Interview With Macie Snow

Welcome to Storytime Lounge.  Today we have a special treat, an interview with our very own Macie Snow.  



Ellie: Welcome Macie, please tell our audience a little about youreslf.
Macie: I'm a senior in high school, have one younger sister, and I'm interested in art, writing and gaming. 

Ellie: Wow, it must be tough to find time to write with the demands of school.  How do you find the time?
Macie: Whenever I can get a spare moment, and sometimes I write while I watch movies and such.

Ellie:  What genre do you typically write?
Macie:  I would say YA fantasy romance.

Ellie: What qualifies the end of a writing session for you? Do you set a daily word count, write by scenes, can you describe?
Macie:  I usually just stop when I run out of time, like when the bell rings at the end of class or if it's time for bed.

Ellie:  If I gave you a story prompt, how long would it take you to write either a flash fiction piece or a short story?
Macie:  Well it would depend on the prompt but typcially not long to come up with the story idea.

Ellie:  Where did you get your inspiration for Twin Desires? 
Macie:  I wanted to write a medieval story and that's what I came up with .  As I went along I just got more and more ideas.

Ellie: Who is your favorite author or authors?
Macie: Rick Riordan, Maria V. Snyder, Rachel Vincent, Chistopher Paolini, Louise Rennison, and Michael Chrichton

Ellie:  In the past you've mentioned that you and your sister often memorize and recite lines to movies. What is the most recent movie you've seen that you've done this with?
Macie: "A person can't feel all that, they'd explode."  Ron Weasley from HP movie.  "That's just maddeningly unhelpful."  Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean.

Ellie:  Describe your typical workspace to me.
Macie:  Messy, cluttered, mulitple projects open at one time.

Ellie:  I have to say for such a talkative person, Macie is rather shy in a formal interview.  Perhaps If I coax her with some video games next time she'll open up in her usual fashion.  What can we expect next from you Macie?

Macie:  Probably some poetry or some short stories, maybe some flash fiction as things are getting a bit hectic in my school work and working on my full length novel.

Once Upon A Blu Moon Pt 1

8:00 p.m

 

                I lift a red plastic glass to my lips and take a sip of the thick green liquid. Tugging at my dress, I look around at the monsters filling Main Street. A werewolf with thick, matted fur howls at the blue moon in the night sky. A group of vampires slide past, covering their pale faces with black capes. One vampire lifts its head and hisses at me, showing off long canines covered in blood. Witches cackle over a boiling cauldron placed in the middle of the street as little red demons dance around them. A boy with stringy hair and red eyes sits on the curb and grins up at me with pointed teeth. A pale shimmering girl glances at me and moans before drifting off, down the street. Zombies stood swaying at every lamp post, many with half eaten faces, or missing limbs. A girl sitting at the edge of the stage set up at the corner of the street laughs insanely, holding a butcher knife in one hand.

                It was, of course, Halloween. Once a year, the town set up a huge Halloween party on Main Street, so that everyone could enjoy the only holiday when it was appropriate to dress up as monsters and scare the living daylights out of our neighbors. Of course, after being away at college for the past three years, I had missed the monster memo. I was dressed as Little Bo Peep, and my little sheep was off trick-or-treating. Along with her twin brother, a zombie. Our parents had sent me out to go trick-or-treating with my younger brother and sister, who were twins. Of course they immediately ditched me at the party in the street, claiming they knew exactly where to go, and where not to go.

                I take another sip of the green liquid, I had heard someone call it zombie blood, and quash my fears. Mapleton may go overboard celebrating Halloween, or any holiday for that matter, but it was safe.

                A single note blares from the stage and all heads, including mine, turn to the band onstage. Creatively named The Jokerz, they wore one form or another of scary clown makeup. Once they were certain they had everyone’s attention they started playing their first set, filling the street with deep bass notes, and taking the high to an all new level. I smile into my cup as I take another sip of the green slime.

                I feel something tugging on my arm before hearing a moaning voice.

“Lunaaaa,” I glance down to see a miniature zombie, pulling relentlessly on my arm.

“What is it Zack?” I sigh, glancing around for Clair, my other younger sibling.

“Clair’s cheating!” the small zombie moans.

I sigh and set my cup down, already feeling the caffeine buzzing through my veins, before crouching down in front of my little brother, making sure that my Little Bo Peep costume didn’t rip or get dirty.

“How is Clair cheating?” I ask, looking straight into Zack’s eyes, ignoring his very well done zombie make-up.

“She ran off with this big scary guy. She’s gonna get more candy than me!” he wails.

“Where?” I ask, a small thrill of fear stabbing into my heart.

“I dunno! They went thataway!” he cries, gesturing towards Kreaky Ave. “Why is she gonna get more candy than me!” Zack wails.

I tousle his hair and smile nervously. “Don’t worry Zack, I’ll go get her. You go off with Billy, you saw him right?”

Zack nods, excited that he was going to get to go with his first choice of tick-or-treater, his best friend.

I stand up and smooth my skirt while glancing around for the miniature pirate I had seen earlier. I spot him, walking up the path to a house near the stage.

“There he is Zack,” I say, pointing. “Go on, and have fun. Make sure to stay with Billy and his mom okay?”

Zack nods eagerly and runs to Billy’s mom, quickly asking if he could stay with him. She smiles and nods before gesturing to Billy, who was already ringing the doorbell for candy.

I sigh and grab my drink, downing it before squishing the cup in my grip and tossing it in a nearby trashcan before checking the hidden pocket in my costume for my cell phone. It was there, with no message from Clair. She had most likely dropped the phone I had given her and her twin brother Zack to share, so calling it would be pointless. I sigh and start making my way to Kreaky Ave., dreading what I may, or may not, find there.

 

 

9:02p.m

               

I step through the graveyard gate hesitantly, reluctant to admit that it was the only place left where Clair may be. Kreaky Ave. didn’t have much on it, other than the graveyard, the old cathedral, and the ancient library that no one used. Seeing as how both the cathedral, and library were locked up tight, and Clair had been nowhere on the grounds around them, that left only the graveyard.

I wince as the gate creaks loudly behind me, piercing the ominous silence that built the excitement on most Halloween nights. But this night it just scared me. Poor skittish Clair had probably been led away from her protective twin brother so that the many little boys in her class could play a prank on her. And knowing Clair, she wouldn’t expect anything to happen, and would likely be scarred for life. Or at least have nightmares for months.                I couldn’t let that happen to my dear little sister. She was sweet, kind, always had a smile on her face, and wouldn’t let anything get her down. She was the kind of person everyone loved. And unfortunately, when little boys got a crush, they picked on the girl they liked. Poor Clair had no idea what was going on, only that she was suddenly being bullied. Or so she thought.

I swallow a lump in my throat, suddenly yearning to hug my little sister, to comfort her and tell her that everything would be fine, and to explain to her why she was being picked on so much. I picture her little face, surrounded by her dark brown curls, bright blue eyes glistening with tears from the latest horror that the boys at school had unleashed on her.

I steel my nerves and press forward, ignoring the black cat that runs out in front of me, ignoring the tombstones surrounding me, only searching for my baby sister.

 

 

9:33p.m

 

                I sigh and look up at the angel looming over me. It was a part of a very elaborate grave, but the name had worn off.

                “Please,” I whisper, staring up at the angel. “Please let me find her.”

                A cricket stops chirping, and I shudder as a breeze blows the hair off my neck, and turn to head back to the Halloween party, hoping that Clair had gone back and everything was just a big misunderstanding.

                Suddenly a scream pierces the silence, and I stumble on a flat tombstone. I push myself up, wiping pine needles from my forearms. A loud slap resonates through the night, and I hear a masculine voice yell, but cannot make out the words.

                I climb to my feet and look around frantically searching for the source of the scream. I hear a laugh, and turn towards it. Another, smaller scream sounds out, and I pinpoint its location to the mausoleum at the back of the graveyard. I run towards it, avoiding tomb after tomb.

                After what seems like an eternity, the mausoleum comes into view, and I come to a short stop before falling to my knees and scrambling for cover. A tall guy in his mid forties was chuckling maniacally while gutting my baby sister.

                Clair was convulsing occasionally, wide empty eyes staring at the night sky, while this twisted man ripped out her organs, a bloody blade gleaming in the moonlight. I stifle a scream and stare, unable to move, unable to blink as I watch my sister’s murder.

                The man brandishes the knife and rips out what appears to a lung, as revealed by Clair’s soundless gasp as she convulses on the flat tombstone now coated with her blood. Tears start pouring down my cheeks as frustration claws at my heart at my inability to do anything. The man chuckles and licks the blood off his knife before reaching into the gaping hole of Clair’s chest and producing a horrible sickening sound as he breaks her ribs, pulling them open.

                I hold back my nausea as the bones break through her skin and blood pours over bone, muscle, and flesh. I pray that Clair was dead, as much as it killed me; I wished no further pain on her. The man reaches into Clair’s chest and pulls out a red, beating organ. Her heart. My vision darkens as anger, fear, and nausea consume me, leaving me only a narrow field of vision. The man pulls out a silver cup shaped like a goblet and squeezes Clair’s, now still, heart over the cup, filling it with her blood. He raises the goblet and the moonlight winks off of its silver surface before he grins and gulps down the red liquid. Horror pulses through my veins and my stomach clenches, threatening to spill what wasn’t there.

                The man eagerly gulps down every drop of the blood, and then uses the fabric from Clair’s lamb costume to clean the goblet off. Grinning he replaces the cup in his bag, along with the knife. He looks around calmly, before he turns to leave the graveyard. I wait until I’m sure that he was long gone before running up to Clair’s limp, decimated body. Sobbing I throw my arms over her, heedless of the gore. Cradling her head in my arms, I sob up at the moon. I quickly run out of tears, and dry, heaving sobs shake my entire body.

                “I’m so sorry Clair,” I sob, my voice barely audible in the night. “I should have done something, I should have stopped him. I’m so sorry!”

                I lean down, bringing her pale, blood specked face to my own and rest my forehead against hers. Time seems to stop, as grief consumes my entire world. MY baby sister was gone. Murdered by some psychopath with a vampire obsession. I shake my head slowly, refusing to let the truth sink in. But the truth was unavoidable as Clair laid in my arms, limp, pale, and cold. She was gone. And it was all my fault. I slowly reach up and close Clair’s eye lids as sobs threaten to choke me.  

                A twig snaps nearby, and my heart leaps to my throat, yet another thing there threatening to cut off my oxygen. I hear heavy footsteps approaching and slowly lift my head.

                Standing in front of me, reaching for Clair, was the grim reaper.

The Game

A slight deviation from our regular schedule, we are featuring a new writer.  Leave some feedback and let us know if you want to hear more from her!

The Game

 

by

 

BAMonster

 

                A town can be single minded. Definitely one that is in the 1720’s. Within one, you can be their special prodigy or the misfit, the whore or the stranger. But as a young woman who had been a favorite, it was through the knowledge that I was the granddaughter of a Madame.

                She was pretty with those Goldie-locks curls and willowy though curvy body. Everyone liked her, but secretly she was hated. She was too perfect the people would say. And I looked just like she did when Grandma was in her prime. So I expected the same treatment.

                Grandma had never been one for doing things out of character, for her perfect behavior was everything to her. Though unknowingly, I tried to do everything opposite to rebel against her. That girl, I was young and just wanted to have some fun before she had to take care of the business that her Grandmother owned. It wasn't a difficult business, I had been taught at a young age to know what to expect.  But once I started, I would never be done. And it was a lifelong career that I didn't want.

 

 

Remember What They Did

                The maze was congested, you could see through it because the walls were glass, but people were littered everywhere. Confused and scared, I stood between a young girl with pig tails shaping her hair and a weird looking man who had a mask covering his face was on my other side, only the mask made his right eye show. But it was too shadowed for me to see clearly.

                The last thing I remembered was running away from the police and Mal... who said he loved me, but then turned around and gave me to them? The thought was bitter. That liar! His younger brother was screaming for him to not let them take me. At least someone cared. The poor kid was only seven, and Mal had a bad temper.  He smacked him, shushing him, he then growled not to interfere.

They dragged me viscously; I was barely able to touch my bare feet on the dirt road. Then I remembered why I was running. They think I killed Grandma! I started to fight them, but it was difficult with three trained men escorting me to who knew what. Kicking up my leg as high as I could get, which was a distance because I was trained at a young age to be flexible, I tried to kick one of them in the head. It was unsuccessful, which led to the third man grabbing my legs and pressing my ankles together tightly enough to make me wince. I screamed then, which got me a hard slap to my face several times.

                “Shut up you whore!” He spit at me as I turned my face. I'm not a whore you smelly faced bastard!

                “I am never going to-” I started, then was slapped with a piece of duct tape over my mouth.

                “No you won't. You will never get a chance either. Not with your bitch Grandmother hanging around to protect you anymore.” I scrunched up my forehead and tried to tell him that she never protected me. If only she lived just another two years, I would have been 21, then I could have left.  Because she never was much of a Grandmother, always telling me to do this and punishing me when I didn't do it right, and indulging this dirty town with all its vices, saying, “This is good for you. You need to understand that pain can be turned around.” Oh, I never liked lessons with her. They seemed more perverted then those that I read in the books that I was supposed to read.

                We came closer and closer to my house, which surprised me. Wouldn't I be brought to the jail? As we came into the fenced yard they detoured and took me to the back. Many of the community were in my back yard, all circling a plot of dirt. I stared at it frozen. What are they going to do to me!? I thrashed around more trying to escape, but it was fruitless. The people around me didn't make it better by shouting harsh words and trying to throw thing at me.

                “Bitch!”

                “Whore!”

                “You’re a devil's servant.  You and your she-witch Grandmother!” All these and more were spat at me over and over. “She got what she had coming! And you do too, with your wicked seducing ways!” I glared at that one. Oh yeah, I looked down I'm in my night gown. It wasn't as bad as some my Grandma advised ones, but it was still short for their taste which was ankle-length.

                The new Priest that was sent by the state stepped up all decked out in his robes. He raised his hand and the crowd quieted quickly. The third man let go of my feet allowing my night gown to go down to shins.

                “This girl with her sins of being taught the way of the pleasure house, who shall be condemned by God. Whom God has chosen the punishment, just as he did her Grandmother, is to be taught their lessons in the depths of hell.” A few cheers went out and some grunts of agreement. I stared at the holy man in shock. Too shocked to react I just stared wide eyed as he reached to tear the duct tape off my mouth. Feeling my lips burn from the stripping of skin and hair, my eyes stared to water. “What is your plea?” He asked me with cold eyes while I shrugged out of the other two's hold.

                “But I've never -” I tried to start but was out voiced by everyone yelling ‘guilty’ and other foul words. I attempted several times to finish but they wouldn't let me be heard, so I started toward him but was held back.

                “Why won’t you listen?!” I screamed. “I was taught forceably.” I whimpered. “I didn't want to be a paid whore...” Real tears started to stream down my face as I shook in fear and shame.

                “Then with no declaration of innocence,” The Priest started, “Throw her into the pit with her wicked Grandmother. I grabbed an arm of the nearest person holding onto me and held on with dear life.  

                Please someone, anyone save me! I begged and prayed.

                “You called my dear?”   A male voice spoke to me through the mob of screams and cursing.     “Please help me!” I begged again. I was tossed into the hole, right on top of my grandmother, who had been dead for almost a week. “Please!” I shouted louder. The members of town started to bury me, shoving me back into the hole, as I tried to climb out.

                “This favor you’re asking of me has some catches.” he started. I spit out dirt that had made it into my mouth and chose to officially close my eyes to protect them.

                Please just do it. I don't care what the price.

                “Very well... It’s your life.” He answered as if he was shrugging it off. Then everything went black. Then back to where I am right now.

 

Maze Time

                Standing surrounded by a lot of people in the middle of a glass maze. Daring to speak I asked the girl next to me who was dressed in a leather suit of armor and pig tails. She seemed to be about twelve or thirteen.

                “Uh, where are we?” I tried to start it off but she just raised an eyebrow as she stared at me. Turning fully to look at me, she crossed her arms.

                “This is the 2nd chance tournament.”

                I tilted my head in confusion. “You know, every October 31st the god of tricks saves thirty one people who have death impending on them. Then they have a chance to win back their life by playing the game at random.”

                “A game, what do you mean?” I couldn't help but to question.

                “Yeah, I heard from a girl on the street that was dating a guy that was related to one of the temples of the trickster servants, that the last game he played entailed bouncing balls and that two were lucky enough to survive and get a second life.” She looked away and then came closer to me with a gleam in her eyes that wasn't quite sane. “So I jumped off a cliff at 11 o'clock and estimated the time through mathematics and came up with the predated time to fall to be 11:59pm so I could come to the game. You see, I have this problem with-” But right as she finished, the same male voice boomed around the maze making the glass rattle.

                “Welcome to your possible last chance at a second life!” He sounded excited. “Now let’s get rid of this maze for a minute.” The glass disappeared and the area was filled with bright colors and numerous pillows. Almost like the special room Grandma had hidden away at the back of the house. “Now have a seat and  I will instruct you all about your game.”

                Almost everyone slowly found a pillow away from each other and sat down. Though a few stood like a man, or at least I think it was an man, in knight-like armor, the man in the face mask that was next to me before that seemed to be across the room, and then a couple of muscled men that had plaid skirts on and no shirts. The two almost looked alike except that their hair was different.  One looked slightly younger and more relaxed as the other was stone-faced, glaring eyes staring at everyone.

                Popping into the room like a snap and a wisp of smoke; an olive skinned man smiled and tilted his head in greeting. Several people gasped making me jump on my red pillow. ‘This was unnatural.’  I thought to myself. ‘Am I dreaming? Am I Dead?’  I glanced around the room again taking in more of the people. No one looked the same except the two men in skirts. They appeared to be from a different world or era. That just in itself; scared me enough to keep an eye on anyone who was close to me.

                “Hello. The rules of the game is to not piss me off. But otherwise it's a free for all.” He smiled as a large throne like chair that I had seen in history books appeared out of nowhere startling some and forcing those to make signs of evil on a few.

                “As you saw when you first arrived, that maze will be your game. A pair of runners will go through the maze and fight their way to the end to make it out. If you lose and come in last on the first round, you die. The next round you will fight the person and kill them before they reach the end. Each round will have some differences in it until there are only two runners left. That's when things get juicy. I'll tell you that if you live through the first couple of rounds.” The room went up in murmurs and harsh whispers.

                “Also, here I have slowed time so the fighting can last for what to you seems like days, but really you've only been here about five minute. Don’t bother trying to do the math, it's complicated. Now for those who die here, you will be transferred out of the maze and given back the death you originally meant to have. For the lucky one who wins...” he smiled and looked at everyone. “I'm not telling you how I SAVE you.” He put up his hand and used hand parentheses as he said save. “So eat and do whatever you need to do now because after this treat, you’re running like mice through my maze!” He laughed at that and waved his hand making food appear on small tables within the room. INstinctively I grabbed a plum and ate it; I hadn't had anything since the day before.

                Stuffing my face slowly, I people watched again but this time my eyes strayed to the two men in the corner wearing the skirts. After staring at them for a little while, I looked down and chose something different to munch on and returned my eyes to find that the stone-faced man was staring back at me. Or was he glaring. Widening my eyes, I just kept staring back. It was hard to keep my eyes just on his shining blue ones, when I had a tendency to look at other parts of his face. He had a scar on his cheek that crossed over the bridge of his nose and his lips were fuller then Mal's.  Mal had thin wide lips that looked odd when he opened his mouth. His skin was tanned like he had spent time outside most of his life and his chin had a little stubble from forgetting to shave. I started to look down but noticed that he tensed. He turned and spoke softly to his friend who dressed like him and then I switched my gaze to the other man. I saw that the younger man was smiling and grinning at me. I gave him a confused look and turned back to search for the man who was called the trickster.

                Sitting in his chair he watched others around him and talked to a few. Once he felt my gaze on him, he turned and hooded his eyes and slyly smiled at me. It was a smile that said ‘I know a secret’ or to be particular, he knew my secret. But what is my secret? Do I even know myself well enough to want a second chance at life? Do I deserve a second life?

                “All right now,” The god boomed in his scaled voice.  Everyone stopped what they were doing, all eyes fixed on him. “It's time for your race!” The room disappeared and the maze took its place. To what looked random to me, he pointed at two men and they were carried off into two openings that led into the maze.

                “First one out by any means wins their life!” The god crackled as his teeth were bared in an excited smile. “Go!”

                Watching from the sidelines as two men raced in and out of a maze was uneventful. That was, until they caught up with one another and started to fight each other. One, finally seeing his defeat ahead of him blocked after being hit multiple times and ran for it. This was a good thing for him because he turned the second corner and made it out of the maze in ten minutes flat. The other man screamed and disappeared in a red smoke.

                “One down 29 to go.” The god smiled, then pointed to the next two people. The pig tailed girl next to me and a large seven-foot man who looked like Goliath. She hopped up and down like the little girl she was. At the signal, the two were released and the girl ran toward the same direction as the previous pairs route.

                “Time for a change up!” The god yelled as he clapped his hands. The glass maze shifted making the girl and man slid to a stop right as they were about to crash into each other. Cursing, the man pounded on the wall as he watched the little girl blow him a raspberry. The two ran around again but when they came close to each other a glass wall would block the way. After about four times of this the big man let his temper get the better of him so he took off his gloves he was wearing to produce thick bronze knuckle weapons which he pounded at the wall in his way. The girl eyed the man but didn't move as she waited for him to break the wall. It took less than a minute for him to do so.

                “Come here!” You could hear the man shrill as he aimed for the girl while glass shards littered the air. The two played a game of chase, then she side-stepped and bolted up a wall allowing her to balance on the thin maze wall. He pounded at the wall she was on until she changed position and flung out her hand to swing on his extended arm that he was hitting with. She twisted around and slammed her heel into the man's nose. Stumbling, the man spat out blood and lunged, throwing his whole weight at her. The only problem was, she wasn't there. He looked around and she wasn't anywhere. Before she could even have time to think, the girl appeared by his head and wrapped a wire around his neck. Slowly slicing his throat and smiling as she did it. The man's head dropped to the ground and blood sprayed the clear glass like a fountain. Gasping, I turned my head and covered my mouth. That girl is insane! She's sick! I told myself. And I talked to her! I realized in disbelief.

 

 



The Final Battle!!

(And here it is!! Part Five of "You Belong With Me!")



“Abrica get your stuff. We are leaving in 10 minutes, don’t argue with me!” I ran into my bedroom and tugged on the cloth my alter was on and it folded up into a handkerchief for travel. Next I walked over to my wardrobe and tapped the door three times before saying “collapse”. The wardrobe collapsed in on itself and became a little square. I placed both items in my pink purse and went out to the living room.
“Abrica you ready yet?” I sat down on the couch and wondered if I should put a spell on my furniture and shrink it also. I shook my head deciding to get new furniture in my new home, maybe one with a yard for Abrica.
“Abrica?” I stood up when something fell onto my leg, I looked down and saw Andrews sweater from earlier. I bent down and slowly picked it up. I remembered this sweater, I gave it to him for Christmas last year. He was always complaining he was cold and had no good sweaters. I sighed and sank into the couch where we had sat all curled up like a pair of lovers on a cold winters night, watching reruns of Doctor Who and Leverage.
“Oh…Andrew…what am I to do with you? Grandma! Why couldn’t you tell me the truth…” I leaned back against the couch and took a deep breath of  the sweater. It smelled like Andrew, I laid my head back on the head rest and stifled a yawn. I needed to go see what was taking Abrica so long, he was probably trying to pack the whole fridge.



“Grand ma ma, why can I do all these strange and weird things…but my friends can’t?” I look up at my Grand ma ma who is stirring a potion.
“Because my sweet, you are a witch. You and I are both witches, the last of a dying breed I’m sorry to say.” She let out a little sigh before she put down her spoon.
“Was Ma Ma a witch?” I took a look inside the cauldron, it had to be the size of me.
“Yes…my sweet, she was.” She smiles at me and pats my head.
“What ya cooking Grand ma ma? I hope it’s not dinner.” I make a funny face at the smell coming from the cauldron. Grand ma ma giggles at me and sets me on the floor.
“No my dear, not dinner. Grand ma ma must make spells and potions in order to pay for our home.” She picks up the cauldron and carries it over to the stove, setting it down she lights the stove.
“Oh…ok.”  I sighed as I turn the pages in my Grand ma ma’s Book of spells.
“What’s wrong my sweet?” She looks at me and hands me my favorite orange pop.
“The girls at school were making fun of me…they said I wasn’t special and I was stupid.”  I sit down in the chair and sigh.
“Oh my poor sweet! You are far from boring or stupid, you are the most specialist person in the whole widest world!” She smiles and tackles me, I squeal and fall into fits of giggles.
“How am I special Grand ma ma?”
“You are very special! One day you will fight to save the one you love and by winning you will save our species from extinction!” She smiles and hugs me, I was confused. What did species and extinction mean.
“Grand ma ma, what does species and extinction mean?” I look up at her as she slowly morphs into Andrew who’s smiling down at me like I was the only person in existence.
“You are very special Tay, well at least to me you are.” He smiles again and I can feel my cheeks burning.
“Andrew…you are such a suck up.” I smack his arm and then lift it up so I can snuggle against him while he turns on the new episode of Leverage.
“I know, you love it admit it.” I felt him laugh, I smile and duck my head so he can’t see.
“No comment, now hush we’re missing important dialogue.” I get all comfy against him and let out a sigh of content.
“I meant it Tay, you are the most specialist person in the whole wide world.” I hear him say, I smile and turn back to Leverage.


“Meow…meow!” I hear Abrica calling me, I slowly open my eyes and much to my disappointment, Andrew isn’t beside me holding me. I sit up slowly and fight back the tears I feel welling up inside of me.
“Oh…Andrew.” I look at Abrica who has his things ready for me to pack, I glance down at Andrews sweater and I feel a deep powerful urge to ram it down Rowendras throat.
“Abrica…the trip is off! We are going to taken down Rowendra or die trying!” I got up and grabbed my purse.
“Come on Abrica we’re going back to that store and we aren’t leaving until we can cast offensive spells easily.” I picked up Abrica and walked out of the door determined to not stop until she was defeated or dead.
It was a long ride to the store, I didn’t remember it being that long the first time, or maybe this time I’m just impatient to get there. I couldn’t believe I’d only been there two hours ago, it felt more like two years ago.
“Hello?” I pushed the door open and noticed it had gone back to a dry-cleaning store.
“Umm….ma’am?” I stepped inside and walked over to the counter. “Abrica check in back…” I set him down on the counter and watched him jump down and run off into the back.
“I hope she didn’t leave…or we’re screwed.”  I sighed and laid my head on the counter, doubt was starting to creep into my mind.
“Why would I leave? This is my home…” A voice said in front of me, I jumped up and saw the old lady from before.
“You’re here! Thank goodness, I’m sorry I ran, please teach me.” I used my best begging voice, it worked on Grand ma ma and Andrew.
“Of course my dear, I knew you would return. It was a lot to take in.” She smiled and set the box on the counter I looked at it and nodded. I slowly lifted the lid and saw the pendant once more, It was just as beautiful as I remembered it, ok so not much changes in two hours but still.
“Put it on, then we can begin.” The old lady who’s name I never caught said, I took a deep breath and picked up the pendant, it came alive in my hands. I placed it around my neck and jumped slightly when I felt it’s power intertwine with my own until they were one.
“Wow!” Was all I could say, the old lady smiled and walked to the back. I followed her much quicker this time and saw Abrica near the table and chairs drinking a saucer of milk.
“Abrica…really? She got you just by giving you milk? You’re so easy.” I sighed and followed the lady to the spell range.
“Now, this spell is a very advanced fighting spell. But, we do not have time for you to learn all the basics and such. It’s not hard, it’s just like regular spells…just more volatile.” She smiled and had me take a step back. She closed her eyes and muttered a word, her hand glowed a bright green, it slowly floated up in the air and flew faster then I could follow to the dummy and exploded onto it, causing it to catch on fire. But, a deep green colored fire.
“Wow! How did you do that?” I looked at her and she smiled, and revealed her own pendant, it was green.
“The pendants allow us to skip the prep work and go straight to the casting stage.” She smiled and hid it again. “You try. The word is “enflame”.”
“Umm…ok.” I took off my bag and placed it on the chair beside Abrica before going over to the range with her.
“Ok…” I closed my eyes and pictured the dummy on fire. “Enflame…” I threw my hand out and jumped when something exploded. I opened my eyes to see the dummy next to the one I was aiming at one fire, but it was pink fire instead of green.
“That’s great! Aim needs a little work. But, once you get used to the spell you can cast it with your eyes open and you won’t even need to concentrate.” She smiled and threw her hand out, the dummy burst into green flames once more.
“Whoa! You didn’t even say the word!” I jumped back and gaped at her.
“I thought the word, that’s all you need to do.” She smiled and put the fire out.
“Are you ready?” She held out her hand for me, I smiled and took it.
“Ok, Abrica I need you to go hide until this is over. I don’t want her to hurt you” I cuddled Abrica and gave him some nuzzles, he purred and licked me before running off.
“I’ll be ok…I hope.” I set down my book and a picture of Rowendra I cut out of a photo of the three of us. I was going to do a summoning spell, so she would come to me, instead of the other way around. I needed every advantage I could get.
“Oh dark one, I summon you to my place. Come to me and let us end this finally!” I set the photo of her on fire from the special summoning candle I got from the old lady.     “Come…come…come…come!” I held the burning photo as I rocked back and forth concentrating on her coming to me, whether she liked it or not.
“Who dares summon the Great and Powerful Rowendra!” A voice pierced through the air, I opened my eyes to see Rowendra step out of the shadows looking very cross.
“Oooo….it’s the ickle witchy. Taylor…come to save your boyfriend have you?” She smiled and sneered at the summoning spell I’d created for her to come.
“Yes, and no.” I waves a hand over the supplies and they vanished, sent back to my apartment. I did not need them, I had all the spells I needed in my head, and all the power I needed from my amulet.
“Yes & no? Well, which is it.” She seemed bored and leaned against the wall and picked at her finger nails. But, she couldn’t fool me, I saw how scared and angry she was that I was able to summon her, a mere ickle witchy.
“I am here to save Andrew, but I’m also here to put a stop to you.” I stood up and saw her face go hard before her mask popped back up.
“Stop me? You…you don’t even know any offensive spells my sweet.” She smiled and pushed away from the wall, I rolled my eyes and forced myself not to act on it. I need the element of surprise.
“So, you going to stop me with the power of love? Your love for Andrew…” She sneered and walked around me, I blinked.
“I don’t love-” I started but Rowendra cut me off mid sentence.
“Whatever…” She stopped in front of me and smiled again.
“Well, do your worst.” She smiled and back away from me, I took a breath and pictured vines growing all over her and threw my hands out to her, I heard her laugh. I opened my eyes and saw her pulling them off one by one easily.
“That all you got ickle witchy? You’re dead!” She smiled and threw her hand out at me, I suddenly felt very hot. I knew what was coming a fire spell, I clenched my eyes shut and imagined a white barrier protecting me. I opened my eyes to see the fire hit the wall and fizzle out.
“I’m guessing defensive spells aren’t so bad after all!” I sneered at her. Her face turned ugly and she did a long drawn out arm gesture and threw her hands towards me. I waited but nothing happened, she just smiled and did not move. Slowly the air around me became thin and I could barely breath, I had just seconds to get out of the way before I was trapped. I took as deep a breath as I could and dove to the side. I landed hard on my back and winced as my remaining air whooshed out of my lungs. I looked over to where I was standing and saw a giant globe type thing, I guessed it was a sucked the air out of the area spell, I’d seen it at the store.
“Hmm…smarter then I thought. No matter, it will just make killing you more fun.” She smiled and turned to me, having dissolved the spell.
“Really? You’re pathetic, I can’t be killed that easily. Where’d you learn your magic…Magicians kit for children?” I sneered at her and got up, still wheezing from my landing.
“You child are starting to really anger me, and you don’t want to see me angry.” She growled and I saw her eyes flash black.
“Oh really? Maybe if I see you angry, then I will see real magic…not this pathetic any child can do magic.” I smiled and stepped back a bit.
“That’s enough! I will not let you child or not even 20 years, insult me…The Great and Powerful Witch Rowendra…oh 3000 years!” She said this all while pulling her self up to her full height, I just smiled.
“No wonder you look like crap. 3000 years, really? No wonder you look so old and brittle.” I giggled and pointed at her wrinkles.
“You know what! Sucking you dry is to good for you, you need to die…by my hand!” She closed her eyes and starting chanting in some strange language, while making some more weird hand movements.
“What you trying to do fly?” I laughed some more and made chicken noises while flapping my arms. I knew she heard me as the skin around her eyes tightened.
“Bobombtartical!” She cried to the heavens as lightning hit all around her, I took a deep breath and readied myself. She took one look at me and threw her arms at me, sending all the lightning straight for me. I smiled, I was ready for this.
“Portal…” I muttered and waited for the last second before dropping into it, letting the lightning hit the ground where I was and explode. I heard her scream and cheer and probably do some lame victory dance, I wouldn’t put it past her.
“How about a smart ass remark now you little brat!” She screamed at the spot where I used to be.
“If you insist. Is that all you got?” I smiled, standing behind her. Having popped up from the portal while she was cheering and screaming at the spot I was.
“You?!” She spun around and jumped back like five feet, she looked terrified before her mask came up, but I could tell it was cracked. She was scared.
“How…how…did you?” She looked at the fire and then back at me.
“I told you, not all defensive spells are useless.” I smiled and folded my arms and waited.
“This time you will die!!” She screamed as some hair fell out of her bun.
“Bring it bitch!” I did the whole head jab and finger snap at her, I could tell it just pissed her off even more.
“Abacratious!” She opened her eyes and threw her hands at me, I waited and waited but nothing happened. She seemed confused by this, I just smiled.
“What’s wrong? Where are your pathetic spells?” I smiled and folded my arms again waiting patiently as she tried again, and again.
“Uhh…what’s going on!” She screamed and stomped her foot.
“You’re out of juice my sweet! You’re all dried up like a shriveled up prune. Look like one also.” I smiled at her, she blinked confused.
“But, I’ve…I’ve never gone dry before…How?” She looked at me scared and I just smiled thinking back to the shop with the old lady.


“The key to defeating her, is not with offensive spells, or beating her up. Her magic come from her anger and hatred. If you get truly angry she will put more magic into her spells then needed. So if you can get her to do a massive spell after a few minor ones, she will be all dried up. You can’t use any offensive spells on her, it will only add to her magic stores. Only use defensive, you know plenty to avoid all her spells without much trouble. She won’t understand what’s going on, so be nice and explain it to her. Then use this.” She hands me scroll tied closed, I could feel the magic coursing through it.
“This is a one off spell, only use it when she is at her weakest and can no longer fight back. Good luck.” She smiled and walked me out of the store.

“I drained you, just like you have done to thousand and thousands of witches before me.” I smiled and pulled out of thin air.
“How…how did you do it! Tell me!” She screamed, I sighed and decided to let her in on the secret.
“My tactics where not just sheer cockiness, it was a plan of attack. Get you extremely pissed off with me and instead of putting 1% into your spells, you put 10%. Then when you did that massive lightning spell you put everything you had left into it. You are drier then a well in the desert during a drought.” I smiled at her and opened the scroll slowly.
“What’s…what’s that?” She looked at the scroll in my hands and took a step back. I smiled and held it up.
“A one off spell a friend gave me for you. It does the most horrible thing you can ever do to a witch.” I looked down at it and read the spell in my mind and mentally prepared for it.
“…Kill me?” She said with nothing but a squeak. Without her magic she was pathetic.
“No, that’s to good for you. I’m going to suck you dry of your powers. They will get stored in this scroll, that is until I destroy it.” I looked at her shocked and terrified face, I couldn’t help but smile.
“Rompasis…sergicoso…absorb!!” I turned the scroll to face her as a bright light shot out and went straight into her heart. She blinked for a second before she keeled over in pain and let out a scream I had never heard from a living being. I didn’t care, how many witches had she done this exact thing to in the last 3000 years? Well, never again!
“Please…stop…” She collapsed to the ground as she glowed white and the glow turned black and was sucked into the scroll, which then folded and tied its self shut.
“It’s done, you are Rowendra the Great and Powerful no more. FYI? No one called you that but you.” I placed the scroll inside a cauldron that had appeared out of nowhere.
“No!” She screamed and tried to lurch for the cauldron, but she was to weak and just landed on her face.
“Say good bye to your powers.” I threw my hand at the cauldron. “Enflame!” The inside of the cauldron burst into pink flames. Slowly the scroll was set on fire, I jumped back as a wail erupted from the cauldron and a black plume of smoke erupted from it, it was sucked back in and was gone. Even the fire was put out…all that was left was scorch marks.
“Life as a mortal is to good for you, but I think I will be happy knowing you can no longer harm anyone. Goodbye Rowendra…and good riddance.” I did a little twist on the spot, I and the cauldron were gone.
Epilogue

“Abrica, I’m home. I did it, she’s done forever!” I ran in through the door to the living and froze.
“Andrew…Rowe- Alexis isn’t here.” I said a little flat.
“I’m not here for Alexis, I’m here for you Taylor.” He smiled and got up, he walked towards me and I frowned.
‘Me? So, the spell on him is broken? Yes, now we can…can what?’ I looked up at him as he drew up to me, he smiled. I let out the content sigh I always let out when he’s near.
Yes, yes…I understand now, why I did it all…it was for him, because…’
“I came here for you, because this morning I felt freer then I have in months. I could finally think straight, and all I could think of was…” He started, but I cut him off and sighed.
“Alexis…” I was surprised when he laughed.
“No Taylor. You…all I could think of was you.” He smiled and took my hands.
“Me?” I blinked and he kissed them.
“Yes, you. I wanted to tell you this months ago, but then I met Alexis and…everything became blurry. But…I love you.” He smiled and I couldn’t help but stare into his gorgeous blue eyes.
“Yes…yes…I love you too.” I found myself saying, his smile grew and he took me in his arms to, well, I’m sure you can fill in the rest for yourselves.

Twin Desires - Part 2

Last week we were introduced to the twins Adrinna and Katrinna.  They are at the age that their father is tiring of their nonchalant attitude towards their suitors, and has made a decision for Adrinna as she is the eldest.  On the same night that she was announced as betrothed, Adrinna was kidnapped. Katrinna, being the rebellious one has set out in hot pursuit of her sister. 

Ever notice that the best intentions land you in the midst of some of the most hair raising situations?  Let's find out what Kat has gotten herself into. 

Twin Desires

 by

Macie Snow

Chapter Two

            I jerk awake, righting myself in the saddle. I had to stop riding. I had been dozing asleep for a while, and had nearly fallen out of the saddle numerous times.

            I stop the horse and climb off. I stumble before collapsing to the ground. Being unused to long periods of riding, my legs could no longer support me. I try to stand up, but fall before even getting to my feet. I am not used to riding so hard, and my legs have become wobbly. I try again in vain to stand, but fall to the ground again.

            “No, I’ve got to- got to-” I try to focus, but am physically exhausted, which causes my mind to become befuddled. My body would not obey my commands. But, I have to get up. I have to run after Adrinna and save her from a horrible fate.

            I bang my fists on the ground in frustration. “Curse this pampered life!” I scream. “If I weren’t a princess I wouldn’t be so infuriatingly weak!”

            I waver, as my vision falters. I try to steady myself, but my vision skews and before I can do anything else, my head hits the hard ground,  and I pass into darkness.

                                                    O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O

           

            I slowly open my eyes and look around. I see Justin standing before me, bathed in the warm sunlight of the grove. My eyes begin to droop closed, tired as I am, but I force them to remain open. Justin smiles down at me and I realize he is shirtless. My breathing quickens, and I try to sit up, but am unable to make even the slightest of movements.

            Justin walks forward until he is standing above me.

            I watch the sunlight dance across his sculpted chest as he crouches down in front of me. He looms over me, his 6 foot frame easily making me feel small.

            Justin reaches down and gently brushes his thumb over my lower lip. Excitement rushes through me as my nerves tingle with anticipation. Slowly, ever so slowly, he leans toward me. I barely move, hardly breathe, as I resist the urge to run my fingers through his golden locks. I stare up into his lime green eyes, which are sparkling with mischief.

            “Katrinna,” he whispers, as his mouth draws closer to my own. I shiver involuntarily as his breath plays across my mouth.

            Justin smiles, and his eyes sparkle with excitement as he leans towards me for a kiss. He stops, mere centimeters away from the kiss we both so desire. As he continues to remain immobile, I lean forward and touch my mouth to his. Warmth rushes through me as Justin reaches back and cradles the back of my neck, deepening the kiss.

            I sigh into his mouth, longing coursing through me. Hesitantly, I reach up and brush his golden hair. Justin moans softly as he nibbles gently on my bottom lip. I run my fingers through his hair, loving its silky smooth texture.

            Suddenly, a twig snaps nearby and we both freeze. Justin looks in the direction of the noise, and backs away from me slowly. I look around, but see nothing. When I return my focus to Justin, he is fleeing into the forest, and darkness is blurring the edges of my vision.

           

O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O

            Sound returns to me first. Everything else was slow as molasses. I hear hooves, and force myself to a sitting position. My vision blacks out as my head spins. When the world stops threatening to engulf me, my muscles start screaming out complaints. The time I had been unconscious had been just enough to make every single one of my muscles stiff.

            I look in the direction of the noise, preparing to scream. As soon as I inhale, Justin comes into view. I sigh in relief, releasing my breath as Justin climbs off his horse. A slight blush makes its way to my cheeks as I recall what I had been dreaming.

            “Finally!” Justin sighs, walking over to me. He grabs my arm and gently, but firmly pulls me to my feet. I bite back a cry as my muscles protest. “Come, Lady Katrinna, you are going back to the castle.”

            “No!” I cry in alarm, yanking my arm free. The world sways, and I have to steady myself by grabbing a hold of a tree nearby. Unfortunately, the tree snags my nightclothes. I try to regain my dignity, as I fight with the tree to free them.

            “No?” Justin asks, raising an eyebrow as I struggle with the tree.

            “No!” I cry, hopelessly yanking on my nightclothes. “I’m going to find Adrinna, she needs me!” I tug viciously on my night gown, causing my nightgown to rip loudly at the hem, but sadly, not to come free.

            Justin steps over and gently untangles me from the tree. “My orders are to bring you back Miss, and I will use force if necessary.” He says sternly, gripping my forearm.

            I wrench my arm free of his grip, and ignoring my protesting limbs. “Fine,” I say, tilting my head up smugly. “Then you will have to drag me back kicking and screaming. Because that is the only way I’m going back without Adrinna.”

            He frowns at me, his lime green eyes darkening. I know he did not approve of using force. Just as I know that what he had said before was an empty threat. He would take me back perhaps, but I knew Justin would never use force to get me to do something.

            “Aren’t you supposed to bring Adrinna back to the castle as well?” I ask.

            “Yes, however-“

            “Then take me with you. We’ll find her, and you can bring us back at the same time.” I say, trying to stay calm.

            “I can’t Miss, I have to-”

            “Did Father tell you who to bring back first?” I interrupt.

            “Well, no, but . . .”

            “Then bring us back at the same time. I’m sure a knight such as yourself would be more than capable of handling such a difficult task,” I say, giving him my most dazzling smile.

            Justin sighs in defeat. “Very well, but you stay right with me. If I lose sight of you for even five minutes I will be bringing you back to the castle.”

            “As you wish,” I say, smiling sweetly. Justin turns around and grabs the reigns of his horse.

            I grin, glad that things are working out. That is, unless Father were to find out what was going on. Then he would send a fleet of soldiers, none of whom would be swayed by me.

            “We will stop at the next town to get you some decent clothing, Miss.” Justin says, mounting his horse.

            I look down at my nightclothes, the faint blush in my cheeks returning with vigor. I realize that, in my haste, I had abandoned reason. The clothes were hardly adequate for a journey, much less one on horseback. I groan inwardly at the thought of riding again. My muscles throb dully, as I contemplate how to get back on the horse. It hadn’t seemed quite so tall last night. The Friesian horse I had been riding stamps his hooves and snorts at Justin’s buckskin mare.

            “It seems as if Zypher likes Flinn,” Justin observes casually.

            “Which one is Zypher?” I inquire, stalling.

            “The one you sto- Ah, borrowed, Miss. The black one,” Justin answers.

            I clear my throat, “You can stop calling me Miss you know. It gets a bit old after a while. Just call me by my name.” I say, as I grip the saddle horn.

            “As you wish Lady Katrinna.” Justin says averting his gaze,

            I glare at him, and try to pull myself onto Zypher. My muscle clenches painfully halfway up, and I fall back to the ground.  I grunt in frustration and stand, reaching up to grip the saddle horn again, preparing myself.

            “Ka- Katrinna,” Justin says nervously.

            “There, that wasn’t too bad was it?” I say, glancing at Justin before turning back to the infuriatingly out-of-reach saddle, happiness dancing around my gut.

            Justin was spared an answer as Flinn nipped at Zypher, causing him to start, and almost bolt, thus causing me to lose my grip on the saddle horn, and fall very ungracefully to my rear end in the dirt. Justin caught Zypher's reigns after jumping out of Flinn's saddle.holding them and calmed the huge stallion. I made my way back to my feet. Justin turned and handed me back Zypher’s reigns.

            “I would suggest that we set up camp,” Justin says.

            I look west in dismay, noticing the setting sun. Had it really been a whole day since Adrinna was kidnapped?

            “With the current circumstances, we’d best be on our way, lest rumors be started.” Justin says, stepping over to Flinn.

            I blush, unwilling to admit that I would not be unopposed to rumors, as long as what they implied was true. Dismay courses through me as I once again scold myself. Father would be furious if he knew my true desires. As such, I was forced to agree with Justin.  “You are right Sir Justin; however, I cannot get back on Zypher without assistance.” I say, attempting to retain my dignity, and to quickly change the subject.

            The corner of Justin’s lip twitches up in amusement as he walks over to me. Justin lifts me up onto the saddle, holding onto me until I am certain to not fall off. Nonetheless, as soon as he lets go, I almost tumble out of it. Only his quick reflexes prevent me from having another abrupt meeting with the ground. Justin makes me hold the saddle horn while he roots around in his saddlebag. When he returns, he steps into the stirrup,  reached over me and  wraps a rope around my waist. I barely breathe, immobilized by his close proximity. He smelled divine, like leather and strong spices. Once Justin finishes wrapping the rope around my waist a few times he has me let go of the saddle horn, and proceeds to tie the rope around that. I watch as he works, and cannot help but notice how tan he is. Justin wraps the rope around my waist again, then reaches behind me and wraps it around the back of the saddle before wrapping it around me one more time and tying it to the saddle horn.  He then steps off the stirrup and back to check his handiwork. I release my breath, unaware until then that I had even been holding it.

            “This should prevent you from falling off Zypher, even if you sleep,” Justin says, as he turns and climbs into Flinn’s saddle.

            “Thank you,” I say, smiling weakly. Justin glances back at me and nods. He ties the end of the rope to the back of his saddle, so as to lead Zypher. I yawn and stretch my taunt muscles painfully, before leaning forward against Zypher’s mane to sleep. I trusted Justin; I would go wherever he led me. Hopefully he was taking me to Adrinna. I was also eager to return to my dream Justin, to see if he would act as I so desperately desired the real Justin to act.