Saturday, September 07, 2002 :::
 
Krispy: *bleary eyed* It's terrible...

Steph: *waves hand in front of K's face* Are you okay?

Anakin: *leans in for a better look* She looks traumatized to me...

Obi-Wan: Your homework is terrible? The book is terrible?

Krispy: *blankly* That book is so...sad...

Zalari: You aren't even finished.

Steph: We've seen the movie.

Krispy: I think that makes it worse. You can actually imagine all the horrible things that are happening and the dreadful positions these people are being put in.

Anakin: You needed a break?

Krispy: No duh.

Wing: War is a nasty thing.

Obi-Wan: Indeed.

Krispy: You know bullets don't just fly straight through you. These guys kept getting shot in the leg and the bullet would like enter, travel either up or down the leg, and then exit. This one guy got shot in the lower leg. The bullet shattered his shinbone and then travelled down his leg and exited at his ankle!

Steph: *wince* Modern warfare sucks.

Krispy: Yes, and now I'm overcome with a terrible desire to watch Black Hawk Down--but I still have to finish reading it first. Okay, I will go do that now.

Anakin: May the Force be with you.


::: spewed by Krispy at 8:19 PM

 
Wing: Yeah thatz fine...watever...

Steph: It seems he has grown into the role of vague character.Wing: *glare* I resent that.

Krispy: Yay! It's done! Now, I'm going to get off the computer (this is my brief break) and go back to reading Black Hawk Down...It's so sad man. This is worse than the movie. People are getting blown to bits. You know, this guy who got a friggin rocket launched into him was still alive despite the fact that the projectile had chopped off his hand and was lodged in his chest and sticking out the other side...

Anakin: *grimace* You read the most wonderful things, Krispy.

Krispy: That's how war was like before all your fancy blasters and lightsabers and proton torpedoes and stuff.

Anakin: *drily* Obviously.

Obi-Wan: Well, Alz, it is nice to know you have finished the picture. We look forward to seeing it.

Steph: *pointed look at Alz* Zalari resembling...WHAT?!

Zalari: You mean who?

Steph: No. Just because I know acknowledge his existence doesn't mean I have to treat him or refer to him as a "who". *notices his clothing* Eep! ALZ!!!

Alz: *nervous laugh*

Krispy: *smile* I think I may like this Alz.

Steph: ...
Obi-Wan: Back to reading?

Krispy: Yes. I like this book--despite all the gore. Very realistic, kinda scary, and even funny at some points...

Steph: No. That's just you dear.

::: spewed by Krispy at 5:51 PM

 
Anakin: I wear a hood now?

Obi-Wan: Well you have a cloak.

Krispy: That test SUCKED! And class was boring today and now I have even more homework and I still SUCK out of EVERYONE...*sigh*

Steph: Cheer up.

Krispy: Hey! You shut up! You don't have to do the homework! Heck! You didn't have to wake up at 7:30 this morning to go to class that starts at 8. You didn't have to listen during class. As I recall, you slept through most of this.

Steph: Well, it's not MY job.

Krispy: *glare* Anywayz, Alz!!! What do you mean no excuses?!! You still owe us man! Again, the reasons for my posting was 1) to stay a few steps ahead of you and 2) to get you to start posting/sending!!! I'm not holding back! I just need to have back-up because I don't write/draw crazy like you and Joyce do!

Wing: *cough* And Luce won't hurry up with the HELP!!!

Zalari: And now that you are so loaded down with homework, I don't see how you'll have time to do this.

Krispy: Not to mention the fact I really have no idea what happens after the Dragon Kings scene cuz I mean...it just...stops...Usually I have at least a tiny idea of what should be happening but erm...

Obi-Wan: You don't this time.

Krispy: No.

Obi-Wan: Which would be a good thing, seeing all the work you have.

Krispy: You suck! You didn't help me on that test!

Obi-Wan: *smile* I'm not your Inspiration or anything of that sort.

Steph: I bet you'd get a 1600.

Krispy: Yeah. He probably would. And Brat-Child would too because he's so freaky talented/fast learning like that.

Anakin: Huh?

Wing: *snort* Despite being apparently clueless.

Krispy: Ok, okay Alz. Fine. Here's a posty of something or other. You'll remember the parts of it from the "memory" I put in my blog when Steph was kind of...out of it...yea...the scene was supposed to be longer but I never got around to writing it and I don't much feel like writing it now. Here it is. I hope you're satisfied with yourself. *sticks tongue out*

----------

The rumor spread through the domain of the Emerald Dragon King on the soft voices of falling leaves and the babbles of hidden streams. She was returning. The Emerald princess was returning after so many years of absence, after her period of madness. The forest kingdom celebrated.

Stephanie walked through the thick vegetation, following a path so new, yet so familiar to her. As she passed, the plants stretched their long limbs toward her, unfurling jade leaves and silken flowers, brushing her shoulders with curling tendrils. Birds brought wreaths for her hair, flitting between shadow and light with songs bubbling from their delicate throats.

Everything called to the maiden, eager to give her their greetings and wishes. This young woman who had grown up under the careful watch of the flora and fauna had finally come back. She was their child; a child of the forest and loved by the forest. She was their Guardian.

Stephanie smiled, enjoying the comfort of the plants. A laugh escaped her when she felt the playful vines braiding blonde locks with perfumed petals. She closed her eyes and let her spirit soar. In her purely magical form of fire and gold, Stephanie spread herself through these enchanted woods, marveling at the freedom of traversing the intricate web of magic, and she embraced her home. The woodland sighed.

The path widened in front of her, opening into a clearing. She drew in a sharp breath at the sight that met her amber orbs; a field blanketed by young, tender grass growing in graceful wisps. They danced with the wind, swaying to and fro like the waves of the sea, sending off sheens of light as they bent forward. It was so different. So much had changed.

She stepped in among them, and they welcomed her, reaching toward her and wrapping themselves around her hands. The shoots beckoned her to stop and sit, to rest among them as they whispered and rustled in paper-thin voices all that had happened and all that could happen and all that would happen.

The girl reached the center of the field and stopped. She breathed deeply, eyes closed, letting the smell of dew drops and life fill her lungs.

When she opened her eyes, the wind had stopped blowing. The grass stood still, and a veil of silence fell over them. In her mind, the scene slowly changed and flashed, morphing into something hideous and awesome--something long forgotten yet always remembered.

Nothing. This place was absolutely devoid of life. The ground was hard packed, scorched by a monstrous explosion of anguish and vengeance. Dust choked the air. The heavens were hazy and drab. And no matter how the clouds cried their healing tears of sorrow upon the wounded earth, the injury would not close. Her heart was still raw with pain and this land was so closely connected to her being. It was sacred to her and would suffer and rejoice with her. The image shifted, and the fire in Stephanie's eyes flickered.

A blood-red sun hung in the sky, a great blind eye beating the earth with its harsh gaze. She stood in a crimson ocean, scarlet waves lapping her feet--clinging to her legs and soiling her hands. Blades of grass looked like scythes, the dying light giving them hard edges. I will make rivers weep blood. Ruby droplets sparkled as they fell, draping the floor in a deep red cloak. Heaven was on fire—burning before her eyes. And the stain spread from the sky and saturated the land, growing like a rampant disease. The world will be colored by my flames.

She woke up gasping. The grass was sheltering her from the noon-day sun. Stephanie breathed in their sweet, crisp smell. It was time to leave. She had to continue. There was one place left to go, the place she dreaded returning to most.


::: spewed by Krispy at 3:11 PM

Thursday, September 05, 2002 :::
 
Krispy: ALZ?!!! WHAT THE---Oooooo--I'm so--ARGH!!!

Steph: Very nice demonstration of your skill in the art of speech.

Wing: Oh, so that is what school does to her...

Zalari: It's disturbing that this is only the first day and she's already--

Anakin: Incapable of expressing her emotions in a coherent manner?

Steph: Yeah...

Obi-Wan: Krispy!!! You've procrastinated all summer until now! Quite close to literally the very last minute and still you persist on such unnecessary activities?!!! GET BACK TO WRITING THAT APUSH ESSAY!!!

Anakin: You still have German homework and that English info sheet to fill out.

Krispy: *fuming* BLAME IT ON ALZ!!! Oh Alz! Luce TOLD me about your little transaction and I just read this and--

Steph: You see, Luce set Krispy on you. Apparently, Krispy has this whole bargaining thing all figured out.

Krispy: I'm trying to finish my HOMEWORK and then you have to go off and do this whole lil threat/bargain thing to me?!!! WHY?!!!

Obi-Wan: Then go do it!!!

Krispy: *too mad to pay attention to Obi-Wan* This is fair man! Besides, YOU still OWE us for those SOH things! The only reason I've been posting so much is to 1) motivate YOU to post/send and 2) to keep just that slight step ahead of you because you write so friggin much and so well!!! The other thing--I can't friggin post anything right now cuz I only have the one scene! I don't have any clue what is going to happen next and frankly my stress level is already been increased to the level where creative thinking (that does not involve being incredibly stupid) is beyond me!!! Granted I have a few back-up scenes that Luce has read that you haven't but that's my plan B!!! I don't have TIME for this Alz!!! BE NICE!!! Besides, Luce and I had this long discussion about you and Gennia and have concluded that both of you are scarily talented freaks!!! It's gotten me so depressed and usually I don't become this depressed but because I have ACI/Afterschool class, Standarized tests, homework, and physics/APUSH tests looming in the near future--not to mention a lack of sleep but that is completely my fault--I CAN'T HELP IT!!!

Wing: She's going to explode...

Steph: Warning! Overload! Warning, overload!

Zalari: ...or a mental breakdown...

Anakin: This early on in school?

Obi-Wan: *sternly* Krispy, time is up.

Krispy: Yes Master Kenobi. Alz, I will be back and there better be some nice little post or compromise or just something really pleasant here when I get back! *disappears in an eruption of flame*

Steph: *stare*

Wing: I thought--

Zalari: *wince* I think that essay's worn her temper pretty thin...

Anakin: Not to mention some self-loathing because of the procrastination...


::: spewed by Krispy at 10:13 PM

Wednesday, September 04, 2002 :::
 
Krispy: Wow, thanks Houseki for saving Steph!

Steph: Yeah! I really appreciate it. And thanks Alz for liking the er...scales? And um, Firetail. It doesn't really matter. I've never really cared. But coming from you...*sigh*...flattering...

Krispy: *shove* You're getting all goofy again!

Anakin: So the problem now is...

Obi-Wan: When school starts tomorrow.

Krispy: Yeah! How stupid! Everyone is saying different things! Alz, I have yet to read your most recent post but I can't keep up with you!!! Argh! I only have the 2nd scene written of ch.2!!! Granted that it is a longer scene--

Zalari: Anything consisting of 6 Dragon Kings...

Steph: *rolls eyes* With various personalities and looks...

Wing: Is going to be a bit longer.

Steph: NOTHING should consist of 6 Dragon Kings!!! Attitude and snobbiness and--

Wing: Isn't your father--?

Steph: Don't! My father has faults he shares with the others but with me for a daughter, he turned out a lot better than some of those other guys did.

Krispy: Yep. 6 Dragon Kings to look forward to. But because of that I may not post that one for a while cuz well I'd like to get their personalities and looks more concrete. So...

Steph: Bye bye for now!

::: spewed by Krispy at 10:29 PM

 
Anakin: So you're a prince.

Zalari: Yes. And?

Anakin: She's a princess.

Zalari: Yes. Hence the marrying off business. Get it?

Anakin: Yes but...

Zalari: But?

Anakin: Then what are you doing here messing around with psycho chicks like Krispy?!!!

Obi-Wan: You know, Krispy is the writer.

Wing: *Duke imitation* The writer?!

Krispy: THAT'S ME!!!

Obi-Wan: Homework Krispy? Read book? Timeline?

Anakin: Pack your backpack yet?

Krispy: No...okay. So I guess I will post again ne? Alz, TRILOGY!!! CIEL!!! FIRETAIL!!! HOUSEKI!!!!

Wing: You yell a lot.

Steph: No duh. You didn't know that.

Anakin: I never would've thought you were a princess.

Steph: Yeah well, I'm anything but ordinary.

Krispy: So here's a little posty--

-----------

Ch. 2

The regal, almost equine head of Dragon King Emerald easily rose above those of his inhuman bodyguards. He surveyed the area quietly and then lowered his head to a more comfortable level, extended neck relaxing back into its gentle curve. Shimmering scales of deep forest green contrasted sharply with the dragon’s blood-red eyes.

Lord Emerald usually did not travel by land when in his true form, but shortly after his daughter’s return, the party had embarked on this routine border check. Of course, this meant he had spent the past few days in a humanoid body. It wasn’t so dangerous that he could not stretch his wings a little. He turned his head to check on the figure nestled on his back, right between his leathery wings.

“It is safe,” she murmured in a distant voice. As always, the tone held no emotion but one could tell the girl was in a trance of some sort. Dragon King Emerald had insisted she ride under his protection while performing her scan. The dragon had no intention of letting anything harm his only daughter on this seemingly routine border check.

Sseriya’s eyes were closed, her mind and spirit searching, probing places far from her body. The emerald cloak wrapped around her served to hide her small form against the scaly hide of the Dragon King. Black pants and boots replaced those used in her hunting attire. A black sleeveless shirt was covered by an emerald tunic which was belted securely at her waist. The V-neck of the tunic revealed a simple dragon pendant of gold around Sseriya’s neck. Her arms remained bare of any protection.

Sseriya had never been much for heavy armor. She was a creature of speed and enjoyed her freedom of movement. Besides, she had her natural armor of hard, jewel-like scales to fall back on.

“Something stirs,” rumbled Lord Emerald quietly. There was no answer from his daughter as she continued her probe of the land. The great reptile eyed the girl once more before returning his attention to his surroundings. All appeared normal save the unusual fog that hung about the area. A fog that looked as if it originated from Sstryella.

Better from Sstryella than Hecatris, Lord Emerald thought. A fog from Sstryella normally meant rain, perhaps a few strong tempests but a fog from Hecatris…That was definitely something to be wary of.

“Do not spread yourself too thin, daughter.” The warning came in a low hiss as Dragon King Emerald felt another subtle ripple in the intricate web of magic around him. The whip-like tail of the drake gave an uneasy twitch. He would much rather be in his lush forest home than out in the eerie and frequently turbulent wastelands of his brethren.

“There is…something…out of reach…” came the whispered reply. Lord Emerald turned to look at Sseriya. The girl blanched as she fed more of her consciousness and power into her examination. The Emerald Dragon growled a reminder of caution.

“Stop.” The procession immediately halted at the Emerald Princess’ command. The bodyguards tuned their already keen senses to the magic of this other land, extending their awareness. Nothing would catch them unprepared.

“Strong, hidden forces move toward—” The girl’s body sat up, golden eyes wide open but unfocused. Her mind and spirit remained outside her physical form. The entire party felt the heave of power being called.

Sseriya tested the sudden barrier carefully, not wanting whoever or whatever was behind it to be able to recognize her. She knew she was pushing herself too far, but her instincts were screaming at her. Whatever was happening in Hecatris and Sstryella was of the utmost importance. A pulse of energy was sent into the thing and abruptly the barrier fell…

…leaving behind a gaping blackness.

The Emerald Princess drew back with speed unparalleled. But she was traveling too fast. Sseriya’s mind and spirit slammed back into her physical form knocking her truly unconscious.

Lord Emerald felt her go limp and nearly panicked. Nearly. Sensitive ears picked up the sound of the girl’s steady heartbeat, and then tense muscles relaxed. At this sign, the bodyguards calmed as well. The party continued forward.

Lord Emerald glanced at his daughter, making sure she was in a stable position before he moved. Then, the noble dragon head turned toward the domains of Black and Storm, crimson eyes attempting to peer through the growing veil of mist.

Dragon King Emerald pondered what was lurking in the lands of his brethren.


::: spewed by Krispy at 8:20 PM

 
Krispy: Well Alz...

Obi-Wan: You really should doing your homework...

Krispy: I will, after I do this and finish my scene.

Anakin: Right...

Wing: Unfortunately, all of this has nothing to do with my past.

Krispy: I will think of one. But not yet, yours should not be...tragic but it shouldn't be so devoid of emotion as to leave you naive. Then again, you are a hawk-like creature and thus have a hawk's cool attitude. You should be able to relate to Sseriya and Zalari but you don't fall into such their sort of pain. Um...see, you relate enough so that Sseriya can't say that you have no idea what you're talking about. Yes, something like that...

Wing: *blink*

Steph: *blink*

Zalari: ...

Krispy: Anyway, Alz, you left so you didn't get to see the next scene!

Anakin: *shaking head* Too bad, Alz. It was Zalari's introduction, you know.

Krispy: But I don't like it. I'm most likely going to rewrite it when I think of something better. But...because I'm feeling nice and I have to go finish the next next scene and do homework, I'm going to leave you what Luce read last night...er this morning...whatever.

--------------

An agile Bronze dragon stood at the center of the training arena. His tail flicked from side to side as the creature tried to concentrate. About 40 meters away was a small black stone. This was the drake’s target.

Zalari sat there for another moment, staring at the little rock. He realized how tensed he was and forced himself to relax. The more relaxed he was, the better this would turn out. He took a deep breath and focused his mind.

Heat rushed from deep inside him, flowing up his throat. No, this wasn’t it. Fire wasn’t what he wanted. Rare golden eyes never left the target as the drake’s mind tried to grasp the correct thread of energy. Zalari opened his mouth, revealing rows of dagger-like teeth. But at the back of the dragon’s mouth was a pulsating cerulean sphere which became brighter and larger. In those few moments before the release of his attack, all of Zalari’s senses seemed heightened, and his body was like a tightly coiled spring.

And then Dameth entered, stopping at the arena’s entrance.

Startled, Zalari lost his center, letting loose the power too early. Nearly raw energy shot from the drake’s open jaws, a mixture of fire and electricity which flew directly toward the target. The pebble was shattered but the elements rushed on, slamming into the wall and sending blue veins of electricity crackling around the arena. The lightning went full circle before colliding head-on, each side dissipating the other.

Dameth realized what he had accidentally caused but was too busy pondering what he had witnessed. His Highness, Zalari, had breathed lightning? That was odd indeed. The messenger knew few were capable of such a feat. Even in the Storm Clan, only those of great skill had the power of lightning. His gaze returned the Bronze Prince who was in the process of shape-shifting.

Tail and wings faded away as the body shrunk. Scaled and taloned paws softened and molded into five-fingered hands, and scales smoothed over into lightly tanned skin. The protruding jaws sank in, the entire drake skull reforming. In another second, a tall, young man stood where there once was a Bronze dragon. Zalari turned and walked toward Dameth with a smile.

“Please, excuse my intrusion, Your Highness,” Dameth apologized. He blinked and tried not to stare at the youth. Time had not made the transformation less amazing. No other drake would have been able to accomplish such a near-perfect shift. Zalari easily passed as a human, whether or not one knew what to look for. And there were those bright golden eyes; eyes which marked those with the blood of an ancient Line of dragons—a Line long thought to be extinct.

“No, Dameth. Excuse me for…whatever it was I did!” said Zalari, waving his hand to signify the arena. “You could have been seriously injured.”

“I should not have been so careless, Highness.”

The youth shook his head with a laugh. Hair the same bronze as his now non-existent scales fell forward, brushing his forehead. He pushed the back in annoyance.
“It’s getting long again,” he sighed more to himself than to the lesser drake. “Stop apologizing Dameth. I should really be more aware of my surroundings. Next time it may be Father who walks through the door and gets face full of fire.”

Dameth’s eyes widened noticeably at the joke Zalari had just made at the expense of Lord Bronze. Being a scout, the drake was rarely at home. He had had few opportunities to come in contact with the prince. A smile that was gradually forming was hastily stopped by Dameth. He mustn’t laugh. But that was easier said than done for he was beginning to imagine the expression on Lord Bronze’s face had he found a fireball flying at him.

Zalari watched the messenger struggle to remain serious for another minute before he laughed aloud himself. Everyone always had to be so formal and serious. He found it very funny. With the break in the silence, Dameth finally joined Zalari. They began walking back inside as they calmed themselves.

“So, what could you possibly want with me?”

“I believe Lord Bronze will want to see you later.”

“Let me guess. He’s trying to marry me off again?” He arched an eyebrow in question. Dameth shrugged in return.

“Perhaps, Highness; perhaps not. But I must leave you now and resume my duties,” the messenger said, bowing. He could now see exactly why the prince was so beloved, despite how much he resembled the peculiar humans.

“Well, where are you going?” There was a childish curiosity in the tone of the words that made Dameth smile. He remembered how much he used to dream about the lands of the other Dragon Kings and how he had once vowed to explore them all. On the colder winter evenings, Dameth had sat listening raptly to tales the dams told.
“I will be visiting Silvra.”

“Silvra?” Zalari said incredulously. As far as he knew, the Bronze Clan had never had much contact with its eastern neighbor. In fact, the drake couldn’t remember ever entering the woodlands belonging to the Emerald Dragon. “You have a message for Lord Emerald?”

The messenger nodded, offering a smile to show that he had no idea what this could mean either. “As said, Highness, I must leave. Good day.” Dameth’s pace sped up, and his form soon disappeared around a corner. Zalari stood motionless, staring down the hall. He realized that he probably looked like a dazed idiot and continued walking, a smile playing on his face. But instead of returning to his chambers as he had originally planned, the Bronze prince decided to pay a visit to his father. Something very unique must be happening if Dragon King Bronze would seek the assistance of one of the reserved Jewel Clans, and Zalari intended to find out exactly what that “something” was.


::: spewed by Krispy at 3:33 PM

Tuesday, September 03, 2002 :::
 
Krispy: I'm--

Anakin: *laughing* AT SCHOOL!!!

Obi-Wan: Actually doing work...

Krispy: Well, I was but not now cuz all the new teachers are at their New Teacher Orientation thinger-ma-bobber...

Steph: That lasts all day...

Krispy: Meaning, no interviews and no pictures...GEEZ! I shouldn't even be HERE yet!!! And I'm HUNGRY!!!

Obi-Wan: You should be doing your timeline and reading APUSH.

Krispy: I didn't think I'd be here this long! I thought I'd be HOME!!!

Zalari: You also have to finish reading BHD and write a book report and type up the Sunday Shows.

Krispy: I know! I was going to bring BHD with me to read but I didn't think I'd still be here...

Steph: Yeah, I'm hungry too...

Zalari: Me too...

Wing: Me too...

Jedi: Us too...

Krispy: PIZZA IS HERE!!!

::: spewed by Krispy at 1:34 PM

Monday, September 02, 2002 :::
 
Krispy: Oops...looks like I screwed up the layout...

Steph: But we have no idea what's wrong.

Krispy: I must go back to work...

Jedi: *happily* Yes.

Wing: I hope all of you are enjoying the heat. *toothy smile*

Everyone else: SHUT UP!

::: spewed by Krispy at 2:56 PM

 
Krispy: Look...


Which Avril Lavigne Song Are You?

Steph: That's nice...

Krispy: I know what you mean Alz! Blogger was being so MEAN! And I can't believe you posted more!!! Argh! I can't do this!!! LUCE HELP ME!!!

Zalari: Well, anyway, now that all of you are off of me...*cough*...Krispy will now post what she posted before when Blogger was being stupid...

Jedi: So she can get back to work.

Krispy: Right. So here we go.

---------------

Krispy: IT'S HOT!!!

Steph: WING!!!

Luce: Yeah! Give us some wind man!!!

Zalari: *sigh*detaching himself from the Glompers* This is what you get for messing with the Guardian of Wind...

Alz: Give us some wind or we'll--we'll--

Wing: *amused* You'll what? *looking more hawk-like than usual*

Luce: We'll...REVISIT your "tragic past" and ADD on to it!!!

Alz: YEAH!

Wing: *predatory grin* No.

Krispy: *stare* There is a major fault in your character.

Steph: Oh, so you just noticed?

Obi-Wan: *cough* Krispy? You were going to...?

Krispy: Right...

Anakin: *grumpy from lack of sleep* Cuz you know you have APUSH tapes to watch and a timeline to make and an essay to write and a few chapters to read?!!!

Krispy: *cringe* Okay okay. *sigh* Alrite Alz. You write too much. You've got Luce pulling out long forgotten Bulwer-Litton sentences. Do we owe you yet? No. But at the rate you're going and with the amount of writing you do--

Zalari: It won't be too long now.

Krispy: Go KRUNCHY!!! Keep waving your arms around like that!!!

Krunchy: What the heck?! You freak!!!

Krispy: *ignoring Krunchy* So erm...Alz, I've decided to post the Clef picture I drew. Yes, this is my sad attempt to counter all the writing you're doing and keep as far ahead of you as I can.

Luce: You write too much but write more and POST/SEND!!!

Krispy: er...so...here it is...I think I may give Luce leave to do the bargaining of how much this picture is worth to the bits...



::: spewed by Krispy at 2:50 PM

Sunday, September 01, 2002 :::
 
Krispy: So Zalari, apparently your bad self is popular...

Zalari: *from somewhere under Alz/Tenshi/Tenya/Seastar/Luce Ash Pile* Apparently?

Wing: What an understatement...

Jedi: Krispy!

Krispy: I'm starting to want to put you guys back in your own universe.

Obi-Wan: Actually, that would be much appreciated.

Krispy: But then I'd never get my work done!

Anakin: You already aren't getting your work done!

Zalari: *clawing his way out from under all those people* I'm thinking about going home too...

The Glompers: NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! *all jump for him at the same time*

Zalari: Oh no...*vanishes*

Glompers: *land in a huge tangle of arms and legs* Oww...

Zalari: *re-materializes* That was close.

Steph: *glomps him* HHHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIII!!!!

Zalari: You had to get in on the fun, didn't you?

Steph: *smile* That's right. Besides, you threatened me.

Zalari: And who ended up with jagged metal in his arm?

Steph: *waves hand* Sharp knife, dearest.

Zalari: You didn't have to do that.

Steph: *leans in close* But I made my point, didn't I? *gets off of him*

Wing: The shameless flirting is sickening...

Krispy: I agree...

Anakin: Aren't you married?

Steph: *nervous laugh* Heh...well this is just the way my relationship with Zalari gets sometime you know?

Krispy & Wing: Right...

Obi-Wan: You only have 10 more problems. You can finish them before 1:00 if you go work NOW.

Krispy: *trying to focus* Okay okay. I can do this. By the way, as I already told Luce, that whole evil Zalari bit is in the future--as in it's not part of the actual story between Sseriya and Zalari--cuz um well things happen (as implied by some of Sseriya's thoughts) and er..well this is how I brought Zalari back. When I came up with his character, the story was completely different and frankly, Zalari was on the wrong side of things. He wasn't the villian but he was certainly being used by the villian. But that is the discarded version but who knows what will happen as I go. It's the whole beads and string thing--I don't really know the plot. I just know the character development for the most part.

Wing: You actually sounded intelligent. And I would appreciate some character development on my side of things?

Krispy: Right...Wing, you aren't even in anything yet. Well kind of but not really...

Anakin: Um excuse me?

Obi-Wan: Homework?

Steph: Had no idea things were so complicated between us.

Zalari: Well, you know how Krispy is. Sometimes when she explains things, she makes everything sound complicated.

Glompers: *untangled and with renewed strength* ZALARI!!!

Steph: *sends up a firewall*

Glompers: *stop short* HEY!

Steph: *smile* But you'll always be with me.

Zalari: Of course.

Steph: *satisfied smile* Then, I bid you farewell, dearest. *disappears along with the firewall*

Glompers: ZALARI!!! *all jump him*

Zalari: *from somewhere underneath everyone*irritated* Oh yeah! Thanks for the help, Fire!

Wing: Hey, where did Krispy go?

Obi-Wan: Stephanie must have taken her.

Anakin: Or she snuck off...

Wing: Where?

Anakin: Ok fine. So Stephanie took her. Maybe now she'll go do--*sudden thought*--Master?!

Obi-Wan: *same thought* Come Padawan. We have a kangaru to hunt down. She can not be allowed to write/read anything until she has finished.

Anakin: Yes, Master.

Wing: *watching the Jedi leave* So...Zalari, how you holding up buddy?

Zalari: *muffled mumbles that don't sound very pleasant*

Wing: Luckily for you, no one else here seems to speak Draconian.


::: spewed by Krispy at 11:57 PM

 
Krispy: *runs back in* NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Anakin: *on her heels despite the weighted boots* COME HERE!!!

Obi-Wan: *right behind Anakin* Krispy! You have to finish your work!!!

Krispy: *running past Alz* WHY?!!! WHY DID YOU HAVE TO POST MORE RIGHT AFTER I HAD FINALLY FINISHED READING ALL OF IT AND WAS ABOUT TO GO TO WORK?!!!

Steph & Wing: *"helping" Silverfall deal with Luce*

Zalari: At the rate Alz is going, you and Luce are gonna end up owing her...

Krispy: LUCE HELP!!!

Luce Ash Pile: I'm a friggin ASH PILE!!!

Krispy: There better be some Silverfally bits or something!!! I can't keep this up for long! And all my other writing is in my other computer which I don't like to turn on anymore because it will freeze immediately and after about a dozen restarts it will work and then it will refuse to shut down and after about another dozen or more restarts it will finally shut down!!!

Zalari: What?

Anakin: *tackles Krispy* You...will...*trying to avoid being punched/kicked/hit/bitten*...go...back...NOW!

Obi-Wan: *helping Anakin get Krispy off the floor and restraining her* When you are finished, you may return to read.

Krispy: You Jedi are really...scary sometimes!!!

Jedi: Yes, it's our job.

Krispy: And wow...me and Alz blogged at the same time for once...or well relatively close times...

Jedi: *drags Krispy out*


::: spewed by Krispy at 10:40 PM

 
Steph: WING?!!!

Wing: *choke*

Krispy: Er...you're married, you know...

Obi-Wan: What are you doing here without completing your work?!!!

Krispy: *sheepish grin* I hit the hard problems with the crazy double lense diagrams?

Anakin: WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING LUCE?!!!

Obi-Wan: Anakin!

Anakin: *cough* I mean...KRISPY GET BACK TO WORK!!! JUST FINISH THE STUPID THING AND THEN EVERYTHING ELSE WILL BE EASY!!!

Zalari: *smirk* Except for that APUSH essay.

Krispy: Easier than Physics...

Steph: *really pissed off* LUCE!!! *starts joining Silverfall in the Luce-Abuse*

Alz: Talk about crispy...

Krispy: Pun actually noticed this time.

Alz: At least Zalari didn't--

Zalari: *considering it* Maybe I should...

Luce: *manages to choke out* But you're the nice one!

Zalari: I thought you liked evil me better. *evil smile*

Krispy: Kind of scary.

Wing: *joining the Luce-Abuse* THAT on top of the "tragic past"?!!! LUCE!!!

Krispy&Alz: *wince*

Obi-Wan: Krispy!

Anakin: I just want to inform you of certain consequences that will be coming your way--personally from us if you DON'T GET BACK TO WORK!!!

Krispy: *going Obi-Wan* Padawan! Control yourself!

Anakin: *blink*

Obi-Wan: How unexpected...but nevertheless, PHYSICS!!!

Krispy: Okay...okay...but since I don't want to start oweing Alz...here's the Evil Zalari bit


Sseriya was slowly loosing control of her apathetic demeanor. Despite her best attempts to control her heart beat, it quickened. She knew he could sense her faltering calm. Zalari knew her better than anyone.

The Bronze drake smiled, satisfied with the effect his mere presence had on the Emerald princess. He drew closer, stepping in right behind her. Zalari heard the almost hidden intake of breath. He was unsettling her.

Perfect.

Reaching over her shoulder, Zalari pulled Sseriya back, holding her firmly against him. He felt a faint quiver, but her face remained the perfect mask of indifference. She didn’t bother turning her head and just watched him from the corners of her eyes. Golden orbs showed only disinterest and boredom. Zalari laughed.

“Sseriya, I was led to believe that you had changed,” he whispered softly against her neck. She didn’t try to pull away.

“I have changed, Zalari. You obviously have as well. You are poisoned.” she said in the same flat tone he had heard her use so long ago. A flicker of fire in otherwise tranquil amber pools was the only sign of emotion. Or did she almost hiss?

Zalari brought the dagger from around her other shoulder, encircling her in his arms. The cool metal lightly touched Sseriya’s exposed throat. She reflexively, but barely leaned away from it, eyeing the weapon warily. Her face was right next to his. The faint brush of his cheek against Sseriya’s nearly put her on the edge of panic.

“It is strange how much more you appreciate eternity when your own mortality stares you in the face.”

The dagger pushed harder on her skin. Sseriya took deliberate, controlled breaths of air. There was something terribly frightening about that oddly simple dagger. It felt wrong. Any normal blade would not have posed much of a threat, but she knew very well that this weapon could kill her. Sseriya glared at her betrothed.

“I’m not afraid to die. I would welcome the respite.” Her voice still held no inflections, but inside she was trembling. Her spirit was wavering, not from fear but from something much stronger. She missed Zalari so much. He had been lost to her in lifetimes passed, never to return. Yet here he was, solid and real—and tainted. This creature that held her was not Zalari and could never be Zalari. A new resolve flared to life within Sseriya; she held her ground.

Zalari felt the turmoil; he saw the flickering shadows beneath her mask of ice. Her little game had no effect on him. He knew her too well. He was like the veteran seaman who could read the concealed churnings of a serene ocean.

“Drop the act, love. You know that I can see right through you,” he murmured into her ear. The drake carefully pulled the dagger across her throat, puncturing the skin just enough for a thin red line to appear. Sseriya didn’t flinch. “I cracked that mask, remember?” He moved in front of her, lifting her face toward his. Golden eyes met golden eyes.

Dragonsbane, she thought. The knife was coated with dragonsbane, making it even more deadly to her. She met Zalari’s gaze unfalteringly. Silence hung between them, allowing them to probe each other’s auras. Zalari abruptly leaned forward and kissed her; and without thinking, Sseriya began buckling. She was losing herself—in the sensation of his lips on hers, in the love he obviously still had for her, in the feeling of…the sharp dagger tip against her stomach.

Sseriya grabbed the knife, and he pulled away in surprise. The double-edges of the blade cut painfully into the maiden’s palm. Her eyes burned into Zalari’s, holding his gaze. Conflicting feelings were reflected in those uniquely shaded mirrors. The young woman spoke softly, emotionally. Zalari could feel her warm breath on his skin.

“I would gladly die by your hand. I would forgive you anything and everything.” Her hand tightened on the blade, causing more blood to ooze out. A drop hit the floor, crystallizing into a ruby. “I will die…” Amber orbs flashed fire, and determination hardened her voice.

“But not now.”

Heat enveloped the dagger, searing Zalari’s hand, but he did not let go. His attention remained fixed on Sseriya. Her blood covered the blade, the heat worsening its acrid smell. Still clutching the weapon tightly, Sseriya spoke to Zalari telepathically one more time. Her words were hissed and empowered by her element. Their fire stung his skin, and branded themselves into his mind.

As you bound your soul to mine, I bind my life to yours.

The dagger shattered as orange-red flames shot up around the Emerald princess, engulfing her in crackling sparks. She vanished.

Zalari bit down his anger and examined his hand. A piece of the dagger was embedded in his forearm. He hissed. This wound would not heal as quickly as his injuries usually did. First, the dragonsbane needed to be washed out before proper healing could begin.

Growling, Zalari yanked the metal out. He was about to fling the piece away when he noticed something.

It had become a shimmering dark crimson.

--------fin


::: spewed by Krispy at 10:25 PM

 
Krispy: *peeks in*

Steph: *whispering* What the heck are you doing here?

Krispy: *whispering back* Are they here?

Steph: Well, where else would they be?!

Krispy: I dunno!

Steph: Well--*looks around* I don't see them. But I don't know when they'll be back.

Krispy: *sneaks out* Okay...I just need a momen--

Wing: *loudly* Kr--

Krispy: *smacking hand over Wing's mouth* SHHHH!!!

Anakin: *from far away* Did you say something Wing?

Steph: *pointed look at Wing*

Krispy: *slowly lets him go*

Wing: Er...Krunchy! I said Krunchy! She has sure been quiet...yea...

Zalari: *sarcastically* Oh, that was genius.

Krispy: Eep! Where did you come from?

Zalari: Well you were writing about me, weren't you?

Krispy: Yeah that makes sense.

Obi-Wan: *also from far off* You are all being suspiciously quiet over there.

Steph: *loudly* Us?!!! OH NO!!! Well, you see I was just unveiling my new plot to take over the world!!! BUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Wing: *strange look at Steph*

Krispy: What?

Anakin: *to Obi-Wan*shrug* You know Stephanie.

Obi-Wan: *suspicious glance back* I suppose...

Zalari: That wasn't too much better than Wing's cover, Sseriya. *teasingly* I think you're losing your touch.

Steph: *sticks tongue out* Don't push it, Bronze.

Krispy: Alz, I can't believe you wrote more! I want to write too but--

Anakin: Gotcha! *pulls Krispy out into the open*

Obi-Wan: *not very happy* But you still have Physics to do which you should have been done with a LONG time ago!!!

Krispy: *nervous laugh* Er well um...I was...writing?

Wing: *miffed* Not about me...*sigh*...poor past-less me...

Steph: Oh stop pitying yourself!

Wing: *sticks tongue out* Favorite!

Steph: Oh you did not just--

Zalari: *in much the same tone as Obi-Wan* Children!

Wing & Steph: You stay out of it! You're being written about!

Obi-Wan: Finish the work before you come in here again.

Anakin: THEN you can read that Magical Division bit.

Krispy: But I--

Jedi: NO MORE BREAKS!!! BACK TO WORK!!! *drags Krispy off*

Steph: Wow...they're good.

::: spewed by Krispy at 8:12 PM

 
Krispy: ALZ! YOU SUCK!!!

Obi-Wan: What are you doing back here?!!!

Krispy: er...not doing homework? *nervous laugh*

Anakin: Obviously. I bet Luce and Gennia are already done.

Krispy: *sniff* Okay, you've made your point. I wrote out some of that Rampage article and finished another problem or two of Physics but then--

Obi-Wan: *not very happy* Then?

Krispy: *nervous laugh*...

Steph: *annoyed* Isn't it obvious?

Wing: *also annoyed* She was writing and not about me!!!

Krispy: I couldn't help it! I'm sorry! I wasn't in a writing mood and then I wanted to and then...oh no!!! This sucks!!! And Alz! Why did you have to write/post so much?!!! I can't even read what you just posted right now because I'm going to force myself to go back and do physics! I still need to watch those dumb APUSH tapes!!!

Anakin: So get GOING!!!

Krispy: Oh...but...Zalari is going to show up and--and...

Zalari: I suggest the homework.

Krispy: But I won't remember what I want to write later!!!

Zalari: It doesn't matter.

Obi-Wan: Priorites, Krispy.

Krispy: AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Okay okay okay. Physics. I will do physics. I will do physics now!!!

Steph: Well, at the rate Alz is going, you guys are going to end up owing her.

Krispy: Stop it Steph! MUST FINISH PHYSICS FIRST!!!

Steph: GET OUT OF HERE NOW THEN!!!

Krispy: MORE writing/sending/posting ALZ!!! MORE!!!

Anakin: *sigh* Master, please help me. *grabs Krispy by the legs*

Obi-Wan: *picks up Krispy from the other side* Back to work now.

Krispy: FIRETAILY BITS!!! I'm sure thatz what Luce wants too!!! *being dragged off yet again*

Steph: Hmm...I guess it's a good thing the Jedi are around.

Wing: I never would have done that.

Zalari: We'd probably just make her worse.

Steph: You got that right.

::: spewed by Krispy at 3:56 PM

 
Krispy: *stare*

Steph: That was a lot of writing.

Krispy: Tell me about it.

Wing: Past!

Krispy: Not now!

Jedi: PHYSICS!!!

Krispy: AHHHHH!!! Okay! I'm leaving!

Zalari: Just had to stop by and say how wonderful that all is?

Krispy: Yeah. And to complain about how I think I just caught a cold hence making physics go a lot slower cuz I keep having to get up to get tissue!!!

Wing: What luck.

Krispy: Shut up! Luce, some help would be nice. At the rate Alz is going, we're going to end up oweing her!!!

Jedi: *dragging Krispy out of the Valley* BACK TO WORK!!!

Steph: *cough* Anyway, Krispy does not like anything much that she has written and will thus not post anything at the moment. Er...well there was that--*watches Krispy disappearing in the distance being dragged by two Jedi*--nevermind. Sorry Alz. You'll just have to wait. But we would like more...*hint*hint*

Wing: Subtlety is not your forte, is it?

Steph: *sticks tongue out at him*

Wing: ?


::: spewed by Krispy at 12:18 PM

 
Krispy: *trying to force self away from computer* Must...start...phy...sics...

Obi-Wan: Indeed.

Steph: You'd think she had been crawling through a desert for three days straight without food and water.

Wing: Yeah. But it's not like that at all.

Zalari: Nope. Just some problems.

Krispy: *still trying to stop procrastinating* Not...just...problems...

Anakin: Well then, GET GOING ALREADY!!!

Krispy: But I kinda wanna write...

Jedi: *with Jedi compulsion* NO!

Obi-Wan: Physics first.

Anakin: Then maybe a short break for food and what-not--during which you may be allowed to write a little.

Obi-Wan: And then APUSH!

Krispy: Slave-drivers.

Jedi: Procrastinator.

Krispy: Alrite. Alrite. I'm leaving.

::: spewed by Krispy at 10:37 AM

 
Obi-Wan: *sternly* Krispy?

Krispy: *pout*

Anakin: Oh yea, very Jedi.

Krispy: *sticks tongue out*

Anakin: *stare*

Zalari: Are you quite all right?

Steph: She's never all right...

Wing: Write me a past!!! Before they get to me!!!

Anakin: That may be worse, you know...a quickly put in filler past.

Wing: Could it be worse than what they've done to me?!!!

Krispy: *suddenly talking again* Well, they haven't run you over with a trailer going 200mph, thrown you off a cliff, stabbed you 23 times, tied you under a pier as the tide was rising, have you cutting yourself, have you addicted to crack/smack/*sniff* stuff/etc., locked you in a cabin with a bunch of idiots, starved you for a couple days, made you love someone you could never have, smacked you over the head with a dictionary, set rabid dogs on you, had you punched in the stomach by an 8 year old mini-version of Stephanie, broken your nose, put you in a coma, gotten you drunk and dragged you up a couple flights of stairs, had you kidnapped and strapped to the roof of a car by psycho valley girls who threaten to tickle you to death, get chased down by an old man who could die at any moment on a motorized wheel chair, thrown you through a firewall on a motorized wheel chair, sent crazy wild monkeys flying after you--

Wing: Ok!!! I take it back!!! There are worse things in life!!!

Anakin: *stare* You did all that to people?!!

Krispy: *shrug* Well, some of them were just ideas and never written--

Steph: Crazy flying monkeys for example...

Krispy: Otherwise, everything else you can ask Nick and some of the other guys but mainly, just ask Nick!

Zalari: That is pretty sad.

Anakin: Poor guy.

Obi-Wan: *cough* Krispy?

Krispy: *sulk*sigh* Fine...Alz, since you kept up your end of it...sort of...though not as much as Luce and I would like...

Obi-Wan: Continue.

Krispy: *sigh* Here's the end of that scene. I don't want to post that second scene yet but...maybe in a few days...

Game over, Kylin.

The Emerald dragon placed his head on the ground in defeat and let out an exaggerated exhale of annoyance. His warm breath blew back the strands that had fallen loose from the girl’s braid. Her golden eyes sparkled with mirth, but her face betrayed no such emotion. Kylin flashed a pointy toothed grin at this maiden who opened up to him more than anyone else.

You win, Sseriya. Now, please put the weapons down.

With the hint of a smile playing on her full lips, Sseriya lowered the bow and returned the arrow to her quiver. Kylin studied her for a moment, marveling at her wild beauty. The maiden was dressed in simple hunting garb—an old sea-green tunic over cream-colored pants. Dark brown boots went up to her knees, and the left one had a knife strapped to it. With the ivory bow slung over her shoulder, she looked as if she were the Goddess of the Hunt descended to earth.

“I felt you tracking me a while back. What do you want?” the draconic words rolled off her tongue like water over stone.

“I came to take you home. Lord Emerald wishes to see you.”

“Does he?” She paused, tilting her head as if listening to another speaker. Kylin raised his delicately-shaped head high to catch the far-off sounds. A rumble that was the beginning of a laugh broke the silence and pulled Sseriya’s attention back.

“What exactly are you hunting?”

“Bandits,” was the matter-of-fact answer.

“Your usual prey, I see. Although…” the drake thoughtfully eyed his surroundings, “This area is not known to have bandits.”

“They arrived from the North,” Sseriya’s eyes locked with his, “where Hecatris and Sstryella lay.”

“Ruled by Dragon Kings Black and Storm…Do you think they are up to something?”

“It’s hard to tell. Black and Storm are always doing something; always building their ranks.” The girl gazed in the general direction of the bandits for a moment before continuing. “Then again, this is just a group of bandits. Perhaps they desired a change of scenery.”

“It is easier to find food around here,” Kylin speculated. “But speaking of our neighbors, Father wanted to speak with you about that.”

Without answering, Sseriya began walking toward the distant sounds of the bandits making camp. Kylin immediately got to his feet and watched her lithe form disappear into the trees.

“I’m going to assume I have to help you finish your hunt,” he called after her. Sseriya’s well-known emotionless voice rippled in his mind.

Of course, my dearest brother—we have some pests to flush out.

Obi-Wan: Krispy.

Krispy: What?! I finished it!

Zalari: You know, there were two bits...

Krispy: Okay okay. Here's something just completely by itself.

Red Wine

Fingers carefully covered in soft deerskin lifted the delicate glass. She lazily watched the red liquid swirl, wetting her bottom lip out of habit. There was nothing she loved more than good red wine. Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 5 played softly in the background. Rose lips curved into a satisfied smile as the woman lay back onto the white pillow.

Tonight had been a good night.

She took a slow sip of wine, savoring every ruby droplet before placing the crystal flute back on the table. Then the woman slid off the bed and straightened her scarlet silk slip. She walked down the corridor. The kitchen light turned on as she entered.

What a mess.

The knife had never been her tool of choice. There was always so much to deal with afterward. But no other method had suited ‘Julius’ so well. She smiled.

A grocery bag stood on the counter, and from it she removed two black towels. Blood was quite cruel to light colors. She got down on her hands and knees and began the tedious but necessary process of ‘cleaning up.’ She hummed along to Fantasia in D Minor as she worked. The fluid was cold now but still sticky, thick. It clung and stained her arms, her legs, her deerskin gloves.

The best red wine is the same color as blood; deep, dark, rich crimson.

Finally, everything was returned to its original state; a pure, sanitary white. She returned the towels to the grocery bag and placed that next to an opaque trash bag containing what was left of ‘Julius.’ With that, she made her way to the bathroom. The woman carefully removed her clothing and gloves, placing them into yet another container. She turned on the water, and the tub began to fill. She left and returned shortly with a glass of wine. The flow of water stopped, and she stepped into the tub. Bach’s Air from Orchestral Suite No. 3 floated softly through the apartment.

Red wine and classical music

She sighed, eyelids covering rain gray eyes.

That techno crap can’t compare.

The bouquet and steam was intoxicating. Relaxing, her thoughts started drifting back, little by little—back to ‘Julius.’

-------------

He had approached her like the king of a great empire—confident, arrogant. She had been surprised by his charisma, his smooth talk. The man was in his late 20’s, obviously rich, not too bad in the looks department, and out in search of a date he could brag about.

She was disgusted but answered his questions with cool class and coy suggestiveness. His name, she had quickly forgotten, choosing instead to call him ‘Julius.’

“As in Caesar?” he asked, thinking it was a joke but still flattered.

“The great Roman ruler. You do like Rome, don’t you?”

“I love Rome.”

And she had smiled and laughed. She had gone to a party with him that night and to the party the night after, and the night after that. By then, her web had been woven, and she was growing tired of playing the game. Besides, the best part was yet to come.


‘Julius’ was your regular rich boy. His father owned some huge development industry overseas. He went to the best English boarding schools; he liked hunting. And he was an avaricious pig of society who didn’t even care to ask her name. In other words, he was worthless.

Such trash should just be disposed of.

She smiled to herself, inwardly.

Not entirely worthless; after all, he possessed millions.

The man had been standing next to the counter, in the kitchen. His bare back was entirely exposed to her. She quietly approached him from behind, lightly running her fingers over his golden skin. Something from The Magic Flute had been on the radio. How she loved Mozart.

He tried to turn, but she stopped him, whispering silly words to him. All the while, the knife was being raised delicately by her gloved hand.

She teasingly pressed a kiss to the back of his neck. The silver blade came down, spilling life on the tiled floor. Before he could react, she had already stabbed him 4 times. Each time, the smooth metal slid with such ease into his skin, his flesh. The Magic Flute covered his cries beautifully. She wanted to sing. He had tried to fight her, but that, of course, was futile. After 22 stabs, he was lying on the floor, the life swiftly draining away.

Kneeling in front of him, she gently wiped the line of red coming from the corner of his mouth. She watched him curiously for a moment before leaning forward. Rose lips touched the blue-tinted lips of ‘Julius.’

He gasped.

“Who-”

She placed her finger over his lips.

“I am Alecto, avenger of wrongs, sister of the Erinnyes.”

She touched the tip of the knife to his face.

“The Furies…”

The knife entered his chest. ‘Julius’ died of 23 stab wounds.

How fitting for the Dictator of Rome.

--------

She stepped out of the bath and dried herself. Blood ran down the drain in a tiny whirlpool. She scrubbed out the tub, collected her “trash,” and went to the bedroom. A black Gucci suit was taken out from the otherwise empty closet. She put that on and let down her thick mahogany hair. Christian Dior Desert Rose was applied to full, soft lips and a rich brown eye-shadow added to the smoky look. She glanced at herself in the mirror and was satisfied with what she saw. The woman appeared completely different from what she had looked like when she came.

Gloves, the color of chocolate, were pulled over elegant hands. She stepped into her matching Gucci heels, picked up the briefcase on the table (containing a few thousand dollars), and went to the kitchen. She switched off the music and dragged the contaminated bags outside. Her gray eyes swept the room, checking for any signs of her work.

A glass of red wine stood on the coffee table.

She walked over to it and finished it.

Hmm…

The cup was washed, dried, and put in its proper spot. She left the room, leaving it as if it had never been touched. The light clicked off.

Krispy: Happy?

Steph: Hmm...Luce has already read all of this...aside from the rest of that chapter that is...

Krispy: Well, Luce (even tho we're on the same side) has not written anymore about all the mysterious figures in Silverfall's past! But I've been nice because 1) she's on my side and 2) I did a horrible job with this chapter of SOH.

Obi-Wan: Yes, you weren't concentrating at all.

Krispy: I just couldn't find it. Anyway, Alz, give us MORE FIRETAILY BITS!!! AAAAAAAAWWWWWWW!!! Here's my wolf poem as a little bonus. Post more and I will too! You haven't even read about evil Zalari yet. *whisper* It's Luce's favorite scene so far.

Take Chase

Running, running

Pushing leaping straining

Breaking

Free

Through platinum veiled night

Running, running, rushing

Through amber pooled forest paths

Running running singing

Silver wisps and

Breaths of mist

Through shadows and fog

Running,

Running

Eyes closed and

Sleeping

I run

With wolves.


Steph: Yep. That's the one her blog layout is based on and the beautiful wallpaper is again at Gennia's site! Plug for G!

Wing: I'm sure she appreciates that...

Krispy: Oh and Wing...thanks for exacting your revenge on Luce today at Calphil...you know, while I had to suffer WITH HER!!!

Wing: *unconcerned* Both of you deserved it. She ruined my past and you failed to create one.

Krispy: And what about Alz?!!! She started it!!!

Wing: *thin smile* We'll see how she does the next time she happens to be outside on a very humid, warm day.

Steph: Heh...no wind.

Wing: You are very wise, milady.

Steph: And you are starting to scare me.

Krispy: Ok, I'm gonna go sleep/read/write/or something now...

Zalari: One more thing, Alz, Luce has seen the OVA Clef picture. She has agreed that it can be used for bargaining.

Anakin: Let's see those bits!!!

Alz: *stare*


::: spewed by Krispy at 12:57 AM