Sleepless night, cold rooms, loud silence, hanging questions. No one seems to know...

Things had never been the same ever since my father lost his job. The happy family which we once had began to tear apart bit by bits. The gay atmosphere meteorically turned estranged just like a dream.

Like every other normal family, my family, the Peters, was a nice one filled with loving members. My father used to be an accountant in a reputable bank while my mother owned a booming eatery. My family was always filled with elation and happiness. I was the only child of the family and I was nine years old. My parents loved me so much just as I did.

We had been leading our normal lives until my dad brought a retrenchment letter home. At first he wanted to hide it from us by pretending every early morning that he was going to work while he wasn’t. He was able to keep that up for just two weeks until my mum discovered the letter while cleaning their room. My mum was very angry that he tried to hide it from the family. She confronted him about it and that was how we found out that our big man had been sacked. The incident was a big blow to the family but not as big as what happened next.

When My mum discovered that dad had lost his job, she began to urge him to search for another job since he still had his certificates. My dad heeded to her advice but soon stopped after five weeks of unfruitful job hunt. He started to stay at home doing nothing just watching football on the television screen. Mum then became the breadwinner of the family. She, one day got fed up and scolded dad on his bad behavior of sitting at home and watching television.

That day was very hot as dad became angry. I was scared that they might start fighting so I ran to my room and shut the door. I threw the bed sheet over my head and closed my eyes I could still hear their voices faintly. Whenever they quarrelled, they used lots of invective words which I didn’t want to hear. My legs were shaking violently under the bed sheet.

Few minutes later, I heard the main door bang. I stood up quickly and walked to the window to see who it was that left. I saw my dad driving out of the compound in his car. I sighed and went back to the bed. My parents rarely quarrelled but whenever they did, it was always hot. My dad didn’t return until the next morning.

Days after the quarrel, my father changed. He left the house early in the morning and came back late in the night. I hardly saw him. I couldn’t understand why. It couldn’t be because of the quarrel. They have long settled their differences. They were always together joking around so dad couldn’t be angry with mum. I thought.

Whenever i got lucky to see my dad, he was always with a whitish substance and some drugs. Each time i questioned him about it, he told me they were drugs for stomach ache. I asked him if he had stomach ache and he said he did. I felt sorry for him. He continued taking the drugs and I wondered why the stomach ache refused to leave him.

One fateful day, i felt my stomach aching and luckily for me, my dad was around so I ran to him because I was hoping he would give me some of the medicines he had been taking but to my greatest surprise, he refused. Instead, he took me to a nearby pharmacy and bought some drugs for me. I asked him why he was being prodigal when he had countless of stomach ache drugs but he told me those drugs were for adults only.

I wasn’t skeptical about anything. I took the drugs and soon I became well but my dad continued taking his drugs. He wasn’t recovering from the illness. Those drugs must be fake. I thought. I even told him one day to throw away those drugs and get new ones from the pharmacy since he had been taking the drugs for almost a month but my father drew me closer to him and nuzzled my cheeks. My mum wasn’t aware of my dad’s everlasting stomach ache and my dad asked me not to tell her. He said she had many things on board and he wouldn’t like to stress her out with a minute problem. I saw reasons with him. Mum had been working extra hours because the family was depending on her only. I wouldn’t want to bother her with more burdens.

Some weeks later, My mum started complaining of someone stealing her money. She said she kept a sum of twenty thousand naira in her wardrobe and when she checked later, she couldn’t find it. It was so strange to me. Why would money be missing in the house? I wondered. I didn’t take it so who would have taken it? I told my mum that she might have misplaced it on her way from the eatery but she glared at me. We searched frantically for it to no avail.

My mother became very gloomy after losing that money. The same thing happened again and this time around my mum stopped bringing money home. She stopped at a bank each time she made a huge sale. it was disheartening to think that a thief was in the house. It was saddening. There was no more trust in the family.

When I thought all strange things were over, my dad stopped coming home. I said earlier that he often left the house early and returned late but this time around, he didn’t come back home. It was so strange and i was worried, so was my mum. She even picked a day to search for him. I wanted to go with her but she refused to take me along so I sat in the sitting room staring at the door. I fell asleep and when i woke up it was ten in the night. My mum hadn’t returned. My legs began to shake. I became restless so I paced around the house since sitting down was already tiresome to me.

The door opened and my mum walked in. She looked so tired and unhappy. I ran to give her a hug and she smiled wryly at me. I went to the kitchen to get a glass of water for her even without her asking. She thanked me and took a huge drink from the bottle of water.

I waited for her to finish drinking the water before I asked her the question that had been hanging in my heart through out the day. She smiled again at me and asked why I hadn’t gone to bed.

“I was waiting for you.” I replied. “Did you find dad?” I asked again as I held my legs to stop them from shaking. It was always like that whenever I was nervous about something. When I was two years old, my mum took me to a medical centre to take an injection against hepatitis and tetanus, my legs shook so much then that she had to hold them. That was when she discovered that my legs shook whenever I was nervous or scared.

“Not yet dear.” My mum replied. “I checked everywhere for him even his friends’ houses but none of them knew about his whereabout. I’m so frustrated. Your dad has been acting strange ever since he lost his job. He had been...”

“He must be in an hospital.” I cut in. I didn’t think my dad was to be blamed. He must have left to treat his stomach ache.

“Why did you think so?” My mum asked moving closer to me.

I bit my lower lips. Dad had asked me not to tell her but I couldn’t hide it anymore. “Dad had been taking drugs for stomach ache. It must have been an acute one because he had been taking the drugs everyday for a month now.”

My mum’s eyes widened. “What kind of drugs has he been taking?”

“I don’t know the name of the drugs but it’s a whitish substances wrapped in nylon. He said it was for stomach ache. I think we should check St Grace hospital, he might be there.” I told her. My eyes were already teary and fat drops of tears were threatening to drop.

My mum became still the moment I said that. She looked like she had just seen a ghost.

“Mum, are you okay?” I asked her but she shook her head.

“You said he had been taking these drugs for a month now right?” She asked me and I nodded. Immediately, my mother broke down in tears. I was horrified.

“Why didn’t you tell me this earlier Mary? Why?” She whimpered.

“Because dad asked me not to. He said he didn’t want to bother you.” I cried out as tears rolled out of my eyes.

My mum stood up and shook her head. She took her bags and walked away to her room. As I heard her climb the stairs, my heart shook violently. I was confused. My mum left just like that leaving me with lots of questions and no answers. Why was she crying so hard? Why was she looking so sad? As I sat thinking, I heard my mum’s soft sob from her room. Pain so strong gripped my heart tightly as I listened to her sobs. Soon I joined in the crying.

I fell asleep in the sitting room that day. I had cried myself into sleeping. When I woke up the next morning, I didn’t find my mother. I went to her room to check on her but she wasn’t there. I called out her name but no response. I then went back to the sitting room and that was when I saw a written note on the dining table.

“Mary, I’m going out to search for your father one more time. I hope to find him. I’d be back soon. There’s a carton of noodles and some eggs in the kitchen. Prepare some for yourself and go to school.”

I sighed. How would she think I’ll go to school? How would I be able to concentrate? I walked to the kitchen and prepared noodles for myself. Noodles was the only meal I could prepare and that was my favourite food but while I ate, I couldn’t savour the taste. It tasted like gall in my mouth.

My mum returned just like the other day but this time, earlier. With her expression I could tell that the result wasn’t good.

“I searched everywhere, no sign of him.” She muttered as she walked into her room.

My mum gave up the search after that day. My father’s parents were dead so there was no one to consult. I refused to believe my dad was missing. I hoped that one day he would come back just as he had left. Three months passed yet nothing from my dad. This changed my mother. The departure of my dad demoralized her. She became withdrawn and stayed indoors most of the time. I too was affected. I wasn’t myself anymore. I was so worried and hurt but I still believed, strongly, that one day, somehow, my dad would return from whatever hospital he was. I was willing to wait patiently for that day.

The house was cold and icy as we were all lost in our respective thoughts. The house wasn’t the same without my father. It looked precarious to me. My mum continued with her business. She never said anything about my father and I never asked.

The departure of my father not only affected my sanity but also my academics. I couldn’t concentrate in class. My teacher noticed this and she called me to her office one day. I was a brilliant child and I was always among the first three that passed. She asked me what was happening and why I was losing interest in my academics. I stared at her numbly because I didn’t know what to say. After many fruitless attempt to know my predicament, she sent a letter to my mum. My mum who knew why I was like that sat me down on her bed and told me not to allow my father’s betrayal affect my life. I didn’t understand what she meant by that but I shook my head and left her room. I tried reading my book immediately I came into my room but all I could see was my father’s face and the stomach ache drugs. This was what always happen whenever I wanted to read. When my test result came out, I failed woefully. I wasn’t surprised because I didn’t prepare for the test but the rest of my classmates and teachers were surprised at my poor performance. I felt bad about it because I wasn’t used to failure. My mother didn’t say anything about it. She only asked me to work harder. I was grateful she didn’t stress the issue.

My mum took solace in church. I could tell that the departure of my father affected her just as it affected me if not greater. My mum felt the church was a place were burdens were lifted, where she could feel free and was accepted, where she could empty all the content of her heart to God and where she could feel the presence of God. She made it compulsory for me to attend all weekly programmes and Sunday services. I didn’t mind because I loved the church and I loved God. I loved hearing stories about Jesus and all that he did. I loved Sunday schools and I loved the hymns and praises we sang in church.

Two years swept away like dust still my father was no where to be found. My mum got better within those years. She began to carry on with her life. She was no more looking sad and withdrawn instead she looked happy. Her eatery business was booming like never before. She even employed more people to help in the service of food. I always dropped by the shop anytime I returned from school, then in the evening, I and my mum would return home together. Each time I dropped by the shop, I’d either see my mum discussing with her friends or taking note of sales. She was always busy and had no time to think or sulk over my dad. I was happy my mum was happy because I heard that over thinking could terminate the life of a person. I had just lost my dad, I didn’t want to lose my mum too.

One Wednesday afternoon, as I was returning from school with my friends, i sighted a man standing by the side of the road. He seemed to be waiting for something. Now, I didn’t need a teacher to tell me who the man was. I wasn’t mistaken at all. He was my father but he looked so dirty and shabbily dressed. His hair was rough and dirty. He looked like he hadn’t shaved or taken his bath for like six months. I called out quickly, “Daddy!” I began to run towards him. I ignored the calls of my friends. I didn’t even perform the ritual of looking left and right before crossing. My dad looked back slightly. Just then a car stopped immediately in front of him and he entered the car without waiting for me to get to him. He didn’t even give me a glance.

I ran after the car screaming at the top of my voice but the car didn’t stop. I fell to the ground and began to weep. I just saw my father whom I hadn’t seen for more than two years and I didn’t get a chance to speak with him. I hated myself. I blamed myself for not calling louder. I blamed myself for not running faster. I blamed myself for not trying harder. I wept till there were no more tears to shed.

When I got to my mum’s shop that day, my mum knew instantly that I had been crying. She sat me down and asked me what happened. I told her everything. I wanted her to know. I told her how I let an opportunity of speaking with my father slip away. My mother drew me into her arms and rocked me like a baby. She sang into my ear that it wasn’t my fault and I shouldn’t blame myself instead she told me to blame my dad for not visiting the family he left for more than two years. I fell asleep in her arms and I woke up on my bed that night. I didn’t know how my mum carried me all the way from the eatery to the house.

My mum had told me it wasn’t my fault but deep down I felt it was. I prayed to God to grant me another opportunity but it never came. I didn’t see my father anymore, no matter the amount of times I walked through that particular path I had seen him.

One day, I came to the eatery and to my greatest surprise my mum asked me to get my bags that we were going home. I asked her why we were going home that early. It was just two in the afternoon. She replied that she wanted to take me out to see a movie. I was excited by the news so when we got home, I ran into the bathroom to take my bath. When I came out of the bathroom, my mum was selecting the clothes I would wear. She selected a denim jeans trouser and a silky blouse with a sandal to match. She asked me to eat my food while she go and freshen up. I went to the dining table where a dish of Jollof rice with fried eggs was waiting for me. I ate the meal with great relish. My mum was an extraordinary cook, no wonder many customers flooded into her eatery to buy food.

My mum came down the stairs immediately I was done with eating. She was dressed in a yellow floppy gown. Her braided hair was tied into a bun. She looked taller because of the stiletto she was putting on. She smiled at me and asked me how she looked.

“You look very beautiful mum.” I informed her. The smile on her face widened and I couldn’t help but smile back.

“Thanks dear!” She touched my cheeks. “let’s get going.”

I sat at the front seat with my mum as she drove. I didn’t know where the movie theatre was located so I stared out through the window. It was a silent drive as we were both occupied with our respective thoughts.

We got to the movie theatre after a drive of about forty five minutes. We entered into the darkened theatre and luckily for us the movie was just starting. Mum chose some seats away from everyone else and ushered me to sit.

The movie we watched was titled ‘night wonder.’ it was a sentimental movie about a woman who lost her husband after five years of marriage.

My mum asked me how the movie was and I told her it was very interesting. She smiled at me.

“You know, the movie was kind of talking to both of us.” She chuckled. “I love the woman’s ability to get up from the ground, dust herself up and move on and that’s what I’m trying to do. Since your father left, I haven’t been myself but I’ve been trying to move on with my life. The movie is trying to tell us to move on. Mary, you should move on. Don’t allow your father’s betrayal affect your life, your academics and your relationship with others.”

I understood what she was saying. In fact, I wanted to change. I wanted to be normal again. I was losing my friends and I was failing in school. I never knew my mum noticed all these things. My behaviour had changed ever since my father left the house.

She was right. It’s time to move on. I promised my mum that I’ll move on just like the woman from the movie. My mum smiled brightly at me. She wrapped me in her arms as I felt her tears drop on my shoulder.

I kept to my promise as I started to improve in my academics. Even though, I wasn’t among the first three in class, I was at least among the first ten. I started to amend my behaviour. I started to come out of my shell. My mum was glad at my changed attitude. She told me she was proud of me and I felt that was all that mattered.

one day

it won’t hurt so much.

one day

i’ll get over it.

one day

we will be “just friends”.

one day

i’ll stop responding and caring as much.

one day

i hope you don’t regret what you gave up.

/enna.paz

her lips are soft as they brush against my ear

her voice dripping thick with honey

whispering sweet nothings

that taste so sickeningly sweet

her fingers are fire

setting my entire being alight

as she drags her freahly manacured nails

up and down my spine

and i get high on the fantasy

breath it, inhale it, live it

aching to know what it feels like

to love a girl

#poetry #toloveagirl #love #secrets

(Left to Right; Matt, Edd, Tom, Red Leader Tord)

(Tord and Tom are on the same side. Matt and Edd are on the same side)

It took 5 centuries to make all 20 of the human colonies and Red Leader Tord was taking over and killing all the humans on them. Red Leader Tord had taken over and killed 12 of 20 of the Human Colonies. On Human Colony 13 is where both wars had taken place.

It was a full out war, Rebellions versus Red Leader Tord’s army. The war was going quick and there was no time for thinking. Tom was separated from Matt and Edd as they fought through the war. Tom yelled for Matt and Edd, who saw him and yelled back. Then, Tord’s army started dropping bombs, knocking buildings and debris everywhere. One bomb landed in between Matt, Edd and Tom. The blast knocked all three of them back. It made Tom hit the ground a roll a little ways, and it knocked Tom out, cold. Matt was buried under some of the smaller pieces of debris and Edd had hit his head hard upon the ground, causing it to bleed a little bit. Matt popped out of the smaller debris and looked at Edd, scared. Edd ran over to Matt and looked at Matt’s arm. The big pieces of debris blocked the view of Tom from Matt and Edd. They thought he was dead under all the big debris. They grieved for a little bit but kept fighting. Meanwhile, on the other side of the big debris, Tord found the knocked-out Tom and saved him from his injuries. Tord gave him electronic eyes so he could see. The never-ending fight finally ceased, and they stayed on their sides of the city, until…

6 Years Later…

Red Leader Tord took a walk on his side of the city when he ran into some “trouble” from Matt and Edd.

"Edd!! Get ready!!” Matt yelled as he shot his gun at Red Leader Tord from around a corner.

Tord dodged and motioned for his army to attack. His army attacked the Rebellions. Tord smiled and looked around. He watched the destruction happened between the two sides as they fought.

"I see him!" Edd yelled back as he set up his sniper rifle on top of a building that was still standing.

Edd got the Sniper Rifle lined up for a headshot, when Tord turned and looked at him. Tom also came down and kicked Edd out of the way of trying to shoot the gun. Edd looked up to see who kicked him out of the way and saw Tom. He was surprised to see him, alive and not dead. Edd went to stand up but Tom kicked him over and pulled his gun out. Tom sneered and pointed his gun at Edd.

“Edd!! Edd!!” Matt yelled as he fought and killed a few Red Leader soldiers.

Edd couldn’t answer since he was dumbfounded by the sight of Tom.

Edd flashbacked to when Tom, Tord, Matt and himself were friends two centuries ago.

"Tom!! Tord!! Matt!! Mail Call!!" Edd yelled as he held a red envelope and a box.

Tom, Tord and Matt looked up from what they were doing and looked at Edd.

"Who's that red envelope for?" Tom asked as he and Tord stood up from sitting on the couch.

"It is for... Tord?" Edd said confused.

"Ah. It is finally here. Who’s the box for?" Tord said as he took the envelope and opened it with a smile.

“The box is mine. It is my Cola I had ordered.” Edd said with a smile.

“What is here?” Tom asked as he ran his hand through his hair.

“It is a letter I sent in for a mission that was in the newspaper a few weeks ago.” Tord said, still smiling but wider.

He read the paper out loud.

"Dear Tord,

We have received your application for THE mission that needs executed. You have been accepted and will be trained to execute it. You were the only one qualified to take this mission. It will pay off when you are done with this mission.

The training will be brutal and excruciating. Make sure you can handle it and much more. This is going to be tough on you and us. Make sure you have everything you need for this mission and many more that may come.

Take your time to say good byes to those you shall miss. You shall be leaving in about two weeks and we are going to pick you up.

Please, be ready when we get here to pick you up.

Sincerely,

Paul and Patryck."

"Are you really going to leave us?" Matt asked as he gave Edd a Cola.

"Yep and I shall miss you guys." Tord said with a smile.

They all got into a group hug.

The flashback ended there. Just as Tom was about to pull the trigger, Tord motioned for Tom not to shoot. Tom put his gun away and two other soldiers took Edd into custody. Tom grabbed both of their weapons and gave them to a soldier to take to the blacksmith to hold onto. Matt was captured too and taken to the dungeon, personally done by Tom. Matt was dumbfounded when he saw Tom, alive and not dead.

"T... Tom!! Please, you know me!! It's me, Matt!! Please, remember who your friends are!! Please, let me out!!" Matt pleaded to Tom as he locked the cell.

"Tch. I don't know you at all. The only friend I have is Red Leader Tord." Tom said as he put the keys in his pocket and left the dungeon.

Tom walked all the way to the front gate and grabbed Edd's cuffed hands. He drug him to the throne room where Tord was at.

"T... Tom!! Why are you doing this? This isn't you at all. Please, snap out of it!!" Edd snapped at Tom as they got to the throne room.

Tom ignored Edd's banter and threw him in front of Tord.

"Thank you, Tom. You may go stand at the door." Tord said with a smile.

Tom, nodded, saluted, left and stood by the door. Tord got down from the throne and walked to in front of Edd. Tord smiled and knelt down. He grabbed Edd's hair and pulled his head back.

"Why did you try to snipe me?" Tord asked, keeping ahold of Edd's hair.

"Why should I answer to you?" Edd asked, sarcastically.

Tord motioned for Tom to come over. Tom went over and looked at Tord. He motioned for Tom to kick Edd in the stomach. Tom did so as Patryck came in and put his fist over his heart and bowed.

"P... Pardon me, sir. We have a big problem." Patryck said cautiously.

"Tom. Lock him up with that other creature in the cell down there. Make sure you lock it and come to me immediately." Tord said as he followed Patryck out of the throne room.

"His... *coughs* His name is Matt, *coughs* Tord." Edd said angrily.

Tord ignored what Edd had said. Tom grabbed Edd's cuffed hands and walked him to the dungeon. Edd tried to think of something to say as they walked to the dungeon.

"Well, Tom. Nice day to join the Rebellions, ya know?" Edd said nervously.

"Keep walking, you claud. The Rebellion has been destroyed except for you two. Red Leader Tord should have let me kill both of you right there on the spot." Tom said with a sneer.

“Let me go and I will show you that you, Matt and I were friends at one time.” Edd said as he ran a little ways ahead and stopped and looked at Tom.

“As I said to that thing in there, I don’t know you!! The only friend I have is Red Leader Tord!!” Tom yelled as he pushed Edd into a wall knocking him out.

Tom drug the knocked out Edd to the dungeon and to the cell that Matt was in.

“E… Edd!! Edd!! What did you do to him? Also, did you change your mind about us being your friends?” Matt asked as Tom unlocked the cell door.

“Tch… you are pathetic. I didn’t do anything to that creature. As I told you earlier, the only friend I have is Red Leader Tord!!” Tom yelled as he opened the cell door and tossed the knocked out Edd in.

“Please, Tom. You know who you are!” Matt yelled as he reached out to touch Tom’s arm.

Tom pulled out his gun and shot Matt’s left pinkie. Matt screamed and fell backwards. Tom locked the cell door and put the keys back in his pocket.

“For one, don’t you ever, EVER touch me unless I grab you. Second, I am a killing machine in the Red Leader Tord’s Army. No one else’s friend!” Tom said angrily as he put his gun away.

“W… Why Tom? Why did you shoot me?” Matt asked as he started crying.

Tom ignored Matt and left the dungeon. Tom walked up to Tord who was in the council room and everyone started whispering. Tom looked at them and they went silent.

“Tom, these are the people that want their leader of the Rebellion back. Does anyone want Edd back?” Tord said with a wicked smile.

“Give him and Matt back, you evil Red Leader!!” A male voice from the front yelled and stepped forward.

Tord motioned Tom to take him out. Tom lunged forward and grabbed the guys throat. He grabbed his gun and shot the guy in the head. Tom dropped the dead guy and looked at the crowd.

“Now, when I said no about giving them up, I meant it.” Tord said with a wicked smile.

Meanwhile, Edd woke up when he heard the gunshot from Tom’s gun from up above. Edd didn’t look all that well. Edd sat up and looked around. He saw that he was in a cell. He also saw that Matt was in the fetal position, crying.

“Hey, Matt. Matt? What’s wrong?” Edd asked as he scooted closer to Matt.

“He… He shot me.” Matt said over and over as he cried.

“Who shot you and where?” Edd asked, concerned.

“T… Tom shot my left pinkie off.” Matt said with tears in his eyes as he looked at Edd.

Edd grabbed a syringe full of purple liquid and put two drops onto the wound. Matt’s pinkie grew back, and Matt smiled.

“Thanks, Edd.” Matt said as he wiped away the tears from his face.

“No problem. Can you unlock these cuffs?” Edd asked as he smiled at Matt.

“There is no key hole. How can I pick the locks on them?” Matt said as he looked around.

“What are you guys in here for?” A female voice asked from within the shadows.

“E… Excuse me, ma’am? What do you mean by that?” Edd asked, confounded.

“Exactly what I mean. What did you do wrong to end up here?” She asked again.

“Well, I am Edd, leader of the Rebellion against Red Leader Tord. Matt is part of the Rebellion with me. We tried to assassinate him, but he caught us in the process of doing it.” Edd said as he squinted to see who it was in the corner.

“You mean you WERE the Leader of the Rebellion.” She said with a chuckle.

“I still am the Leader of the Rebellions. Whether it is Matt and I or more than just Matt and I. Matt makes sure that everyone on my side during the war is taken care of.” Edd said confidently.

“Come on out of the shadows, please.” Matt said kindly.

She moved and came over to them, into the light. She was a faun, not just any ordinary faun, she was The Purple Leader Faun. Matt and Edd stared in amazement.

“What did you do wrong to end up here, milady?” Edd asked as both Matt and Edd saluted to her by making a diamond shape with their hands.

“Tch. No need to salute, my dears. I lost my territ’ry to that Red Leader Tord. It was a fight between the two Leaders. Him versus me and yet, I still lost. He had more weaponry and armor than me, but I still would have won if that puny spike haired man with green eyed goggles didn’t stepped in for him at the last minute.” She said as she sat down and slumped against the wall.

“That spike haired man has a name. You are talking about Tom.” Edd said as he looked away from her.

“Why are you cuffed and not him?” She asked, bewildered.

“I believe they think I am the most dangerous out of the two of us. Matt can shoot a gun but cannot hit a target with a sniper rifle and fight another with a bow staff.” Edd said as he shrugged and looked at her again.

“You mean you can do that and he can’t.” She said as she stared at Edd.

“Ye… Yeah. Yes, ma’am. That’s what I meant.” Edd said quickly.

“Here, let me take the cuffs off of you.” She said as she set her thumb on the cuffs and they opened. The cuffs fell to the floor and Edd started rubbing his wrists.

’Th… Thanks. How did you know that would work?” Edd asked as he rubbed his wrists.

“Those were my design and what was that you put on where his pinkie was shot off?” She asked.

“It is a cell regenerator. It works with the cells to grow bone and flesh back without any pain. I made it just in case we came to this or even use it during the war.” Edd said with a smile and took the syringe with the purple liquid in it out of his pocket.

Matt started looking at the bars that held them in. A slight flash ran down the bars as he looked at them.

“Matt!! Can you pick the lock on the door?” Edd asked as he put the syringe away.

“No, Edd. I cannot. There is some kind of forcefield at the bars.” Matt said.

Tom came back and stared at Edd. He saw that the cuffs were off of Edd and sneered. Then, the cuffs were back on Edd’s wrists. Tom unlocked the cell door and motioned for Edd and Matt to walk out. Matt and Edd walked out of the cell and Tom closed the cell door. He locked it and turned toward them. He pushed them forward and walked them out of the dungeon. They walked to the throne room and Tom pushed them onto their knees.

“Where were we with them, Tom?” Tord asked with a wicked smile.

“You asked the Rebellion Leader why he tried to kill you. He will answer you now.” Tom answered as he put cuffs on the ankles of Matt and Edd.

“Yes, that is correct. Why did you try to kill me, Leader of the Rebellion?” Tord asked as he grabbed a dagger.

“You are making the Human Colonies go extinct.” Edd snapped as he looked at Tord angrily.

“How am I making the Human Colonies go extinct, Eddy Boy?” Tord asked as he walked to in front of Edd and Matt.

“The war you have created is killing everyone and it will kill you, sooner or later.” Matt said as he looked at Tord.

“Oh, the Floor Matt decided to talk. How sweet. I didn’t start the war, the Rebellions did against me. Tom!! Take that creature to the dungeon and leave him there, cuffs and all.” Tord commanded.

Tom smiled and dragged Matt away.

“No!! Matt!! L… Let him go!! I… I will tell you the secret information that I have to destroy anything in it’s path.” Edd said as he looked at Tord with tears in his eyes.

Tord looked at Edd and motioned Tom to stop. Tom did so, and Matt looked at Edd in disbelief.

“Edd, no!! Don’t give it to him!!” Matt yelled and tried to get free from the cuffs.

“Enough, creature of his!!” Tom yelled at Matt.

“I am not a creature of his!! My name is Matt!! I am his friend!! Tom, you know that!!” Matt said aggressively.

“Take him back to dungeon and come back, quickly.” Tord said to Tom as he kept his gaze on Edd.

Tom nodded and took Matt down to the dungeon quickly. Tom got back quickly and stood behind Edd.

“P… please, don’t hurt Matt. I came up with the Rebellion to get rid of you and… and…” Edd said as he falls forward.

Tom saw a dart in the neck of Edd and plucked it out. Tom showed it to Tord. He smelt it and it was a strong scent of Lavender and another chemical. The frayed end on it looked like it came from Red Sector 2256.

“Guards!! Slaughter Red Sector 2256, NOW!!” Tord yelled and the guards went running down the hall.

Tom looked at Tord and asked, “What shall I do with him?”

“Take him to the infirmary and do the same with Matt. Lay their weapons just outside of the infirmary. I have a proposition for them.” Tord said as he looked back at Tom.

Tom nodded and grabbed Edd.

“Oh, take their cuffs off when they are awake. It will take them a little while to wake up.” Tord added as he left to follow the guards.

Tom dragged Edd to the infirmary and set Edd on a bed. The staff looked at him confused and Tom held up a finger saying there was one more coming. He went down to the dungeon and unlocked the cell door. He looked in and didn’t see Matt. He walked in and Matt jumped on him from behind. Matt tried to choke Tom with the cuffs he had on but failed. Matt kicked Tom in the back and Tom fell to his knees. Tom got up, sighed and punched Matt in the face, knocking him out and giving him a black eye in the process. Matt went limp and Tom took him off of his own back and set him on the ground. He grabbed Matt and dragged him out. He closed the cell door and locked it. He drug Matt to the infirmary and set him on the bed next to Edd.

“Red Leader Tord said to bring them here and heal them. When they are both starting to wake up, notify me immediately.” Tom said as he stood in the doorway.

They nodded and started working on them. Tom left and went to the blacksmith. The Blacksmith saluted to Tom and let him in to look at the weaponry. He looked at the weaponry and didn’t find the weapons that belonged to Edd and Matt.

“Where is the weaponry we took away from the two Rebellions?” Tom asked the Blacksmith.

“They are over there, near the furnace. Not to be nosy, but why are you asking for them?” The Blacksmith said as he pointed to the farthest corner away from them.

“Red Leader Tord wants them to look at.” Tom lied to the Blacksmith.

Tom nodded slightly and went to the corner. He grabbed the Sniper Rifle, the two hand guns and the bow staff. He headed to the edge of the infirmary and set the weapons outside of the infirmary on the bench, near the door. Tom walked to Red Sector 2256 and saw a run away. He got in front of them and grabbed them by the throat. He threw them to ground and grabbed his gun. He shot the guy and walked up to Red Leader Tord.

“It is done, Red Leader Tord.” Tom said as he saluted to him.

“Good. This is done also. Let us head…” Tord said side tracked when he spotted a sniper.

He motioned Tom to go get the sniper and to break the gun. Tom ran over to the sniper and broke the gun. He grabbed the sniper by the throat and ran back to Tord. Tom smiled at the guy and dropped him in front of Red Leader Tord.

“Tried to shoot me? You forget, don’t you? The punishment for trying to assassinate me is the Dungeon for six months or it could be six years.” Tord said with a smile.

“P… Please spare me, my lord. I am sorry. I won’t do it again, I… I promise.” The guy pleaded.

“What do you think, Tom? Spare him or shall we throw him in the Dungeon?” Tord asked as he looked at Tom.

“I say have him thrown in the Dungeon.” Tom said as he saw a nurse running toward them.

“For how long shall he be in the Dungeon for?” Tord asked as he saw the nurse running toward them.

“He should serve 6 years since this is his 5th time in two centuries trying to assassinate you.” Tom said as he sighed.

The nurse stopped in front of Tord and Tom. She looked at both of them.

“Tom, sir. Red Leader, sir.” The nurse said as she saluted to them.

“Yes, Dear Nurse?” Tord asked as he stood tall.

“THEY are waking up.” She said as two guards took the assassinator away.

They all walked back to the palace. Tom went to the infirmary and watched both Edd and Matt wake up. Edd woke up completely and sat up. Edd saw Tom and got off the bed. He ran at Tom, but Tom stepped sideways, dodging the attack. Edd hit the wall and fell to the floor.

“That is enough, Edd.” Tom said as he walked over to Edd.

Tom grabbed Edd and stood him up. He looked at him square in the eyes.

“Why are you here?” Edd asked as his cuffs fell off and Tom walked away.

Tom grabbed the bow staff and the Sniper Rifle. He tossed them at Edd and slightly smiled. Edd caught them but looked at Tom, confused. Matt woke up and walked out of the infirmary. Matt’s cuffs came off and Tom gave him his guns.

“What is happening, right now?” Edd asked, confused.

“Tord wanted you to have them since he has a proposition for you two.” Tom said as he lost his slight smile.

“This has made no sense how you are here, and we thought you were dead. How did you survive that bomb?” Matt asked.

Tom ignored Matt’s question and walked away from Matt and Edd. They followed him to the throne room where Tord was at. Tom saluted and backed away from Matt and Edd. Tom walked up to Tord and whispered to him that they were here. Tord opened his eye and smiled at them.

“I will let you two stay free and have as much freedom as Tom here, IF you will accept to work alongside Tom and me. No more running. No more hiding. No more fighting against each other.” Tord said as he stood up and smiled.

“First, answer me this question. How did Tom survive the bomb your army had dropped?” Matt asked irritated to the bone.

“I was knocked out by the blast and Tord saved me from other debris that was falling.” Tom said as he stood next to Tord.

“Come on, old friends. Won’t you say yes to an old pal?” Tord asked as he walked up to them.

Edd had another flashback when Tord touched his shoulder. The flashback was when Tord had come back and betrayed them after he gained their trust.

“Hey, old pals!! How are you guys doing?” Tord asked as he walked up to them.

“TORD!!” Matt and Edd yelled as the saw him walking up.

“Tch. Why is he back?” Edd asked as he held a flask in his hand.

“Ah. It is so nice to see my old home and my old friends again.” Tord said with a smile.

“I am not your friend.” Tord said angrily.

Tord walked inside their house and breathed in the familiar scent of Thyme and Oak. He smiled and sat on the familiar couch. Edd walked into the house, followed by Matt and Tom. Matt walked to the kitchen and grabbed drinks. Tom sat in the chair they had and glared at Tord.

“Tord, um… why are you here exactly?” Edd asked as he sat on the opposite end of the couch.

“I am here because my mission is complete, and they are giving me a break before I do another mission. They said I did a great job on that mission, that I am going to get another one.” Tord said as he shrugged.

Matt came back with the drinks and handed them out. Edd got a Cola, Tom got Smirnoff, and Tord got apple juice with a touch of cranberry juice in it. Matt gave himself a bottle of water.

“Thank you, Matt.” Tord said with a smile.

“I know there is more to it than that, Tord. So, spit it out, NOW!!” Tom yelled.

“Nah. That is it, old friends.” Tord said as he looked at Tom.

“As I said before, you are not my friend!!” Tom snarled as he stood up and left the living room.

“It seems like you are hiding something.” Matt said as he looked at Tord, suspiciously.

“Nah. I am not hiding anything, old pals.” Tord said as he smiled and sat back on the couch.

A couple weeks later, when he was still there. Tom ran by the store holding a wanted paper. He ran all the way to the house and confronted Tord.

“Why are you really here, you wanted criminal?” Tom asked Tord angrily.

“Alright, alright. You got me. I am back here to get my hat that matches my robot.” Tord said as he pushed the button and an army helmet landed upon his head.

Then a tube drops Tord into a gigantic robot and lifts them into the backyard. Tord started laughing as he started shooting the house and Tom ran until he was outside of the house. Edd and Matt got to the house and saw the gigantic robot.

“Thank you for holding onto this for me, Edd.” Tord said as he winked.

Tord launched a rocket and exploded the house. Tom was buried underneath the debris.

“Well, got to go. My mission wasn’t really complete, my friends!!” Tord said as he started to fly away.

“I am not your friend!!” Tom yelled as he shot the tank’s missiles he was in.

It hit the robot and it exploded. The robot pieces were obliterated. Tom, Edd and Matt never saw Tord.

The flashback ended there. Edd looked at Tord and backed away from him.

“Edd? Is everything alright?” Matt asked as he looked at Edd confused.

“I would never join you and your army, Tord. I remember the betrayal. You betrayed us after you gained our trust.” Edd said as he lined up his Sniper Rifle for a headshot.

“Edd, that was years ago. Join me and everyone will be spared.” Tord said as he lost his smile.

“It is still a no.” Edd said, irritated.

“Edd. We cannot keep fighting this war. It will only cause more destruction and devastation. If we join, he will stop this.” Matt said as he walked up to Edd.

Edd looked at Matt and put his Sniper Rifle down. Then, Edd looked for Tom and saw he wasn’t anywhere near them. He wasn’t even in the room.

“Where is Tom?” Edd asked as he looked around.

“Tom went to go get a… few things. Join me, Eddy Boy. You are the best Sniper other than Tom” Tord said as he walked toward them.

Matt pulled his guns and pointed them at Tord. Edd lined up his Sniper Rifle for a headshot. Tom came back and grabbed his guns. Tom pointed one at Edd and one at Matt.

“Drop the weapons, my old friends. I will keep my promise that if you join, I will stop all killing unless necessary.” Tord said as he touched Tom’s shoulder.

They all put their weapons away and Tom stood by Tord’s throne. Edd and Matt looked at each other. Patryck came in and put his fist over his heart and bowed.

“P… Pardon me, Red Leader. We have a problem again.” Patryck said as he stood back up.

“Tom!! Take care of them while I take care of the problem.” Tord said as he walked past Matt and Edd.

Tom nodded and walked to in front of Matt and Edd. Tord left and Matt glared at Tom.

“Join us, Rebellion Leader. It is easier to join than it is to fight against us.” Tom said as he held his hand out.

Edd shook Tom’s hand and Matt looked at Edd in disbelief. Tom smiled slightly and motioned for Matt and Edd to follow him. They followed him to the council room where Red Leader Tord was at. Everyone in the room started whispering until Tom looked at them.

“They decided to join, Red Leader Tord.” Tom whispered into Tord’s ear.

“Good. Good. Everyone!! Matt and Rebellion Leader Edd decided to join me. Now, disperse.” Red Leader Tord announced to them.

“Why would our leader join with you, Evil Red Leader?” A female voice asked.

“I joined so that the Human Colonies that are left would not go extinct.” Edd answered for Tord as he stepped forward.

“The Rebellions are supposed to fight the Evil Red Leader Tord, not join him!!” A male voice yelled angrily as he stepped forward from the front.

Tom grabbed his throat and Edd shot the guy in the head with his Sniper Rifle. Tom dropped the guy and looked out upon the sea of scared men and women.

“If you don’t like it, too bad. I made the decision to join to stop the war.” Edd said as he looked out upon the people.

Tom, Matt, Edd and Red Leader Tord left the council room and went to the throne room. Tom, Matt and Edd stood by Red Leader Tord’s throne as he sat there. They all had titles now. Edd the Sniper, Matt the Double Shooter and Tom, Tord’s right hand man for everything.

Iris

I couldn’t sleep that night, well… that early morning. I tossed and turned until about 3 or 4 AM. I sat up and left my room. No one was up at this hour. I walked down the stairs and out the front door. I walked onto the lawn and looked up at the stars. I sighed and turned into my Black Draginucous form. I looked at my wings to see that one of them was ripped. I sighed once again and took to the sky. I flew far from the mansion to seek something.

‘Ha! Something? I know exactly what I need. I need the Healing Stone.’ Iris thought to herself.

I flew through the clouds and the stars until I got to a mountain. I landed and turned into my elf form with my armor on as I noticed smoke was coming out of the entrance nearby. I summoned my spear and walked in while knocking on each and every rock. The smoke stopped, and a guy with golden/dark red eyes showed up in front of me.

“What do you want, Daru Daru?” He growled as he looked me in the eyes.

“I need it and you know exactly what I wa… I mean need. You know what I need.” I growled back, unafraid.

“Ugh!! I don’t have The Healing Stone anymore, my dear. I believe your brother took it when he disappeared years ago. He had left me a note saying that he needed it to heal a friend.” He growled as he flicked his golden hair out of his face.

He started to walk away when I growled and threw my spear at him. It whizzed toward him and sliced his arm on its way past. He smiled and turned around to look at me. I smiled at him as the anger rose within me. He started laughing and I looked at him confused and concerned, still full of anger. He shook his head and walked away, disappearing into thin air. I tried to follow him to see where he went but couldn’t find him. I put my finger claws on and grabbed my spear from the wall.

“Huh. I am guessing you are the female offspring result from Tara Diera of the Elves and Deera Freedom of the Freedom Family.” He said as he appeared behind me.

I turned around and slashed at him as I growled. He dodged my blow and knocked me down. I landed on my back and I looked up at him as he smiled down upon me. He leaned down and grabbed me by my armor. He lifted me up off the floor and got close to my face as I almost started to panic.

“Get out of my cave or I will hurt you, daughter of my sister and brother-in-ugh… Just leave from here and do not return!” He growled as he tossed me down and turned away from me, ready to turn back into his Draginucous Form.

I got up and said, “No, sir. I want to learn your name. All I know is that you are my uncle.”

He stopped and turned his head toward me, only showing one of his eyes. He sighed and closed his eyes. He walked into the shadows and faced me. He opened his eyes again and stared at me. All that was visible was his eyes. I glared back at him, in my battle stance.

“You don’t know who I am, do you?” He asked as his armor made of gold and gems magically appeared.

“Do I know whom, sir?” I asked as I wielded my spear.

“I am Deera Freedom’s Older Brother. I am surprised she hasn’t talked about me more. Does she have any pictures of me in that big mansion of hers?” He asked with a growl and stepped out of the dark.

“Hm. There is no way you are my Madre’s brother!! She said her brother was dead!!” I growled as I looked at him.

“So be it a Draginucous fight. I am Killer Freedom, the Golden Draginucous of the family.” He growled as he turned into his Golden Draginucous form.

I looked at him stunned, watching his finally transformation take place. I shook my head and turned into my Black Draginucous form with ease. He was 4 times the size I was. I growled and went to bite his leg, but he flicked me out of the air and into a golden cage. He smiled and locked the gate on the cage. He grabbed the cage top and headed out of the cave. The cave entrance disappeared as he flew toward my home. It didn’t take long for us to get there. He set the cage down in the lawn and turned into his human form.

“Turn back to your elf form. You are now home, youngling.” He growled as he smiled at me.

I growled and turned into my human form. He opened the cage door and grabbed me by my shirt. He walked me to the door and cleared his throat. He knocked on the door and waited a few minutes. Then, we both heard footsteps running up to the door and it opened up about a foot. Lolo had answered the door and looked at us in confusion.

“Hello? May I help you?” Lolo asked.

“Good Morn’ to you dear, Lolo. May I speak with your parents?” He said with a smile upon his face as he still held me by the shirt.

“Sure, sure. Come on in and sit down. I will go get them.” Lolo said as he opened the door wider to let us in.

“No, thank you. I would rather have them come to the door since it is about… Iris.” He said as he glanced at me.

Lolo left the door open and ran to get Tara and Deera. I growled and started to wiggle, trying to get away from his grip. Well, in the long run, it failed. He patted me on the head 3 times, and my body just froze. Deera came down the stairs, saw Killer and frowned. Tara came down after Deera and was mumbling to himself.

“Hallo Killer. Wat doe jij hier in godsnaam? Hello, Killer. What the hell are you doing here?” Deera asked in Dutch with a growl as she looked at Killer with disgust.

“Good Morn’ Deera and Tara. That is no way to speak to me, dear sister. Anyways, I am here to drop off a little pest of yours because she came to my cave. Also, I am to tell you that we have a family reunion this week and they said to bring the child that can transform.” Killer said as he let go of my shirt and my body unfroze.

I growled and pushed Killer down to the ground. I turned into my Black Draginucous form and grabbed his shirt. I flew upwards a few miles and growled at him.

“Go back to where you once came!!” I snarled as I let go of him and shoved him downwards with a lot of force.

He fell through the air and landed on his back, hard. Hard enough to knock the breath out of him and have a head injury from the ground. I landed next to him and turned back into my human form. I walked to the front door and walked into the house as Deera ran out of the house and knelt next to Killer.

“Are you alright, Killer?” Deera asked as he sat up and rubbed his head.

“Ugh… Yeah, *Clears his throat* Yes, Deera. I am fine. I have taken worse like you almost ripping me to shreds over holding Iris. I shall be heading back to my home.” Killer said as he stood up.

“Um… Killer, would you like to join us for breakfast?” Tara offered with a smile.

“I would like to, but you heard your daughter. I will be on my way home.” Killer said as he winced at the pain in his head.

“Killer, alsjeblieft. Blijf voor het ontbijt en laat Tara je genezen. Killer, please. Stay for breakfast and let Tara heal you.” Deera said in Dutch, worried about her brother.

“Fine. I shall stay for breakfast and see if Tara can heal me. He was never good at healing magic.” He said as he walked into the house with help from Deera and Tara.

Lolo smiled as he had already started making biscuits, ham, bacon, and eggs. I growled and sat down on the couch. Tara went and grabbed the Book of Norawind. Killer and Deera smiled at each other and then turned away from each other. Tara came back and opened his book.

“Is that the Book of Norawind?” Killer asked as he saw the leather book.

“Yes, sir. Why do you ask that?” Tara answered confused.

“Well, The Book of Norawind has great power that an elf cannot handle. Yet, you defy the odds and can handle it. Is that correct?” Killer said as he smiled.

“I have had this book since I was little. I have been the only elf in all of Elven history that could handle this advanced magic. Hold still while I concentrate so I can heal you.” Tara said as he looked at the book and a blue mist appeared.

It crawled up Tara’s leg and into his outstretched hand. He looked at Killer with a smile as he healed Killer. I got up and walked into the kitchen. I started helping Lolo with the splitting the breakfast onto plates. I put plates in front of Killer, Deera and Tara as Tara finished healing Killer. I grabbed myself a slice of ham and walked out the door with my backpack.

“See you later, mada and fada. We are off to school. Bye, Uncle Killer. See you guys later!!” Lolo said as he grabbed his old book bag and left the house.

Lolo ran and caught up to me. We walked all the way to the school, together like we used to. When we got to the school grounds, everyone started cheering, “Iris!!” over and over again. I smiled and stood up straight. Lolo stood back and walked slower to blend into the crowd. A black faun named Midnight Dash, spotted Lolo, and started cheering for Lolo.

“Lolo the Unbeatable is back!!” Midnight Dash cheered.

Everyone started cheering and Lolo stood up straight as they whooped and hollered until he was greeted by Principal Skeletal.

“Lolo Darius Freedom, I presume.” Principal Skeletal said as he blocked Lolo’s way.

Lolo gulped and looked at him with no fear. He grabbed his bag and pushed passed him. Principal Skeletal grabbed him by the shirt and tossed him to the grass. Principal Skeletal walked to Lolo as he sat up.

“Principal Skeletal!! No!! Leave my brother alone!!” I screeched, hurting his ears.

“How many times have I told you, no screeching at school! I guess it will be detention for you, young lady. I do not care if you have saved this school multiple times. It is unacceptable to leave a mess that you made after you save the school. Why do you have to do that? You know what? You are suspended from this school for one week.” He scolded me.

I noticed Lolo grabbed his lower leg and yanked him to the ground. Principal Skeletal fell to the ground. I held in the laughter that bubbled up.

“You both have pulled my leg, literally now, to many times and I am going to call your parents. They are going to give you two a talking to about this kind of behavior.” Principal Skeletal said as he scowled at Lolo and I.

He stormed off and I ran over to Lolo. I helped him stand up and brushed him off. Lolo and I laughed about it.

“Um, thanks. See you later, Iris.” Lolo said with a smile.

“No problem. That’s what siblings are for. See you later, Lolo.” I said as Mr. Billendor showed up in front of me.

“Class!! Now!! Young Lady!!” He screeched at me.

I ran off to my first class and Lolo went to the office to get his schedule figured out. He walked into the office and smiled.

“Hello, my student. How may I help you, Lolo?” Mrs. Streaker asked as she looked at Lolo.

“I need a schedule for school.” Lolo said as he stood up straight, trying to look intimidating.

“That’s not intimidating me, Lolo.” Mrs. Streaker said with a smile as she held out a paper.

He looked at it and walked out of the office to his first class. Meanwhile, I grumbled and walked into Mrs. Streaker’s classroom. I sat in the chair that was up front with a nasty grin. All the other students walked in and sat at their desks. Mrs. Streaker walked in and smiled at her students. She did role call and noticed that Mac wasn’t there.

“Well, Iris. Can you go see if you can find Mac anywhere in the school and then report back, please?” Mrs. Streaker asked as she looked at me.

I rolled my eyes and walked out of the classroom. I searched everywhere including the office. I walked out of the office as Lolo and I’s parents walked in. I darted down the hall next to the office, where my classroom was. I ran to my class just as the Intercom came on and called for me to come to the office. Mrs. Streaker saw me and smiled.

“Did you find Mac anywhere in the halls or in the office?” Mrs. Streaker asked.

“No, ma’am. I did not find Mac anywhere in the halls or in the office.” I answered her.

“Alright. Iris, you have to go to the office.” Mrs. Streaker said with a worried expression.

I growled and grabbed my backpack from my desk. I stormed out the door and into the hallway, slamming the classroom door behind me. I sighed as Lolo walked up next to me.

“I am guessing the Principal called our parents for real, huh?” Lolo asked me as he looked at me.

“You have no idea how hard it was to keep from eyesight. I saw them walk in and I ran out of the office before they could see me.” I said as we walked toward the office.

I stopped in front of the office door and started coughing. I dropped to the floor and my books scattered everywhere next to me. Lolo stopped and fell to the ground with a migraine, knocking him out. The book that was on Lolo’s backpack, disappeared as another Draginucous showed up. Not in its Draginucous form, but in its human form. It touched Lolo and I, bubbling us, touched the top of the bubble, and then all three of us disappeared before Killer got there.

“No, no, no, no! Deera!! Tara!! Come out here!! Lolo and Iris disappeared!” Killer yelled as he knelt on the ground.

Deera and Tara walked out of the office and saw Lolo’s backpack and Iris’s books scattered next to her book bag. Deera screeched and dropped to the ground. She smelled a stench that she recognized well. She sat up and looked around.

“What is it, Deera?” Tara asked as the stench hit his nose.

“Do you smell that?” Deera asked as she took in more of the scent.

“Yes, dear heart. It stinks like Helicodiceros Muscivorus.” Tara said as he held his nose closed.

“Like what?” Killer asked.

“A Helicodiceros Muscivorus, also known as Dead Horse Arum Lily. I know who wears that stench. It is our sister, Celestial Freedom.” Deera said with a growl as she said the name.

Meanwhile, I woke up and I looked around to see Lolo who was about 20 feet away from me. I heard a buzzing noise and looked for it. I saw his pod next to him.

“Lolo!! Wake up!! Your pod is ringing!!” I yelled as I ran toward him.

He sat up and grabbed his pod.

“Oh!! Lolo, here and ready for a mission.” Lolo said as he answered it and saluted.

“I need you here at the base, ASAP.” A female voice said.

“Yes, ma’am. Lolo, out and about.” Lolo said as shut the pod.

We both heard laughter from more than one angle. Lolo grumbled and started chirping. They all shushed and looked at Lolo and I with curiosity. Lolo stopped chirping and I started growling. I changed into my Black Draginucous form, breaking the cage Lolo and I were in. They clapped, and lights came on inside of the building they were in. Then, the door burst open and in came Killer, Deera and Tara, in that order. Everyone else changed back into their human forms.

“Celestial, Flower, Terrorling, Hera and Death!! In front of me, NOW!!” Deera screamed loudly.

They did as they were told. She growled as they sat down. I turned into my human form. Lolo and I ran over to Tara and hid behind him. The four humans came and sat in front of Deera. One was leaning up against a door frame.

“Why did you take Iris and Lolo?” Deera asked angrily.

“W… we did it so we c… could get you and K… Killer to come to the R… Reunion.” Terrorling, the Gray-haired male, said in fear.

“We are here just for that? Whose idea was it?” Deera asked, angrily.

“It… it was my idea, Miss Goodie Tooshoos.” Celestial, a white-haired female, said as she looked at Deera.

“Yeah, it was OUR idea since you and that disgusting beast of a wife never answered our invite.” An elf said as she looked at Tara, angrily.

“Celia?!? Where have you been? We never received an invite.” Tara asked surprised to see a female elf apparently named Celia.

“Enough!! This is pointless!!” Flower, a Purple and Yellow-haired female, snarled as she grabbed me from behind Tara.

I screeched everyone covered their ears. I ran to the center of the room and transformed into my Draginucous form. I growled and looked at Celestial.

“I challenge all my aunts and uncles, including Killer. No aunt and uncles of elves. This is only between the Draginucous family!!” I snarled as I pushed Celestial and Flower out the door.

Terrorling sat in a corner and transformed into his smokey Draginucous form. Flower, Death and Hera did the same, but they were a cyan, white and a purple and yellow. Celestial pushed Deera out of the way and transformed into her 3-legged white Draginucous form. Deera screamed and transformed into her Black Draginucous form. Deera attacked Celestial as Terrorling and Flower lunged at me. I grabbed them and tossed them against the wall, knocking them both out. Death and Hera lunged at me and we all started fighting. Scarlet water started flowing out of scratches, bite wounds, lacerations and stab wounds endured during the fight.

“ENOUGH CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILD!!!” We all heard a male voice yell.

We all stopped and looked to see it was a white skinned human. Deera got up and turned into her human form. The others except for me, did the same. He walked toward me as I stood up and glared at him.

“An gcaithfidh mé glaoch ort le do ainm Draginucous, mo daor? Do I have to call you by your Draginucous name, my dear?” A female voice asked in Irish.

“Ma? Pa? Why are you here?” Tara asked as he recognized his mother’s voice and felt the presence of his father.

“We heard about Iris and how she is half Elf and half beast.” His father said.

“Mr. Diera and Mrs. Diera.” Deera growled at them.

“Now, now. No need to be unpolite, my dear. I am Norma and this is Heath.” Norma said with a smile.

“The wicked sisters, Amilia and Badilia, set you up to be here. Apparently, I am no good to you and father. Since I left the village with no blessing from you or mother, I haven’t been worth cac leat dhá. (Shit to you two) Lolo saved Regina from a master and all you want is Iris. Ní dóigh liom go bhfuil! I don’t think so!” Tara snapped angrily at them, partially in Irish.

“Norma and Heath, I am Drago Freedom, and this is my lovely wife, Lavender Freedom. Deera is my daughter and Iris is my granddaughter.” Drago introduced himself.

“Shoo, old man and let Iris choose her true path she shall choose to go down.” Heath snapped as he pushed Drago back.

I growled and turned into my human form. Exhausted, I fell to the floor and started panting.

I am just me.

I am the fun one, and the serious one.

I am the deep one and the silly one.

I am the dream forever one, and the begin to doubt one.

I am the hopeless romantic one and the hopeless one.

I am the big hearted one and the kinda got a hate on one

I am the determined one and the I quit one

I am the smart one and the very dumb one

I am the strongest one and the weakest one

I am the happiest one and the saddest one

I am the I love you one and I will run one

I am more than just one, and so much more one, I am just me…

The Orchid colored haired Wolfendor laid on the ground with blood near his mouth. He trembled as he laid there. There also stood a dark elf the size of a dwarf.

"Why? Why did you do this... ugh. Why did you do this to me?" The Orchid Wolfendor asked as he held his blood covered hand on his gut.

"Why? You don't need to live since no one loves you. The hate you. You get in the way all the time. I am here and yet they would rather be with someone lame like you!" The Dark elf snapped back.

The Wolfendor coughed up more blood and shook some more. The Elf smiled and was fixing to scream but changed his mind. He left the Wolfendor, laying there on the ground. The Wolfendor tried to scream, but couldn't because of the blood in his throat. It burned his throat as it ran into his stomach.

He woke up with a start as he started shaking. His Anxiety was getting him. He grabbed the bottle of medicine that was on his night stand. He opened it and grabbed 3 pills out to take. His room mate, Andy the Dark Dwarf Elf, sat up in his bed and looked over at him.

"You alright, Eric?" Andy asked with a yawn.

"Y... Yeah, I will be... soon." Eric said as his vision started to go blurry as he stood up.

Andy shrugged, laid back down and went back to sleep. Eric went to the bathroom and ran the water into a cup. He took the cup of water to the kitchen, took his pills and something stabbed him as he finished the cup of water. The dark shadow disappeared and the knife dropped beside him.

The next morning, Eric's body was never found.

these were the things you left behind:

a half-empty iced coffee

a bag half-filled with textbooks,

some homework spilling out the sides

three unlabeled CDs, mixes that you made

just for me

a novel with a bookmark halfway through

a poster from your favorite TV show

a soft, worn hoodie that I gave you 3 years ago

that you were always wearing

a hastily written suicide note

where you tried to explain your depression

and made sure I knew that it wasn't me

you were running from

an empty casing

from the shot that ended your life

that made my nightmares real

and never-ending

and a girl, hopelessly in love

with the shell of the man you were

who would've done anything

to save your life

I've been peering

in this glass

convinced I could

look in and past

And find only

a warping 

reflection

of me ...

I've lost my

page and seat...

gaunt and wane

like the disc

in the sky

trading places

day and night

...I listen to an 

animal harmony

to collect 

my thoughts...

tip the change

of clouds that

enter fast

in a wind

beneath my hat

and shatter me

across these

parking lots

where I'm left

red handed

in the morning

fragmented

with the fog

of my own

disillusion...

https://youtu.be/T5emcbg_wZk

I wield a machete, slashing through thicket and vine to get to the words I need to bring you closer to where I am because you asked me what it’s like.

I bubble up from the slime that fills my lungs to meet your hand outreached to pull me back to where the rest of you live, just one more time.

I crawled out from under that dark rock where I was cool and calm and unembarrassed and in control, to meet you in the din of overstimulation and judgement, just in case I could still function there.

I stood in the light and waited for your warmth and the rescue of your breath and your eyes and your shoulder.

I waited there as it grew cold and started to rain on my nude and ugly body, everyone staring and wondering what was wrong with me.

You proudly drew me out and put a bow on it and smiled and called it a gift, while I shook and shuddered and felt alone in a room full of people.

Realizing you don’t understand what I am going through, and don’t want to, and won’t, is the worst pain I have ever endured.

You try to place me where I once fit, like a part of a puzzle you have been working on as a labor of love; that would be unnervingly incomplete if a piece went missing.

Your compulsion and denial pass over my pain like an eclipse, silencing me, beautifully.