A World with No Children

I opened my eyes to find myself disconnected from the world, something had woke me up. My head was consumed by a helmet. The device was heavy, cold and alien. One thick cord dangled from the ceiling like a chandelier that trailed down to my head. As I detached myself from the bulky machine, I came to find I was alone in an empty gray room. Staring at the ceiling, I questioned; where am I? How did I get here? There were no windows to the outside. No pictures hung of distant relatives or of family vacations. Just solid gray concrete.

On the other end of the room, a thin line drew the exit. I stood to approach the long rectangular door etched on the wall. There were no knobs to twist open or a button to press. I knocked thinking someone was on the other end. “Hello,” I called. More than once, I repeated the pattern with no response. I tried not to panic though my mind raced and my heart thumped. Surely someone would come for me. I knocked again, a bit louder. “My name is Thut Apple.” I pressed my hands against the wall. “Hello?!”

“My name is Thut.” I called to whoever lurked around, if anyone stood near. I kept quiet. I listened precariously but nothing came about. I leaned my other ear to the cement hoping it made a difference. “Hello?” Still, I called hoping someone would answer. My head rested on the cold gray concrete, I prayed for a miracle. The wall cracked the more pressure I applied, I noticed. With enough force the wall slid open to a dark desolated prison.

The building was cold, the air was thick, the lights were dim and no other soul were awake. Silence surrounded me in an unpleasant serenity. I stepped outside to find no one around. No one but rows of occupied rooms as far as I could see, with no way out. I leaned against the rails to find more levels descending and ascending into an abyss I did not want to be a part of. This was not my world. I was not where I was before I woke up in this nightmare.

Where did my country home vanish to? What happened to the family I came home to every night? My friends and co-workers whom I made plans with? Where’s the sun and the moon? The bright blue sky and the cotton clouds? Where’s the prickling grass and scent of bouquets? Where did all the life go? I began to race down the halls, screaming like some lunatic. “Is anyone there?” I called, frantically searching for an answer.

Thousands of sketched doors throughout the building told me I wasn’t alone. I made my way towards a door and slid it open. I bothered not to knock. There, an elderly man sat on the floor with the same devise I was hooked-in. His stillness felt abnormal and disturbing. He just sat there, breathing. He did nothing but age. Who built these machines? I questioned as I examined the man before me. They do nothing but suck the life out of us, I thought. We stopped living and ended up as nothing. We have come so far to go nowhere.

I wanted to unplug the devise from him. I wanted to know why I was disconnected but the helmet was locked to his neck. If I yank it from him he will die. “Sir,” I addressed him, “Can you hear me?” I shook him lightly, “Sir, wake up!” I shook and shook but he could not hear me, he never budged. He just sat there, unaware that I was there. I released him not knowing what to do. On occasion, he would laugh or sigh. Wherever he was, mentally, he seemed happy.

The exit to this maze I came to find myself in was my only priority. I stopped entering other people’s room, trying to wake them up, since they were all connected to some colossal computer. The same computer I was in before something woke me up. The deeper I entered the maze, the more I was haunted by the visions of the paradise I was deprived of. Finding a way out was my last salvation before I go mad. The questions that kept repeating in my head were turning me insane. I did not have the answers I desperately needed.

Finding the exit was not as simple as I hoped it would be. The exit must be somewhere, I looked around, There’s got to be one. I noticed there were no windows either even outside the rooms. No exits too, just endless hallways and levels of concrete. The lights were becoming dimmer the further I traveled. Something up ahead caught my attention. It sounded big and menacing. The ground trembled as the sound approached me.

The insidious thing stood feet away from where I was. There was nowhere to hide, unfortunately. Four red lasers scanned the halls while I peeked to see what lay ahead. The monster began to shoot darts at whoever it sought as a threat, me. I ran as fast as I could, afraid to look back. The creature spotted me and instantly came after me. I caught a glimpse of its spider like legs crawling all over the narrow hall.

It climbed the ceiling as it aimed its web for my feet. I did as best I could to escape from its grip. Its sticky web disappeared into pieces as the creature sped by leaving no trace of its presence. The big arachnid monster slipped over me as I tripped. Its needle pounced on me as I ran away. The creature spat its venom while I jumped the rails to the floor below. I swung, landed aimlessly to the level below the monster and continued running.

Cautiously, I slowly made my way down the hall. I peeked to see if there stood any danger but I couldn’t see a thing. The light was non existent where I had jumped to. A low whisper called to me in the dark as I stood there. It was calling me, inviting me to enter the darkness. Blindly, I followed the call. The walls were my only guide down the dark corridors. The further I walked the louder the whisper became until I realized they were not whispers.

The whispers that called to me in the dark were in fact the wind blowing through an opening. There, to my surprise, an exit marked the end of my travels. Light from the outside broke the darkness from my desolated imprisonment. I was relieved to have finally found the exit to my nightmare. I felt my sanity subside and my mind straighten. I felt ridiculous running around like some deranged maniac. Screaming at the top of my lungs for some sign of life.

“Thank you.” I praised to whoever answered my prayer. Slowly, I made my way up the steep hill and soon stood face to face with the outside world. Though I was not where I was before I woke up, I only hoped to be reunited with the life I once thought I had. I dared not turn my back and face the other millions of people enslaved by the machines. One day, I convinced myself, they will rise. With enough force, I slid the door open.

I stood blinded for a moment as my eyes adjusted to the outside world. The grim daylight emitting from the clouds irritated my pale skin. The air reeked of death and the earth was covered in trash. I couldn’t believe my eyes. The millions upon thousands of towers as high as the clouds surrounded me. How did I get from living in a clean world to living in a world cluttered by metal trash, I did not want to find out. The outside world was too much for me to process. My blood ran cold as my head spun. I felt nauseous and sick. The air was poisoning my lungs. My new home brought me to my knees.

“This is not my world.” I told the air, facing the ground. Bolts and springs cut at my knees as I knelt. My palms dug into glass beneath the plastic. “What is this place?” I yelled to the sky. “Take me back!” I plead to the heavens. “Connect me back to the world you yanked me out of.” I prayed, “Please!” The gray towers stared at me as I wept. The wind blew more toxins into my lungs. “What is this hell?”

Am I alone? Did I die in my sleep and now cursed to roam in some barren wasteland? Nothing made sense. I looked around to find some familiarity within the gray buildings but all I could remember was the world I had been disconnected from. “This isn’t real.” I said out loud, convincing myself otherwise. “This isn’t real.” I kept repeating as I crossed the empty streets. Wandering around, I came to find the only living creatures were the animals.

The animals had evolved into sophisticated beasts. They learned mankind’s habits and incorporated their intelligence to create their own kingdom. Giants called in the distant as predators stomped the grounds. The iron jungle sheltered wild apes, exotic birds, human like reptiles and colossal bugs, all running on oil. I followed the pavements, careful at every turn. Few birds flew by, their enormous wings blew dust as they passed. I was certain they were trying to blind me.

Off in the distance, a spot in the smog stood still. I paused for a moment, unsure of what it was. The spot in the smog seemed to be hunched over, as if it were counting down the minutes before it makes an attack. I picked up a metal can and threw it into the smog. A thunderous scream rang in my ear as the spot grew into a beast. I was on the run again, fearing for my life. The beast chased me relentlessly. The animals came for me as if I were an illegal immigrant trespassing in their property. I dared not look back to what chased me for hours.

I hid under a car, or what was left of the vehicle. I held my breath as its feet stomped beside me. The creature stood for a moment as it calculated my whereabouts. Lasers scanned the perimeter. The thing screamed once more before disappearing into the smog. I remained hidden, not knowing what other danger lurked near. As time went on, I felt myself grow weaker by the minute. The air was too polluted. Slowly, I emerged from my hiding spot.

Careful not to draw attention to myself, I began to climb the mountain of trash. I wanted to get to higher ground, I wanted to see where I was. As I maneuvered my way up the mountain, the air was becoming more toxic. My eyes watered, my head spun and a piercing ring rang in my ear. There must be cleaner air once I reach the top, I kept telling myself. I was loosing hope and strength but I persevered. I had to, I must!

Once I reached the top, nothing but gray ancient towers consumed the landscape. Beasts and predators roared in the distance as if nothing was wrong. I violently coughed out blood that brought me terror. Am I dying? My vision was becoming blurry. The ringing grew louder and my lungs heavy from the pollution by all the toxins in the air. I was becoming numb to all the horror that surrounded me. Was I the last human roaming the earth? I questioned as I climbed back down.

I was back on the road, wandering in a daze of confusion. Crossing the street, I heard a machine flying about. It sounded heavy and old. I stood near a post and watched for signs in the smog. A giant saucer came into view as it levitated above me. Never had I witnessed heavy mechanics float like it’s weightless. It shined a beam towards the ground, searching. Hiding from the metallic giant was easy with all the trash laying around. I hid until I heard it levitate away. Its rusty engine echoed as it left. It soon disappeared within the smog.

I found myself entering what used to be a neighborhood. Visions from the world I came to know appeared again, reminding me of how life used to be. What looked like grass peaking out from the trash felt fake. There were no trees or playgrounds, just columns after columns of gray depressing ruins. There were no parks, cars, life; just piles of tall metal trash. I felt hopeless as my body began to deteriorate from the pollution. I was alone in a world with no children to make the world go round with happiness or hope. I was alone while everyone else were safe in their prisons, connected to the real world.

My knees fell on the artificial earth. My vision was growing dimmer. I could feel my heartbeat slow down while the ringing kept pounding in my ear; spreading into an unbearable migraine. I was dying in a world that had died a long time ago. I felt proud, in some way, to be the first to die. To know that I was the first to walk in this abandoned hell that once was held as a paradise. To lay eyes on this ghost town of hopelessness. As I took my last breath I laid flat on the ground and stared at the gray sky.

Esc

Cold settled heavy, the room melted into obscurity. Three masked figures stood around a fallen hero as he bled. Two stood near, analytically examining his struggle for air, while the other blended in the background naturally. They bothered not to call paramedics or aid his injuries. They simply watched and waited for his last breath to come. Blood poured from the wound he received for challenging his authority, for defying his rights. A puddle encircled the blue velvet carpet where he lay.

Tall, bulky metal towers reached the atmosphere as they scattered across a city connected through bridges and roads. Electric cars routinely follow their destinations, spreading man to the farthest region. Trains blow in the air as they speed through the city, maneuvering around every monument and skyscraper. Sirens whirl in every corner. Beams dazzle about. When mischief is the law, what is justice?

Night concealed the truth as corruption worked its magic. Helicopters surrounded the city as they flashed their lights around, shedding light to all the injustice. Masked thieves, amateur thugs ran in packs as they took what they pleased. No one could prevent their organized manifestation. Sirens kept whirling in the air. Trouble loomed in every corner. One victim bled to death as his murderers stood near. Trapped, agent Milestone calculated his odds as he mumbled underneath his breath.

“Is he dead yet?” Brother nagged, annoyed as ever.

“Patience.” Sister answered instead. “Moron.”

“Silence.” Mother proclaimed. “We are mourning two great loses.” Mother spoke underneath her mask. “Father has left us along with our gifted star. Act accordingly.” She turned to Sister then Brother. Brother joined them as they bid the spy goodbye. Milestone mumbled, slurred, taken for vulgar, something again but The Family did not care for what he had to say. They simply wanted him dead already. “Blessed be,” Mother finished as Milestone became silent. His death came no quicker.

Alone, surrounded by his killers, Milestone pondered over his escape. His last trick up his sleeve but he was trapped. Cornered into submission by the new order. He needed to get away, he needed to stay alive. Mother and Sister stood near, anticipating his final moments. They waited for death’s rattle but Milestone was determined to break through. He wasn’t about to let one mission be his down fall. The Family gathered as they felt his end begin.

Glass shattered behind them, a figure emerged from the pieces. The assailant threw a dagger straight to Sister’s chest. The dagger was dipped in poison, Sister had minutes to live. Brother fought back but was slayed by a deadly taser. Whoever came to Milestone rescue was determined to leave with him alive. Mother had a decision to make, aid her daughter or guard the dying star. “What will it be, Mother?” the assailant asked.

Without hesitation, Mother stepped aside. She let her prey go to save her children as any mother would. The assailant took Milestone and jumped off the tower. They fell miles down, the air howled in their ear. “Stay with me!” She plead as she held him close. “You can’t die on us, we need you!” She tightened her grip hoping he do the same. Her rocket boots blasted them further down into the pavement. With enough momentum she leaned back. The maneuver elevated them above the city.

She patched Milestone’s open wound as best she could midair. Blood stopped leaking but was it enough to keep him conscious? They flew across skyscrapers and bridges. Entered tunnels, sped through open roads and dashed along the highway. Lights trailed behind as she and Milestone approached their haven. He needed medical attention, fast. Though he was injured, his will persevered.

“Almost there.” She informed him as the museum neared. “Keep fighting. Don’t let them win.” She straightened their stance, hoping to gain more speed. Her jet boots roared like thunder. They soared like a shooting star burning through the sky. “Stay with me.” She whispered to Milestone. He felt cold, lifeless. His pulse was weak and his face blue. “Stay with me.” He heard her say.

Preparations were in order. A new regime was in effect and they meant business. They, The Family, are far more organized than anyone could ever imagine. Far more than global manipulation, deeper than international espionage and greater than celestial domination. They are more than just a cult, better than any following and stronger than any movement history has ever recorded. They are the new age of modern law. They are power, they will us all.

With Father gone, Mother had all the ammunition she needed to gain control over The Senate. Under her reign, the world will be one. The Family, they call themselves, mastered the form of illusion. They grew their army by luring lost, forsaken, misguided troubled orphans and brainwashed them into joining their cause; influencing others to do the same. For protection, for a luxurious future. Some were not persuaded, others took convincing.

With Father gone, Mother gained all of his assets; including the crown. The crown controlled Fathers abundant supply of puppets and the final weigh-in on votes. With the crown, Mother plans to unit every other secret cult there is and establish one omnipotent universe. Father was the only one who stood in her way, but no more. Father was her red herring. Mother was the real threat. Everyone else were mere pawns.

As world leaders gathered for Father’s funeral, an opposing preparation were in motion. Hidden among the ruins of ancient history. Down the cellars of the city, buried under the museum, a team of justice warriors sat in a round table as they gathered intel on the terrorist. Their monitors projected data of their whereabouts. Phone records and audio recordings tracked their every thought. These modern warriors kept busy for the wicked never rest.

“They’re planning something big.” Pen stated as he took his seat. “So are we.” Others soon took to their positions. “Mother finally got rid of Father, like she said she would years ago. She tried taking one of our best soldiers too with intentions to weaken us but she did not succeed.” He paused, “Mother forgot, we all are the best there is. Now that Mother has the world at her disposal, it is time for us to strike again.”

The group was alert, surrounded by the information they hacked stalking their target’s every move. Those praised by the masses as heroes they called terrorist for they knew better. “Once Mother collects her prize, all world leaders will be gathered in one place. There won’t be room for them to escape. Mother is putting them in a corner for us to take them down without her realizing it. She is handing us the win, we cannot lose.”

“I’ve talked to my insider.” Mona added. “He said they are on high alert and now that Mother is in control of the F.B.I., C.I.A., D.O.J., N.S.A., the Supreme Court and every other government branch there is, she will double the swat team and have them on grounds. As soon as we give the signal, my connect will inform the swat team to raid their meeting. They think they’ll be running drills as cover. Then, the whole world will know their dirty little secrets.” She handed them her report and the steps needed to pull of their scheme. “Sister wont be attending Father’s memorial, I made sure of that. Brother might but is he ever a threat?”

“I’ll have every media outlet on sight.” Tek followed. “I already gave my second eyes instructions. They’re all loaded with cameras connected to their live stream, ready to expose these aristocratic pompous shit heads.” He handed the group records of the people attending the raid. “I’m personally recording each feed to my secure modem for added measures. I’m going to make a home movie about this. Who knows, it might get its own feature length reel.” He smirked, too high on excitement.

“Don’t get your hopes up.” Pen finished. “They started their rituals as scheduled.” A buzzer on their monitors notified. “Everyone get to your places.” He dismissed them. “Let’s make history.” They took their things then exited their underground chambers. The warriors of justice, hackers of the free world, left the museum and headed straight to the lions den. They were on a mission for world peace. They were not alone and not afraid.

Pen, Mona and Tek stayed behind for last minute touch-ups. Pen noticed Mona seemed concern and knew why. Tek took his tablet from his backpack and checked on his patient. “What are we going to do about our decoy?” Tek asked, showing Pen his data. “He’s in no shape to walk. This was his idea, I told him not to go alone.” Mona came to Milestone’s defense. “Doesn’t matter, look how well that turned out for him.” He exhaled, “Who will take his place?”

“I’ll go.” Barron volunteered. “I’ve read the reports. I’m familiar with the plot. I know what to do.” Barron joined the three, trying to convince them of his worth. “I’ve been assisting for years now, I’ve helped with most successful missions. I can do this. I’ve studied the analogs, I’ve run the tests. I helped hack Sister’s power. I can do this.” Pen questioned whether he was up for the challenge. Tek and Mona were convinced.

As the sun vanished beyond the horizon, the moon appeared; stars and all. The air whispered, the earth cooled and the woods moved in the shadows of the night. Deep, hidden in the grooves of Bohemia, a team of rich noble heirs praise a symbol illuminated by the flames centered among them. They chant in a language ancient and wise. Masked by elegance, they call their God; mourning, celebrating.

Drums blaze in the night. Shamans, elders gather in a circle by the fire. Mesmerizing shades of smoke change color with every dust blown by the elders. Clouds grow as they expand from the fire lighting the darkness around them. Their shadows dance as they conjure sacred deities. Others prance around as they worship their immortal God, their maker. Father’s body burned in the fire, ushering the new Supreme.

A hollow statue levitated into view as their chants intensified. Inside, a man sat as the hollow statue hovered over the fire. The elders remained in their seats, their eyes rolled to the back of their heads. The rest encircled the elders as they danced around them, calling forth their all seeing God. The man inside the hollow statue waited for the beating drums to stop. He waited to give the signal.

“Let he be our sacrifice for a new beginning.” The new Supreme began, addressing Father’s death. Arms towards the heavens she praised, “Let he be an offering to please our mighty deity.” The crowd stood as they hummed, arms towards the sky. They stood to praise, to watch their offering be taken by the Gods hidden in the flames. The hollow statue made of hay burst open as the man inside liberated himself from his cage.

“Blasphemy!” Barron yelled as he broke through the hollow statue. He climbed out of its chest and preached, “You all prize yourselves as untouchables. You take from others, you kill for your own good. You are not noble people, you are not fit for royalty. You are not civilized!” Barron looked around to masked faces. He did not see people but misguided children lost, yearning for a shepherd.

“You hide behind your masks because you are ashamed of what you have become.” Barron looked at each of them. “Look at you, what God do you think you are praising? Realize you pray to no God but a devil in disguise! You think because your money buys you out of trouble, the world wont wake up to the lies you indoctrinate them into? Did you forget not everyone is on your side? Or have you forgotten about those you said no to?”

“Is that why you are here?” the Supreme questioned. “To seek your revenge?” She inched herself closer, examined the person above. “Because if you are, you and I have more in common than you’d like to think.”

“Don’t claim to know me, Mother.” Barron spat as he adjusted himself in the hay. “I know your angle. I know your moves. Nothing you can do or say will prevent the world from waking up to your dirty little secrets. With every revelation, it brings more people together to bring you and your cult down. Your Family may be untouchable but we are unstoppable. We have you surrounded, there is no where for you to hide, escape.” Barron cheered, “Checkmate, game over. You lose!”

“You and your hackers may have joined a league but once you play with the big boys you won’t stand a chance.” The Supreme stated. “Never forget, it is us who hold all the cards. We decide who wins. We hold all the power. We will you all.” She paused, “So go ahead, expose us. Reveal to the world who we already told them we are. Show the world what tellers you can be. Show the world what snitches do. Narc on us, see what happens then.”

“Funny you say that,” Barron laughed. “I too had a private consultation with your elders. You know, the people you report to. The ones who tell you what to do, what to think and what to say.” The occult members froze, discombobulated. “Yeah, them. They told me there are different names to call what we do. They said, enemies call it exposing. Others call it revealing but only the guilty, the weak, those who got caught call it narcing.” Everyone turned to the elders who sat near the fire. “So what is The Family guilty of?”

“Who caught you on the act?” Barron finished as he adjusted himself on top of the statue. “Or should I ask who are you trying to suppress from exposing the truth?” Barron took out a flag from his pocket and waved it in the night, hysterically grinning. He knew nothing they did would make a difference. They were all surrounded as he stated. The swat team guarding the perimeters made sure of that.

Minutes later, as planned, Pen gave the signal to execute their scheme of exposing the elite terrorist. The swat team raided Bohemian Groove with news reporters trailing behind. There was no where for the elite, the world leaders attending the secret ritual, to escape. The world came to find their officials were the real terrorist. They staged massacres to enslave the masses, to install fear among the community. Everyone in sight were charged with terrorism. Power shifted once again back to the people.

Officials were incarcerated, bloodlines were dethroned and laws were rewritten to meet the peoples needs; not just one percent of them. With the Bohemian Groove incident, every secret society known and unknown were labeled as terrorist and sought out to by the warriors of justice. Hackers saved the world by shedding light to all the injustice caused by the untouchables. No more would the world live under the invisible power of occult oppression. No more would the world witness another unsung hero fall to the deity.

Pagan Rituals

Promise that u wont talk about it

Even if it gets real good

If there’s one thing we can admit

No one can deny what we can defy

I b twerking, U b lurking

We undressing, the moon b rising

Squad b chanting as we grinding

Beats b blazing, God b watching (our game)

Keep the secrets they don’t want u to show

Good boys wont do half the things that I know

Breakthrough all the walls that incarcerate u

Lets do all the things that make us feel brand new

We got the magick no one can deny it

Celebrate that with me, no u don’t have to commit

Come explore the things u never known

I wont leave u stranded on ur own

We b running around bare naked

Calling forth the awaken and the sacred

And though we have all been hated and forsaken

We reap the spoils of which they created

Smoke and mirrors, Pagan rituals

Magick crystals, cosmic visuals

Candles burning, séance brewing

Beats b blazing, God b watching (our game)

Good boys wont do half the things that I know

Keep the secrets they don’t want u to show

Through The Forest

            Long ago, in a far away kingdom, there reigned a fortress no God could tear down. In this kingdom there lived a Prince who would soon inherit the throne. As his father’s time came to an end, the Prince gathered his loyal Knights for a stroll among the lands. Before he took the throne, the Prince longed for adventure; to conquer a nation. They mounted their horses, they galloped through the streets. The Prince and his Knights rode into the sunset as his future kingdom bid them a safe travel.

            In the land of milk and honey the Prince and his Knights wandered, marveled at every turn. Miles of endless wonder stretched beyond the kingdom, as far as the eye could see. Puddles shimmered in the air, lakes replenished the wild. Blankets of hills colored the vastness. Clouds ate the mountain tops as they took new shapes, scattering along the blue sky. The Prince and his Knights pranced along a trail that lead them far, far away.

One day, the Prince and his Knights came across a forest where tall trees grow. Shadows loomed afar as they gazed inside. Night consumed the forest on a sunny day, they noted. “No man would dare enter this forest,” the first Knight began. “This forest is plagued with tales of dark malicious doom.” Their horses fell back for even they sensed trouble. The Prince snarled and laughed. Creatures echoed as birds resettled in the beyond.

            “Prince,” continued the first Knight, “We must not. This is a forest with no trail. Many have entered, none have returned.” The other Knights contemplated as their horses stomped away. “I plea, young Prince, we must map a different route.”

            “’Tis not but a forest,” the brave Prince laughed. “We can cut across and make our journey short.” The Prince drew his sword and entered the forest.

            “Prince, it could be the end of us if we step inside the Forest of Forgotten Wonder.” The first Knight repeated, pleading to his master. “Our supply is limited, we carry a months journey. If we head towards the mountains we can trade in the market for more.” The Prince faded away, ignoring the warnings his Knight proclaimed. They struggled to convince their horses to enter the forest. Cold whispers blew in their necks, sending chills up their spine.

            “If anyone should die,” spoke the Prince as he raised his sword to the sky, “It shall be I!” The Prince disappeared further into the forest, his Knights lagged behind.

            Deep in the forest, creatures lingered in the unknown world. The Knights held their swords as light from the sun became dimmer and grimmer. Nothing but tall thick woods and an uneasy heaviness surrounded the Prince and his Knights. Echoes of distant animals sang in their ears. Their horses became fretful as danger whispered to the wind. The Prince and his Knights calmed their fears. They attempted to get the horses back in formation but they were too scared. Something frightened them at every turn, at every crack.

            Off in the distance came a faint cry of terror only the horses could hear. The horses became wild. They kicked the air, attacking whatever invisible threat that stood before them. The Prince and his Knights fell to the ground as the horses jumped and kicked. The horses were gone in an instant, they disappeared into the depths of the forest. The Prince and his Knights continued their quest on foot. With their swords in hand, they began to walk the unmarked trail up ahead not aware of the danger that stood in their way.

            The Prince paused as he listened closely. Over in the distance a pack of wolves stomping the ground neared. The prince turned to his Knights and encouraged them for a battle. The stomping became louder, their numbers multiplied as the sound of hungry wolves approached them. “Come alive men!” The Prince shouted valiantly. He swung his sword and glued his feet to the ground. “We will kill them all if we must!” The Prince proclaimed in hopes of inspiring his Knights.

            The sound of wolves rattled behind a bush. The Prince and his Knights prepared themselves for blood when nothing but a gust of wind carrying the sound of wolves rushed before them. The cool refreshing burst of air blew dirt from the ground and into their eyes. They covered their faces as the dirt from the wind flew away, taking the stomping of wolves with it. They cleared their eyes as silence settled. They stood for a moment, dumbfounded, as they realized they were never in any danger.

            As days became weeks, their next chapter through the forest became unsettling. Their food and water were becoming scarce. The Prince questioned every turn as his Knights glared from behind. His every decision brought resentment from his Knights. The less food they ate, the less water they consumed the more agitated the Prince and his Knights became. His Knights warning of passing through the forest haunted his every thought.

Up ahead, the sound of a waterfall broke the silence. They followed, not knowing if it were true. The pouring stream lead the Prince and his Knights to a massive statue spouting water into a lake. The Knights rejoiced as they ran towards its vibrant ocean. They cupped their hands and dipped them into the lake to revive their thirst. “Halt!” Came the warning of the first Knight. “We must not drink the waters.”

            “And why not?” The second Knight protested.

            “Because it comes from the forest,” the first Knight answered. The rest turned to the Prince for his approval.

            “If we must not, we must not.” The Prince finished, defeated. They gathered their things and continued their journey.

            When weeks turned to a month, the Prince and his Knights passing through the forest took a turn for the worst. His once loyal Knights began to doubt the Prince. The further they traveled, the deeper their regret resonated. They wondered, questioned if and when will they ever climb out of the forest, to feel the light of day once again. The tall thick trees began to take form as faces mocked the Prince and his Knights, frightened them deeper into the forest. Their eyes judged, their mouths laughed as the wind howled.

Slowly, they began to turn on one another for the remaining scraps of food and water. Order toppled down until one day the Knights had had enough. Their resentment towards the Prince turned to a grudge that overpowered the Knights. One Knight took his sword and challenged the Prince. As the Prince drew his sword, another challenged him as well. The Knights swung at the Prince, nearly decapitating his arm. The Prince fell to the ground as the rest surrounded their liege. The Prince looked them in the eye and saw possessed men.

            The Prince managed to get on his feet with his sword in hand. He dodged a swinging sword and missed a punch. The Prince did all he could to keep his Knights from taking his life. He ran away but ended up cornered. The Knights approached the Prince with their swords aimed for his head. Out from the bushes emerged the first Knight. The Prince went to him for help, unfortunately the first Knight had turned on him as well. “Once upon a time, you had said if anyone should die, ‘Will be I.’” The first Knight reminded the Prince as he swung his sword. The Prince stood cornered to face death at the hands of his Knights.

            Just as the first Knight swung to kill, the Prince blocked then ran. He ran as fast as he could, never looking back. With every sprint, the Prince could feel the edge of the Knight’s sword behind him. He jumped every fallen tree, ducked through every branch that stood in his way. Thorns cut his face all the while. Suddenly, the Prince fell down a hill. He rolled through the steep hill and into a small shallow pond. He lay on the ground as he gasped for air. The Prince managed to escape his Knights but ended up lost in the forest.

            Up ahead, a sweet melody lured the Prince out of his entanglement. The Prince got to his feet and walked towards the hypnotic hum. He came across an old cottage hidden in the forest. Inside, a young beautiful maiden sang as she dusted the window frame unaware of the Prince. He was as surprised but happy to have found someone. The Prince approached the entrance and knocked. The maiden happily opened the door and welcomed the Prince inside.

“My, a Prince on my door step.” She sang, “Please, do come in.” She stood aside as the Prince made his way in. She gestured him to sit as they entered the open kitchen.

“Thank you,” said the Prince. “Would you happen to have any spare food or water?”

“Why yes,” replied the maiden, “Anything for a Prince.” She placed a small glass of water in front of him. “How did you ever come across this place?”

“My Knights and I are on a quest,” the Prince began, “Or so we were.” He noticed the cottage seemed ancient, “I lost my Knights and stumbled upon this place.” He looked around. There were spider webs and dust everywhere. “Do you live here?”

“Please, my lord, drink.” The maiden adored. “You must be thirsty.” The Prince raised the glass to his mouth then stopped.

“What well did you pull this water from?” The Prince questioned.

“Not a well but a nearby lake,” the maiden answered, gracefully.

The Prince tossed the glass onto the floor, got to his feet and aimed his sword to the maiden. “Who are you?” The Prince demanded to know.

“You are very observant, my liege.” The maiden said as she turned dark and evil.

Once again, the Prince was on the run; for his life. He left the old cottage and entered the forest as the evil maiden chased him. She hissed as she inched her way closer to the Prince. Her fingers grew long and sharp. Her once long beautiful blond hair turned wild and dark. Her mouth watered as she came closer in capturing the Prince. She was hungry for royalty, his pure breed was a rare delicacy she did not want to pass on. He ran as fast as he could but could not escape the evil maiden. She was faster than he.

Then, the Prince worst nightmare stood before him. He stopped in his tracks as he faced his Knights who were looking for him. The Knights ran towards the Prince, their swords hungry for his blood. With the maiden behind, the Prince leaped to one side as his Knights collided with the evil maiden. The maiden, stronger than the Prince’s Knights, ate the Knights to pieces. The Prince crawled away to a near by shrub for safety.

The maiden tore through the Knights as if they were paper. She tossed them in the air, threw them against each other while munching on their limbs. The Prince hid behind a tree as he witnessed his Knights scream for mercy. Once the evil maiden finished the Prince’s Knights, the Prince came from behind and jammed his sword right through the maiden’s wicked heart. He stood in a puddle of blood as the bodies of the evil maiden and his Knights lay on the ground.

The young Prince continued his journey through the forest, alone. Tales of the enchanted Forest of Wonders were all true, the Prince came to find as he voyaged through. He fought every eerie whisper that called to him, prophesying of pending dooms. Persevered the strange figures that haunted him at night. He alone bravely defeated anything that came his way. The Prince proved to the forest that he wasn’t afraid, he was alone but never afraid.

At long last, light from the sun off in the distance broke through the abyss. The Prince conquered the forest, bruised but alive. Gallantly, the Prince holstered his sword and climbed out of the forest thick trees. A breath of fresh air filled his lungs, light warmed his embrace as the heavens opened its doors to him. The horizon no longer loomed hopelessness but everlasting miracles. To his surprise, the horses stood by the forest splurging on grass. The Prince mounted his horse and continued his journey into the sunrise heading far, far away.

Harry Potter and the Book of Shadows

              Death Eaters stormed the Potter manor. Their black smoke kept them invisible in the night as the clouds consumed the moon. Thunder roared in the distance, lightning flashed in an instant revealing a skull above the estate. They appeared en masse, all descending for their prey. Glass shattered as they tore into Potter’s protective shield. Potter’s kids screamed as curses flickered in the air.

             “Expelliarmus!” Ginny shouted as she protected her son from the grips of the intruders. A Death Eater propelled out into the night as ten more entered. “Harry?!” She called, desperately fending off their curses. She took her youngest son and ran down stairs with the Death Eaters at their tail. “Stupefy!” She flicked her wand, stopping two Death Eaters in their tracks but it wasn’t enough. The more she knocked one to the floor more took its place.

            They appeared out of thin air, each armed and lethal. The Potter manor crumbled as more Death Eaters intruded. Curses bounced off the walls as spells countered its effect. A plethora of dazzling colors sparked throughout the house; stunning and paralyzing. Harry stood before his eldest as he blocked a killing curse. “Confundus!” His eldest, Albus, instinctively cast as he aimed his wand. Together they ran into the living room. A massive hole invited more Death Eaters to their home. Harry and his son each blocked more from entering.

            “Lily?” Ginny called as she entered her room. Her windows were shattered, Lily was no where in sight. “Lily!” Ginny franticly called as she fought three Death Eaters on her own. James ran down the hall, ducking from the debris that flew in the air. “Stupefy!” A blast of white magic blocked more Death Eaters from entering. “Harry!” Ginny called as she ran down stairs. Ten more Death Eaters stormed the manor.

            Harry and Ginny knew they had to leave. James and Albus stood together as they defended themselves from the attackers. Harry ran up stairs, searching for his family. “Ginny?” Harry called in the midst of the chaos. His call was muffled by the spells and curses casting in the night. The Death Eaters surrounded the Potters as they stood in the middle of their home. One Death Eater manifested before them, his mask menacing as ever. The Death Eater reached his hand to Harry. Harry stood before his family, ready to face the outcome.

            “Expelliarmus!” Lily shouted underneath the cloak of invisibility. She revealed herself as her parents embraced her.

            “Where were you?” Ginny held her close.

            “I was with you the entire time.” She replied.

            “Harry, we must go!” Ginny proclaimed. “Before more return.”
            “Mom?” James pointed outside. “Dad?”

            They all turned to where their living room once stood. A giant hole revealed the outside to their estate. Above in the cold of night, Dementors regurgitated from the skull that appeared above their home. Lightning exposed an army of Death Eaters surrounding the Potter manor. There was no where to hide, go. Harry and Ginny held each other with their kids in the center. As they were about to teleport to Ron and Hermione, a Death Eater appeared before them; breaking their bond.

            Ginny flew across the room, Albus and James were separated while Harry stumbled to the ground. “Lily!” Harry called reaching for her hand. “Don’t hurt her.” Harry begged as he got to his feet, Ginny and their sons regrouped. “Please, I’ll do anything. I’ll give you anything,” he negotiated not sure what they were after. “Please, just let her go.” Ginny held her boys as tears rolled down her face.

            “We want the Book of Shadows.” The Death Eater demanded, his wand aimed at Lily’s crown. Lily struggled to break free.

            “Book?” Harry whimpered. “What book?”

            “Don’t toy with us,” Lily cried as his grip tightened.

            “We came for you, not the girl.” Another Death Eater called as they surrounded the Potters. Harry was knocked unconscious. The Death Eater threw Lily into Ginny’s lap as they vanished with Harry. The Death Eaters were gone, leaving the Dementors to finish the job. Ginny cried, calling for Harry’s return. Lily fell on her lap, not moving. James held his mother in comfort as Albus stood. He raised his wand to the sky and emitted a patronus the Dementors could not break through.

            The remaining Potters disappeared to Ron and Hermione shortly after. The peaceful night roared in despair. Ron sent a message to his family urging their assistance as he calmed Ginny. Albus and James remained by their mothers side as Lily slept. The confusion brought many questions they could not answer. Hermione called her connections in hopes of finding a solution. Ron’s parents later came out from the fireplace, each worried for their children’s well being.

            “They said they came looking for a book.” Ginny began. “A Book of Shadows.” Hermione seemed alarmed. “Harry never mentioned a book. More importantly, how could the Ministry not have been aware of the Death Eaters? I thought their order ended with You-Know-Who’s death.” Ron rubbed her back in comfort. “They took him.” Tears fell as Ginny finished. “They took Harry and stunned Lily.”

            “Where could they have gone?” Ron asked. “What Book of Shadows?” He turned to Hermione who seemed cautions and lost in her own head. “Hermione?” She looked at Ron, worried as ever. “Is there something you might know?” Hermione felt their stare as she sat. Pacing back and forth made them feel unease. “Should I get the Ministry? Does this Book of Shadows mean anything to you?”

            “Of all the books I’ve come across, that one I have not.” Hermione explained. “I’ve heard rumors and legends of a book with the same title but that’s all they are, rumors and legends. No one, no wizard, has ever read its pages let alone have it under their custody. Rumors say that the book contains old magic, magic that stems from the very first wizard who began to write down spells and incantations.”

            Hermione looked at her mug, gazing into its black waters. “The book is said to have spells capable of opening and creating new dimensions. Legend says, the book was used to summon demons and angels alike. Gods even, but no one is for certain that the book even exists. There are only two wizards, to my knowledge, in the whole world who would know if the book is real. One of them was Dumbledore.”

            “The other?” Ginny’s father asked, curiously.

            “The other works for the Parliament of Archives, he’s a very hard man to tract down for a reason but I think I might know someone who could help.” Ron and Hermione took the ashes placed by the fireplace and vanished in its dust. They teleported to the National Wizards Library and headed down its cellar. Rows upon rows of books as tall as the ceiling hoarded the inside. They maneuvered within its ever changing maze, searching for the book keeper.

            Down a spiral stair they went. The dimmer the lights became, the closer to their destination they approached. Books magically moved on their own, filing themselves to their position. Ron and Hermione followed a faint whisper as it guided them through the maze. As they turned the corner, a man off in the distance hummed a tone they did not recognize. “That’s him.” Hermione took Ron by the hand.

            They approached an old man who sat in a desk, repairing a faded book. “Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, what a pleasure.” The old man turned as he removed his bulky glasses. “How may I be of assistance?” He turned to Hermione whom he’d helped before, “Come to repair another book or did you lose another page?” He laughed as he stood to reach for a book Hermione was too familiar with.

            “Thank you, but we’ve come for something else.” Hermione declined the book he had taken off the shelf.

            “Oh,” the book keeper replied. “You’ve come for something else?” He turned to Ron, “If you’re looking for Ministry affairs, I suggest you take it up with up stairs. This floor is dedicated to repairs of lost books only.”

            “We are well aware,” Hermione began, “You see, we hope you can assist us in finding a book or someone who might know where this book may be.”

            “A search and rescue.” The book keeper added. “Why, you’ve come to the right department.” He sat back on his desk, “What book may I ask are you looking for?”

            “See, that’s the thing.” Ron broke through. “This book we are trying to find is said to be unknown.” The book keeper paused. “We don’t know for certain if it even exists.”

            “Morty,” Hermione called him by his name, “You of all people would know if this book is real or not.” Hermione noticed a light appear in his eyes. He knew what they were talking about. “A family friend and his family were just attacked by Death Eaters who are looking for this book. There are only two people in the wizarding world who might know where this book may be. We figured, you might know where he is.”

            “I’m sorry to hear about your friend.” The book keeper replied, “Harry, I believe. The boy who lived.” He turned his back to them as he proceeded with his work. “I’m sorry my dear, but I have no recollection of such a book.”

            “But Harry was kidnapped because of it.” Ron answered.

            “Then I suggest you take it up with the Ministry. My only business is with books.”

            “Please.” Hermione plead.

            “Many have died, killed, in search for the Book of Shadows.” His back remained to them. “True, there are only two people in this world who may know if such a thing exist. One died and the other is in hiding for that reason. What’s to stop those Death Eaters from coming for me, had I known where to look? My deepest condolences, dear friend, truly but I cannot assist you on this matter.” The book keeper was back to his regular routine, ignoring Ron and Hermione who stood behind him.

            Ron and Hermione thanked him for his time and made their way back upstairs, leaving behind the book keeper buried in a maze. “What should we do now?” Ron asked as they left the library. They stood outside in the cold, in the dark. Hermione held his hand and they vanished into thin air. They later appeared outside Dumbledore’s home. Thunder echoed in the distance, lightning illuminated the heavens. “You think the book could be here?”

            “No,” Hermione answered, “But knowing Dumbledore, he must have left a clue of some sort.” They stared at each other with determination before heading inside. Dumbledore’s protective shield allowed them access to his home. His locked door unlocked as they entered. Stillness rang in their ear as they entered Dumbledore’s library. “Lumos Maxima.” Their wands acted as a flashlight as they searched through every book and shelf. Anywhere that could lead them to a clue.

            “Accio Book of Shadows.” Ron casted.

            “Really?” Hermione whispered. Ron shrugged for he tried his best to help. Hermione laughed it off as she searched through Dumbledore’s memories. She raised every bottle, readed each label carefully; made sure she didn’t read past anything that could have a hidden meaning. “Dumbledore must have left something behind. Something to lead us with.” Hermione scanned through papers filed on a cabinet.

            “A name, address. Something.” Hermione trailed off to Dumbledore’s desk while Ron climbed the stairs to the nook. “Try to find a name you’ve never heard before.” She read through Dumbledore’s file. “There has to be a clue. There has to.” Ginny, George, Percy, Bill, Draco, Luna and Neville soon appeared in the night.

            “Thought you could use some help.” Draco called in the dark. Small glowing orbs appeared as their friends entered Dumbledore’s library.

            “We sure could use it.” Ron implied as he greeted their friends.

            “Did the book keeper say anything?” Luna asked as she stood next to Hermione, taking a stack of files she had placed on Dumbledore’s desk. “No, unfortunately.” Hermione exhaled, “We figured we might find something here. After all, if anyone would know about this book it would Dumbledore.” Hermione placed the stack of papers back on the file cabinet and took out more to rummage through.

            The gang spread out, each waving their wands around; lighting the darkness. “Can’t believe those Death Eaters are still around.” Draco murmured. “How could there still be that many?”

            “How could there still be this much information about something we thought we already knew?” George added.

            While Percy, Bill, Neville, Luna and Hermione remained downstairs Ron, Ginny and Draco searched the upstairs nook. They searched endlessly until Ron stumbled upon a hidden door. “This book seems out of place.” Ron said as he angled the book to its position. A click opened a hidden door, leading to a smaller nook. “Hermione, I think I found something.” Ron called as he, Ginny and Draco entered.

            “There has to be something in here for sure.” Draco said as he waited for the rest to join them. Ginny and Ron scanned each book by the shelves. Percy, Bill and Luna waited outside while Hermione approached a table inside. A spotlight emitting from the moon marked the end of the line. Hermione’s eyes widened as she translated the inscriptions on the book that lay on the table. She held the book and read out loud.

            “Book of Shadows.” She took the book from its resting place, “We found it. Ron, you found the Book of Shadows!” The book was heavy and leather bound. A lock concealed its contents. The book was ancient and full of mystery. How were they to get Harry back, they were uncertain. One thing remained clear, the book was in good hands. Hermione held the book close, cautious of its rarity, as the gang made their way into Dumbledore’s living room. They prepared to leave until the Death Eaters appeared.