Paul gaped. It looked just like any other walking stick or staff, but he felt an aura of power radiating from it. It was a dark blue colour, with Black stripes up the sides. At the top, there was a silvery orb. Inside, was a strange glowing mist that Paul somehow knew could snap his mind in an instant. He stumbled forward and picked it up. As soon as his hands touched it, the silver started spinning rapidly. Inside it, the mist had cleared to reveal a scene that seemed somewhat familiar. It him a moment to realise that this was his sixteenth birthday. He gazed upon the picture fondly, remembering the happiness of that day. Then, the scene changed and he was looking at two young sleeping in a dorm in what looked like his old college. And then it became his trip to Spain. And then finally, it became his mother’s funeral. Paul’s heart clenched and he thought Back a bit please. The staff must have bonded with his brain because it zoomed back to two weeks before, when his mother was fine and dandy. Paul knew this was it, so tried the last step to use the staff. He cleared his mind of all thoughts, and then spoke out the word of power. “Reverse. . .”

I stood up and grabbed my sack. My face throbbed in pain. I took the pins out of my hair again and went to the marketplace. I yelled, “Guards! I need your help! I will reward you generously!” The guards who chased me before came. I explained to them what happened and what the boy looked like. They saw a boy who looked like him, chased him, and wrestled him to the ground, just like they did to me. They grabbed the tiara and part of the money that I took that I didn’t even know was there. This boy must have really searched around in my sack. They returned to me the money and the tiara.  I decided to pay the fruit-seller from whom I had stolen previously, when I didn’t know that I still had a large sum of money hidden in the bottom of my sack. I counted the money. It was an extremely large sum, and I would be able to pay the merchant and still have a lot of money left. And so I paid the merchant.

I pinned up my hair again and walked. I had absolutely no idea where I was going. I must have looked rather awful, since a woman spotted me in the crowd and came over to me. She put her hand on my face. She smelled of perfume, face cream, and face powder.  She had a beautiful dress on and her hair was braided. She appeared to be of the high-society. I think I may have seen her a few times at balls. “Oh, you poor darling,” she exclaimed. “Somebody must have beaten you quite badly. Come with me to my home. I will give you comfort, food, and shelter,” she said sympathetically. “B-But,” I stammered. I had plans to take a coach to the country and perhaps find an inn or an abandoned shack to stay. “I will not take no for an answer. You must come with me,” she said dramatically. I supposed that if one is willing to be so charitable, I should not refuse. So I joined her.

We walked along, her skirts rustling as we walked. “Who did this to you?” she asked, almost angrily.  I did not feel comfortable telling her the full story, so I simply replied, “A boy selling papers. He wanted to steal my sack.” We walked in silence to her home.

The minute we got to her home, my suspicions were confirmed: she was part of the high society. Her house was almost as grand as our palace, with gorgeous balconies and buttresses. She led me up the spiral staircase. She opened a door. “This is where you’ll be staying,” she said. “You can’t stay in those rags. Let me give you some of my son’s clothing. How old are you?” “Twelve”, I replied. “Perfect.”, she said. She went and came back with a stack of clothes, a wash basin filled with water from a stream down the road, and a bar of soap. “Here,” she said, “wash and change your clothes.” I washed and changed my clothes. The woman knocked. She came in with bandages and such and took care of my wounds. “What shall I call you?” I asked. “Mrs. Peabody. My son’s name is Caleb.”, she answered. “Now lie down and rest.” I lay down. There was a stack of books on the bedside table. I picked one up and started to read.

There was a knock on the door. “Who is it?” I yelled. “Caleb. Caleb Peabody.” a rather manly voice for a boy of twelve answered. “Come in.” A tall, strong-looking, rather handsome  boy around my age, with brown hair and blue eyes came in. “Hello.”, he said, “You’re rather small, aren’t you?” He struck me as rather pleasant, so I decided to reveal that I am a girl. “It’s because I’m not a boy.”, I said as I unpinned my hair and the thick blond hair spilled on to my shoulder. His blue eyes widened. “You’re Princess Catalina!” he exclaimed. “Yes. Yes I am. But let’s keep this our secret.”, I reply. I then tell him the whole story. He looks at me dreamily. Then he leans in. I’m confused. He kisses me. I kiss back.  That was a big surprise. I actually like him, so I don’t mind. After he breaks away, I say, “A bit young, aren’t we?” He shrugs. I take a paper and write down the address of the palace. “So you can send me letters or visit me. Momma and Papa won’t mind, since you’re part of the high society.”, I say as I hand the paper to him.

We walk downstairs. Mrs. Peabody introduces me to everybody. When she introduces me to Caleb, I say, “I’ve already met him.” and wink at him. We both laugh. Mrs. Peabody looks bewildered, but she doesn’t question why we’re laughing.

They wrestle me to the ground. I’m breathing heavy.  The guards get off of me. I stand up. One guard whispers to another, “Thing looks like a girl.” I hear them, take the pins out of hair, and yell,”I am a girl! I’m Princess Catalina!” The guards laugh. “And I was knighted,” one says, little bits of saliva flying out of his mouth.  “No,” I yell, close to tears.  I take out the thing that I put in my sack that Momma and Papa say always proves that I’m royalty: my tiara. They see it and start asking tons of questions.  “It’s a long story,” I say. “But if you don’t tell my parents and let me take the fruit, I will make sure that you are rewarded.” That calms them and they go hunt down other beggars and thieves.

I pin my hair up again and set off, sneaking between alleyways. A boy in a hat, selling papers, comes up to me. Pointing to my noticeably heavy sack, he says, “What do you have there?” “Nothing.”, I say. He pounds his fist in to his hand and says, “Nothing valuable enough for me not to steal it, eh?” I’m frightened, but I stand my ground. “No. I got lots of money yesterday while begging by the markets, so I was able to buy lots of food.”, I state. Next thing I know, I’m lying on the ground bruised and bloodied, most of the contents of my sack still there. I notice no glimmer and gasp. He took the tiara!

I was so frustrated and tired of the same thing every single day. I needed to break free of the grind. Tomorrow night, I would be going to a bat mitzvah party for these twin girls in my class. Maybe that’s what I needed to get out of my rut

The next night, I got dressed. When I got to the party, my friends were already there. So we’re talking and hanging out, and I’m making sarcastic comments. Then the most obnoxious kids in my class arrive, one of them being my beloved companion from math. (I later found out that they actually crashed.) Okay, breathe. They don’t acknowledge me. Brief sigh of relief. We sit down to eat. Once again, we’re eating and chilling out. Then comes a moment that will go down in my personal history as the awkwardest moment in my life: the squeeze. (Cue the dramatic music.)  Yes, one of the obnoxious crew, actually squeezed my shoulders. One moment I was talking and chilling, and the next minute I felt a squeeze. I turned around, and yelled, ” You jerk! Get off- now!” Then came the sorrounding of our table. The rest was just a blur of sarcastic comments and the few moments I remember are my beloved companion asking for a dance and a fist bump, another kid asking for high-fives, and the discussion of how jerky the boys are. The rest of the night-dancing.

I basically got what I wanted- a break from the daily grind.

The door swung open with ease, as if someone had oiled it recently. Not a nice thought. Paul looked around. There were lots of dusty vases, and even a stuffed panther’s head on the wall. He walked through the threshold, into a long corridor with lots of doors. Okay thought Paul The staff should be easy to spot. I mean, there aren’t that many time-controlling staffs around. But the search proved harder than he thought. Door after door he opened, and each one filled with nothing interesting, just dry, old books and relics. After two hours, he was confident he had searched the house from top to bottom, without a trace of the staff. He was about to leave in a very bad temper, when something caught his eye. There was a very small crack in the floor, half hidden by the carpet. He bent down and lifted it up, to inspect the crack. But he realised it was more than just a fissure in the wood. It was a trapdoor.

He had climbed into the narrow space and found himself in an almost completely bare room. At first he thought it was empty, so his heart ached with disappointment. But then he noticed something leaning against the wall behind him. It was a staff.

I crept down the steps slowly. I still hadn’t changed out of the torn, dirty rags that I’ve been wearing for a week. My cat, Tabby La Roux (The French are fascinating people.), crawled in to my lap and squealed. “Shhh,” I whispered. “You musn’t make them aware that I’m here.” I saw my friend Annabelle, her father Andre, who was a member of our household staff, Momma, and Papa sitting on the couch. Momma sat looking stricken. “I-I just c-can’t und-derstand,” Annabelle sputtered.  All of the sudden, Momma snapped out of her catatonic state. “Ah!”, she exclaimed. She recalled an incident before a ball, while the maids were lacing up our dresses in which I, and I quote,  her “mild-mannered” daughter, told her that she wanted to be a commoner. After recalling this incident, she burst in to tears, stating that she didn’t know that I would actually do it.

I picked up my dear, dear Tabby La Roux and climbed up the spiral staircase. I went in to my sleeping chambers and sat in my lovely canopy bed. I sunk back and started to recount my travels.

I stand up and brush the pebbles off of me. The pebbles had pressed in to my hand and made little marks.  The marks were like my life, scattered, unexpected, and sometimes out of order.

The next day, I walked in to homeroom. I sat down and got out my stuff.  Our teacher gave us time before the first period bell to just hang out, go to our lockers, and get our stuff out.  A girl in my class named Anna came up to me. Immediately, a big neon sign saying “UH-OH!” flashed in my head. I had a history with this girl. You see, in fourth grade, I used to be friends with her. Until I wised up and realized that she was using me for homework answers and so that she could spit back whatever I said to her “real” friends and use it as gossip material. I dumped her like a hot potato. In fifth grade, she came back for revenge and bullied me mercilessly. I learned to ignore it becuase by the end of the fifth grade, I found my real friends and finally learned just to be myself, even if the real me is different. In sixth grade, I gained the admiration of the boys, who I sometimes liked, becuase they were less judgemental than girls, but sometimes hated because they were annoying, teasing jerks. Anyway, this girl came up to me. That day, I wore the llama shirt my sister made me. (Confession: I have a llama obsession and my sister sometimes is nice.)  She asked me a few humiliating questions. By the time she finished her interrogation, I was gripping my book so hard I thought I would rip it apart. I yelled at her. She acted innocent. Typical.

Fast foward to sixth period. I’m sitting in math. I’m ready to kill the kid that sits next to me since he stole my eraser and won’t give it back. Jerk. SO typical.

Fast foward to five P.M. I’m talking about my day. TYPICAL!

GRRRRRRR!

4 Hospital

I woke up and looked up at a white roof that seemed a little to bright for comfort. I expected a feeling of pain or at least an upset stomach but strangely I felt… normal. It was almost like it was all a dream. I sat up and found myself in what looked like a hospital room. Was I sick? Did someone find me and saved me after I blacked out? Or maybe it was a long time after the men… Now the feeling of pain in my stomach swooped in and I managed to grab a trash can before throwing up until I was coughing dry heaves. I was a bit wobbly when I got out of bed but it was nothing to serious. I saw a simple white arrow pointing down the hallway and I walked down the strangely empty hall. It seemed as if this place was abandoned but is was in a pristine and clean shape. And everything was white, almost too white. I finally saw a counter with a man in white cloths, shoes, and hair relaxing at his white desk and mindlessly reading a white book. I stopped in front of the desk and stood there awkwardly while he was reading. I cleared my throat a little and he looked up. I stared at me for a second and his jaw completely fell open. Then he yelled out loud and threw his book up in the air. It seemed to have disappeared into thin air but I told myself I was just hallucinating. Probably symptoms of whatever I’m in here for.

“Um, sorry to bother you but I don’t really know where I am and I need some help. I would like to go home.”

“Oh God help me.” He made the sign of the cross and looked at me. “Ok um. Sorry I haven’t been working in a while. Uh well this is going to be a bit hard for you to take and for me to say.” He began to pace behind his desk, trying to figure out a way to tell me what ever it was that was so important. He finally turned to me. “What is the last thing you remember before you got here?”

“I remember being in a dark ally downtown. These drunkards came and closed me in. I’m glad I don’t remember the rest.” I shivered at the thought but only because I had nothing in my stomach to throw up. He did a quick search on a computer (That was also white) and nodded.

“Your here: That’s how it says you…” He cut off and left the sentence lingering like he wanted to tease me.

“I thought doctors weren’t supposed to keep secrets from their patients. Now if you don’t mind, I would like to call my parents. Do they even know where I am? Is there a phone I can use?”

“Your parents aren’t here.” I looked at him for a second and then he slapped his head. “Of course!!! All those years of training and I didn’t think of it before! Come here. Maybe you can draw a conclusion of your own.”

We walked down the hall and turned into an unlabeled room where a few unimportant objects sat. A box of dirt sat in the corner and he poured a bucket of water into it, turning the dry dirt into wet mud.

“Put you feet in here.”

“Um excuse me? Is that a normal medical procedure?”

“No but it will help you answer all the questions you’ve been asking. Step in.”

I shrugged my shoulders. What harm could a foot mud bath do? I stepped in and felt its squishy texture squeeze in between my toes. I sat there for a second until me grabbed my hand to help me out.

“Walk around.” So I stomped all around the room and knew I was getting the floor beyond dirty. I wondered why he wanted me to do this. “Now look at your foot prints.”

I turned to look at my handy work. Only problem was they weren’t there. The floor was a white and spotless as ever. I looked down at my feet to make sure if they even were dirty and they were. But when I slid my mud-caked feet on the floor, no mark was left behind.

“Ok, what is this stuff. It is really cool.”

“It’s not the mud that’s the problem. It’s you. I mean you aren’t a problem but you can no longer leave foot prints.”

“Why?”

“Come here.” He brought me towards a mirror across the room and I stared at my self.

“Ok? So what am I supposed to be looking for?”

“Look at your feet really closely.”

I looked in the mirror and saw my normal looking, bare, dirty feet standing out from the white background. But when I looked closer I saw how they weren’t on the ground at all. I nearly fell back from the shock of thinking I was floating in mid-air. I crouched down and felt my feet  to make sure they were still there. Then I stuck my hand in the air between my feet and the ground. They weren’t that far off really. I could just fit my figure though it was squeezed between my foot and the floor. It confused me. A lot. It felt like I was standing firm on the hard floor but there was proof right before my eyes that I was floating in the air even though you wouldn’t notice unless you look for it.

“I’m floating.” I somehow managed to find the words.

“Yes you are.”

“I’m–I’m floating.” I didn’t seem able to get over the fact.

“Yes. You said that already. So what do you think this means?”

“Am I? Am I no longer…alive?” he nodded and the wind flew out of me. The doctor grabbed a chair out of thin air but I didn’t pay much attention to that. I couldn’t breath. Actually I literally couldn’t breath because I was…

Dead. 

I thought back to the aforementioned night of the ball. I had danced with all the sons of the people of high-society. Afterwards, I thought about how half of the people I danced with I didn’t even know. I decided to break free. I took a pad of paper and a pen and wrote down my plan.

The next morning, I awoke at dawn.  Just looking at the pink sky, with bursts of orange, peeks of yellow, and drops of lavender gave me courage. I pinned my hair up and put on rags so that I would like a boy.  I snuck downstairs and grabbed as much money as I can from my father’s money drawer in the dining room, put it in a pouch I had, and went back upstairs. I threw down some pillows to cushion my fall. I stood, poised on the railing of my balcony. I took one look at the beautiful pots of lilies and jumped. I landed with a thud on the cobblestone streets. The minute I felt the throbbing pain on the back of my head, I knew I should have positioned myself better before I jumped. I lay down on the pillows until the pain stopped. People were giving me sideways looks. I didn’t mind, since I was used to the attention because I’m, after all, the princess of England.

The sun had just risen and already the cobblestone street were filled with people, merchants, and workers. I took a bit of time to gather my wits about me. I was fourtunate enough to have left the day everybody does their shopping for the week. I followed what all the other commoners did. I went to the butcher, the bakery, and the cheese-seller. I still had to go to many more places and I had already ran out of money. I decided to do what I often see the poor children of our village doing- stealing. Creeping around, trying to remain anonymous, I stole some apples and other fruits from a fruit-seller. Alas, my plan did not work. The fruit-seller called, “Thief! Come back here!”  He then sent his guards after me. I ran, my feet pounding on the cobblestones.

“What are you talking about?America is not going to be destroyed.”

“Never?”

“Rome was destroyed,Greece was destroyed,Persia was destroyed,Spain was destroyed. All great countries are destroyed. Why not yours? How much longer do you really think your own country will last? Forever?”

-Rise Against, “Survivor Guilt”

          When looking back through the chronicles of history, one may notice many parallels between civilizations as well as many of the same problems occurring again and again throughout the centuries. One case where this is most evident is between Rome and theUnited States. The same problems that led to the Western Roman Empire’s demise are present in American society, including large division between the rich and the poor and unemployment. There are also many similarities in the organization of Roman government to the way the American government is organized. If the phrase “history repeats itself” is indeed true, the disastrous fall of Rome may have some serious and unfortunate implications as to where America is currently headed.

The Roman republic began with the overthrow of the previous overbearing government, the Roman monarchy, like America’s overthrow of King George III.  Roman government was primarily based on the concept of checks and balances and the division of power, two ideas incorporated into modern American government. While these similarities on their own did not lead to Rome’s demise, they left a certain impact on Roman culture, such as the strong opposition towards the idea of a monarchy and of a single individual being in charge. These beliefs, imbedded deep within Roman society, affected the development of the Western Roman Empire post-monarchy greatly. The two leaders were called consuls and were in charge of enforcing laws.  Rome’s Senate was made up of three hundred Patricians, wealthy landowners. The Senate had the power to elect a dictator who would have total control in times of war, and be forced to resign once the war ended. Society was divided between two classes, the Patricians, an elite group of nobles, and the plebeians, the majority of Roman people under them. This set up the scene for rebellions, especially since Senate membership was restricted to Patricians, so reforms were made early on in order to satisfy the plebeians, though the plebs still remained on a lower level than the Patricians above them. Included in the reforms was the power awarded to the plebeians to elect Tribunes to vote on laws. Measures were also taken to keep the plebs informed, like having twelve tablets with the official Roman law inscribed in them set up in the Forum, a public gathering area.
Rome’s struggle for power began against Carthage for control of the Mediterranean Sea. This launched a series of battles called the Punic Wars. In the first war, Rome won and received the islands of Sicily, Corsica, and Sardinia. Rome’s position as an empire grew after its second victory against Hannibal (Carthage’s leader) which came with the acquisition of almost all of Carthage’s Mediterranean holdings. After these two victories, Rome revealed itself as a brutal foe when it opted to entirely eliminate the threat Carthage may pose in the future by pouring salt on the land so as to make it permanently infertile and enslaving its people. Overall, this resulted in enhancing Rome’s position as a world power and its reputation as a frightening enemy, as well as the growth of its economy (Carthage’s holdings also included important trade routes).
Despite Rome’s victory over its external enemy, problems remained with its domestic affairs. Within Rome, the gap between rich and poor was rapidly growing. The rich built Latifundia (large estates) while angry mobs of unemployed farmers rioted. The Gracchus brothers wanted to narrow the division between the rich and the poor by giving land and grain to the plebeians. They presented themselves as revolutionaries on the side of the people. This caused the Senate to have much contempt for them, and to eventually conspire to murder the brothers Tiberius and Gaius through orchestrating riots and hiding their killings within.

After the death of the brothers, chaos broke out, leading to civil war. This opened the door for Julius Caesar to come into power, with promises to solve Rome’s problems and stop the civil war. In 59 BCE, Caesar became consul. In 58, he went to Gaul (modern-dayFrance) to fight. By 52 he had conquered France, parts of Germany, and Britain. He was then ordered by the Senate to return home without his army. Caesar disobeyed the Senate and instead conquered Rome itself, having it totally under his control by 48. He then declared himself “Dictator for Life” and created the title “First Citizen”, or princeps. While the status he granted himself was quite similar to that of a monarch, Julius was careful not to call himself “king” for fear of stirring up the wrath of the public. After Caesar’s assassination on March 15 (Ides of March), 44 BCE, Octavian, his nephew, teamed up with his head general Marc Antony to capture his assassins. This alliance to capture Julius’s assassins quickly turned into a struggle for power between Antony and Octavian. Octavian eventually defeated Antony inEgypt, where they had teamed up with Cleopatra to exact revenge on Caesar’s assassins. This defeat left him truly in control of Rome and its people.

Taking advantage of this newly gained power, Octavian named himself Augustus, meaning revered or respected one, and ruled Rome from 31 BCE through 14 CE, with his power resting entirely with his army. This time period was called Pax Romana and involved prosperity and the acquisition of territory, as well as the growth of Rome in the amount of citizens. Sophisticated aqueducts and arches were seen as symbols of Rome’s dominance and power, especially since as yet no one else had perfected the technique of building an arch. But, in the time period between 180 and 284, the threat of barbarians, invading outsiders, grew increasingly more serious. Once again the great division between the rich and poor came into focus, and the government tried to keep the public distracted through the use of mass entertainment. The lack of faith and patriotism in Roman citizens became evident when the army was forced to hire mercenaries, paid soldiers, to fight against the barbarians. Even with mercenaries, though, Rome could not hold back the invading outsiders for very long.

Diocletian foresaw that Rome was headed for collapse, so he split Rome between the Eastern and Western empire with the idea that if one side fell, the other may be able to stay strong. The most troublesome group of barbarians was called Huns,  fierce nomadic warriors. These warriors were greatly feared by many nations, so much that their leader received the title Attila, meaning “scourge of G-d.” Attila launched a full invasion of Europe which was only halted temporarily by his death in 453. In 476, a Germanic leader overthrew the Western Roman Empire.

The parallels between Rome and America have not gone unnoticed, especially as unemployment rates rose and the economic situation worsened in the first decade of the twenty-first century. Many predict the worst and see only turmoil and collapse ahead. NPR featured in their morning show a segment drawing parallels between specific quotes from Roman leaders and George W. Bush. Famous author Cullen Murphy elaborates in his book Are We Rome?: the Fall of an Empire and the Fate of America on specific political strategies to avoid ending as Rome ended. Even punk rock band Rise Against has taken notice of the similarities, featuring in their song “Survivor Guilt” the dialogue shown above (pg.1) which accurately sums up the main idea of this essay.

The similarities begin with government. The aforementioned overthrow of the tyrannical King George III left Americans with a disdain towards governments or countries with one all-powerful leader that has survived to this day. Our government is called a representative democracy (where people don’t vote directly on laws but instead elect representatives to vote for them, thus making a politician a separate job) since it has a Senate consisting of a few hundred elected politicians, like the Roman government. While a position in the Senate is technically open to everyone and not restricted to an elite group like the Patricians, it is more difficult for a person not born to an influential wealthy family to gain a public office. The reason for this is that campaign funds are needed for advertisements, public relations, booking of venues for speeches, etc. There is also a wide gap between the rich and the poor, with studies showing that 1% of America share the top amount of wealth (being part of this elite group is usually defined by having an annual income of more than $250,000, though the most wealthy do not earn a regular income but rather acquire fortunes through investments and stocks) while the lower 99% live in relative poverty.

America has been through multiple conflicts and wars in the struggle for power. The country emerged from WWII as one of the world’s main superpowers besides Russia, which kicked off a turbulent, competitive time period known as the Cold War. American leaders such as Joseph McCarthy stirred up mass hysteria and fear towards the Communist country. America was especially disinclined to make peace with Russia due to the fact that Russia had one all-powerful leader named Joseph Stalin. Both countries tried to outdo each other, whether with the construction of atomic bombs or space travel equipment. Previously, during the war, America had revealed that it was not hesitant to completely devastate its enemies with the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, comparable to Rome’s pouring salt on Carthage’s ruins. Later, it got itself tied up in the civil wars between Communist and democratic forces inVietnam and Korea, expending much lives and money in an attempt to insure that Russia and the Communists would not gain more power than the USA. More recently, America invaded Iraq attempting to “spread democracy abroad.”

While America was fighting inIraq, problems with socio-economic divisions remained within, just like the gap between the rich and the poor that widened as Rome was fighting in Carthage. A movement emerged like the one the Gracchus brothers attempted to start called Occupy Wall Street in September 2011. Motley groups of people protesting financial inequality gathered in Zucotti Park in the financial district of Manhattan. The movement grew until it was suppressed by Mayor Bloomberg in November, same as the Gracchus brothers being murdered by the Roman government.

The chaos that broke out after 9/11,America’s invasion ofIraqandAfghanistan, and the recession left the door open for a different kind of leader than George Bush. Obama became the modern-day Julius Caesar, promising hope and change and becoming the first black president. Despite his promises, Obama has met with much opposition, specifically from Republicans. This leaves the results of the next election hanging, possibly opening the door for an all-powerful leader such as Octavian ifAmericawill truly follow inRome’s footsteps, and later leading toAmericabeing forced to take desperate measures such as those taken by Diocletian in order to salvage some ofRome’s empire.

The same lack of patriotism and overall negative feelings about the future is present inRomeandAmerica. Perhaps radical terrorist groups are comparable toRome’s barbarians. Readily available TV programming serves to distract American citizens from the current harsh economic climate and insecurity, likeRome’s “bread and circuses.” The army was forced to continually lower its enlistment standards, allowing felons to serve in the military due to the low number of enlisters despite the problems this can cause. Looking at all the similarities, one can conclude that ifAmericadoes not change its ways or take steps to differ fromRome, our future may be as negative as theWestern Roman Empire’s.

He left me alone to sleep again. In only 4 days I went from headaches every other hour to almost none at all. By the end of the week I was restless and begged all nurses and doctors to let me walk around no matter how much they insisted I rest. I was finally let out and got a big and warm welcome from Seth and Reyna though I didn’t see Ryan anywhere. Reyna even gave me a nice woolen scarf, as hot as it already was in the savanna, but it’s the thought that counts. They left to take care of some business but said they would find me later to tell me something. I found Ryan with a sword near a stack to weapons and he seemed to be stabbing a practice dummy with it.

“What are you doing?”

“Hey! They let you out of the hospital! I’m trying to strengthen up my so-called weak noodle arms by learning sword play.”

“Really? You’re trying to teach yourself. Well first error: They sword you’re using is way to big. It makes your swings clumsy and tires you out quickly. Here, use this one.” I handed him a much smaller and lighter sword with a freshly sharpened edge. “Now hit the dummy.” He took one whack at it and I had to stop him once more.

“What now?”

“Your doing it all wrong, You’re gripping the sword way to tight. Loosen up a little. Swing it around and get a good feel of it. Also you’re holding the sword at the very edge. You have to choke it all the way up to the hilt for good control. When you hold it upright, all of the weight should be rested on your thumb and forefinger. Now with your stance, your knees are completely locked, bend them a little. Keep you right foot extended out in front though it is good to practice with left foot forward as well. Extend your arms downward but angle the sword upward so it would seem as if it was pointing at the enemies nose. This gives you good thrust. Now try.” He hit the dummy directly in the stomach and seemed proud of himself. I was about to tell him about the several mistakes he made in only a few seconds but was called over by Reyna.

“Found you! Is Ryan trying to learn sword play? His stance looks… uneven.”

“You should have seen it before. So whats up?”

“Well tonight we are holding a banquet in your honor! The food is being prepared and fire is built to light once yo arrive.”

“A banquet?” A banquet is a very big deal to Barbarians and was only held for heros or high held people in the Barbarian culture. But I was not wealthy or famous enough for a banquet to be held. That must mean I’m considered a hero. “Why is there a banquet for me? I didn’t do any heroic deeds worth celebrating.”

“You saved lives of nearly everyone in the tribe, you ended the war between us and the Savvies, and brought peace between us as well. Next thing you know, we’re gonna be allies! So will you be our guest of honor?”

“I guess.”

“We’re not forcing you. But I think you deserve it.”

“Thank you. Is everyone in the tribe going?”

“Yes. And you are allowed to brig Ryan. He will be honored as well.” Ryan is gonna have the biggest ego once he finds out that he’s the first Savvy in history to have a banquet held for him. “Speaking of Ryan, are you two together?” Why is everyone interested in my personal life?!

“No. He’s not.” I said a little to quickly.

“Oh ok because he’s talking to Maria right now.”

I turned as saw the girl I met at the stream that one time I to a bath. She was the one calling me weird. And right now she was batting her stupid little eyes at Ryan. I turned away.

“Don’t go over there Claire.” I muttered to myself. “You turned him down right? So what if he talks to her! I don’t care. Don’t walk over there!”

But my legs had a whole different idea in mind. I put on my biggest smile and stood next to Ryan giving Maria an evil look. She gave me and exasperated look, rolled her eyes and continued to flirt with Ryan.

“I could give you a few pointers if you’d like.” she said looking at the sword still handing loose in his hand.

“Nah. Claire already helped me.”

“Are you sure she told you the right information? I mean, she isn’t even a true Barbarian. Look at her hair!” Do you know how hard it was for me to not rip her hair out? I was about to say something when Ryan had a serious outburst.

“What?! You judge her on her hair? There are a lot of people with blond hair.”

“Not Barbarians.” she was quickly losing interest in Ryan

“SO? What does that have to do with her being a Barbarian. She is the strongest of this camp and if you don’t know that then you should crawl out from under that rock you been living under.” I saw her punch before she even did it. Lucky I did or Ryan would be passed out on the ground. I shot my hand out in front of Ryan and blocked Maria’s punch, then twisted her arm around her back and pinned her to the ground.

“If you wanna get in fight, I’m your girl. Other wise, stay away.” I whispered in her ear before letting her get up, scowl at me, then walk away with the shreds of dignity she still had.

“I remember when you did that to me in the forest. Ah memories” I rolled my eyes and I spent the rest of the afternoon perfecting Ryan’s sloppy sword play.

During that time, I told him about the banquet but didn’t really mention how he is the first Savvy to have one. He’s full of hot air already thinking that he is an expert with the sword. Finally Ryan put the sword down and we left for the banquet

Chapter Eight

“Detroit…..are you sure this will work?” Roux asked as he settled down to go to sleep for the night. Detroit was stood in the doorway, staring blankly into space and biting her knuckle. She nodded slowly.

“It will….go to sleep. We’ve got a big day ahead of us tomorrow. Wake up at 6am, refreshed and ready to go…Damn, are you going to need that energy”

Sleep refused to come to Detroit until the early hours of the morning. She was up all night, sat at the window, staring out, across the sea, staring at the lights on in the institute.

Zak raised his head to glare up at this new intruder. It was a young man, dressed in a formal blue suit, his eyes covered by reflective shades.

“Who…are you? And what do you want with me?!” he hissed. The young man chuckled and knelt down so he was on Zak’s level.

“I’m Dr. Xavier. And you’re 35, the dangerous Zak that everybody’s so afraid of…?”

“Damn you…let me out of here!”

“You don’t scare me, 35. And the more you resist, the more painful it’ll be. Now, me and my colleagues know that there are two main witnesses who you grew up with during your childhood…we need those witnesses”

“I don’t know ANY witnesses. I’m alone. And why, why do you need witnesses. You’ve got me, now, haven’t you?”

“Well, we can’t have those two running around in public, especially the girl..”

“Detroit…?”

Ah! Dr. Xavier had Zak right where he wanted him. He couldn’t back-track now. Just the boy’s name would be needed.

“So, you do know these two…?”

“I’m not giving them up to you. Never, ever. Do what you want with me. I won’t speak”

Zak looked Dr. Xavier firmly in the eye…or, at his own reflection, rather.

“Fine. Let’s continue this game…and see if we can change your mind…”

“Keenan, take 35 to the Shock Room. Don’t do anything until I meet you there too…”

Zak stumbled along through the white corridors. He heard screams, shouts, and people hurling themselves against doors in futile attempts to escape.

The Fugitive

An old woman with a red coat stared in amazement as a figure hurtled past her from the sky and landed on the sidewalk He landed without a single sound his black face mask gleaming as he ran off into the night. The old woman suddenly whipped off her face mask and threw it into the bushes. She reached into her purse, took out a cell phone, and started talking. “I found him.”

“Sir here are our police records,” a assistant said as he handed a sheet of papers to the commander and chief. “Thanks Henry,” he replied skimming over the sheets. His eyes a blur as they went from one side of the paper to the other. “There I found it,” The commander and chief exclaimed happily. “He lived in…… Tennessee” “Men lets get this thief.”

The dark figure hurtled himself behind a building as he heard police sirens approach. Then like a shadow he flirted to the next building. What he didn’t know that they were waiting.

“Sir I see him through my sights,” a gunman said as he peered hard at the dark figure blending in to the dark night. “Ready until he enters the building, men,” he spoke talking into his radio. The dark figure sneaked into the building calling out softly,” Mother you here.” All he got of an answer was guns shooting.

My sister is a

fourteen-year old

who’s lots

of fun.

She always likes

to share her

political views

with everyone.

Sometimes she’s bossy,

and she can be mean.

She’s tall

and lean.

Sometimes we fight,

sometimes we bicker.

She is one of

the lights in my life

that never flicker.

Hi guys!   I’m considering doing a series of short stories and I want to see what you guys think of my basic idea first. What I want to do is write a series of short stories describing everyday places, such as a pizza store, a cafeteria, and a coffee shop.  I like doing descriptive writing and I would like to write about and look differently at everyday things and places. What do you think?

P.S.: Thanks!

JANUARY 12, 2012

Today school was as normal. Something, nothing, more nothing. That was what the learning was like, of course. The activities other than class were much different.

You know how every year there’s a different fad? A new fad has been born: zapping. You write a time on the back of somebody’s hand and on their palm, you write a person of the opposite gender’s name. If you look at your palm before the time, you need to ask that person out. Naturally, this is just fuel for the machine that is gossip.  I got a little goofy during the after-school science program I go to because Emma zapped me and go figure: she wrote the name of the kid I have a crush on.  God, I’m getting stereotypical. Sometimes it’s hard not to.  I’m stopping before I turn in to one of those kids in books with titles like “How I Survived Middle School”.

I sat back and sighed. I liked journals. I got my thoughts out and told every detail I wanted, without fear of mocking or someone spilling the beans. Notebooks allow you to spill your thoughts fearlessly. And that’s just perfect for me or anybody who lives with a bossy fourteen-year old sister.

(P.S: Thanks guys for all the comments! Keep them coming!)

Smile, Troubled Soul – Chapter 6.5 – Chaos

“She’ll be fine…the Stark twins never go down without a fight”

It was the last thing cast out onto the air before there was a deafening, terrifying sound of the door falling down.

The back room door was flung open and Guards stood there, glaring, their eyes cold and ruthless.

“35….you’re coming with us!” They made a grab at Zak, seizing his arms.

The monster that rested deep inside Zak decided It didn’t like that. It didn’t like these men.

There were at least five guards, and more waited outside, ready.

Roux darted into the living room, flung himself underneath the table, curled up, hands over his ears. He felt like a failure. He’d gone down without a fight; he’d surrendered his best friend over to these men who were going to take him to the institute to be destroyed. That guilt sat there in his stomach, gnawing at him.

Meanwhile, in the hall, the fight raged on. Clawed hands lashed out and tore skin, feet flung wildly at things, knocking them over, the contents of the table crashing onto the hardwood floor. Zak was getting tired by now, but he wasn’t going to stop. Not now. Not ever.

Two Guards fell to the floor dead. Three dragged Zak to the doorway.

More Guards rushed in from outside.

Zak felt pain explode in the back of his head. He dropped to his knees, and watched….as the

 world…..slowed…..down.

He lifted his head groggily. Where was he?

He looked at his surroundings. White clean rooms, white corridors. Bright white lights.

Zak felt a sharp twinge in his left arm. He looked over.

A red number was tattooed into his skin.

“35,” Zak read quietly. He breathed out suddenly in anger and frustration. How DARE they label him with a number, as if he were not a human being?

“This school was meant for humans! Not creeps like you…”

The harsh words and echoing laughter mocked him, reminding him how pathetic he really was. Underneath the tough front he put up, he was still a little boy, lost and alone.

He wasn’t human. He wasn’t one of them. He was some freak, locked up here because society didn’t welcome him.

But eventually, it dawned on him. He couldn’t move, and cold metal dug into his hands. He looked left, looked right. He was chained to the wall. He tugged with all his might, as if the chains would somehow snap and he could escape. It was futile, and he hung his head low. He didn’t have the energy any more. He wanted it over with. He didn’t care.

So… ALoose Avian wanted a little 6.5 chapter about the fight at the apartment and what state Zak was in…I hope you like it. The beginning is a LITTLE rough (lol, a little XD Who am I kidding, it’s awful) but I’m in love with the ending of this. I left it on a cliff-hanger :3

this is for rashquan and three days grace

The Betrayal
by
Nate

The president looked up from his desk as his phone started ringing. “Sir the army commanders would like to speak with you.” said a voice. “Thanks Robert. Ill be right down,” The president exclaimed looking at his clock. He knew what they wanted to do but he didn’t like it. “Should I let them do it or not,” he mused his gaze glancing over his family picture then at the one person missing. He swallowed hard trying to not cry. His son was kidnapped a couple years back he would hate to put other teens in danger. He decided that he would say no.

“Sir there ready for you,” said a blond haired attendant. The president took a deep breath, fixed his tie, opened the door, and walked inside. Men with grim faces stared at him all seated around a table. The president took the head seat and called a meeting to order. “Sir we need your permission to make a training camp for our special training force,” said a young man with a scar running down his face. “Somewhere we can recruit teens to train.“ “They will be our special force.” “They will be spies and fighters in the wars to come.” The president leaned back on his chair sighed and replied, “ “Why teens? “Why not women and men.” “Sir they wouldn’t suspect teens,” another man with a strong face told the president. The president looked around the table seeing encouragement the rest of the men and sighed,” Do it”

Hi mom, Hi dad,” I yelled as I bundled downstairs to eat my breakfast. “Hi Ryan,” they chorused. It was the first day of school and I was excited. I was adopted and was 15 almost 16 with blond hair and had blue eyes that sparkled. I was tall while my brother on the other hand was big, muscular, and annoying. I quickly finished eating, thanked my parents, said goodbye to my brother. I was about to jump on the bus when my dad grabbed me by the arm and told me to remember my training if necessary. I told him I would and then I jumped on the bus. I looked around for a spot to sit down when a kid about my age offered a seat next to him. “Hey my name is Tom,” he told me his voice friendly. We talked about school and how boring it can be. Before the bus ride was over we were friends. “He told me this was his first year here and that he hoped we were in the same class.

We both walked into school looking around. It a huge school. What was strange was our lockers were right next to each other. I looked at him oddly then decided it was luck. We opened our lockers and I started to put my backpack in when I felt a push in my back sending me flying into my locker. I turned around hands in fists . It was Charles and his pack. They were a mean group always picking on people who were weaker then them. My dad told me not to show kids my training but this is absolutely necessary. They started laughing at me. “Hey look there’s a dent in your head Ryan oh wait that was already there,” they teased me. I heard Tom tell me,” Just ignore them” I tried to leave but they wouldn’t let me.

I just couldn’t stand it any more. Finally I let my anger let loose. I grabbed deodorant from my bag and approached them slowly. One of Charles henchmen charged and I flipped him over my knee and nailed him in the gut with a stick of deodorant which was from my backpack. Charles attempted a punch but I ducked and punched him in the jaw. His jaw snapped back with a horrifying sound. A little while later they were all on the floor holding their sides with pain. I looked around afraid of getting in trouble so I looked around and noticed two people walked in while I was busy . They both had ski masks on but one was smaller and one bigger.

I looked at around for Tom and noticed him looking at me strangely. “Where would he learn that,“ he mumbled. The two people spotted me and murmured, “Nice job Tom” while they headed over to me. Suddenly a alarm rang, “Intruder alert This is not a drill.” I hurried to get out of there exiting the hallway and heading for emergency exit. The two people spotted me and the bigger one said under his breath, “Get him.”

I stared as the taller figure swung a massive hand at me. Only my instincts saved me. I pivoted of one heel as the punch slid past me and slammed the stick of deodorant into my attackers nose. He fell like a sack of potatoes. I turned and the next guy I grabbed his shirt and pulled him toward me and kneed him in his stomach. What I didn’t know that the Tom was on their side. I tried to duck but it was to late.

I woke up groaning slightly. When my vision cleared I had a plastic bag over my head. We were bouncing and jolting so I knew we must be in some kind of vehicle. “Fred he’s still out cold.” “Tom nice job you did everything perfect,” female voice exclaimed. Tom answered,” Yeah but how did he learn to do that. “I don’t know,” a deep male voice interrupted. I heard footsteps coming and bag was whipped off my head I shut my eyes and slowed my breathing so it sounded like I was unconscious. When I felt them turn away I opened my eyes . I need to get back to my family.

To my surprise it was a young girl like my age, Tom the jerk, and a big guy. I looked around and noticed we were in some kind of truck. “Where were they taking me,” I wondered. I flipped my dagger from my boot over to my other hand and started cutting the rope that bound me to the chair. Finally, it broke the rope. “Thank God,” I thought as I silently glided to my captors. Before I could knock them out the girl suddenly turned around and tried to stab me. I swatted her hand away and delivered a roundhouse kick. She crumpled to the ground. Her uncle turned around with a sword in his hand. He delivered lighting strokes. His blade was like a pattern it weaved through my defenses but still I tried to block his sword. Our blades locked sending a shock up my left arm. I tried to hold it but I couldn’t he was too strong. My knife went skittering across the floor of the vehicle. He grabbed my arm twisting it behind my back. Then put cloth up to my nose. Before I could do anything the chloroform got to me.

I woke up to the sound of arguing. “Ouch you old buffoon,” yelled the girl. “I’m feeling for any broken bones Sophia,” Fred snapped back. “More like your trying to kill me,” she grumbled. Will you guys stop arguing your hurting my head,” I yelled my head throbbing with pain. They both stared at me then the uncle said, “ He’s awake.” “I can see that,” replied the girl.

“Where are you taking me,” I asked a puzzled frown lining on my face. The girl Sophia responded, “None of your business so shut up.” I decided that she was the meanest of them all. Her uncle looked at her strangely ,“Hey don’t be so mean remember he’s on our si“…. “Shut up he isn’t supposed to know,” yelled the girl slapping her uncle on the face. I knew they were hiding something but what. The uncle looked at he stunned “But what did I do,” he replied innocently. I looked up and saw Tom the jerk sitting up in the drivers seat looking rather guilty. They traveled up to the driver seat and started talking. I sighed, deciding there was nothing to do, and fell asleep.

“WERE here” yelled a voice,” breaking my eardrums. Fred untied me and forced me out of the truck on my knees. I gasped with shock. It was a huge army base in the desert. You wouldn’t believe it with green buildings, training courses, and well I think it’s a desert with dry sand blowing everywhere. My so called friend (Tom)untied me and was talking to a soldier. It was the perfect opportunity to escape. I slipped around the truck and ran toward a army truck that was parked at the top left corner.

I jumped into the drivers seat and realized I need keys. I looked at the passenger seat and there was a soldier in it sleeping keys dangling from his hand. I snatched them and then frontkicked him out of the truck. I fumbled for the keys. Finally I found the right one and put the keys in the ignition. “Its not working,” I panicked. I heard footsteps coming closer, “He’s in the truck.” Finally the key worked. I put the pedal to the medal swerving between trucks and buildings. Suddenly heard the gunshots and the tires got flat. “They must have shot all four,” I exclaimed as the truck skittered to a stop. I looked outside and a line of soldiers hustled in position all around the truck lined with M16s. I slowly stepped out of the truck hands raised. “No need for the guns team,” a voice said. “Go back to your training.“ “Bob however stay here.” At the sound of his voice they exclaimed, Yes sir.” The line broke and a man walked up to me. He was a man about in his mid forties with a scar running down his face. “Do you know why you’re here,” he asked. “No not really,” I replied stepping away from him and looking to escape. “Don’t even try,” he said reading my thoughts.

“Lets go to my office shall we,” he told me. When we got there he started talking. “America started a few years back a training camp for well teens. “I recruited you because your dad used to be in the um FBI.” “What, no way,” I said disbelieving voice. “Yes way, your dad worked for them so many years, but when he got married he quit,” he replied. “I still don’t believe you but what does that have to do with me,” I almost yelled at him. “Your dad wanted you to follow in his footsteps,” he said. “ But before we get talking I want to know your name.” “Ryan,” I answered. “How about you.” “I’m Henry,” he said looking around stretching like he had a horrible day. “I will give you two options whether to train or go home and lead a decent life.” “I want to train,” I replied quickly.

I wasn’t sure if I should do this but I am going to do it for my dads sake. “Sophia will you show this young man to his tent,” he yelled. “Sure I will father,” Sophia spoke stepping into the tent. I realized she was the girl who tried to stab me. She grabbed me by the arm and led me to my tent and said, “ There’s the barracks, the cookhouse , and training arena. If you want breakfast you got to get to the cookhouse by 6:00am. You got five minutes to eat then get to the training arena right away. If you get late to the training arena you can’t have supper.” she told me sternly. She smiled at me then left. “Well that’s a little tight,” I grumbled and fell asleep.

That morning I woke up to cold freezing water all over my face. I sat up gasping for breath, looked at the clock, and almost died. It was 8:00. “No supper for you,” said a voice next to me. I looked up and a hard grim face stared at me get your behind off your bed and move it. I realized that this was the guy named Bob. I ran all the way to the training arena. while the man rode his jeep next to me. “Lift those legs, faster, faster,” he pushed me. By the time I got there I was sweaty and tired.

“I heard you beat up some of my trainees yesterday,” Bob shouted.. “Well there waiting for you over at the sword arena.” “So hurry up,” he barked throwing me into action. I walked over to the sword fighting place and saw two figures fighting. They were delivering hard lighting moves at each other. Once they saw me they stopped fighting with swords and started fighting with words. “I claim him first,” yelled the girl. “No way,” yelled the uncle. “Stop bickering yelled the trainer.” “Daniel you go first,” yelled the Bob. “Sure thing,” said Daniel. “Pick up a sword wimp,” he teased. He reminded me of Charles as I thought of Charles my back straightened and I picked up a sword. So I picked up a sword and faced him. I remembered some sword techniques that my dad taught me. I looked around and saw that there was a crowd growing on the sidelines.

He swung his sword with vicious arcs at me. He started to push me back more and more. I tried to block but his strokes were too powerful. Every time he slammed in to my sword encouragement came from the sideline. Finally he knocked me to the ground. Suddenly I saw an opportunity. As soon as he swung his sword for the final blow I rolled up feeling his sword strike next to me. I flipped myself off the ground and kicked him in the face sending him flying back. His sword came loose and skittered across the arena. I walked over where he lay and put my sword on his neck. I actually won. Sophia looked at me strangely, picked up a sword, and said, “ Bring it on.” That’s enough for one day,” a gruff voice shouted breaking the tension. It was the trainer. My heart soared with hope that I wouldn’t have to do it again. “We will continue tomorrow,” he said breaking my hopes.
“This time don’t be late,” he said firmly while glaring at me.

I crawled into bed, set the clock, and fell asleep. The next morning I got there a little earlier then everybody. I grabbed my sword and started practicing the sword techniques my dad taught me left, right, overcut, sidecut, parry, on a oversized dummy. Soon my blade became a flash of white whirling around in deadly arcs. Then everyone started arriving. Sophia started practicing on the other dummy. Finally we were ready. We circled each other looking for weaknesses. I found a weakness she was right-handed and I was both handed. Maybe if I switch hands she would get surprised and I may have a chance. So I started with my left. I swung at her over and over. She was backing up I switched hands thinking that she would be surprised but she wasn’t. She quickly did a disarming maneuver which caused me to drop my sword. In a second she had her sword under my neck. I tapped three fingers showing submission. I had lost. The rest of the day though I learned how to shoot a gun better, swordfight better which Sophia taught me, wrestling, Karate, and Dojo.

By two months I already felt excepted by the team. We were training for a war. Every day I would wake up at five o clock and train. I learned how to use a bo properly. One day we got news from our captain that we had a mission, and he will be announcing who will be going tonight.
That night we walked over the to the meeting house together me, Daniel, and Sophia. I have grown especially fond of Sophia. I winced as a branch whipped me in my face as I walked over there. There were all of us there tonight 26 people.

“Hello team,” Henry told us. “You will be going to take another recruit for your team.” Murmuring broke out at the thought of it. Charles waved his hands signaling for us to quiet. “The people who are going are Sophia, Ryan, Joe, Sam, Kyle, Colby, and Shawn.” I hung my head not meeting my friends eyes. “You’ll go next time,” said Daniel. I left the building going in my tent. What did I do? Then I realized what I was going do. I was coming with.

Just before 12:00 midnight the team left. I followed them to see where they would go. They snuck around the back of the cookhouse and there stood a awesome helicopter. It was white with black stripes running down its sides. I spotted two security guards running to the helicopter. One was lagging behind and I waited until the one security guard was next to me then knocked him unconscious with the hilt of my dagger.

Before
they could suspect anything I quickly changed into the guards uniform and boarded the helicopter. “Your late,” the pilot complained. “ Sorry I had to go to the bathroom,” I replied. I stood across the room from the other security guard. The team were going over there plans. Suddenly Sophia’s voice spoke, “Are you coming with us.” “ Yes ma’am,” the other guard spoke nervously. Okay then here’s the plan. You two and I will enter through the back of Oregon Public School. While the rest through the front. Look for a kid named Eric Johnson understand. A chorus of yes and yes ma’am were heard throughout the helicopter.

Then we landed about 1 kilometer away from the school. We said goodbye and traveled to our stations. We had two blow the door open. Suddenly a alarm buzzed, “ Please exit the building calmly.” I looked around for someone that looked like him. Sophia had showed us his picture during the helicopter ride.. I spotted a huge kid punching a little kid. That was him I mean the little dude. “I found him,” I yelled into my radio. “Ill get him,” I yelled again. “Proceed,” Sophia’s voice instructed.

I ran toward the bully bo in my hand. He saw me and turned around but too late. The bo nailed him in the face slamming him into the lockers. The boy looked at me, shrugged, and said, “I had it under control.” “Ok you got to come with me,” I told him. I grabbed him by the arm and pulled him toward the exit. We burst through the exit. I was looking for the helicopter while Eric was looking for a chance to escape. I spotted it through the trees. “There it is,” I yelled to Eric. There was a problem however the helicopter was lifting off. I ran jumped in the door and sighed with relief. We made it. I looked at the seats and our team were tied up.

Sophia pointed at something behind me so I whirled around and saw a dark clothed figure standing behind me. He had a gun in his hand I swung the bo into the bottom of the gun sending it flying. He whipped out a samurai sword from his sheath. I only had a bo. He swung his sword at me. I couldn’t block so I dodged the blade. When he swung again I waited for it to pass me then stepped forward raining blows on his hand so he’d drop his sword. That he did his sword dropped and I swung my bo at his temple. He toppled over and laid still. During the fighting the security mask had slipped and you could see my hair. Sophia looked at me weakly and said, “I knew you were no ordinary security guard. She smiled and slumped into my arms. Then I noticed a dart sticking out of her back. It was poisoned.

We finally got to camp. The ride taking us actually shorter but it felt longer. They immediately took Sophia to the medical tent. I tried to follow her but they wouldn’t let me. “Go rest,” the nurse would say. Finally I walked back to my tent where I dozed off. “She’s going to be okay,” as Daniel started shaking my shoulders. He suddenly stopped as Henry walked into my tent and told me to meet with him right away. I said, “Yes sir” and started to put on my uniform. When I got to his tent he told me how disappointed he was of me and that on next missions to come he’d make sure I don’t come. I left disappointed in myself. Why didn’t I listen to my commander. I went down to the medical tent but they still wouldn’t let me see her. So I decided to go to the training arena. I saw Eric down training with our trainee. I said, “I went down to watch. Eric was small but he was fast and wiry. The only problem was that all our swords were too big for him.

I thought and came up with a plan. Maybe he could use two big daggers. I told out trainee whose name is Bob the idea. He liked it and had Eric practice with it. Eric got the hang of it pretty quick. People usually have trouble with two swords or dagger but he managed it fine. Eric looked up startled when the intercom buzzed, “Everyone to the underground basement I repeat everyone to the basement.” “I didn’t even know that we had one,” I said looking at Bob suspiciously. He told me that it was only for emergencies and that he was worried. I told him that wasn’t very encouraging. He ignored me and we headed for the basement. I glanced over at Eric and he looked very guilty. I wondered why and I was going to find out.

“We have 5 German helicopters approaching us,” said Charles. “We don’t know what they want but I think its to bomb us.” He told us our stations and that we were supposed to shoot them down before they reach us. I glanced around excited about the mission and noticed he was gone. Then I saw a figure slipping out of the back the door. I quickly got up and followed him. He seemed to be heading toward our communication center. “Why would he be doing that,” I asked myself?

I followed him until he entered the room, then hiding behind the door, I listened. “Sir this is Scooter reporting you must turn back they know your here.” After he put the radio down I stepped out so he could see me and said, “I would of never guessed.” He whirled around glaring at me between hate filled eyes. “Thanks for teaching me how to use two daggers,” he smiled and said. “Your welcome,” I replied pulling out my sword. He pulled out two daggers out of the sheaths of his sides.

We slowly circled each other looking at little things like the drop of a sword slightly or a trip of the feet. Finally Eric attacked using his two daggers he attacked from both sides until his blades becoming a whirl. Suddenly he knocked my sword from my hand and it went flying. I tried to dive for it but he put a blade up to my neck and I could feel the blood trickling down my throat. He smiled at me then leaned back for the final thrust but before he could kill me I heard a whistling noise and a bullet went shooting past my ear and plunged into his hand.

Eric collapsed to the floor holding his hand in pain and Henry stepped from the shadows. “Thanks,” I said looking at Henry taking Eric by the shirt and hustled out the room mumbling, “Your going to jail.” Sophia ran in the room apparently heard the news and collapsed on the floor next to me. “Are you okay,” she asked? “Yeah I’m fine,” I told her. When she finally left I traveled back to my tent and fell asleep immediately. The next day I was greeted by a bird chirping. I got up and checked the clock it was nine o clock. I sat straight up and hurried to get to training before I realized that we had a break today.
So I got up, yawned, and slowly started to get dressed. I walked past Daniel’s tent and next to the commanders tent. I overheard Henry talking to Bob about our mission. My breath caught what Henry just said, “Our whole team will be going to Berlin the capital of Germany.”

SORRY I GOOFED IT AGAIN THIS IS THE NEW AND IMPROVED VERSION OF THE QUEST FOR FREEDOM HOPE YOU LIKE IT The Betrayal
by
ealenate

The president looked up from his desk as his phone started ringing. “Sir the commanders would like to speak with you.” said a voice. “Thanks Robert. Ill be right down,” The president exclaimed looking at his clock. He knew what they wanted to do but he didn’t like it. “Should I let them do it or not,” he mused his gaze glancing over his family picture then at the one person missing. He swallowed hard trying to not cry. His son was kidnapped a couple years back he would hate to put other teens in danger. He decided that he would say no.

“Sir there ready for you,” said a blond haired attendant. The president took a deep breath, fixed his tie, opened the door, and walked inside. Men with grim faces stared at him all seated around a table. The president took the head seat and called a meeting to order. “Sir we need your permission to make a training camp for our special training force,” said a young man with a scar running down his face. “Somewhere we can recruit teens to train.“ “They will be our special force.” “They will be spies and fighters in the wars to come.” The president leaned back on his chair sighed and replied, “ “Why teens? “Why not women and men.” “Sir they wouldn’t suspect teens,” another man with a strong face told the president. The president looked around the table seeing encouragement the rest of the men and sighed,” Do it”

Hi mom, Hi dad,” I yelled as I bundled downstairs to eat my breakfast. “Hi Ryan,” they chorused. It was the first day of school and I was excited. I was adopted and was 15 almost 16 with blond hair and had blue eyes that sparkled. I was tall while my brother on the other hand was big, muscular, and annoying. I quickly finished eating, thanked my parents, said goodbye to my brother. I was about to jump on the bus when my dad grabbed me by the arm and told me to remember my training if necessary. I told him I would and then I jumped on the bus. I looked around for a spot to sit down when a kid about my age offered a seat next to him. “Hey my name is Tom,” he told me his voice friendly. We talked about school and how boring it can be. Before the bus ride was over we were friends. “He told me this was his first year here and that he hoped we were in the same class.

We both walked into school looking around. It a huge school. What was strange was our lockers were right next to each other. I looked at him oddly then decided it was luck. We opened our lockers and I started to put my backpack in when I felt a push in my back sending me flying into my locker. I turned around hands in fists . It was Charles and his pack. They were a mean group always picking on people who were weaker then them. My dad told me not to show kids my training but this is absolutely necessary. They started laughing at me. “Hey look there’s a dent in your head Ryan oh wait that was already there,” they teased me. I heard Tom tell me,” Just ignore them” I tried to leave but they wouldn’t let me.

I just couldn’t stand it any more. Finally I let my anger let loose. I grabbed deodorant from my bag and approached them slowly. One of Charles henchmen charged and I flipped him over my knee and nailed him in the gut with a stick of deodorant which was from my backpack. Charles attempted a punch but I ducked and punched him in the jaw. His jaw snapped back with a horrifying sound. A little while later they were all on the floor holding their sides with pain. I looked around afraid of getting in trouble so I looked around and noticed two people walked in while I was busy . They both had ski masks on but one was smaller and one bigger.

I looked at around for Tom and noticed him looking at me strangely. “Where would he learn that,“ he mumbled. The two people spotted me and murmured, “Nice job Tom” while they headed over to me. Suddenly a alarm rang, “Intruder alert This is not a drill.” I hurried to get out of there exiting the hallway and heading for emergency exit. The two people spotted me and the bigger one said under his breath, “Get him.”

I stared as the taller figure swung a massive hand at me. Only my instincts saved me. I pivoted of one heel as the punch slid past me and slammed the stick of deodorant into my attackers nose. He fell like a sack of potatoes. I turned and the next guy I grabbed his shirt and pulled him toward me and kneed him in his stomach. What I didn’t know that the Tom was on their side. I tried to duck but it was to late.

I woke up groaning slightly. When my vision cleared I had a plastic bag over my head. We were bouncing and jolting so I knew we must be in some kind of vehicle. “Fred he’s still out cold.” “Tom nice job you did everything perfect,” female voice exclaimed. Tom answered,” Yeah but how did he learn to do that. “I don’t know,” a deep male voice interrupted. I heard footsteps coming and bag was whipped off my head I shut my eyes and slowed my breathing so it sounded like I was unconscious. When I felt them turn away I opened my eyes . I need to get back to my family.

To my surprise it was a young girl like my age, Tom the jerk, and a big guy. I looked around and noticed we were in some kind of truck. “Where were they taking me,” I wondered. I flipped my dagger from my boot over to my other hand and started cutting the rope that bound me to the chair. Finally, it broke the rope. “Thank God,” I thought as I silently glided to my captors. Before I could knock them out the girl suddenly turned around and tried to stab me. I swatted her hand away and delivered a roundhouse kick. She crumpled to the ground. Her uncle turned around with a sword in his hand. He delivered lighting strokes. His blade was like a pattern it weaved through my defenses but still I tried to block his sword. Our blades locked sending a shock up my left arm. I tried to hold it but I couldn’t he was too strong. My knife went skittering across the floor of the vehicle. He grabbed my arm twisting it behind my back. Then put cloth up to my nose. Before I could do anything the chloroform got to me.

“Ouch you old buffoon,” yelled the girl. “I’m feeling for any broken bones Sophia,” Fred snapped back. “More like your trying to kill me,” she grumbled. Will you guys stop arguing your hurting my head,” I yelled my head throbbing with pain. They both stared at me then the uncle said, “ He’s awake.” “I can see that,” replied the girl.
“Where are you taking me,” I asked a puzzled frown lining on my face. The girl Sophia responded, “None of your business so shut up.” I decided that she was the meanest of them all. Her uncle looked at her strangely ,“Hey don’t be so mean remember he’s on our si“…. “Shut up he isn’t supposed to know,” yelled the girl slapping her uncle on the face. I knew they were hiding something but what. The uncle looked at he stunned “But what did I do,” he replied innocently. I looked up and saw Tom the jerk sitting up in the drivers seat looking rather guilty. They traveled up to the driver seat and started talking. I sighed, deciding there was nothing to do, and fell asleep.

“WERE here” yelled a voice,” breaking my eardrums. Fred untied me and forced me out of the truck on my knees. I gasped with shock. It was a huge army base in the desert. You wouldn’t believe it with green buildings, training courses, and well I think it’s a desert with dry sand blowing everywhere. My so called friend (Tom)untied me and was talking to a soldier. It was the perfect opportunity to escape. I slipped around the truck and ran toward a army truck that was parked at the top left corner.

I jumped into the drivers seat and realized I need keys. I looked at the passenger seat and there was a soldier in it sleeping keys dangling from his hand. I snatched them and then frontkicked him out of the truck. I fumbled for the keys. Finally I found the right one and put the keys in the ignition. “Its not working,” I panicked. I heard footsteps coming closer, “He’s in the truck.” Finally the key worked. I put the pedal to the medal swerving between trucks and buildings. Suddenly heard the gunshots and the tires got flat. “They must have shot all four,” I exclaimed as the truck skittered to a stop. I looked outside and a line of soldiers hustled in position all around the truck lined with M16s. I slowly stepped out of the truck hands raised. “No need for the guns team,” a voice said. “Go back to your training.“ “Bob however stay here.” At the sound of his voice they exclaimed, Yes sir.” The line broke and a man walked up to me. He was a man about in his mid forties with a scar running down his face. “Do you know why you’re here,” he asked. “No not really,” I replied stepping away from him and looking to escape. “Don’t even try,” he said reading my thoughts.

“Lets go to my office shall we,” he told me. When we got there he started talking. “America started a few years back a training camp for well teens. “I recruited you because your dad used to be in the um FBI.” “What, no way,” I said disbelieving voice. “Yes way, your dad worked for them so many years, but when he got married he quit,” he replied. “I still don’t believe you but what does that have to do with me,” I almost yelled at him. “Your dad wanted you to follow in his footsteps,” he said. “ But before we get talking I want to know your name.” “Ryan,” I answered. “How about you.” “I’m Henry,” he said looking around stretching like he had a horrible day. “I will give you two options whether to train or go home and lead a decent life.” “I want to train,” I replied quickly.

I wasn’t sure if I should do this but I am going to do it for my dads sake. “Sophia will you show this young man to his tent,” he yelled. “Sure I will father,” Sophia spoke stepping into the tent. I realized she was the girl who tried to stab me. She grabbed me by the arm and led me to my tent and said, “ There’s the barracks, the cookhouse , and training arena. If you want breakfast you got to get to the cookhouse by 6:00am. You got five minutes to eat then get to the training arena right away. If you get late to the training arena you can’t have supper.” she told me sternly. She smiled at me then left. “Well that’s a little tight,” I grumbled and fell asleep.

That morning I woke up to cold freezing water all over my face. I sat up gasping for breath, looked at the clock, and almost died. It was 8:00. “No supper for you,” said a voice next to me. I looked up and a hard grim face stared at me get your behind off your bed and move it. I realized that this was the guy named Bob. I ran all the way to the training arena. while the man rode his jeep next to me. “Lift those legs, faster, faster,” he pushed me. By the time I got there I was sweaty and tired.

“I heard you beat up some of my trainees yesterday,” Bob shouted.. “Well there waiting for you over at the sword arena.” “So hurry up,” he barked throwing me into action. I walked over to the sword fighting place and saw two figures fighting. They were delivering hard lighting moves at each other. Once they saw me they stopped fighting with swords and started fighting with words. “I claim him first,” yelled the girl. “No way,” yelled the uncle. “Stop bickering yelled the trainer.” “Daniel you go first,” yelled the Bob. “Sure thing,” said Daniel. “Pick up a sword wimp,” he teased. He reminded me of Charles as I thought of Charles my back straightened and I picked up a sword. So I picked up a sword and faced him. I remembered some sword techniques that my dad taught me. I looked around and saw that there was a crowd growing on the sidelines.

He swung his sword with vicious arcs at me. He started to push me back more and more. I tried to block but his strokes were too powerful. Every time he slammed in to my sword encouragement came from the sideline. Finally he knocked me to the ground. Suddenly I saw an opportunity. As soon as he swung his sword for the final blow I rolled up feeling his sword strike next to me. I flipped myself off the ground and kicked him in the face sending him flying back. His sword came loose and skittered across the arena. I walked over where he lay and put my sword on his neck. I actually won. Sophia looked at me strangely, picked up a sword, and said, “ Bring it on.” That’s enough for one day,” a gruff voice shouted breaking the tension. It was the trainer. My heart soared with hope that I wouldn’t have to do it again. “We will continue tomorrow,” he said breaking my hopes.
“This time don’t be late,” he said firmly while glaring at me.

I crawled into bed, set the clock, and fell asleep. The next morning I got there a little earlier then everybody. I grabbed my sword and started practicing the sword techniques my dad taught me left, right, overcut, sidecut, parry, on a oversized dummy. Soon my blade became a flash of white whirling around in deadly arcs. Then everyone started arriving. Sophia started practicing on the other dummy. Finally we were ready. We circled each other looking for weaknesses. I found a weakness she was right-handed and I was both handed. Maybe if I switch hands she would get surprised and I may have a chance. So I started with my left. I swung at her over and over. She was backing up I switched hands thinking that she would be surprised but she wasn’t. She quickly did a disarming maneuver which caused me to drop my sword. In a second she had her sword under my neck. I tapped three fingers showing submission. I had lost. The rest of the day though I learned how to shoot a gun better, swordfight better which Sophia taught me, wrestling, Karate, and Dojo.

By two months I already felt excepted by the team. We were training for a war. Every day I would wake up at five o clock and train. I learned how to use a bo properly. One day we got news from our captain that we had a mission, and he will be announcing who will be going tonight.
That night we walked over the to the meeting house together me, Daniel, and Sophia. I have grown especially fond of Sophia. I winced as a branch whipped me in my face as I walked over there. There were all of us there tonight 26 people.
“Hello team,” Henry told us. “You will be going to take another recruit for your team.” Murmuring broke out at the thought of it. Charles waved his hands signaling for us to quiet. “The people who are going are Sophia, Ryan, Joe, Sam, Kyle, Colby, and Shawn.” I hung my head not meeting my friends eyes. “You’ll go next time,” said Daniel. I left the building going in my tent. What did I do? Then I realized what I was going do. I was coming with.
Just before 12:00 midnight the team left. I followed them to see where they would go. They snuck around the back of the cookhouse and there stood a awesome helicopter. It was white with black stripes running down its sides. I spotted two security guards running to the helicopter. One was lagging behind and I waited until the one security guard was next to me then knocked him unconscious with the hilt of my dagger.
Before they could suspect anything I quickly changed into the guards uniform and boarded the helicopter. “Your late,” the pilot complained. “ Sorry I had to go to the bathroom,” I replied. I stood across the room from the other security guard. The team were going over there plans. Suddenly Sophia’s voice spoke, “Are you coming with us.” “ Yes ma’am,” the other guard spoke nervously. Okay then here’s the plan. You two and I will enter through the back of Oregon Public School. While the rest through the front. Look for a kid named Eric Johnson understand. A chorus of yes and yes ma’am were heard throughout the helicopter.

Then we landed about 1 kilometer away from the school. We said goodbye and traveled to our stations. We had two blow the door open. Suddenly a alarm buzzed, “ Please exit the building calmly.” I looked around for someone that looked like him. Sophia had showed us his picture during the helicopter ride.. I spotted a huge kid punching a little kid. That was him I mean the little dude. “I found him,” I yelled into my radio. “Ill get him,” I yelled again. “Proceed,” Sophia’s voice instructed.

I ran toward the bully bo in my hand. He saw me and turned around but too late. The bo nailed him in the face slamming him into the lockers. The boy looked at me, shrugged, and said, “I had it under control.” “Ok you got to come with me,” I told him. I grabbed him by the arm and pulled him toward the exit. We burst through the exit. I was looking for the helicopter while Eric was looking for a chance to escape. I spotted it through the trees. “There it is,” I yelled to Eric. There was a problem however the helicopter was lifting off. I ran jumped in the door and sighed with relief. We made it. I looked at the seats and our team were tied up.

Sophia pointed at something behind me so I whirled around and saw a dark clothed figure standing behind me. He had a gun in his hand I swung the bo into the bottom of the gun sending it flying. He whipped out a samurai sword from his sheath. I only had a bo. He swung his sword at me. I couldn’t block so I dodged the blade. When he swung again I waited for it to pass me then stepped forward raining blows on his hand so he’d drop his sword. That he did his sword dropped and I swung my bo at his temple. He toppled over and laid still. During the fighting the security mask had slipped and you could see my hair. Sophia looked at me weakly and said, “I knew you were no ordinary security guard. She smiled and slumped into my arms. Then I noticed a dart sticking out of her back. It was poisoned.

We finally got to camp. The ride taking us actually shorter but it felt longer. They immediately took Sophia to the medical tent. I tried to follow her but they wouldn’t let me. “Go rest,” the nurse would say. Finally I walked back to my tent where I dozed off. “She’s going to be okay,” as Daniel started shaking my shoulders. He suddenly stopped as Henry walked into my tent and told me to meet with him right away. I said, “Yes sir” and started to put on my uniform. When I got to his tent he told me how disappointed he was of me and that on next missions to come he’d make sure I don’t come. I left disappointed in myself. Why didn’t I listen to my commander. I went down to the medical tent but they still wouldn’t let me see her. So I decided to go to the training arena. I saw Eric down training with our trainee. I said, “I went down to watch. Eric was small but he was fast and wiry. The only problem was that all our swords were too big for him.

I thought and came up with a plan. Maybe he could use two big daggers. I told out trainee whose name is Bob the idea. He liked it and had Eric practice with it. Eric got the hang of it pretty quick. People usually have trouble with two swords or dagger but he managed it fine. Eric looked up startled when the intercom buzzed, “Everyone to the underground basement I repeat everyone to the basement.” “I didn’t even know that we had one,” I said looking at Bob suspiciously. He told me that it was only for emergencies and that he was worried. I told him that wasn’t very encouraging. He ignored me and we headed for the basement. I glanced over at Eric and he looked very guilty. I wondered why and I was going to find out.
“We have 5 German helicopters approaching us,” said Charles. “We don’t know what they want but I think its to bomb us.” He told us our stations and that we were supposed to shoot them down before they reach us. I glanced around excited about the mission and noticed he was gone. Then I saw a figure slipping out of the back the door. I quickly got up and followed him. He seemed to be heading toward our communication center. “Why would he be doing that,” I asked myself?

I followed him until he entered the room, then hiding behind the door, I listened. “Sir this is Scooter reporting you must turn back they know your here.” After he put the radio down I stepped out so he could see me and said, “I would of never guessed.” He whirled around glaring at me between hate filled eyes. “Thanks for teaching me how to use two daggers,” he smiled and said. “Your welcome,” I replied pulling out my sword. He pulled out two daggers out of the sheaths of his sides.
We slowly circled each other looking at little things like the drop of a sword slightly or a trip of the feet. Finally Eric attacked using his two daggers he attacked from both sides until his blades becoming a whirl. Suddenly he knocked my sword from my hand and it went flying. I tried to dive for it but he put a blade up to my neck and I could feel the blood trickling down my throat. He smiled at me then leaned back for the final thrust but before he could kill me I heard a whistling noise and a bullet went shooting past my ear and plunged into his hand.
Eric collapsed to the floor holding his hand in pain and Henry stepped from the shadows. “Thanks,” I said looking at Henry taking Eric by the shirt and hustled out the room mumbling, “Your going to jail.” Sophia ran in the room apparently heard the news and collapsed on the floor next to me. “Are you okay,” she asked? “Yeah I’m fine,” I told her. When she finally left I traveled back to my tent and fell asleep immediately. The next day I was greeted by a bird chirping. I got up and checked the clock it was nine o clock. I sat straight up and hurried to get to training before I realized that we had a break today.

So I got up, yawned, and slowly started to get dressed. I walked past Daniel’s tent and next to the commanders tent. I overheard Henry talking to Bob about our mission. My breath caught what Henry just said, “Our whole team will be going to Berlin the capital of Germany.”

“Watch where you’re going kid!!!”

SCREEECH

“Hey! Stupid immature brat!”

“Are you trying to cause an accident?!?!”

“Baka, baka, baka!”

Detroit ignored the insults from the fellow people around her as she blindly shoved through them all in a desperate attempt to get home faster than was actually possible. So far, two old ladies had shouted, a cyclist had swerved into a hedge, a middle aged man had screamed, another student yelled, and Japanese tourists yelled “Triple Baka”

And if her memory served correctly, Detroit knew they were screaming stupid at her.

Still, what did she care? It was a dire emergency.

The steps to her apartment finally came into view and she smiled, out of breath, but relieved. Almost there. A few more steps.

WHOOMPF.

She tripped over her own shoelaces and her face met the ground, her bag slamming into her back and knocking all the breath out of her.

“Roux?! Zak?!,” She gasped for air as she slid open the apartment doors. By the dim light that the sunset offered, she could see there had been a struggle. She tripped over upturned chairs and tables, glass crackled underneath her feet. The wallpaper was shredded, and everything was upturned. Everywhere.

“Roux?!”

“I’m in here…” Roux’s small voice echoed from the living room. He was crouched under the table, his red glasses askew.

“I’m so glad YOU’RE okay. I got home as soon as I could. What happened?” Detroit commanded firmly, yet gently, pulling her shivering wreck of a brother from underneath the table and hugging him.

“They took him. Detroit, they took him away…”

“Where?”

“To the institute on the remote island, far off the coast. Zak put up a pretty horrendous fight. They knocked him out…”

“We’ve got to go and get him…”

“Yes, great idea….Detroit. First, let’s magic up our own personal boat and sail over to the institute.”

“Don’t play stupid Roux”

“How else can we get over there?”

Detroit though hard. Swimming was WAY out of the question.

“Ferry….there’s a ferry that goes over there every day to deliver important files. The next one leaves tomorrow, early morning”

“You seem to have this all planned out. Detroit, I’m getting a bit of déjà vu. When you were a kid you would have these “dreams” and eventually Mom told you to write them down. They all began to add up in the end…don’t you remember?”

“Mom….I had a dream last night” an 8 year old Detroit chirruped happily over breakfast. She was clad in her scarlet school uniform, sitting next to her twin, who tied his shoelaces while holding a piece of toast between his teeth.

“Really, darling? About what?”

“I met this little boy in the park. He seemed really lonely so I made friends with him. His name….I don’t remember. I really don’t…”

The dreams continued for two years. Every night, a little more of the story unravelled. The little boy became a friend, yet he killed so many people. A little girl vowed to kill him if he didn’t stop killing others. She couldn’t do it. Couldn’t do it.

As the children grew older in her dreams, things began to change. They moved to the apartment, started a new school….they were split up; a mad rescue plan was made….

Then, the dreams stopped there. The little boy, now a young man, disappeared without a trace.

Oooh, what a cruddy cliffhanger XD

I wanted to throw in dream/flashbacks because Detroit’s always been my traumatized “lots-of-flashbacks” OC ^.^
PS: I JUST REALISED THAT EZRA HAS PLAYED NO PART IN THE STORY SINCE CHAPTER ONE D: Okay, after Detroit befriended Zak, Ezra never really bothered with Zak afterwards…when they all grew up, he moved to college to train in an art course (massive softie underneath that tough exterior XD) X3  In my other stories he does have bigger parts…I just forgot in this one. Or, he is just Detroit’s cousin, instead of older brother XD