Kill

 

Why would anyone be motivated to kill another; except out of hate; a terrifying mixture of fear, retribution, anger, and confusion. Or at least that's what we think. How would anyone be able to stomach such a burning fire usually reserved for the hand of death himself. Unless for hate. But what about the more obvious answer; for love. They say love could brave anything, that it will stay true to itself through everything, that the red string connecting you fingers will never break, dull, or snap. So what about love. Because they say that love bridges over even death. So could someone kill for love?

Does everyone really deserve mercy? A rather trying question to be sure, because first you must think about how such mercy should extend. I might believe in mercy, only to have be delivered by a quick death; others might spare the life; there are a select few who might chop off a few limbs; and then there are the best of the best who wouldn't extend any, and kill however it pleased them at the time. However what if your subject doesn't beg for mercy, what if they want to be a hero? Should said mercy still be extended?

I read the paragraph from; Moral Support For Assassins. I suppose keeping us in the right frame of mind for killing people is important. Snorting I toss the book aside. I've never had any trouble with my job. Not once, not children, not friends, not guild members, and not even that one time when they found out the commander was spying. However there was no moral problem with that it hadn't been very clean. Stepping out of the library I was on guard, ready for anything. We were all intensely loyal to each other here, and I hadn't been doing anything traitorous lately. Still it rarely hurt to be on guard.

Heading over to a place to train in peace; what a funny word. Peace, there was never any peace, and yet the tiny moments seemed to be more peaceful than the tension thick air when people weren't going at each others throats. Suddenly someone reached out to grab my shoulder, flicking out my knife from my sleeve there was a thick red substance pouring onto the floor. Not enough to kill or even seriously injure, but enough to make it a mess to clean up. The person shrugged, they honestly should have known better. Well I was waiting for them to speak, finally they did "Commander Axn is requesting your presence." Wiping the blood off my knife, and stowing it away I considered his words for only a second.

I nod my head, and swiftly found my way to his office. Stopping a little off from his desk I slouched slightly. It wasn't the military even if the discipline was harsher, and when you got orders...well you followed them. Still I was of equal rank, it was a different position, but in theory my being here was more an act of courtesy. He should have come and gotten me himself. Still I thought with a slight internal smile, only him.

He spoke "Nanym Rendit." Was all he said.

I nod my head, I didn't need to know why. It might be political, it might be monetary, or it might even just be a personal grudge. Him asking was enough to make me do it without question, and incidentally when Nanym begged for mercy I didn't give it. Without question, without mercy, without conditions; I smirked, isn't that what love is? 

Into and Out Of My Life

It's not about love, and it's not about life; it's about everything that is big enough to be wrapped up into one hug; something small enough to go into every single vessel of the earth, but large enough to encompass it all

 Author's Note

This is loosely based off of Free Iwatobi Swim Club. Well, a lot seeing as I used the character names and themes, but it's a fanfiction that I hope you will enjoy. The theme is a little cliche as usual, but I want to wrap this up with a bang. Just so you know this will happen over a period of time so in the interest of not writing a novel I'm going to make each day a really short.

We're Coming Home Haruka-chan!

Haru sighed, and sat down, annoyed at having to come here, it was a perfect day. A perfect day to swim, and Makoto sat next to him trying to lessen the pain of being away from the water. Well, he wouldn't say pain, but he was definitely irritated at missing this perfect opportunity to swim. He couldn't even spend proper time with Makoto, because well, Japan was changing, but he didn't think it would really be appropriate. Besides, Haru wasn't the most explicit person anyways. He expected his parents to come down, and have to get up, and be pushed between two hugs as they told him how much they missed him, even though it was obvious they were missing work more as they constantly checked their phones. Haru sighed, finally the flight seemed to come, and another wave of people walked in. Some were foreigners who had come from Tokyo to see some more of Japan, and others were visiting. He waited to see his parents. Suddenly Makoto got up, and Haru glanced at him. Makoto smiled and said "There's a little girl, and she looks like she's lost. I'm going to help her, be right back Haru-chan." Haru glared up at him slightly for the use of chan at the end, but shrugged. He wasn't interested in helping the girl, but of course Makoto was. His blue eyes shut out the world until Makoto returned, and the tall young man walked toward the rather annoyed girl with black hair in a loose side ponytail that hung down to her waist, shorts, and a T-Shirt. Makoto thought she was probably a foreigner, but she looked Japanese. Approaching in a friendly manner he said in practiced English "Hello, are you looking for someone?" The accent was heavy and the girl's frown deepened before she looked at him.

She gave him a once over before responding in perfect and fluent Japanese giving away that she was in fact not a foreigner "Who are y-" she stopped, and gave the tall brown haired male a once over. Before saying "Makoto right?"

Mako was startled, but answered "Yes, uhmmm, who are you?"

She didn't answer and asked "Are you here to pick me up, or is Haruka here?"

Mako said "Haru's here..." trailing off, but knowing he probably wouldn't get a response to his previous question until this girl go what she wanted, but still how had she known their names.

The girl stared at him "Where, I don't speak telepathy."

Makoto paused and said "Who are you first?" 

The girl sighed and then withdrew a letter from her messenger back, and he noticed she wasn't carrying much else. He realized she was probably not at the baggage claim because he was holding her up, and felt mildly concerned about her bags. She said "I'm giving this to Nanase Haruka, it's from his parents."

Makoto paused, she still hadn't answered his question but he walked over to Haru, who opened his blue eyes a bit gazing up at him, and Makoto smiled softly. "Haru-chan, someone has a letter from your parents."

The girl approached, and the letter fluttered onto Haru's lap. He glanced at the girl for a moment, but shrugged, and then opened the letter. After reading it his eyes widened and he stared at the girl who was now impatiently standing there as if she had somewhere better to be. Makoto gently took the letter from Haru and read it before his face too held a look of surprise. The girl looked harshly upon them and said "Got the gist of it now?" She didn't seem very happy to be finally meet her big brother.

House Rules

She still hadn't told them her name, but they found out in the letter as all three of them awkwardly got into the car. It seemed Akira would be staying for about one week until the day before her birthday, and then she would go back to Tokyo. Makoto wondered briefly why the day before her birthday, but seeing as she was sitting and reading a book, pointedly ignoring them he decided not to push it.

Haru wasn't driving, but he said "Makoto, aren't we all meeting at the beach today?"

And the pointed question, if Rei, Nagisa, and Rin were going to the beach with them - then what did they do with Akira. Suddenly she seemed to have found her voice when she said "I can stay back, I have to unpack." What she really wanted was to be alone. 

As they pulled up Makoto felt a little bad at leaving her here for hours, while they went and had fun, but she seemed to know what she wanted. Although with only one bag he wondered what she would be doing other than unpacking.

They were about to leave when Haru spoke up "We'll be back, ummm;" he looked to Makoto for help, and of course Makoto knew exactly what Haru was trying to say "House Rules; your room is the one upstairs on the left. Try not to get out, as you could get lost. And don't drain the bath."

Akira raised her eyebrows before shrugging and presumably heading upstairs to unpack, not even bothering to say goodbye.

Where Were You?

Makoto smiled as he got back spending time with friends was always fun. He vaguely wondered what Akira was doing, but his mind was more on getting Haru in the bath before he ran back to the ocean. He had to practically drag him out. Actually it had been a two hour game of catch Haru, and it was Makoto and Rin who had finally gotten him.

Entering the house Haru looked at Makoto and said "I can make dinner, but I'll take a bath first."

Makoto smiled, priorities. Nodding his head he said "Okay, but don't take too long as our guest might be hungry."

Haru visibly frowned at that before walking off. Not finding the girl on the bottom floor Mako walked up the stairs and knocked on the closed door to the guest bedroom. Clearing his throat he said "We're back, Haru will make dinner as soon as he's finished with his bath." He winced that didn't sound very promising. As he heard no response opened the door cautiously. Seeing the messenger back laying on the futon. A look of confusion passed his features, they had been gone for hours, and still it looked like the room hadn't been touched. The bag hadn't been unpacked. 

Mako's eyes widened. She wasn't here. Well obviously she could have left, but what would Haru's parents say, what would they think. She could easily get lost, it wasn't a big town, but still there was plenty of opportunity to get lost. Bolting down he ran into Haru, and wondered what was wrong. Usually he would still be in the bath. "Haru, Akira's missing!"

Looking at him Haru simply raised an eyebrow in a questioning manner.

Makoto sighed, and then calmed down and told Haru.

Haru shrugged and said "She'll be back, she left her things here." Then looking at the kitchen he said "I'll make dinner." Then putting his apron over his swimsuit they had mackerel for dinner.

Makoto sat near the door, and waited, and Haru sat next to him simply because he didn't need the sleep. Sitting there he wondered where his 'little sister' was. Another thought wandered through his mind; why hadn't his parents told him? He knew that they didn't speak very much and even more rarely saw each other, but he was fairly sure you would speak to your son about. Still it was only one week, but it was turning out to be a lot of work. Vaguely he wondered if Rin's sister Kou had given him this much trouble. But then the age gap wasn't that great. He surmised that she was turning 17, and as he was 25 there did seem to be a lot of difference.

After another hour or so he finally got up, and decided to get some sleep. If she still hadn't appeared by morning he would go and look for her with Mako. Sighing and shaking Makoto awake he said "She hasn't showed up, but it's three in the morning, we can get a few hours of sleep, and then see where she is in the morning.

Too tired to reply Makoto simply nodded his head and walked to bed. Hitting the covers he wrapped his arms around Haru, and they both fell asleep. Makoto was the first one to wake, and he head downstairs. The smell of something cooking though made him confused. Haru was upstair sleeping. He saw Akira standing at the stove, and cooking as if she was at home. Which he supposed for a week it was. Still it was only a week, and the thought it rather strange. Trying to remember he suddenly exclaimed "Where were you last night?!"

So uhmmmm

Haru got up, jolting awake from Makoto's voice. Heading downstairs he felt a faint anger bubble up at him, she had made Makoto worry. Why was she such a bother? Narrowing his eyes at her, he said "Answer the question."

Akira shrugged and said "Why does it matter?"

Haru spoke up "It matters."

"I went out to get something other than mackerel." It was only half honest. She had grabbed a snack on her way back, but that wasn't where she had been the majority of the time.

Makoto, sufficiently calmed down when he realized that the answer was probably correct (they didn't have much anything else except rice and that particular fish) said "When did you get back?" He was a little concerned, and he wondered if this would have been him in Ren and Ran had been older. 

She shrugged again, and Makoto almost had to laugh at the similarity between her and Haru, but refrained. He didn't think Haru was in the mood, and he didn't know her very well. She finally responded "I don't know, but I came back through the other door, not the front." That was a blatant lie that she hoped they bought. She had actually only recently come back, she had been getting used to the neighborhood, and letting off steam.

Makoto nod his head, she had probably locked the door behind her and had to come in through the other one. They stood there awkwardly before she spoke "I made breakfast." And handed them Mackerel. It was actually cooked rather well, and even Haru had to approve.

The rest of the day Makoto and Haru went to the Iwatobi swim club, Makoto taught, but Haru often went there and swam, sometimes giving Makoto the much needed back up when a kid was just a little too stubborn, and Makoto a little too kind. It was an arrangement that wasn't questioned, and it wasn't like they could keep Haru out of water anyway.

Makoto had invited Akira, and was a little surprised at her blatant opposition on the matter, he wondered if she had ever learned how to swim, maybe she didn't want to. She was a third year in high school, but it seemed as if she was taking the week off for some reason. 

They had no idea what she did that day, but Haru didn't really care, and Makoto couldn't do much about it so she was left to her own devices. However they did notice that whenever they woke up there was some form of breakfast ready for them to heat up, or maybe it was warm.

Sosuke Yamazaki

He was watching Rin swim; butterfly. He felt a familiar ache in his shoulder despite the fact that it was healed. Weak, but healed. He wished he could swim like that, but knew better than that. He wasn't Haru Nanase who couldn't' stay away from water, no matter what you did.

He paused, that stroke had been a little off, and he shouted. Rin stood up at the other end of the pool, and shouted back. There was a little comfort in the familiarity of it. He heard footsteps and turned. This pool was open to anyone, the high school's swim club wasn't using it right now, and when they weren't others could. 

A girl with black hair, and strikingly familiar blue eyes stared at him. He glanced at her, and then looked back. He didn't pay her much mind until she dove into the pool. Her form was excellent. When she surfaced though instantly he noticed the butterfly, it made his breath catch. After watching her for 25 he knew that Rin had noticed too. Setting himself up the boy in the pool started swimming his butterfly to coincide with the girl's stroke. Rin pulled ahead for awhile, but on the last turn they were neck and neck. He couldn't tell who touched the wall first, and didn't have time to ask, because she immediately went into backstroke. Someone who swam the IM. Interesting. 

He and Rin left before she was finished, and on the way back they commented on how odd it was.

Two Days Later

 Akira felt herself fall into a comfortable routine. Dangerously comfortable. The purple haired boy was fun to race, and she didn't have to speak to him. And then there was the guy who always came with him, somehow he seemed bigger than Makoto, but was smaller. She barely saw her so called brother, but didn't care. She was gone until late at night. She packed herself a bag for the day, and then didn't come back until late, and got to spend most of the time at the pool. She wondered if the Swim Club had time off this week. She only had three more days until she was going back to Tokyo, and she wanted to make it last. Even if she didn't enjoy their company she enjoyed just being able to do what she wanted. Her face soured, for three more days..and then who knew what would happen. Groaning she flipped onto her backpack and just floated, it was irritating, she had just messed up that butterfly. She should probably be getting back, it was early in the morning, and she would have to come back tomorrow.

Mom?

 Haru knew that Makoto was taking today off, for some strange reason he had gotten into his head that Haru and Akira needed to spend time together, and he decided to take The three of them to a Water Amusement Park. (Switching to Makoto) He guessed that that would appease Haru enough to go along with it. He wasn't sure what Akira was doing, but he was going to get her to come. He was going to wake up early to make sure that he caught her. He knew that she sometimes left early, and sometimes left late, but he hoped he would catch her. 

Early in the morning he knocked on her door, and then opened it. He missed her. Where was that girl? He saw her phone laying on the bed and was about to turn away when it rung. Seeing the number he saw that it was from Haru's mother. He thought it would be a pleasant surprise. Taking the phone he shook Haru awake. If all went well they might even learn a little bit more about Akira. Besides the letter which basically said that Haru had a sister, and that they needed to take care of her for a week there had been little else. Haru opened his eyes, wondering why Mako was waking him up early, and reached his arms out to pull Mako back. He was tired, instead Makoto handed him the phone and said "Haru, your parents are calling Akira."

Haru sighed, and then took the phone. "Akira?" He heard Mrs. Nanase's voice drift through the phone.

"It's Haru."

He waited before hearing a faint threatening note saying "Is Akira there?"

"I don't know."

He heard his mother's sigh and he himself wasn't extremely pleased with the phone call. His mother said "Where is she?"

Haru gave the phone to Makoto and turned away making it clear that he wasn't in the mood to talk. Makoto smiled, glad that he had gotten at least a few words out of Haru. Sitting in bed he said "This is Makoto, Mrs. Nanase. We don't know where Akira is. She does her own thing."

He was good at reading silent language and so he knew that Haru's mother was frowning on the other end of the line. She answered "Well she better be working on the wedding preparations, I told her to stop swimming..."

Four things happened at once;

Mako's eyes widened as he comprehended, and immediately thought about where Akira might be and who he should call. Rin swam at the Iwatobi pool, and of course he hadn't seen her come back so he wouldn't be able to tell if she had been swimming. Maybe she thought that he had known the entire time, and that was why she had been so closed off. But the other part that was possibly more confusing.

Haru turned as he heard the word swimming, wondering if Makoto was going to take them all the beach or the pool instead of the amusement park. He would probably find that much more fun. To be in the water.

Mrs. Nanase didn't hear the silence on the other end of the line, and continued on "Maybe you can help her. I don't want her to be wearing jeans, and a T-Shirt around her fiance. I was rather hesitant to allow her to come here, but she told me that it would be a good way for her to step back and let me plan the wedding; thank goodness she would have wanted it in the pool."

The last part struck Makoto, that was how his and Haru's wedding had been, purely symbolic, but still. He spoke evenly, trying to stay neutral when he said "Well Haru, Akira, and I are all going out today, so maybe we can discuss it."

Mrs. Nanase seemed to think about it before saying "Okay, don't worry about the cost of the dresses you buy I told her to charge everything on his credit. I thought it was very gentlemanly of him."

Makoto only said softly "Very." And then the line was dropped. 

Haru looked up questioningly as Mako relayed what he had heard. He saw Haru's eyes widen. He wasn't quite sure what Haru thought of his little sister, but he could see a spark of something when he explained what was happening. Hopefully Akira would finally give some answer.

Poolside Questions

 Akira finished the 400 IM she had been swimming, glad to have the pool to herself despite how nice the silent company had been. Presenting a substantial challenge to beat. She could tell the boy specialized in Butterfly and Free, but the one who only watched seemed to have too much of a built body not to be a swimmer, even if she never saw him swim. 

Floating on her back she gazed up at the sky as it changed from inky to light. She had spent the night out, she should get back. She'd have to be back around noon if she wanted to come back in time to meet with the other swimmer. Suddenly she looked over the edge and saw Haru and Makoto. 

She wasn't a very sociable person, but even she could read the questions on their faces, and then that dangerously comfortable routine might change when they said "Your Mother Called."

200 different answers

Haru sat there listening as Makoto asked question after question, and wondered how he could talk so much. But strangely enough Haru never tired of hearing his voice. The change, the way he would throw in something that he knew Haru was thinking about, how he knew what Haru was thinking. He listened to Akira too. Her tone was even, but he could hear the anger, and felt a small amount of it himself. 

An arranged marriage seemed rather, well too traditional. But it was the question about swimming that hit him to the core "Why did your mother tell you to stop swimming?"

He heard the inhale, a sharp contrast to the rest of her attitude of all the previous questions and rehearsed answers. She shrugged and said "She thought it made me less social, and also disliked that I would rather spend time in the water than with people." But it seemed almost as if that was it. Even if it was a simple statement.

Makoto's brows furrowed "But don't you swim with other people?"

She paused and then shook her head, and said "No, I swim alone..." but Haru heard the other part of the sentence, alone and free, and Makoto too heard it ringing in the air.

Still he couldn't fully understand, swimming alone.

Haru stood and then said "The water likes you." And even if Akira didn't understand Mako did, and his eyes widened. Because if Haru had determined that the water liked his little sister, then he would too. Smiling slightly Mako said "Let's go to the amusement park."

Akira glad to be off the hook, but still a little nervous about this openness she supposed it could be called, was rather slow to stand. Smiling at her, Mako said "We can sort this out later."

He didn't realize that Haru had plans too. Plans that involved helping his little sister 'sort out' this wedding problem.

17 years

 You can't fit 17 years into three days, but somehow the time seemed endless. Time spent in the pool; Akira swimming the breast and the back, and Rin swimming the Free and the Fly while Mako, Haru, Nagisa, and Rei swam 100m legs, and Sosuke watched and cheered. 

It's hard to fit team into three days, but somehow the cracks filled seamlessly, and even Kou had to admit that it felt nice to be like this.

But one thing that was truly impossible or so they thought was to somehow get more time.

The day of her birthday, she should have been celebrating with her new found friends, and yet she was off getting stuck in an arranged marriage. No more time, Haru was locked in his room, Mako was drawing up a bath, Sosuke was being somehow more silent, even Nagisa had fewer words to say than usual. 

But maybe just maybe miracles happened.

Or at least that's what they thought when Haru walked in with an actual smile on his face. Just maybe they would be able to fit 17 years in after all.

What's Wrong With 5 Minutes?

the girl thought for a moment, irritated at how this was turning out; frowning her brows furrowed; her eyes remained fixed on the computer screen. what was the point, she was already in pretty deep, but still. Staring at it she typed some more, and then deleted what she had typed, still annoyed with the words on the screen. She wondered if she should flag it; the little cursor hovered over the button, and her finger hovered over the button she would need to select it. Then she retracted her finger, she was in pretty deep already, what was the harm? Shrugging her shoulders she began typing and shaking her head in this, she couldn't do this, but the problem was - her character totally could. Her character could totally do this, she could absolutely do this with this person, but still she couldn't. She almost felt a disconnection. Her character and her...they weren't the same, but wasn't that the point, here she could be whoever she wanted to be. The lack of face was comforting, but now as she stared towards a faceless character who she could no longer continue with it felt rather, not scary. Pausing she glanced around, wondering if anyone was watching her, probably just paranoia. Anyway her mind focused back to the matter at hand, and then she posted, a nice little ooc post that couldn't be taken the wrong way and wondered what would happen, not that it mattered, the character was dead, funny how people you thought you knew could just get up and die so easily.

That post above you was 264 words, and took 5 minutes to write.

It's amazing what you will find on the internet, and regardless where you are the place can be a little bit scary. This is a little story (I guess) about a girl who had been on a forum, and was now conversing with someone who she hadn't met before, and needless to say it got a little scary.

http://www.wired.co.uk/reviews/laptops/2012-10/samsung-series-5-550p-review

 

I....I....i

"We're together when it counts, and together when it doesn't, because someone is always counting"

I stood there for a small time that stretched forever. The microphone was maybe a little too close to my mouth as I was not accustom to using it, and I was surprised that the sound of my racing heart wasn't being broadcast to the entire audience assembled here. I had no idea what they wanted to hear, I had listened to a few suggestions as to what I should talk about. What I should say, what could I say that they didn't already know though seemed to be my problem. I looked down at my feet as they rested on the metal platforms for them to rest on. I wondered what I should say, I had a speech, actually it was written on my now sweaty palm.

Looking out at the crowd, it seemed like a vast swarm all converging upon the queen. I forgot which insect, bumble bees, ants, I don't know. Once the queen is useless they leave her. I look out on my subjects for the first time, and am glad for the water kept next to me. Fumbling with the microphone I fumbled with my words a little bit before going into my speech "I...." no was that right? "For a few weeks I...." I trailed off again, and I received some pitying glances, and some supportive. 

Taking a deep breath I begin again "I....have been" what have I been doing, it feels like nothing in this long stretch of nothingness. The words are empty and hollow, they are meaningless. I have been doing nothing these past few weeks. I haven't accomplished anything. I haven't overcome anything. And yet here I am speaking, as if I did.

Taking another deep breath the audience looked at the girl expectantly. They knew nerves, and most of them were here because in some fashion or another they genuinely cared. They really wanted to hear her story, but as the words began to flow surprisingly easy out of the girl's mouth they were a little surprised. 

"We have been working for the last couple of weeks to help people recover mentally and physically from the natural disaster that recently occurred." The girl paused, and then continued, no longer concerned with the notes on her hand that were dribbling away. Her hands still fumbled with the microphone, but other than that she was talking smoothly. "We have visited people, we've been on site, and it's been an amazing project with all of us on it. We are here because we love people, we are here because we know these people, and yet some of us are here because we are one of those people." The girl paused, looking around, she was a little surprised at her words, she hadn't meant it to come up like that. She didn't want people to think of her in any way except a part of what she had become "We have tried to help people, our program for all of its size and organization still has spontaneous instances where we are put into teams and told to go on a site." She wasn't grinning, her thoughts of the past were not exactly pleasant ones, but as she continued there was a sort of pleasantness in her voice "We have done many things, and if anyone would like to think of a few it would be appreciated."

"They helped my niece when she was worried about her daughter"

"They visited a hospital with a friend of mine in it and helped him comfort his wife."

"They showed everyone."

The words came out of someone's mouth before the same voice spoke again "We showed everyone." The voice came again, and the girl sought the caster "You showed everyone." 

And looking dead level into the eyes of the person who spoke she smiled and then said "These past few weeks have made me feel amazing." Then looking at the crowd she said "There has been a lot of hate and frustration at this event, at nature. But I think that even if the pain is no joy, the recovery can be."

I rolled down the ramp and began to mingle with the crowd. My heart rate was still up.

I'm not really sure about this, I don't really like it, way too cliche, and too predictable, but I wanted to write something like....like this so I hope that it wasn't too horrible to read.

Hawk or Buzzard

The bird flew, the air underneath it's wings pushing it in whatever direction it decided. The birds heart pumped blood throughout its veins as it propelled further through it's flight. It's eyes were out for a next meal as it kept soaring through the sky. It was odd it thought, normally this place was full of food, normally there was prey here. It circled a little lower, and continued on despite the risk of capture. It did not want to be caught in the eye of anything unsavory, but it did not see anything. So with this in mind it continued, before the shadow of another bird passed above it. The bird almost stopped.

 http://georgetowncabins.com/


  http://ibc.lynxeds.com/


The bird sook out food, it craned its neck as it circled, and circled. Perhaps it was not seeking hard enough, usually though there were good things here, normally though it would be able to find a decent meal. For now there were no others, so anything the bird found would be it's own. However it could not help but be dissatisfied at its lack of success. It could not be helped though, so it only searched harder, the wind here helping it, as well as sapping from it strength. Pausing it suddenly saw a bird pass below it and the bird almost stopped in midair as the wind supported a little more of its weight.


What is the difference between a hawk and a buzzard?

New Wolf

The entire ordeal was making all of the pack on edge. Every kill the wolves snapped more. And the alpha was more assertive of his dominion. The wolves patrolled their borders with what humans would call obsession. A fury seemed to grip them as the scent of an intruder drew near. They were not a large pack, and new comers were not well known in their area. Their territory was a small sheltered valley between mountains, and even if it was not very large enough game ran there and they never went hungry.

However the idea and winds of a visitor was new to this pack and they all felt the effect that a strange wolf brought with it. They whimpered and whined, and at times howled a requiem of their ownership to the far away stranger who seemed so elusively close. Still they patrolled their borders and continued to howl to the winds.

One of the wolves growled at the other, tense as the scent was on the wind today. The wolf was heading towards them, and its intent was unknown. Yet strangely no one had caught any sight nor proven the existence of this wolf. The other wolf snapped back, and the two curled their lips no malice in their eyes and yet the energy for a fight ready there. Suddenly a growl interrupted them, and they both whimpered as the alpha broke up the interaction. Each going their own way the pack lay down, restless with their ears pointed towards the wind, to listen for any wolf that might come near.

~

The wolf oblivious to all of this paused and scented the air, he could not make out the wolves; still he searched for a place of his own. A pack to be his. And with this in mind he pad on, breaking into a trot every now and then. Suddenly the wind abated and the scent of other wolves caught his delicate nose. Breaking into a lope the wolf head towards the large looming figures that seemed to stare at him as twin pillars as he head towards the wolves.

Still he reached the border, as it was clearly marked to make no mistake. Whining slightly he waited for a reply. Suddenly his paw shot out before he crossed into territory howling out his presence to assure the world that he lived on and it had not finished him yet. His song was not answered and cautiously he pad on so doing that which he pleased. Scenting other wolves he stopped dead in his tracks. Neither fleeing or advancing as four of them came upon him, not circling him, not aggressive yet. He whimpered and his tail lay low as he awaited their response.

He paid little thought to his future as this chance presented itself. His eyes fixed solely down away from the alpha so as not to be aggressive. His tail tucked and whining slightly the wolf was scared, but there was underlying another emotion there. Wolves.

Red Wolves
Red wolves are a highly endangered species, and they live in small packs. They are often mistaken for coyotes but they are not. Here is a link for facts and other things on red wolves and other animals. Here's an image from that site!
 

If we travel across all the paths that we can, then you may come across many things that you shouldn't.

Others

The fire, it burns, but it burns special.

The flames bounded across invisible boundaries, they tore down everything within half a thought of whatever foul being so desired to cast them. The voices that sprang and hissed out from the glowing orbs and devils tongues of red and orange were worse. The children lay backed up as far as they could against it, as the adults huddles in the center. Adults, elderly, all defended by the children. It would be a rather sad sight if seen in our world today. Yes a sad sight indeed.

But this was not seen as anything in particular as the the flames sputtered and taunted and yelled and nay some say challenged the people "Liars, traitors, cowards" the list grew on "yellow-bellied, scumm" None of them seemed fazed but for their eyes as the whites grew larger and large the fear of some retracting inwards to themselves.

The flames continued their quest for the ones inside, laying there; not sure whether the flames would break free from the invisible but in the hearts and minds bounds that tied it to the other world from whence it came."Gutless, soft-hearted." The flames began to whisper seductively. Almost the purr of an engine or cat.

The leaping winds bounded across the sky reflected in their admirers eyes. The eyes like glass reflecting the twisted flames. They warped and did tricks like that no acrobat has yet to perform. And they whispered. "deserter, deceiver" the voices though not growing louder in volume seemed to make themselves heard "backstabber." It was but a wisp of flame that crossed the invisible line.

The glassy eyes drew forth to the raw beauty presented them. The reflection drew closer. Until finally when not a scream was let out, the child:

It was a young boy, he was nine, he had brown hair, and green eyes before they turned to glass, in tattered cloths.

Walked into the fire.

Note| Sorry another short one!

Angel?

A man sat down, and more gathered around him. Suddenly all was silent as an almost melodic voice floated out into the air. A spell.


"A long time ago
Only two years

A long time ago
There was a little boy
And there was a name
And there was another

But a long time ago
This little boy

Died."

A tale to tell
The kids who go listen to the church's bell
 And feel their hearts have sunk into a well
Their only wish is to rest, whether in heave or he**

No need for any whip
No need for any spur
Only a need for words from venemous lip

Is what this story is

"People, in a place that is different and the same to our own; whichever one you may live in there was a little boy. And he lived in a place, probably much different than yours. And he lived a life that catered to his every whim and need. And yet still there was something he did not have. Every thing in the world was his to own and control if he pleased. Every power he could ask for was presented to him. And yet there remained. That which he could not own simply.

For is not the heart of another the greatest gift? He thought not; something such as simple as this was a mere trifle to what he had before. He was curious. So he decided to step down from his pedestal, and seek out that which the ones he saw beneath him were able to possess.  

Such as classic tale today; when he meets one begotten by another and dies unto the point of a sword living in misery ever after."

The story ended but the man continued on:

"But the lesson learned here from this tale young listeners, is that one should not betray all that is righteous for that which you desire. For this boy could have been angel, but he stepped down, because his desires."

And with that the story teller cursed his listeners.

  
If something is so fragile as to break at the touch of its opposite then it could never touch the world or be in balance.

Fire and Flames

Chapter 1 (because nothing starts at .5)

A fire can be anything, but it's the flames that burn you.


Beautiful, that's what this is. An organization that's all but hidden from the government, but still larger than the country. It's international. Beautiful she thought as she stood by the building, there were three people in there, and they would all go to other meetings and tell them what had happened here, until it had spread and the process would bounce back inwards really an amazing process and way of communications. Interesting she thought as she walked in. there was no one working here, it was abandon, but they would be here. They staggered their entrances the first would come at a time, the next would come thirty eight minutes afterwards, and then the next after that would be a full hour and seventeen minutes after the first. An interesting system but it worked.
She took a moment to make sure no one was watching; the cameras might catch it. Still she slipped inside, it was dingy and uncomfortable. The girl had over half and hour to wait so she sat down at a chair, they would come in through the same entrance, well the second person would, the last person to come in would come in through the back entrance, it was all a rather annoying and slow process, but it worked she reminded herself, it worked. Because it was so careful. Dangerous still, it was beautiful yes. How they kept it a secret and yet still managed to preserve everything else.
Playing out patterns on the arm of her chair the girl remembered when she had first joined. It hadn't been her choice, in the end she had had a choice, not much of one, but at least they didn't pull a 19th century move on her forcing her to serve. She would trade the knowledge, danger, and adventure for something else though, there were things to be said for ignorance, happiness, and 'sheep' safety. the government was less likely to go for the sheep when they could go for the wolves. However nothing was certain and a flock of sheep was much easier prey. A part of he knew though she didn't want to be like that; prey.
That larger part told her that walking into these flames that the rebellion created was dangerous, but it was fun. The adventure and adrenaline rush was fun and thrilling. As it was suppose to be. The girl turned.there was no choice anymore.
Withdrawing her hand she glanced at the form that almost seemed to slither around it, because flames burned and they left a mark. It had been death or this mark to remind her of her allegiance. Her oath. Her promise. And sometimes when she was irritated with the entire affair; her stupidity. Life would go on good or bad, and nobody really cared, this though could change everything. The flames couldn't even burn the government or affect it, but if something actually happened out of this meeting then that could all change; something could happen; something could be done. And everything would change.

It's amazing, but I want to make it mine.

He had been waiting for this to turn into something he could use. Something worth his position as he had been holding. Living life ever concealed behind a mask that he carried with him everywhere he went, but he felt safe, for behind the mask he hid his weapons. Shaking his head the man knew there were people about across two streets, but now moving towards, for they had had to stay away from the others in this meeting. They wouldn't hide themselves from the third, he would think nothing of it. However it was the other he would have to worry about. He walked in confident, right on time, just like they  had taught him at his real home. The set up this rebellion had was good, but they seemed the largest and smartest and first to make a move. However, it was time that they realized that it was his world. Well not his, but the governments. He worked well because he wanted power; and he moved up in so many artificial ranks from second rate organizations that didn't know he was lying through his teeth. He had grown accustom to being respected and listened to and when all this was finished he would do the same with his own government. A snake they knew, but they wouldn't be expecting one alone. They would however either side kill him if they realized the game he was playing. Until it was up, he cashed in his chips and he was victorious, and won. It was something he looked forward to. Something he wanted to do since he had come up with this plan. Now he had to attend to this meeting. And his words would ripple through until they came back and he would learn the final plan. The big plan. He grinned and found the girl already watching him between narrowed eyes. He didn't speak but she didn't. Whispering fierce she said "We are surrounded the third one may not show." Gauging him up carefully he could feel as if she could see him. "Do you have an escape plan if all this turns south?" He shook his head, she never cursed. He didn't know why she would start now, but most would have much more descriptive phrases to what might happen if they found out about her. He would flash a badge and be through, but she would be taken away. Well she had been a thorn, maybe it would be good, but he didn't want this to be up yet he still needed information so he answered of course and they he settled down. Not feeling in any real danger. She watched him carefully, but he didn't pay it any mind. She was probably just worried he would tag along with her, the man snorted internally he didn't need her, didn't need any of them. They were all more foolish than he was they had all been tricked, and the trick was just about to bite them in their irritating behinds.

Because I see, because I know, I will be:....

 He had been working with both of them, he was assured of her loyalty although he knew she still had moments of hesitation, but the other was a spy. And needed to be taken care of. He would not pass up the offer of unlimited information and he wanted her to be there to test if she was willing to torture the other for information. They didn't know each other so it shouldn't be too hard for her, but if she didn't then he would kill her and then torture the other. It didn't matter it had to be done to spies and traitors.
It was normal and he knew the risks there were more outside but he went inside anyway. The spy probably had a safety net, so he would start by telling them to remove as much clothing as possible in case of tracking devices; that being said he could easily see where it was. Anyway he went in through the back. He was on time, and he wondered what the two of them were doing in there. And smiled. Yes this was going to be some major information.
And the spy would be playing a key part of it. He had seen him, he knew him; and now his dream would be.

Author's Note| Just an idea, I'm trying to do more chapters and what I call 'length writing' but I'm working on something else that I may post here or may not. Do you like the chapters or do you like the short stories?

Because; I **** you

Prologue

Because you can't just hate him...you have to love him too.

Kayla sighed and looked at the classroom; trying to find a place to sit. She felt like such the typical new girl; no friends, no where to sit, and clueless. She looked around before finally landing herself in the middle of the classroom. She didn't want to sit in the back, and be labeled as a trouble maker, but sitting in the front wouldn't give the impression she was hoping for. She adjusted her glasses, not nervous exactly, but annoyed; the bell had rung five minutes ago and kids were still filing in,  and the teacher was MIA. She wondered if the teacher would always be this late and the class would always be this rowdy, but it wasn't like this class was a core class, it was a fine arts class. It still counts for part of your grade an annoying voice in her head nagged her.

There wasn't exactly anywhere else she could go, she was stuck here. Literally her parents decided to move and her father had been assigned here as a post for two years, so she would be somewhere else for her senior year. Weren't freshmen suppose to be more prepared? She guessed not as the class was fifteen minutes in and the last student filed in and the teacher was still not here. She wondered if she should just leave, but she didn't want to make a bad first impression or have to listen to her father about skipping class. That wasn't a conversation that she wanted to have. Her dad wasn't on top of her as much as some others, because he didn't have the time, but when she showed him her report card or he got emails from the school he would really get on her.

Kayla listened as some students finished last minute homework, and some chat with their friends. And she guessed that was what normalcy was, but she was normal. She wondered if she could get on any sports teams. It was the last two months of school so she guessed not. She focused on her book trying to come up with something to read, the same line kept repeating itself, looping over and over again. The teacher was late. So late she thought for a moment. Why was any teacher half an hour late to class? The class only lasted an hour and a half. She waited some more time, and then wondered if she should tell somebody. Who would she tell who would believe her though? No one knew her here, for all they knew she was lying. She wasn't sure if she looked like trouble, she hadn't taken too much time with her appearance this morning; just another day at school. I mean she had glasses, she couldn't look too threatening, but she did know a wide variety of martial arts.

Kayla glanced at her watch when she finally suffered through the next chapter. She forgot the title, but it was something about Dogs and military service. Not her own choice, something her dad recommended she read when he heard she was interested in a dog. She had said it as an offhand comment about some people she knew having dogs. The teacher had half an hour until class ended. She got up and walked over to a table of girls awkwardly and asked as they chat with each other "Is the teacher always this late?"

The girl frowned, she had shiny brown hair of about shoulder length, and blue eyes that popped. It was hard to tell if she was tall or short as she was sitting down, wearing a sweater and skinny jeans. Kind of typical Kayla thought but let it go. She was wearing jeans and a plain Shirt. She really shouldn't be judging her. The girl answered though evenly, not annoyed at being interrupted but not pleased to make any conversation "Yeah, all year this teacher is either an hour late or never shows."
Kayla wondered how that worked, and the girl gave her a look that asked; are you going to respond or can I go back to doing whatever I was.

Kayla muttered a thanks before going back to sit in her seat. At least the girl hadn't been rude, that would have made her want to do something she would regret. Then she would get another talk with her dad. In fact she thought; when did she ever get to talk with her dad unless he was unhappy? Impatient Kayla glanced at her watch again. How was the teacher still working here if he was always late? She would have thought that the kids grades would show it too, but maybe the school didn't care, or all the smart kids were here and none of them needed to study. She wondered if she should actually go talk to someone, but decided against it. What was the point?

It wasn't that she was leaving in two years or that she wouldn't have any time to hang out, or some aspects of her just couldn't be called normal. She wondered if she was just an antisocial person. Twenty  minutes to the bell she was still thinking. She saw her watch indicate the time and sighed, looked like the teacher wasn't going to show. He hadn't written any homework on the board or even notes for the days lecture. So she was going to spend two months with her first period basically being off, which she was fine with. The subject was art, so she would do just fine, but still. It irked her that the teacher hadn't shown. Still she didn't know how they would get the grades, hopefully the teacher just put in a bunch of hundreds. All the students were treating it as a free period.

Suddenly someone walked in. Absentmindedly Kayla wondered if he was a student. His hair was messy like he had woken up late and she wondered if he was tired and had overslept, but he immediately walked over to a group, and didn't seem the tiniest bit so. He in fact seemed confident, almost arrogant, and lively. She rolled her eyes, what a boy. He could skip class and not care then just go over to his friends. She wondered if this would just be an off period for her, but she would have to show up sometimes like when the teacher did.

The bell was going to ring in ten minutes, and she was slightly glad the teacher hadn't shown. But it would have been a nice distraction. Although the people who were late were probably glad that the teacher always came late and sometimes never at all. Suddenly a woman walked in. She was about thirty or so and her hair was in a messy bun that was stylish at that point, she looked a little flustered. The teacher didn't seem like the type of person you would normally find, but Kayla guessed it was art. She seemed to feel a little awkward at being late, but if this teacher had been coming in late all year then it shouldn't really matter. "Sorry I'm late class!" She said, rushing in, realizing that class was almost over. In art class this would usually be about the time the teacher started to tell students to finish up their bit and then pick up. Did this class ever get to do anything except socialize and do homework for other classes?

All of them responded "It's fine." Almost a reactive response.

She composed herself before saying "The homework will be to draw an emotion that you feel." She looked around and said "I hope you will all express yourselves!" Then she tried being serious as she said "It will be due in one week. I will pick the top five." Then the bell rang and everyone filed out. None of them seemed to take her seriously, but if she never showed up on time Kayla could understand that.

Kayla wondered if she would have to stay after to discuss things with this teacher, but when no indication came she walked out the door still watching and waiting for the teacher. She was usually very aware of her surroundings but a figure came up and bumped into her sending her rocking and falling...very self consciously in front of the stranger who had come in late.

He smirked and she couldn't help but think that he had done that on purpose. She shot him a dirty look before he said, obviously withholding laughter "Sorry, want a hand."

She glared at him carefully accepting his help, not wanting to seem weak but also not wanting to seem rude. This could be his chance to redo the first impression...he had made on her bottom. He pulled her up easily and her hand felt a little sweaty after that before she stalked off after he said nothing. Fine, he didn't get to redo his first impression.

She could practically feel his smirk as he watched her. She tried...very hard not to look back at him, but finally she caved and he was still standing there (the nerve and fool!) and she could practically hear his laughter. He had a really nice laugh, when it wasn't directed at her.

"Gah." She said, already knowing exactly what she was going to draw for that lame excuse for an assignment her art teacher had given to her.

Note| So this is a prologue or chapter, can't decide which for a story. I do this a lot, start them and never finish. I just kind of had to write this because I'm currently reading book that has something like this in it too..... So consider this a phase...
But regardless, hope you liked it.

Sunshine

There is always quite the audience for the sunrise, as the animals wake and see the glorious beginning of the day. As the light gently begins to spread through fog filled sky, tenderly stroking everything it touches. The sun slowly begins to climb as if weary of some unseen beast.
Colors meld, and many are captivated, and those by the ocean or pond or stream even have a sight to behold as the water is turned to a canvas displaying the rising of the day. Of the sun. Of the light bringer. Of a star.
All the animals loved the sunrise, some it meant the end of a tiresome day, and for others it was the beginning. The sunrise was welcome. And all were able to watch it as they anticipated the sunset. When the rays would peek below the horizon, but for now the glow emanated from everywhere.
The ones watching basked in it.
Loved it.
Adored it.
The sun continued on its journey, unaware of its audience, of the awe it inspired. Among this group whom worshiped the drops of sun that colored huge swaths of sky there went unnoticed a small creature.
The little creature shied away feeling alone and scared. It sighed, before leaving, wishing it could see properly. All it saw was pain and blinding light. Though before he thought it had seen the most beautiful thing in the world.
The warm light burned its skin and it retreated. It sighed. The sunrise. The sunset. It burned him to see them; and yet....

Note| Sorry for the short post I'm having writers block!