The Chimes of Music
The Chimes of Music
**“Damn, that’s your last game?”**
**“Come on, Kane, you’re gonna get left out”** The disappointment from the voices of Kane’s friends can be heard from his headset stuck onto his ears. He knew that there was still a mystery that he needed to solve, and it always left him indulged yet perplexed.
**“Yeah, nice game, though. I’ll try to win some rounds tomorrow so I can reach the next rank and catch up with you guys.”** Kane uttered to the mic close to his mouth before taking off his headphones and leaving the game server. It was already 10:00 pm, and he still has classes tomorrow.
He wanted to play more, but as the clock got closer to midnight, his hands always wanted to grab his phone and plug on his headset. It’s been like this ever since Kane got into college. He was an avid gamer that went on grinding for hours until past midnight. Things changed after Kane stepped foot into another chapter of his life; being busy with studies hindered him from playing more, but Kane knew he was brilliant. He knew that he could complete his homework easily since he reviewed everything before the lesson got even tackled.
What gets most of his time is his phone; regardless of him playing only for moderate hours, he would often indulge in his cellphone and find solace in it during the night.
Kane turned off the lights in his room and placed a globe that’s been embedded with stars. It was sophisticated lighting that he found online. The globe would project the stars in the ceiling in his bedroom while it rotates when powered by electricity. He placed it beside the top of his desk beside him and illuminated the socket with his phone light so that he could plug in the device.
He was mesmerized when a thousand stars came to life above him, brightening up the darkness that engulfed the room after he plugged it in. Kane plastered a smile, seeing how beautiful his newly acquired device was. He would never have to experience laying down in cold plain darkness.
Kane laid down on his bed and wore his earphones that were connected to his phone. He played the perfect song for the perfect moment that he had been waiting for a long time.
**“Look at the stars. Look how they shine for you.”** The first verse of Coldplay’s Yellow spoke through Kane after the song’s intro. He can feel his heart pump in ecstasy as the bright stars roam above him. “They’re so beautiful,” He uttered with a genuine smile.
**“Your skin. Oh yeah, your skin and bones turn into something beautiful.”** It was a heartfelt feeling that he wanted to feel over the days. He can only imagine through the music what it feels like to have been said by those words. No matter how much he tried to hold it, his tears eventually fell from the mixed feelings that he was experiencing.
With every lyric of the song,
**“You know I love you so,”**
Echoes through him.
**“For you, I’d bleed myself dry.”**
The phone eventually switched on to the next song and, it played a sentimental feeling that he felt was a guide to get him back to the good old days.
**“You’re alone, you’re on your own, so what? Have you gone blind? Have you forgotten what you have and what is yours”**
He sobbed through the verses of Lauren Aquilina’s song. His heart knew that he shouldn’t be in this state forever, but it was the only peace and solace he had; for now, he had no one to tell about his problems, fearing that it might be troublesome for his friends, and he hates getting pitied.
He felt that this was the only way he connected through his feelings, through music. It’s as if he traverses into another world, finding out a vast ocean and him standing in front of it with the moonlit sky with stars twinkling from above.
He closed his eyes, hoping to get into that peaceful state.
**“You’ve got it all; you’ve lost your mind in the sound. There’s so much more; you can reclaim your crown.”** His heart lightened up as if a heavy object had disappeared in an instant. His tears ran down from his eyes again, but this time it was about a realization that hit him hard. He can never conquer the ocean if he doesn’t take any steps to tame it.
Peace and solace.
Why would he conquer something that he knew that he already found peace in it? What’s the need for it? His mind constantly asks.
**“Put all your faults to bed.”**
He clenched his fists, resolved to take a step into the ocean to conquer it. Regardless of what will happen, he knows the music will guide him.
**“You can be king again.”**
The ocean suddenly rages, and the skies turn dark. Seconds after, heavy rainfall met him on the shore, with violent waves threatening to drown him.
He opened his eyes and was startled the moment when his father barged in, reeking with alcohol.
**“You little shit!”** Kane’s father turned the lights, and Kane squinted his eyes to the sudden brightness. His heart pounded as his fear started to overcome his senses. His father charged towards him and grabbed him by the collar, and gave him multiple punches in his body.
**“Why did you have to be born!”** His father hissed at him with curses while he was striking punches at him. Kane could only bear the pain, giving in to fear every time his fists landed on him.
Every time Kane’s mom leaves for work out of the country, this happens. Kane developed a sense of resiliency like this one but-
**“You,”** a silent echo through his mind resonates.
With every hurtful word his father throws at him, he felt it was senseless even to fight back.
**“can be”**
He needed music. He needed to envision the world in case any of these circumstances may kill him.
**“King, again.”**
Before he lost consciousness as he was severely bruised by his dad that had left after throwing his violent tantrums, Kane’s mother called.
**“Hello honey, is everything all right?”**
**“Yes, mom, everything will be fine,”** He replied, grunting at the severe pain before his vision darkened.
*-To be continued.*
The day I became a bird (Introduction)
The satisfaction of coming home from work after a tedious day in the office is better realizing that's it's already a weekend tomorrow. I can only savor the break from the cycle of everyday paperwork, sitting in front of the desktop typing and typing until 6:00 pm. Back in the days, I used to see morning as refreshing hours of serenity, with the beauty of every single blossoming day, but that was the better days when school was just a walking distance away, and I didn't have to worry about the daily routine of commuters.
It's as if the world shifted around me and presented me with an endless dilemma. I'm no Sisyphus, but it's like I'm pushing a massive boulder towards a steep mountain which on the other side lies my dreams and perceived lifestyle of stability. You could never crawl out of the misery that the reality of life gives.
With all of the uncertainty of my future, there lies a lot of **"What if's?"**
I lie in bed as soon as I finished fixing myself up to my sleepwear clothes, but I never fixed these thoughts that accompany me in my sleep.
**"What if?"**
What if I was free as a bird? Will I have no responsibilities that I need to abide or is it just a simple misconception of mine that a bird has the power to choose not to be a part of the food chain? Predatory species that feed on the tiny worms on the soil, we use our wings to fly high, into the sky where no one would of what we should do.
Humans built machines with wings to travel easily to different places, but what if I got the chance to grow wings and be a bird for a day? Will I ever genuinely grasp freedom again and clear all of my misconceptions? Maybe I get to decipher all those chirping that I hear in the morning every day.
I'm just going to sleep all the silly thoughts away, hoping tomorrow would be a good day for me to do what I want to do.
Morning came, and the chirping sounds from the birds greeted my open window as they resonated to the walls of my bedroom.
**"Good morning, lucky bastards,"** I told them, foolishly thinking that they would understand me. The sun's rays illuminate my face grumpy morning face forcing me to squint my eyes and get out of bed. I directed myself to the kitchen, getting cereal from the overhead cabinets. **"Jeez, it would be nice to have a girlfriend around,"** I jokingly said. I grabbed a bowl and spoon, pouring the cereal as my tummy growled like a hungry monster's stomach. I pondered about the possibility of me finding love in the course of my mid 20's. Tension develops with grabbing my phone, installing a dating app with every scoop of cereal from the bowl through my mouth.
The last scoop finalized my decision as to what I'm going to do today.
I decided to go to the park to find and meet a potential partner, and of course, see some birds and feed the pigeons near the park's pond. I'm living the life of an adult, and it fascinates me how time flies and how we adapt and lose habits as we grow up.
I wore a white shirt with a big The Beatles design on its front since it's such a hot day, and of course, except for white reflecting a considerable amount of heat, The Beatles were pretty hot with the cultured ladies that are into authentic music. I'm not much of a ladies man, but I bet I could pull it off.
I drove with my Cadillac to the park, which has a couple of minutes away from home. I can't help but have small glances towards the sky as birds flock toward the direction I am heading.
**"Strange,"** I mumbled. **"It's not even late summer yet."** I shrugged at the unexplainable thought that suddenly occurred and focused on driving. I was a couple of meters away from the park, finding a suitable parking spot, luckily two accessible spaces are positioned beside each other, and a blue sedan that came before me occupied the free parking area immediately.
**"Guess, today's my lucky day."** I shrugged as I parked the car after the sedan had comfortably parked and turned the engine keys off. I checked myself out of the mirror one more time before opening the car door to go out. I locked the doors, and the fresh breeze and the heat of the sunshine can be felt on my skin. This place is the close I can get to fresh air. As soon as I can walk past the parked sedan in the parking lot, the shiny blue-tinted door of the driver seat open, I can't help but look as I walk by the car. Still, I was stopped in my tracks to see a beautiful, youthful lady, where her simplicity of how she dresses radiates her beauty even more. She wore a neat white polo shirt with a colorful skirt just above her knees. She looks familiar to me as if I knew her from somewhere before. Our eyes met after she slammed shut the door of her car, and I, once again, felt butterflies in my stomach, paced with the rushing beat of my heart. Anxiety crawls over me, and I would never have thought I'd utter the word, **"Hi!"** it was unexpected of me to blurt out a simple greeting to a stranger, but I got a cheerful smile from her as if she expected me to greet her. I immediately broke the eye contact and glanced to my sides to try and alleviate the awkward feeling. Still, all the butterflies in my stomach filled my entire body when she suddenly said, chuckling, **"It's nice to see you again, Kevin. You haven't changed at all."**
Wait a minute, how does she-
**“Paige?!”**
-To be continued
A/N : It’s been a long time since I’ve written a story. I hope I can give this one justice by having consistent and worthy of your time updates. Anyways, I might be posting some poems on noise soon enough. My creative juices are becoming stagnant, and I want them to make good use of them at least.
The circles of unproductivity: A Self-Evaluation
**The circles of unproductivity: A Self-Evaluation**
Do you ever have those times that you don’t want to do anything for a whole day and just lay in bed thinking about the stuff that’s been running in your mind lately? For me, I have these circles of unproductivity that’s been plaguing me for a week or even weeks, to the point that I can’t do something productive and meaningful during the passing time. I instantly regret it when I can grasp the motivation and inspiration and write them for you to read. So this article will serve as an evaluation and, at the same time, introduce you to my circles.
1. “The circle of procrastination.”
The circle of procrastination represents my neglect of duties or tasks in my everyday life. It significantly affects my lifestyle as I can’t commit to doing it for the time being or eventually for a long time. I hate myself as I dwell in this circle as if trying to find my way out is impossible unless I get a turbo boost of motivation which happens rarely. Now tell me, do you ever feel lying in bed thinking that you should do this and you should do that, getting all complacent because your deadlines are still far away? Trust me, that’s what I feel during this week and is the exact visualization per se, and I haven’t felt like doing anything except eat and try to get on with life. Of course, I finished the task at hand, but at what cost? My efficient productivity.
Why do I depict it as a circle?
The circle represents the chain of thoughts about your duties and responsibilities that you often think about doing but don’t. The process keeps on spinning and spinning with time passing by. You can only overcome the circle with great determination to do the task and break the barrier between you and your work efficiency.
2. “The garden of laziness.”
In the garden of Laziness, you can often find sloths in the trees and people lying down on the benches, and the smooth trimmed grass. Ironically when in the place, you slowly realize and see the trees wave through the breath of the wind with the sloths hanging on for life when the leaves fall with it. The trimmed grass shows its thinning because there is no water, yet it depicts it as trim. There is constant chaos with the illusion of a perfect garden. That is how I view my surroundings as I enter the silver threshold of it. I can only break the plague that infects the park when I let myself be awakened by productivity and let go of the illusion. As I allowed myself to awaken, I would only perceive that everything needs to tidy up. I stood up and started to water the grass, let the sunlight do the job, and make the surroundings healthy with its energy. It is only then that I know I already did a good job when the birds start to visit the garden and the sloths come down, and people do their jobs.
Just like in real life
We tell our minds that things don’t need work because they are already good as it is, but not really. By that, we become lazy and find ourselves in the garden.
3. Brainstorm
In the case of brainstorm, it consumes a lot of time. The rain of ideas and inspiration can be overwhelming to the point that you’d space out in an open area getting drenched in brainpower. The scholars that tend the land, form a circle to materialize a concrete idea to be used by me. Books lay to the ground as they manifest the energy that comes from the skies above. The books give power to the land, maintaining the high energy that surfaces across the atmosphere; Just like a cycle.
As I curate the surge of ideas, it would take a lot of time, making it prone to unproductivity as some ideas can go one place to another, and I would space out. I would come back to the surface with a great writing idea or craft on the brighter side.
But still,
This circle can be dangerous if you dwell in it for too long, as it can shift your curiosity into a long tiring burnout, resulting in great unproductivity.
4. The Orchestra
This circle takes the form of an opera house, where I generally store all the great music that I’ve encountered in my existence. If I ever come into this circle, it would be a long, long time since I’ll be able to get tired of listening and go back with my work. The serene and nostalgic memories that accompany my stay resonates within the walls of the opera house.
Why would you leave when it feels so peaceful?
Even though it’s peaceful, it can become unproductive. You get inspiration from the great music dating from present and old as you envision virtuosos playing in front of you, and you are the only audience. Your imagination rushes to the kind of sceneries that this music will accompany, and that will be the start of it.
5. The Abyss
This circle is one of the deadliest circles to ever exist in me. This circle takes the form of a platform floating in a dark space. The cold atmosphere accompanies a desolate wasteland that, as if war was recently waged and famine followed. Wandering the half of this platform makes you question your very existence and the reality of life. The abyss is the deepest circle of unproductivity, and it’s also the deadly one since half of the platform is the darkest part of the platform, and it is where my very demons reside. They rule and run the place, and if I go any further there, there is a probability that they’ll make me jump off the platform and plunge into my demise.
Also, being in the circle will inevitably result in an ample amount of unproductivity, followed by self-evaluation to keep my mind sane.
--
So that wraps my circles. It’s been a while since I’ve been writing; I guess I’ve been into the circles of unproductivity, hahaha! Anyways, stay safe, and I would see you at the next one.
Bitcoin Cash: Easy cash?
You are turning on the tv, hearing the recent news and announcements, scrolling in on the news outlets on your digital gadgets and reading every article. Nothing would ever change the fact that your country is in lockdown, and you got no other backup plans to earn money since you can't go to work. Your survival instincts start to kick in, and your subconscious tells you that you should find a way to make your way out of the rules of the pandemic. You find suitable online jobs and freelancing, but your skills are just not up to the client's standards. You're starting to lose hope, but a quitter is never going to win anything, especially when you're talking about your survival. So you look up to the topics of crypto, and you're eyes widen to the sight of the value of BTC. **"This can set me up for life,"** you said. You look back to your savings, and it just doesn't cut it. Besides, trading immediately without knowledge could end you being broke and eventually get showered in debt.
There was just no way that you can get out of your current dilemma until.
You discovered a post in a particular group that there's a way that you can earn cryptocurrency, you get excited because it might be **BTC**, and you feel like you can **earn up to 1 BTC and trade it for fiat**. So you click the link the redirects to this website, and you see tons of articles plastered on the screen, and they're rewarded for it.
You thought to yourself that, **"This is going to be easy money, I'm just going to put articles, right?"**
You register to the site, hoping that this will save you from the pandemic's adverse economic effects. Afterwards, you looked around the simple interface and found out that this site rewards content with Bitcoin Cash, similar to BTC, which has the **"Bitcoin"** name, but this time it's **"cash."** You wonder why there would be two Bitcoins, but you shrug the thought and immediately concluded that Bitcoin Cash is the easy money; it may not be pricey as **BTC**, but it is what it is.
You started to spin articles and immediately posted them; you waited hours and hours and weren't rewarded. You look at others' content. They've been sharing information about crypto, their stories, and poems; even with broken English, they'd still get rewarded. So you look through the depths of the site's archives and eventually got to an article about the rules.
**The site promotes originality**, and it's a shame that you've been thinking of spam and spun more articles to post. And funny to think that, even just through reading others' written content, **you get educated about the things you didn't know.**
So you try your luck one more time and write about the stuff you've learned about the experiences you've had in your job, just like an average human making a blog post about life and stuff that goes on through your day.
You eventually get rewarded, and it puts a smile on your face as your effort can help you sustain for at least a day or two.
You got your job back, but you get lesser salaries than before. The platform helped you boost those earnings as months into the site, you eventually got the hang of it. You have reaped what you sowed by giving time to express about everything that suits your content. But, there's this lingering feeling that there's something more than meets the eye. You observed that some users are tipping articles explaining how **Bitcoin Cash is more effective than Bitcoin core (BTC)**. You thought to yourself, **"Lol, BTC is better because its value is higher."** Still, as you've read the contents of some authors, Bitcoin Cash is more valuable than BTC. BCH values its users while BTC has to suffer from tremendous fees and a network that's pretty much unscalable.
Of course, someone new to crypto wouldn't know of such stuff, but you became enlightened as you withdraw your earnings from this platform, you would realize that it is speedy and efficient.
You realized that this is the definition of being **"Bitcoin."**
**You came to certain conclusions that:**
**1.** Bitcoin Cash has a community that values voluntaryism. (Which is a philosophy that promotes self-ownership and rejects the state. Just like how they fucked the protocols of this pandemic.)
**2.** Bitcoin Cash is scalable and will eventually become efficient in the long term. (Developers and users that support and follow the ideology)
**3.** Low fees, user-friendly and usable. (The efficiency and speed of transferring money with such low costs.)
**4.** Will dethrone BTC. (Bitcoin Core has proven that it doesn't value the sense of what Bitcoin is. Rich people are suffusing it, gatekeeping it, and trick new users into investing blindly. Whereas Bitcoin Cash follows the philosophy and embodies it.)
**5.** Has the potential to change the economy or, better, the world.
**But even with all of these facts, certain people will still fight for what they believe in, even if it's a hopeless case.**
You stay informed and become one with the community; The community that concretizes generosity. You get fascinated by the beautiful stories of people worldwide and how certain users use their earnings to help other people. In your opinion, this is what defines life, the sole embodiment of what defines the world as its own. Not controlled, free. Free to express what's in your heart and your mind.
**Freedom.**
It's like one big circle of reciprocity, and you realize that it signifies the logo of BCH.
**The circle of reciprocity, generosity sustains life.**
**The color of life. Green.**
**And the center, the philosophy of Bitcoin.**
And you're already proud to say that **Bitcoin cash is easy cash. It means it's easy to use, easy to understand, and easy to "weigh" in life.** We don't have to keep a bunch of papers. 😉
Now someone is reading this article of yours, hoping to be the next to be enlightened as he/she/they create their own story and post it on this platform. You are now one with the circle of life, confident that you walk out of the house and engage life in a new perspective.
It's almost a year that I've been here, and I can't wait for another two months to post my realizations and the learnings that I got from reading and writing. I never really had the intention to dive into crypto until the pandemic happened. I just came back from the mountainside and being in a state of isolation from the city helped me put my thoughts into order.
I've been posting poems and short stories when I recently came here because I think that my imaginations put to words would have meaning, so they did. I’m thankful for @Hanzell and @Charlotte for reading my lame pieces and for my silent readers as well.
My longest story so far: The Chronicles of BCH: The promised usurper https://read.cash/@marcmire/chronicles-of-bch-the-promised-usurper-291092d0
I've been amazed by a lot of people, especially to @MarcDeMesel who's second in line to the RandomRewarder for having the highest tips in this platform and to **Simon** the developer who is working diligently to sustain this site so it doesn't fall to pieces.
To all top tippers out there and has the amazing content, and the few friends that I known because of this platform. I hope we tread in life with a bright view in the future. Let's keep sharing our stories and share information just like human beings with a certain connection. :D
-Marc
Astral Whale (Epilogue)
Chapter I: **https://read.cash/@marcmire/the-astral-whale-dreams-series-c1f3cf49**
Chapter II:**https://read.cash/@marcmire/the-astral-whale-ii-dreams-series-85896fdc**
Chapter III:**https://read.cash/@marcmire/astral-whale-iii-dreams-series-44271f66**
Chapter IV: **https://read.cash/@marcmire/astral-whale-iv-dreams-series-5bfbc645**
Chapter V:https://read.cash/@marcmire/astral-whale-v-8e1d9c29
“It’s a miracle that you made it out alive, Mr. Newman. It was only a matter of time when the doctors rushed into my room and checked my condition. I never really understood how I made it out alive, especially when that water was too deep when I fell. We thought you were already a goner.”
“How long was I out, doc?” I asked as I realized I got thinner when I saw my hands.
“You were out for two months and 13 days,” They said, getting the thermometer out of my armpit. “You’re fortunate, kid.” The nurse added. “Fortunate.”
“Tell me,” The doctor stated, sitting beside me after grabbing a chair. “What went on when you were out?” The doctor put his index finger and thumb to his chin, excited to hear what I was about to say. But I know he wouldn’t understand. Even I didn’t know what happened there, and I just got indulged at the moment.
“It was just all pitch black, Doc.” I lied, though it was just a white lie, I want to forget everything that life of lie I lived. “It was like I was in the dark forever until I woke up to my hospital bed.”
“I see,” The doctor nodded, “I was just curious because you had a 10% chance of surviving your condition.”
“Your brain was deteriorating, kid. Even when saving you when you drowned, you were still heating up.” The nurse then ruffled my hair. “I guess we’ve got a fighter here. Welcome back, bud.” His coarse voice somehow felt comforting. What choice do I have anyway? The important thing is, I’m alive.
“Rest assured, Mr. Newman, before we discharge you, we are going to put you on to some tests so we can evaluate your well-being. The tests will start by tomorrow.” He announced, and the two bid farewell to us in the room.
When they finally left, I asked my aunt about the incident that happened to me at the pier.
“Well, an old man rescued you as people tried to call for help.” She said, “You were fortunate indeed, Austin. But, a few couple minutes and that man would never have saved you, and we would have been grieving.” I gestured for her to come over with open arms asking for another hug. She was tearing up when she came close to me and gave me a good hug. “I’m sorry, I should’ve just accepted the fact that they’re gone,” I cried. “I shouldn’t have put you all through those messes. It was disrespectful.” I hugged her back tighter.
“It’s okay, and I understood what you’ve been experiencing. What are families for anyway? If you’re going to get called crazy, I might as well jump in.” She said with a reassuring tone while caressing my back. Moments after, my aunt mentioned again the older man who saved me. “He was one of your father’s companions back when he was working in the harbor; you could say he was a family friend.”
“Can you describe what he looked like?” I already had a hunch on who it was, and to my surprise, when Aunt Lou gave the description, it was the older man that I met from the beach around the harbor. I knew I had to meet him, it’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other, and we only met that one time when we saw benny. So I got to fulfill and look forward to that task once more.
I got subjected to several tests for weeks; they evaluated my physique and went on to have me for physical and mental therapies. Finally, it was only a matter of time that I got discharged. It was good news that I could live my life a bit longer without living in a fantasy that I created. The bad news is that I failed at school right in my last year where I’m supposed to graduate. Well, that’s the price that I have to pay.
A few days passed by when I was again able-bodied to go my own way. I decided to go to the beach since it’s the weekend. So I rode my bike and sped off to the beach after I had my breakfast. Once I arrived, I saw the older man standing there, watching Benny from a distance before Benny submerged.
“Hey, mister–“ I caught his attention when I spoke.
“Morgan, It’s Klaus Morgan.” He smiled at me as he stood in front of the ocean. I slowly approached him and hugged him. He gladly welcomed me with open arms. “I don’t know what I did to you, but thank you for saving me.”
“It’s nothing, kid, and it’s the least I can do for your father.”
“So you knew my father?”
“Let’s take a seat from that tree trunk, shall we? Just like from day one.” So we slowly broke off from the hug and proceeded to the tree trunk from our first conversation.
“First things first, why didn’t you go that weekend? I was waiting all day long.”
“I was so caught up by that whale in my dreams, sketching it restlessly with no sleep, forgetting I had an appointment here,” I replied, scratching the side of my head.
He took a deep breath and sighed, “Where do I start?” He said.
“Just the relevant parts, I guess.” I chuckled.
“Your father and I go way back when the harbor was still underdeveloped. We’d go for expeditions together and made the port prosper to what it is now.” I nodded, and he continued, “Until that one God-damned day. Remember the storm 13 years ago?”
“Yes, that’s my dad’s second to the last expedition.”
“That’s also the time when you’re father started to go deranged.”
“I thought-“
“Yes, you thought it was just a typical expedition, but it was not. It was a giant cluster fuck where the communications have mismanaged directions and schedules. The shit you get from foreign shipping lines.”
“So what happened?”
“A couple of men went overboard and got eaten by whales. That was too much for your father since he was too naive for his own good. He started doubting his capabilities. I won’t blame him; he was still too young.”
“His last expedition was when he never returned. Did he overcome his fear somehow?” I asked in curiosity as I remembered that day when he said to wait for him to come back by the harbor. That’s when I made it my daily routine.
“No kid, his fear overcame him. He sailed on his own. Then, a couple of days later, his body got found by local fishermen, floating, dead.” He sighed and turned his gaze to the sea. “I cannot imagine what he has been through.”
I stood up and offered him a hand to stand up, “Well, at least you saved their son. He’d be forever grateful to you.” I smiled as he reached for my hand.
“You had it rough, haven’t you kid?”
“I can’t blame my mom that she took her own life. It’s just me, not accepting it and just played to what my heart ever desired.”
“Like a reality of your own?”
“Like a reality of my own.”
The older man gave me another hug, “Well, at least you’re back to the real reality; make your parents proud and keep yourself strong.”
I smiled and hugged him back. After that, we just chatted along the beach, hearing the stories of my father’s journey, especially how he got his Admiral title. It was an excellent start to my new perspective on actual reality.
A couple of moments later, a girl’s voice called out for me behind. How could I ever forget that angelic voice? I turned around and saw Jane, with her golden hair like she descended from heavens and her eyes were blue as the ocean stood across us. She ran towards and me and hugged me tightly.
“I hope you’re back,” She said, as her voice got muffled as she pushed her face towards my chest.
“I am darling, I am.” I smiled and hugged her tighter. She smelled so good, like the scent of spring.
“Please, don’t ever go away like that again. It pains me to pretend that I don’t love you.”
“I’m sorry, I will make it up to you. I swear on the 2nd life given to me.” I pleaded, as tears also start to flow out of my eyes. I grabbed my handkerchief and wiped her tears away. She was so beautiful even when crying, and it gave me butterflies when she stopped and looked at me as I brushed her sorrows away.
“All right, kids, I’m off now. Greet your friend whose watching you over there,” The older man said and went on his way before we noticed Norman watching us from a distance. “You’re quite the lovebirds, aren’t you?” He said, slowly walking towards us.
“I really can’t believe that you lost your mind to the point that you’re getting jealous of Norman and me.” Jane teased me while having soft whimpers.
“He lost his mind to the point he thought I was straight, jokes on you, Newman,” Norman said, chuckling at us embracing each other. “You still hit like a bitch, though.”
I just laughed at his remark, “I’m sorry, bro, I just didn’t know what to do” I gave Norman a big hug also, and eventually, it was good to warm group hug.
The answer has always been here all along, acceptance. The whale signified that I’m losing reality, and the dark mist calls to me, plunging me into the darkness with my reality. Blinded with my selfishness, it called unto me. I guess dreams do impact, but it often has dire consequences if you take matters incorrectly. Life is one hell of a complicated feat that only the strongest will survive. If I haven’t been strong enough to face my demons, I would also be with my parents right now in the afterlife.
“I invited the gang here to have some welcome back party,” Norman announced while holding his phone texting.
“They respected our wishes that only Norman and I would take care of you during your seclusion,” Jane said, caressing my cheek with her thumb. “You should thank them also, okay?”
I nodded in response.
“Thank you for waiting for me,”
“I always said I’d wait, right? I’d wait even if it takes forever, Austin,”
We kissed, and it felt like divine redemption. Such a beautiful indeed. We three caught up afterward while waiting for the others.
Having friends and a faithful girlfriend helps around the journey. We never know what lies ahead in life, just like the enigmatic sea that’s full of mysteries.
I guess it’s time to face school with a new perspective again.
End.
Astral Whale V
Chapter I: https://read.cash/@marcmire/the-astral-whale-dreams-series-c1f3cf49
Chapter II:https://read.cash/@marcmire/the-astral-whale-ii-dreams-series-85896fdc
Chapter III:https://read.cash/@marcmire/astral-whale-iii-dreams-series-44271f66
Chapter IV: https://read.cash/@marcmire/astral-whale-iv-dreams-series-5bfbc645
Chapter V: Belonging
"Cosmos"
"Whales"
"Seas"
"Ain't it a wonderful sight, my son?" The bearded man stated while I sat in the boat's bow. I look upon the stars that strike through the cosmic sky with colorful starry little trails behind them. I'm glad that I can meet my father again, in the beautiful scenery that I've yearned for a while. I never thought that we would see each other here, where everything seems to be perfect–
"That's the whale that has been in your dreams, son," My father patted my head. He pointed towards the family of whales swimming through the ocean's surface, which is a mile away from us. "Tell me, dad, how come you've never gone back home?" I look at him, trying to expect a reasonable answer. But, instead, he stood there with both his hands in his pockets. He looked at the whales, which seem to swim to the never-ending horizon with the breeze which waved his hair. My father was the epitome of a fine sailor. He was well-built and is confident for his good. I guess he always adored that life in the sea.
"I’m already home, Austin. I’m glad you’re already here too.” I smiled at his remark. “You know, your mom made a special cake for your arrival.” I can smell something good coming from below the deck of our little ship coming towards us. It’s mom’s specialty, and I can always recognize her cooking. That delicate smell and the lovely aroma when it’s cooked perfectly by her. How can I forget?
I stand up as soon my mom passes the threshold of the captain’s deck. My dad is delighted to see me happy in this little world of ours. I proceed to hug my mom, and it made my heart melt; It’s as if I already found all of the answers that I have been searching for, us, as a complete family once again. “I missed you, darling,” My mom kisses my forehead and pulls me toward her with her free hand to tighten the hug.
My dad then tapped me in the back and asked, “Why don’t we see the stars? But this time, as a family.” I nodded with excitement. Back then, I remembered that we used to see the stars to give each other assurance that everything would be fine, especially when dad embarks on one of his trips. It was eargasmic to hear those words when they came right of his mouth. I didn’t hesitate and reached both of their hands as we watched the cosmic sky together. So I feel euphoric at this point that I don’t want to let go of this moment. I began to tear up as my feelings of joy overflows. Until my father said, “Son since we’re all here now, will you stay with us until we get to our destination?” He grabbed me by my shoulder and kneeled to level my height. I was confused by his words, yet I remained calm. “What do you mean, dad?”
“Do you want to stay here forever with us?” When he said that, a realization occurred to me and brought me back to reality. It was just another dream state, where I’m in the depths of my consciousness. Yet, everything feels so surreal that I’m tempted to come with them.
“What do you say, son? No more damsels in distress, and this world is ours for the taking.” My dad smiles. I’m looking at the endless horizon where the boat and whales are heading. I glance at my mother and father, who are already looking at me, waiting for my answer.
“Is this the answer to the questions that’s been inside my head?” I asked myself inside of me. “Is this what I truly want?”
I noticed that the breeze became colder as the winds also got strong. My father then looks forward and stands up, and said with authority, “There’s a storm coming, Austin. You have to make a choice now.” Just like a captain ready to sail the ship into rough currents. It’s as if I could feel his sharp aura of being a captain if I was a crew on board. I’m trying to recollect my thoughts to give a definite answer, but the more I think, the stronger the winds became. Finally, our hands broke off from holding, and my mother tapped my shoulder, and I glanced at her as she caught my attention. “Honey, eat a piece of this cake if your answer is no.” She said as she smiled. “And throw the cake if you’re answer is yes.” My dad added. “We’re going to face the storm together, just like we always had, as a family. Do you trust me once more, my son?” My mom handed me the silver platter where the freshly baked cake stood, and beside it is a fork.
The cosmic skies above turn into dark clouds after the stars that light up its sky turns dim then pitch black. The whales submerge in the ocean's depths when the seas turn rough, and the horizon isn’t visible because of the hard rain beyond. “Make the decision now, Austin,” My dad says, trying to balance himself off the rocking ship. This world is the perfect state that I wished for, and my life is already destroyed in reality. How I wish this were the reality that I lived; a dream come true indeed. But looking back, I only just played myself in the process. That was the last straw when I fell off the ledge, and I owe myself to death now. It’ll be absurd if I offer myself continuing a life of a lie, and besides, I can’t let Jane wait forever. Her thought still echoes into my head, and she will always be a significant part of my reality.
I’m done. I’ve already caused too much damage.
Hurt many people in my play.
I already decided.
I shall get back to reality.
“Sorry, mom, dad. Someone’s waiting for me. As much as I want to stay,” I paused with tears slowly fell from my eyes. “I’ve already accepted that you two are gone. I guess all I wanted is a proper goodbye to silence my thoughts.”
I grabbed the fork and sliced a piece of the cake, and ate it.
“You’ve made the right choice, darling” My mom and dad hugged me for a brief moment.
“Live well, Austin! we’ll see you soon.” They smiled and got hold of the metal strips that make out the captain’s deck while dad tried to get inside to get a hold of the steering wheel.
The winds keep getting stronger, and I got flown off to the air meters away by the strength of the winds. Then, seconds before I fell to the rough deep waters, I saw their ship getting devoured by the big wave, destroying it in the process. The most complicated truth that I have to accept while drowning on the ocean floor.
I woke up to the beeping sounds beside me. As I groggily opened my eyes, I see a shocked aunt Lou looking towards me. She quickly grabs the hospital telephone and says, “Doctor! Austin is awake!” before hugging me tightly.
“Man, I’m home.”
- To be continued (Epilogue)
Revolution
**Revolution**
What could a child see through their eyes of innocence? When fathers of the holy sanctuary get publicly executed in the eyes of the public? They wanted change, a system that will foster through the ages with the people benefiting the most. What could have been in the minds of the oppressors to kill such a dream; To kill such vision? Is it to instill the doctrine of them being higher than their brothers and sisters?
I guess they're called oppressors for a reason, oppress the oppressed so they can suppress those who want to question their rule. Only the bravest and boldest of men would ever try to topple their regime. So mighty is the hand who knows when to choose a pen or a sword. The fathers' death invoked a fire inside the people that they shall no longer be treated in the hateful and dirty hands of the oppressors. From what lurks deep from the heart of the tyrannical rule of the foreign power is an enormous flame doused by the fuel of hatred and anger. "The deaths of the innocent shouldn't go answered," as they said to their brothers in arms.
The aftermath of the tragedy calls for a polymath to draw a silver coin. The coin lands on the face of chance signifying another call of change, accompanied by the sound of drums that calls reforms on the system. Let our inks burn-in paper and let them echo far and wide and be read throughout for centuries to come. Let the children become fathers that will take faith and fight for the motherland. Poetry and literature be the salvation of dim minds that are engulfed by the darkness of the hour. Let it light the hearts and minds and people to expose their lies and false promises. Strip the oppressors of their clothes and lets the people know their true colors. We must make the call, and we must raise the banner that will signify our unity. We will fight for our sovereignty!
For the polymath never condoned to go to drastic measures like shedding blood like what the oppressors did. All he did was make us realize what it would be like if there was a change, something better that we deserve rather than just us being slaves in our land. As wise as he was, he was never afraid of death. He embraced death with a smile with his books in his hand, knowing that he made the right choice. As men stood with rifles in their hands, aimed in unison to him, he bid his farewell to his countrymen and this life before coming with death without regrets.
They thought this was the last that they will ever hear about people trying to destabilize their rule. Still, the secret society composed of those who were tired of the same awful treatment ignited their hearts to a glorious revolution. They never faltered by his death but instead stayed faithful like a good son to his motherland.
Change!
Change!
Change!
They utter the words as they echoed through the land, through the ears of patriots and civilians alike.
We must make the call, and we must raise the banner that will signify our unity. We will fight for our sovereignty!
The secret society ripped the papers of their foreign oppressors, which are meant to submit to their rule. They find the exchange for hefty amounts of their riches, which was supposed to be theirs in the first place, absurd.
It all started with one cry, the cry that will echo throughout the ears of our oppressors as they desecrate our homeland. The men take arms, and the women tend to the needy to supply support for the cause. That defining cry made us one, like a trumpet that calls for the sound of war that will determine and change everything! We will never falter and yield! We will protect our homeland! We will never bow down to these foreign blood that shapes us to one of their own. We will make history as of our own.
As we fall to death's pale spectre, I wish our countrymen to continue that cause that has been for ages; we were all destined for great heights. This country's richness was meant for our people and not for the nations swooned over it. Some may have turned blind to the false promises of these invaders, offered good land and titles in exchange for their countrymen's lives, doing a business out of a priceless land.
Oh! Shall we cry not for our deaths but for we mourn for our dearest country overrun by tyrants from nations across the sea! Today we will reclaim our home, our sovereignty, and our dignity. We shall never fall below from these oppressors as the motherland dictated us to be much more than meets the eye of the world.
We were destined for greatness,
We were destined to be free!
But it requires a big sacrifice for great things to be achieved. We must spill blood after blood after blood since war demands to happen, but our zeal and bloodthirst will be somewhat justified in our motherland's soil.
Cannons, Rifles, and Knives. All a recipe for destruction. Yet, we will never cower when we wield it. The blood of our enemies will stain our hands, and it's a tremendous honor to die for our motherland. So, let me lay down on the ground where I can hear the disappearing blood-curdling cries of men. Let me embrace the triumphant trumpets of triumph, for I did my duty for my country and family. Show me the waving flag of victory that we already kicked out the invaders before I'd meet my ancestors.
God help us declare our independence. Then, we can show our pride that we defeated the oppressors, where we can honor our fallen with the symbol of unity and pride in reclaiming our sovereignty. Sacrifice after sacrifice brought us where we are now, and generation through generation will preserve our sacred vow.
Our independence.
--
As time passes by, as we celebrate our independence, why does it feel that we're still slaves in our own country? Are we still being blindfolded to the reality of the situation? Or don't have the guts to accept that this is the change we've yearned for and we've just learned to adapt to things in the ever-changing world?
Either way, the answer lies within our land. If only we can open our eyes, then we can learn from history.
-Marc
Astral Whale IV (Dreams Series)
Chapter I: https://read.cash/@marcmire/the-astral-whale-dreams-series-c1f3cf49
Chapter II: https://read.cash/@marcmire/the-astral-whale-ii-dreams-series-85896fdc
Chapter III : https://read.cash/@marcmire/astral-whale-iii-dreams-series-29b152a3
Chapter IV: Reset
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Norman!” I exclaimed. “My mother is alive and well; My father is just away on a trip!” I asserted while glaring into him with his hands clenching my collar hard as ever.
“You delusional prick!” He punches me in my right jaw, causing me to push him off with my might and land a punch on him for retaliation. As soon as I can land multiple jabs at him, we were both broke off by our classmates who happen to see us while they were on their way to the cafeteria.
I was so furious that they talked about my parents when they didn’t know the whole story.
“You never knew how much Jane cried for you, you fucking asshole!” Norman hissed as he was slowly dragged away from me by our classmates. “Jane? why would she-?” My heart broke when I saw Jane crying so hard, dropping the pouch-filled cookies on the floor before leaving the scene. The kind of hurt when lovers quarrel or break up; as much as my head tore me from above, the feeling also tore me inside. Is Jane something special to me? In my confused state, I’m not in the right mind to assess these things, but something there made me realize that it wasn’t just that day when we were at the convenience store that we got to interact; Something there gave me butterflies for a sec; Something tells me she’s someone special, and Norman too. “Who the hell am I?” I tried to assess myself as I stared blankly for a while, being dragged away in slow motion, hearing all the inaudible noise from the fiasco we created. “Let go of me, please,” I said while struggling to get my arms out of their grip. They finally let go of me once they realized I wasn’t fighting them back.
Before I could recollect my thoughts about her, my attention was drawn to the door opening from the clinic.
“What the hell is going on here?” The nurse from the clinic came out as we drew out a lot of attention to the school premises. “You teenagers learn to control yourselves!” The nurse exclaimed. I quickly ran out of the scene as teachers went on to investigate the matter. “My academics are a dead end now; it’s now or never,” I mumbled as I ran towards the classroom to get back and grab my bag, bearing the pain again from my headache. I needed to go home; this has been the worst day so far, and I haven’t been that close to the answer to that whale disappearing in my dreams.
I’m slowly losing my mind to all the stuff that’s been happening. I want answers!
After I grabbed my bag, I immediately run to the stand to grab my bike. I can feel my body getting exhausted as I feel myself burning up. “Man, wrong time to trigger a fever.” I pedalled hard out of the gates, ignoring the guard that’s taking lunch as he called me out for getting off school. “Hey, kid! Get back here!”
The scorching heat touches my skin, greeting my already heated body from fever. Right now, the only thing on my mind is going back home and taking medicine, then sleep, hoping that everything will subside and think about Norman’s nonsense accusations. However, I noticed that my phone keeps on repeatedly vibrating in my pocket as I try to go as fast as I can in going home. So I just paid for it, no mind. I’m in no mood to think right now.
“Hope that I’ll just get by a huge truck,” I mumbled as I passed through the busy streets of town weakly. The cries of the whale then echoed in my head as I get nearer and nearer into our house; the skies then slowly turn into the cosmos plastered with stars that are dimly illuminating with the clouds. I was mesmerized yet horrified by the scenery that’s happening right before my eyes.
“Is this reality? Or I am dreaming?” I asked myself, bewildered by sight. When I was getting nearer to our neighborhood, I noticed that a black mist has been following me, devouring the things in pitch-black those who lay in its wake. As I glanced from left to right, there’s also a black mist slowly converging onto me, yet it’s still far. My problem is that mist that’s behind me is catching up to my speed. My knee-jerk response was to go straight forward as fast as I can until I can lose this thing.
“Shit!” I cursed at the wind as I pedalled hard, trying to outrun the mist. The only location that I can think of is the harbor which was only straight ahead. I mean, what that mist could never go against the sea. I assured myself that was the only way out of this nightmarish dilemma.
I hastened my pace with the adrenaline rush that’s coursing through my body only to find as I looked up a whole sizeable Astral whale swimming through the cosmic skies. I was nearing the harbor, and the only available escape route was the long pier that has always been in the center of the harbor at the edge of town. I’ve always hated yet loved that part of the harbor since that was the last time I’ve ever talked to my dad when we went out for a trip across town. The platform stands tall at the deep sea it stood, making it a fresh breeze for the townsfolk and a known attraction.
As I arrived, I got off my bike. I immediately went to the edge of the pier as the black mist covers the entire town pitch black, with only the cosmos illuminating the whole area. The whale that has been hovering above slowly dives towards me from above as the black mist from the seaside converges in the entrance on the pier, coming on to get me forming a large cloud of mist twice the size of me.
There was no choice, and this black mist sounds like a bad idea.
I let myself fall from the ledge as the disfigured whale comes forth toward me and the black mist is just a few inches away.
All I heard was a massive splash as I fall deep into the sea, with the last thing I see is the rays of sunlight shining before my eyes as everything turns black.
- To be continued
Astral Whale III (Dreams series)
Chapter I - https://read.cash/@marcmire/the-astral-whale-dreams-series-c1f3cf49
Chapter II - https://read.cash/@marcmire/the-astral-whale-ii-dreams-series-85896fdc
Chapter III: Jealousy and Saints
"There's that whale again," I said while I stood up from the grassy plains that lay before the cosmic skies. I feel the warmth of the breeze that crosses over me from the horizon as I see a glimpse of the whale's appearance again. It's slowly swimming through the skies as its enormous body can be seen over the clouds. As it drifted away from it, my eyes were filled with shock as I could see the entirety of its tail gone with cosmic dust surrounding the lost part. Its cries echoed throughout the horizon, and a black mist is coming from the farthest part of the place, engulfing the plains filled with richness. The cosmic scenery plastered throughout the skies suddenly made the starlight dim and slowly filled the skies with darkness. I wanted to scream to get out of the place, but I was too focused on the whale. Its cries filled my ears with despair, and the body slowly disappearing out of existence made my eyes dismal with tears falling from it.
"DAMN"
"LET ME OUT"
"IT DIDN'T HAPPEN"
I woke up to the knocking sound on my bedroom door. It's my mom, trying to open the door as I have always locked it since then. I try to grasp reality to that horrible dream state, and it also gave me a painful headache.
"Austin, are you okay? Open up!" She persistently tries to open it up. The noise made my headache worse.
"Yes! I'm awake, and okay, I'll come out in a sec!" I shouted from the bed, trying to regain my perspective.
"Are you sure?" Jesus.
"YES!" I retorted since it's been getting to my nerves, and it's super annoying.
"Okay, breakfast is ready, and you're minutes away from being late for school. See you!"
I looked at the calendar and the time. "Oh, it's a Friday. I guess I'll try my luck again tomorrow to catch the old man." I mumbled. Who gives a damn about a school anyway. After that encounter with Jane last week at the convenience store, we went awkward for each other. I often catch her hanging out with Norman like they have their circle. Not that I'm jealous, but it's just an eyesore for me. Well, not that I can change it, though.
Moments after realizing stuff, I went out of my room and came down for breakfast. I then saw a letter on the dining table. Which inscribed,
'I'm off to buy garden supplies and stop by for groceries; take care when you go to school and lock the door before you leave! Love, Aunt Lou'
Aunt Lou?! I thought Aunt Lou lived outside the country. But, man, I've been disoriented with how things are right now; even mom has the delusion that she's Aunt Lou. "Maybe it runs in the family," I chuckled. My headache makes me want to skip school, but I realized that I would fail if I won't attend a class in hell week. I'm going to make dad proud no matter what. I then went on to get dressed and went to school with my bicycle. My bicycle is the only one that's been sane enough to remind me that I'm still, in reality, trying to survive even if things are not that understandable.
Man, it's been a long time since I've been this late. The streets are now quite busy, and the scorching heat greets my skin. I only sighed and pedaled my way to school, hoping that the teacher for the first subject is absent. As I arrived at school, I immediately walked to the classroom after I latched my bike to the shed; as expected, the teacher was already finishing the class. My classmates handed out their papers that I assume had a long quiz. "Well, there goes my grades," I murmured. "Good morning, Mr. Page, sorry I'm late." The class murmured as I slowly entered the room. "Stop right there, Mr. Newman. You know you're going to fail this class if you continue to be late, right?" He sternly stated, "I'll give you this last chance Newman, see me in my office after your classes, and I'll let you take this quiz." He continued and emphasized, "One. Last. Chance." After.
I nodded in response and sat at my desk, and I could only scratch my head in my dilemma.
"Okay, class, that's all for today. Dismissed," Mr. Page dismissed the class, and they all stood up to went to their friend groups and chatter. My hands are shaking as I thought of sketching the dream state again. "Fuck that Whale," I cursed as I held both my hands to my temples as my headache worsened. Finally, I got no choice but to go to the school clinic. I rushed after slamming my desk in frustration. "Fuck, fuck, fuck."
While navigating my way to the school clinic, I happen to bump into Norman and Jane together, with him sipping juice and her holding a pouch of cookies. I took a look at them while running to the clinic and then averted my gaze when they finally recognized me and caught their attention.
"Aust-"I heard Jane's faint call as I slowly grow a distance between them, with Norman saying, "Just let him be."
I just scoffed, and I calmed my posture, trying to bear the pain of my headache as I enter the school clinic.
"Good morning. How may I help you?" The nurse greeted me cheerfully, and I guess that's one good thing that happened in my day.
"Uhm, good morning. I need a tablet for a headache."
The nurse then gave me a tablet for the pain. I then asked if I could lay in bed for a while.
She just said, "Sure, as long as you're not going to skip class."
"Alright"
I lay down and closed my eyes and drifted myself to slumber. I hear the cries of the whale in my sleep as if for eternity I won't be able to wake up and listen to it forever. What the hell is happening? As if I'm slowly drifting away from reality, slipping into the void with its sorrowful voice accompanying my fall.
I woke up thankfully with the nurse tapping and shifting me repeatedly. "Hey! Wake up; it's now lunchtime!"
"S-sorry," I apologized, as I overlooked the time and gave in to sleep. "Don't worry, kid; I made a letter to your teachers. Is your headache okay?"
"Yes, apparently," I replied.
"You were burning up earlier; go get something to eat. Don't let that fester, okay?" The nurse said with concern. I just smiled and gave my thanks to her. Then, as I was about to go outside right when I opened the clinic's doors, I saw Jane and Norman with her holding the pouch of cookies right from earlier.
"A-Austin, wanna have lunch together? I brought you cookies." Jane said, but I know she's just forced about her kindness.
"If that's for the coffee, forget it; you can have your lunch with Norman. Besides, you two look good together, and it's a compliment." I sarcastically retorted.
"What the hell's wrong with you?" Norman flipped, grabbing me by the collar. "Wake the fuck up, Austin! Wake the fuck up!" He then pushed me against the lockers that stood behind me.
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"Norman, don't!" Jane shouted, getting the attention of the students around the vicinity.
"Just because your mother and father are dead, you don't have to act like an asshole. Accept reality, goddamn it!" When Norman said those words, it felt like sharp knives tore into my head, making my headache agonizing.
“Mom and Dad, dead?”
- To be continued.
The Astral Whale II (Dreams Series)
Chapter I: https://read.cash/@marcmire/the-astral-whale-dreams-series-c1f3cf49
Chapter II: The Rain of Perplexity
The last two days have been rough on school since examinations are near. It is also required that you get a clearance for extra-curricular activities and clubs for the school year's end. Talk about excruciating! I went on to buy a drawing book yesterday to ease my mind from the stress this week and the upcoming weeks. I sketched the scenery from where the whale was in my dreams since it's been three days since I haven't been to that dream state. The disappearing whale that's been drifting to the cosmic skies still bothers me, so I bet sketching it to detail might remind me and bring me back there.
I got interrupted when a golden-haired girl named Jane tapped my back, "Hey, have you passed your paper yet?" she said. I nodded in response, and she replied with a sad smile. "I hope you get over it, Austin." I caught her glance at my drawing before heading out to the classroom with her friends to go home. I guess that's my cue to go home also, given that the clouds are starting to get all dark and grey as I looked through the window. I packed my things, stuffed them into my bag carefully, and went on to the bicycle stand. There, I saw an old friend of mine. Our eyes met for a second as he unlatched his bike from the rails, his gaze shows pity and scorn, but I guess that's just my intuition; he then went on his way after. I shrugged it off and proceeded to unlatch my bicycle and go home. Hoping that I would never get caught in this rain.
It wasn't even halfway home when I heard the thunderstorms signaling for heavy rain. I pedal faster, hoping to race the heavy dark clouds but to no avail. It started to rain heavily, and my uniform quickly got soaked; good thing there's a convenience store right up ahead. I could take shelter from it for a while.
I got into the convenience store and hastily put my bicycle behind a dry post. I noticed that Jane was also taking shelter against the hard rain and was sitting on the bench where a bus would likely stop. I quickly nodded to acknowledge her presence as our eyes met and drifted after that. I went inside the convenience store and bought two hot coffees to show a good gesture to a classmate. Then, I went out of the store and saw her scrolling on her phone.
"Mind if I sit beside you?" I asked calmly, holding both coffees.
She looked at me with those eyes which have the color of the ocean. "Yes, of course." She shifted and made space for me to sit, and I obligingly sat down beside her. "Thanks, this is for you." I handed her the hot coffee since it's evident that she's shivering from the cold of the breeze. "You didn't have to, Austin," She stated as she slowly grabbed the hot coffee, "But thanks." She sweetly smiled and took a sip after taking off the lid.
"Do you have a hanky? I have an extra!" So I offered her my extra handkerchief in case of damsels in distress. I remember dad's lesson very well, and I unconsciously smiled. In contrast, I remembered it then coming back to reality only to find Jane looking at me delightfully. It made me slightly blush and feel butterflies in my stomach.
"So, what were you sketching earlier?" She asked as she sipped coffee, with her body directed towards me. I hesitated for a while if I should tell the truth or should lie. I figured that she wouldn't understand most of it, so I thought, why not?
"It's about a dream," I paused for a while, looking at the grey skies where the rainfall seems never-ending. "I know it's absurd, but I've been dreaming of whales lately," I said. "You're quite the dreamer, are you?" She chuckled, giving me a smile that can leave men dumbfounded. "I guess I am." I softly said. "But you know, strange dreams happen because we've been thinking a lot, trying a lot to put these thoughts into order– at least that's what I thought." She shrugged. "How about you, though? What have you been dreaming lately?" "Hmmm." She looked up, trying to collect her thoughts, and then went on to talk, "Well, my dreams have their variety. It can be about being lost in the dinosaur age, swimming with mermaids on the sea, and just the plain old scenarios where you could get caught up in fun or, worse, sorrow."
"My dreams also have their variety, Jane," I said in contrast. "But this specific dream makes me long for it to happen; it's slowly becoming like a drug but fueled by curiosity." I continued.
"The best kind of dreams that I want to go back into are those dreams that make me feel contented and enlightened, back to those scenarios where everything was fine and normal and-"Jane paused. "Sorry I got carried away." she softly chuckled and then sipped her coffee. "It's fine, hahaha. I also think I could wait a while for these dreams to occur. I guess you can truly feel the thrill that comes along in deciphering them, don't you?"
"You know, Austin. I'd wait, no matter how long for it to occur, like waiting for you-" She stated, smiling. I was perplexed when she said it out of the blue. "Wait for me?" I asked to clear my confusion. "Wait for things to go back to normal, I mean." I looked at her still, with confusion on my face. "Normal-" before I could ask for more, I hear the engine of a bus revving towards the bus stop. "Look, don't think about it too much." The bus doors open before her as she stood up, bringing along her with the coffee I bought.
"Just be you, the true you,” she said to me before getting into the bus, as I got left dumbfounded sitting on the bench in the hard pouring rain.
- To be continued.
The Astral Whale (Dreams Series)
They say dreams depict and help us take a glimpse of what's going to happen in the future. Some say it's how our consciousness speaks to us about evaluating ourselves in the form of us playing scenarios in our dreams. Sometimes it can be scary, romantic, thrilling, and even inspiring. Still, for me, it's always about that Astral Whale that's floating into the majestic sky with a lot of beautiful colors illuminating in the cosmos below the grassy field where I stood. I could never decipher which is which to the point that it makes me curious why that specific scenario would often play in my dreams.
Just a few months after it started occurring, something strange happened. I stared at the majestic sky sprinkled with stars and space painted with the ocean's color with the touch of ruby and fuchsias. Oh, you could never endure the beauty of the skies that lay before my eyes as I sat here in the grass with the plains of the landscape trailing endlessly. Just before I could lay my head onto the grassy field, a song of the whale caught my attention. Its tail was becoming visible through the cosmic clouds that embodied the skies, waving back and forth as if it's swimming through the atmosphere with its body hidden beneath the clouds. I stood up to take a closer look, and I squinted my eyes to focus on the sparks illuminating from its tail. It was bleeding, bleeding cosmic dust as if its tail is slowly decaying among the stars. My eyes glued to the gigantic creature. As soon as there was an opening where the thick cosmic clouds break, I could see the eyes of the creature gazing towards me as if we made a connection through it. Still, before I could stretch my hand up high to signal it to come towards me, I woke up to a distant voice becoming louder and louder.
**"Austin! Wake up! It's time for breakfast!"** My mother's voice from downstairs tells me that it's already morning and it's a weekend. I might catch my father from down the harbor, so I rushed into my clothes and immediately went downstairs to get a fill. **"Slept well lately, Austin?"** She asked. I just nodded in agreement, but I'm dumbfounded about the things they are now. I think I could only think straight if I face the ocean recollecting my thoughts. After chatting with her and making my stomach satisfied, I rode my bicycle. I went straight to the harbor, hoping that I could still catch my dad before he departs to the seas. The view of the seas greeted me with the usual seagulls flying over the waves and the boats departing from the port just a few miles away from the harbor. It gave me a sense of feeling that something special is going to happen today. It wasn't the usual gloomy days that I would often experience. Still, whatever, I pedal hastily to arrive at the harbor.
When I got there, I wasn't surprised that Dad already left. I wished that I could catch him just for once before he departs again. Since that day, dad won't come home. Maybe he and mom got into a fight, and I don't know anymore. Getting all sentimental with my thoughts, I traversed to the nearby beach where I sat down at a large broken trunk that gave a good view of the sea. Coming to think of it, loving the sea so much simultaneously, hating it might contribute to the Astral Whale that's been swimming in my dreams. Yet, I can't just seem to figure why it is slowly disappearing. My thoughts are all jumbled like a couple of headsets getting all tangled in your pocket. Moments later, contemplating it while looking at the still sea, a humpback whale caught my attention as it surfaced from a distance. My eyes widen by coincidence, my attention diverted to the sound of clapping by a person, which is just distance between us two. It was an older man, roughly in his 60's cheering the whale. I clapped in unison, getting his attention.
**"Do you know Benny?"** He shouts, putting both of his hands sideways beside his mouth to amplify his voice.
**"Who?"** I asked, trying to clarify the name.
**"I said, do you know Benny?"**
**"Benny? Who's benny?"**
The older man pointed at the whale who's been surfacing, making splashes at sea. **"That's Benny,"** He replied.
**"Oh,"** I laughed, **"I didn't know Benny was a whale."**
**"Isn't he wonderful?"** The older man rhetorically asked, grinning at the sight of the whale.
He then slowly approached me and asked if he can sit in the tree trunk. **"Benny comes over to this side of the beach only on special occasions."** He stated, **"that's why I got excited and went to see him, but I never really thought that there was also somebody witnessing his appearance."**
**"I see."** I acknowledged while astonished by the sight of him being mesmerized by the humpback whale.
**"What brings you here, by the way? Are you a son of a sailor?"** As the humpback whale made noises until it subsided when it dove deep again into the waters, the older man asked.
**"I am Admiral Newman's son,"** I responded.
**"Oh, Admiral Newman. A pretty fine sailor, if you ask, he helped much of the community when the storm hit this fishing town. Your father's a generous man."**
**"I went out here to see him off, every weekend, I would go to the harbor hoping that I would catch him when he departs or arrives, but all I see are ships heading out and coming in without a sign of him. It's been months since it's been that way."**
**"They say the troubled would come to ask help from the sea, and I suppose Benny heard that call as well."** The older man grinned with enthusiasm
I was reluctant at first to say that I've been dreaming about weird and puzzling dreams, but I have a good feeling that I can trust this older man. **"I've been dreaming of Whales lately,"** I stated, anticipating that he would laugh at it, but he didn't.
He nodded, putting his index finger and thumb on his chin figuring something out while looking at the ocean.
**"Whales, huh,"** He yelled out after a moment of silence. He let out a deep sigh and told me, **"Listen, kid, meet me here next weekend,"** He stood up on his feet, **"let's talk about it, but for now, I have other stuff to do. It was a pleasure meeting you."** The older man then went on his way while I sat there, determined to figure out about the Astral Whale, and maybe that would be the key to finding my father.
- To be continued
The True Essence of Birthdays
A realization hit me last week when I had my 20th birthday. Every time we course through life, we have to celebrate our birthdays with our loved ones and close companions, but what is there when celebrating a birthday? Is it just an annual event that everyone celebrates since it commemorates the day of our birth? Or is it a day that marks that we have reached a particular milestone in our life, a milestone that makes us realize our progress in life? As we thread to our enigmatic future, what does genuinely beckon in the end only based on the present?
**Blast from the past**
The definition of my birthdays back then used to be centered upon fun and thanksgiving to a beautiful date defined by your existence with your loved ones. They come along as you age through life, and what makes them unique is that you can claim that “this is your day.” And your friends and family give you the benefit of being the happiest person on that specific day. It can range from gifts, surprise wishes, serenades, and even the coolest of parties. I never had the slightest of doubt that a birthday of mine could go wrong. When I was a kid, the feeling of being validated over a day makes you feel special at some point inside you, hahaha! It makes you feel even younger as you age through the years. I recall that is worthy of being mentioned in the past because you anticipate this “day”. You feel the rush and thrill of what’s supposed to happen on your birthday; is something exciting going to happen? Is something good going to come my way? Those type of questions, and of course, you can’t help but pray that your birthday won’t be getting caught in bad luck’s way, hahaha! I guess that’s what we feel when the innocence of youth still graces us. If only I can imagine having my kid’s birthday soon enough, I would do everything so that my kid would enjoy the little things in life. Birthdays are often memorable, and it’s something to cherish in the long run-in life. This tradition wouldn’t die out as this brings out your happy thoughts and having the chance to connect with your loved ones and thanking them for being there always on may it on your big day or your darkest days.
Though this often comes many realizations as you age, the realization just hit me as I turned 20.
**The realizations of the 20th Mark**
Imagine waking up and feeling as you crossed the threshold of being an adult the excitement you feel when you finally have the freedom you sought. As soon as you got up, you receive messages from friends and loved ones offering birthday wishes. You go on your special day, celebrating your day of birth as usual. Still, it just catches up to you sooner or later, the wave of realization that everything doesn’t feel the same anymore. It just hits you that you’re no longer a kid. After this day, you thought that you would be back to reality again, the same old cycle that you call a daily routine in trying to get used to life while trying to enjoy it. No man is an island, I suppose; the existential dread that crawls unto you every single day hits hard. Good thing you have peers to rely on; they give you emotional support and help you with coping up with life; it’s also a bonus if you have a partner. So having done for the day, you sleep comfortably knowing you had a good time celebrating your day, either you’re drunk, high, or just euphoric to claim that you already reached a milestone in life and have the chance again to start something good with a new age.
Everything that we do as we age to a particular day marks us to be a person that is responsible for doing the duties of what your age corresponds to be. People set expectations about your maturity, responsibility, and even your progress. The life skills that you acquired is one thing that they would scrutinize. Being a young adult equates to you that you’re now able to support your own and would do so in the upcoming years. That’s just reality, and reality is just a depressing yet enlightening perspective. Marking your age with a specific date on the calendar when you were born helps you realize all of the achievements you acquired or even arrange your aspirations on what you will do in that particular age or timeline. As kids, we sometimes talk about where we want to be in the future at a particular age; for example, when we were just 16 years old, we would see ourselves as successful people in the next ten years. That will help out a lot in organizing our lives while anticipating our birthdays to be fun and memorable.
I guess I can say that the true essence of birthdays is defined when we ponder and think for ourselves that we are not getting any younger sooner or later. We have to be equipped with the skills to survive the harshness and reality of the world. Happiness and gracefulness are some of the best feelings that we can feel when we have our birthdays. Still, it should also be a time to realize our path, strengths and weaknesses, life plans and goals, etc. We are making our birthdays the “checkpoints” where we reflect and at the same time have fun with those people who stayed in our lives through the better or worst. Because the world is one cruel place and reality often hits us hard, so we must get a hold of ourselves so that we won’t lose ourselves while we tread to our uncharted future.
**- Marcmire**
Man, it’s been rough lately, I don’t think the traditional learning set-up would be implemented here in our country sooner and later. I gave my hopes up on the government officials, they pretty suck in handling this situation to be honest. What’s sure is that I’ll be focusing more in skills and stuff and I really appreciate it if you’ve come to read this far, it means a lot!
It’s been a while since I’ve written something, school’s over now and I might as well do write about the dreams and how I interpret them in a the most creative way I could’ve imagine. I missed this platform, I guess it’s time to go back and write some more.
Lead image©@js_one__
Chronicles of BCH : The promised usurper
**Disclaimer : This is just a write-up for fun, based on my own perspective on what's the vision of BCH. There's no intention to degrade or stir up discord across communities. Peace!**
"Long has the time for us to settle,
With the differences that cause us to meddle,
Our vision has gone astray,
In the endless loop of our divide,
O' must our gods hear us pray,
In this darkest hour, we stand side by side."
**- The Usurper.**
**"It's been a long time since we have strayed away from the core. We could no longer tolerate another division between ourselves. It's time to settle this once and for all."** The mad knight looked at the sunset before him, standing in the cliff, clenching at his three coins. **"We are all fighting the same war…fighting for our freedom, yet everything still feels the same,"** He said before throwing the coins to the lake that lays below.
A few minutes later, a sound of gallops caught his attention. "**Finally, some good news."** He then walked towards his horse beside the trees, waiting to meet his men.
**"Milord, the ravens have been sent. The meeting will take place according to plan,"** The emissary said in a hopeful tone.
**"Good, we should then prepare ourselves for what's about to come,"** The mad knight then led his men back, with determination and grit in his eyes that what's about to unfold.
**In the town of Resh**
**"Greetings, how much does it cost to enhance and sharpen this sword?"** A male hooded figure asked in a low, calm voice. He handed the sword to the local blacksmith, and he examined it thoroughly.
**"So, it's true? That mad knight is going to usurp the throne?"** The blacksmith asked, **"If he does, I hope he'll succeed; the old system's flaws plague this town."**
**"The time has finally come, do send your prayers."** The hooded figure replied, **"How much for the work?"**
**"That'll serve as my contribution to the cause,"** The blacksmith carefully puts the sword down and gently whispers to the hooded figure, **"The fees are getting high, the people are getting weary, this must change."**
**"Your generosity is humbly accepted, and please do change as you what you seem is necessary."** The hooded man gave him a nod before going his way.
The blacksmith gave a smile to him, delighted to see the sword before him.
**"Trade fees have started going up! Ready your coins and prepare your pockets! Or you can hold them until it subsides!"** The street criers announced in the town's podiums, carrying out a paper of transaction that shows an increase in merchant fees. The people gathered around and showed distaste in the news. **"This is infuriating!"** "**How can we manage to transfer our goods when we can't make an income?" "This is ridiculous!"** The townsfolk cried as they're up for another crisis in their trade.
**"If you don't have patience, then have fun staying poor!"** The crier mocked them and wryly smiled, knowing he'll have his rewards from the order.
**"Tsch,"** Upon hearing the street criers, the hooded man only felt remorse as he rode on his horse back to the kingdom of the order.
On his way, he noticed a couple of wagons from different communities that have been turned away from the order of the core. He knew the time of reckoning has come, and he has a role to play. He then hurried back to the kingdom, where the most prominent commercial hub resides. Many big-time merchants and traders gather around to witness the lightning tower's construction.
Riding his horse to the streets of the crowded domain, he lifted down his hood to show his bare face. He was admired by the people of the realm, having fought numerous wars and helped establish the core, the prosperous kingdom that one can say in word of mouth and papers. He looked at them with sincerity, giving them a welcoming smile as they cheered for him as he continued to his quarters.
**"For the people,"** He murmured.
As he arrived at his quarters, he was greeted by his friend Robb, his closest friend. "Is the sword secured, Sato?" Robb whispered to him as Sato got off his horse.
**"Aye, did the raven reach your doorstep?"**
Robb nodded, **"Luckily, I caught the letter before someone did."**
**"The gods favor us after all,"** Sato laughed. **"come, let's discuss the letter inside."**
The two then went inside to Sato's humble abode; little did the order know that underneath his home lies a basement where Sato keeps all his assets and rare collectibles from merchants from all around the globe. But, ever since then, he wants to fight for the interest of the people of the realm, so he turned it into a room of operations.
There lies a map of the entire kingdom on a wooden table with pieces that symbolize each faction pushing for unity. The letter "H" piece stands out from the rest. It represents these people's visions for the land to achieve higher prosperity as the moon watches them from above, doing work overnight.
As Sato read the letter that the proclaimed usurper sent, Robb asked him, **"Why do you think some people don't like the implementation of the lightning tower?"**
Sato briefly stopped reading the letter and directed it to the map. **"Look here,"** He pointed to the farthest region of the map. **"The lightning tower benefits the people that are nearer to the kingdom, the farthest one has to navigate themselves, and eventually they get lost."**
**"They won't get lost if they can see the tower. It's visible to merchants as it is huge."** Robb retorted.
**"Yes, but the roads that lead here are not that secure, some merchants give their goods to a "trader" from the kingdom to entrust their goods, but they often get cheated. The tower itself doesn't give them enough justice."**
**"I see. That's why you're so eager."**
Sato nodded. **"The system that the mad knight offers will resolve everything. All it needs is a little sacrifice."**
The sea rages under the star-speckled sky in the night. The leaders of each community meet at the farthest border in the kingdom, where an open field resides. The growing bonfire sits upon the center as they circle it discussing the future of their motives.
**"So, the mad knight is mad, huh?"** The leader of Resh chuckled, **"Mad enough to unite all the communities of this land to come into a resolution."** He boasted, riling up the people in the vicinity.
**"How come did he choose this place? I had enough trauma wandering in the dark side of the kingdom,"** The leader from the merchant's guild stated. **"This is a better cause than the proposed lightning tower, and if what was said in the letter was true, I'll give my all to this plan."**
**"Everything will fall into place, the tower will fall, and the kingdom will belong to the people,"** The leader of the secret clubhouse announced.
**"Aren't you the clubhouse that sometimes steals from merchants along the isolated roads?"** The leader of Resh asked in an unconvinced tone as the other constituents showed distrust and suspicion in their eyes.
**"Yes, but it was all for this moment to come. It's about sending a message."** He said, lifting his palm, grabbing a small blade from his pocket, and slicing it vertically. **"We bleed for the vision that will do justice to its people."** His men behind him start cutting themselves to show their proclamation of commitment to the cause. It was only minutes after that they heard the gallops of horses coming from the darkness-covered forest beside them. The waves crash to the rocky surface below the patch of land where they stood as horses neighed when the Mad knight made his way to them. The bannermen rally before him, carrying around the banner, which symbolizes their cause, which plasters a giant "B" on the center of the woven full moon. It was known to them that the symbol signifies "balance while surfacing to great heights." Its significance was engraved to the hearts of merchants around when the full moon shone upon them.
**"My apologies for I am late,"** The Mad knight announced as he made his way to the center of the assembly, where the people gather around in a circle while a bonfire. **"We were late because a merchant got lost in his way trying to find the way to the core; now you know what happened next."** He said in an enraged tone.
**"The lightning tow-"**The merchant's guild spoke but then interrupted by the secret clubhouse's leader.
**"I told you, it's never effective. These merchants get conned along the way, trying to follow that big structure. There's no concrete roadmap, and there are a lot of roads lead from here to there."**
**"That's why I invited the secret clubhouse to expose what needs to be done,"** The mad knight said and then grabbed their banner from one of his men. **"You may show suspicion of why they're here because of their misdeeds but all of those leads to here, to the day that we will finally change the system."** The crowd then cheered but eventually stopped when the leader of Resh asked,
**"How are we going to do that? It's insane when you want to fight a system with a lot of high-class merchants supporting it, and it would be hard opposing it without going to war."**
**"Hard, but not impossible,"** The Mad knight retorted. **"It's our very principle that we avoid wars. Our principle lies on the merchants, market, the free-will of people to let their money flow where they want it to be, and we're not getting through bloodshed,"** He explained.
**"So, what's our course of action?"** They asked.
**"First,"** He looked at the leader of Resh pointing at him. **"You, your town, should disseminate the information throughout the realm that we're going to lay siege to the kingdom of the core. We are going to stage it like it's a siege so that we would get their attention."** He then pointed to the leader of the secret clubhouse, **"You, you and your men must direct all merchants from existing roads to where we would be on the day of the feigned siege. And lastly,"** he pointed at the leader of the merchant's guild, **"Prepare for a new beginning, tell all your colleagues that change is coming."** Murmurs can be heard in the assembly, and the Mad knight made one final remark about the plan. **"We are going to meet them at the open field to show we have strength in our numbers, and the system that we have will topple the pyramid and show justice to our merchants. Ready yourselves as the day of our salvation is within our hands. We ride in the dawn of the fortnight."** The crowd cheered and clapped to their admiration.
**"Down to the lightning tower!"**
**"Down to the core!"**
**"And hail! The new system!"** The crowd said in unison.
**"So, are you confident in your plan?**" The leader of the secret clubhouse said to the Mad knight as he was about to leave.
**"All it needs is a little sacrifice, my friend, a little sacrifice."**
As dawn arrived in the fortnight, people start to gather around to the open field of the kingdom. The core anticipated that this would happen and sent their cavalry to defend if things go awry. The lightning tower was finished last week, and it still didn't alleviate the people's frustration, let alone the merchants. As time passes, more and more people come together at the open field, carrying the banner of their movement. Some people also protested towards the system as they have their placards to show discontent in the current one. Sato looked at them with hope in his eyes from inside the kingdom's walls. Robb then tapped him in the back, "**You know you'll have to do this, right?"** he said.
**"Whatever it takes,"** Sato reassured himself.
As the morning sun sits on top of the realm, shining upon the countless heads across the field, scorching heat adds to the tension between the two factions. The Mad knight stood at the center, looking right at the walls, which he envisions to destroy. "The time has come," he said, as he carried their banner towards the center of the field that separates the two. As he arrived, he announced at the top of his lungs enough to be overheard by everyone. "I challenge the champion of your order to a battle to the death. Whoever shall reign supreme will have control of the entire system of the realm, and the one who the gods do not grace shall be banished from this land and never to return." There were murmurs across the two factions. Some made their way to save themselves from the aftermath, but those who stood to their beliefs stayed in the line, no matter the consequences there may be.
It was a couple of minutes before the order declared their champion through the lightning tower's horns. The hooded figure slowly walked outside the kingdom's walls with a mighty forged sword in hand, bearing a symbol that holds the order's pride. The blacksmith who was watching knew it was his creation and could not imagine that he was forging for the wrong side. He fell and shouted at the top of his lungs, **"DOWN WITH THE CORE!"** trying to alleviate his guilt. Those who heard him joined in with him until all those in the faction shouted in unison while the hooded figure made his way to the mad knight right at the center.
Sato, named the kingdom's champion, gets also cheered after lifting his hood. He was carrying the sword with both of his hands, holding it like a banner raising it between his chest, as he will fight the mad knight. When they met in the open field just meters away, a rough breeze of air flew its way into their direction. The Mad knight unsheathed his sword, as so Sato readied his guard as they only wore light armor. The tensions rise between the two factions as both then shared blow after blow on their swords, not until Sato landed a massive cut on the mad knight's torso. He fell on his knees as the blood spilled by the sword of Sato trickled down on its blade. The kingdom of the core cheered for the apparent victory of Sato. While the movement is horrified of the outcome, some ran for their lives, but the leaders of each community stood still as they know it was part of the plan.
**"Is this really how you wanted it?"** Sato asked the wounded Mad knight.
**"There's no… another way… you got to do it."** The Mad knight replied, desperately grasping for life.
Moments later, the kingdom then ordered for Sato to take the head of the Mad knight. Sato was hesitant to do it, but it was the only way to get into the order's chambers. No one was allowed to enter unless the order orders so. The Mad knight got decapitated, and the cavalry then moved to capture the perpetrators. The bells were rung inside the walls of the kingdom as they rejoiced in victory. People in the domain then condemned those who took part and shouted, **"Have fun staying poor!"** It was a horrifying day for the movement and a glorious day for the kingdom. A celebration has been set for Sato the next day.
The bells have rung, people cheered, a grand parade held on his behalf, and flower petals rained from the city from the walls. Sato stood firm as he rode his horse in the city streets with greeted with fanfare as he made his way to the order's halls while being escorted by two guards. As he arrived, the chamber doors open. There, Sato stood at the altar of the grandmaster with the ministers overlook them from above. He unsheathed his sword and swore allegiance to them.
**"Arise, dear champion. You shall be the one that guards the kingdom against foreign threats and protect the best interest of our merchants,"** The grandmaster announced, sitting on his fancy throne. As the ministers also clapped their hands to show their appreciation.
Sato then rose up and quickly rose to the steps of the throne with the sword in hand, ready to strike at the grandmaster as he grabbed him by his shoulder with the tip of the blade facing his heart.
**"W-what are you doing?!"** The grandmaster exclaimed. Sato thought to himself as this is to avenge the mad knight, and the blade he was carrying carry the very principles of the cause.
**"Succeeding you, master."** He plunged the blade into the heart of the grandmaster as the ministers also lay lifeless unto the ground. He looked at Robb and the leaders of the movement above who took care of business. **"Never hurts to be a jail warden, aye?"** Sato remarked at Robb as the guards who escorted him put their weapons down when the leader of the secret clubhouse pointed their bows at them. "**There is no need for bloodshed,"** he said.
**"You did it,"** Robb cheered
**"Now, let's clean things up!"**
The cheers and laughter of people then turned into sorrow and confusion. The horns of the lightning tower announced the death of the grandmaster. The new system was to take place as Sato being the one to usurp the throne. The guards and cavalry had no choice but to follow who was in charge of the system. Still, Sato then declared that there would be no leader, only them, the people will take control of the realm. **"This realm is not made for an empire dressing up as a system, but a system dressed up to topple empires! We are now free, and we are the ones that are in control. Together we will go to heights with balance in mind and connection in our hearts."** Sato exclaimed as he stood upon the veranda that overlooks the kingdom.
The kingdom walls were brought down, and road constructions were in effect. Those who weren't in favor of the new system went on self-exile to other realms. The lightning tower was then brought down and was made another hub to make the merchants have ease of access to the domain. Communities were united as they forged an agreement to maintain the roads that led from one community to another.
All roads were connected, the merchants and people were united, the core of the problem was solved.
The flag of BCH was born, carrying in the values of **Balance, Connection** and **Heights** as it lays on the open field where the Mad knight was laid down to his death. Sato grieved every now in then, but he knows he fulfilled his part, and what they had now wouldn't happen if it wasn't for the mad knight.
Sato looked upon the realm in awe as prosperity begins to reign. He looked upon the already content people with the security and fast trade that boosted their welfare. All roads now lead to BCH as people worked together to be connected to the center.
**"So, what now?"** A voice behind Sato asked.
He smiled, **"Make our vision a reality."**
**End.**
Resources :
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/the-legendary-moonlight-sculptor/images/8/80/Merchant_market.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20171228235221
https://c4.wallpaperflare.com/wallpaper/1013/36/993/among-the-sierra-nevada-california-albert-bierstadt-smithsonian-american-art-museum-wallpaper-preview.jpg
https://www.laboiteverte.fr/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/route-rome-paris-03.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/mDbBQ0MKYuAqv7ZhHJ--2cyZG6MCdO0Iu0OwFxCVXlScv1AyPg9z0rngA_QgSkxQwryaQKS8examv_ts26cFW2g3t_3fEFCGt81joUMZoSsZ80p7qvwEMyrsmz-5pvA1mY7ApWB7rZ62
https://www.deviantart.com/hi-artist/art/Arthas-betrayal-521364720
https://c4.wallpaperflare.com/wallpaper/793/200/948/cityscape-city-smoke-tower-wallpaper-preview.jpg
https://media.mutualart.com/Images/2009_07/06/0057/272786/00c15f2c-2df7-4f0d-8ec6-33153be24ea8_g_570.Jpeg
Abusers and Toxic relationships.
**Abusers and toxic relationships**
Have you ever wondered why people tend to abuse their significant other when they obviously professed their love for one another during their relationship? These specific issues must be shed light upon since these can traumatize the person throughout the relationship.
So first things first, how do we identify an abuser? Is it just the one that causes physical pain through a person, or are there specific identifiers to make a person an abuser? We must be aware when a person is abusive to prevent the devastating effects that he/she can do on a person or even on you.
This doesn't just happen to women; it also happens to men.
An abuser is a person that inflicts physical, mental, sexual trauma and violence to a person. In terms of relationships, these people can go freely without taking responsibility for their harm. They seek to control the person using violence and manipulation. Certain factors can give birth to a potentially abusive person in the relationship.
**Environment**
A person raised in a violent environment where they normalize violence to achieve control tends to imitate these actions. These actions are then reflected in their romantic relationships; they think they can get away with it because it's just normal for a relationship to undergo these kinds of stuff, justifying it as "ups and downs." They somehow see this as how love works, "Love hurts, doesn't it?" It's a fatal misconception that can deliberately affect tremendously on a person. In their environment, they will usually see partners get into fights, where the male or female inflicts pain on his significant other, and as a youngster, they would see it as an everyday thing. Especially if their partners still cling to the relationship even how hard it is, just for the sake of the relationship and the children. Environments such as these can be a breeding ground for future abusers.
Yes, it is given that we can't control where we are raised when we were young, but we have the freedom to educate ourselves and change our morals when we treat a person, especially our significant others.
**Past relationships**
A traumatized person who's been into a bad relationship, where he/she's been cheated and toyed with, may have had their egos and pride hurt. They tend to seek redemption in their next relationship by being controlling and manipulative. This gives birth to an abusive attitude justifying their acts as a sense of love and concern to never let the past happen to him again. This hasty generalization is one of the worse kinds of attitudes that you would ever encounter in a partner. Just because he/she had a rough past, that doesn't mean it applies to the next.
**Mental health**
Abusers may tend to blame their self-diagnosed mental illness for their actions to justify that inflicting pain to their partners is just a part of themselves, and they would seek acceptance through it. They would often act sad and manipulative and constantly paranoid when you're away from them, especially when hanging out with your friends. Mental health would never be a legitimate reason to justify an abuser's inflicted violence; doing so is a blatant example of manipulation and gaslighting.
Yes, all of these are factors. Why don't their partners do something about it? Why not leave the relationship?
We really hope it's that easy; being in a toxic and abusive relationship can be really hard to get out to. This is because of certain factors or consequences when they try to leave the relationship, coining the term, "Love is beautiful and often make people blind,"
**Misconceptions of love**
This has always been the case of abusive and toxic relationships; misconceptions of love hinder a person's possible growth. When we love a person, we tend to see them as the best thing that we ever had in this world; going heads over heels and all out on the relationship, investing all time and effort to make the relationship last. Love can be a powerful feeling, but we shouldn't let it blind us. We have to learn to invest in ourselves, love ourselves, not allowing people to degrade us for just being who we are. We must know our worth to free ourselves from the shackles of misconceived love that makes us dependent on our partners, that's letting ourselves be blind to their abusive tendencies.
If it's too hard to cope on your own, never be afraid to seek help and counsel. You aren't alone in this fight; you have the power to change things and conquer problems that may arise in this toxic relationship dilemma.
Friends are there to help you overcome a toxic and abusive relationship. Finding someone to confide in during these times of hardship can be really helpful in solving the problem. No man is an island, after all. We shouldn't let these problems reside in ourselves for too long as we can get devoured by our emotions and ultimately lead to a tragedy. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a stepping stone to grasp your strength to lead you to greater heights. Dwelling in toxicity can be stagnant for your growth, never learning to love yourself and assuming that you can change a person as time goes by.
**YOU ALONE CANNOT CHANGE A PERSON.**
A person will only change if he wants to change, and hopefully for the better. Letting yourself be a martyr and wait for years to go by, hoping to see the light that your toxic partner would finally change for the better, it's like waiting for the day for money to rain from the skies.
Find your worth first before you love. Letting yourself get defined by other people, even if it's your significant other, would make you likely not living the best out of your life. Don't settle for toxicity and free yourself from abusive people.
**YOU ARE WORTH IT and never settle for less; you can do it!**
If you reached the end of this article, I'm really grateful for taking the time to read all the stuff I made here. I hope that you'll be in it till the end of the ride. I hope you're staying safe while the world still heals. We are all in this together. If you ever find love in the way, please know that you should never settle for less and always be reminded of your worth every day. I'm planning to rewrite some of my pieces here and make them long enough to read just for a writing exercise. Anyways, as always, I'll see you at the next one.
Reach for the stars,
**Marc.**
Valentine Evergreen.
Valentine woke up to his morning alarm, knowing that it’s the saint with the same name as his’ birthday. He can’t help but get frustrated that it will be another holiday for couples he can’t celebrate. It’s been two years since Valentine’s single, and that last breakup was traumatic for him. He got up and ate his usual breakfast, typical bacon and eggs and a cup of warm coffee. While drinking, he thought of going to dating apps to celebrate the day; it’s been a while since he’s had good company. So he downloaded one and tried his luck to the girls he’s found attractive. He knows that there’s just a 10% chance of people going to dating apps on this holiday; probably they’re busy or already had their dates. After consecutive swipes of left and right, Valentine just proceeded to do his chores, wash the dishes, water the plants, and tidied his apartment to let himself play games and watch movies all day long.
“Why does it have to be a non-working day” He sighed, contemplating stuff while doing his chores. Moments later, his phone rang. He rushed to get his phone and surprised to see his best friend call. He immediately answered the phone, hoping that he’d hang out this day.
“Hey, Val! I have a problem. Do you perhaps have a date this day?” Alex asked on the other side of the phone.
Valentine’s excitement and hopes vanished when Alex asked that question. “No, I haven’t. Why? Do you even have a date?”
“Yeah,” He chuckled, “It’s Rebecca from work; we kinda had a thing going on these past few days, so..”
Val was surprised that even his friend got the hottest girl from his workplace, “Damn, you’ve got the jackpot prize. Unfortunately, I haven’t. Why? What happened?”
Alex sighed, “Well, she booked a table for four, and it will be a waste if it’s just going to be the two of us. I mean, the more, the merrier, right?”
“Well, I wish I could help you. But, I’ve just decided to play games all day to celebrate the God-forsaken day.” Val replied.
“That’s a bummer bud, just let me know if you’d get a buzzer-beater. After all, it is your day.” Alex teased sarcastically and laughed, turning down the call.
Valentine shrugged the funny conversation, but deep inside, he wanted the company either from a friend or a lovely dame. Moments later, he finished his household tasks and went on to rest on his comfortable couch. He looked up, laying his head on the backrest of the sofa, “What should I play today?” He pondered, thinking about where he should start. Will he continue the quest from an RPG game or grind his rank on FPS games? Not until his phone vibrated, he just kept looking up, thinking it was Alex, telling him that he got the people for the date. But to his surprise, the phone vibrated a couple of times, and it was like it was spamming to get his attention. He didn’t hesitate and immediately grabbed his phone on the kitchen counter. Much to his surprise, it was notifications from the dating app telling that he’s got a match and is messaging him,
“Hey! It’s funny that we’ve matched this day.”
“Funny bio, you should’ve lived up to your name by having a date.”
“So, want to go on a date? We could pay for each other’s meal.”
“Man, I hope I’m not too late. I’m bored in the house.”
“Hope you reply so I can entertain other options, kidding LMAO.”
Valentine was glad that it was a verified account, and it shows that she just registered on this day also early in the morning. He was elated to know that he got the lucky 10% to have an unplanned date. He then immediately replied with a smile on his face.
“I already know you were up to that since you messaged first, hahaha!” Valentine sent, but before he can close the app, she immediately replied, “Duh, the things boredom can do. So, are you down?”
“Hell yeah, why not?” Valentine’s smile reached from ear to ear, and he remembered Alex’s offer about a double date. “I have a suggestion. Would you prefer it being a double date?”
“Uhm, sure, As long as I got productive to do and find a way to celebrate this day,” She replied, along with a selfie on the couch. It looks like she was recently working since she tied her hair with a ponytail. Something tells him that this is just going to be a one-time thing— at least for her. But he thought that it might just go both ways; she’s desperate, and also he is, yet Valentine knew that he’s ready for a relationship and hopes that she would genuinely be the one.
He was immediately captivated by her beauty when she sent her picture. It took a while for him to reply a compliment, and she teased, “I’m definitely your type. I bet you’ve been staring at my photo, hahaha!” Valentine blushed but then denied her accusation so that things won’t get awkward. “Silly you, I was arranging stuff. I’ll pick you up before 7pm; let’s make the most out of this day.” He replied, with a winking emoji at the end of the text.
“Whatever, Valentino. I’ll see you, xoxo.” She replied and went offline.
Valentine let out a loud “YES!” in his apartment, letting out his suppressed, exciting emotions.
He immediately dialed Alex after,
“Come on, Alex, pick up!” He was impatient to tell him the big news, in the hopes that his offer still stands.
Alex then picked up the phone after that, “So have you fo-” he was immediately interrupted by Valentine, explaining jubilantly what just happened and how he managed to get a date.
“So, Alex, how does 7pm sound?”
“Sure, the reservation is around 7:30, but 7:00 will do,” Alex chuckled, “It really is your day, huh?” He playfully asked.
“Carpe diem brother, Carpe diem.”
**To be continued in chapter 2.**
Hey, I know, I posted this late because I was busy. I planned to finish this piece before Valentine’s Day, but things got really hectic in my online classes, plus the demons of procrastination devouring me. Anyways, I finally managed to finish chapter one and would be in sight to complete chapters 2 and 3 this week. I hope you had the time to read it; I appreciate it so much. So if anything else, I hope you stay safe.
As always, keep reaching for the stars.
**- Marcmire**
5 The Godfather quotes to live by.
Despite the stress and work of online classes, I managed to watch the Godfather's trilogy, from the Corleone family's rise to the Godfather Michael Corleone's downfall. The first installment was deemed one of the greatest films ever released, having a 9.2 rating on IMDB. It has a better-crafted plot, historical contexts are strong, and has striking imageries. I love how Michael's character development from being a war soldier to slowly getting corrupted in his family's affairs, having no choice but to meddle to preserve the family's legacy, carrying on with his father's wisdom. It's a superb and brilliant masterpiece.
Here are quotes in the first Godfather movie that I believe is beneficial to live by
**"A man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man."**
This quote emphasizes that we should never forget our roots and the people that helped us grow in the process of our pubescence. Sooner or later, we would achieve our dreams, and we'd be busy with our responsibilities and work. We live by the principles that we accumulate in our lives, but we can never deny that our families are one of the focal points that made us who we are today.
Toxicity often runs in some family units to the point they'll drag you down and ridicule your efforts to pursue your dreams. This quote is not meant for those who degrade you and treats you like a milking cow. You should know who your family is and the true definition of home. Once you grasp the very foundation of what you call your "family," you should never forget to spend time with them along the road. Besides, you would never get to where you are without their help, right?
**"A friend should always underestimate your virtues, and an enemy overestimates your faults."**
This quote struck me good, not only because of its depth, but it actually is the philosophy of both friendship and enmity. It's an excellent topic to cover-up since it tackles when you should know a person if they are friends or foes as it's always the case of friendships and enmity. A friend underestimates your virtues. After all, they don't care about how much you give them because they are contented by the company you bring, and they always wish you well along your journey. They don't have room for hostility because they don't seek your failure but instead seek the goodness in you by succeeding in life.
Your enemies overestimate your faults since they seek your downfall and will do what it takes to keep you lower than them. They overestimate your mishaps because they anticipate opportunities to intervene to lift themselves up by trampling you down. It's a known human reaction that we keep close contact with our enemies because it's a matter of self-defense that we see what they're planning next against us.
Whatever happens, it's essential to know whether someone can be a friend or a foe. Since friends and enemies are critical in our journey in our life.
**"You can act like a man!"**
This quote has always been a definition of someone strong enough to face hardships in life. The Godfather reprimanded Johnny Fontane for whining about his problems. The Godfather's scolding was necessary to make Johnny realize that he has the power to solve his situation instead of just complaining and whining. In the movie, Johnny was really reliant on the Godfather since he's the one who put him to fame and power through connections. This quote tells us not literally be a man but embody a man's traits that show firm conviction, never faltering in times of hardships.
I can relate to this in everyday life, especially the pandemic is here, and it shows a challenge to our productivity and even our sources of income. Problems are not made to be unsolvable. We must have the courage to find the solutions; this proves how we are dedicated to a particular thing and how we are invested in our own growth. Practicing independence can be beneficial since you are the captain of your own ship, ask for help if needed, but never be dependent on others because that will hinder your development as a person.
**"Revenge is a dish best served cold."**
I would never opt for revenge abruptly; a wise person would never take revenge on his enemies hastily. This will probably be fueled by anger and discord, and anger can blind a person. Revenge is better when it's going to happen in the long-term; instead of opting for revenge early, you must consider how it will benefit you or if it cost you enough or even a piece of yourself. Serving revenge cold could be worth it since the person will not expect things, and mostly, it's them that has most to lose. Meanwhile, you, on the other hand, are favored by karma and wins in the end.
**"And I refused--to be a fool--dancing on the string, held by all those--bigshots."**
Don't be a slave in your own life; it is the last thing you can do in your life. A slave's life is miserable, pathetic, and dedicates most of his/her time to serving and pleasing others. This, you must not do. You must embrace change and be a freethinker, embrace ideas and cultivate them as your own. When you're just relying on others and even your higher-ups on your direction in life, you would never be delighted.
You must prioritize your dreams; after all, the joy of living is accomplishing your goals no matter how hard it is. Though we have to favor those "bigshots" to earn money for a living, we should never abandon our dreams.
Keep on dreaming, be the captain of your ship and the master of your soul.
*Bonus quote:*
**"I'll make him an offer he can't refuse."**
Be wise enough to keep his/her friends and foes in check and know how to play the cards right. Knowing how to make an offer to gain an advantage is a practical move and outreach in life. It signifies that you are confident and is ready to dominate achievements in your way.
Though the movie signifies it as the result of bloodshed, in ordinary life, there are certain situations where we make offers, and some of those offers come in handy when played right.
So that wraps it up! I hope it kind of inspired you to keep on being productive despite the hardships. I'm planning to write a story for valentine’s day or something, but I'll give my thanks for taking the time if you reached this far.
Keep on reaching the stars,
**Marc.**
Why you need to invest in camping as you invest in work.
Life can get really stressful and depressing, and camping can be one of the solutions to let your mind off the real world stuff for a while. The camping spirit really helped me in these times of hardship, especially when dealing with the pandemic today. Bonfires, tents, and the beautiful scenery are worth the while, even for a short time. So in this article, we will discuss how these experiences help our mind get the stress off of reality and talk about my experiences in the wholesome feeling of camping.
**How can you go camping when it’s a pandemic?**
If you’re stuck in the house and hasn’t been outside ever since the pandemic started, you can actually go camping. The authorities won’t restrict you from going unless you’ve been following protocol. As for me, we’ve been able to go on camp with minimal hindrances; some camping site establishments are still intact and are still catering campers. Don’t let this pandemic hinder you from going outside. Just keep yourself safe and have close friends accompany you on your camping journey. What’s the use in working at home when your mental state is deteriorating, right?
**My experience**
Last month, my friends organized a plan to go camping, and we’d just chip in a sum of money for the food, gas, and necessary camping supplies. There were not many of us; we were only around 8 people to avoid being crowded, but if you wanna go with a lot, then go, just make sure your supplies can accommodate you all. In the afternoon, we started going to our meeting point in the city. Since our camping spot is near, and we are already familiar with the place, we split up into two groups after we chipped in our money to buy supplies and groceries. One party went to the mall, and one party must set up camp. We were racing against time because we wanna make this camping the best since the year was already ending, and we want to celebrate it with the gift of friends and memories.
Late in the afternoon, the setup party already plan out where to set up camp and where to cook our food before the supply party could arrive in the area. I still remember the serenity of nature back then; the trees, green grasses and the open sky gave me a peaceful vibe.
It was near dark when the supply party arrived; they bought fishes, liquor, snacks and essential supplies. We brought 2 gallons of water with us and have our own utensils for dinner and breakfast. We went on cooking, and some are setting up the bonfire, and the others are playing cards. We’re pretty lucky to have a friend that has is really skillful in cooking. It tasted like a fresh cuisine from a 5-star restaurant, and I’m not even exaggerating. I’m amazed at how he knows his way around spices and stuff.
After eating, we waited a couple of minutes until we started to gather around the bonfire. My friends really did an excellent job in setting up the bonfire. The fire ignited really strong and has been able to last a long time. We even had marshmallows to burn and eat. We caught up about stuff in our lives and expressed our excitement about future camping trips such as this. The stars and the moon in the clear sky illuminated our site, and it was serene and beautiful.
Sometime after, we opened the bottle of liquor, and there we talked about deep stuff and discussed our future and how we cope with the reality of life. Life has these setbacks that we need to encounter to grow, and I know inside myself that these are the right people to share my sentiments with.
We went to sleep after we got drunk and intoxicated. It was really worth my time; I slept with a smile on my face inside the tent. We went home and said our farewells after we ate breakfast and cleared the camp. It was a night worth remembering with my friends, and I think we don’t have much of the luxury of time since we’re adulting and are more focused on our careers.
So this is where I make my point.
**Why invest in this kind of recreational activities?**
These activities help you get productive in work, engaging in your career with a stress-free mind makes your progress efficient. Not only it makes you productive, but it makes your emotional and mental state get healthy. Having friends or many trusted and reliable people around that you can truly connect with can be uplifting. We are reminded that we are not alone with our struggles and the environment of nature makes it more peaceful. The fresh air you need for a while after a suffocating week at work is necessary, so you won’t be prone to emotional breakdowns.
Sometimes it really is best to unplug yourself from reality, away from those alarm clocks and tedious deadlines and makeup connection with nature be at peace for a while.
The best part of camping for me is that I’d get the chance to catch up with my friends. They are the folks I learned a lot with, the ones I shared my memories with, and the ones I treat as my second family.
Camping is fun for all of us with our subjective perspectives on how it can be fun. It’s not fair to dwell on stress too much; sometimes, we need a distraction to even the pace. I believe that you can find the right time to act on what makes you happy and what makes you thrive.
After all, nature is there for a reason, and as beings living in this world with them, I think we could help each other in our own little ways.
**When is the perfect time to set out camping?**
The perfect timing will come, especially in this pandemic when everyone is in their homes and are just working and studying online. You decide when everyone will be free and when would be the best to engage in it and have yourselves a de-stressor.
Until then, I hope you find peace in this troublesome world of ours. We have only one life to live, and we have to make it count. I wouldn't like to be the one who would live in regrets. Would you?
Either way, I hope this article enlightens and inspires you to camp.
**Reach for the stars,**
Marc.
The seven deadly sins and how they help you prosper in life.
**"The seven deadly sins and how they help you prosper in life."**
I'm sure you've heard of these sins before; they are widely known in Christianity and has been labeled "deadly" as they have severe punishments in the afterlife. In Christian teachings, they are shed light for the purpose that these kinds of behaviors will not cultivate inside the hearts and minds of humanity, further corrupting the soul, causing them to act immoralities. These are normal for humans to feel since we are creatures born with emotions; we can't deter these feelings and get tempted to act upon them. We can suppress these behaviors to the best of our how our mind can stay resilient to these temptations.
**Pride, Greed, Sloth, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, and Wrath** are the seven deadly sins. This article will talk about my opinions about them and how they affect us in our everyday lives.
**Wrath**
Fueled by the emotion of anger and hatred, we humans often feel the sin of Wrath—the urge to hurt a person either because of revenge or acting on getting offended or insulted. Only a hypocrite will say that they wouldn't feel Wrath inside them or have the temptation to act on them. The sin of Wrath helps make people sway from insensitivity, making ourselves free from society's shackles that we need to stay put and be a sheep to their standards. Though it's been said that Wrath's sin has a lot of downsides that can lead to a lot of immoral acts, only if you know how to understand and control your rage inside you, you can make it a weapon to control and conquer yourself.
**Gluttony**
You're probably thinking, how does Gluttony even help us in our daily lives? When it's just the epitome of human greed and selfishness? Gluttony helps by making us realize that not to waste every single blessing that's given to us. Even though it is positively associated with overindulgence in things, we can know what's enough for us and how we share it with the people in need. Gluttony doesn't always have to be selfish, Gluttony can only be selfish if we tend to waste the privilege that's been given to us.
**Sloth**
The sin of laziness and unproductivity, we sometimes procrastinate and take our time before doing things. This sin is deemed "deadly" because becoming lazy as a sloth can have many downsides in life. The passive mentality of one's person can cultivate this sin and give birth to a sense of apathy and inactivity, making a person absent-minded in this world full of progressions. So how does this sin help us in our lives? Sloth actually helps us realize that we need to take breaks in our daily works. If we can't recognize when to take a break, we might as well be self-destructing. It doesn't hurt being a Sloth sometimes; it only becomes a sin if it affects others, such as not telling your workmates that you're going to take a break and etc.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
**Envy**
Getting envious of things can really be troublesome for our mentality. Jealousy and resentment can make you terrible things to your neighbor. So, how does being envious help us? Being envious helps us realize the things we want to improve in life, especially if we still lack something essential in reaching our dreams in the future. It gives us enlightenment that we shouldn't be stagnant in life and always look for ways to improve. The world revolves continuously; we meet many different people we can learn from and expose ourselves to unfamiliar environments. The help of envy would help us realize self-worth in the process.
**Lust**
The feeling of lust inevitably resides in one of us. Humans are inherently sexual creatures, and these feelings of desire are important in human reproduction. The deadly sin of lust helps us realize that we shouldn't disregard the passion and desire inside us. As human desire can sometimes be dangerous, we should consider that we shouldn't compare ourselves to animals with the uncontrollable urge of reproduction and lust for their significant other. Our passions help us propel ourselves to continue to thrive in this vast world as we embrace our sexual desires justly.
**Greed**
The greedy have no place in a progressive and productive society. It brings corruption to the system and inevitably destroys everything, yet being greedy is inherently inside us. The concept of greed helps us realize that we need to have extra care of what's essential us, we tend to have a false misconception that you're already being selfish if you're being greedy. We have to be selfish and protect what is ours to avoid being taken advantage of.
**Pride**
They deem this to be the deadliest among the sins since it embodies it all. They say being prideful, makes you think lesser of others and have a sense of vanity that you are superior to them. Failing to recognize others, having the illusion of grandiose makes this sin worthy of being on top. In my opinion, this sin is the most important and actually the most helpful. If we can't take pride in what we do and what we fight for what good is it for? Taking pride in our own endeavours might equate as a sin, but it will never equate to being inhumane. The sin of pride helps us recognize our self, our worth, our own accomplishments, negating the chances of self-deprecation and ultimately, depression in this crazy world.
**I see that they can help, but they are sins!**
You must think that I'm stark-raving mad for making the deadly sins helpful in mankind when they are recognized by the church to be the traits that we must avoid. Yes, they are sins, and too much of them can be destructive, yet we must not forget that we are humans, and we are capable of suppressing our own desires and inner thoughts. These sins also tell us not to overdo everything, the sins do good in their own way, but too much good stuff is bad stuff.
**These sins live among us, we must get to know them or else they'd get to take control of us.**
Reach for the stars.
**Marc.**
Content creation and Bitcoin Cash.
**Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok** and etc. These are social media platforms that affect the world as of today. By connecting people worldwide, sharing awareness and information, and making content for entertainment from its users.
The rise of platforms in content creation gave significant benefits for those who developed, invested, and worked towards its advertisement to use for the world. As we are now heading to an age where technology continues to progress and information is widespread worldwide, platforms' need to accommodate their users is necessary.
**Influence**
These platforms' influence is tremendous, as it can range from starting a trend to even earn by making content online. These prompts content creators to gain supporters, accumulate fame, and even have a decent content creation career. Memes, dank videos, and social drama from influencers play a significant role in how the platform thrives and gives its users information about what's going on in the world.
These factors give prominence to the platforms with their own use cases. Have you observed that the outlets I mentioned somehow have identical features? Such as stories, live streams, and etc. They shape the virtual world as we know it today to stay connected and share information.
**Yes, we get it, we have this platform and noise for it, what's the point?**
The most significant factor in making a platform known is its quantity and its quality. Emphasizing quality while attracting more users, makes the platform thrive and increases its efficiency in the competition. As developers make more features for their users, making it more user-friendly causes future users to be attracted to what the platform offers.
**For example, this platform,**
What does it have to offer? This platform provides its content creators a sum of bitcoin cash in the form of tips. Emphasizing the nature of "quality," The bot random rewarder segregates those contents that are not up to the platform's standards to keep it free from spam and abusers. People find ways to make money, but we should earn money as intended on how it is achieved. The platform aims to propel adoption by making articles and sharing information with the world by paying its users their effort to share their ideas worldwide, making information easy to access.
**In the instance of noise,**
The users earn tips randomly by being active and interacting with the people around the platform. This offers a sense of camaraderie and helps people with the same interests connect in its "chambers" feature. Instead of writing lengthy articles, we can interact and earn by shorter messages than mainstream platforms.
**Does this play a significant role in bitcoin cash adoption?**
Yes, by being a blogging site that lets you earn by making content on the platform, users will know more about bitcoin cash. The curiosity of the human mind is always constant when something piqued its interest. Users will do their research about BCH, and they would probably understand the mission of global adoption. Technology is ever-evolving, and it's time to push on forward.
We shouldn't underestimate content creation's power, as it is a significant factor in attracting people to your page. We only tend to look at how it graspers fame and money, but we need to look at the bigger picture of how it makes something that has "potential" relevant in the world. People may often criticize good ideas because they don't understand them.
**If we can earn on this site, there has to be funding, right?**
That's where investors' role takes place, as BCH is in its mission to go for global adoption to make people's lives more effortless in processing their money. We should consider the investors that play a massive role in making this site attractive to users. Allow me to share my point:
When potential content creators see an opportunity to earn money in a platform, they bring their talents and ideas to it. If they're continually getting paid for their content, they ought to stay in the site, get engaged in its community, and share the platform's mission and vision. An example of this is CLUB1BCH and other organizations in the community. So everyone wins in the process, BCH gets adopted, and users earn more and hone their craft by engaging with other people.
As I'm writing this article, the number of users on the platform is around 47,063. The numbers are slowly going up, showing significant signs that the platform is getting around. We, early users, are actually pretty lucky, we came to know how bitcoin cash works, we engaged in the community not too late, and as content creators, it would really mean a lot of we can witness BCH go over the moon. That would be a total win for the whole community and ecosystem.
**So how do we make this work?**
Investors, developers, and users have their own part to share. We content creators or users of the platform must always make quality content to make the platform relevant. If we tend to write gibberish, it will lose the platform relevance, but worry not. The developers of the site would not make this happen over their dead bodies. The platform is too critical to be destroyed by abusers and spammers.
@MarcDeMesel 's generosity prompted many doors to open for those who have the potential to create quality content and help in the mission of Bitcoin Cash adoption. As we tip quality and relevant information, we can continue the cycle to prosperity.
As an aspiring content creator, the platforms that are powered by Bitcoin Cash means a lot to me. It helped me in many ways, especially in this pandemic, and I know I have my own part of doing to make Bitcoin Cash relevant.
**TLDR;**
Content creation can be a significant part of helping bitcoin cash adoption. That is because of the creator's quality content and how the created information and idea is relevant to be spread worldwide through Bitcoin Cash powered platforms.
To end this article, I'm looking forward to more BCH projects soon, and as for now, I'm writing literary works on my page. I hope you check it out.
**As always, reach for the stars, mi amigo.**
**- Marcmire**
Nosedive, and why is it relevant?
If you haven't watched nosedive, be advised that this article contains spoilers. Do watch the episode from "black mirror"; you'd realize many things regarding society's reliance on social media.
***"In this world, we're all so caught up in our own heads. It's easy to lose sight of what's real. What matters." - Lacie***
Nosedive is an episode on **"black mirror"** that satirically tackles social media's adverse effects and how it affects the world and the society we live in. Lacie Pound, a rated 4.2 in the dystopian world, where your worth is depicted on the stars people give you. It affects every person's socioeconomic status, making the stars a basis of your importance and relevance in society. In this world, people are often seen as kind and polite but with the sliver of unrealistic and **"plastic"** kind of interactions to get stars to uplift their status.
Watching the episode made me realize many things, such as how one's opinion will only be significant only if you're loved in the **virtual social world**. The turning point in this episode is when Lacie tries to climb the social ladder by reconciling with one of her childhood friends named Naomi, even when they had a terrible encounter in the past. This includes Naomi **cheating** on Lacie with her boyfriend named Greg, which Lacie's brother argued that it's a bad idea to be climbing the social ladder, mostly when you're faking it. Lacie badly needed the ratings so she could avail a discount for the elites on her **dream home**.
It's human nature to honestly want what we truly desire, and for Lacie, it's the expensive home where she could settle with her one true love, even if it means losing a part of herself to the social madness. It's tough to **suppress human desire**, especially if you deem it to be achievable in the first place. We tend to focus on what's ahead and not what truly matters.
Fortunately for Lacie, she was picked as Naomi's bridesmaid and was invited to her wedding. This episode notes how some influencers tend to fake drama in their lives, such as using a script to create a scene that captivates the audience. Lacie rehearsed and memorized the speech for Naomi's wedding throughout the episode, even though her brother was denoted as a **"sociopath"** for being insincere about it. Lacie and her brother argued about this scheme until Lacie rated her brother down because of the encounter.
Ryan also rated her down, and that's where Lacie's ranking starts to go for a downturn hence the word **"Nosedive"**. Before reaching the airport, she was downrated by a woman whom she collided with and the taxi driver who got annoyed by her by making him wait. Her rank went from 4.2 to 4.1. This depicts that we can't control the mishaps that we encounter in our daily lives, and yet we still get **backlashed by society** without knowing the context.
The airport scene took things for the worst for Lacie since she argued with the ticketing officer. We humans, in times of desperation, often get mad when things don't go our way, and for Lacie, her **façade faded** and prompted the security to penalize her by suspending her 1 star for 24 hours and have the double damage effect in this time.
Lacie decided to go for a car rental. Even at the car rental, there's a booth for low and high rated statuses. Lacie made her way to Naomi's wedding, and unfortunately, she rented an electric car that didn't have an adapter, making it impossible to charge to an incompatible charging station. Nobody wants to hitch a ride for Lacie since she is low rated lesser than 3 starts precisely. This shows society's depiction of how we treat those who have been canceled by people on social media even without diving further into the story. **Memes, dank videos, fake news** are quick to circulate throughout social media platforms and causing a drama that makes it to the headlines.
Eventually, a truck driver gave Lacie a ride, she was hesitant because the old lady truck driver has a rating of less than one. It's revealed that the old lady was once a social media diva who took off her façade since the system was fucked up, resulting in her husband's death. Until then, she stayed true to herself and didn't care about the rating system anymore due to her low rank. This reveals society's flawed ideology, favoring those deemed **"relevant"** by society instead of those who needed more services.
Further in the story, Lacie hitched a ride pretending to be one of the sci-fi junkies heading for a convention where the wedding is also located. She was revealed when Naomi called her, telling her not to proceed to the wedding since she has a rating of less than 3. Lacie retorted about the past friendship that they had and what about it. Naomi slammed her with words that they were just in it for the ratings, and **they** **didn't really care for their friendship**, which is true. Lacie insisted on going on despite Naomi's warnings.
**I told you, it's all fake drama and bullshit sometimes.**
She was removed from the RV, and fortunately, she found and borrowed an ATV to make her towards the wedding. But in the process, she got all dirty and messy when she got dove into muddy water, even her make-up was destroyed. This signified what really was her character and is the complete opposite of their society's standards.
She invaded the wedding and made her speech about Naomi, the crowd was shocked about this encounter. Everyone rated her down since she used the slur, speaking gibberish, and doing things what society doesn't what you to do against their standards. After, she got taken by security and put in a chamber prison. The chamber signified those who are muted by society, making them motionless and hated for a lifetime. They segregate those who show **peculiarity** with e**xtreme expectations** that they should be able to suppress human nature in the form of encouraging **politeness and kindness.**
**Some left social media; some are banished and canceled; some are into it for the good stuff, some are in it for the status and fame.**
**TLDR;** Social media has adverse effects, and nosedive tackled all of that, especially when we make it a significant part of ourselves, drowning in it like it's some kind of addiction. We lose track of what really matters, and that is the reality that we are living in, and we need to be real about it, or we lose sight of it and get caught up on our own heads in the drama and the irrelevant information that's been fed to us every day.
We are so caught up in our own phones, trying to make a name in an alternate reality where people take a façade to be liked and be **"relevant."** Whereas we can be relevant by keeping track of what's essential, which is keeping real to ourselves and other people.
**Be real.**
**- Marcmire**
Ten seconds
**10 seconds is all I need**
Time is at the essence of all those who work through hardships.
Time is valuable, unalterable, and essential in our daily lives.
Time is constant.
Time waits for no one.
But, 10 seconds is all I need.
I stood upon the pavement on the side of the road on a hot sunny morning. I'm already late at work, and there has not been a sign of a taxi cab; my car's busted, and my Uber driver has just canceled on me. Talk about a lucky morning.
As usual, I went to the nearest intersection of the neighborhood despite the scorching heat, trying my luck in finding a cab. Instead, I was met by a mugger as soon as I reached the intersection. The streets were empty, and it was unusual that it was only him and me. This neighborhood is bustling when it comes to workdays, but why does it feel like a ghost town?
The mugger looked straight into my eyes, intimidating me with the sharp blade he's holding. I'm about to yield all my belongings to him since I value my life over anything else. As soon as I reached out my bag to him, I felt a very sharp pain in the abdomen. The knife went deep down to my stomach, hitting my insides. "You should've stayed inside," He said, letting out a muffled chuckle through his black balaclava.
I'm confused as to how things escalated at this very minute, "What the hell is happening?" I thought, as my body felt lifeless and my clothes soaked in blood. Time slowed down as I fall on the pavement where I stood.
**Ten hours earlier.**
It's already 11 pm, and I still have work tomorrow, but "One more game, and I'm off to bed," I said to myself as I'm already on a losing streak and I hate going to bed without a win. The frustration and stress of getting defeated every time on the last round are getting to my nerves.
A couple of games later, surging with an adrenaline rush at the climax of the round. I face a 1v1 with a pro player with every clutch play I make; I finally caught him off guard and defeated him. I won the round, and I achieved my win. I felt relieved as the adrenaline rush that got me made me wide awake and focused on dominating the game. I glanced at the time on my phone, and I was shocked that it was already 3:30 am. I immediately put my phone on the desk beside my bed and went to sleep.
**Ten minutes earlier.**
"Goddamn it, I'm already late for work." I cried, "Why do I have to play that stupid game anyways," I hastily went for the bathroom and brushed my teeth before I put on my corporate attire, it's getting pretty late, and I know my car's busted all around, so I'm going to opt for a taxi cab or something. I didn't have time to check my phone since my paperwork is all scattered on the desk on the kitchen table. I remembered that I stopped halfway through since proofreading a lot can be tedious. I passed by my tv and didn't bother to turn it on. Usually, I would watch the news if I had an hour before work, but it's not today. My boss would kill me for sure; I had been tardy last week, and it might be the final straw today, plus I didn't finish my paperwork. I might get fired, but who cares anyway? Life goes on. After I've organized everything, I locked the doors before going outside to start my day. My stomach rumbles, but I didn't pay it any mind; what caught my attention was how empty the streets are on a busy day.
**Ten years earlier.**
"Breaking news: Propaganda of vigilante groups start to surface after the call for justice of murder-victim Alex Rapp has been silenced. Activists say this would significantly affect our country since this is negligence of state law and human rights abuse. The government has been paying no mind about these allegations, saying the court trial for the murder suspect is right and just as it followed the court's due process.
There are conspiracy theories that the propagandas that have surfaced must not be a subject to ignore by the state as it can be a sign of great chaos and destruction about to come in the country. The government should not take underground organizations lightly as they have the power to shake the equilibrium in our society—the president has already mobilized the army to catch the perpetrators. This Rose Mooringdale, reporting for Dash News."
**"Honey, let's move out. This country has gone nuts,"** My wife asked.
I refused since I am so close to getting hired by a prestigious company in the city.
**"Fuck conspiracy theorists, don't listen to them. The country is just fine, don't worry,"** I reassured her, but her face says she isn't convinced.
I have to try hard.
**Present**
I look up to the skies and hear sirens along the other side of the neighborhood, not sirens of hope but sirens of destruction. I look to my side as I see groups of people coming towards our area, smashing the doors of every home. As my eyes start to blackout, I can only hear their screams of torment and despair. If only I had made use of my time, just a matter of 10 seconds would've saved me from death, or was it more? If only I could turn back time, I could still visit my wife in the other country she currently resides.
I only needed ten seconds to avoid death.
I only needed ten seconds to decide that I shouldn't have played the game.
I only needed ten seconds to decide that I should've watched the news.
I only needed ten seconds to decide to go with my wife and start a new life in another country.
I only needed ten seconds to decide and skip work and protect myself from the vigilantes.
"I only needed Ten—"
**- Marcmire**
Conviction
**Taste of Blasphemy [4]**
Conviction;
Everything is ready,
Now awoken in reality,
Traveling to the underworld,
A crusade for the lord.
Such quality of daily bread,
With my life hanging on a thread,
Resorting to being sneaky,
Giving birth to reverent blasphemy.
The devil in holy chambers.
Sipping out innocent bystanders,
The part that I must take,
To reverse the baptism from the lake.
And I saw John with the cloaked figures,
Praising the God that gives them leisure,
The part that I must take,
Conviction, to save men from the fake.
-Marcmire
Late nights and Productivity.
I still ask myself: why are late nights always my efficient time creativity and productivity? or is it just me who has a broken body clock?
Is it healthy for me? Or is it a curse for staying too late at night frequently that my body has grew accustomed to it, denying mornings in the process?
Productivity often comes late in my case; The splash of inspiration makes me write stuff that sends me to other worlds to write their stories and make it come to life in this platform. Sounds poetic, right? I’m writing this late at night, accumulating all the elements to come up and make it into a story.
But the reason why I’m writing this article is that late nights always fascinates me. You can call me a night owl and the sorts; I can never deny that this is the time that my brain can function to its fullest.
I can do anything with all my ideas piling up, from my roadmaps in life to scenarios that make me go in awe.
The problem is, the higher it stacks, the lower my brain capacity can take it and make it into words. Talk about a writer’s dilemma. Though I admit that I’m still mediocre and need a couple more years to hone my writing skill, late nights have always been my refuge.
I came about specific topics that can be absurd, elements such as:
**Romance**
Talking about romance, I could come up with the most cliché of scenarios. However, it would be wholesome if I could experience happiness with my significant other. I can imagine that we would be in a high rise building watching fireworks together as we celebrate the new year. These kinds of scenarios get stuck in my head in this hour. I don’t know how to describe it, though; It can be annoying and fulfilling sometimes. Talk about a guy who doesn’t have a girlfriend from the day he was born and introduced into a powerful feeling. Only I can imagine, haha!
**Action**
When listening to pop-punk such as Dance Gavin Dance’s “Inspire the liars.” It gives me a sense of the privilege of being the main character in a series introduction, showcasing his powers or capabilities to make the show as excellent as possible. I’ve always imagined how lit it would be if I could be that guy who doesn’t look at explosions. Because as they say, “Cool guys don’t look at explosions."
**Sci-fi**
These get into me; the thoughts of aliens fascinates me every bit. The new source of intelligent life forms coming forth to our planet with the uncertainty of their mission is worth anticipating. The depth of its knowledgeable facts can’t fit in my brain, but I have lingering ideas that would be amazing. I can write about this kind of stuff, but it can be absurd.
**Rap Artist**
Please don’t laugh, hahaha; I made a couple of verses to some free beats that I found online. It’s just like doing poetry, but you’re turning to the rhythm, making it more catchy and sensible. I never really pursued it because I think it would do me no good. I think of it as a small exercise.
**Life roadmap**
I always think about if @MarcDeMesel did a 1000 dollars giveaway since BCH is pumping at the start of this year; if I won, it would set me off a good start of the year. The scenarios are endless, and the more I keep myself late at night thinking about this stuff, the more I get motivated and inspired to work my ass off. This pandemic took a toll on me, and it’s a matter of adjusting to the new normal.
Life roadmaps have always been the dominating ideas that keep me up late. Since I’m slowly turning into a responsible adult, I need to find a part-time to sustain my financial needs. I don’t want to suck up to my parents, and I want them to live a good life until they grow further gray and old. I’m glad that I have found this site. I’ve been able to earn by sharing my thoughts and my ludicrous stories. I’m pleased that there are people that read my stuff and be able to read theirs too.
**Mental health**
Yes, I’m vulnerable to anxiety and depression episodes sometimes. Still, slowly, I’m improving my mental health by focusing on my sense of purpose fueled by the determination to work hard and not die pathetically. Late nights have always been the haven of my demons, sometimes becoming a battlefield when times are hard. Never yielding to them, I’m proud to have made it this far. Suicide has become rampant nowadays because of pressure, trauma, and other factors that could trigger your mental health. So if you’re reading this far, please, fight. Don’t ever let your demons beat you down to oblivion.
So, in conclusion, from a night owl myself. Late nights can give you a sense of clarity of the things you want to do and what you want to happen, and sometimes it makes you think of what if’s and the worst-case scenarios. Whatever happens, always choose to be productive, and don’t forget to rest when things become challenging; life won’t matter if you’re dead. Just enjoy life and keep things in balance. Don’t forget to check on your mental, spiritual, and physical health as they’re the essential pillars in productivity.
May it be mornings or late nights, it doesn’t matter. As long as I’m alive and telling and writing about you these kinds of stuff, I think that matters most. Life is short anyway, and we might as well maximize our potential to what we bring in this world.
If you’ve read this far, you’re the best. I wish you more productive days and a belated happy new year. I’ve been busy with things, so I might as well get back to the usual stuff.
Here’s my noise.cash account: @marcmarcmarc I also post stuff there.
Until the next story and article! Stay safe.
**-Marcmire**
Playing God
The young man whose heart was so cold longing for the heat of the year has come stale. The boy never encountered another rose liked flowers inside him, like the butterflies that flew over his gardens died, and the flowers that have withered and gray.
It was three years past when the relationship between Brad's girlfriend and him ended. No one knows who was in the wrong nor who's to blame for the fall of their relationship. There's one they're sure of:
It was all now toxic and unhealthy.
Brad knew that he was not to blame for the relationship; he deserves happiness, and never did he see it out of his girlfriend as time passes by.
"Time eventually eviscerates the feeling of lust and love; I think it's just normal," Brad thought.
He realized that it was time to end their relationship; he already saw no future out of it. It was just a straight dead end.
The constant fighting makes him insane; Brad wanted more than just being cooped up in this stale and bland relationship; he was already full and wanted no more of it.
So, he called his girlfriend to meet up and talk things out.
His girlfriend, who's trying to save the relationship, had no idea what's going to unfold. "It's going to be another fight, isn't it?" She said on the phone.
"It's something important," Brad replied on the other side.
"There's nothing important if you don't listen to reason, Brad,"
"Just come over,"
"Fine," She agreed, hoping to talk sense into him. She's planning to cool things off so that it doesn't further destroy their relationship, thinking that she needs to focus on her career first before engaging in the relationship with weary feelings.
She loves him. She genuinely does.
But, when they finally met and in the hopes of taking the relationship for a break,
What she got from Brad was,
***"I never did love you."***
The cold demeanor strikes right into the young maiden's heart, filling it with strife. "but it was worthwhile." Brad wryly smiled.
She didn't know what to react, it stabbed deep not just to the heart but to her soul, who's invested in love and the future of them both. Her world broke down apart, slowly destroyed as the words cripple her inside.
***"You asshole, I loved you, I loved you even if you're an asshole, I loved you." She cried.***
"We're over, Amanda. That's just how it is." He coldly said, but Brad only said those words because his pride told him so; he wanted to gain the upper hand of the relationship, he wanted to be the one to end it; Having thought that Amanda will end things with him later. He still wanted the relationship, but not right now, not at this time. Little did he know, it was the end of all.
Amanda cried and mourned for the lost relationship they had, leaving his apartment and sulking at her home, coping with her deteriorating mental health. She never yielded to her demons, thanks to the person who she met at work. He helped her cope with the mental stress of their break up and eventually, as times passed, they got together. They were a perfect match, and they promised to themselves that they would talk about their problems through and conquer them together.
As time passed, she found a new boy treated her right just like how a prince treats a princess. Amanda found herself at home again, and she was more matured than she was before. The pain of romance made her stronger. This time, it's through the years and to the end of time.
Meanwhile Brad,
**Well, it wasn't looking good for Brad.**
He was happy after that confrontation; he went out with his friends and hung out with many girls. He was under the influence of drugs and slowly became a stoner. It was after that that he realized he was on the brink of letting himself go. He wanted Amanda, and he tried to assess himself again with the only person who understood him most. Unfortunately, Amanda already cut all communications with him and moved out to the countryside to heal.
He somehow regretted his actions soon after, but eventually, as years passed, he learned to accept his past; and fixed his pride that destroyed his relationships.
"Even if it hurts me too much, I would always choose perfection." Brad drank his whiskey glass as he heard Amanda found somebody else through the internet as soon as social media got established. He immediately created an account on a social media platform.
"It was the perfect decision, I guess." He thought.
"Sorry, it had to be the hard way." He cried.
But I guess it was God's perfect plan, and I felt like playing God, and I paid the price.
Brad scrolled through Amanda's profile and then pressed the "add friend" button. He was eager to catch up. A part of himself wants her again, but- he already accepted fate.
**Amanda immediately accepted the friend request.**
"Whoa, this is timely, hello Brad. How are you? It's been years." Amanda immediately started the conversation through their phones.
"I'm doing fine, just got out of rehab actually, you?" Brad replied with a smile as it feels like it was before when their relationship began.
"It's my **wedding** today. I was going to invite you, but I didn't know how to reach you."
"It's fine, and I'm glad you're doing great." Brad typed, realizing that a few tears start to rolling from his eyes.
The nostalgia from the love that he felt was so difficult to replace. Every girl he met doesn't seem to fit the picture of Amanda. It all came back to him, on how much of he's an asshole to her. It was wrong to play God, and it was wrong to let his pride take place at the top without knowing the consequences. It was a cycle, the doer is still healing, but the receiver's already progressing. Blinded by pride, he didn't realize it made him below her and making him losing her.
"I've got to go now, and the wedding's about to start. Thanks for everything, Brad! See you soon."
**"See you soon, Amanda."**
**End.**
-Marcmire
Guns
**When technology surpasses human moralities, we're not advancing; we're regressing.**
**Homicide, Murder, Massacre, War.**
**So why do these kinds of tragedies happen, and what do they connect with firearms?**
Let's take a brief look at why we invented guns:
The history of firearms goes back to when we invented them after discovering gunpowder, affecting society and the field of warfare itself. We can't deny that the only use for a gun is to kill**.** Its invention resulted in killing your enemies and foe much easier if they have lesser tech than you. The killing has been there since the birth of man.
Let's take Abel and Cain, for example.
Cain killed Abel for the reason of just being jealous of him. There were no guns present at that time, but a stone was enough to kill a human being. How much more up to the days as technology slowly advances?
Humanity is vast; we have different desires, different ideologies, different beliefs, and different moralities. What makes us humans is our emotions, and sometimes the emotions we have to make us do things spontaneously.
Bringing guns to the picture makes it easier to kill someone, endangering the morals of humanity itself.
**Why do people kill?**
Greed and desire is my answer. For example, the Spanish inquisition and the modern ISIL/ISIS outright murder those who don't follow their religious doctrine. All blinded by their subjective faith and desire for one religion, which is a significant flow since we can never be sure what is the absolute truth.
People kill because they think that a person obstructs their desires, and they have to resort to means of violence to get it.
War depicts this gruesome scenery, and one wants to topple over the other and gain supremacy. People forces to kill in the name of patriotism and glory.
But this isn't generally the case.
People also kill in the act of defense when people face a threat, which endangers their lives.-
**Do we need to be afraid of guns?**
Guns can easily take away someone's life, and we don't know if the perpetrator is capable of firing a gun on someone without remorse. Especially if you're dealing with someone who has an ill mental state, that's something that you should avoid on.
**If guns were so dangerous, why would humanity keep on producing them?**
Guns provide security and a sense of power in a world full of greed, malice, and disdain.
Guns are the better option for people who don't even want to have a careful deliberation to solve a problem. In the name of desire, some things we attain are not just by discourse and debate; sometimes, it needs force to satisfy that need.
You will also need to fight guns with guns.
**My takeaway is this,**
You can never erase human nature; we are organisms that live on with our emotions. Those emotions will vary on our beliefs on life, and sometimes it can be deadly if we have a weapon capable of eradicating a life form.
Emotions are a cycle that we need to adhere to as humans, a feeling that we need to satisfy always. It's just a matter of how we suppress those desires and prevent ourselves from acting from violence to respect our fellow human beings' lives.
But we also have the right to secure and protect ourselves, not hesitating to subdue and eliminate the threat that something poses.
So, if you ever hold a gun sometime in your life. Reflect on why you're holding it, and ask if it will serve a useful purpose. Either way, your morals and actions will tell you what you are.
**-Marcmire**
12
**12.**
--
Entry no. 1: Adam's first diary.
It's the cold night of winter of 1996 and, I'm here embracing solitude inside my tiny bedroom. I'm writing these down to commemorate the death of my mother and father. Being the only heir to our business empire, I'm under a lot of pressure to do what I am supposed to do. It's hard to balance your wants and needs with your own parents' demand for what they planned you to be.
So today, this very evening, I've decided that I shall take my own life even if it's my birthday tomorrow. Being a kid who's smart enough to know what my future will be, a painful and unpleasant journey to the road of puberty throughout adulthood is not what I want to live my life. I want something that's going to make my life full of joy and satisfaction. Everything I do is through passion and love. But you can never relinquish the void and discomfort your parents gave you.
--
I took a deep breath before punching in a second paragraph. The thought of suicide isn't normal for a 12-year-old kid like me, and it's absurd because kids my age should enjoy childhood and the gist of it.
I went downstairs to get a cup of water, and as expected, there they are, my parents. Struggling to find a better spot to build another branch of their company. "Hey, mom, hey dad." I greeted them casually. "Oh, hey, Adam." They responded. "Dinner is on the fridge, and we're going on a late-night business trip again." Mom said. I just smiled faintly and went to the fridge, only to find a handful of fast food meals. It's been a long time since I've tasted my mother's cooking. I grabbed it all and sat with them at the dining table. Slowly eating the cold and unhealthy food while they're just conversing all about business and construction while I'm only here trying to strike a conversation with them but to no avail. I got disappointed that they're not even excited about my birthday "Honey, let's go. The contractors are waiting." My dad announced. My mom smiled, "I see, we'll be back before midnight, Adam, be sure to lock the doors and windows." She sincerely said, kissing my forehead. They left the house as soon as I bid them goodbye and waved at them before they drove downtown. I heaved a deep sigh.
I locked the doors and windows before proceeding to the basement to get some rope. "The most basic of them all," I murmured, grabbing the rope, then realized that I don't know how to tie a hangman's knot. I got so frustrated that I almost shouted at the top of my lungs. Nevertheless, I guess I'm going for the painful one. A knife, but it's too painful to bear. I started to breakdown, and accidentally shook one of the shelves at my right "Ouch!" and saw a notebook fall from the top. It was my mom's diary.
I didn't dare open it because a friend of mine told me that I would be cursed to death once you read a diary of someone without their permission. A painful death than a knife, I reckon. I hurriedly went to my bedroom and contemplated if I should open her diary or not. I lay down and stared blankly at the ceiling for hours and have finally decided that I should read it. I guess ending my life this way won't hurt once I know the contents of this. As I opened her diary, the first pages were from when I was born. I can't contain my tears as I saw the entries she wrote.
--
**Entry: Adam's first birthday**
"Our purpose started with you."
**Entry: Financial Crisis**
"Adam, let you know that we're doing our best to keep us all together; I'm sorry if we didn't have too much time to bond with you and pressured you frequently but, this for the greater good, baby. We love you. We can get through this. "
**Entry: Forever**
"I can hear him crying in his bedroom late at night, and we want to make it up to him sooner or later; we're going to buy a special cake for his 13th birthday and give him a surprise he deserves. We love you, Adam. We will always be here forever.
--
I cried hard, and I never thought that they would care about my well being. I realized that this is just another trial set upon me. I need to be strong for my parents for us. "I'M SORRY, MOM!" "I'M SORRY, DAD!" I cried out loud till I eventually fell asleep in my bed.
I woke up with high hopes to meet my parents' surprise, but the only surprise I got was their death. Late-night they drove across a ravine when a drunk driver of a truck crashed through them and killed both of them, said the officers. So much for my birthday. I was devastated by the news, and I don't know what to do about my life anymore. I read again my mom's entry about forever and decided to write more entries.
--
**Entry no. 2**
MOM!!!!! DAD!!! I'm SORRY!! I KNOW YOU'RE ALL STILL ALIVE!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!! Forever REMEMBER?!!!!! I'm SORRY!!!!! I NEED YOU!!!!!
--
END.
**-Marcmire**
Aftermath
The start and end of youth we don't notice it; in just a couple of blinks in our eyes,
With you, staring down at me in your front porch while I’m soaked in the heavy rain,
I offered my hand,
To you, my precious dear with tears falling down your eyes trying to kill the pain,
With every excruciating words to have felt in your heart with malice from the ones you love,
I am here, take my hand.
Let’s take a walk to the paradise we ought to love.
Away from this miserable conjecture of faith and reality,
The absolute truth, we could never decipher.
The smolder from each burnt memories,
The thin line of life and death,
Listen to the music of old, and follow me.
To the cliff that which the stars dance into; with a clear view of the city.
Now, look at me.
Do you want to be free?
The melancholy sonata that sings in your heart,
That which we can turn into art,
Hold my hand, and seek beyond your perceptions.
In the tales of old full of swords and magic,
Ring around the Rosy,
Pocket full of posies,
Ashes, Ashes we all fall down.
Never falter now, darling
And hold my hand tight.
Remember me,
When the skies are clear,
That your savior is here.
**-Marcmire**
Inheritance
**"Inheritance"**
It was Christmas season, and Alex Orto just finished his shift at work; he was already excited to go home and read his books, which he ordered online. He was always fond of them since he was a kid; knowing things around him and understanding the world and different perspectives still fascinated him.
"Christmas season couldn’t get any duller," He murmured, adjusting his glasses as soon as he arrived in his apartment from work. “Same shit, different day." He checked the time, and it was already 7 pm, and he can already hear his stomach rumble; that made him cook a good meal and soup to satisfy his hunger and cold.
He was having his meal until a knock came unto the door.
It was his neighbor, Alan. "Hey someone dropped this by earlier, said it’s for you." Alex was excited as his fiction books about crime and law already arrived. Alex immediately put his palm on the parcel, to rip it off, but he was interrupted by Alan, who said, "Don't open it here" Alex can sense the panic in Alan's eyes. “The courier said that you should only open it when you're alone” He continued, stuttering. Alex just shrugged and thanked him for his kindness.
He was weirded out by how his neighbor reacted to this delivery. Usually, he doesn't act like that when he hands out my delivery items. “Oh well, Alan is going to be Alan, I guess" Alex said, trying not to think of it anymore.
He ripped the parcel off and was shocked to find a bundle of books and a letter, sealed in wax with a symbol of a cleaver in it. His brows furrowed as he gets more perplexed and curious. He put the book aside on the table and read what’s transcribed in the letter.
Much to his surprise, it was an inheritance note from Harry Orto. He was not familiar with the name, but it offered him a hefty amount of cash and a large manor to be inherited to him. He bet it was a relative of him that he couldn't remember in family reunions. Alex wasn't that friendly in his teenage years, the type of nerd that aces his exams and goes home and plays games and reads books, but now he’s practicing to be more outgoing to get much in life. “Now I understood why it was this important” He chuckled. "The courier did a pretty job putting this letter in my package” He plastered a smile on this unprecedented event, but a question still lingers on his mind.
"But why me?”
Alex then washed the dishes and took a nice cold bath before positioning himself on the couch to ponder about the coordinates of the letter if he should go or not. "I think it's not really for me, and this must be a mistake” But he knew for sure that it’s time for a change. He can't bear to live just to exclude himself from what’s really in the outside world. He knew it was worth the risk.
He then packed his bags later that evening and went to bed. He read a chapter of the book that he bought and then went on to get a good night's sleep.
Early morning, he then went to the station to follow where the coordinates pinpointed on his smartphone, but he gets a strange feeling that he's been followed. The danger of being robbed and murdered made him anxious that he wants himself to back out and burn the letter and never talk about it again, but he knew inside himself that he doesn't want to be a wimp any more. "Damn, its Alex; get a hold of yourself "He mumbled softly, sitting patiently inside the train.
It was not soon after that he eventually got to the countryside; it was already a late afternoon. The manor was sitting top of the hill at the town beneath it. Alex was smiling deep inside, imagining the right view when he gets to own the place. “I guess this is the coordinates.”
He then decided to eat at a local restaurant before he went to the manor. While he was eating, two men carrying an envelope confronted him at his table, men who had plain casual outfits that don't even stand out. They took a seat, “Good day, do you perhaps know Harry Orto” They immediately asked him.
Alex was pretty anxious to see these guys and stuttered the word "Y-yes”
“What are you to him exactly?" The other man who's wearing aviators asked.
"I"-I was just invited t-to his manor "Alex kept on stuttering as his anxiety gradually increases, and can't look straight at them.
“Oh, are you the maid’s boyfriend or something" he retorted.
"Don't worry; we won't hurt you." The man carrying the envelope assured. "We are just doing an investigation post-mortem. Since he's been suspected of being the Mad Butcher." He then presented the documents to Alex, which made him mortified and wanting to puke at the gruesome pictures.
“Okay, that's enough," He arranged the documents back inside the envelope. "We’re going to assume that you’re here because of your girlfriend, but if you do have any suspicions about the place being a place of crime, please do call us here, and we’d break down the place.” The man in aviator explained.
Alex just nodded in response.
“Here’s our calling card; just give us the go signal.”
Alex wanted quits, but he knew that there’s something more to the story. He read about the mad butcher when he was in college; it was on the news headlines for years as his rampage and massacre made a whole city in a state of emergency. He was never before intrigued since the cases were never solved until it disappeared gradually.
“Before we go, what’s your name, kid?”
“Alex Fischer,” Alex lied; he knew he would be in deep trouble if they told him the truth.
“Okay, Fischer. Godspeed.” The man carrying the envelope then proceeded and went out.
The man in aviators looked at him for a minute before following his partner.
Alex proceeded to the manor as he intended and was greeted by the housemaid.
“You must be Alex Orto? I’ve been expecting you.”
Alex nodded and asked, “Am I actually the recipient for the inheritance?”
The housemaid chuckled and invited Alex in. The manor was pretty elegant inside; it was like a brand-new furbished home with a Victorian-like design. Alex was then led to an enormous bookshelf that has specific numbers on them.
“Did you bring the letter?”
“Yes”
“There are numbers encrypted on the last portion of the letter, pick those three books out from numbers in the bookshelf, and we’ll talk about your inheritance.”
Alex then gladly obliged and picked out the books that were stated in the letter. The books had simple but weird titles. The first one was titled, “Kill the hen.” The second one was, “Be your own flesh,” and the last one being, “Praise the neighbor.”
“Study those in books until midnight, and you’ll have your inheritance. That is if you have the guts.” The housemaid cheerfully said mockingly.
Alex was then directed to the study room of the manor; much to his surprise, it was all about the theories of murder, psychological and dark manipulation, and steps on how to hide a body and get away with it. Alex, to his surprise, was indulged in the topics that were presented to him. A part of him wanted to get away and call the investigators, but that meant a dull life and a never-ending cycle that rots hits soul in the process.
But this, to him,
It feels like an awakening inside. Alex didn’t realize it, but it was almost midnight, and he knew he had to prepare for what’s to come. He went to the living room and found the maid sitting there with her tea cup, waiting for him.
“I’m ready,” Alex said.
“Come with me to the cellar beneath.” The housemaid wryly smiled and put down her tea.
The cellar had a ton of locks, to begin with as if it was made to store gold inside. “Somethings waiting for me inside, and it’s mine.” Alex thought to himself with a sliver of confidence.
Once the cellar door opened, He can hear muffled screams inside. The housemaid then opened the lights, and there, Alex saw a naked girl with her hands and feet tied with a very tight rope, with her mouth covered with duct tape and a body full of bruises, desperately crying and screaming for help. There were tools for torture and butchering in a steel table with a rectangular box in the middle that needed a key to open.
The housemaid then pulled out a gun and said, “It’s now or never, Alex. Take the key inside of her, or I put the lead inside you.” She then maniacally laughed.
But Alex stood in a calm demeanor, “No need for guns here.”
Alex slowly approached the girl and took off the tape. “Who are you? What’s your name?” Alex asked.
“Please help me!” She pleaded. “My name’s Janice Orto, and I was scammed from this inheritance scheme, please!! LET ME GO!” She cried in distress.
“But it wasn’t a scam, Janice. It was all true.” He laughed.
Alex proceeded to get the sizeable sharp cleaver on the table and slowly put it beside her.
“I’ll put you out of your misery, don’t worry. I’ll make it pleasurable.” Alex whispered inside her ear with a hint of dread in his tone. He slowly took off his clothes and slowly proceeded to put his manhood inside her walls. The girl screamed in agony, and Alex remarked, “Stop screaming, I haven’t cut you to pieces yet!”
He thrust inside of her hard and picked up the cleaver from her side. He tore her limb from limb as if slicing off an animal. Her cries can be heard inside the cellar with only the housemaid and Alex can listen to them. The housemaid was turned on by the sight of her new master and proceeded to play with herself in the process.
“Yes, master! Tear her apart!” She moaned in pleasure and played with herself while sliding her gun to the floor.
Alex has such zeal in his heart and eyes that the girl was barely unrecognizable. He reached his climax and shot his load right at her torn body as soon as the girl’s cries of despair disappeared.
It was already morning, and the birds were lively, chirping as the sun illuminates the horizon with a calm atmosphere.
“You’re now the successor of Harry Orto; what are your plans, young master?” The housemaid asked.
“I- “before Alex could reply, there was a knock at the front door.
“Ah, the twin blades.” She spoke.
“Twin blades?”
“Yes, the ones who confronted you at the town, they could’ve killed you if you called them.”
“Or end up like Janice.” He realized.
The housemaid invited them in and respectably greeted Alex.
“I guess you’re the perfect candidate to succeed, Harry.” The man in aviator said.
“More than perfect, to be exact,” The housemaid retorted.
“Not perfect actually. You should never lie to an investigation team; your poor lying skills could’ve given you off.” The other man said.
“That’s now in the past, so, is this one big circle?” Alex asked.
“Yes and no, this a circle for those who found true purpose in this god-forsaken world. We refuse to obey the cycle of the sheep. We have the power to rule amongst ourselves, and power to go beyond what we can imagine.” The man who carried the envelope explained.
“And no, because we fend off for ourselves until the next inheritance of our name is needed. We don’t merely kill just for fun; we kill for a purpose…sometimes,” the guy with the aviator continued chuckling.
“So, young master, what are your plans now?” The housemaid asked once again.
“Just what Harry inherited to me,” Alex sternly said.
“Specifically, what?”
“Kill your neighbor.”
**-Marcmire**
This is my entry to an online writing prompt challenge, it was rushed because I just knew about the competition 10 hours before the deadline. I still have no sleep up to now. Oh well, I can't believe I got so committed for it. I guess I was so caught up in the story. I wanted to spice the story up a bit but I'm really tired. Well, anyways, I'd be posting more of these if I'm up for it.
Sorry for the grammatical errors and spellings.
Until then, brrrrt.
State of Emergency (ACT II)
Smoke and rubble,
Asphyxiate me– trouble,
Wailing cries of men,
Seeking help, and its half past 10.
The fear in the eyes of women,
Prayers they hope, that reaches heaven.
The infant in the arms of a mother,
Lucky to have a temporary shelter,
In the hopes of the surviving few,
The test of humanity was never this new.
Intelligent creatures that roam the city,
Fighting each other for survival and safety,
Blood for life hoping it can end their strife,
But it’s only the beginning of their dilemma.
Slowly consumed by insanity,
Fear, anger, profanity.
Clueless on where it ends,
To a world so vast, and them, making it bend.
**-Marcmire**
A Birthday Poem.
Hush those tears goodbye,
And render this as a sweet lullaby—
Wipe every drop of tear,
Know that there is nothing to fear.
In this cycle of life we live and leave,
Love comes forms that*'*s difficult to perceive,
Cling on to your faith and to the almighty,
Don't beg for love as it's pathetic and greedy.
But worry not as days pass by,
The faith you have; blossoms and never dies.
Keep being true and truer to yourself,
As patient as you are, love finds you itself.
As we're all still here, hold our hands for now.
Don't let go, and let your heart show—
How compassionate and true you are,
Happy Birthday, shine brighter than the stars.
**-Marcmire**
Dedicated this to my friend's birthday yesterday, I felt it was really wholesome of me to write this.
I would try to post more short scenarios in the near future, the semester just ended so let's goo.
@marcmire
