Heaven's Hell Grounds

Thursday, August 26, 2004

The Will Denied

Why do I know, but cannot defy
Upcoming things, that pass by my eyes
The fact remains, the future unchanged
Despite the knowledge, interference caged

Why can I inflict, but nothing shatters
My wrath unleashed, the target misses
Powers I wield, nothing but futile
The threats given, found all but mild

Why can I heal, but I'm left broken
My body bruised, my soul shaken
Inside of me, the wound remains
Blood still rushing, the eternal pain

Why nature's path, it's strength unwind
The will that's pulled, still acts like vines
Within myself, the vines retangle
To bind my actions, my words mingled

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Another mix of inspiration and emotion over there. Fells much better now that it's out. Well, like I said, the feature story is based on what's on the tagboard. Since all I see is flood messages, guess what I wrote about? So, here's the second part to the story.

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#02 - The Tale of the Undecided Tales: Flooding
A fiction by Seraphim and friends

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The pit seemed endless, seemed to stretch out into the infinite abyss. Fortunately for him, the end was nearer than he thought. With a loud splash he reached the bottom of the pit. It was not a pit, but a cave. Surprisingly there was illumination that came from nowhere, making everything that was in the cave visible. The water was deep, and despite the illumination he could not tell how deep the water was. With a renewed sense of hope, he made his way to the edge of the water.

Time lost hold of him a long time ago, since he was wandering in the darkness. It did not matter as he seemed to be lingering along eternity in his lost state. But as his arms grew tired of swimming, he regained his sense of timing. No matter how long he had been swimming, the edge of the water did not come nearer. In fact, it seemed to stretch on further, even though he was moving towards the supposed 'edge'. Then he realised that it was not a current as he suspected that was pulling him, it was the water level that was rising.

Panic washed through him as he realised the threat of drowning. Then it struck him as strange that he was worrying about death. Why did it matter to him? Then he became bliss of his mortality, easing all efforts to stay afloat and allowed himself to be dragged away by the shifting waters.

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iisgHAN | 10:30 pm| comment

***

Saturday, August 21, 2004

Rafahn: Damn, it’s been ages since there was a last post. Farhan would like to greatly apologize for this, don’t you Farhan?
Farhan: *choke* Argh, yes, yes *choke*
Rafahn: So to start things off again, I squeezed a story from Farhan’s brain for you guys to enjoy.

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#03 - The Last Stand - Resistance
A fiction by Seraphim

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The ground was constantly shaking as the human hordes strode through the ruined landscape that was once a haven to the Seraphim. Step after step, they sent clouds of dust into the stifling air. The heavens were dark, full of the choking smoke that rose from the ruined city. Heaven's Hell Grounds was reduced to ruins after the Humans with Nothing Better to Do had invaded the peaceful city and ended the reign of peace.

The Seraphim who once called that place home were now all but alive, lying in heaps atop the debris of the city. Powerful as they might have been, the human hordes overtook them with their sheer number. That was not surprising considering their animalistic males and willing females which kept their species flourishing. Now it was them who claimed the place, soon to be made their city and reproduction grounds, already defiling it with their very presence.

Despite their victory, it was not complete. They still have yet to claim the center of city, otherwise known as The Contents. The Seraphim could have been announced extinct, if it was not for the one remaining survivor of the ambush. At the highest peak of the tallest tower, a lone Seraph stood his ground, stubbornly refusing to accept defeat and still clinging on to a fool's hope that his species had a chance.

The human leader took his time to climb up the tower. He ordered for the last Seraphim to be left alone, so that he could have the pleasure of ending the graceful race himself. When he arrived at the top, he unsheathed his broadsword and faced the already armed angel.

“Seraph, Seraph, when will you ever learn? Your race is done for, get that into your heavenly brain,” teased the human, “ It is no use fighting back now; the rest of your kind is gone. There is no one else to help you.”

Seraph swung his sword at the human in protest, who lazily dodged it. “That is where you are wrong, human. You think that killing us is the way to end us, do you?”

“Well, if you don’t believe in death, I’ll bring it to you!”, bellowed the reply.

With that last reply, the human went for a strike, but Seraph was too quick for him. He was struck first, only saved by a quick parry, which his reflexes spared. Again, he brought his sword around and went for swing while Seraph recovered from the first strike. To his dismay, the attack was parried.

“Is this how you intend to end me, human?”, jested the angel. “Fine then, I’m getting bored with toying with you feathery beings anyway. It’s time that your race is finally dead. Now, I shall end this!”, came the reply.

At the last remark, the human summoned to him the energies from his mountain homelands into the very sword that he wielded. The sword glowed red then burst into a flaming sword. Armed with a new weapon, he gave a war cry that made all human eyes below turn to him then went for the final strike. Despite having the attack parried, Seraph could not stand the force of the blow and was struck straight to the stomach.

The human took a few steps back to admire the scene of the dying angel. A loud bellowing of a laugh was heard throughout the entire realm. “Do you really think that this will be the end of us, human? Do you really think that we would fall this pathetically? We might fall someday, but before we do, we would put up one, last, stand!!!”, screamed the angel through his wound.

Summoning new strength, the Seraph found the will to stand up. From the depth of his mind the Seraph brought forth his gift, the purpose that he existed. He brought his sword his above his head to point at the sky and muttered ancient words of power. With that, the angel started emitting heavenly light that truly brought out his splendour and sent a blinding beam of light straight to the skies.

Upon the strike, the skies opened up and from it flew the souls of fallen angels. They seemed like a glowing cloud, while wandering around, looking for their former bodies to return to. Once their bodies were found, they possessed them, bringing the body back to life. The purpose of the lone Seraph had been fulfilled. The Seraphim were going to fight, for one last time.

The human leader was paralyzed with the restoration of the Seraphim race. Below, his troops were busy fighting the newly reformed army. At first glance, it seemed as though the Seraphim were going to win back their city after all. However, their rebirth was still no match for the great number of the human hordes.

When it looked as if the Seraphim were done for, again, there was the sound of a horn blowing from the horizon. Across the barren city, the heavenly reinforcements have finally arrived. At last, there was some real hope to the Seraphim.

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Rafahn: Woah, that was a little long. Not to mention undeniably boring.
Farhan: *punch* Ah, that’s quieter. Anyway, I was thinking of creating a new weekly feature. It’s a fiction story where you guys get to give me ideas and we’ll work along from there. So, here’s the first part of the story for you guys to continue from.

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#01 – The Tale of the Undecided Tales
A fiction by Seraphim and friends

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The darkness consumed all. There was no sound, no light, nothing that hi senses could perceive. He just kept walking in the darkness, unsure of his motive. He did not even know what he was doing there. As he walked, the darkness felt more comfortable to him, as if he belonged to it. Soon his thoughts drifted to his life. The next thing he knew, he was falling.

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iisgHAN | 9:30 am| comment

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Thursday, August 12, 2004

>Command prompt
>Accessing remote mainframe
>********
>Access granted, loading…

……………………………………………………100%

>Accessing historical archive
>Inserting new historical record

>Status report of Heaven’s Hell Grounds
Damage attained on all four wings. Life support systems running on minimal power. Possibility of survival: 0%

>Event Log
The attack began within Heaven’s Hell Grounds itself. The Tagboard Sector was being taken over by the Humans with Nothing Better to Do. They had infiltrated the sector and worked their way out to the other parts of the grounds. Everywhere they went they engulfed the place in a wave of destruction. It is official. We are under attack.

>Distress signal to all available outposts
The Tagboard Humans have destroyed most parts of the grounds. They have also managed to break into the Opinion Compiler, which now lies in ruins along with the other sectors. The last remaining Seraphim are requesting that all Hell Outposts within range are to send reinforcements immediately upon receiving this transmission. Though the Tagboard Humans might have taken over the entire grounds when reinforcements arrive, we still cannot allow them to gain control over the central mainframe; The Contents. For eons have they tried and are still failing to control the Contents of the grounds. Even as you receive this, the Contents are still under full control of the Seraphim, who are enjoying their power over it while watching the humans powerless to take over it. They cannot be allowed to finally conquer it.

>Final request
Since the discovery that the Humans have nothing better to do, god knows what else they might do to this blog. This means that the Seraphim might not survive to tell future tales of their alluring nature and offer it to others. If those out there might regret the loss of such pleasurable beasts, put an end to the Humans with Nothing Better to Do.

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Editor's Note:
If it doesn't mean anything to you, well then too bad. Don't bother trying to make yourself intelligent to understand the message behind it, you're not capable.

iisgHAN | 10:06 pm| comment

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Monday, August 09, 2004

At a psychologist's therapy centre

Rafahn: Ahhhh!!! I can't take it any more!!! How is this possible? The humans really have nothing better to do than try shut me down!!!

Psychologist: Calm down Rafahn. I can’t help you with you screaming like that all the time. Now tell me your problem slowly, from the start.

Rafahn: Panting, slowly calming down It all began a long time ago, in a place not so far away. Those damn humans were doing their little human thing with each other.

Psychologist: What little human thing?

Rafahn: You know, when you made your wife squeal? A theory drifted into Farhan’s head, that the humans have nothing better to do. At first, I contradicted with his idea, as usual.

Psychologist: So why did you contradict his ideas in the first place?

Rafahn: I’m his opposite damn it! His other self. I’m everything he is not. So naturally I contradicted his ideas. It wasn’t an exception for this one. But as time passed by, that damn idea was being realized as true. I couldn’t accept that! My very existence ran on contradiction. Acceptance was my bane, and it was that thing which brought it about!

Psychologist: Calm down. Perhaps you could find an alternative to fuel yourself. You know you couldn’t deny the truth in his words

Rafahn: It’s not that. It’s just that saying humans have nothing better to do has become a cliché. Suddenly realizing that it was for real was... traumatic! For crying out loud! The humans REALLY have nothing better to do!!! Look at them trying to bring me down! What kind of bloody shit is that?! Can’t they just god damn understand that I am immortal?! That means that I CANNOT die!!!

Psychologist: Now, now Rafahn, be realistic. You can’t really be immortal…

Rafahn: I’m just a damn fragment of a bloody imagination. Immortality is an understatement; I cannot die for I never lived. Anyway, why the hell are they trying to do something that cannot be done?! I mean, hey you damned humans out there!!! I’m still alive and kicking right here and hauling these profanities at you without even getting my ass kicked! Do you know what this proves?!?!

Psychologist: What?

Rafahn: THAT THEY HAVE NOTHING BETTER TO DO!!! Aaaaaaargh!!!!!!!!! The reality of it is killing me!!! They have nothing better to do!!!! They really have nothing better to do!!! Oh, for the love of god, save me from this traumatic reality!!!

Psychologist: Erm, guards, send this subject to the hopeless department please. We’ll get back to him in about another decade.

Farhan: Bloody hell, what in the world are you doing with a part of my head? Get back in here your filthy scum!

Rafahn: Aaaaah!!! The pain, the pain! Make it stop!!!

Farhan: Ah shut up. Stay in there and keep quiet.

Psychologist: Errr, you do realize you still have to pay for my services right?

Farhan: You talking to me?

Psychologist: Cowards away Oh nevermind...

iisgHAN | 11:55 pm| comment

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Saturday, August 07, 2004

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Within the deep crevices of Farhan’s abnormally brilliant brain, there resides the actual thinking process that dominates his decision. At the head of the council is STRUCTURE, in a formal suit with a laptop and Starbucks coffee. Peering over the laptop is none other than CURIOUSITY, with a long nose and clothes with all imaginable colours on it. Pondering deeply at those fascinating clothes is INSPIRATION, in an angelic-looking robe with a halo mysteriously floating above. With him is PASSION, clad in fiery red and constantly in ecstasy at the lively activities around him. IMITATION seems to wear a mix of everything the others are wearing. Looking rather annoyed is REBELLION, dressed in punk clothing.
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STRUCTURE
Guys, listen up. Farhan is in urgent need to prepare future blog entries. We need to think up of some new writing styles.

CURIOUSITY
Why new writing styles?

REBELLION
Because those stereotypical ones on the nets about losers elaborating on their sucky lives just suck. We need some new ones that will kick them in the ass.

PASSION
All right then. I’d like to see some new ones myself. Let’s get some ideas to start with.

IMITATION
Fanfics, fiction written by fans about what they idolize. Make the entries look like fanfics written by someone who’s a fan of Farhan.

STRUCTURE
You’ve got an interesting concept there. But we have to make it original, something of our own creation. Inspiration, enlighten us on this one.

INSPIRATION
Hmm… Let me see… Something suitable for a blog, with a touch of fanfic in it… How about a twist of reality, to rewrite actual events as if they happened in a fictional world, not bound by realistic limitations.

STRUCTURE
And we have an original idea ladies and gentlemen. So we have some fictional entries that have a tint of real world events. How else can we make this more interesting?

PASSION
We could have each of these fiction based on one specific emotion. Something like the fiery passion of Vengeance and the solemn emptiness of Hopelessness.

INSPIRATION
Let me see… Liberation, Endlessness, Pleasure, Emptiness, Bliss, Rebelliousness…

REBELLION
I like the sound of it. We need something that will create some talk among the readers, something referring to them. We need to get them talking back to us. Breaking their rules is something that will surely get them talking.

STRUCTURE
Calm down Rebellion. Until Inspiration gets us something good, I’d rather have you sit down quietly.

CURIOUSITY
Wait, before we go on to other things, why are we even using creative writing styles to write this blog? It doesn’t seem appropriate. I still don’t get it.

REBELLION
Because normal blogs are just bullshit. What we’re trying to do here is to at least make interesting bullshit.

STRUCTURE
Now that you’ve mentioned it Curiousity, it does seem weird to make boring things interesting.

REBELLION
Go read Farhan’s blog will ya. Then see how things can get interesting.

STRUCTURE
Read it? I WROTE it!

IMITATION
Yes my precious, once the hobbits are dead, the ring will be ours!!!

INSPIRATION
A-ha! Another character!

CURIOUSITY
Err…. How does that relate to the conversation?

STRUCTURE
I get what he means. Another way to make the entries more interesting would be to include another character other than the author himself.

PASSION
An interesting choice would be to have someone so different yet similar to the author himself, like Gollum.

REBELLION
Ooooh! I know! I know! Let’s have his opposite self! What better way to portray hatred and depression than have the very person that the author is not? That way, he’ll be able to break rules!

STRUCTURE
We’re not letting anyone break any more rules.

REBELLION
Why not? What are you going to do to me if I break them? Make more rules? Fine with me. Without rules there’s nothing to break.

STRUCTURE
We’re not having this argument, again. Fine, I’ll go with your idea, since Inspiration is running dry.

INSPIRATION
*Gasp* Need…. Water….

STRUCTURE
Ok gang, I think we should proceed to our next agenda.

REBELLION
Bring in those girls!

THE END

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Editor's note:
Moments following the end of this conversation, STRUCTURE willingly surrendered himself to a straight jacket to protect himself from constantly trying to stop the 'rough' activities that followed. PASSION on the other hand surprised even REBELLION with his true nature, with IMITATION being the lesser.

iisgHAN | 7:48 am| comment

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Wednesday, August 04, 2004

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Farhan is unfortunately still at work with his upcoming blog entry, so meanwhile, for your enjoyment, he has put up an old piece of work. Wonder why it was not accepted as a school play?
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The Play That Never Was

Scene 1 – At the pub
(Boy fooling around and checking out girls’ butts)
Friend 1: Hey boy, look at those girls… (blah blah)
Boy: If you look properly, you can see their g-strings!
Friend 1: Wow! You really can see them! Come, have a drink! (offers beer)
Boy: Alright! This is to all those girls wearing g-strings out there! Cheers!

Scene 2 – On the streets
(Girl helping out helpless fools along the road)
Girl: Oh look! A helpless blind lad! Umm… You helpless lad! Let me help you cross the highly dangerous road!
Blind lad: Oh thank you kind lady. Sigh, I must have bumped into a dozen cars already. Finally I can cross the road safely.
Girl: Don’t mention it. Someone as gorgeous, intelligent, magnificent, helpful, and not to mention humble, as me asks for no reward for kindness.

Scene 3 – Morning assembly
(Girl doing morning announcements)
Girl: Good morning school! Pointless announcements for today: Band members are to return all g-strings to string instruments after school. Choir members who lost their voice are to find them in the dustbin later. Computer club members are to keep porn site passwords to themselves. Thank you.
(Messenger brings flowers to girl)
Messenger: Before I give this to you, I must first apologize.
Girl: What for?
Messenger: For this! Behold this bouquet of beautiful poison ivy from he-who-must-not-be-named! Appreciate this for he is your admirer!
Girl: (squeals) Such fatally beautiful flowers! Whoever sent this must really like me!

Scene 4 – Later
(Boy jumps at girl from behind)
Boy: Hey there!
Girl: (screams) Ah! I almost died of shock you swine!
Boy: Oh never mind that. So, do you like those flowers?
Girl: So you sent me those flowers! How sweet!
Boy: Of course I sent them. Who else would send flowers to someone like you?
Girl: (puzzled) Was that a compliment?
(Couple acts cute and blabber)

Scene 5 – After school
Friend 2: Hey boy, come here. I have something to give you.
Boy: What is it?
Friend 2: Behold, Orgy! Pornography from the west, remixed from the Shards of Narsil! It is time that you see what you were meant to see.
Boy: Oooh! Yummy yummy porn!
Out of nowhere)
Councillor 1: You!
Friend 2: Yes me. Me, me, me.
Boy: Me too!
Councillor 1: Anyway, you are hereby sent for detention under the crime of not sharing pornographic materials!
Boy: Awe… I really wanted to watch it…

Scene 6 – At the Councillor meeting
Councillor 1: Strangers from distant classes, friends of all, we’ve been summoned here to answer the threat of pornography. Our discipline is standing on the brink of destruction. Bring forth the CD.
Councillor 2: It is a gift! Why not use this gift as a reward for those who have done good?
Girl: The CD will have no other master! It must be destroyed!
Councillor 1: She’s right. By life or death, I will help you. You have my sword.
Others: (in a chorus) And my bow! And my axe!
Girl: No need for violence. What else would you like to say, oh Lord of the Ties?
Councillor 1: Oh girl, that boyfriend of yours, he’s involved in this porn business. If you can’t improve him, I suggest you dump him.
Girl: Finally you guys caught him! I’ll see what I can do.

Scene 7 – Somewhere outside
Boy: Hey girl, what’s wrong?
Girl: It’s just that I’ve been blamed for everything that you’ve done wrong. I can’t take this anymore. You must be blamed too!
Boy: Well, I was put in detention where I’m supposed to learn my lesson. Good thing I had my sex ed textbook, I was getting bored in there.
Girl: How many times have I told you to stop this? You just keep coming up with these lame reasons that you’re learning your lesson and that you’d change.
Boy: I’ve been learning, from my sex ed textbook that is.
Girl: I don’t want to be blamed anymore! That’s it! I’m dumping you!
Boy: Wait, can’t I dump you first? Oh well…

Scene 8 – Boy’s room
(Boy reflects on his actions)
Boy: Damn, now I’m single again. Then again, I’m free to date anyone I want.
(Fantasizes about other girls, then gets reminded about girl again)
Boy: I can’t get her out of my head. What she said really touched me. I really have been a bad boy and now I’m suffering from my own actions. Anyway, I’ve seen enough porn to last me my whole lifetime and getting drunk isn’t that fun. I think I really will change for the better this time.
(Throws away porn, gasp!)

Scene 9 – On the streets
(Boy helping our helpless fools along the road)
Boy: Ah, a blind lad. Yo blind lad! Get over here, I’ll help you cross this highly dangerous road.
Bind lad: I’m blind, not deaf. Funny I haven’t died yet.
Boy: Just shut up and let me help you get across. (Grips blind lad tightly)
Blind lad: Wow, such strong hands. I can just see that muscular body of yours…
Boy: Oh my god, you’re gay! (Lets go of blind lad)
Blind lad: Oh shit. (Gets hit by a truck)

(From across the street)
Girl: So boy, you really have changed for the better.
Boy: Well, I got over my past self. Think I should start being good for once.
Girl: I think I’m starting to like you again. Let’s be a couple again!
Boy: Embrace me my lady!
(Hugs each other)

(Corny touchy music playing in the background)
The End

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Editor's note:
The above play was written in reference to the original notes produced for the Sec 2 Councillors' Investiture performance by the 5th Excos. The script went through 3 redrafting (duh) before the final one was settled.

iisgHAN | 6:03 pm| comment

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Sunday, August 01, 2004

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Woo hoo! Finally Heaven's Hell Grounds has reached its second full moon since it was launched during the first full moon this month. As a 'celebration', I have put up a poem and the second fiction for your amusement. Enjoy!
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The Pain in Fear

In the darkest lair you'll find
Things that will haunt your mind
Possess it and you'll be blind
With Fear

In your heart you only know
How you feel towards your foe
Though you hide it you'll always show
Your Anger

In desperation you will seek
The thing you'll get through meek
In times not strong but you are weak
Shall Hope

When others get it you always cherish
The thing upon them that you unleash
Despite all warnings you stubbornly wish
For Suffering

Your emotions betray while you are unknowing
Attending to those you think you're consoling
Realise this for you must be preparing
With fear your anger shall hope for suffering

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#02 - Realising the Escapade - Hopelessness
A fiction by Seraphim

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Alas, I felt hopeless.

There was nothing I could do. Through my eyes blurry with tears I had to stare into her face, unable to do anything about it. In my arms I held my one true manifestation of adoration, the only one that makes me complete. In all her glory she was but helpless to fight the end that she faced. Despite my vast knowledge of things I knew nothing of the reversal of a Nosferatu bite, the only reason being that there was no way of healing the wounds that those vampiric creatures inflict. In my helplessness I only found regret to comfort me, of my chance to avoid all of this from coming to past.

I knew that she should have never known. Known about all the dangers in my life. Known about what I face everyday. Known that she could be in danger because of what I am. Because I am an Elite Mage. But my heart finally found its weakness, allowing honesty to leak in times when it was not meant to be. Since it came to her knowledge of my true nature, it came to others the existence of my heart's weakness. That was the danger that I should never have allowed her to face, even if it means to not know her at all, to at least keep her safe. Now that it has been done, the consequences caught up with me.

Of all my abilities I could not find within myself the ability to restore her. Deep inside me I acknowledge the hope of my capability to just that, but I knew not the key to ignite it. I felt so helpless! To know that I could save her but not know how! What was it that could save her? I begged for enlightenment but none came. Life seeped out of her as time passed by. Her time was running short and I was still pondering on her restoration.

Though the bite of the Nosferatu was irreversible, there was still a way to restore her full self. I had to seek within me the spark that would ignite the flame of healing that I possessed. Long have I used the burning power of hatred till all else of good perished, except the dangerous love between her and me. Despite my efforts I could not achieve what I wanted. Her end was almost there.

I felt it in my very soul. Her life was being dragged out of her. At that moment, I genuinely cried. Tears rolled down my battered face as it washed down the layers of hatred that I always experienced. Never before have I felt the cleansing of vengeance out of me. The feeling was... purifying. Through my deepest depression it finally pushed itself out. I felt true love.

True love that has always been hidden beneath the shroud of evil. True love that was unlike the forbidden love I shared. True love for her. True love that ignited the flame in me. In her final moments my hand glowed silver with the healing flame. It spread from my hands to across her body, engulfing her in an inferno of healing energy. With my mind I reached out through the Earth for all the love that existed and channeled it into her. The bite marks on her neck closed along with her regenerating body. Her body was restored but I could only hope for the same with her soul. As the flame died down with the completion of her restoration, I could only hope for her survival.

There was nothing but satisfaction after that experience. I finally found the key to unlock the goodness in me: love. Though it could have cost her life, it was nonetheless something of great value that I gained. As I confidently waited for her to hopefully stir again, I reflected on the events that passed. For all I know it could be a brighter beginning to another chapter in my life. But there I was still waiting. Nothing else that I could do at that moment other than to wait, and hope...

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Well, that was my attempt to portray hopelessness. Frankly, I think I suck at writing about human sentimentality. Perhaps I should stick to more gruesome topics next time, since it also appeals to others the idea of sadistic fiction. So folks, what do you think? Comment on the board please!

iisgHAN | 12:22 am| comment

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