Halloween Special

    Hi! I'm prefacing this short story with: I am not much of a horror fan/writer. My closest experiences with horror are living in the US and watching others play horror games or watch scary videos. Though, since it's Halloween, I wanted to take a stab at it (ba-dum-tss). Puns aside, enjoy the first(?) Halloween special... Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!

    On the night of a blood moon, a lone man walked through a graveyard. He wore a pointed hat, leather garb that covered him from head to toe, and metal boots. On his hips were hatchets and on his back, a metal bat. His gaze and stride were predatory, as he never averted his gaze from the tombstones at his feet. The only sounds permeating the graveyard were the crunching of leaves under the hunter's feet and the whistling wind.

    The wind itself seemed to beckon the ethereal... What leaves were left on the disrobing trees were being rustled. The rustling seemed to extend to the energy itself, crawling along the skin like ants. Feeling this, the hunter stopped his prowl and stretched and limber himself up for the trial that was to follow. Eventually the wind stopped, but the feeling didn't. It went from the feeling of ants crawling on your skin to being engulfed by centipedes. The hunter wasn't unfamiliar to this sensation but he involuntarily shivered nonetheless. Though as the feeling seemed to become unbearable, it suddenly stopped. With the sudden lack of that sensation, his senses sharpened. The hunter took a wide stance and brought his focus to the ground. Everything had become still. Far too still for those who sharpened their intuition. Still to where you could hear a pin drop in the distance... Or notice the movement of stray ant going about its business...

    Suddenly a hand grabbed the ankle of the hunter. He reflexively kicked that hand and yanked the undead from his once resting place. As he kicked, he unsheathed the hatchet from that same side and chopped off its head. It flopped on the ground, but attempted to get up despite the lack of its head. The hunter then swiftly stomped on its head and its body went limp. Though that was purely the start of the horde he faced. Soon, the once still environment almost buzzed with the groans and shamblings of the undead. Seeing his foes, he unsheathed his second hatchet.

    He started his assault on a group of three farthest from him, throwing a hatchet at one of their necks. The hatchet buried itself in of one of them, though did no lasting damage. Though the small hesitation and distraction from their stumbling allowed the hunter to chase them down. With the hatchet still in his hands, he cut the heads off of two of them while at the same time retrieving his other hatchet and beheading that undead. As soon as the heads hit the ground, he took stomping steps to be rid of them. Following this pattern of dashing around the graveyard, attacking the farthest foes, he drew the attention of all those who had risen.

    He had become surrounded on all sides. At this point his breathing was a bit more labored, dashing across the graveyard, though it led to the outcome he sought. He wiped the blood off the hatchets before sheathing them and slowly brought out his bat. Metal bats were usually hollow, allowing for baseball players to better swing them. Though our hunter's bat was not, making it severely heavier, denser. His arms began to shake. Not because of the weight. Not because of the horror of being surrounded by the undead who would devour him alive. He shook with excitement and adrenaline.

    The simplest part of this trial was about to transpire.

    Before the zombies could make their first move, he struck first. He swung his bat across numerous undead, causing their heads to pop like over ripe fruit. Following the momentum of the bat, his assault on the zombies resembled a violently rushing river. His wide, whirling offensive also acted as a solid defense, keeping zombies off of him. Following the momentum also allowed for him to fight longer without tiring...

    The hunter's battle carried out until daybreak. Around him was a mishmash of bodies, blood, and guts. His whole body heaved with his breaths as he still clutched his bat. Eventually, when it was clear there were no more enemies to knock down, he leaned on his bat. As a way of removing weight, he took off his leather jacket. He then made his way out the graveyard, swaying/shambling, with another night survived, and another won.

Haunting Hook

    The year is... of no consequence. Not with the current state of things. Creatures only dreamt up by the disturbed roam the earth. The buildings that once distinguished the land have been reduced to rubble. The indomitable nature has become malformed and treacherous. Though the remaining humans are even worse...

Resurrection

    Four people were surrounded by a horde of demonic creatures. While three of the four remained standing, they were all in poor shape. Bruised, bloodied, and in tattered clothes. All breathing heavily, exhausted from the seemingly never ending battle. Meanwhile the one on the ground was unconscious, on the precipice of death. Of those standing was a mage, a rogue with twin daggers, and a man with a broadsword.

    "These monsters just keep coming," the swordsman panted.

    "This ain't looking too good..." the rogue chimed in.

    The mage looked at their surroundings, only seeing enemies. She then glanced down at their fallen comrade. The look in her eyes was desperate, her willing to do anything to bring him back. Though she looked away from him, not being able to. A section of the horde then parted, making way for a demonic looking man. He towered over everyone there with slit pupils and deep rouge skin.

    "You all have been a pain in my side. A splinter in my foot. A fly in my presence," the behemoth went on.

    "It was our pleasure," the rogue commented. The behemoth snarled.

    "Your hero lays dead on the ground, like a mutt on the street. While you three may be stronger than my minions, you are maggots to me," the behemoth countered. The swordsman glared at the behemoth while gripping his sword tighter. "Hell, you are only still living because I will it."

    "All that big talk sounds like your compensating for something. Is there still a tiny man in that oversized body?" the rogue retorted. The behemoth scowled at the rogue.

    "I tire of your pitiful insults. May at least your deaths amuse me," the behemoth concluded.

    "Oop, did I hit a nerve?" the rogue gibed. The behemoth gave him one last stare, though the rogue stared back with a smirk on his face.

    "You know what... I'll have the pleasure of killing you myself," the behemoth stated, raising his hand. The demons hissed and snapped the party, ready to devour them. The swordsman sighed before lifting his blade off of the ground. The rogue brought up his blades and while he had a cocky grin plastered on his face, his eyes showed his exhaustion and uneasiness. The mage brought up her staff and a magic circle appeared around her, though her eyes filled with fear and worry. The behemoth then clenched his raised hand, signaling the party's end.

    Though right before the last stand commenced, a brilliant light shone from the hero and he started to float off the ground. The light blinded everyone, halting the demons assault. Though upon regaining sight, all those around him became slack-jawed viewing this sight. The behemoth looked incredulously at the floating body. The hero's body then turned upright with him facing his would-be killers. His party was frozen with awe, hope reviving within them. While those against the hero were frozen with shock, horror bubbling up from within. The hero's head lifted and eyes popped open, light illuminating from them.

    "Kill him now!!" the behemoth yelled, unable to hide his fear. Before the two groups could make contact, the hero released a wave of light, eliminating eighty percent of the enemies. Those left standing gawked at their emptier surroundings.

    "Haha! I knew he wouldn't stay down!" the rogue cheered, smiling from ear to ear. A satisfied smile crossed the swordsman's lips while a relieved one crossed the mage's. With hope and confidence rising within the party, they went on the offense, slaying the remaining monsters. The rogue darted by monsters, opening their sides, while flipping over the others monsters, cutting their throats. Being surrounded only by enemies, the swordsman took broad swings hacking away at all around him. The mage cast several spells, holding nothing back. Lightning tore through several monsters at one, icicles impaled, and fireballs scorched those they made contact with. "Leave the small fry to us! You get that ugly bastard!"

    The behemoth went wide-eyed seeing his biggest threat seemingly come back from the dead. The hero then landed back on the ground. "Let's finish old man!" the hero shouted, energy coursing through and around him. The behemoth gritted his teeth.

    "You wasted your time coming back! I'll return you to the grave...!" the behemoth shouted back. "Maybe give you the family reunion you desire!" The hero's eyes flared and a burst of energy erupted from the hero. He then charged toward the behemoth. While he was ignoring the lesser demons, his aura effortlessly dispensed those in his path. Once in range, the hero threw a powerful haymaker. The behemoth caught it, but not without being pushed back. The hero then swung his other fist and the behemoth caught that. The hero pushed further, taking a step forward. The behemoth was pushed back a bit, leaving a trail of moved dirt in his path. The behemoth pushed the hero back, forcing the hero to take a step back.

    The hero gritted his teeth and switched his hold to grab the behemoth's arm. He then proceeded to repeatedly swing the behemoth overhead and slam him against the ground. After a few swings, he tossed the behemoth into the air. He cocked back his arm, and when the behemoth got into range, he slammed the behemoth with another haymaker. The behemoth was sent flying from this punch and the hero chased. He almost instantly appeared in front of the behemoth's trajectory, hopped up, and axe-kicked the behemoth into the ground.

    The behemoth, having had no time to catch his breath, laid beaten on the ground. The hero loomed over the once towering behemoth. "This went on far longer, farther, than it should have." The behemoth spat out blood.

    "I am..." the behemoth coughed up more blood, unable to finish his sentence. The hero simply stared down at the behemoth. Without another word exchanged, the hero cocked back his fist and slammed down upon the behemoth's chest.

Showdown

    The tension in the air crackled like electricity. Within a grand stadium sat thousands of fans, creating a buzz of excitement. Everyone in the stands differed from one another, being from different backgrounds, cultures, and creeds. Nonetheless, all their focus and excitement were on the event that was about to unfold before them. Near the bottom of the stands sat a puffed up man with a mic in his hand.

     "Welcome one and all to the event of a lifetime!" The crowd cheered, their anticipation bubbling up. "We have all been waiting for this fated day! The day of clashing titans! A day that will be spoken of for years to come! A day that will mark this very stadium!" The crowd's cheers thundered throughout the city.

    "First to the arena is our challenger! While he is young, he has proven to be a capable contender in this very arena having never lost a bout. Always coming out on top despite the challenge!" Cheers sounded through the stadium, while boos sounded in kind. The announcer paused, letting the crowd bare their feelings. "...Except for rumored losses outside this arena..." Chatter spread throughout the stands.

    "Ha! Sounds about right."

    "What is he talking about? He'd never lose!"

    "I've never heard about him losing..."

    "I think I heard about one of them..."

    "Oh! I know what he's talking about...!"

     "One of these rumored losses being to the very one he is now challenging..." the announcer continued. Tension and thrill bubbled further. "With all that said! Here is the challenger!"

    From one side of the coliseum stalked a young man, his stride full of purpose. While short in stature, his body spoke of numerous battles fought, scars dancing across his lean, sculpted figure. He wore his hair short, leaving his view clear. Within in eyes, laid a thousand daggers, cutting through any in front of him. Once he was in the center of the arena, he stood tall, glancing at the crowd. Those who met his gaze, had shivers sent down their spines.

    "Next is a man needing of no introduction! He has single-handedly crushed a hundred opponents with zero defeats! Once taking on thirty opponents at the same time! It is rumored he travels the world, challenging nature itself in search of worthy contest. Swimming up waterfalls and challenging the mightiest beasts." The cheers seemed to get louder, the excitement and anticipation bubbling further. "Without further ado. Here is your champion!" The whole stadium seemed to quake as excitement officially boiled over. Arms went flailing, people shouted, and people all around grabbed each, friend and stranger alike.

    From the shadows of the entry appeared a towering figure. The first thing you notice about this opposing figure was his colossal height, casting a shadow on everything before him. Then your eyes drift to his sculpted physique. Every muscle rippling across his body. And focusing on his face didn't make him any easier to face. The only way to describe his maniacal smile was demonic. His long hair flowed to his shoulders, reminding his opponents of an executioners hood. Every part of him was intimidating. The confidence he exuded as he strolled towards his opponent crippled normal foes. When he reached his opponent, he stared him down and cast a shadow, the height difference obvious.

    Though his foe didn't shirk from the champion's gaze. He stared up at the champion unflinchingly. Determined to seek victory in their bout. The tension between the two of them could be felt like the heat from an oven or the pressure before a storm.

    "Phew! It's a good thing none of us are between those two. Something tells me we wouldn't come out in one piece," the announcer interjected. The two were unfazed by what the announcer just pointed out, making his statement all the more true. "Alright... Let's get this battle started!"

    The challenger immediately threw an uppercut, the swing too fast to be seen. However, the champion narrowly dodged and swung on his challenger. The challenger barely brought up his guard before being launched through the arena, skipping across the ground. The crowd cheered at the display of power. The challenger groaned as he sat upright before shaking his head and barking in frustration, punching the ground as he did so.

    "Whoa! Blink and you would have missed the first interaction of the fight, folks! The challenger immediately threw a swift uppercut, only for the champion to dodge and counter with a devastating right hook, sending the challenger flying!"

    The champion took his time as he stalked towards the challenger, the same demonic smile on his face. The challenger growled before taking a deep breath. He then launched himself at the champion.

    "What?! The challenger can't be thinking of taking the champion head-on. The size and weight difference almost makes this an unfair fight!"

    Once the distance was closed between the two of them, they struck. The champion threw a mighty uppercut and the challenger took his opportunity. He grabbed hold of the champion's arm mid-swing and swung the champion over his head.

    "Incredible! The champion threw an uppercut on his smaller adversary, but was countered by the challenger! He used the champion's weight and momentum to his advantage to slam him!"

    The champion smirked before flipping himself to land on his feet.

    "Oh! But of course, our champion wouldn't fall for such a move, even if well executed."

    The champion continued his momentum and catapulted the challenger, who was still holding onto the champion's arm. The challenger was sent flying once more, however this time, he was able to gain his bearings and land on his feet. The champion's smile grew larger and he charged the challenger. The challenger stared down the charging bull of the champion.

    "Uh oh. The image that is before us is that of a wolf chasing down his prey."

    Once the distance was closed between them, the champion swung down upon the challenger with great force. The challenger hopped away, from the swing, dodging it. With the swing missing its target, its impact on the ground sent up a large dust cloud.

    "Whoa! The champion's sledgehammer of a swing missed the challenger by a breath and launched dust and debris into the air! Let me tell you, if you aren't watching this live, you are missing out!" The crowd cheered at the spectacle of a fight.

    The challenger stood before the dust cloud with his guard up, scanning for any movement within. Though to everyone's surprise, there was none.

    "There seems to be no movement in the dust, but the champion couldn't be anywhere else!"

    Suddenly, a large fist emerged from dust cloud and the force of the punch cleared the cloud away. The challenger's eyes went wide as he scarcely dodged the punch.

    "Whoa! The champion - or rather his fist - emerged from the cloud, launching a sneak attack on the challenger! Though the challenger just barely dodged it!"

    The challenger then bobbed under the champion's arm and unleashed a flurry of punches onto the champion. The rapid succession of punches first hit the champion's solar plexus five times before hitting the champion's face twice. After the barrage, the challenger hopped back twice.

    "Whoa! The challenger has landed not only his first hit, but a barrage of hits upon the champion! And the champion almost looks to have felt it!" Cheers erupted from the stands.

    The champion took a deep breath before staring down the challenger. The smile that was on his face was still there, but his eyes spoke of a different emotion than smug confidence. The challenger smiled at this. The champion slowly, intently, stalked towards the challenger. The challenger squared himself, ready for what was about to come.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, I do believe the fight is about to heat up!" Cheers sounded all around.

    The challenger observed his keen opponent. After seeing the champion maintain his slower approach, he leapt to action. The champion swung down on the challenger, though the swing was more controlled than before. The challenger spun out of the way of hook, landing two hits on the champion's side while doing so, and appearing behind the champion. He took advantage of being in the champion's blind spot and kicked behind the champion's knee, causing it to buckle. Though the champion let himself fall and went for an upside down straight punch at the challenger. The challenger dodged it and used the champion's positioning to roundhouse kick him in the head. The blow causing the champion to spin and fully knocking him to his knees.

    "The champion is on his knees ladies and gentlemen! The never-before-seen is before our very eyes! The challenger made full use of his advantage in agility, staying just outside the reach of the champion to land solid blows!" Cries of surprise rang through the stands.

    The champion shook his head and barked in frustration before hopping up and dashing toward the challenger.

    "Uh oh. Looks like the challenger has enraged the champion, who is now taking the offense. Will the challenger be able to handle what's next?"

    The champion quickly closed the distance and unleashed a flurry of punches of his own. The challenger was able to dodge most of the punches, but not all of them. The two that struck him knocked him to the ground.

    All of the audience cried out. Some gasped, some cheered, and some groaned, feeling the blows the challenger just took. "The challenger is down! Is this where the fight ends?!"

    The champion then raised his leg straight into the air to finish off his opponent. Though before he brought it down, the challenger snapped out of his temporary daze and rolled out of the way of the axe-kick. Once on his feet, he took three hops away from the champion. The kick left a crater in the ground where the challenger's head was. Seeing this, an electric strike of fear traveled through the challenger.

    "The challenger evaded the destructive axe-kick, though didn't get away unscathed, instead taking psychological damage."

    The champion stalked toward the frozen challenger.

    "What's this?! The challenger is frozen, defenseless, as the champion advances upon him!"

    The challenger then grit his teeth before barking out the paralyzing fear. While defiantly staring down the champion, the challenger took deep breaths, steeling himself. After a few, he neared the champion. While both had ironclad determination, their body languages spoke differently from each other.

    The champion menacingly scowled at the challenger, his previous smile gone. He leaned his body forward as he marched towards the challenger. His fists were balled so tight, they looked capable of punching through steel. You could almost see the heat emanating off his body and his view staring a hole through the challenger. Each step filled with the intent of ending the challenger.

    Meanwhile the challenger, defiantly stared at the champion. While he was being careful, vigilantly observing his opponent, his body flowed. He kept his guard up while regularly switching it. He kept his fists open, but ready. As well as keeping his feet light.

    "The challenger has regained his nerve and is now approaching the champion while the champion approaches him! Looking at the countenance of these two, this looks to be the point of no return, the climax of the fight!" The fans cheered on, believing themselves to be ready for the height of the fight.

    Once the two met, the flurry of fists began. The champion endlessly swung his fists, holding nothing back, each swing set to end the challenger. At the same time, the challenger evaded and parried every punch while taking every opportunity to land a blow on his opponent.

    "This is an incredible spectacle to behold! These two top-class combatants are holding nothing back as swing at each. Though... Looking closely at it, no blows are landing on the challenger... Am I seeing this right? Not only are none of the champion's swings connecting, but the challenger is flawlessly evading - and redirecting - all of the champions swings...!" Exclaims of awe rang out from the audience, from those for and against the challenger.

    Sweat began to pour from both combatants and the champion began to bleed and bruise from the numerous points on his body. Though while blood was coming from the champion, the challenger stopped swinging as frequently. The challenger's eyes and reflexes were as keen as they ever were, while the champion's madness kept him swinging. Everyone was on the edge of their seats, announcer and spectator alike. Right as it looked that this fight could go on forever, it happened.

    The only one who saw it was the challenger, the one closest to and deepest in this duel. In one of his opponent's swings, it took a fraction of a second longer to pull it back. A minuscule amount of mass more was put into it. Seeing this opportunity, he mustered everything he could into a hail mary haymaker across his opponent's jaw. The punch jostled his opponent's skull, rattling his brain. The cracking noise the impact made echoed throughout the coliseum. People all around either dropped their jaws or scrunched their faces upon seeing and hearing the punch. The punch resounded through the champion's body and dropped him. The once towering champion now laid still on the ground.

   The crowd went silent. The announcer had nothing to say of the sight before his eyes. The challenger - now champion - took deep, ragged breaths. You could see his body inflate and deflate with each breath. His whole body was shaking, adrenaline still pumping through him. He balled his fist and raised it. This seemed to break the trance on the event and the crowd soon cheered.

    "Ladies and gentlemen...! The previous champion is down! Taken down by one decisive blow! Everyone who has witnessed this historical moment will be retelling this story for years to come! To their children, their grandchildren! With all that said... We have a new champion!" the announcer proclaimed. The cheers thundered on, sounding the victory of the challenger, now champion.

Goodbye (Old Me)

I can't keep this up anymore. This pulverized persona has long passed its expiration date... So why haven't I let it go? Is it fear of the unknown? Fear of discomfort? Or possibly the fear of being empty...? The fear that without what I have had for so long, that I would just be a husk missing components I have become comfortable with...

I can't keep this going. This rolling cycle has gained enough miles, traveled far enough... I have to take the leap, make the change. I have to release the armory I have built up that is now weighing me down... So... I stand at the precipice, inching ever closer to the edge. Once I go, I can't go back. I can't repeat the past... Otherwise, I'll never let go... So... I inch a little farther, the tips of my toes now over the edge..

I take the leap... It's terrifying, but... In mid-air... It's freeing... You eventually feel like you're flying... The weight of the past no longer there, feeling how the birds do in the sky... I can't turn back now... And I wouldn't have it any other way... So all I have left to say is...

Goodbye

Fallen

     Something is horribly wrong. The once lively home is dark and most telling of all... Still. You dart to the front door to see for yourself what's going on, but you freeze right at the door... Your hand an inch away from the handle... "Why am I freezing up?" you wonder... Though inside you know why... You know why you can't check inside and you know why it's desolate. After what felt like an eternity of paralysis, your hand touches the cold door handle... A flurry of emotions violently swirl within. All indiscernible due the confusing mix. Conflicting thoughts shout and yank at you for your attention. "Open the door!" "Don't open the door." You tremble with this internal chaos and in your trembling...

    You open the door... Your face goes pale and all the strength in your legs vanish, causing you to collapse. The sight before you shakes you. You attempt to speak but no words come out. Only a guttural noise that sounds alien to you. You wonder where the noise is coming from, but like before... You already know. Though you already collapsed, you feel as if the ground is slipping away beneath you. Slowly but surely burying you. The already chaotic, violent vortex of emotions within you run rampant. Feeling as though they're erupting from every pore of your body. In this turbulent experience, there is nothing for you to do. There is nothing you can do. Just laying in the experience and riding the potent waves of emotions.

    After a time that felt too long, the emotions finally pass and you can finally move again. You rise. In this stillness, you come to many truths. You couldn't have changed what happened. You can't change what has transpired. You can only move forward. This event only made you stronger and wiser. You look back inside. The emotions stir as much as a mouse. Nowhere near enough to topple you once more. You have changed. You move and shut the door.

Meeting

    Elegant music played in the background within a shining ballroom. Grand, glimmering chandeliers bestowed light to the gallery below. Tables lined the walls of the ballroom while a space was left in the middle of the room. All the attending guests were dressed to impress. The men sported black suits and dress pants with red ties. While the women all wore flowing pearl dresses. Clusters throughout the room engaged in conversation. Those who weren't were either observing the other guests or enjoying the refreshments. There seemed to be a certain tension. Indescribable, but ever present.

    Until suddenly, the doors opened at the top of the staircase and everyone's attention shifted to the new party. A man dressed in similar attire to all the other men with slight but distinct differences. Instead of a red tie, his was off white with gold features and in his breast pocket, a red rose. Everyone stood at his presence with glasses in hand. The man descended the stairs gracefully, almost floating down. The tension seemed to melt away and the air became livelier with anticipation as the man neared the bottom.

    Once he fully descended, a waiter extended a tray with a drink to the man. He responded with a smile while he accepting the glass. He then raised his glass and the whole room followed in suit.

Comfort

    You sit by the fire, warmth embracing you. While you remember the cold you just experienced, the experience is slowly melted away. In this melting, you smile. A kind face appears beside you, offering a warm drink and a blanket, adding to the warmth. Their comforting smile further adds to it. You then feel a light slap on your shoulder, your friend smiling boldly. You can't help but smile back.

    These presences remind you of the warmth on your journey. The friends made. Moments shared. Experiences gained. You take a sip of your drink, drinking it all in. There was cold on your journey, but there was just as much warmth. More significant warmth.

    A weight suddenly falls on you and a jovial smile peeks at you. You chuckle, recognizing them, happy to see them. You turn around to face them and see everyone from your journey. The ones who walked the path with you. The ones who made occasional appearances. The ones who only appeared once, but left a lasting impression.

    You see all this and smile. Knowing you can rest

    in comfort.

Claiming the Throne

     A lone man sits in a room. His knee bounces, his breaths suck the air out the room, and you could almost see his rapid heartbeat. The sound of the outside chattering leaks into the room he sits in. A woman opens the flap, letting in more of the sounds. "It's time," she simply states. His bouncing knee slows with his heart rate and breath as he transmutes the anxious energy. With each slowing breath, he becomes more still, more regal. He soon transforms becoming unrecognizable from his previous state. He looks at the woman and she nods before exiting. He stands, seemingly filling the room.

    He then exits and stands between two guards outside of his room. He continues and they follow behind. His head is held high and his gaze is never averted from the path in front of him. He comes to massive doors standing between him and what is meant to be his. The source of the chatter is on the other side of these doors, dozens of people talking of the events. 

    The guards open it for the man and as they do, the chatter lowers to whispers. The guards stand by the doors as the man continues on his path. Dozens of people on both sides of the aisle stare at the man. Some with awe, some with hope, and others with wonder. Wondering how this boy will shape the future. Ahead of the man was a throne with his most trusted at its sides and one behind holding a shining crown, reminiscent of a halo. He ascends the steps before the throne and claims his seat. The one behind the throne places the crown on his head and the crowd goes silent. They wait for the words of their new king. They wait for what is about to unfold.

Vast

    You float in an endless void... There is no up. No down. You turn, but it's the same in all directions... You wonder what brought you here. You remember it was your curiosity... Or... Was it your pride? Something incessant within you pushed you to go to these lengths...

    And now?

    You stare into the infinite abyss. It staring back in the same curious fashion. While there is no ill will, it terrifies you nonetheless, threatening to consume you whole. You are helpless. You wonder if it was all worth it as you stare down something beyond the mind's capacity. Just the contemplation of it threatens to fracture your mind, crushing it with it's vast unknown...

    Something seems to grab you. You can't tell what it is, but it helps nonetheless. Pulling you from this impossible force. There's a comfort in this grasp. Something that grounds you, bringing you back from the unfathomable. As you come back - come to - you see that it was you that pulled you back... and smile. Knowing what you need isn't in the far distance, but inside.

The Hunt

     "You must really want him gone," a young man replied. He wore a grey tank top and blue jeans. He was toned and wore a bald fade. While his posture was laid back, his eyes cut through the air. The man he was talking to was in his late 40s and had a lame leg. He wore a weariness that came from more than just age, and whatever it was had him unkempt. The two were in a secluded room, desolate of color. Only thing filling it was a table and two chairs.

    "Most definitely," the older man answered.

    "30 million... Hmm. Alright, so how many failed attempts have there been?" the young man asked callously. The older man's mood grew grim reflecting on this, clasping his hands together.

    "...23..."

    The young man stood silent and still for a moment. "The job is as good as done."

    

    He trudged through thick jungle foliage. On himself was a knife on his lower back, a belt full of essentials, and climbing gear on his hip. On the long trudge, he kept an eye out for the inhabitants of the jungle: scorpions, spiders, poisonous insects, and larger wildlife. Though, he noticed the jungle was eerily quiet. The only sign of life was the plant life and bugs. He then stopped, noticing a track. A footprint. The knelt down, scanning the footprint with his eyes.

    "Military issue boots... Size eleven," the young man stated under his breath. "Approximately 190 - no - 180 pounds..." The young man searched through the vegetation and found more tracks. He stood back up and followed them. Though, he slowed his trudge and moved more methodically, drawing his knife. All the sounds of the jungle seemed to grow louder. Whipping wind rustling leaves. Bugs moving amongst the foliage. After several steps, the young man noticed something off. After some inspection, he uncovered a series of wires. Trip wires, cutting wire, etc. He then debated his next steps in his mind. He could purposefully trip the wires, see what fate had befallen those who had failed this job previously. He could continue on, ignoring the trip wires, but cutting the cutting wires. In the end, he decided to avoid all the wires. "These were elaborately placed... I must be close..."

    After half a mile of these wires, the young man saw ruins. "Hmph." He slowly stepped toward it, ready for whatever came next. Constantly shifting his eyes to see everything. From the leaf one and quarter inch from his right foot to the line of weaver ants a foot from his left foot. After a series of steps, he made it to the mouth of the ruins. While daylight peered in, the hall was still dark. The young man went into his belt and withdrew night-vision goggles before continuing. He stepped as carefully as he did before. After a distance without any sort of trap, he grew even more suspicious. Suddenly, floodlights filled the corridor, blinding him. He snatched off his goggles and whipped out his knife. Echoing laughter then filled the corridor, seemingly coming from everywhere.

    "Another fly flying into the spider's trap," the voice announced, "Will this fly survive? Or will his neck go snap?" The lights then turned off and softer lights took their place. "Only time will tell..."

    The young man groaned in response, continuing down the corridor. After realizing there wouldn't be anymore traps, he sheathed his knife and eased his step, using his energy for preparation.

    He eventually came across the main room, well lit. He then slowed his step and proceeded with caution. Once in the room, he saw a muscular man in camouflage cargo pants and tank top.

    "Welcome, boy! You did well getting past my traps. Better than the others," The military man greeted. The young man grimaced.

    "Dishonorably discharged. 23 comfirmed kills, 3 commanding officers killed, 26 civilians killed..." the young man listed. "And you have the nerve to keep going?"

    The military man raised an eyebrow and cocked his head. "Children who have barely lived have no right nor ground to be disrespectful," the military man snarled. The young man clenched his teeth.

    "I see your old mind has cracked- no. Shattered." The young man then drew his knife. "Your time is over." The military man blankly stared for a few seconds before going back to laughter.

    "Adorable. You think you can replace me." The military man then pulled out a garrote and a blood thirsty look crossed his eyes. "I will live forever." The young man then became filled with determination.

    He darted toward his opponent, holding nothing back. The military man clicked a button on the garrote and whipped it around revealing its deceptively long range. The young man's eyes quickly flared before ducking. He used the momentum to roll and throw a knife at the military man's shin. The knife plinked off the man's shin.

    "Of course..." The young man muttered still in motion. He then continued his stride and collided against his opponents frame, causing a clash.

    "What makes you think you can stop me?" the military man questioned menacingly. The young man then smirked.

    "Because I'm better," he declared. The two then squared off; deflecting, blocking, and countering each others moves. The military man, trying to get his wire around around the young man's throat, while the young man was trying to cut him with his combat knife. The two were matching each other's moves so well, the fight looked like it could go on forever. All throughout this fatal exchange, the military man wore a psychotic smile.

    "When I first found a garrote, it felt like fate," the military man started. The young man raised an eyebrow, his focus still in the fight. "The feel of the handles. The texture of the cord. Hell! We even share a name," Garret continued. Disgust bubbled in the young man's stomach and he took a swing at Garret's neck. Garret's eyes flared in excitement and dodged the swing, only to be hit by the young man's elbow. The blow knocked Garret down and the young man pounced, aiming to stab Garret in the eye. Garret cackled. "Oh! An eye for an eye, huh Barry?!"

    Barret clenched his teeth and put his weight into the knife, leaning in. The two struggled, yet Garret still had the twisted smile on his face. "Your father taught you well..." Barret's eyes filled with wrath while Garret's then seemed to gleam. "Too bad you didn't learn enough!" He then twisted Barret's wrists, using his weight against him, flipping their positions. Garret now had the knife at Barret's throat, while still in Barret's hands. Barret thought to use the same move on Garret, but Garret used his garrote to bind his own wrists from twisting. All Barret could do is struggle against the weight of his opponent and the awkward position his arms were twisted into. He then stared into the eyes of the monster above him. Though all he could see was twisted darkness that threatened to devour him whole. He then thought to himself...

    Is this what my father saw...?

    The question stirred something him. Riling him up more and more. He then said something under his breath.

    "What was that?" Garret questioned, enjoying his position over Barret. However, a gleam washed over Barret's eyes and he seemed to be the winner without any change of position.

    "I said... Surprise," Barret taunted, smiling ear to ear. He quickly tilted his head, angling the end of the knife at Garret's face. He then pressed a button on the handle of the knife that caused a small explosion at the end of it. Garret yelled in pain, gunpowder on his face and in his eyes. Barret threw him off, wincing at the nick on his neck and the burn on one side of his head. Before Garret could recover any sense, Barret quickly pounced once more, this time successfully burying the knife.

Empty

    I don't know when it happened... Only an idea. The aching pain in my chest, the emptiness that grew each day, the dimming of all light in my life... All warning signs I was too blind to see... Or did I turn that blind eye...? Slowly snuffing out that little light, drowning in the sea of expectations (most made up by a cruel voice in my mind), apathy (reinforced by today's setting), and an unhealed pain... A pain which its solution is so simple but feels impossible to execute... For it relies on repeating an action that caused it in the first place... And just hoping the pain isn't inflicted again...

Farewell Ride (Reflections)

    The train swayed back and forth rocking all it's passengers into a relaxed state. Though there was one who needed it most. He leaned against a window gazing up into the sky pondering events of his recent past. The highs, the lows, and everything in between. The bonds formed and those lost... He reflected upon it all. 

    Though all this weighed on him, it wasn't burdensome. It acted more as a blanket after a tiring, uncomfortable day or a symbol marking his experience. Even though some experiences were painful, he didn't regret anything that happened. He knew it all happened for a reason.

    After all was said and done, a light smile crossed his face. He closed his eyes, letting himself be lulled by the train's rocking, saying farewell to the past and stepping into the new.

Fight On

     The weight while invisible bogs down our protagonist. It's not an impossible weight to carry, but heavy enough to make them give up.

    Though they fight on.

    It would be made easier if they relied on someone, anyone. Though to the protagonist, there is no one which they can rely on, depend on.

    So they fight on.

    They know there is a rainbow, a light at the end of the tumultuous path. There has to be. They couldn't have gone through all they've been through and not gotten their happy ending... Right?

    Nevertheless. They fight on.

    They've seen better, so they know it's real. They've seen others have better, so they know it's possible. They've even experienced better, so they know it's attainable.

    And so, they fight on.

    As many valleys as they've walked through, they know "This too shall pass".

    So evermore, they fight on.