The battle between hero and villain ended in an epic explosion. The hero, with his power of flight, floated through the debris and rubble of the once standing city. His sight pinned onto the bloodied figure before him standing on uneven ground.
The villain, angry he was defeated, fell on his knees. Waiting for the inevitable.
When the hero approached the villain, he took out a piece of paper and showed it to the villain. It was a missing person flyer. “Have you seen this boy?” “It’s me younger,lost.” The villain, wide eyed, replied. The hero smirked, “Found you.”
memory breathes and so will she. Sweet thoughts of yesteryear of him calling her dear of her love for him so sincere
memory breathes and so will she. although she had been gone for quite some time, she is his first thought at morning’s shine. his love for her still sublime.
she’ll live in his mind forevermore til grey hair appears all the more When death came knocking at his door,
he smiled and said, “It’s been awhile.”
Her fingers tips scrunched into a claw like shape. Her nails dug into the brown bark. Body pressed against the rough cylinder surface, she began her climb. Her dress scraped along, collecting dirt, leaves and any unfortunate ant that crossed her path. Her feet followed after, securing her hold. The higher the better. The tree, she thought, was perfect to camouflage with. Her hair matched the golden autumn leaves that has yet to fall, her clothing once clean, now marred with remnants of earth matched the bark. She picked a branch that was sturdy enough to hold her and sat quietly as she could. “Abigail? Abigail where are you?” As voice shouted from below. She clamped her mouth shut and held her breath. “Abigail Winston, Abigail Winston, Abigail Winston, where-are-you?” The voice asked again with annoyance. She sneaked a peak down and saw a glimpse of familiar tan hat moving around the tree. She climbed up a bit higher once he was gone. Slowly this time, she reached up towards another level of branches. “Abigail!” Now the voice was accompanied by others. “I see you!” This caused her to freeze and look down. No one was looking up at her. She shook her head, silently scolding herself for falling for that bluff. She had spent about 15 minutes watching them hunt for her. She was getting bored. She had long since stretched herself on the limp her head resting on her folded arms looking down. She let out a rather loud yawn causing those below to freeze in there places. “You hear that?” One said to the other. The other nodded, glancing up. “Must be a bird or something.” “Birds don’t make that kind of noise.” “Alright Abigail, you can come down now.” Jack took off his tan hat and looked up the tree. Abigail giggled and began her decent. Once she landed, she turned to Jack, and his friends with a big smile and said, “I told ya I was the best at hide and seek.” The boys groaned in unison. “Hey you may be a good hider but I betcha not a good seeker,” said John wrapping his arm around Jack’s shoulder. “Yeah the others chimed in, joining John. Abigail looked at the boys who seemed to build a defense against her. Abigail’s smiled grew and without saying a jeering word, turned around and started counting. “10…9….8….7….6….5….4…3…2…1. Ready or not here I come”
His hanging was set at noon. The Sun cast a long shadow of the gallows in his cell. He swallowed the cotton feeling that lodged in his throat and leaned his head against the stone wall. Self pity started to fog his mind. He didn’t want to die like this, like a spectacle for the town’s entertainment. But he guessed he deserved this. He had spent the majority of his life a wanted man. Robbed dozens of banks and outposts. Although he never took another’s life. That was one line he would never cross. He did brake his one rule; never trust Kane. Kane convinced him that this would be their last heist. It would be easy, get the money and run. But Kane had other ideas. He rubbed his face of the memory. Never had he seen a man bleed out like that. Never had he seen such fear and hatred amongst the town’s people. Lost in thought, he hadn’t heard the deputy come towards his cell. “Outlaw, looks like you’ve got a visitor. Though what good citizen in their right mind ever wants to associate with the likes of you is beyond me. You’ve got five minutes.” The deputy spat the dirty brown tobacco next to the cell then walked away leaving behind someone hidden under a cloak. “Well, what a pickle you’ve gotten yourself in Randy.” He knew that voice. “What are you doing here Mercy?” Shouldn’t you be getting ready for your wedding?” He spat. Mercy uncovered her head and shook out her curls. “Not when I’ve got some saving to do.” Mercy pulled a hair pin out from her hair. “How many times has this pin saved your hide huh?” She chuckled. Randy turned to look at her. A blank expression replaced his often amused one. “I’m afraid you’re not gonna save me this time. I’m too tired anyways.” “Kane should be in here not you! He’s the one who killed the banker. He’s a coward for runnin, leavin you behind.” Mercy began to work the lock. Her face contorted into one of concentrated and concern. Beautiful, Randy though. He stood up and crossed the short distance between them grasping her hands in his through the bars, and glared at her.“You’ve got your whole life ahead of you. For Pete sake your getting married tomorrow Mercy! If you get caught-“ “To a man I don’t love! Pa set that up. And I’ve never gotten caught before.” “I love you Mercy! So much so as to not let you do this. Ya hear?!” Randy tore his hands away from her’s and turned his back, his eyes set on the gallows before him. “I love you too Randy. I’ve got to set you free!” Mercy, in frustration tugged at the lock. She let out a small whimper. Why wasn’t the lock working? “Mercy, Mercy. Stop.” Randy looked over his shoulder. “It’s ok.” “No.” The deputy’s steps pounded towards them. “Your time is up. Better run.”
We had three hours to reach our ship before the mother ship’s auto call would draw our ship back, with or without us. We had one simple mission, gather four units of Earth’s fruit for it was the only source for salvation for our dying planet. “It seemed that our mission will be successful brother.” My sister said as she put the last of the unit of fruit; strawberries, I believed they are called, into the vacback. I nodded, but I couldn’t help but grow wary of being here much longer. An uneasiness filled my gut. My hearts began to beat out of sync. This isn’t good. I secured the vacback onto my back and began to hastily walk back towards the ship. “What’s the rush? We have at least two and a half hours. I wish I could explore more of earth. Thank it somehow for saving our planet.” I shook my head “Earth must never, NEVER, know of our existence! It’s an infant planet, not ready for such knowledge of life beyond them. It’s too delicate! Now let’s go.” My sister sighed and whispered, “thank you earth. Thank you earth for saving our planet Larsus. We-“ I quickly covered my sister’s mouth. “Lights!” I hissed. How have the earthlings found us? “Ereth ohw?” An unfamiliar language called out. We stayed still, quite. “Ereth ohw?” The voice called again, this time with more force. I looked down as my sister fidgeted. She moved her hand to the com in her ear. The translator, how could I forget? I do the same. “Who’s there?! I know you are out there! You’re trespassing and the cops are on the way!” Cops? My sister and I looked at each other. This word is unfamiliar. All the same I rather not figure it out. Soon the light disappeared. We had to leave now. And to confirmed this, a ping sounded on my watch. One hour. We had one hour to get to The ship. It was 30 mics away, equivalent to 40 miles in earth terms. We jumped at a strange noise came closer towards us. Followed by clip sharp growling. It reminded me of a Vernet. The light was back with greater brightness now. We would be spotted for sure. I grabbed my sister’s hand and ran. “Hey, Hey! We see you! Stop!” We’ve been seen. We ignored the orders and ran faster. I set my arm forward activating a map to our ship. 20mics away. I think we had a chance. We have to. We have to make it. For Larsus sake! My watch beeped again. 50 minutes. I pushed harder, my eyes never leaving the map. I won’t stop, we can’t stop. Suddenly my sister yanked me back to a hault. I looked at her, she pointed to the cliff. I shook my head. For Larsus. I grabbed my sisters hand and pulled her towards the cliffs edge with me. She nodded slowly in my direction. Then we jumped.
“Go to your parent’s cabin Sarah!” Her aunt told her. “ there, you will find a hidden hot spring.” She paused. “Are you listening Sarah?” Sarah nodded absentmindedly. It was another morning listening to her crazy aunt’s rambling. Hot springs, cabin, next she’s going to mention the light. She heard it every morning since she came to live with her aunt after her parents disappearance . “....Follow the light down Sarah. Follow the light.”
Sarah looked up at her aunt. Why did she sound so urgent this time? “ yeah, yeah, I know.” Sarah moved around her aunt to get her backpack.
“No you don’t Sarah!” Her aunt snapped. She took a hold of Sarah shoulders and slightly shook her. Sarah grew afraid. “L...let go of me!”
“Go to the cabin! Down the hot spring! Follow the light!”
“I said let me go!” Sarah yanked herself from her aunts grasp. “You crazy old-“
“The cabin Sarah!”
“I’m going to school.”
“No you’re not. You haven’t been to high school in weeks!”
Sarah shook her head. “I am going to school! Bye!”
Sarah did not go to school.She went to Ronny, the only normalcy in her life. “Hello my darling,” Ronny wrapped Sarah in a tight hug. “Hello my dear.” Sarah giggled and kissed him. “What’s my girl doing here and not finishing her final days in school?”
“Aunt.” Was all Sarah had to say. Ronny nodded his head then gave her a look. “What?”
“What if-“
“Oh no! Uh uh! No what if’s!” Sarah pulled back out of Ronnie’s arms. “ besides, today is the last day I get to see you before you head off to college. I want to spend time with you.”
Ronny shook his head. “Nope! We should go! Hear me out now. Just go and do this so you can get your aunt off your back. You’ll finally have some peace. I’ll drive you myself.”
Sarah look at Ronny skeptically. “You just want to see the cabin for yourself huh?” Ronny let out a huff. “Alright, find I do want to go see it. Plus hot springs! Who wouldn’t want to relax in a spring?”
“Fine let’s go.” Sarah threw up her arms in defeat.
The drive lasted an hour. Sarah looked out the window at her parents cabin. She’d hadn’t been here in since she was a child. “you coming?” Sarah look at Ronny who was already out the car and had opened her door. She nodded and hopped out. Ronny placed his hand on the small of her back and lead her to the door of the cabin. The door was lock. So they decided to look for the spring.
It didn’t take long to find the spring.Ronny took off his shirt and pants and climbed in. Sarah went in after. “Hey look.” Sarah look at where Ronny pointed. A glowing light appeared in the water. “Well...?” Ronny said, you know what to do.” Sarah rolled her eyes, took a deep breath and drove in.
The bells rang waking Ella from her fitful sleep. She wanted to weep when she opened her eyes to stare at the now cold, dark fireplace and not at the prince. It was all a dream. The bells chimed again. Time to serve, time to clean, time to stop dreaming. Ella met her step-mom and step-sisters in the dinning room and gracefully served them their breakfast. “Good morning,” she said meekly without reply. She had gone accustom to their icy silence but obliged them non the less. She after all was raised to mind her manners. “Mother can you believe it? The prince has chosen his bride.” Miranda the eldest and rudest of the steps sisters proclaimed breaking the silence. “ Yes, my dear, I have.” Carlotta replied. “He’s chosen poorly. The Duke’s daughter is all airs and no brain.” Ella retreated for the kitchen where she would eat her breakfast alone. Her prince was not going to marry her. Ella pondered on that as she began to eat her cold porridge. “Ahm.” A gruff cough startled Ella out of her thoughts. She looked over at the doorway which revealed Gerald the stable master. “Good morning Gerald, care for some breakfast?” Ella rose from the table. Gerald nodded and sat across from Ella seat. He watched her as she fixed his breakfast. “ Thank you my princess,” Gerald smiled. Ella giggles at her nickname. “Must you call me princess, I am not royalty.” Gerald shrugged in reply and took a bite of porridge. He grimaced. “I’m sorry it’s cold.” “No matter, i have a feeling it will be hot today. Mine as well eat something cold before the day’s work.” “Gerald you’re too kind.” Ella giggled. “No!” Gerald snapped making Ella jump.” “No,” Gerald said again slowly. He stood up then and came to Ella. He towered over her. He took her hand in his, “ you, you are the kind one. I’ve been watching how you take orders from your step mother and her brats. Always serving them while they treat you cruelly, you are your father’s daughter! You have every right to be treated equally- I have half a-“ “Shh, Gerald, it’s alright, it’s alright. When my father died I knew I had to stay and help them. They are so helpless without my father. My father taught me well.” Ella kissed the back of Gerald’s hand in friendly comfort. “Cinderella!” “I sorry Gerald I must go now. Thank you for accompanying for breakfast.” “I hate that name they call you.” Gerald sneered. He held onto Ella a bit longer not wanting her to go back to them. “Gerald if I don’t go now then they’ll-“ “ meet me in the stables when you are done.” Gerald released her. Ella nodded. Ella chores had seemed relentless but she was finally done. She was heading to the stables when she passed the sitting room where her step mother and sisters sat. “When will we rid ourselves of Ella mother?” Patricia asked.
“Ok I get it already!” My sister, Jean exclaimed exasperatedly. “Are you sure? Because one slip up and the whole plan is ruined!” I replied back. Jean rolled her eyes and nodded. “Now I’ve made a deal with the Junkers. They’ll take us as far as West Stop and then we’ll move on from there.” “Ha! I knew it! You’re running away!” Jean and I’s head snapped up towards the doorway. “Conner, go away!” I shouted at the lanky boy in the doorway. He didn’t budge. “Wait til Mrs. Fits finds out!” “Conner No!” Jean pleaded “we have to find our father! He’s still alive!” Conner’s face morphed from a smirk to a look of disgust. “No!” He point a slim finger at us. “No, you two are orphans and you’ll always be orphans! Your parents are dead! Besides no one ever escapes Mrs. Fits Orphanage!” A slap echoed through the small room. My hand stung from the slap. but I was satisfied with the look of shock on Conner’s face. No one had ever dared to hit him. He was a bully after all and Mrs. fits little snitch. But I didn’t care now. I grabbed him by the collar,“ Our father is alive! You hear me, and we are going to find him! And no one will stop us! No one!” “Jacob!” Jean shouted , I turn towards her. “The Junkers,”she said, “they are coming.” I shoved a still shocked Conner away from the doorway and dashed for the front door with Jean close behind me. Glorious hope beamed through my heart as I opened the door to freedom, but all to quickly it vanished at the sight of Mrs. Fits yelling at the Junkers to move on. “There is nothing we have for you to collect today.Go away you filthy wretches! You’ll stink my whole place up!” I felt the wetness of my tears flow down my cheek. I haven’t cried in years. Seeing the Junkers leave broke me. “Come on!” Said Jean, bouncing with excitement. “Wha-“ “Come on before they get to far.” Jean said before she ran past Mrs. Fits, almost knocking her down. I watched as she leaped onto the back of the Junkers’ truck. I smiled, the Hope started to return. “Oh no you don’t you little brat!” Mrs. Fits yelled, charging up to me. I easily dodged her attempts to get a hold of me. And when she stopped to catch her breath, I smiled and gave a mock solute,“ See you never Mrs. Fits!” I race down the road, the Junkers’s truck and Jean not far ahead. I grabbed Jeans outstretched hands and she pulled me up. We fell backwards and laughed. The commotion we caused, caused the truck to stop. All three Junkers came out of the cab and looked at us. The burliest of the bunch just shook his head and chuckled ,“Made it out after all I see.” We smiled in reply. “lets get on then.”
