One Tree Hill
The aftermath of "With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept" (season 3 episode 16)
It wasn't supposed to be like this. Jimmy Edwards was dead. And there was nothing she could do to change that fact.
She sat on the hill staring straight ahead, expressionless, her eyes void of emotion. In that moment it didn't matter that it was raining or that she could feel the dampness seeping into her clothes or that her hair stuck together in clumps on either side of her face.
It's funny how one life changing event can make you realise just how inconsequential aspects of life can be. An event so tragic that it makes you re-evaluate everything you once believed mattered.
She hadn't been sleeping properly. Everytime she would close her eyes the recurring nightmare would appear before her. The events repeating in her mind over and over again. The images of that fateful day now imprinted in her memory forever.
Eight students had been locked in the tutor centre. And only seven walked out of Tree Hill High alive. She could remember the look in his eyes as he waved the black handgun aimlessly around the room. He didn't look evil or possessed. His eyes carried pain, haunted by his own suffering. He looked scared, vulnerable, confused. His heartbreak displayed in the emotions on his face. The rejection by his peers unbearable to the young teenager. He felt invisible, like he no longer existed in the world. She had seen it all and was now struggling to accept the harsh reality that this young boy had carried the weight of those feelings around with him and had no one to turn to.
The guilt consumed her.
He was her friend. Well, he used to be her friend. Over the past year they had lost contact. Huge changes had been made in her life in that time; school popularity had taken a hold of her and showed no signs of releasing her anytime soon, her marriage to the basketball captain fed the small town's rumour mill, and she had developed a new ambition for a career in music. Her priorities had been altered. But with all the changes in her life, loss was inevitable. She lost a friend along the way, one who she hadn't spoken to in a while.
Whenever the Rivercourt guys would play basketball, she, Jimmy and Mouth would always be on the bleachers by the court cheering them on and critiquing their games. In her case, she would sit and attempt to understand the gamed loved by many, while just enjoying the time she was able to spend with her friends.
It wasn't his intention to come to school that day and create such a disaster. He just wanted the chaos and pain in his life to stop. He was just tired of it all. The gun may have created a tough exterior, but it was obvious to see he was a scared, lonely boy on the inside.
Haley continued to recall moments from her time in the tutor centre. Her eyebrows furrowed and she looked towards the sky. She could vividly remember Jimmy's comment on how if you don't exist, then nobody would miss you when you're gone.
But he was wrong. She would miss him.
Jimmy turned towards the door, he unlocked it and slowly pulled it open.
Her eyes filled with tears.
"Jimmy..." Haley softly whispered to the figure retreating through the door.
Slowly he turned, his face full of defeat. His eyes scanned over the individuals in the room "You know, they're gonna remember me as a monster...I wonder how they'll remember all of you."
He backed out of the room and entered into the corridor.
Haley pressed her head into Nathan's chest and unsuccessfully attempted to hold back the sob that erupted from her throat.
There was silence. Then the room was filled with the echo of a gunshot.
This was the scene playing on repeat in her head; the cause of her sleepless nights.
Jimmy Edwards was not a monster. He was a good guy and had always been there for her. And that is how she would remember him, not as the shell of a boy who had appeared on that day at school.
Movement beside her brought her back to the present. She felt warmth spread up her arm, glancing down her hand was now encased in another.
"Are you alright?" a husky voice asked from beside her.
She took a moment to look at the figure sitting beside her. He was the most important part of her life.
"No, but I will be." Her voice barely audible to her own ears.
She refocused her attention to the swarm of black umbrellas below sheltering those who were saying their final farewells.
Her thoughts reverted back to the single unanswered question that had been plaguing her mind since the school shooting; what if they had never left the Rivercourt?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Stacey's Fanfic - Final
Beware of the Steppenwolf: Epilogue
I am Harry Heller. I am the Steppenwolf. I have two souls within me, always at war.
Carefully, I placed the last of my books into the bookshelf. It sat there in perfect finality. I clasped my hands together in anticipation. I sat down, then immediately stood up again. There was a languid feeling about that day that I could not conquer, as if such lethargy inhabited the air itself. I looked at my books, I ran my finger over their spines, and thought of the joy they had given me, and all they had taken away from me. I once had a family life and social ambitions, but when these left me I lived a life ruled by intellect. These books have saved and ruined me.
I took residence among the middle-class, just like last time and countless times before that. The respectable office-workers, the perfectly kept flowerbeds, the quiet order of the bourgeois life; I found it all so curious. I like to be near the bourgeoisie, it comforts me to observe their polite conversations and tidy houses. It interests me because I am so far removed from that world, I am a mere morbid hermit and I stand outside of convention. Most days I wake at noon and read all day long, I drink a bottle of wine and read some more. I have no taste for modern conveniences, terrible music, terrible art, terrible terrible. It is of no use to me as a wolf of the Steppes.
I sometimes wonder what became of my manuscript, that literary revolt from reality. When I was writing the manuscript, it felt right to obscure the truth in favour of metaphor and fantasy. There are more important things than facts. I think of those events often, though I believe they have not changed me, in fact, they have left me the same two-fold creature. After the madness and the dancing and the music stopped, there was nothing for me there. I am a broken man, as I was before. I am only glad that for once I felt something tangible. There were fleeting moments of happiness of the likes I have never felt before. I have happy memories of Hermine, of Pablo, of Maria, even of my humble landlady. They all taught me something about something.
It has been said that people have any number of individual souls, and I may be a fool for believing that I have only two. In my Hermine, there were 27 souls: a socialite, a misanthrope, a lover, a fighter, a comedy, a tragedy, a bird, a beast, and so it goes on. I have two souls; a wolf and a man who are constantly at odds with each other. Human Harry lives within a civilized world, made up of thoughts and emotions. He is a reasonable man with hopes and desires. The Steppenwolf represents the animalistic; the savage and unkind, the fervent and blood thirsty nature of a steppe wolf. While these two personas exist, I can never rest. There is an irresolvable struggle for power that neither ever wins, so I can never be wholly wolf or wholly man. I am stuck with this self-made dualism forever.
I needed some fresh air. The new rooms I had chosen were stifling, or perhaps it were my thoughts that were stifling. Either way, I picked up my coat from the floor and threw it on. I greeted the world on a sunny day in Spring, everything was blooming, so it seemed. I stopped when I reached the bridge, and watched the river flow underneath it. I thought about life and I thought about death, and I found neither to be particularly endearing. I shifted uncomfortably and then continued my walk down the avenue.
When I reached the town centre, there was a parade of sorts taking place. I pushed passed crowds of people to discover that it was a National Socialist parade. I scowled in disgust. I watched as they marched, marched endlessly and mercilessly. I turned around and proceeded to elbow my way out of the multitudes of those mindless cretins. It is not hard to see why I do not belong among the bourgeois, and those who think that war is necessary.
When I returned home, I opened a bottle of wine and poured a glass for myself. I thought of what was to come and of what should be done, but I could not think. All I could fathom was that moment, so I did all that I could do, I took a sip of wine and picked up a book. No matter what takes place in the future, I had this moment with my wine and my book, and please know that I was content.
Think of my story, friends, and do not despair.
I am Harry Heller. I am the Steppenwolf. I have two souls within me, always at war.
Carefully, I placed the last of my books into the bookshelf. It sat there in perfect finality. I clasped my hands together in anticipation. I sat down, then immediately stood up again. There was a languid feeling about that day that I could not conquer, as if such lethargy inhabited the air itself. I looked at my books, I ran my finger over their spines, and thought of the joy they had given me, and all they had taken away from me. I once had a family life and social ambitions, but when these left me I lived a life ruled by intellect. These books have saved and ruined me.
I took residence among the middle-class, just like last time and countless times before that. The respectable office-workers, the perfectly kept flowerbeds, the quiet order of the bourgeois life; I found it all so curious. I like to be near the bourgeoisie, it comforts me to observe their polite conversations and tidy houses. It interests me because I am so far removed from that world, I am a mere morbid hermit and I stand outside of convention. Most days I wake at noon and read all day long, I drink a bottle of wine and read some more. I have no taste for modern conveniences, terrible music, terrible art, terrible terrible. It is of no use to me as a wolf of the Steppes.
I sometimes wonder what became of my manuscript, that literary revolt from reality. When I was writing the manuscript, it felt right to obscure the truth in favour of metaphor and fantasy. There are more important things than facts. I think of those events often, though I believe they have not changed me, in fact, they have left me the same two-fold creature. After the madness and the dancing and the music stopped, there was nothing for me there. I am a broken man, as I was before. I am only glad that for once I felt something tangible. There were fleeting moments of happiness of the likes I have never felt before. I have happy memories of Hermine, of Pablo, of Maria, even of my humble landlady. They all taught me something about something.
It has been said that people have any number of individual souls, and I may be a fool for believing that I have only two. In my Hermine, there were 27 souls: a socialite, a misanthrope, a lover, a fighter, a comedy, a tragedy, a bird, a beast, and so it goes on. I have two souls; a wolf and a man who are constantly at odds with each other. Human Harry lives within a civilized world, made up of thoughts and emotions. He is a reasonable man with hopes and desires. The Steppenwolf represents the animalistic; the savage and unkind, the fervent and blood thirsty nature of a steppe wolf. While these two personas exist, I can never rest. There is an irresolvable struggle for power that neither ever wins, so I can never be wholly wolf or wholly man. I am stuck with this self-made dualism forever.
I needed some fresh air. The new rooms I had chosen were stifling, or perhaps it were my thoughts that were stifling. Either way, I picked up my coat from the floor and threw it on. I greeted the world on a sunny day in Spring, everything was blooming, so it seemed. I stopped when I reached the bridge, and watched the river flow underneath it. I thought about life and I thought about death, and I found neither to be particularly endearing. I shifted uncomfortably and then continued my walk down the avenue.
When I reached the town centre, there was a parade of sorts taking place. I pushed passed crowds of people to discover that it was a National Socialist parade. I scowled in disgust. I watched as they marched, marched endlessly and mercilessly. I turned around and proceeded to elbow my way out of the multitudes of those mindless cretins. It is not hard to see why I do not belong among the bourgeois, and those who think that war is necessary.
When I returned home, I opened a bottle of wine and poured a glass for myself. I thought of what was to come and of what should be done, but I could not think. All I could fathom was that moment, so I did all that I could do, I took a sip of wine and picked up a book. No matter what takes place in the future, I had this moment with my wine and my book, and please know that I was content.
Think of my story, friends, and do not despair.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Steph's Fanfiction Reviews
Friends - Christmas at the Bings
A cute reunion story set five years after the last episode of Friends. The narrative is based during the Christmas period and focuses on the core six characters plus their extended families. The author had made a good attempt at this fanfiction, and has tried to keep it true to the original series. Overall it is a sweet story about bringing together the families to celebrate and to show that even though time has passed their friendships have remained strong. The constant introduction of characters has meant that in-depth descriptions could not occur. Also grammatical errors let this fanfic down as it is off putting to read mistakes.
Criminal Minds - Trickster
This story starts with the usual, something happens and the BAU are called in to assist in the investigation. This unusual case develops more supernatural elements, involving shape shifters, and the relevance and mystery of ravens. I didn't find this particularly great but it was good. Parts of the storyline felt disjointed, and out of character. But the purpose of fanfiction is to create something of your own and be original. This was not your normal approach to a 'Criminal Minds' fanfiction, the incorporation of supernatural themes enabled it to become something truly unique.
Friends - Window View
This 'Friends' fanfic is set at the end of the final episode of the series and it shows how the scene would have played out if it had been watched from afar. This narrative details the interaction between Monica and Chandler as they watch Ross and Rachel reunite. It is a sweet and short story that includes the inevitable happy ending. It is well written and it is refreshing to consider that final scene from the perspective of other core characters.
Friends - Seven Days
This 'Friends' fanfiction takes a more sombre turn away from the usual cheerful tone of the series. This narrative is based in the future and focuses on the death of Ross and the impact on Rachel and their family. It details how the characters deal with the unexpected death of a loved one. It is often difficult to write tragic pieces and you need to be able to capture the emotion from the situation just right, this author has made a good attempt at doing that.
Friends - The One with the Turkey on Monica's Head
In the spirit of light heartedness this fanfiction is a good source of humour. This fanfic is an extended piece to the final scene of the episode "The One with All the Thanksgivings". Although it does become a bit all over the place at the end, this fanfic provides a series of laughs involving either turkey or pie. It is surprising the hilarity that can come from a person wearing a turkey on their head. It is not as good as the actual episode but this fanfic author had made a good attempt.
Glee - Family Ties
This fanfiction is based on Fox network's latest hit television show Glee. The initial focus is on the aftermath of the revelations from in the episode "Sectionals", the blossoming relationship between Kurt's father and Finn's mother, the union of the two families and Finn's growing infatuation with Rachel. Only a few chapters have been published as this story is still in its beginning stages, but this author is off to a great start and has created something which would really captivate the attention of the Glee fan base.
Pushing Daisies - The End
Focusing on the relationship between Ned and Chuck, this fanfiction is a well written short story on what would happen if Ned were to die suddenly under similar circumstances as his mother. Digby, the dog, and Chuck can't help but attempt to revive him, but both fall victim to the unavoidable curse which ultimately ends both their lives. I liked this fanfic and felt that the bittersweet ending was perfect for a narrative relating to this series. An inevitable sadness comes from the death of both the central characters but the happiness of their afterlife reunion is what 'Pushing Daisies' fans would really appreciate. The one thing I really enjoyed about reading this fanfic is that the 'narrator' sections come off as being really authentic and believable. The way the lines are written and the tone you get from them, make it seem like they have come straight out of an episode.
One Tree Hill - Missing You
This is a very well written fanfiction. It is set in season three when Haley is reminiscing on a moment from her tour. The story itself is well described and the audience get a real feel for the emotions Haley is feeling as she recalls the decisions that led her up to her current position. Having this particular scene from Haley's point of view is very fitting as she realises what she truly desires. In terms of layout, this fanfic is set out correctly. Readers are able to differentiate between reality and Haley's flashbacks. I personally love the song "Missing You", and I felt that it was used appropriately in this fanfic. This fanfiction is a perfect mix of drama and romance.
The Breakfast Club - Life As I Know It
Known as the 'Rebel' of the group, John Bender is one of the five core characters in the 80s cult classic 'The Breakfast Club'. This fanfiction is a detailed background into the world of Bender. It describes his life before the fateful weekend detention and his realisations after that Saturday. Set in Bender's point of view, this very descriptive narrative enables the audience to have insight into the destructive lifestyle of Bender, which involves abuse, alcohol, drugs and suicide attempts and it reveals music as his emotional outlet. I feel like this has the potential to be a good companion piece to the film as it fills in character blanks.
One Tree Hill - Laundry Service
Set in an alternative One Tree Hill universe, this fanfiction describes banter between Nathan and Haley in a Laundromat and the events which follow when you overflow a washing machine. The author has done a very good job at creating their own world using the One Tree Hill characters. This is a great fanfiction, which is well written. This charm of this story just brings a smile to your face as you read it.
A cute reunion story set five years after the last episode of Friends. The narrative is based during the Christmas period and focuses on the core six characters plus their extended families. The author had made a good attempt at this fanfiction, and has tried to keep it true to the original series. Overall it is a sweet story about bringing together the families to celebrate and to show that even though time has passed their friendships have remained strong. The constant introduction of characters has meant that in-depth descriptions could not occur. Also grammatical errors let this fanfic down as it is off putting to read mistakes.
Criminal Minds - Trickster
This story starts with the usual, something happens and the BAU are called in to assist in the investigation. This unusual case develops more supernatural elements, involving shape shifters, and the relevance and mystery of ravens. I didn't find this particularly great but it was good. Parts of the storyline felt disjointed, and out of character. But the purpose of fanfiction is to create something of your own and be original. This was not your normal approach to a 'Criminal Minds' fanfiction, the incorporation of supernatural themes enabled it to become something truly unique.
Friends - Window View
This 'Friends' fanfic is set at the end of the final episode of the series and it shows how the scene would have played out if it had been watched from afar. This narrative details the interaction between Monica and Chandler as they watch Ross and Rachel reunite. It is a sweet and short story that includes the inevitable happy ending. It is well written and it is refreshing to consider that final scene from the perspective of other core characters.
Friends - Seven Days
This 'Friends' fanfiction takes a more sombre turn away from the usual cheerful tone of the series. This narrative is based in the future and focuses on the death of Ross and the impact on Rachel and their family. It details how the characters deal with the unexpected death of a loved one. It is often difficult to write tragic pieces and you need to be able to capture the emotion from the situation just right, this author has made a good attempt at doing that.
Friends - The One with the Turkey on Monica's Head
In the spirit of light heartedness this fanfiction is a good source of humour. This fanfic is an extended piece to the final scene of the episode "The One with All the Thanksgivings". Although it does become a bit all over the place at the end, this fanfic provides a series of laughs involving either turkey or pie. It is surprising the hilarity that can come from a person wearing a turkey on their head. It is not as good as the actual episode but this fanfic author had made a good attempt.
Glee - Family Ties
This fanfiction is based on Fox network's latest hit television show Glee. The initial focus is on the aftermath of the revelations from in the episode "Sectionals", the blossoming relationship between Kurt's father and Finn's mother, the union of the two families and Finn's growing infatuation with Rachel. Only a few chapters have been published as this story is still in its beginning stages, but this author is off to a great start and has created something which would really captivate the attention of the Glee fan base.
Pushing Daisies - The End
Focusing on the relationship between Ned and Chuck, this fanfiction is a well written short story on what would happen if Ned were to die suddenly under similar circumstances as his mother. Digby, the dog, and Chuck can't help but attempt to revive him, but both fall victim to the unavoidable curse which ultimately ends both their lives. I liked this fanfic and felt that the bittersweet ending was perfect for a narrative relating to this series. An inevitable sadness comes from the death of both the central characters but the happiness of their afterlife reunion is what 'Pushing Daisies' fans would really appreciate. The one thing I really enjoyed about reading this fanfic is that the 'narrator' sections come off as being really authentic and believable. The way the lines are written and the tone you get from them, make it seem like they have come straight out of an episode.
One Tree Hill - Missing You
This is a very well written fanfiction. It is set in season three when Haley is reminiscing on a moment from her tour. The story itself is well described and the audience get a real feel for the emotions Haley is feeling as she recalls the decisions that led her up to her current position. Having this particular scene from Haley's point of view is very fitting as she realises what she truly desires. In terms of layout, this fanfic is set out correctly. Readers are able to differentiate between reality and Haley's flashbacks. I personally love the song "Missing You", and I felt that it was used appropriately in this fanfic. This fanfiction is a perfect mix of drama and romance.
The Breakfast Club - Life As I Know It
Known as the 'Rebel' of the group, John Bender is one of the five core characters in the 80s cult classic 'The Breakfast Club'. This fanfiction is a detailed background into the world of Bender. It describes his life before the fateful weekend detention and his realisations after that Saturday. Set in Bender's point of view, this very descriptive narrative enables the audience to have insight into the destructive lifestyle of Bender, which involves abuse, alcohol, drugs and suicide attempts and it reveals music as his emotional outlet. I feel like this has the potential to be a good companion piece to the film as it fills in character blanks.
One Tree Hill - Laundry Service
Set in an alternative One Tree Hill universe, this fanfiction describes banter between Nathan and Haley in a Laundromat and the events which follow when you overflow a washing machine. The author has done a very good job at creating their own world using the One Tree Hill characters. This is a great fanfiction, which is well written. This charm of this story just brings a smile to your face as you read it.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Sarah's Fanfic - FINAL COPY
Wrong Direction (Set at the very end of Defiance, the last game in the Legacy of Kain series)
Who would have thought that God was a squid? A giant one. A giant one with three, bulbous eyes and a serious attitude problem? Even after seeing such a thing with his own two eyes, Kain couldn't believe it. Of all the things that should be plaguing his mind right now, the fact that all of his troubles were caused by a greedy, selfish squid shouldn't even factor! It should be less than an after thought, but Kain couldn't wipe the image of that disgusting creature from his minds eye. Of course he was in shock, though; nobody would be able to escape such an experience without suffering some form of it! One minute his most trusted lieutenant was standing in front of him, and then the next...Well...
Kain's eyes drifted to the sword clasped in his claws. He'd reached the top of the stairs now - the ones that wound up the middle of the ruins of the vampiric citadel, leading to the war room. For some reason it didn't feel right to enter it just yet. He was the last one. The only one! No more of his kind existed in the whole of the world at this very second, and the irony of that made the ancient creature force out a bark of laughter; mad-sounding, deranged laughter. It echoed off the crumbling stone walls and shot back at him, causing him to promptly shut up. It wasn't right. This place should be treated with reverence...or something. He didn't know. Kain felt like he didn't know anything anymore.
Scraping sounds could be heard as he made his way across the cold floor toward one of the large holes in the wall where a window had once been, its glass long since shattered and gone. Setting his sword against the wall, Kain stepped through the empty space and out on to a small verge, the wind whipping harshly around him, his white hair and red cloak billowing out behind him. Ahead of him, to the North, stood nine derelict pillars; beginning far below the ground and rising so high that there seemed to be no end to them. Only an hour ago they had shone a brilliant white, but now the marble from which they were made appeared burned to the very core. Even though they were miles from his current location, Kain knew exactly what was going on down there - a selfish, short-sighted, incredibly foolish man was setting the world to ruin, simply because he was too afraid to face death to save it. A sneer came upon Kain's face as he thought of it. He was in a position to stop all of this; well, sort of. It would be the beginning and the end of all things, and much as he would love to go down there and do something about the rancid changes that were going on, it would be the death of him to do so. Thus he sat, looking from the ruined pillars, to the forest in the West and the crystalline lake to the East. The beauty of this world would soon be gone.
Turning his face to the past, Kain pulled himself in to the sanctity of the war room. his claws once again grasped up his blade as he walked over to sit in one of the twelve stone thrones that were arranged in a circle in the middle of the room. Resting the tip of his sword on the ground, Kain's large hands settled on the very top of the hilt as he stared out, eyes both seeing and not seeing, at the wall in front of him. The time chamber that he had used to get back here had been destroyed, along with the resting place of the false God, so that meant that he was stuck here. At least for now. Unless...But no. To interfere would be disastrous! However to wait would be almost as bad, really. There had to be another option! Had that not been what he had believed, ever since that day...this day? Yes, it was today, wasn't it?
Time travel was a terribly messy business; Kain should know, he did it often enough! Though certain complications could arise when one traversed the fragile tapestry of Time; the main and most obvious being that one might run in to ones self! That was Kain's problem at the moment. For the selfish, short-sighted, incredibly foolish man who had just plunged the world in to peril was none other than a much younger him! Little less than a month after becoming the blood sucker that he now was, Kain had decimated the ranks of those who had stood against his kind, then proceeded to damn the rest of the world out of fear! As Kain sat in the war room of the vampiric citadel, his younger self stood in the midst of the fallen pillars, gloating to the world about the 'marvelous' deed he had done. In hindsight, perhaps it was not the best move. But hindsight wasn't very useful in ones present.
Kain knew what had to be done; for all of this to end, the false God needed to be finished off completely if his world were to have any sort of a change. Though he would need time time to rest and plan. This wasn't going to be easy. However he had a stronghold to shelter in, and a mild idea of how to accomplish his ends, so it wasn't all impossible. It would just take time...Lucky for Kain that seemed to be all he had left, now...
Who would have thought that God was a squid? A giant one. A giant one with three, bulbous eyes and a serious attitude problem? Even after seeing such a thing with his own two eyes, Kain couldn't believe it. Of all the things that should be plaguing his mind right now, the fact that all of his troubles were caused by a greedy, selfish squid shouldn't even factor! It should be less than an after thought, but Kain couldn't wipe the image of that disgusting creature from his minds eye. Of course he was in shock, though; nobody would be able to escape such an experience without suffering some form of it! One minute his most trusted lieutenant was standing in front of him, and then the next...Well...
Kain's eyes drifted to the sword clasped in his claws. He'd reached the top of the stairs now - the ones that wound up the middle of the ruins of the vampiric citadel, leading to the war room. For some reason it didn't feel right to enter it just yet. He was the last one. The only one! No more of his kind existed in the whole of the world at this very second, and the irony of that made the ancient creature force out a bark of laughter; mad-sounding, deranged laughter. It echoed off the crumbling stone walls and shot back at him, causing him to promptly shut up. It wasn't right. This place should be treated with reverence...or something. He didn't know. Kain felt like he didn't know anything anymore.
Scraping sounds could be heard as he made his way across the cold floor toward one of the large holes in the wall where a window had once been, its glass long since shattered and gone. Setting his sword against the wall, Kain stepped through the empty space and out on to a small verge, the wind whipping harshly around him, his white hair and red cloak billowing out behind him. Ahead of him, to the North, stood nine derelict pillars; beginning far below the ground and rising so high that there seemed to be no end to them. Only an hour ago they had shone a brilliant white, but now the marble from which they were made appeared burned to the very core. Even though they were miles from his current location, Kain knew exactly what was going on down there - a selfish, short-sighted, incredibly foolish man was setting the world to ruin, simply because he was too afraid to face death to save it. A sneer came upon Kain's face as he thought of it. He was in a position to stop all of this; well, sort of. It would be the beginning and the end of all things, and much as he would love to go down there and do something about the rancid changes that were going on, it would be the death of him to do so. Thus he sat, looking from the ruined pillars, to the forest in the West and the crystalline lake to the East. The beauty of this world would soon be gone.
Turning his face to the past, Kain pulled himself in to the sanctity of the war room. his claws once again grasped up his blade as he walked over to sit in one of the twelve stone thrones that were arranged in a circle in the middle of the room. Resting the tip of his sword on the ground, Kain's large hands settled on the very top of the hilt as he stared out, eyes both seeing and not seeing, at the wall in front of him. The time chamber that he had used to get back here had been destroyed, along with the resting place of the false God, so that meant that he was stuck here. At least for now. Unless...But no. To interfere would be disastrous! However to wait would be almost as bad, really. There had to be another option! Had that not been what he had believed, ever since that day...this day? Yes, it was today, wasn't it?
Time travel was a terribly messy business; Kain should know, he did it often enough! Though certain complications could arise when one traversed the fragile tapestry of Time; the main and most obvious being that one might run in to ones self! That was Kain's problem at the moment. For the selfish, short-sighted, incredibly foolish man who had just plunged the world in to peril was none other than a much younger him! Little less than a month after becoming the blood sucker that he now was, Kain had decimated the ranks of those who had stood against his kind, then proceeded to damn the rest of the world out of fear! As Kain sat in the war room of the vampiric citadel, his younger self stood in the midst of the fallen pillars, gloating to the world about the 'marvelous' deed he had done. In hindsight, perhaps it was not the best move. But hindsight wasn't very useful in ones present.
Kain knew what had to be done; for all of this to end, the false God needed to be finished off completely if his world were to have any sort of a change. Though he would need time time to rest and plan. This wasn't going to be easy. However he had a stronghold to shelter in, and a mild idea of how to accomplish his ends, so it wasn't all impossible. It would just take time...Lucky for Kain that seemed to be all he had left, now...
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Sarah's reviews
A fanfiction poem - Legacy of Kain
As LoK fics go, this one is actually rather good, even though it's a poem. It expresses the things that a lot of players feel (myself included) and gives us something to giggle at. This is really something 'for the fans', which is appreciated. To cut a long story short, I like it!
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Why he is so angry - Blood Omen One
Even though this is quite short, I find it to be very well written and expressive and well within the LoK universe. It's always nice to see some fics from the first game in the series, when Kain is at his most angstiest (I know it's not a word, but it works ^_^).
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Sweeny The Unicorn
This is the most stupid, immature, hilarious thing I have ever read in my life. The author should receive some sort of award for it. This is a mix of Sweeny Todd, Charlie the Unicorn, PoTC and Harry Potter and is very well done. The fic rests heavily on the fact that Hollywood only has a small pool of half-way decent actors, so a lot of them appear in the same stuff. ^^
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Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland - The Hat Shop
I found this slightly disappointing. It was very, very short and a little pointless, really. It only skimmed the surface of possibility - the idea itself was rather good, however the execution was not so wonderful.
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The Corpse Bride
This is set after the movie ends, and I guess the only real complaint I have is that the author of it jumps from past to present tense a couple of times. Other than that, I do like the idea, and it does keep to the Corpse Bride universe very well. It was a nice, if not short, fic.
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Life As a House
This fic is very provocative and isn't for the faint hearted, to be sure. I love that the author isn't afraid to use the swear words and the graphic imagery to paint the perfect picture for the reader. It's very hard to keep in line with this sort of movie, but she's managed it somehow. I can actually see the characters doing and saying what she has written for them, and that always tells of a great fanfic.
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Final Destination with a message
Just like the movies, this fic had very 2D characters, but rather a rather amusing cacophony of carnage that made me giggle. What I really like about this FD fic is that there's a message behind it in regards to road safety. Very responsible of the author, I think!
====================
Tales From the Soul Forge (A Blood Omen fic)
Very well written and a nice concept, I think. It's always nice to see fan fics for PS1 games....Goodness I feel old...Anyway! I can't really tell if it's the inner monologue of some random Vampire, or the forge itself (as the game has a nasty habit of making things have voices), but it was enjoyable to read! It's something I haven't seen before, which is also very good.
===================
Mortal Love (some teenagers butchered rewrite of Blood Omen)
I just had to do one of these, lol. This fic is basically about Kain (one blood-thirsty, will kill his own mother for a lark, kinda guy), just after he get turned in to a Vampire, and his still-mortal wife (who doesn't exist in the game at all; in fact Kain isn't married in the game at all) who is constantly trying to 'save him'. This is a rather typical teenage girl's rendition of being with the messed up boyfriend whom she is absolutely certain that she can 'fix'. The writing itself is alright, though if you know the actual plot line for Blood Omen, this story will make you want to gag yourself with a plastic spoon. ^_^
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Companionship
This is a quick Full Metal Alchemist fic, written by someone who is clearly talented (and no, I didn't write it). It's something I could see in a graphic novel of some sort. Very good descriptive language. Even though there are quite a few fics written about these two friends, I am rather fond of this one. There's a lovely tone to it that really gets across the relationship between these two. You can tell that they have been through a lot together, and love each other (in a platonic way!!). Kudos to the author for such an amazing job!
As LoK fics go, this one is actually rather good, even though it's a poem. It expresses the things that a lot of players feel (myself included) and gives us something to giggle at. This is really something 'for the fans', which is appreciated. To cut a long story short, I like it!
================
Why he is so angry - Blood Omen One
Even though this is quite short, I find it to be very well written and expressive and well within the LoK universe. It's always nice to see some fics from the first game in the series, when Kain is at his most angstiest (I know it's not a word, but it works ^_^).
===============
Sweeny The Unicorn
This is the most stupid, immature, hilarious thing I have ever read in my life. The author should receive some sort of award for it. This is a mix of Sweeny Todd, Charlie the Unicorn, PoTC and Harry Potter and is very well done. The fic rests heavily on the fact that Hollywood only has a small pool of half-way decent actors, so a lot of them appear in the same stuff. ^^
=================
Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland - The Hat Shop
I found this slightly disappointing. It was very, very short and a little pointless, really. It only skimmed the surface of possibility - the idea itself was rather good, however the execution was not so wonderful.
=================
The Corpse Bride
This is set after the movie ends, and I guess the only real complaint I have is that the author of it jumps from past to present tense a couple of times. Other than that, I do like the idea, and it does keep to the Corpse Bride universe very well. It was a nice, if not short, fic.
=================
Life As a House
This fic is very provocative and isn't for the faint hearted, to be sure. I love that the author isn't afraid to use the swear words and the graphic imagery to paint the perfect picture for the reader. It's very hard to keep in line with this sort of movie, but she's managed it somehow. I can actually see the characters doing and saying what she has written for them, and that always tells of a great fanfic.
=================
Final Destination with a message
Just like the movies, this fic had very 2D characters, but rather a rather amusing cacophony of carnage that made me giggle. What I really like about this FD fic is that there's a message behind it in regards to road safety. Very responsible of the author, I think!
====================
Tales From the Soul Forge (A Blood Omen fic)
Very well written and a nice concept, I think. It's always nice to see fan fics for PS1 games....Goodness I feel old...Anyway! I can't really tell if it's the inner monologue of some random Vampire, or the forge itself (as the game has a nasty habit of making things have voices), but it was enjoyable to read! It's something I haven't seen before, which is also very good.
===================
Mortal Love (some teenagers butchered rewrite of Blood Omen)
I just had to do one of these, lol. This fic is basically about Kain (one blood-thirsty, will kill his own mother for a lark, kinda guy), just after he get turned in to a Vampire, and his still-mortal wife (who doesn't exist in the game at all; in fact Kain isn't married in the game at all) who is constantly trying to 'save him'. This is a rather typical teenage girl's rendition of being with the messed up boyfriend whom she is absolutely certain that she can 'fix'. The writing itself is alright, though if you know the actual plot line for Blood Omen, this story will make you want to gag yourself with a plastic spoon. ^_^
===================
Companionship
This is a quick Full Metal Alchemist fic, written by someone who is clearly talented (and no, I didn't write it). It's something I could see in a graphic novel of some sort. Very good descriptive language. Even though there are quite a few fics written about these two friends, I am rather fond of this one. There's a lovely tone to it that really gets across the relationship between these two. You can tell that they have been through a lot together, and love each other (in a platonic way!!). Kudos to the author for such an amazing job!
Stacey's Reviews
Sherlock Holmes: Well Put
We enter a room in which there are two men, Sherlock Holmes and Joseph Stone. Holmes is in a position of power, pointing a gun directly at the chest of Mr Stone. Holmes is the hero, Stone is the villain. The story ends with Holmes pulling the trigger, though it only alludes to this. This piece of fiction was quite well written and shows that the author is familiar with the original stories and of the Holmes character. Throughout the story the author builds up tension which finally climaxes at Holmes shooting Stone.
Sherlock Holmes: Observations on a Spring Day
We find an adolescent Sherlock Holmes who is honing his detective skills by making detailed observations about passers-by. He notices one man whom he finds fascinating, this is supposed to be Watson, before they had met formally. This is a short piece of fan fiction, based on a single idea, that you may have already met someone who will in the future change your life. I think that the story is well executed, with an interesting concept.
Catcher in the Rye: Merry Little Christmas
This fan fiction was written from the perspective of Casey, a girl who used to go to school with Holden Caulfield. They meet in an hotel and talk about school and their lives, yet there is depth to their discussion and something lingers beneath the surface. I think that the author has done well at capturing the melancholy of Holden Caulfield in this short run-in with his acquaintance, Casey. It is also very in keeping with the language, style and themes of the book.
Frankenstein: Through our Deliverance
This is set after Victor Frankenstein tells the creature that he will not make a female companion for him. It is the creature's monologue in which he expresses the wretchedness of being bought into this world, a monstrosity that defies nature itself. He explains how at first he felt love and beauty, until he felt the scorn of humanity which made him realise he was a monster. I felt that the author really managed to capture the creature's anguish, it felt earnest to me. The language used was appropriate and reminiscent of Mary Shelley's writing, if not entirely convincing.
1984: Madness, Constraint, Subjection
Set after the book ends, we see Winston as a man who has lost his free thought. He pushes his urges deep down by reciting their slogan over and over in his head. I enjoyed this piece of writing, the language was descriptive and interesting. I especially liked the clever use of the three words: Madness, Constraint, and Subjection.
Little Woman: Flight from Vanity Fair
The story is a monologue, for the most part, which focuses on Meg in her dressing room before her wedding. She ponders her doubts about marriage, and becoming a woman. The main thing that this monologue is trying to express is her resignation, that in becoming a married woman she would relinquish her hopes and dreams. I admire how the author managed to portray this feeling of defeat in Meg by fanciful memories of the past and in the dialogue with her sister.
Everything is Illuminated: Forgive
As in the book, Alex narrates the story in first person, in a letter to Jonathan. He tells Jonathan of his conflict with his father, his grandfather's suicide, and how they are left to cope. The text incorporates Alex's broken English which is often humourous, and makes the story more interesting to read. Safran Foer could have written this himself.
Perks of Being a Wallflower: Please Don't Ask How I Found Out, Charlie
This fan fiction is in the form of a letter to the protagonist, Charlie. It is written by the mysterious person that Charlie writes to in the book but whom we never hear from. In this letter, they explain how Charlie's letters affected them and little thoughts and details about their life. Something about this piece felt a bit cheesy but it is well-written and well thought out.
Alice in Wonderland: Alice's New Adventure
This story documents the return of Alice to Wonderland seven years after her original visit. She sees the rabbit, who is as always quite late, and she follows the rabbit into Wonderland where she meets all of her old friends again. I thought that the plot was rushed and could have been more descriptive. I also felt that it was cliche and that the author could have done something a bit more interesting with it.
Animal Farm: Mr Jones
This story centres around Mr Jones, the owner of the farm which the animals have taken over. He is visited by the ghosts of past, present and future and sees how his actions have affected each of these periods. He sees himself being killed by the animals and it ends with him deciding to take action. It is well-written and structured, and combines Dickens and Orwell seamlessly.
We enter a room in which there are two men, Sherlock Holmes and Joseph Stone. Holmes is in a position of power, pointing a gun directly at the chest of Mr Stone. Holmes is the hero, Stone is the villain. The story ends with Holmes pulling the trigger, though it only alludes to this. This piece of fiction was quite well written and shows that the author is familiar with the original stories and of the Holmes character. Throughout the story the author builds up tension which finally climaxes at Holmes shooting Stone.
Sherlock Holmes: Observations on a Spring Day
We find an adolescent Sherlock Holmes who is honing his detective skills by making detailed observations about passers-by. He notices one man whom he finds fascinating, this is supposed to be Watson, before they had met formally. This is a short piece of fan fiction, based on a single idea, that you may have already met someone who will in the future change your life. I think that the story is well executed, with an interesting concept.
Catcher in the Rye: Merry Little Christmas
This fan fiction was written from the perspective of Casey, a girl who used to go to school with Holden Caulfield. They meet in an hotel and talk about school and their lives, yet there is depth to their discussion and something lingers beneath the surface. I think that the author has done well at capturing the melancholy of Holden Caulfield in this short run-in with his acquaintance, Casey. It is also very in keeping with the language, style and themes of the book.
Frankenstein: Through our Deliverance
This is set after Victor Frankenstein tells the creature that he will not make a female companion for him. It is the creature's monologue in which he expresses the wretchedness of being bought into this world, a monstrosity that defies nature itself. He explains how at first he felt love and beauty, until he felt the scorn of humanity which made him realise he was a monster. I felt that the author really managed to capture the creature's anguish, it felt earnest to me. The language used was appropriate and reminiscent of Mary Shelley's writing, if not entirely convincing.
1984: Madness, Constraint, Subjection
Set after the book ends, we see Winston as a man who has lost his free thought. He pushes his urges deep down by reciting their slogan over and over in his head. I enjoyed this piece of writing, the language was descriptive and interesting. I especially liked the clever use of the three words: Madness, Constraint, and Subjection.
Little Woman: Flight from Vanity Fair
The story is a monologue, for the most part, which focuses on Meg in her dressing room before her wedding. She ponders her doubts about marriage, and becoming a woman. The main thing that this monologue is trying to express is her resignation, that in becoming a married woman she would relinquish her hopes and dreams. I admire how the author managed to portray this feeling of defeat in Meg by fanciful memories of the past and in the dialogue with her sister.
Everything is Illuminated: Forgive
As in the book, Alex narrates the story in first person, in a letter to Jonathan. He tells Jonathan of his conflict with his father, his grandfather's suicide, and how they are left to cope. The text incorporates Alex's broken English which is often humourous, and makes the story more interesting to read. Safran Foer could have written this himself.
Perks of Being a Wallflower: Please Don't Ask How I Found Out, Charlie
This fan fiction is in the form of a letter to the protagonist, Charlie. It is written by the mysterious person that Charlie writes to in the book but whom we never hear from. In this letter, they explain how Charlie's letters affected them and little thoughts and details about their life. Something about this piece felt a bit cheesy but it is well-written and well thought out.
Alice in Wonderland: Alice's New Adventure
This story documents the return of Alice to Wonderland seven years after her original visit. She sees the rabbit, who is as always quite late, and she follows the rabbit into Wonderland where she meets all of her old friends again. I thought that the plot was rushed and could have been more descriptive. I also felt that it was cliche and that the author could have done something a bit more interesting with it.
Animal Farm: Mr Jones
This story centres around Mr Jones, the owner of the farm which the animals have taken over. He is visited by the ghosts of past, present and future and sees how his actions have affected each of these periods. He sees himself being killed by the animals and it ends with him deciding to take action. It is well-written and structured, and combines Dickens and Orwell seamlessly.
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