than my true clumsiness, I pulled myself to the right position receiving quite a shock of pain through my legs and arms. Feeling no guilt about poisoning a dragon with another’s tooth we started sprinting faster than any regular being.

  Although Umeko could run five times my pace, she stayed with me. My heart pounded with every leap. We were almost to the edge of this ghastly forest. Twisting my head our eyes met, and for each of us a smile as wide as could be crept on.

 Just two more feet!

  One more.

 We were out, onto a field full of light with no trees to cover us. I sighed.

  We fell to the ground, laughing, laughing heartily. People were staring. I didn’t care. Usually I would blush, but if I did, no one could tell for my face was already flushed. Sitting up panting I glanced at Megan and let out one final giggle. All we really did was run through a football field, narrating, and acting it out.

  In our minds, not a detail was missed, and it… It was real.

  The end-of-recess-bell rang. We returned to our class line.

  I loved those recesses and playing in our Never Ending Kingdom with Meagan. We were so happy, so carefree. Those times are my favorite to remember, but they also make me cry to think of what happened next.

Mini Test Story

The Shadow

It  had  been  several  years  since  The  Shadow  came  along.  At  first  he  would  just stand  around  in  the  shadows  scaring  people.  Then  people  started  disappearing  at  night, and  being  found  dead  in  the  alley  ways  the  next  morning.  Everyone  was  scared.  But  the worst  was  yet  to  come.  People  suspected  The  Shadow,  but  no  one  charged  him.  Until one  night.

The  city  was  dark  and  black.  No  moon  or  stars  decided  to  shine  tonight.  For  it was  a  night  that  would  change  everything.

A  dense  fog  covered  up  our  little  city.  The  air  was  damp  and  heavy.  All  were asleep,  except  one  girl,  me.  I  saw  The  Shadow  float  out  into  the  night.  He  held  a  torch in  one  darkened  black,  hand.  I  watched  silently  as  he  walked  down  the  street.  Never  did  he  stop  moving  for  one  second.  Like  a  plague  that  couldn’t  be  stopped  he  glided down  toward  every  house,  setting  it  on  fire.  Rows  of  brilliant  flames  followed,  dancing, laughing,  praising  The  Shadow.  Screams  came  from  houses  as  people  awoke  to  realize  there  was  no  escape.  Others  died  peacefully  in  their  sleep.

When  The  Shadow  was  at  the  house  next  to  mine.  I  froze  with  fear.  What  would  I  do?

He  caught  my  gaze.  His  eyes  were  blood-red,  and  hungry  for  the  kill.  Gasping  I  fell  back  onto  my  bed.  I  knew  that  he  was  coming  to  kill  me  by  hand,  just  like  he  had  done  to  my  friend  Lila  who  had  quickly  written  in  her  journal  about  it  right  before he  got  her.  Lying  in  my  bed  waiting  I  reached  for  the  hatchet  I  kept  under  my  pillow.

            The  only  reason  I  have  the  hatchet  under  there  is  because,  I’m  afraid  that  someone   will  break  into  my  room  and  try  to  kill  me  or  something.  Okay?!

            Shivering  with  fear  I  heard  a  small  creak  and  I  could  tell  The  Shadow  had  come.  I  squeezed  the  hatchet  harder.  My  hand  was  sweating,  and  I  could  barely  keep  a  grip.  A  warm  air  went  blew  onto  my  neck.  I  swiveled  around  and  yelled,  “Stay  back!”

            Arm  shaking,  hatchet  quaking  I  stared  at  the  shadow.  His  eyes  were  calm,  yet  never  could  be.  He  advanced  toward  me.  I  lifted  the  hatchet  higher,  keeping  his  gaze.  After  a   moment’s  hesitation  he  came  toward  me  again. I swung  the  hatchet  and  hit  home.  Putting  his  hand  to  his  face  he  stood  stalk  still.  Taking  my  chance  I  raced  out  of  the  ro­­­om,   and  out  the  house.  The  Shadow  would  come  after  me  I  had  known  it  then  and  I know  it  now.

            He’s  been  chasing  me  ever  since  that   moment  in  my  room.  Everyone  from  the  city  I  had  lived  in  had been  killed  then.  I  had  to  run  away  to  a  new  town  where  he  had  soon  followed  and  destroyed.  After  weeks  I  finally    came  to  the  town  of  Maize  where  I  met  my  two  best  friends,  Jake and  Ally.  They  had  brought  me  into  their  home  and  have  helped  stay  safe  from  The  Shadow  ever  since.

            By  this  point  in  time  I  was  14  and  The  Shadow  was  a  widely  known  murderer, and  destroyer.  People  now  knew  me  as  The  Shadow’s  target.  My  friends  and  I  were  outcasts.   No  town  would  let  us  inside  they’re  gates.  Half  starved,  and  frozen,  we eventually  joined  another  group  of  people  who  had  survived  their  villages  being  destroyed,  and  were  out  to  kill  The  Shadow.

            Two  years   after  training  in  the  skill  of  ax  wielding  in  our  group  I  was  ready.  After  all  this  time  I  had  kept  the  ax  that  wounded  The  Shadow,  and  was  destined  to  bring   him  down.  No  I  wasn’t  the  best  fighter,  but  I  was  the  most  determined  of  our  small  group.  Our  battle  with  The  Shadow  was  great.  Few   died,  because  The  Shadow  was weakened  by  age.

            It  was  my  chance  to  get  revenge,  a  chance  to  end  The  Shadow’s  reign  of  terror. So  why  can’t  I  bring  myself  to  kill  him.

            “Come  on  finish  him  off  already,  Lexi!”  Jake  yelled  to  me,  “You’ve  been  waiting for  this  precise  moment  your  entire  life!  What’s  holding  you  back  now?”

            I  looked  at  the  pathetic  left  over  of  what  The  Shadow  once  was.  He  was  weak and  old  with  only  one  eye  to  see  from,  I  was  strong  and  in  my  prime.  What  had  he  done   to   me?  Destroyed  my  life,  ruined  my  hometown,  killed  thousands,  tried  to  kill  me,  made  me  and  outcast,  and  had  harmed  my  friends!  The  nights  when  he  had  hunted  me  were  over,  but  still  they  haunted  me.  I  couldn’t  sleep  well  anymore,  for  fear he  would  come.  I  ached  for  a  home  to  live  and  a  calm  life  once  again.  One  without  fear   and   one  without  harm.   Still.  Was  he  worth  killing?  Yes  he  is!  No,  he  isn’t.  Nothing  is  worth  it.

“I  can’t,”  I  said  as  I  turned  around  toward  my  friends,  “He  isn’t  worth  it.  Let  the nature  of  old  age  or  diseases  kill  him  on  its  own.  It  will  soon  enough”

I  turned  back  to  see  that  the  shadow  was  gone.  He  had  left  a  trail  of  footprints from  his  limp   I  gave  him,  but  it  didn’t  matter  to  me  anymore.  He  couldn’t  do  much  harm  anymore.

            “You  were  completely  right,”  Ally  said  walking  up  to  me,  “You  don’t  need  to  kill,  and  be  like  him.  I  know  you  made  the  right   choice.”  She smiled  that  reassuring  smile  a  friend does.

            Looking  back  at  everyone  who  had  made  it  out  alive,  I  smiled  wide. For the first time in quite a while.

            “Let  us  feast  for  our  victory,  and  be  happy  that  we  don’t  have  to  bury  him.”

Story #2

School Trouble

                                (Parts based on a true story.)

The ticking clock indicated that it was almost time for school to end. On the other hand, so did half the class. They were half sitting, half standing, and were ready to make a dash for it. Rose though wasn’t doing that. Not today at least.

Today is the day! I can do it! Rephrase that. I will do it! No one will stop me from talking with him! Just imagine it, me and him talking in the halls together! Be still my heart!  Remember don’t mess this up Rose. Another ball hitting his head, in gym, is not what’s desired. Yeah. Not my greatest moment. Does he still remember that?! He doesn’t hate me for it, does he?! Oh no! What if he does?!

“Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Stupid,” Rose said.

 Her fist pounding the table caught the attention of those around her, including Jake.  Looking up now she noticed him staring at her. Feeling her cheeks go cherry, she tried to look away. Rang! Jake turned his head toward the clock. Thank you bell! And then it came, a whirl wind of kids racing toward the door.  Pushing and shoving blocked the doorway for a time, and then, it was over. A slow tumult of the left overs spilled from the room. Finally only two people were left in the classroom. Her and Jake! Besides the teacher of course. Yeah. That kind of broke the moment.

Gathering herself she tried to fathom what had just happened. And then she saw him walk on past her and out the door.

No! I’m going to be late! If I let him get too far ahead of me, then I won’t get to talk with him! And that would defeat the purpose of this day! The day I’ve been planning for weeks! No small set back is going to stop me, or any woman in love! Jake, I’m coming!

Shoving her things into her pencil box, and binder, she raced into the hall. There he was 7 yards ahead! Never mind make that 11 yards. Wait, no 15 yards. Wow. This guy was fast! Well, no matter. Nothing was going to stop her from reaching him. She sprinted toward the dimming figure as fast as she could.

Finally she had caught up with him. She was panting, and thought her heart was going to burst from the pressure. But she was doing it for the sake of love! That made everything all right!

 Being right next to him she started to sputter, “Ja, ja, ja, ja.”

Then someone snagged her pencil box. Rose spun around to see what had happened to it. There, in the middle of the hall, was Austin. He was the biggest bully towards her, and yet somehow one of her friend’s boyfriend. It was just strange.

“Please, give it back,” Rose asked.

“Nah,” he replied stealing a cruel glance at her.

“Please,” she was pleading now. That box held all her expensive art markers, and he was just stealing it!

“I don’t think I will.”

“Give it back! Return it to me now!”

“Too bad, it’s mine now.”

She lunged for the box, but he caught her wrist. Twisting it he laughed. She just glared at him. Being five minutes after the after school, barely anyone was there.  Few strays walked the halls, but no one was walking down this hall. No one was there that could help her. And he knew it.

Her head was the first to hit the harsh carpet. A rug burn formed on her arm, and her wrist was crying out in pain.  Struggling to get up she raised herself to her knees. Austin was about to open her box, when something happened. Blinking Rose looked up. There in front of her was a boy that neither Rose nor Austin knew personally. Standing there between them he did something neither expected. Right in front of Austin’s face was a fist.

He’s got a fist in Austin’s face. Wow! Who is this guy!? You know he’s kind of cute. The way his blonde hair falls, and his sea blue eyes. What eyes! They’re so mysterious. It kind of becomes him. Wait! Isn’t he that new 12^th grader, Lizee’s been talking about?! Yeah, that’s him. Ah! What am I thinking! Oh no! I missed talking to Jake! Aw man! Get back on subject brain!

“Give it back to her,” he said, staring Austin straight in the eye. He stared back for a minute, and then sighed.

 “Thanks,” Rose said stunned, as Austin complied with the demand.  Glaring at the boy that had helped her Austin picked up his back-pack, and walked down the hall. Once he had turned the corner, Rose let out a sigh of relief.

Fist falling, the boy offered out his hand. Rose took it and he helped her to her feet. She turned around to thank him, but he was all the way to the end of the hallway. Why are all the boys so fast?! Are they all trying out for the track team or something?! She was alone in the hall. Heading down the way she reached her locker. Pulling her black phone out of her back-pack she called home.

“Hello,” her mom said.

“Hi Mom, it’s Rose.”

“What is it?”

“I missed the bus, so I’ll need to be picked up from school.”

“Okay,” she replied, “I’ll be there in twenty minutes. Sound good?”

“Yeah, okay. See you then.”

“Love you Rose. Bye.”

“Love you Mom. Goodbye.”

 Closing the phone she gathered her things, carefully putting them in her backpack. Was it just a dream? No her wrist was proof of that. Passing the classes to the doors, Rose ran into her friend Tayvia. Tayvia had to stay to do some social studies work, so her mom was picking her up too. Chatting down the halls they walked out the doors. The summer air pricked Rose’s skin, and the warm breeze blew her hair around wildly.

“Are you all right,” Tayvia asked.

“I’m fine,” Rose replied hiding her feelings with a sweet smile.

“You keep wandering off in thought,” Tayvia went on; “When you aren’t smiling you get this mysterious look. So I’m asking you. What exactly happened?”

“All right, I’ll tell you,” Relieving herself of hiding it, Rose poured out the tale.  You see Rose could tell Tayvia everything, and in exchange Tayvia could tell Rose everything. Neither would tell anyone else.  Instead they just offered help and comfort.

“Wow. Are you sure it was him?”

“Positive,” Rose replied blushing, “He fit the description Lizee gave perfectly.”

“You like him don’t you,” Tayvia said teasingly.

“No, I don’t,” Rose tossed back.

“Yes you do!”

“How can you tell?”       

“Rose, your face is scarlet.”

“Stupid blushing problem! Okay, you caught me I do sort of like him. But I don’t know much about him or anything! Should I tell Lizee? That would be a spectacle. Imagine it! Murder in the lunch room.”

“That would be funny. But truthfully I don’t know if you should. I kind of like you alive. Anyway, good luck with that 12^th grader.”

Beep! A loud horn blew through their conversation, making both girls jump.

“There’s my ride,” Tayvia said, “See you later Rose!”

“See you later too,” Rose replied, “Oh and good luck with Ethan!”

Tayvia blushed, and walked to the silver Sudan. Rose waved, but her thoughts were elsewhere. Her heart pounded as she recalled the moment. She would thank him sometime. Maybe even in front of Lizee. Now that would be funny. She may even turn out to like him more than Jake! That is one reason why boys will never guess what a girl is thinking. Then she smiled bright and warmly the glow of the sun adding to her radiance.