Don't Let Them Take Me

They want me dead
They want me 4 my vision, get all in my head
They trynna lure me, clone me, hack me
Can't shake them away!
I wasn't looking 4 this drama 'till they came my way
So now I gotta slay

I knew
That you be out lurking, searching for something new
U make this new age seem like its been over due
Baby u should know not 2 play me 4 some1s fool
I know, see, all ur moves; tool!

They think we all retarded
Can't finish what they started
I'm out here slaying on the dance floor turnt & nasty
They want 2 c me dead
Get all up in my head
But baby nah, I don't play; I came here to slay

They want 2 take me away
Lock me up into the music, turn me all insane
No don't let them take me
They wanna ctrl me
Pls don't let them take me
Pls don't let them, pls don't let them take me

Baby come and get me 'cuz I need u close
They b making zombies with their chemicals
What goes on between us is unethical
Baby we need 2 go

They think we all retarded
They can't finish what they started
I'm here slaying on the dance floor, turnt & nasty
They rather see me dead
Get all up in my head
But baby nah, I don't play; I came here to slay

They want 2 take me away
Lock me up into the music, turn me all insane
No don't let them get me
They wanna ctrl me
Pls don't let them take me
Pls don't let them, pls don't let them take me!

Hot for Each Other

Baby do u top

Can u last?

Know sum friends?

I can get adventurous, too

Baby u so rare

Got that stare

And that hair

Can I fall in love with u too

Got my mind on ur body

Got me acting hella naughty

Baby got me by his side

Baby take me for a ride

Strip for the summer

Call me ur lover

Cool by the water

We hot for each other

There is nothing that I wouldn’t try

Come and get me if u want to fly

There is nothing that I wouldn’t try

‘Cuz u + I

We hot for each other

I ain’t got a type

Just a size

U a prize

And I know u measure up too

Baby pull my hair

Get me there

If u dare

I just want to have some fun, with u

Got my mind on ur body

Got me acting hella naughty

Baby got me by his side

Baby take me for a ride

Strip for each other

Go get another

Cool by the water

We hot for each other

I got something that u want to try

Come get me ‘cuz ur my kind of guy

Don’t get scared ‘cuz baby u + I

We can’t deny

We hot for each other

Strip for each other

Got my mind on ur body

Got me acting hella naughty

Baby got me by his side

Baby take me for a ride

Strip for me!

I got something that u want to try

Come get me ‘cuz ur my kind of guy

There is nothing I wouldn’t try

U can’t deny

We hot for each other

Cool down by the water

Come get me ‘cuz ur my kind of guy

There is nothing I wouldn’t try

‘Cuz u + I

We strip for each other

We hot for each other

Sleepers

            No, the world did not end. The world did not perish by some nuclear catastrophe. Aliens never invaded to enslave us or to liberate us from ourselves. The world did not run out of its natural resources. There were no chain reactions that sparked world wide lootings. The world did not die. It kept spinning, thriving, striving to some future that was just around the corner. No, the world did not end; it became omnipotent.

            Change started small. Little by little, laws began to restrict basic rights. Freedom became regulated, freedom to bare arms and of speech were sought as weapons against the nation. We were to be governed under the watchful eye of the government as a mean to combat terrorist. To keep us safe from future attacks that still caused fatal casualties. The media never mentioned any objections towards the restrictions, they praised them. We were to abide, no questions asked.

            And why ask? Such an inquiry can and will get you blacklisted. No one dare to question the authority, no one. If they say jump, we say how high. We don’t ask, we just do as we are told. How is that not the norm? Is it not the authority that keep us protected? Do they not keep supply and demand in rotation? Without the government, how are we to remain civilized? These were just a few questions I never cared to speak out loud or get answered.

            I did not care for much, nor needed much or said much. I, like many before me, live a simple life in a simple home and work a simple job. I have never met someone with less than me or more than me. We, as a collective consciousness, have everything the other has. No one is special, gifted or talented. We are one of the same, masters of all trade. We wake, we work, we sleep. That is our cycle, our scheduled way of life.

            “Rise!” The sirens banged as the clock tower struck six. Millions emerge from their beds, half dead asleep. Hoards of bicyclists and motorists pollute the roads as they scurry to their work stations. Everyone had a duty, everyone had a purpose. How else would one expect to get by? At eight in the morning, everyone had clocked in. Obediently, they sat in their cubical and did as they were told.

            Work kept everyone busy, occupied. Management shepherded the assembly line. If anyone skipped a beat or slacked off, they would know. Work prevented people from questioning. Work numbed us to submission. If everyone is too busy working, no one would revolt. No one would ask the right question or form a militia to overthrow the corrupted. We were too entertained with work that we did not notice our freedom be stripped away, little by little. Our only freedom was thinking we had it in the first place.

            With taxes soaring, work was our only savior from debt. Without work, the government would enlist you to their FEMMA camps. We are told the camps are for those unable to work but others tell a different story. Others say the camps are unholy. The camps shelter the undesirables, the criminals and the disable. Some say you are never heard from again once you get enlisted. Torture doesn’t even begin to describe the kinds of acts that have occurred within the camps. One would be so lucky never to fully know.

            Personally, I have never seen the camps. I have only heard of stories and rumors but never witnessed the place first hand. It is they though, the people who spread such a conspiracy, who are never seen from again. No one question where they went or what caused them to disappear in such a manner. No one file them as missing or ask their family or inner circle of their whereabouts. No one really care to ask or wonder. We simply do as we are told. You have to if you want to live. We wake, we work, we sleep. Simple.

            Simple gets you by. Being ordinary is considered dangerous. Simple, on the other hand, lets you survive. You live without fear, without a target on your back. You live without a constant reminder that you are being watched. You get to make it to 60 and if you are lucky maybe even more. If you strive for plain you get more out of life. Most aim for simple because simple doesn’t raise suspicion.

            The only way to get by in life is to keep your head down, work, sleep and do as you are told. If you start to ask why, if the thought just so much as crosses your mind for a split second, they will know. You will be reported and you will be accommodated. That is the law that keep us loyal to one another. We, as a collective consciousness, rely on every citizen to maintain the law and keep order. Only enemies question the law.

            That is why they are a threat to our constitution. They seek to weaken our allegiance to our nation. To restrict basic rights our founding fathers fought to establish. Because of them, millions get deported. Hard working innocent laborers, an asset to our dollar, burn out because we focus on targeting people instead. But you will never hear me say that to anyone. Not even to myself.

            Yes, our system is flawed. As an active Law Enforcement agent, I do my best to not ask questions. No questions that will get me blacklisted that is. Detaining people of interest is one thing but people who simply came here for what little opportunities Merka has to offer is another. Either way, I don’t ask nor care to. Only the criminals get punished, the rest get lost in the system. That is how things go.

            Detaining people feels more like a chore than a duty. Normally, my squad detain about half a dozen people every three hours. Today, we only caught about a hand full. Delta Unit took our detainees to get searched and interrogated. Today’s litter were a textbook profile case, undocumented workers. Most would find themselves back in their country, the good ones would get passed around for a while. It wasn’t my job to know.

            “You sitting alone again during Orientation Hour, Wiccans?” I heard someone ask me while I changed. “You can always join us at our table. It is not allowed but it is also not enforced.” I politely declined hoping to fly under the radar. “Suit yourself comrade.” Kuh patted me on the shoulder as he left. Alone, I changed back into my civilian uniform and clocked out. I was greeted by the same people on my way out.

            They never seem to show any sign of life behind their eyes. They just stare at me with blank expressions and a dough-eyed gaze. They are almost robotic in nature. They don’t think on their own. They don’t act on their own. They are perfect in every way. They don’t ask questions or do as they please. They strive to please others, to please the law. That is all one lives for above all. There is a name for people like them, sheeple.

            “Bye,” I called to the receptionist as I made my way outside, “See you first thing in the morning.” She waved instinctively with an almost forced smile. Her eyes read panic but her smile read content. She held her blank expression until she was the last to leave. Everyone wore the same almost forced smile with a slight of panic in their eyes. Most of the time they seemed to be not all there.

            I skipped Orientation Hour because they preach nothing we already know. It is important to make an appearance every week to stay low key. Today, I made an exception. I just wanted to be left alone. To pour out all my thoughts into paper before I get them electrocuted out of me. I wanted to not think for a second. To forget where I am and the position we as a society have found ourselves in. I just wanted to be left alone where things always seem to be right.

            A knock brought me back to reality as I lay flat on my bed. My one bedroom apartment was plain and simple. I did not give my home life with color or murals. I simply hung the picture of me in my uniform, a picture of my family and nothing else. It is what everyone does when you live alone. I recycle paper, keep my home decent but above all I keep my head down. On occasion, I would mingle with the neighbors but nothing special. No one does anything special unless they are permitted to.

            Kuh and his friends stood outside my apartment, extending an invitation to Orientation. “As a friend, I wouldn’t want people to get the wrong idea.” He began as I let them in. “People talk, it is what we have to do. I heard someone down in Records speak ill of you.” Kuh made his way around the living room, examining the books I have acquired. “But I straightened things out. You don’t want to get blacklisted, especially in our field of work.”

            Regretfully, he was right. I had no choice but to attend Orientation Hour. Fortunately for me, I had someone to back me up. Once people start to talk about you, the government starts to listen. The slightest suspicion of originality or look can get you in the blacklist radar. Anything you do that seems out of the ordinary can make you a target, a person of interest. There is no going back once you have been listed.

            Kuh was friends with everyone. He knew everything that went on behind closed doors because his grandfather nearly became Merka’s 50^th president. That kind of recognition will get you a permanent seat with world leaders. A position his family have kept for generations now. Kuh was never a politician, that was his brother. Kuh was more of a jar head, a soldier. He enjoyed, craved, raiding places; anything to fire and shoot. He was my backup.

            “Some kid was planning on hacking every news station and proclaim some kind of brainwashing conspiracy during Orientation.” Kuh stated once we made it to the gathering. Orientation Hour is where we are told what to think. There, we are told who the enemy is and what we must do to protect ourselves. They all end with handing your life over to the government. “Heard he was going to execute this today. Which is why I wanted you here, Wiccans.”

            Thirty minutes in and still the screen before us blabbered on about how weak we, the people, are without the government. “The thing is almost done and nothing.” Kuh exhaled. “What a shame. I was expecting some kind of exhilarating judgment. I don’t know, something different. These conspiracies all sound the same to me.” Kuh turned to me once we were alone, “I wanted you here because I wanted to tell you something.” His proclamation startled me.

            “I’m all ears brother.” I replied, unsure of what to expect.

            “The thing is,” Kuh hesitated, “I can tell you bite your tongue in fear of raising suspicion.” He was right. “I can tell it is easy for you to not ask questions because you know what happens to people who ask questions. You may not have witnessed it yourself but you have heard of such a thing.” Its almost as if he were reading my mind. “I can tell this about you, Wiccans, because I myself struggle to speak up. How can anyone speak up?”

            I remained silent. I did not know if he were leading me to a trap or to reassure me that I am not alone. “People have spoken up, that is the thing Wiccans. People have been objecting since our government began to regulate our rights. Only, they were never stopped. People protested, people gathered and marched. They called their representatives, they made inquiries. They signed petitions, people played by the book. They did everything but prevent their officials from getting away with it.”

            “We find ourselves in this predicament because the people did everything but raid the capital.” Kuh looked around to see if anyone was near. “Anyone who protested, who raised awareness, who made inquiries were targeted. They were sought out and silenced. They were sent to the FEMMA camps. I know because I read the files. When my father’s father ran for president, we were given access to information kept suppressed to the people.”

            “The government is the terrorist.” Kuh stated, “My family knew this and did nothing but what was instructed them to do. We were told from the beginning if we went public no one would believe us. No one would believe because there are people who are told to spread false accusations to discredit anything you might say against the government. They even gave us a file of people who tried to go public before. They were all silenced.”

            “Why share this with me?” I questioned, puzzled.

            “Because you are the only one I know who can be numb to this kind of oppression.” Kuh answered. “They can tell you that the president and his secret service raped and killed a little girl and you would simply bat an eye. It’s not as easy for me to turn the other cheek. It may be for you, but not for me. You are the only one I know who can still think for themselve but somehow go undetected.”

            “How do you do it?” Kuh finished. “How do you allow yourself to be governed in such a way that you can’t even think for yourself?” I was interrupted before I could answer. Kuh was too stressed to even fathom such a reality. “Things can not go on like this. We can not be governed by restrictions, by terrorist. We can not be sleeping anymore, not when they have holocaust the world. We must wake-up, we must take action.” I was afraid he would say that.

            Like clockwork, Law Enforcement appeared out of thin air armed and loaded. Kuh protested his arrest as he ran throughout the park. I was in no obligation to detain him for I was not clocked in. I, like many before me, simply stopped and stared as we watched an enemy of the state be brought to justice. “You are all damned!” Kuh shouted as he was struck down. “You are all too late!”

            As loud as Kuh could shout, no one cared to listen. A swarm of agents silenced Kuh as they took him away. In broad daylight, we were told the truth. We were told to give up for our cause was futile. They had won and we had to surrender. Kuh struggled to free himself as he plead for help. He screamed, he yelled until his lungs gave out. No one bothered to listen. No one bothered to care.

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.