100TC #23 - Magic

I have finished my university session! So since I have more time this summer I will try to post more often (I'm trying to discipline myself XD). For number 23 of the 100 Themes Challenge, I have written a three-parts poems with some themes that bind it to The Ordeal of The Hourglass, so those who have read my book might enjoy this a lot ;). If you haven't, well I hope you like it still. As usual, thanks for reading!

***

- MAGIC -

Curse of Eros II - The Red Witch

I - Summoning of The Muse

Oh muse I summon thee

Come to me and bring forth the inspiration

I need to fight the obstacles in my path

Please fill this blank page with grace

Make it the weapon of a wounded poet

Make it beautiful so it will shame Aphrodite

And Narcissus and Ganymede

And all that Greece and the universe 

Would look at it in envy

Oh muse I summon thee

To help me fight what is haunting me

Help me vanquish this Evil within

And free the verb of Apollo once more

From within the cage of my mind

Let the prisonner of inside me escape

Help me be who I was once again

Let your words flow through me

And Art triumph over all that is dark

Dear muse I summon thee

Through these hands I write your words

Let them flow

II - The Red Witch

Oh so sweet is the taste of wine

In this everlasting night where nothing will soothe my spirit;

Nothing but the one spirit that soothes all

The sweet wine, nectar of gods

Carressing me, holding me in its arm

Drowning me in its sea of crimson in a delightful embrace

An ambrosian spell to cradle me when no one else can

As I watch my world crumbling

What I had desired for so long falling apart

My universe crashing under the revived curse of Eros

And the resurrected grasp of the Master

The rap of passion and the wings of Ariel

As these ghosts of my past come back to haunt me

I cannot help but to revel in the fountain of Red

Is this what the future holds for me

A feast of Red wine again

And forever soothing my pain and worries

My anger and axiety drowned in the heavenly liquid

Is this it? Is this happinness?

Of course not. I know it deep inside

Happinness is the miracle I had been foretold

The one that I worked so hard to make happen

The one I am now destroying myself

With a bottle that holds a dangerous magic

I need to break free but so sweet is the taste

And so hard it is to face my demons

Yet it is the only way to be free once and for all

And make the wheel spin on its right side

To bring back the light of happier days 

Oh so I wish to banish the demon of Red

The ambrosian devil who tempts me with his grace

The erotic beauty of an angel who is corrupted

I need to slaughter, slay, kill and banish forever

Back to the realm of the ancient Master of the keys

I will not bow and I will win eventually

As my demons grow strongers and my mind fades

My will grows weaker and the bottle more tempting

I need to remember what I am fighting for

And what is my goal in all of this masquerade

I have broken the curse of Eros once before

And so can I do it again

I will vanquish the red temptress and bring my mind back

To the life I deserve, the one I built

And make that miracle myself, once again

Once and for all

III - Victory (A Reminder)

Sometimes all it takes is a bit of will

Call to the muse and she will answer

Be brave enough to face your own demons

And you will win, every single time

The only one standing in your path

Is and will always be the reflection of yourself

Face the mirror and what is beyond

And magic will be made real 

I summoned the muse and she answered

I wanted to kill the demons and I did

I wanted back my happiness and here it is

The words are the magic 

Directed thoughts like arrows

The curse will not get to me again

***

(c) Copyright 2015 David Giroux aka Hope Alexander for the text

Painting : Henry Singleton, Ariel on a Bat's Back, 1819

100TC #22 - Fairy Tale

A new post for my 100 Themes Challenge! This one is based on the theme "Fairy Tale", and it is part IV of Whatever Happened To Ruby. I hope you like this new part as well :) Below you will find the links to the first three parts if you need them. Thanks for reading :)

Part I - Tears

Part II - A Call For Existence

Part III - Another Side

***

- FAIRY TALE -

Whatever Happened To Ruby - Part IV

Rebecca

- A few weeks before the trial... -

Everything seemed to point out to a day that would be normal and boring as usual. Rebecca was an accountant, but she hated her job. She had always been good at maths when she was in school and so her parents pushed her to study accounting, saying she would easily find a job in that field and she would make an easy life. But she also had an immense talent in writing, and that's what she was doing in her free time : writing, all the time. She had a huge interest for fantasy and fairy tales and she was working on an epic fantasy novel, hoping she could have it published one day. Only problem was that her accounting job was taking much of her time and so she did not really have time to work on it. She wished she could make a life out of being an author, that is what she always dreamed to do. She wanted to study litterature at university but her parents kept telling her she would never find a job if she did and that such studies were an utter waste of time. So there she was, working a job she never wanted and living a life she hated. At least, she was making a good salary like her parents predicted, but that did not make her happy. What did was her writing. The moments she could spend working on her fantasy novel, that was pure bliss for her. Getting fully into the universe she created, forging her character's lives, building stories, that is what made her happy, what made her feel alive.

So after an extremely boring day of work, she was looking forward to get back home so she could work on her novel a bit. When she came back to her house she was surprised to find the front door open, which was strange because she was living alone and only she had the key to it. So on her guard, she decided to go in. There was an handsome young man sitting at her kitchen table, sipping tea. He had long black hair and bright purple eyes, which was rather unusual. He was wearing a suit and looked very elegant. Rebecca was dazzled when she looked at him and felt strange, as if she knew him from a distant past. For some reason she did not even feel afraid that a complete stranger broke in her house, she did not feel unsafe. 

"- Good day Rebecca," said the young man. "You probably don't remember who I am but you will very soon. It is such a relief to see you again..." and as he said that, he jumped to her and gave her a tight embrace, his eyes wet with tears. "I thought I had lost you forever... But now is not the time for this. My friends are in danger Rebecca, and you're the only one who can do something for them! I need your help.

- But... wait a moment..." said Rebecca, confused. "How could I help, I have no idea what you are talking about nor who you are... Tell me what is going on???

- I promise I will, in time. Right now you will have to trust me, even though you don't know me. The police will be here to arrest you in a matter of seconds. You will be charged with murder.

- WHAT?" shouted Rebecca, even more confused. "I have not killed anyone, what are you talking about?

- Things might start to get strange for you but you will have to trust me. I will explain everything in time. I will explain everything, and then I will defend you in court. And we will get through this together I promise. This is the only way to save everyone, yourself included.

- Wait but..."

She did not have time to say one more word that the house was surrounded with police cars. Police officers came in, put the shackles on her, told her her rights and brought her in their car. The young man went back in his car and followed them to the detention center, where he went to meet Rebecca again.

"- I am sorry you have to go through all this," said the handsome young lawyer to her. "I know you have a passion for writing. You also have so much inspiration... Have you ever wonder where it comes from? What if what you write about was not a story that was coming out of your imagination... what if they were memories? What if I told you there is a place that exists in this world that works under different laws... A place that wants to exist so bad it would bend the universe to its own will? Would you believe me? What if I told you you are the reason this place keeps existing, that your writing not only creates stories, but shapes a world, would you think I'm crazy? I know you wouldn't, I can see it in your eyes that you believe me... You know who I am do you not?

- I... I don't understand anything that is going on...

- Don't I remind you of someone you see in your imagination? A handsome young prince, powerful in dark magic, who would do anything for his friends?

- I have in mind a character like that yes... But what does it have to do with you? Or with this? I have been arrested for murder and here you are telling me about fairy tales! 

- The murder was the only way Rebecca. It is the key to get us both out of here and then go save Emerald, Garnet and Topaz.

- Wait... What are you... Don't tell me your name is Obsidian...

- That is my name indeed.

- You freak?! You've snuck in my house and read my manuscripts? And now you're trying to frame me for some murder is that it?

- Rebecca... I know you know deep inside that I'm telling the truth. You know I really am Obsidian. I know you can feel it. This life you live, you know it isn't really yours don't you? Accountant, that is not you. This boring life isn't what you are Rebecca. I know you can feel it, you don't belong here. Now you have to listen to what I will tell you and it will all make sense. Sit back and enjoy, I have a fairy tale to tell..."

TO BE CONTINUED...

***

(c) Copyright 2015 Hope Alexander aka David Giroux for the text

Picture : stock photo, artist unknown

100TC #21 - Sacrifice

Here is number 21 of my 100 Themes Writing Challenge. This one is a short and rather spontaneous prose I have written a few weeks ago, titled In Times of War and based on the theme 'sacrifice'. Enjoy ;)

***

- SACRIFICE -

In Times of War

It is quite funny to see how much one can change from a day to the next. I used to be such a calm person, so peaceful, never looking for trouble. That is until war was declared. I never thought I would fight such a battle yet here I am, on the front row, ready to reclaim what is mine by right.

I never looked for trouble, in fact I have been avoiding it all my life. Yet, when someone attacks what you believe in, when someone tries to take away what is yours, it changes you. For the best or for the worst? That I know not, but I know there is a flame in my chest that is growing stronger everyday. To reclaim what is mine I will be ready to use any means necessary. What am I expected to do, fight a fair fight? We are way beyond this. When the enemy does not follow a righteous path, it is one's duty to reply in such a manner.

You cannot expect to try and take away our freedom without a fight. Know this, we are stronger than you. We are better organised. We will win this war and you will lose everything. No one is born yet who will strip me of my rights. No one is born who will steal from me. No one is born who will fail to respect me and go unpunished.

You might not be aware of the war you started, but the resistance is here. And way stronger than all of your pathetic 'soldiers'. Together we are strong, and together we will win. You will fall, you will fail, and you will never get back on your feet.

You started messing with the wrong person. I used to be peaceful once, but in times of war you need to change, you need to get tough and fight back if you want to protect what is yours. In times of war there is no more respect, only strategy. And my mind is stronger than yours. You started messing with the wrong person and you will be punished for this. It will not only be a failure, it will be your doom. I will never forget this nor forgive.

In times of war, justice will always triumph. I will win and you will lose. It is only a matter of time. I will revel in my victory, but even more in your loss. I will be on top watching you fall, I will be the hand that pushes you downhill and laughs. Victory will be blissful, your defeat will be ecstatic.

I look forward to see you fail. I look forward to the joy and satisfaction it will bring me. Victory is right in my sight, and I will seize it.

This is war. And you will lose.

***

(c) Copyright 2015 David Giroux aka Hope Alexander for the text

Painting : Kasimir Malevitch, White on White, 1918

100TC #20 - Waiting

And now for number 20 of the 100 Themes Writing Challenge, here is part III of my short story Whatever Happened To Ruby. If you want to read the first two chapters of this story, here are the links :

Part I - Tears

Part II - A Call For Existence

I do hope you enjoy part III and of course let me know what you think :) Thank you for reading 

***

- WAITING -

Whatever Happened To Ruby - Part III

Another Side

Obsidian was shouting at his friends in the meadow, but no one seemed to hear him. He approached Emerald and tried to talk to him, but the young man's eyes were empty and he did not seem to hear anything Obsidian was saying. He had a gigantic smile on his face and was carressing the flowers, utterly hypnotised. Obsidian went back to the woman with the flowery dress.

"- I'll ask only one last time, witch," said Obsidian to the woman. "Let them go, or die!

But my child," replied she, "I told you I bear no ill will towards them. They have tasted the fruit of paradise and know what pure bliss is, and so should you. Stay with us my child, you need not worry about the outside world; do you not see? This is what anyone desires. This is heaven, this is pure and eternal happiness.

- I don't care about what you say! This is not heaven this is a prison! You hypnotised them and you are keeping them against their will. Now you will let them go.

- I am sorry my child but I will not. Now I will bid you fare well and demand you leave your friends to the delights of paradise, and never come back.

- Fine... I said I wouldn't ask you again. I have no choice..." 

And as he said that, the prince unsheathed his sword. It was glowing of a dark radiance, enchanted by Obsidian's dark magic. He approached the woman and pointed the sword at her throat. He could notice a look of pure fear on her face.

"- My child... Please... Do not do this...

- I won't, if you let them go!

- The truth is..." said the woman, her voice trembling with fear, "I cannot. Even if I wanted to...

- What do you mean witch? Speak the truth!" Asked Obsidian in an angry voice.

" - I have no control over this... don't you see? It's a curse. I have been victim of an enchantment. I am trapped here, doomed to kidnap the passerbies and attract them to this garden of death. I never wanted this... 'tis the island... It did this to me. Your companions are entranced to me but I have no way to free them I am sorry...

- I see... I wonder though, if you died, that would probably break the enchantment wouldn't it?" Said the prince to the petrified woman. As he said that, the look of terror on her face broadened. 

"- Please", she said, her voice shaking even more. "Have mercy, I cannot do anything... Please do not kill me. There must be a way to break the enchantment. I will try to keep them alive as long as I can but I beg you to have mercy on..."

She did not have time to finish her begging that her head went rolling on the flowery prairie. Obsidian did not care for her claim for mercy. He did what had to be done to free his friends. He pulled back his bloody sword and used the dress on the lifeless woman's body to clean it and then put it back in its sheath. Killing the woman had the effect he expected, his friends and the guards were now free from the enchantment. Emerald, Topaz and Garnet went back to him, confused looks on their faces.

"- What happened here?" asked Emerald, bewildered.

"- That witch," replied Obsidian, "she cast a vile spell on you. She had you all hypnotised so you would all stay here forever until you died and turned into flowers for her to use against even more innocent people. She threatened to kill you all and she wouldn't let you go, so I had to slay her. It was not an easy fight, she almost bested me with her evil magic, but I managed to defeat her and free you all...

- Thank you your majesty," said Garnet to the prince, "we owe you our lives.

- Can I ask though," said Topaz in a tone of suspicion, "why is it that you were immune from the enchantment while we were all hypnotised?

- That is because, my young friend, I was trained in the art of dark magic by my mother the Dark Queen. I am trained to resist such enchantments. And I bless the fact I had this training because if not we would all be dead as of now. This is why I said we need to be careful. I might not be able to save you all as I did now! You have to be constantly on your guards on this damned island. The most innocent of things like a flower might be the most threatening. Never, ever, let your guards down, do you understand? Now, let us keep moving."

As the prince spoke those words, the party continued on their path to the heart of the island. They kept following the only trail in the forest. They walked for about an hour without seeing anything of interest, until they reached a small isolated cabin. "Let's go have a look," said Obsidian. The party headed to it and the prince knocked on the door. Immediatly, an old woman opened.

"- How can I be of help?" She asked, looking at Obsidian.

"- Sorry to bother you kind lady." replied the prince. "I am prince Obsidian of house Alexander, heir to the Diamond Kingdom. We are on a mission to your island to evaluate the situation here. Could we come in so we can discuss? I would have several questions to ask you.

- Yes, yes of course. Come in."

The prince went in accompanied by Emerald. Prior to going to the cabin they asked Topaz and Garnet to stay out with the guards, for no one could be trusted on this island. Topaz objected of course but Garnet managed to reason with him. Emerald and Obsidian followed the lady to a cozy looking dining room. They all sat at the wooden table. The house and the old woman were all looking extroardinarily normal, which was unusual considering they were on Sal-Tea island.

"- You are very brave to come here young ones." said the old woman to the two friends. "You should know this island isn't exactly... welcoming, I should say.

- Yes we know indeed," replied Emerald. "We have been here once before, and we lost a dear friend to the evil that resides within this island. But the place has changed so much since last time.

- Yes it has indeed," replied the woman. "In fact, it is forever changing. That is how this place is.

- May I ask," said Obsidian, "why and how exactly do you reside here? This place doesn't seem to be very suitable for living."

- Oh it's not so bad. You know, I was born here. Once, long ago, this island used to be normal and peaceful. That was before the curse... Before it became... Alive. But you know, for those of us who were born here, there is no danger. The island recognises us as its rightful inhabitants so it leaves us be. Though, it does the exact opposite to strangers. That is why I wouldn't recommend you stay here. Actually, I would advise you to leave before it is too late. You are in grave danger for staying here. It is a miracle you survived the Paradise Meadow and Flora's enchantment. You must consider yourselves lucky that you didn't cross paths with that witch. I wouldn't push my luck further if I were you... Leave while you still can.

- Well... about that witch, we did meet her. And I killed her...

- You did what? Oh dear, the island will never forgive you. The island sees all and never forgets. Flora was one of its favourite child, and not the most dangerous. Now I will ask you to leave my house please, you are putting me in danger.

- I am sorry kind lady," said Emerald. "But before we go, can you tell us. If we were to stay, are we on the right track to reach the heart of the island?

- Yes. There is only one trail now. If you went out of the trail you would reach villages of the other island inhabitants like me. The island has shielded most of them from the outside, but I wouldn't recommend you go visit them. The majority aren't exactly as kind as I am with strangers. So just go back to the trail and you will reach the heart of the island... well if you manage to make it there alive which is not likely. Up next is the village of the Salt People... Be careful. This is probably the most dangerous spot of the island. Now I cannot tell you more or the island will see me as a traitor. I will say it one more time, go back home will you still can, or you will die here..."

Emerald and Obsidian thanked the woman for her help and left. They reunited with the party and got ready to go on their way through the woods. Before they had time to leave, they witnessed giant vines starting to grow around the old lady's house, completely surrounding it and then crushing it in an instant, swallowing it beneath the ground. They could hear a scream as they watched the house vanish. The old lady was right, the island did not forgive her for helping strangers, and she paid the price...

***

"- Your honour," said Rebecca." Can I ask for another recess? I need to have a look at the facts again... and ask her some questions before I can give the rest of my testimony.

- Granted. The court will be adjourned for a period of three hours. We will use this time to review your statements while we wait to get the rest.

- Thank you your honour. My goal is not to make you all wait but I have been accused of giving flawed testimony so I want to make sure the final chapter of this story is sound. I promise you all it will be worth the wait, as this story will finally unfold and link with the case at hand and I should hope, clear my name once and for all.

- Well it better," said the prosecutor, "because right now it's a bunch of crap. We'll also take this time to reread your statements and find the proper way to bring this ridiculous trial to an end as fast as can be."

TO BE CONTINUED...  

***

(c) Copyright 2015 David Giroux aka Hope Alexander for the text and picture

100TC #19 - Dream

Hello everyone :) Here is number 19 of the 100 Themes Writing Challenge, titled Clash of Plotinvs and based on the theme "Dream". For a change, I decided to write a poem this time instead of a short story. Those of you who have been following me for a while now know that poetry used to be my trademark, and I still do some but I focus more on short stories these days. But here is a poem to prove I can still do some of them as well ;) It's quite short but I still like it so I hope you will to, let me know what you all think! Thanks for reading :)

***

- DREAM -

Clash of Plotinvs

Truth is not attainable through waiting

And not visible to the bare eye

Yet the capacity is in us all lingering

At an arm's lenght of you and I

You can reach for it and yet you won't

The power to awake is inside of you

You chose to stay blind to what is in front

Of your eyes and betwixt the whole of you

One day the universe will clash

And reveal the unseen truth that has been hidden

Within the abyss of time when space will crash

On itself, those who have seen will be given

The universal truth and the power

To be victorious over creation itself

To be the One ultimate creator 

To overcome the shell of yourself

I know what you refuse to see; I have seen it

I have opened my eyes and I will be victorious

And you will all clash with yourselves and it

Means I win; And you will all die

In a sea of lies

Alone

***

(c) Copyright 2015 David Giroux aka Hope Alexander for the text

Painting : Paul Sérusier, Le Talisman, 1888

100TC #18 - Eyes

Hello everyone! After a while, I have a new short story for you to read! It is number 18 of the 100 Themes Writing Challenge, which is based around the theme "Eyes". I know I am quite slow posting new things for this challenge but don't worry, I have been working on some more I should post soon, a new short story and the next part of "Whatever Happened To Ruby", so stay tuned; hopefully I'll be able to publish them soon :) Until then, please enjoy this one and let me know what you think ;)

***

- EYES -

Insomnia

My boyfriend Karl and I have been together for a while now. I used to live quite far from him but we both decided it was time we moved together. He has a nice little house in the middle of the suburban area, a perfect spot to live in, also considering it is very close from where I work. I would lie if I said I was not excited to go live there. Karl told me he lives with a housemate, one of his friends, to cover for the costs of the house, so I was kind of eager to meet him. His name was Alex I think. Turns out when I first got at the house, he was not there; same goes for the rest of the week. Karl told me he does not see him often because he has a busy work schedule and often goes out to see some friends.

For the first week, everything went perfectly well. Karl and I are made to live together I know it. I love this house and I know for a fact I will love living here; it felt like home already. There was only one thing that had been bothering me, I had not seen this Alex yet. I had heard him come home in the middle of the night and go straight to his room; he was probably very busy like Karl told me, but still, he could have at least made the effort to come and say hi, considering we would be living together from now on.

The days went by and Karl and I would go on with our daily routines, nothing extraordinary to tell. Still no sign of his friend. I caught a glimpse of him one morning when I was getting out of the bedroom and he was leaving for work, but nothing more. When I asked Karl about him, he did not have much to say except that he likes to have him around as a housemate because he is no trouble at all and he pays the rent on time. I could not disagree with that, but what a weird attitude still. He lives with us but it is pretty much a ghost. Anyway, whatever that is not the reason I decided to move there and I did not really care actually. I was just wondering what he is like.

One day, after an especially strenuous work shift, I went to bed really early and Karl joined me. Something woke me up in the middle of the night. A loud banging noise from the basement, where Alex's bedroom is located. It did not seem to wake Karl up. I thought I might have dreamt this and I decided to get back to sleep... That was until another round of this noise decided to keep me awake. I jumped and woke my boyfriend up by doing so. He looked at me with a bewildered expression and asked me what was going on. I told him about the noise I heard and he told me not to worry about it. He said his friend is a night owl and sometimes stays up really late. He usually tries not to make noise but who knows, he might have dropped something accidentally. I decided not to give more thought to it and to go back to sleep, even though I could not shake that feeling of uneasiness.

It had been three weeks now and I still had not seen anything more of that mysterious cohabitant than the glimpse I caught of his back the other day. It was starting to drive me a bit insane and I asked Karl about him. I asked him when was the last time he actually saw him or had a chat with him and he could not even remember. On that night, when we were both asleep, I was awaken once again by a loud commotion coming from downstairs. It was louder than last time, and it repeated thrice. It was followed by a faint scream. I could feel chills go down my spine. What the hell was going on here? Karl did not even seem to wake up. How could he still sleep with such a loud ruckus? I woke him up and told him what I heard and once again he told me not to worry about it. He said his friend often has nightmares and it happens that he screams like that in the middle of the night. I thought that could make sense so I deided not to give it a second thought, but I could not help it. I wanted to go back to sleep, but I was seized by that feeling of unease. Karl was sleeping like a log and even snoring and I could not even close my eyes. I heard a shriek once again, except this time it was deafening. I then heard steps going up the stairs and down the hallway. That Alex guy was coming towards our bedroom, I could hear him. I could see a shadow under the door. Not a sound. He was just standing there, on the other side of the door. I thought he might have been sleepwalking. Minutes went by and he was still there and Karl was still sleeping. I decided to wake him up. He was obviously annoyed that I awoke him again. I pointed to him the shadow under our bedroom door and he said not to worry about it and let him sleep. How could he not be scared by all this? The guy started banging loudly on the door. I screamed and woke Karl. He repeated once again not to worry about it and just go back to sleep. The banging was getting louder and louder and I could see the door shaking... and he was just telling me not to worry about it?! Karl was back asleep and his friend was knocking louder and louder on the door and he started screaming. I was terrorised. Then he stopped. Nothing for a couple of seconds, not a sound. Then, the door handle started turning... and the door opened. There he was, a shadow standing in the door frame, staring right at me in the darkness. I could see his eyes and I felt them gazing right through me. He was not saying a thing, not moving, completely quiet. I was so afraid I could not say anything either. I pushed Karl so he would wake up. He did, looked at his friend at the door and then told me to get some shuteye, that it was normal and that he would go away, and not to wake him up again for something so silly. It was surreal what was going on. The guy was still standing there looking at me and my boyfriend was sleeping as if nothing was happening. I was paralysed by fear and felt like I was bound to the bed. I could feel his eyes on me, inside me and it gave me such an eerie sensation. We both stayed like this for what seemed to be hours. And then there was nothing.

I do not know what happened. I do not recall falling asleep, but next thing I remember is the sun rising by the bedroom window. I must have fallen asleep somehow. The door was still open and Karl had just waken up. I asked him if he remembered what hapened last night. He told me he had no idea what I was talking about. I told him about Alex coming here and banging in our door, staring at us during the whole night. He had an extremely confused look on his face and asked me : «What are you talking about? What housemate? Who is Alex? We don't have a housemate and I certainly don't know any Alex!» I thought he was making fun of me and did not reply to that but gave him a sarcastic look instead. He still seemed to be confused and did not smile as he usually does when he is making fun of me.

I got out the bedroom and decided to go see downstairs in Alex's bedroom. When I got there, what I saw shocked me. There was no bedroom, only a storage room. No one could live in there. I got back upstairs and asked my boyfriend what happened with his friend's bedroom. He told me he had no idea what I was talking about and asked me to stop playing with him; he said the joke was not funny anymore. He told me there was no housemate, that he never had one and he does not want anyone else to live with us, and that he does not have a friend named Alex.

I looked around the house. There was no trace of anyone else living here. Everything that I had seen belonging to that guy disappeared. His bedroom was gone. All of his belongings. It is as if he never had been here, which my boyfriend confirmed. He looked at me with an annoyed face and said:

«I don't know what's up with you this morning but I never had a friend living with me here. You're making things up. Now stop playing it's not funny. I have to go to work. I'll see you tonight.»

***

(C) Copyright 2015 David Giroux aka Hope Alexander for the text

100 TC #17 - Stars

Here is number 17 of the 100 Themes Writing Challenge, based this time on the theme "Stars". Thanks for reading ;)

***

- STARS -

A Princess From The Stars

A heavenly creature. 

That is what I thought to myself every time I laid my eyes upon her. She was like a creature from another world. It is true she never did quite fit in. There always was something... strange about her. Something ethereal. It is as if she came from the heavens. A princess from the stars. That's how I always liked to think of her. 

She had the name to match the image indeed: Celestia. My beautiful Celestia. There was nothing earthly about her, it was all... cosmic, would I dare say. I always thought of her as a beautiful princess from outer space, until the day I learned, that is what she actually was. Of course, I doubt anyone will believe me when they read this, even I woud not believe myself, for it is totally unbelievable; yet these are facts as they were. 

I shall start by the unusual way of the meeting of her and me and how it happened, all these years ago. I was a young lad back then, breathing youth and full of vim; oh woefully so far from my current state, alas. The poor girl was lying still on the side of the road, on a cold winter night when I found her, walking on my way back home. I immediately went towars her to see if she was alright and she seemed so; for she woke up when I got closer. Only, she did not seem to remember anything. She did not know who she was, where she was or what she was doing here, so I took upon me to bring her home until we could figure out more.

Turns out what started as a temporary measure took a permanent turn. Celestia is the name she gave herself because she liked the sound of it, but she in fact did not know what her true name was. So that is how we called her for the time she stayed with me. A time which lasted many years during which we never actually figured out not a single clue about her missing memories. The complete absence of leads made it even stranger; thinking backwards it is almost impossible that someone would forget everything and not a clue would make itself appearant in so many years. Yet, now I know the truth, but back then I did not even think it weird. I got used to Celestia's presence and she to mine and it is as if none of us cared about that mysterious and missing past.

I went on with my life, and Celestia stayed with me. I tried to make her happy but it always seemed like something was missing. I would often find her crying in the middle of the night, but she would tell me she was alright when I questioned her. I did not know what else to do but to keep her company and try to give her the best life I could with the means I had. So it went on like this.

Until one day. I was coming back home after a long day, looking forward to reunite with my Celestia, but she was nowhere to be found. All that was left was a letter, revealing the truth. She said she remembered who she was : a princess from a faraway kingdom in another world, millions of lightyears away in the stars. She was banished to Earth by her father the king, but it was now permitted for her to go back. She said not to be afraid of what I would find, for to go back to her realm she needed to let go of her human form. I remember what I felt when I read the letter... Fear. In its purest essence. I dropped the letter on the floor and went to the bedroom and here she was, beautiful as ever. She seemed peaceful, a smile on her face, her eyes shut, lying amidst the white sheets of the bed now painted with lines of crimson that had been flowing from her wrists. She was free now.

A heavenly creature, that is how I always thought of her and that is what she was in the end. And here, as I am imprisoned within these four white walls with nothing else to do but reminisce about the past, I shall tell her story so that everyone will know that she is not dead, yet safe back home, ruling over her kingdom in the stars. 

***

(c) Copyright 2015  Hope Alexander aka David Giroux for the text

100TC #16 - Night

I am back in business for the 100 Themes Challenge :D With university starting this week I'm not sure how long it will last though XD But oh well, I am going to try to publish as much as I can! So here number 16, based on the theme 'Night'. Enjoy and let me know what you think :)

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- NIGHT -

Dance of The Darkness

The night was dark, long and lonely. He could not sleep, he had tried but failed. He loved nature and happened to live in an isolated house in the middle of the woods. He got out of his bed and headed for the door. He did not bother about getting dressed; it was summer and it is not as if he was gonna cross paths with anyone in the deep woods at this time of night. 

It was a full moon, and so even if he was in the middle of the forest, he could still see more than usual because of the moonlight. He decided to go for the main trail, but he felt like going off-trail eventually. He did not care where to, he just wanted to walk in the forest, among the nature, feel it.

The air was warm and nice and the soil was soft under his bare feet. He was wandering the trail in the woods, listening to the various sounds of nature; the crickets, the leaves rustling in the wind, the hooting of the owls, etc. He kept walking forwards, as if something was calling to him. Something in the darkness. He had been walking for a while, so much he reached the end of the trail, yet he decided to keep moving forward.

He was now into a very deep part of the forest, one that did not have any trail. That is the part he loved the most; he felt more connected with nature in the unexplored areas. It was dark and he could barely see anything apart from what he could make out of the pale glow of the moonlight. He did not care though, he did not need to see, feeling was all he was interested in.

As he was moving forwards, he could feel the leaves and plants getting thicker around his legs. It was as if they were trying to get a grip on him. This feeling got stronger as he was walking, until he had to stop walking completely; the leaves preventing him to take a step further. The plants had taken a firm grip on his legs and the vines were escalading on his body, going upwards on his legs and trying to reach to his torso. He did not try to fight it, he actually liked the sensation of the vegetation taking over his body. Some vines started to take a grip around his arms, and in a matter of minutes he was completely buried in vines, plants and leaves. They had taken over his body and started penetrating him. It was a slow process, but his body was fusing with the plants, with the nature, with the forest. It was not painful, to the contrary it was the most ecstatic sensation he had ever felt. 

For how long did he stay there, no one could tell. But he was now one with the forest. The forest had swallowed him completely, and he was reborn as a part of it. His human body was no more, but his consciousness remained. He felt fantastic, the best he had ever felt. He was reborn, and this new life is what he always dreamed of. 

***

(C) 2015 Hope Alexander aka David Giroux for the text

Unknown artist for the illustration

100 TC #15 - Flower

Here is number 15 of the 100 Themes Challenge. This one is the sequel to #12 - Whatever Happened To Ruby. It is the second part of that story and is to be continued in a further post. This part is based on theme number 15 which is 'Flower'. Enjoy and let me know what you think :)

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- FLOWER - 

Whatever Happened To Ruby - Part II

A Call For Existence

“The court is back in session for the trial of Rebecca Forester. Before the recess, the defendant had started testifying on the events that led to her being arrested for multiple charges to which she claimed complete innocence. However, we noticed several inconsistencies in her testimony, which is still very incomplete. And so we will ask for the rest of the story and ask the defendant to refrain from presenting a flawed testimony to this court.”

The Judge sounded a bit angry and rather bored while she was speaking those words. The trial had already been ongoing for several hours and no progress seemed to have been made. 

“We shall now continue where we had left before the recess asked for by the defence. We ask the defendant Ms. Forester to take the bar and proceed with her recalling of the events that led her to the accusations she is under. We ask the defendant to renew her oath before she starts.”

As the Judge finished, the defendant did as asked. She swore her oath anew and was ready to speak.

“Your honour, distinguished members of this court,” said Rebecca, “I have been informed there were some inconsistencies in my first testimony. I claim I have been telling the truth and it is not my intention to mislead this court at all. I might have made some mistake and I swear on my oath it shall not happen again.

- We would also like to remind this court that the so-called inconsistencies were very few and did not affect the whole point of our client’s testimony” claimed the defence attorney. 

“- Yeah right,” replied the prosecutor, “minor inconsistencies you say. Let me point out to the court a major one I noted during Ms. Forester’s testimony, if her honour would let me. When the defendant introduced Prince Obsidian, when he looks at Emerald, Topaz and Garnet for the first time, he says, I believe, «It’s nice to see the three of you again». Yet, later on, when he has a private conversation with his old time friend, the way he talks about his story and how long he had been away after his adventures with Ruby and Emerald, he could never have met Topaz and Garnet. Furthermore, the age of the characters do not make any sense. The defendant did not state it clearly, but we gathered Emerald would be about 18 years old and his friend somewhere between 8 and 15, yet the way the defendant spoke of the time span, it is as if the characters never aged... I could go on like this for a while and I think you will all agree the inconsistencies in Ms. Forester’s testimony are everything but minor.

- We agree,” said the judge, “and we will keep it in mind. This testimony has more issues than the prosecution showed, yet we still need to hear Ms Forester’s full testimony before we can cross-examine the defendant. And so Ms Forester will go on and will not be interrupted by the lawyers before I say so. Defendant, you are free to speak now.

- Very well your honour,” said Rebecca, “I shall now proceed with my testimony.”

***

The sun rose on the Sable Rose, marking the new group of adventurer’s first day at sea. After a good night’s sleep, the four friends reunited on deck. 

“- Good morning darlings.” Spoke the prince. “I do hope you slept well and found the Sable Rose to your taste.

- This ship is amazing your majesty,” said Garnet, stars shining in her eyes. “I must confess I am not used to such luxury.

- Are we close to Sal-Tea island yet?” asked Topaz, a subtle annoyed tone present in his voice. “Sure we enjoy the luxury but it’s not what we are here for. I don’t care about rich people, what I want is adventure!” 

Prince Obsidian could not help but laugh at this. “- We will be there soon enough my young friend. Your friend Emerald and I spent last night planning our visit to Sal-Tea Island. You three are new to this, but I have been there before. This place is nothing like anywhere you have been before.

- It is full of people made of salt isn’t it?” Asked Topaz, very seriously. “And they smell funny and eat humans don’t they?

- Yes, I am afraid so.” Replied the prince. 

At this, Garnet could not help but laugh. It took her a few seconds to realise she was the only one laughing. 

"- Wait," said Garnet, "that... wasn't a joke?

I'm afraid not, young girl", replied Obsidian. "See, young Topaz here is right. Inhabitants of Sal-Tea really are made of salt. And they do smell foul, and yes, they eat people. That is why we, the crown, declared this island off-limits. It is a very dangerous place and we don't want unnecessary casualties on our hands. But the island has been left on its own for far too long and I grew worried at what might be going on on it, so it is necessary to go on it and have a look at things. This place is no ordinary place, it is calling for existence, screaming for it. It wants to be known and for this end it could do terrible things...

I'm not sure I follow" replied Garnet, a bewildered look in her eyes.

"- It matters not," reprised Obsidian, "all you need to know is that our visit there is not gonna be all fun and games. It is a real adventure, complete with the dangers that come with it. So you have to be ready. My guards and I will be looking out for all of you but I cannot guarantee your safety. You will have to be careful out there.

His higness is right," said Emerald, "he filed me in on the details and it could really be a dangerous experience out there. You will have to be careful... remember Ruby, I could not bear anything like it happening again, if one of you were to...

Hey, cut it Emerald!" Shouted Topaz. "This is exactly what we were looking for. A real adventure! And it sounds like it is gonna be the best adventure we'll be going on! After all, there is no real adventure without the danger that comes with it!

Yeah I could not agree more with Topaz!" Said Garnet. "You don't have to be worrying for us all the time Emerald, we can very well take care of ourselves. And you need to stop feeling guilty for what happened to Ruby. It wasn't the fault of anyone here. We always wanted to go on a real adventure and this is our chance! We have been trained for this, we'll be safe! All of us together, we can conquer any smelly island out there!"

Prince Obsidian laughed heartily at the younglings enthusiasm. "- Alright then, just keep in mind the danger is real. But I have no doubts you are well suited for the task. I would trust Emerald with my life, and so I do with you two."

And on this the Sable Rose kept on sailing towards its destination, which it reached on the next day. The route to the island went rather well, with nothing unexpected occuring. From the ship, the island looked just like any regular island, nothing out of the ordinary, apart from it being rather large. The Sable Rose set anchor near the island and Obsidian's guards disembarked, followed by the prince and the three young friends. A part of the crew stayed on the ship to make sure everything would be in order during the prince's absence. 

"- So, we're finally here," said Garnet, "but what are we to do now?

Well," replied the prince, "the island has changed a lot since I have last been there. In fact, it is not the same... at all. As I said this is no ordinary place. Its existence doesn't follow the laws of physics. It exists as it intends to and it feeds on how we imagine it to be, and that is why it is dangerous. What we need to do is find its source, find out why it is reacting that way and what is causing it. We need to find the heart of the island, what is calling out to us in order to exist. Right now, I'm afraid we cannot do aught more than just  move forward..."

And so they wandered the island for a while. It did not look much different from the Diamond Forest; all they had seen so far were trees, as they were following a trail in the middle of a thick woods. No sign of those mysterious salt-drinkers, or anything living for that matter. They kept walking the path until they reached a flowery meadow. It was full of bright, radiant flowers unlike any they had seen before.

"- Wow..." said Topaz in awe. "These are so beautiful... I've never seen anything of the sort...

Neither have I," said Garnet in a mellow tone, as if she was completely hypnotised. 

"- Such beauty..." added Emerald in the same tone of voice. It was as if the three of them, and the guards as well, were all mesmerised and overwhelmed by these flowers. They all started moving towards them, except for Obsidian, who started shouting.

"- STOP!" he said. "Do not touch those flowers!"

He barely had time to complete his sentence that something started moving amidst the flowers. At first, they could not make out the shape that emerged from the flowers and that was moving towards them, but it slowly started to take the form of a woman. A beautiful woman, wearing a dress of flowers, almost looking like a flower herself. Everyone was still hypnotised, apart from Obsidian who didn't seem the least affected by the enchantment or whatever it was. 

"- Welcome, my children" said the woman to the group, in an ethereal, almost surreal voice. "Welcome to paradise. Would you like to sit amidst my gardens and relish in the scent of my heavenly flowers? Come with me, come taste the nectar of the gods and live the life of perfection."

And as she said, everyone apart from the prince started moving towards the flowers. The strange woman turned to Obsidian.

"What is the matter my child? You do not want to get your taste of heaven? Follow your friends, for they know what is right to do.

I won't fall for it!" Replied Obsidian. "I know what you are up to, witch! I know what this island can do to the mind. I have lost a friend to its power, and I won't be fooled that easily. You witch will pay for what you did and what you are attempting to do to my friends. Let them go or you will feel my wrath!

Let them go? Why would I do such a thing? I am not even holding them, they moved to my garden of their own will. They are free to go if such is their desire. I know naught of what you are talking about, my child, but I bear no ill will towards any of you. Now follow your friends and taste the fruit of heaven. 

I will not, I stand by my claim!

Fair enough my child, but know you would be safe in here. The rest of the world is a dangerous place. This paradise here is where you should stay, forever. If it is what your heart desires, then go back to the outside world, full of dangers and of death; I shall not stop you. But I think not your friends will follow you; have a glance at them."

As Obsidian looked towards the meadow, he saw everyone from the company lying in the flower beds, empty looks and gigantic smiles on their faces. They were completely hypnotised, it was easy to see. He realised he was the only one still having control of his senses. 

***

"- Oh cut it with the fairy tale already!", shouted the prosecutor in an angry tone. "We are all wasting our time here!

I said no one was to interrupt the defendant until she was done stating her testimony." Said the judge, obviously annoyed.

Yes your honour, I remember you saying, but please hear reason, this trial is a travesty!It's an utter waste of time, nothing more. This fairy tale is irrelevant to the case and won't change anything about the defendant's obvious guilt. I demand that this preposterous testimony be ended now!

- We will consider it but for now, we need to hear the rest. Ms Forester, please go on."

TO BE CONTINUED...

***

(C) Copyright 2015 Hope Alexander aka David Giroux for the text

100 TC #14 - Happiness

New post for the 100 Themes Challenge, based on the theme happiness.

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- HAPPINESS -

Revival

It has been a while, yes I am very much aware of this fact. I have done all I could but, you know how it is right? When you block, you block, and there is nothing else you can do about it but wait. But I am back on now, well at least I think. Who knows, might be a fake start but only time will tell.

I have been wondering what it means, why I even care about doing this? There are so many other things I could be doing right now; doing work, watch TV, play videogames, do some cleaning. Yet here I am, typing this. Why? Well I am not sure, I think it is just to put me back on the right track. But then, why do I need it? What is the point, is that really something I need to do?

It has been a while, and I have been wondering what is the meaning of happiness. What is it to be happy? Is happiness found in the simple things of life? Is happiness the warm coffee I shared with my lover this morning? Is it the sound of my favourite song ringing in my ears? Is it the comfort of a cozy bed after a long and tiring day? It could be all of this, or more?

Would this really be happiness? The writing of these words after weeks of block, the feeling of them flowing out of my mind unto the paper, the ecstasy of creation. This is only a prelude and more is to come. Hapiness can have many faces, so does Sorrow, yet all of them are tools to creation; they are both the means and the end, into an infinite cycle of the mind.

I would not have the pretention of defining happiness. I am not a philosopher; just a poet. I love the words for beauty's sake and I exist for its admiration. This makes me happy. This is my purpose.

11:07, sipping my coffee, I write this line. I think it's a wrap. This is the starting point I needed. I am back, ready for more. But now, I need to start writing.

***

(c) 2015 Hope Alexander aka David Giroux